Childhood memories Essay

Thinking about my childhood, makes me feel like I want to go back and to watch me while I was doing unexpected crazy actions, it was the funniest days ever. My childhood, sometimes it makes me laugh other times I really cry. Remembering some crazy actions that I’ve done , like jumping in the deepest part of the swimming pool while I didn’t know how to swim yet, they rescued me but, I wasn’t scared, that really makes me laugh when I remember such an action. One time, my mother was pulling me up from the swimming pool after my training, she was trying to pull me out but, actually I pulled her in water, it was really funny, I still laugh when I remember that. In other hand, when I remember my grand father I really start to cry, I was 4 years when he died, I remember him and what we did together as it was yesterday, I think remembering all memories with someone when you were 4 years old, it proves how much did you love that person and how close he was to you actually, to your heart. I wish that I can go back and to live on day from my childhood, when I was always feeling that am safe, when me and my friends living day by day and we were not planning for anything to happen in the day after. We didn’t know what’s meant by hater and, we didn’t realize black hearted people who talk bad about you in your back and, they just give a smile in your face. Even money were just papers for me but, now a days people can kill to earn money, all people now are racing for money. I really want to lay on my old bed as I used to sleep when I just put my head on my pillow I don’t care about anything, I Don’t hate any body. I really want to live just on day of my childhood, it was fun, real fun.

Financial managment Essay

Education  in Pakistan – KoolFree. Education  is only the weapon by which one can fight and conquer the battle of life. Theeducation  has been a very essential part of the different civilization of the  Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ 5. Education  problem in Pakistan  Essay  | Study Aim www. studyaim. com/2014/01/15/education-problem-in-pakistan-essay/? Jan 15, 2014 –  Education  problem in Pakistan  Essay. Here we discuss about the problem  education  system in pakistan so all viewers read  essay  with. Essay on Education  in Pakistan | Pacans Online – A Free  Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ ww. pacansonline. com/content/essay-on-education-in-pakistan/? Jul 19, 2013 –  Education  is a fundamental human right. Pakistan is among those developing countries where people are mostly deprived of good quality  Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ 7. Why Is  Education  so Important  Essay  Ã¢â‚¬â€œ Ask. com www. ask. com †ºÃ‚  Q&A  Ã¢â‚¬ ºÃ‚  Society  Ã¢â‚¬ ºÃ‚  Other? Writing an  essay  on the importance of  education  for all is a great topic. Include statistics about drop out rates and the unemployment problem. Essay on education  system in Pakistan | Pacans – IELTS Lahore www. pacans. om/†¦ essays†¦ essays/essay-on-education-system-in-pakista†¦? Dec 5, 2013 –  Essay on education  system in Pakistan. The education system in Pakistan is not very good. It needs a lot of financial resources to establish so  Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ 9. Education  system in Pakistan –  Essay  Ã¢â‚¬â€œ Notes of life www. aamirilyas. com/education-system-in-pakistan-essay/? by Aamir Ilyas  Ã¢â‚¬â€œÃ‚  in 52 Google+ circles Aug 24, 2012 –  An  essay on education  system in Pakistan, levels and types of education and educational institutions. English medium, run by education  Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ 10. Education essay  Ã¢â‚¬â€œ College  Essays  Ã¢â‚¬â€œ Tmjohnson04 – StudyMode. com www. studymode. com †ºÃ‚  Home  Ã¢â‚¬ ºÃ‚  Education? Rating: 4. 5 – ? 2 votes Tabitha Johnson Professor Penner English 1551. February 21, 2011. Education EssayEveryone would agree that  education  is a fundamental way of life. Searches related to  essay on education essay on  importance of  education short  essay on education essay on education  is the key to success what is  education importance of  education essay on education  system quotes  on education essay on  terrorism.

Blue Nile Case Essay Example for Free

Blue Nile Case Essay Blue Nile has grown into one of the largest jewelry retailers in the United States with only using the Internet as its distribution channel. The success is a direct result of a well-crafted business strategy that attracts high price customers and provides them with in-depth education about diamonds and jewelry. Gamble, Peteraf, Strickland III, and Thompson (2012), indicated that the company’s strategy provides customers with high quality diamonds, exceptional customer service and low prices (p. c-128). They pride themselves on their selection and outstanding education that they provide to consumers looking for the perfect diamond. In addition they have received various awards and recognition from Forbes and Bizrate.com (Thompson, Peteraf, Gamble, & Strickland, 2012, p. C-127). Blue Nile has found a niche in which to differentiate itself by creating an online marketplace for jewelry shopping and with low operating costs which makes them extremely competitive. In viewing Blue Niles website, one can see that they have a vast amount of for potential buyers, that which determine a diamond’s value- carat, clarity, color, cut, and cut grade. The company has a user friendly site that present a lot of diamonds styles to choose from with the 5C’s of diamond selection which are cut shape, cut, color, clarity and carat weight. Their price is much lower than others. Blue Niles also prides themselves on their selection and outstanding education that they provide to consumers looking for the perfect diamond (Thompson, Peteraf, Gamble, & Strickland, 2012, p. C-127). Blue Nile competes in a small area with a specialty offering. Brand awareness remains a constant source of weakness for the company. Blue Nile, Inc. needs to increase their advertising campaign to attract new and retain old customers. Blue Nile needs to create a strong brand awareness that will allow can compete with Tiffany and Co. Blue Nile, Inc. recently opened warehouses in Canada and Britain, but has limited globalization to sales of 40 nations. Blue Nile will need global growth into the European market could prove to be a financial success. Through the operating capital calculations it indicates that Blue Niles strategy is needs some adjustments in the current market space. From 2005 to 2009 the cash that has been available for the firm’s day-to-day operations has dropped dramatically. There was an estimated $58.8 billion in sales in the United States alone in 2009 (Thompson, 2012, p. C-127). With Blue Nile taking $302 million in sales in 2009, they had a great year but in reality only maintain a less than 1% of the market industry hold. This suggests that there is room for growth in this are. With steady profits for the past two years, 2011 has been the best year even though the 4th quarter resulted in small loss. The company profits are 2011 – $348 million, 2010 – $332.9 million, 2009 – $302.1 million, and in 2008 – $295.3 million be (Blue Nile, 2012, Investor Relations). Blue Nile, Inc. 2011 Annual Report (2012). Blue Nile, Inc. (online). r posting and I enjoyed reading it also. In reviewing the financials and the Internet site, it is apparent that Blue Nile spends a lot of money in the area that has no direct impact on generating profit. Blue Nile is now pursuing a new market consisting of non-engagement jewelry by offering an expanded range of products across several price points. This market should offer a great amount of growth opportunities for now and the future. All in all the brand and name recognition is the key aspect that the must pay attention to. Your post was very insightful. A main issue for Blue Nile is the lack of exposure through the their advertising. Blue Nile offers the best prices while still being able to create a profit. The low operations cost of the business enables them to offer low prices and still make a profit. On the other hand the lack of store front exposure creates a problem for gaining additional clients. By adding new products they can create there reach and drive more revenue. Blue Nile Case. (2016, Dec 31).

Market Research Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Market Research - Assignment Example n relation among the government of Brazil and other nations and international organizations supports the possibility of having exports and imports hence international trade. There has been a recorded growth of domestic economy as a result of trade enhancement by the government. Relative political stability has been experienced in the region for the past few years. This gives hope for a more stable economy now and in the future. The fact that passengers vehicle are imported in larger numbers compared to other parts, it would be an advantage exporting motor vehicle parts and complete motor vehicles. The other advantage includes partnership in importation which is favorable for the trade on cars with them. An overview of the economic situation was provided Global EDGE business review (2012) and there are regulations and codes of trade which must be followed while trading in Brazil. There is also a global review on operational modes in the country. The codes include civil agreements as related to the judicial system. The module on the other hand provides information about business opportunities in the country. These factors have effects on the cost of carrying out business in the country. This relates to taxes and levies including Amazon rainforest information. Has developing countries and still developing hence faces challenges. It has natural resources which are typically underutilized. It records as one of the first test growing economies in the world. Other emerging technologies have been embraced by the nation where information technology is the order of the day. There has been offshore drilling which supplement oil supply in the nation. The government runs half of this as half is done by the private sector. A poor infrastructure is one of the challenges faced by the country. Corruption is also eating up the economy as lack of technology in some sectors take center stage. Preference of local companies discourages investments. Taxations levied on imports kills

Law for Business BREF 1 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Law for Business BREF 1 - Essay Example This is because at the time of the sale, the toys were not yet in a deliverable state and Megastores’ duty to prepare it for delivery was not yet discharged. The conclusion is that Megastores should shoulder the responsibility for the damage to the two toys whilst Toys4U should be free from such responsibility. The parties involved here are Megastores and Toys4U, the seller and the buyer, respectively. The subject of the contract of sale is a Polaris missile toy, ten units of them. Megastores contended that Toys4U was liable for the damage of two of the toys because ownership had already passed to the latter at the time the damage occurred. The issue here is whether or not ownership had already passed to Toys4U at the time of the damage. Toys4U is not liable for the damage of the two Polaris missiles toys because it occurred before ownership passed from Megastores to Toys4U. This is supported by the provisions of the Sale of Goods Act 1979 (SoGA) and pertinent case law previously decided by the courts. The applicable statute here is the Sale of Goods Act 1979 (SoGA hereafter), which received Royal Assent on December 6, 1979 and took effect commencing January 1, 1980. The SoGA governs transactions of sale of goods within the jurisdiction of the United Kingdom. Specific provisions of said law applicable here are: s 2(1), which defines a contract of sale; s 17 (1) and (2), which provide for the exact time specific or ascertained goods are deemed transferred from seller to buyer; s 18 Rule 2, which provides for the exact time property passes from seller to buyer when seller is first required to put goods in a deliverable state, and; s 20 (1), which allocates risk liability to parties. Section 20 (1) of the SoGA 1979 provides that the property subject of the sale remains at the risk of the seller until transferred to the buyer. This means that Megastores should shoulder damage sustained by the toys unless ownership was explicitly or implicitly

Global Strategies to Eliminate Hunger Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Global Strategies to Eliminate Hunger - Essay Example According to the World Food program (2013), food security is a situation where a household has access to food for consumption. Most developed countries such as the United States of America, and China have highly invested in ways to ensure availability food supply to their population (Shapouri, 2010). They ensure that their household s do not live in fear of starvation. Finances have been channeled to projects and researches to help in the production of better strains of agricultural products. Technologically, laboratories and other research institution have been issued with state of the art technology to provide hybrids for most crops. This ensures food security, which involves storage of surplus foods in case of any risks. These risks involve economic meltdowns, natural disasters, and wars. Storage of surplus foods for the future ensures a country’s self-sufficiency (Shapouri, 2010). On the other hand, developing and non-developed countries have also started initiatives and p rograms to help increase food production (Lawrence, Lyons & Wallington, 2010). This has been implemented through financial and technological help from the already developed countries. However, even with this set initiatives, there have been increased cases of hunger and starvation. This is mostly evident in third world countries. Efforts to guarantee food security in most countries have had several setbacks irrespective of increased technological know-how and financial aids. ... For example, in Sudan, conflicts in Darfur region have lasted for a decade and led to displacements of millions of people. This has led to demand for extra food since the camps are in non-productive area. In some situations during war, the enemy may destroy the food reserves to cause defeat. To eradicate hunger in this situation, avoiding wars may prevent hunger since individuals will invest in other ideas to increase food production. Wars and civil conflicts may lead individual governments to channel more funds into purchasing armory and paying military (Peacock, 2012). In case wars are stopped, the funds could be used to invest in new and advanced ways of agricultural production. Moreover, global peace facilitate efforts geared to eradicate hunger rather than countries seeking to advance war ammunitions. Increased diseases such as HIV Aids, cancer, malnutrition have also contributed to cases of hunger and starvation (Lawrence, Lyons & Wallington, 2010). These diseases are mostly fo und in under developed countries due to poverty. Deaths from the diseases lead to loss of labor that provides psychical and mental work force in agricultural farms. In counties such as those in Africa, there are higher mortality rates due to the increased spread of HIV Aids, which leave most of the children as orphans. With increased medical bills, there are reduced funds to purchase and invest in food security. This increases the rates of hunger and starvation in these countries. The economies also suffer a fall in the countries’ Gross National Product due to increased funds being allocated health services. Focusing on how to reduce mortality rates due to major diseases will lead to an increased and strong work force. Investing in agriculture with the labor force will increase the

Potential Employees' use of Google and Facebook to Assess Applicants Assignment

Potential Employees' use of Google and Facebook to Assess Applicants - Assignment Example Technology which has remained indispensable to most organizations today is undoubtedly changing and advancing their internal operations. The work of human resource departments specifically has been made easier with the advent of technology especially social networks, because they can easily evaluate the integrity and moral life of the applicant outside the professional field. Most firms would wish their employees to uphold high level of integrity within and without job settings because everywhere they are they represent the organizations image. (Zeidner,2007) This paper will try to evaluate the legal and professional implications of applying the utilitarian approach of ethics which is purely meant to ensure employers full satisfaction with a least harm to the affected i.e. customers, employees, shareholders, community and the environment. The investigation will offer more information on the legal implications of invading applicant’s privacy and also the need for the applicants to enhance their privacy settings besides minding what they post to the public. The key question that this paper will address is on whether employers should invade the applicant’s privacy during recruiting processIn order to complete this research work successfully, there are different aspects of methodology which were used. One of them was the sampling of participants who included employers, employees and job seekers in the proportion of 5, 7, and 8 respectively. They were emailed structured questionnaire which was later received and the information collected was presented. The questionnaires were mainly used to collect primary data but there are also other ways through which data was collected such as interviews. Information was also collected from secondary sources of which mainly included books, academic articles and journals. The information collected in the secondary sources as presented earlier on makes it possible to compare what has been written and the information which was collected first hand through the questionnaires. Findings Throughout the data collected and analyzed and presented, there were a number of findings which were established. The most outstanding view was that applicants especially students be very careful with the posts they make because it could give poor judgment and career limiting effects. They believed that currently there is no proper legal framework regarding posts on face book. One employer stated that they found a provocative picture and content related to drugs abuse on face book page of the potential applicants’ wall which made him to lose the job. Applicants had the view that it is unethical for most employers to view their face book profiles. The findings sated that most students tended to drew a line between the

Can obesity explain personality Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Can obesity explain personality - Research Paper Example This essay will discuss obesity as one of the health disorders and its relation to personality. Stress is a sense of depression that a majority of individuals encounter on a daily basis based on disappointment or pressure. Stress can neither be avoided nor prevented; instead it can be controlled. On the other hand, health refers to a state of physiological well-being. Therefore, unhealthiness is caused by weak immune systems triggered by poor body maintenance (Mayer, 2004). Stress is experienced by everyone, from children to adults. It can either be helpful or harmful depending on its management. It is also beneficial in the sense that it can enable an individual to develop skills needed to cope with in dangerous situations. However, when stress goes beyond these limits, it becomes a tragedy, and its consequences are unpredictably hazardous. Getting medical care and support can significantly assist in minimizing the effects of the stress, which is a significant cause of obesity in the society (Stellmann, 2002). According to research, majority of the obese individuals react strongly by exhibiting strong emotions such as anger, sadness, misery, disappointment and hopelessness. When the symptoms of stress are prolonged, it can lead to pervasion and inability to cope with obesity. As stipulated above, health refers to a state of social, mental and physical well-being. Mental health refers to being in the right spiritual mood, which is extremely vital for survival. Mental health is tricky to manage since it cannot be diagnosed physically. It also plays a crucial role in the fitness and well-being of an individual. On the other hand, obesity affects the mental health of a person. Mental health is extremely significant as it can be felt by the entire body of a human. People have to maintain mental health in order to survive. Such a case applies to obese individuals as a poor personality will reduce their survival chances. The personality of

Innovation and New Ventures Business Plan and Investor Presentation Coursework - 1

Innovation and New Ventures Business Plan and Investor Presentation (Service) - Coursework Example Korea is densely populated which means there will be high demand. The business capital will be raised by its three partners’ equal contributions. Mission statement Best Bet mission is to help English students in South Korea through interactive teaching to achieve value for their money by being efficient in English. Objectives 1. To create a sustainable business relationship with the South Korean English students. 2. To achieve maximum business growth and revenue by the third year in the industry. 3. To penetrate the English Teaching industry in South Korea and its neighborhood. Opportunity & Assessment Business Description Best Bet English Tutors will be offering private teaching of English as a foreign Language in South Korea. The firm is owned by three business partners; Felix Adam and Jared. The partners have done other businesses together and one of the partners has actually taught English in South Korea before. This means that the partnership has some basic details on the requirements of teaching English in South Korea. The partners also have business experience since they have other businesses though not in the teaching or tutoring sector. One of the partners is also well versant with legal matters, currency and intellectual properties regulation issues. The third partner has stayed in South Korea and worked in a local marketing firm. Best Bet English Tutors therefore will benefit from the skills and experiences of its partners. Product Definition The services Best Bet English Tutors will be offering personalized English tuition. Due to the high cost of running a teaching business on a rented space, Best Bet English Tutors intend to operate from individual homes. Others businesses in the industry usually rent out some... According to the study conducted, Best Bet English Tutors will be offering personalized English tuition. Due to the high cost of running a teaching business on a rented space, Best Bet English Tutors intend to operate from individual homes. Others businesses in the industry usually rent out some space and provide transport services to and fro the place. Best Bet, however, will stand out and be different because the tutors will be going to their clients’ home. This will ease the transport complications for the clients and it will be convenient for the business as well. It will also be cheaper for the students because the running costs will be relatively small compared to other tutors in the industry. Teaching methods will emphasize on correct grammar, appropriate pronunciation, listening, speaking, reading and writing. Handouts, textbooks, and other relevant teaching materials will be used. Periodical tests will be administered to evaluate student progress. South Korea is large ly populated which means that demand for English teaching services is high. The Koreans speak one ethnic language Korean. They have strong cultural values which set them apart from others. It is therefore important for any foreigner intending to do business in the country to understand their basic values, cultural practices and beliefs. For instance, the family ties and values are highly regarded through out the country. Each member of a family has some duties and obligation owed to his family and toward others.

Doctor Faustus Essay Example for Free

Doctor Faustus Essay Doctor Faustus, a talented German scholar who belittles the limits of human knowledge, believes that he has learned all that can be learned by conventional means. What is left for him, he thinks, but magic? He is offered a choice of Christian conscience by a good angel, and the path to damnation by an evil angel. Two fellow scholars, Valdes and Cornelius, teach him the fundamentals of black magic. Eventually, Faustus summons the devil Mephistopheles and the terms of their pact are agreed upon. In return for his immortal soul, Faustus will be granted twenty-four years of power, with Mephistopheles as his servant. In this play, the writer, Christopher Marlowe used symbolism through the play. Symbolism in general means the presentation of objects, moods and ideas through the medium of emblems or symbols. For example, When Faustus makes his pact with the devil, he signs it with his own blood. But as he goes to write, his blood thickens. That was a key moment in the play. Faustus wonders, What might the staying of my blood portend? / Is it unwilling I should write this bill? (2.1.62-63). He thinks since his blood is thickening and clotting it is some type of sign. At this point, Faustus believes his sticky blood is a symbol, a part of himself thats unwilling to give it all up for the devil and also that Lucifer insists on having the document written in blood. To him, this blood represents Faustuss person. If he has the blood, he has Faustus. So its a symbol to Lucifer, too. Without the blood, theres nothing physical to represent Faustuss soul. Then, at the end of the play, as he waits for death, Faustus cries out, One drop of blood will save me. O, my Christ!. Here, again, blood is a symbol of the whole person—Christ. Another example of symbolism that writer uses is when Faustus resolves to sell his soul to the devil in exchange for Mephistopheles, his decision to give it is not enough. Instead, Mephistopheles tells him, â€Å"thou must bequeath it solemnly/And write a deed of gift with thine own blood;/For the security craves Lucifer† (2.1.333-35). This meant that Dr. Faustus has to sign over his soul in a written contact. Faustus does as Lucifer asks, which was writing a contract that’s gives ownership of his soul to Lucifer in exchange for twenty-four years of having Mephistopheles around to boss. In legal terminology, this contact is called a â€Å"deed of gift,† It becomes the symbol  of Faustus’s decision to serve the devil; and since some definitions of sin state it as just that the decision to serve the devil instead of God, it also becomes a symbol of sin more generally. The contract is terrifying because it was actually real. It was made of paper and blood, and Faustus and Mephistopheles can see it and hold it in their hands. So while Faustus’s decision to serve the devil is not much more than an idea, this is an object that Lucifer can point to and say you belong to me. Faustus’s decision is put into document form to symbolize just how difficult, if not impossible, it will be Faustus to take back even if he really wants to. In conclusion, the writer, Christopher Marlowe used symbolism to his advantage which intensified the tragic appeal of this great drama.

Personality defined as a consistent behavior pattern

Personality defined as a consistent behavior pattern What is Personality? Figure : Six approaches to PersonalityPersonality can be defined as consistent behavior pattern and intrapersonal processes originating within the individual (Burger, 2008, p. 4). But this being said, there is no single answer how to describe human personality. Personality theorists have different ideas and point out different ways to explain personality. According to Burger (2008) there are six general approaches, which all provides a different focus for explaining personality and the differences in people`s behavior. Burger (2008) identified the psychoanalytic approach, the trait approach, the biological approach, the humanistic approach, the behavioral approach, and the cognitive approach (p. 5). Each approach has been developed by different psychologists, who display different theories about the differences in the way people behave. From this theory researchers branch hypothesis and collect data that either support or do not support the hypothesis and their theory (Burger, 2008, p.5). Within the framework of this final enclosure I will only dwell on theories of the psychoanalytic approach, the trait approach, and humanistic approach. Approaches and Theories The Psychoanalytic Approach The psychoanalytic approach concentrates on the people`s unconscious minds, which are primary accountable for important differences in their behavior pattern (Burger, 2008, p. 5).That means, that people`s behavior is affected by past experiences that are left in people`s unconscious mind. People are not aware of these minds. In common the psychoanalytic approach places a huge emphases on these unconscious processes in order to explain human behavior. The Freudian Theory of Personality Freud Discovers the Unconscious Sigmunf Freud developed the first widespread theory of personality and psychoanalysis. After working with hypnosis to help patients suffering from hytsteria, Freud realized the huge impact of unconscious minds on human behavior (Burger, 2008, p. 68). As a therapy, psychoanalysis is based on the concept that individuals are unaware of many factors that cause their behavior and emotions. These unconscious factors have the capability to produce unhappiness. This unhappiness could be expressed through noticeable symptoms, which can includes worrying personality nature, difficulty in social relationships or unrest in self-esteem. To get at the unconscious minds of a person, Freudian psychologists use projective tests, free association, hypnosis and dream interpretation to bring the unconscious source of the client`s problems into awareness (Burger, 2008, p. 69). According to Freud`s topographic model, human personality can be parceled into conscious (thoughts people are aware of), preconscious (thoughts, that can be brought into awareness with little difficulty) and unconscious (is the material, to which people are unaware and have no immediate access) parts (Burger, 2008, pp. 44-45). Freud also generated the structural model which divides personality in id (selfish part, concerned only with satisfying personal desires; totally unconscious), ego (to satisfy id impulses, but in a manner that takes into consideration realities of the situation; partly conscious) and superego (represents moral, values and standards; totally conscious). Regarding to Freud, a healthy personality is one in which the ego controls the id impulses and superego demand (Burger, 2008, pp. 45-47). Application to business environment Freud`s theory of subconscious playes an important role in business environment for example by doing marketing and advertsing measures as well as by designing and producing consumer`s products. According to Zaltman (2003) the subconscious mind of the market`s consumer is the place where most purchasing decisions are made. The marketers have to understand the consumer`s thinking, behavior and attitudes in order to satisfy the consumer`s desires and needs. One-on-one interviews that are enriched by using various techniques from clinical psychology and sociology can bear further insights into unconscious consumer thinking, which can for example help to identify new product opportunities (Zaltman, 2003). The cognitive unconscious involves memory, attention, information processing, the nature of human universals, and socially shared cognitions. Zaltman patented 1995 the Zaltman Metaphor Elicitation Technique (ZMET), a market research tool by using interviews and analysis to uncover the re levant fundamental structures that guide peoples thinking about a topic. (Wikipedia, 2010). Associations of consumers can be effectively identified and then used in advertising and marketing measures to help marketers communicate more effectively to consumers about a brand, product, or topic. Because of the global market and the increasing competition it is more and more important to understand the consumer`s behavior and needs. Relating to Zaltman (2003), therefore the marketers have to acquire advanced knowledge about consumer`s behavior and their unconscious minds in order to use this knowledge to benefit consumers. The Freudian Theory of Defense Mechanisms According to Freud ´s theory of a healthy personality the ego tries to find compromises between the unconscious id impulse and conscious superego demand. Therefore the ego often uses defense mechanism to deal for example with unwanted thoughts or desires as well as to reduce or avoid anxiety by keeping this material out of consciousness (Burger, 2008, p. 68). Freud`s defense mechanism, in order to cope with these unwanted thoughts, desires or anxiety, are for example repression (threatening material is pushed by the ego out of consciousness), sublimation (threatening unconscious impulse are channeled into socially acceptable action), displacement (channeling impulse to nonthreatening objects), denial (refusing to accept, that facts exist), reaction formation (acting in a manner opposite to the unconscious desires), intellectualization (considering something in a intellectual unemotional manner to bring difficult thoughts into consciousness without anxiety), and projection (projecti ng impulse onto another person) (Burger, 2008, pp 48-50). According to Burger (2008, p. 78) Freud identified the defense mechanism repression as the cornerstone of psychoanalysis. Investigators measure defense mechanisms by interpreting responses to Rorschach inkblots, stories, Thematic Apperception Test, picture cards (Burger, 2008, pp. 79-80) Application to business environment Also in the business environment defense mechanism play an important role. Day to day Managers and employees try to satisfy their needs for example achievement, job satisfaction, responsibility, self-esteem and self-actualization. They also try to avoid situations, in which they feel dissatisfied, threaten, unhappy, depressed, weak or anxious. Managers and employees use defense mechanism, which we are not aware of, in order to manipulate unlikely situation to feel satisfied, productive, respected and accepted. (Schaffer, 1971). Schaffer (1971) identified one of the most common defense mechanism of managers doing all I can in these circumstances illusion. He argues, that most of the managers place a deferral around their own possible cause of action. Within in this borderline, they see themselves as doing everything they can. Managers often see limitation in their scope of initiative because of unmotivated and unqualified employees. Needed improvements are always the job of another manager or employee (Schaffer, 1971). In this way, Manger cope with their fear of failure and uneasiness and use defense mechanism in order to reach their goals. Schaffer (1971) also suggested that managers keep themselves comfortable by keeping busy to avoid doubts about themselves and how things are going. Neo Freudian Theories Freud`s Psychoanalytic Society, as the oldest and most famous approach to explaining human personality, generated a lot of new theories, which retained the unconscious as a key factor to understand different behavior styles. These neo-Freudians mostly agree with Freudian concepts, but they also went on to develop their own theories, in which they pick up the failures of Freud`s Theory like his emphasis on instinctual over social influences and the generally negative picture he painted of human nature. (Burger, 2008, pp. 99) Alfred Adler: Striving for Superiority Alfred Adler concentrated on the concept of striving for superiority to explain differences in human`s behavior and motivation. He argued, that at the beginning of every psychological life is a feeling of inferiority and helplessness, which a person lifelong tries to overcome. Everything a person does, occurs on this struggle in order to establish a sense of superiority over life`s obstacles. (Burger, 2008, pp. 101-102) Adler differed from Freud in the way how he described human motivation. Freud identified, that human behavior is motivated by life/sexual and death/aggressive instincts, whereas Adler identified this striving for superiority as an overall motivational factor (Burger, 2008, p. 101). Application to business environment Regarding to Adler, the reason why we work hard or try to achieve a position of power, is the human`s desire for striving for superiority or success. Due to this fact, Adler saw business success as an expression of superiority striving. He argued, that, the more inferior humans see themselves, the stronger their striving for superiority, which push them to become successful (Burger, 2008, p. 102). Adler also suggested, that successful business people reach a sense of superiority and success through their performances, but only if they achieve their goals with observance for cooperate social responsibility (CSR) and welfare (Burger, 2008, p. 102). Success means to provide consumers with a good product at a fair price that will make everyone`s life a little happier (Burger, 2008, p. 102). This can also involve every kind of CSR activities for example paying employees a fair salary, providing good and safe working conditions, using safe and eco-friendly production and transportation systems, stewardship of available resources, avoiding discrimination as well as unfair competition. In contrast poorly adjusted people express their striving for superiority through selfishness and a concern for personal glory at the expense of others (Burger, 2008, p. 102). Alfred Adler: Birth Order Adler also put their emphasis on the role of birth order in forming personality. He argued that firstborn children differ in their behavior and personality from middle-born and lastborn children (Burger, 2008, p. 103). Relating to Adler problem children, neurotics, criminals, drunkards and perverts are mostly firstborns, as a result of less attention and less pampering by their parents, after a sibling was born. In the opposite middle-born children develop a strong superiority striving, because they are always used to have another sibling and they are never granted the luxury of being pampering. Adler believed, that lastborn children are pampered throughout their whole childhood, which can lead to a high dependency from others and a strong feeling of inferiority (Burger, 2008, p. 104). In common the middle-born children were the most achieving and were less vulnerable to psychological dysfunction than the firstborns or lastborns (Burger, 2008, p. 127). Application to business environment Nowadays there are widespread beliefs in science and economy, that birth order is an important determinant of personality, intelligence, and economic success. Ben Dattner , a professor and notable consultant in New York, argued, that sibling dynamics play an important role in how you sell yourself in the workplace, based on the time, attention, love and resources your parents devoted to you (as cited in Bolch, 2007). According to Dattner, firstborn children are likely extroverted and confident, but they are also worried about losing their position or intrigue and stave off failings and mistakes. He argued, that middle-born children are likely diplomatic, are good at negotiation and are very peace-loving persons, who are closer to friends than to family. In his eyes, the most achieving-orientated are the only children, who are always trying to acknowledge their parents` forecasts and requirements. (Bolch, 2007). Scher, the CEO of a marketing services company, argued, that they found out, that a lot of their best employees were lastborn children, who could negotiate and knew how to communicate (as cited in Bolch, 2007). But finally, the common perception is, that the birth order could have a impact on human`s personality and behavior , but there are any more various factors, which have an huge impact on a person`s development or business success. For example gender, culture, socioeconomic factors, divorces, remarriages and so on (Bolch, 2007). Carl Jung: Collective Unconscious According to Carl Jung, all human inherit basically the same unconscious material (from past generations) and psychic characteristics, which Jung called the collective unconscious (Burger, 2008, p. 105).This collective unconscious houses primordial images, called archetypes. The most interesting archetypes are the anima (the feminine side of the male), the animus (the masculine side of the female) and the shadow (contains the negative and dark side of human`s personality) (Burger, 2008, p. 106). Jung argued, that there are as many archetypes as there are typical situations in life (as cited in Burger, 2008, p.106). He described these archetypes as a certain answer to the world and it`s situations (Burger, 2008, p. 106). Application to business environment Richardson (2007) focused on the power of Jungian hero archetypes in consumer brand building. He argued, that the archetypes are a powerful tool for mass marketing and brand building and which are successfully used to influence human behavior through story telling in the form of myths (Richardson, 2007). This could help to sell and advertise a company`s products and services in order to create brand recognition and loyal customers. Richardson (2007) argues, that increasing competition is the reason why companies concentrated on consumer`s unconsciousness and their archetypes in order to analyze and influence consumer`s behavior and attitudes. For example, Marlboro used the archetypical hero, the Marlboro Man, to advertise their cigarettes. As a result, Marlboro was ranked as the worlds No. 1 most valuable brand, which clearly supported the power of hero-archetype advertising and drove competitors to try to employ archetypes as well (Richardson, 2007). Erik Erikson: Personality Development through Life Cycle Erikson argued, that personality development persists through a person`s lifetime (Burger, 2008, p. 111). He defined eight stages, all people have to go through. At each stage people are faced with a crisis and two different ways (one is intelligent and suitable, the other not) to cope with the crisis (Burger, 2008, p. 111). The way we pass through each crisis, influences and determines the rout of march of our personality development and how we cope with later crisis.(Burger, 2008, p. 111).According to Erikson a person`s life cycle started from infancy to old age. C:UsersTanjaDesktopErik Erikson.bmp Figure : Erikson`s Eight Stages of Development (Burger, 2008, p.112) When a person complete a stage successfully, this could lead to a healthy personality with good social skills. Failure could result in a disorder of personality and could reduce the ability to cope with later crisis (Burger, 2008, p. 112). Application to business environment Erik Erikson`s personality development through life cycle is also applicable to career development in business. According to Munley (1977) Eriksons theory helps to understand the developmental nature of job-related behavior. He argues, that the development of basic senses of initiative, industry, identity, generativity, and integrity all seem to be especially relevant to career development behavior (Munley, 1977, p. 263). Erikson analyzed the crisis of the ego identity at the adolescence stage, which inherits a human`s conscious about who he is and where he is going. According to Munley (1977), Erikson recognized the huge impact of occupational choice as a part of the identity crisis. He argues, that most of the young people are confused by the irresolution to choose an occupational identity (Munley, 1977). A person without a sense of identity and the conscious how he fits into society may likely be unable in terms of job-related choice and career decision making. In the opposite a person with a strong sense of ego identity will be more able to make suitable vocational decisions and choices in order to become successful in business world (Munley, 1977). Karen Horney: Feminine Psychology Karen Horney argued, that differences in men`s and women`s personality are the consequences of cultural and social factors (Burger, 2008, p, 116). According to Freud`s theory, young girl likely has the desire to have penis in their latency stage, which inherits feelings of inferiority and jealously because of its absence (Burger, 2008, p. 54). In respond to this penis envy, Horney identified the concept of womb envy, which is the men`s jealously of women`s ability to bear and nurse children, which men try to compensate by becoming successful in other domains (Burger, 2008, p. 120). Application to business environment Relating to Horney, there are attributes of men and women, which the other sex admires (Burger, 2008, p. 120). She also argued, that society often placed women in inferior positions, which could be the reason, why some women wish to be a men (Burger, 2008, p. 120). Even though, nowadays society, labor market, business environment and law seem to treat men and women equally, discrimination against women still exists. According to a study of Johnson et al. (2010), beautiful women were discriminated against when applying for high-level job positions for example a manager, director or leader position, which are almost identified as masculine jobs. Johnson et. al (2010) argued, that attractive women are always preferred in feminine sex-typed jobs, which inherits for example higher salary and better performance evaluations. But in return, there are still men dominated and masculine sex-typed jobs, in which women are still disadvantaged (Johnson et al., 2010). Aggression and Frustration Freud was the first psychologist, who focused on the association between frustration and aggression (Burger, 2008, p. 137). He identified aggression as a consequence of frustrated instincts. According to Freud all of the persons have an instinctual desire to destroy themselves, whereby the instinct is turned outward towards others (Burger, 2008, p.137). Later, based on Freud`s original position, the frustration-aggression hypothesis was created by a team of psychologists. They argued, that aggression is always a consequences of frustration and frustration will always leads to some form of aggression (Burger, 2008, p. 137). Relating to Burger (2008) frustration can often effect indirect aggression. Freud argued, that people usual displace their (indirect) aggression against some harmless target in order to deal with their aggression or feelings of frustration (Burger, 2008, pp. 137-138). The frustration-aggression hypothesis was largely analyzed in various studies, which for example f ond out, that frustrated people were more aggressively than non-frustrated people or that unpleasant emotions increased aggression (Burger, 2008, pp. 138-141). As a result new models of frustration-aggression hypothesis were created, which expressed, that frustration does not always result in aggression (Burger, 2008, p. 141). Application to business environment Nowadays, the relationship between frustration and aggression can be seen in various social contexts. Neuman Baron (1997) for example analyzed the impact of aggression in workplace. They described aggression as a harm-doing pattern, which includes psychological and physical injury (Neuman Baron, 1997).They categorized eight types of workplace aggression (Neuman Baron, 1997). C:UsersTanjaDesktopaggression 1.JPGC:UsersTanjaDesktopaggression2.JPG Figure : Eight Types of Workplace Aggression (Neuman Baron, 1997, p. 40) Neuman Baron (1997) identified for example destruction of machinery and goods, work slowdowns, passing on defective work and intentionally misplacing of important paperwork as acts of sabotage in the workplace. Reasons for workplace aggression can be worker frustration (because of unfair salary or mobbing, downsizing and increasing number of part time jobs), stress and emotional disturbance (Neuman Baron, 1997). In order to cope with workplace aggression Neuman Baron (1997) suggested different tactic for example (1) creating procedures to select potentially aggressive employees, (2) punishing aggressive employees, (3) developing strategies to reduce feelings of frustration and injustice and (4) providing training programs, which involves improving employee`s social skills, providing coping strategies and alternatives to aggression. The Trait Approach According to Burger, the researchers of this approach focus on a spectrum of different personality characteristics (Burger, 2008, p. 5). The trait approach argues, that each person fits into a personality category, which inherits a certain pattern of behavior, that differs from the behavior of other categories (Burger, 2008, p. 155). Henry Murray`s Psychogenic Needs Henry Murray analyzed and explained human personality by focusing on psychogenic needs, which he described as a readiness to respond in a certain way under certain given conditions ( as cited in Burger, 2008, p. 161). Relating to Carl Jung, Murray argued, that this personal hierarchy of needs mainly exists in human`s unconsciousness (Burger, 2008, p. 161). C:UsersTanjaDesktopUnbenannt.JPG C:UsersTanjaDesktopUnbenannt2.JPG Figure : Murray`s Psychogenic Needs (Ewen, 1980) Application to business environment Murray`s theory of psychogenic needs is quite useful in order to motivate employees. According to Gray (1998), the most important motivational factor for small business owners and self-employees are their strong sense of autonomy and independency. He found out, that the need for independency is the main reason for new business owners to start up their business (Gray 1998, p. 137). Gray (1998) also analyzed the motivational impact of the need for achievement on manager`s behavior, performance and success. He also identified achievement as a multidimensional factor in the term of managerial characteristics, which involves for example work ethic, pursuit excellence, social status and respect as well as dominance, competitiveness, acquisitiveness and mastery (Gray, 1998, p.134). The Big Five The Big Five model describes five dimensions of personality, which are used to explain human`s personality and differences in human`s behavior. The Big Five model is based on Raymond Cattell`s effort to describe the basic dimensions of personality by analyzing data from different sources with factor analyses (Burger, 2008, p. 165). According to Burger (2008) different teams of researchers found, via factor analysis, the evidence for five basic dimensions of personality (Burger, 2008, p.165). This model is a descriptive model for personality, which involves the most common used dimensions (1) Neuroticism, (2) Extraversion, (3) Openness, (4) Agreeableness and (5) Conscientiousness (Burger, 2008, pp. 165-167). Burger (2008) argued, that although people may identify personality as if all traits can be clustered to five dimensions, the Big Five model may not exactly capture the complexities and intricacies of human personality (Burger, 2008, p. 169). Application to business environment Employers realized the importance of personality testes for hiring and promoting employees. By using the five larger personality dimensions, employer try to analyze the relationship of employee`s personality and job performance. Researchers identified the factor Conscientiousness under the Big Five factors as the best predictor of job performance (Burger, 2008, p. 175). According to Burger (2008) high conscientious employees are likely careful, thorough, well organized, hardworking, persistent and achievement-orientated. People with these attribute tend to become a good and diligent employee. Type A, Hostility and Health Medical professionals identified the Type A Type B behavior pattern by noticing that the behavior of heart attack patients differ from other patient`s behavior (Burger, 2008, p. 201). Typical Type A persons are high achievement-orientated, energetic and powerful, attracted to competition, easily aroused to anger and action and don ´t like wasting time. In return Type B people are relaxed and unhurried, don`t like to seek competition or to be aroused to anger or action (Burger, 2008, p. 202). Type A primary differ from Type B in various behavior tendencies for example the sense of achievement striving, time urgency and hostility. The most significant component of Type A people is their expression of frustration through anger and hostility (Burger, 2008, p. 202). Investigators argued, that high-anger and high-hostility patients are fortified hit by high blood pressure, heart and cardiovascular disease (Burger, 2008, pp. 204- 205). But according to Burger (2008) Type A persons are not necessarily unhealthy, if they are able not to be dragged down by minor rebounds and little frustrations (Burger, 2008, p. 206). Application to business environment A Manger`s working day is filled with various numbers of appointments, meetings, phone-calls, negotiations, responsibility and decision makings. Managers wake up early and they mostly have no time to eat or sleep. They are full of energy, high-achievement orientated, enjoy power and recognition and are strongly motivated to overcome obstacles. These are all characteristics of a Type A personality (Burger, 2008, pp. 201-203). Larson (2009) also mentioned in his article How personality can influence success the following characteristics of Type A personality: always in a hurry, multi-tasking, teeth grinding, tendency to interrupt, fast eater, talker, frequently lose sleep, aggressiveness, inability to relax. He argued, that Type As seem to be strong leaders, have the ability to work well under pressure and are able to ensure that all work is accomplished in a timely manner. According to Larson (2009) Type A persons are also often entrepreneurial, good delegators and are able to react quickly. Due to this fact, I postulate the hypothesis Managers are almost Type A persons, which has to be tested or confirmed by already existing studies. Characteristics of Socially Anxious People Shyness, feelings of nervousness, inability to concentrate, worrying about to say something wrong or stupid, cut conversations short or avoid them and less self-confidence are all characteristics of socially anxious people (Burger, 2008, pp. 206-210). According to Burger (2008) social anxiety is anxiety related specifically to social interactions or anticipated social interactions (p. 206). Relating to different researchers, the reason why people become anxious is, that they worry about what other people think of them (Burger, 2008, p. 210). Shy and socially anxious people fear, that other people think poorly of them or that they disgrace themselves. Burger (2008) argued, that the shy person`s interaction style is a kind of self-protection, because they put all their efforts on making a good impression. (Burger, 2008, pp. 210-211). Application to business environment Cuncic (2010) postulated, that social anxiety disorder has an huge impact on humans` workplace and career. He argued, that social anxiety in workplace will be reflected by the inability to network effectively, the fear of attending business social events, the difficulty to develop relationships with coworkers, the lack of self-confidence, and difficulty to speak up in meetings (Cuncic, 2010). According to Carducci, a psychology professor at Indiana University, when shyness is properly managed, there will be no limit to the achievement of shy people in the business world (as cited in Cuncic, 2010). The Humanistic Approach The humanistic approach focus on humans` feelings of self-acceptance, self-esteem and personal charge to identify and explain personality and differences in personal behavior (Burger, 2008, p. 5). According to Burger (2008) a key distinction between the humanistic approach and other theories of personality is that people are assumed to be largely responsible for their actions (p. 288). Humanistic researchers identified and concentrated on 4 key elements in order to identify human`s personality. Humanistic scientist focused on (1) the personal responsibility, (2) the here and now, (3) the phenomenology of the individual and (4) the personal growth (Burger, 2008, pp.290-292). Abraham Maslow`s Hierarchy of Needs Maslow identified five levels of needs, which he arranged in a hierarchy of needs. These needs are (1) physiological, (2) safety, (3) social, belongingness and love, (4) esteem and (5) self-actualization (Burger, 2008, p. 300). He argued, that the lower levels` needs have to be satisfied before a higher-level need comes into play. C:UsersTanjaAppDataLocalMicrosoftWindowsTemporary Internet FilesContent.Wordmaslows_hierarchy_businessballs.jpg Figure : Maslow`s Hierarchy of Needs (Chapman, 2001) 1.The physiological needs These needs are the biological needs and consist of the human body`s primary needs, such as foods, water, air, sleep, sex. These needs will dominate when they are unsatisfied and they serve the basis for motivation (Burger, 2008, p. 299). 2. The safety needs Maslow argued, that people are also motivated by satisfying their safety needs. Safety needs include protection from physical harm, ill health, economic disasters or when the future is not predictable (Burger, 2008, pp. 299-300). 3. Social needs When physical and safety needs are satisfied, the next higher level of needs assumes importance. These needs are related to the social nature of people and their need for love, belongingness and companionship. According to Burger (2008) while the satisfaction of the psychological and safety needs will not guarantee happiness, the need for friendship and love soon emerges (p. 300). Dissatisfaction of this level of need may affect the mental health of the individual. 4. Esteem needs The need for both awareness of importance to others (self-esteem) and actual esteem from others is included. Satisfaction of these needs may lead to self-confidence and prestige. If the satisfaction of these needs will failure, this may lead in feelings of inferiority and disincentives (Burger, 2008, p. 301). 5. Need for self-actualization That means, that people will realize fully the potentialities of talents and capabilities. Maslow argued, if all other lower needs are satisfied, people will try to reach self-actualization and focus on developing themselves. He also suggested, that only a few people will reach the level of self-actualization (Burger, 2008, p. 301). Application to business environment

A Comparison Of The Catcher In The Rye And The Adventures Of Huck Finn :: essays research papers

The forthcoming of American literature proposes two distinct Realistic novels portraying characters which are tested with a plethora of adventures. In this essay, two great American novels are compared: The Adventures of Huck Finn by Mark Twain and The Catcher In The Rye by J.D. Salinger. The Adventures of Huck Finn is a novel based on the adventures of a boy named Huck Finn, who along with a slave, Jim, make their way along the Mississippi River during the Nineteenth Century. The Catcher In The Rye is a novel about a young man called Holden Caulfield, who travels from Pencey Prep to New York City struggling with his own neurotic problems. These two novels can be compared using the Cosmogonic Cycle with both literal and symbolic interpretations. The Cosmogonic Cycle is a name for a universal and archetypal situation. There are six parts that make up the cycle: the call to adventure, the threshold crossing, the road of trials, the supreme test, a flight or a flee, and finally a return. There are more parts they do not necessarily fall into the same order, examples of these are symbolic death and motifs. The Cosmogonic Cycle is an interesting way to interpret literature because is Universal or correlates with any time period and any situation. The Call to Adventure is the first of the Cosmogonic Cycle. It is the actual "call to adventure" that one receives to begin the cycle. There are many ways that this is found in literature including going by desire, by chance, by abduction, and by being lured by an outside force. In The Adventures of Huck Finn, Huck is forced with the dilemma of whether to stay with his father and continue to be abused or to leave. Huck goes because he desires to begin his journey. In The Catcher In The Rye, Holden mentally is torn between experience and innocence, it would seem to him that an outside force is luring him to do something but in actuality he is beginning his journey because of his desire. The Call to Adventure is the first step in the Cosmogonic Cycle, it is the step at which the character or hero is brought into cycle. The Threshold Crossing is the second step, it is the place or the person that which the character crosses over or through into the Zone Unknown. The Zone Unknown being the place where the journey takes place. The threshold crossing is often associated with a character change or an appearance change. An example of this is in The Wizard of Oz, when the movie goes from black and white to color, showing a visual

Humor in Task-Oriented Group Discussions :: Free Essay Writer

Robinson, Dawn T., Smith-Lovin, Lynn. (2001). Getting A Laugh: Gender, Status, and Humor in Task Discussions*. Social Forces, 80, 123-158. Background and Purpose: The general purpose of this study is to show how humor operates in task-oriented group discussions. The researchers used the opportunity to study the dynamic occurence of humor during group conversations. The researchers are using the functions of humor to come up with ideals about who it is that actually does the joking (male or female), and when and where this joking takes place. The hypothesis suggests an image of joking as dealing with status in a society, the male sex, people who are very participatory and those that are frequent interrupters (or interrupted often themselves) to all show status-related patterns of humor use. The researcher’s further have a theory that if they know about the way people engage in humor, then they will be able to predict who will do so, and in what environment or circumstances. Through various methods and procedures, there were more theories generated dealing with: the content of humor episodes and time dependence. (Findings are found in the Findings /Results section below). Methods and Procedures: To carry this study out, they used event history techniques in order to analyze humor attempts and successes. They did this using groups of 6 people each. They further used their results with their insights on status and emotion to develop a new theory (talked about in the Background and Purpose section above). Once this theory was developed, they examined what they had from the additional data from the group discussions. Many ways that they came up with their findings in the research was by using bar graphs to plot their knowledge. Findings / Results: In looking at the humor episodes, they found that a higher portion of men’s than women’s humor is differentiating, while a higher portion of women’s than men’s humor is cohesion-building. A frequent claim is that men tell more jokes than women and in describing feminine speech style, Robin Lakoff suggested in the abstract that women â€Å"have no sense of humor†, and also that they never effectively tell nor â€Å"get† jokes. They found that the gender/joking difference is noticeable in children by the young age of 6 years old. With time dependence, they found that there was a lot of it in humor use. They note the timing is everything. As far as timing in conversation goes, and the concept of the pressure value (humor releasing pressure/tension), Robinson and Lovin comment that the highest rates of humor then should be during that latter part of the conversation when

Nature of Power in Shakespeares Julius Caesar :: William Shakespeare

Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare is a political drama which examines the nature of power and leadership in Rome. A conspiracy of eight men, headed by Cassius and Brutus, plan the assignation of their leader, Julius Caesar. However while Cassius is driven by envy, Brutus on the other hand believes he is acting for the good of Rome. In Rome at the start of the play there is a vibrant atmosphere. As Caesar overthrows Pompey for the crown the crowd erupt into delight. In spite of the overwhelming support he still has a few doubters still lurking around. One of the discontented few, Brutus, opposes the idea of Caesar becoming King and gaining further power. ''I do fear the people who choose Caesar for their King.'' Brutus is heedful that this decision may effect the welfare of Rome by shattering the republic. Brutus is adamant that Rome's success was built on the fact that they had no ruler with his only line of thought being to weigh up what will benefit Rome and it's people the most. Cassius viewpoint on the issue is we shouldn't ever even contemplated offering Caesar this position.'' I was born free of Caesar and so were you.'' Cassius is saying that it was the rash of us to offer him power as this will harm Rome and take away. However Caesar has done very little wrong. The spite for Caesar erects from the view that he may gain too much power which illustrates the envy felt towards him. Another argument he compiled from him was that he found to his knowledge that Caesar couldn't handle pressure.''And when the fit was on him I did mark how he did shake''. He is mentioning at how he thinks this `unkingly` attribute he possesses hardly makes him fit for the job. It furthermore shows the extent of his envy by scrapping for little details like this. Brutus doesn't seem to agree with this.''Be any further moved by what you have said, I will consider what you have to say.'' The word ''consider'' reveals his caution as he attempts to decide in due course rather than to rush into the decision. It outlines him showing a sign of weakness by considering something he disagrees with. If he wasn't so open minded then the pairing of Brutus and Cassius may not of lasted.

Socrates On the Unexamined Mind

James Perkins Liberty University (Philosophy) â€Å"Unexamined Life is not worth Living† Socrates believed that people do not think for themselves he also believe that if an individual cannot â€Å"think† that person is not open for others to question his/hers thoughts. The outcome of this dilemma in Socrates mind is â€Å"life is not worth living†. According to our presentational lectures â€Å"Philosophy† is a critical examination of our thoughts â€Å"Critical thinking†.If we cannot think our way through life, then life has no meaning, and it is not worth living. I believe Socrates quote is true, what purpose are we pursuing in life? If any at all, Socrates carefully chooses the word â€Å"unexamined† our lecture teaches us that philosophy is a critical examination of our basic beliefs concerning reality. In my opinion reality is life; therefore we must ask ourselves the question, what is life? Speaking from a philosophical point of view, I believe life has no meaning, if we do not know who we are or what our purpose in life is.In our culture today many people want to exclude their past and forget what they have gone through in life. I believe as Socrates did in his time, to examine your past and the outcome of your future will lie before you. Again, I strongly believe Socrates famous quote is true, not only is it true, this quote has â€Å"step on the toes† of many people for many years. Why? In our current culture today we the people have issues on just using basic common sense. I believe common sense is a gift from God, therefore it is a natural gift.

Ralph Abernathy: A leader of the Civil Rights Movement

Being a prominent leader during the Civil Rights movement was a perilous position to occupy. Very few people have the guts to make themselves the face of a movement, and even fewer succeed at it. Ralph Abernathy was an American Civil Rights activist who advocated equality alongside Martin Luther King Jr. and many others. Ralph Abernathy strived to help establish a more equal and welcoming America for all.Abernathy went on a journey to help change the way America is today and help create a more equal America for all, regardless of race or ethnicity. Ralph Abernathy began gaining the skills to be a leader at a young age, and exemplified those skills by leading multiple demonstrations. Ralph Abernathy was born on March 11, 1926, in Linden, Alabama. He was born into a time of social inequality and race segregation. Abernathy served in the United States Army during WWII and served as a platoon Sergeant, leading his own group of soldiers. After being discharged from the Army, he enrolled a t Alabama State University (ASU).While attending ASU he began to notice how the university was segregated. He gained fame when he started his first demonstrations, protesting the lack of heat and hot water in his dormitory and the dreadful food served in the cafeteria. Later, in 1951, he was called to the Civil Rights Movement when he became the pastor of the First Baptist Church in Montgomery, Alabama. As pastor he mentored Martin Luther King Jr. as a minister of a nearby church. They formed a close friendship that would carry on for the rest of their lives.Abernathy developed a leadership role from the start of his life which helped lead him into his role as one of the biggest Civil Rights advocates America had ever had. Abernathy organized, created, and lead multiple different protest and organizations to help the Civil Rights Movement. One of The biggest protests he organized was the Montgomery Bus Boycott. Abernathy organized it with the help of Martin Luther King Jr. and toget her they lead the biggest boycott of the whole Movement. â€Å"It was decided that black people in Montgomery would refuse to use the buses until passengers were completely integrated† (Simkin).This protest was his call to action and one of his main contributions to the movement. Another one of Abernathys main contributions to the Civil Rights Movement was that he founded the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC). Martin Luther King Jr. was president of the organization and Abernathy was secretary treasurer.   They worked together in helping to desegregate America and  teaching people how to stand up for themselves and protest non- violently. The biggest trial that Abernathy went through was when his church was â€Å"sieged† by white supremacists. 1,500 men and woman were surrounded and Abernathy was willing to give himself up to save the innocent people stuck in the church.Ultimately, he did not end up sacrificing himself, but this was also a test of his character. â€Å"Over the next few years Abernathy was arrested nineteen times† (Simkin). Abernathy proved himself to be a dedicated, powerful, and resourceful leader. As the Civil Rights Movement progressed, Abernathy's role became a less dire. When Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated, Abernathy took over the role as president of the SCLC. Ralph Abernathy led â€Å"daily demonstrations in May and June 1968, just a month after King's assassination† (Kirkland). Some of the important last demonstrations he led were the: Poor Peoples March in Washington D.C. in May, 1968, Atlanta sanitation workers strike in 1968, and lastly the Charleston Hospital workers strike in 1969.Abernathy retired his position as president of the SCLC in 1977. He then ran for a spot in the Georgia Congressional Seat. He was unsuccessful in the running yet continued advocating peace until his retirement. Abernathy's journey came to an end and he retired his title as a leader of the Civil Right s Movement. To conclude, Ralph Abernathy was a dedicated Civil Rights Activist who advocated equality and justice for all. Alongside many others, he accomplished impressive feats that once seemed unreachable. He went on a journey towards helping America become a more equal country. He was tested to his limits and proved himself to be a worthy, dedicated, and powerful leader.

Ict Evaluation Essay

QUIZ NAVIGATION 1 8 2 9 3 4 5 6 7 10 11 12 13 14 Thursday, 5 September 2013, 12:38 PM Thursday, 5 September 2013, 01:04 PM 26 mins 35 secs 20.00/30.00 3.33 out of a maximum of 5.00 (67%) Question 1 Incorrect Mark 0.00 out of 1.00 Flag question 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 Finish review ESSs are designed to incorporate data about external events, but they also draw summarized information from internal MIS and DSS. Select one: True False Question 2 Correct Mark 1.00 out of 1.00 Flag question The tool that enables users to view the same data in different ways using multiple dimensions is Select one: a. predictive analysis. b. SQL. c. OLAP. d. data mining. Question 3 Correct Mark 1.00 out of 1.00 Flag question Which of the following is not one of the techniques used in Web mining? Select one: a. content mining b. structure mining c. usage mining d. user mining Question 4 Correct Mark 1.00 out of 1.00 Flag question Duplicate data in multiple data files is called data ________. Select one: a. redundancy b. repetition c. independence d. partitions Question 5 Incorrect Mark 0.00 out of 1.00 Flag question In object-oriented development Select one: a. the class is used as the basic unit of systems analysis and design. b. an object is a collection of data  that is acted on by external processes. c. processing logic resides within objects. d. a strict, step-by-step development process is essential. Question 6 Incorrect Mark 0.00 out of 1.00 Flag question Which of the following is not a driving force for change in a company’s technological infrastructure? Select one: a. The introduction of disruptive applications. b. Organizational change within the company. c. The normal continuing growth of application traffic demand. d. All of the above are driving forces for change. Question 7 Correct Mark 1.00 out of 1.00 A data warehouse is typically comprised of several smaller data marts. Select one: True http://moodle.cqu.edu.au/mod/quiz/review.php?attempt=313262 5/09/2013 Quiz 2 Page 2 of 5 Flag question False Question 8 Correct Mark 1.00 out of 1.00 Flag question Management information systems typically support nonroutine decision making. Select one: True False Question 9 Incorrect Mark 0.00 out of 1.00 Flag question Categories of tools for BPM include all of the following except Select one: a. tools to integrate existing systems to support business processes improvements. b. tools to automate business processes. c. tools to identify and document business processes. d. tools to test the security of business processes. Question 10 Correct Mark 1.00 out of 1.00 Flag question After performing what-is analysis, it is generally a good idea to perform gaps analysis. Select one: a. True. b. False. Question 11 Incorrect Mark 0.00 out of 1.00 Flag question The systems development life cycle includes the operation of a system after its creation. Select one: a. True. b. False. Question 12 Correct Mark 1.00 out of 1.00 Flag question A multiplexed line’s throughput is ________. Select one: a. individual throughput b. aggregate throughput Question 13 Correct Mark 1.00 out of 1.00 Flag question Object-oriented development could potentially reduce the time and cost of writing software because Select one: a. object-oriented programming requires less training. b. iterative prototyping is not required. c. objects are reusable. d. a single user interface object can be used for the entire application. Question 14 Incorrect Mark 0.00 out of 1.00 Flag question Unit testing Select one: a. includes all the preparations for the series of tests to be performed on the system. b. tests the functioning of the system as a whole in order to determine if discrete modules will function together as planned. c. tests each program separately. d. provides the final  certification that the system is ready to be used in a production setting. Question 15 Correct Mark 1.00 out of 1.00 Flag question Which process develops a detailed description of the functions that a new information system must perform? Select one: a. feasibility study b. requirements analysis c. systems design d. test plan development http://moodle.cqu.edu.au/mod/quiz/review.php?attempt=313262 5/09/2013 Quiz 2 Page 3 of 5 Question 16 Correct Mark 1.00 out of 1.00 Flag question Which of the following types of collaboration tools allows you to communicate with avatars using text messaging? Select one: a. virtual worlds b. screen sharing c. collaborative writing d. large audience Webinars Question 17 Correct Mark 1.00 out of 1.00 Flag question Deprovisioning may be necessary when ________. Select one: a. a user joins a project team b. a user leaves the company entirely c. Both A and B d. Neither A nor B Question 18 Correct Mark 1.00 out of 1.00 Flag question As a technical project manager you have decided to propose implementing a prototyping methodology for a small Web-based design project. What is the order of steps you will follow in this project? Select one: a. Develop the prototype; use the prototype; revise and enhance the prototype. b. Identify user requirements, develop the prototype, use the prototype, revise and  enhance the prototype. c. Define the requirements, develop solutions, select the best prototype, and implement the prototype. d. Define the requirements, develop the prototype, revise and enhance the prototype. Question 19 Correct Mark 1.00 out of 1.00 Flag question ________ is the percentage of time that a network is available for use. Select one: a. Downtime b. Availability c. Individual throughput d. None of the above. Question 20 Incorrect Mark 0.00 out of 1.00 Flag question ________ systems integrate supplier, manufacturer, distributor, and customer logistics processes. Select one: a. Collaborative distribution b. Supply-chain management c. Reverse logistics d. Enterprise planning Question 21 Correct Mark 1.00 out of 1.00 Flag question Functional systems that support business processes within a single functional group, such as human resources, are being phased out in favor of cross-functional systems. Select one: True False Question 22 Correct Mark 1.00 out of 1.00 Flag question A Skype conference call using VOIP and webcams is an example of a remote, synchronous collaboration tool. Select one: True False Question 23 Correct The primary tool for representing a system’s component processes and the flow of data between them is the http://moodle.cqu.edu.au/mod/quiz/review.php?attempt=313262 5/09/2013 Quiz 2 Page 4 of 5 Mark 1.00 out of 1.00 Flag question Select one: a. data dictionary. b. process specifications diagram. c. user documentation. d. data flow diagram. Question 24 Correct Mark 1.00 out of 1.00 Flag question Data cleansing is the same process as data scrubbing. Select one: True False Question 25 Incorrect Mark 0.00 out of 1.00 Flag question Downtime is the percentage of time that a network is available for use. Select one: a. True. b. False. Question 26 Incorrect Mark 0.00 out of 1.00 Flag question The specialized language programmers use to add and change data in the database is called Select one: a. a data access language. b. a data manipulation language. c. Structured Query Language. d. a data definition language. Question 27 Correct Mark 1.00 out of 1.00 Flag question The use of digital technology and the Internet to execute the major business processes in the enterprise is called Select one: a. e-commerce. b. e-business. c. enterprise applications. d. MIS. Question 28 Correct Mark 1.00 out of 1.00 Flag question Which of the following statements about collaboration is not true? Select one: a. In business, a collaboration can last as little as a few minutes. b. Business collaboration relies on the formation of teams that are assigned a specific task or goal. c. Successful collaboration can be achieved through technology regardless of the organization’s culture or structure. d. One business benefit of collaboration is improved innovation. Question 29 Incorrect Mark 0.00 out of 1.00 Flag question Firms generally make their own routers and switches, rather than purchasing them. Select one: a. True. b. False. Question 30 Correct Mark 1.00 out of 1.00 Flag question A characteristic or quality describing an entity is called a(n) Select one: a. field. b. tuple. c. key field. d. attribute. http://moodle.cqu.edu.au/mod/quiz/review.php?attempt=313262 5/09/2013 Quiz 2 Page 5 of 5 Finish review You are logged in as Vikram Ravindar Vikram Ravindar (Logout) COIT20228_2132 http://moodle.cqu.edu.au/mod/quiz/review.php?attempt=313262 5/09/2013

Shadow Kiss Chapter 2

TWO Or, well, it looked like mason. He – or it or whatever – was hard to see. I had to keep squinting and blinking to get him in focus. His form was insubstantial – almost translucent – and kept fading in and out of my field of vision. But yes, from what I could see, he definitely looked like Mason. His features were washed out, making his fair skin look whiter than I recalled. His reddish hair now appeared as a faint, watery orange. I could barely even see his freckles. He was wearing exactly what I'd last seen him in: jeans and a yellow fleece jacket. The edge of a green sweater peeped out from underneath the coat's hem. Those colors, too, were all softened. He looked like a photograph that someone had left out in the sun, causing it to fade. A very, very faint glow seemed to outline his features. The part that struck me the most – aside from the fact that he was supposed to be dead – was the look on his face. It was sad – so, so sad. Looking into his eyes, I felt my heart break. All the memories of what had taken place just a few weeks ago came rushing back to me. I saw it all again: his body falling, the cruel look on the Strigoi faces†¦. A lump formed in my throat. I stood there frozen, stunned and unable to move. He studied me too, his expression never changing. Sad. Grim. Serious. He opened his mouth, like he might speak, and then closed it. Several more heavy moments hung between us, and then he lifted his hand and extended it toward me. Something in that motion snapped me out of my daze. No, this could not be happening. I wasn't seeing this. Mason was dead. I'd seen him die. I'd held his body. His fingers moved slightly, like he was beckoning, and I panicked. Backing up a few steps, I put distance between us and waited to see what would happen. He didn't follow. He simply stood there, hand still in the air. My heart lurched, and I turned and ran. When I'd almost reached the door, I stopped and glanced back, letting my ragged breathing calm down. The clearing he'd stood in was completely empty. I made it up to my room and slammed the door behind me, hands shaking. I sank onto my bed and replayed what had just happened. What the hell? That had not been real. No way. Impossible. Mason was dead, and everyone knows the dead don't come back. Well, yeah, I had come back†¦but that was a different situation. Clearly, I'd imagined this. That was it. It had to be. I was overtired and still reeling from Lissa and Christian, not to mention that Victor Dashkov news. Probably the cold had frozen part of my brain too. Yes, the more I thought about it, the more I decided there had to be a hundred explanations for what had just happened. Yet, no matter how often I told myself that, I couldn't fall back asleep. I lay in my bed, covers pulled to my chin as I tried to banish that haunting image from my mind. I couldn't. All I could see were those sad, sad eyes, those eyes that seemed to say, Rose, why did you let this happen to me? I squeezed my eyes shut, trying not to think about him. Since Mason's funeral, I'd been working so hard to go on and act like I was strong. But the truth was, I was nowhere near being over his death. I tortured myself day after day with what if? questions. What if I'd been faster and stronger during the Strigoi fight? What if I hadn't told him where the Strigoi were in the first place? And what if I'd simply been able to return his love? Any of those could have kept him alive, but none of them had happened. And it was all my fault. â€Å"I imagined it,† I whispered out loud into the darkness of my room. I had to have imagined it. Mason already haunted my dreams. I didn't need to see him when I was awake too. â€Å"It wasn't him.† It couldn't have been him, because the only way it could have been was†¦Well, that was something I didn't want to think about. Because while I believed in vampires and magic and psychic powers, I most certainly did not believe in ghosts. I apparently didn't believe in sleep, either, because I didn't get much of it that night. I tossed and turned, unable to quiet my racing mind. I eventually did drift off, but it seemed like my alarm went off so soon after that I could have hardly slept for more than a few minutes. Among humans, the light of day tends to chase off nightmares and fear. I had no such daylight; I awoke to increasing darkness. But just being out with real and living people had nearly the same effect, and as I went to breakfast and my morning practice, I found that what I'd seen last night – or what I thought I'd seen last night – was growing fainter and fainter in my memory. The weirdness of that encounter was also being replaced by something else: excitement. This was it. The big day. The start of our field experience. For the next six weeks, I wouldn't have any classes. I'd get to spend my days hanging out with Lissa, and the most I'd have to do was write a daily field report that was only about a half-page long. Easy. And, yeah, of course I'd be on guard duty, but I wasn't concerned. That was second nature to me. She and I had lived among humans for two years, and I'd protected her the whole time. Before that, when I'd been a freshman, I'd seen the kinds of tests the adult guardians planned for novices during this phase. The ordeals were tricky, absolutely. A novice had to be on watch and not slack – and be ready to defend and attack if necessary. None of that worried me, though. Lissa and I had been away from the school our sophomore and junior years, and I'd fallen behind then. Thanks to my extra practices with Dimitri, I'd quickly caught up and was now one of the best in my class. â€Å"Hey, Rose.† Eddie Castile caught up to me as I walked into the gym where our field experience orientation would kick off. For a brief moment, looking at Eddie, my heart sank. Suddenly, it was like I was out in the quad again with Mason, staring at his sorrowful face. Eddie – along with Lissa's boyfriend, Christian, and a Moroi named Mia – had been with our group when we'd been captured by Strigoi. Eddie hadn't died, obviously, but he'd come very close to it. The Strigoi who'd held us had used him as food, feeding from him throughout our capture in an effort to tease the Moroi and scare the dhampirs. It had worked; I'd been terrified. Poor Eddie had been unconscious for most of the ordeal, thanks to blood loss and the endorphins that came from a vampire's bite. He'd been Mason's best friend and nearly as funny and lighthearted. But since we'd escaped, Eddie had changed, just like I had. He was still quick to smile and laugh, but there was a grimness to him now, a dark and serious look in his eyes that was always on guard for the worst to happen. That was understandable, of course. He pretty much had seen the worst happen. Just like with Mason's death, I held myself responsible for this transformation in Eddie and for what he'd suffered at the hands of the Strigoi. That may not have been fair to me, but I couldn't help it. I felt like I owed him now, like I needed to protect him or make things up to him somehow. And that was kind of funny, because I think Eddie was trying to protect me. He wasn't stalking me or anything, but I'd noticed him keeping an eye on me. I think after what had happened, he felt he owed it to Mason to watch over his girlfriend. I never bothered to tell Eddie that I hadn't been Mason's girlfriend, not in the real sense of the word, just as I never rebuked Eddie for his big brother behavior. I could certainly take care of myself. But whenever I heard him warning other guys away from me, pointing out that I wasn't ready to date anyone yet, I saw no point in interfering. It was all true. I wasn't ready to date. Eddie gave me a lopsided smile that added a little boy type of cuteness to his long face. â€Å"Are you excited?† â€Å"Hell, yeah,† I said. Our classmates were filling in bleachers on one side of the gym, and we found a clear spot near the middle. â€Å"It's going to be like a vacation. Me and Lissa, together for six weeks.† As frustrating as our bond was sometimes, it nonetheless made me her ideal guardian. I always knew where she was and what was happening to her. Once we graduated and were out in the world, I'd be assigned to her officially. He turned thoughtful. â€Å"Yeah, I guess you don't have to worry as much. You know your assignment when you graduate. The rest of us aren't so lucky.† â€Å"You got your sights set on someone royal?† I teased. â€Å"Well, it doesn't matter. Most guardians are assigned to royals lately anyway.† That was true. Dhampirs – half-vampires like me – were in short supply, and royals usually got first pick of guardians. There was a time in the past when more Moroi, royal and non-royal alike, would have gotten guardians, and novices like us would have competed fiercely to get assigned to someone important. Now it was almost a given that every guardian would work for a royal family. There weren't enough of us to go around, and less influential families were on their own. â€Å"Still,† I said, â€Å"I guess it's a question of which royal you get, right? I mean, some are total snobs, but lots of them are cool. Get someone really rich and powerful, and you could be living at the Royal Court or traveling to exotic places.† That last part appealed to me a lot, and I often had fantasies of Lissa and me traveling the world. â€Å"Yup,† agreed Eddie. He nodded toward a few guys in the front row. â€Å"You wouldn't believe the way those three have been sucking up to some of the Ivashkovs and Szelskys. It won't affect their assignments here, of course, but you can tell they're already trying to set things up after graduation.† â€Å"Well, the field experience can affect that. How we're rated on this will go into our records.† Eddie nodded again and started to say something when a loud, clear feminine voice cut through the murmur of our conversation. We both looked up. While we'd been talking, our instructors had gathered in front of the bleachers and now stood facing us in an impressive line. Dimitri was among them, dark and imposing and irresistible. Alberta was trying to call us to attention. The crowd fell silent. â€Å"All right,† she began. Alberta was in her fifties, wiry and tough. Seeing her reminded me of the conversation she and Dimitri had had last night, but I filed that away for later. Victor Dashkov was not going to ruin this moment. â€Å"You all know why you're here.† We'd become so quiet, so tense and excited, that her voice now rang through the gym. â€Å"This is the most important day of your education before you take your final trials. Today you will find out which Moroi you've been placed with. Last week, you were given a booklet with the full details of how the next six weeks will play out. I trust you've all read it by now.† I had, actually. I'd probably never read anything so thoroughly in my life. â€Å"Just to recap, Guardian Alto will highlight the main rules of this exercise.† She handed a clipboard to Guardian Stan Alto. He was one of my least favorite instructors, but after Mason's death, some of the tension between us had lightened. We understood each other better now. â€Å"Here we go,† said Stan gruffly. â€Å"You'll be on duty six days a week. This is actually a treat for you guys. In the real world, you're usually working every day. You will accompany your Moroi everywhere – to class, to their dorms, to their feedings. Everything. It's up to you to figure out how you fit into their lives. Some Moroi interact with their guardians just like friends; some Moroi prefer you to be more of an invisible ghost who doesn't talk to them.† Did he have to use the word ghost? â€Å"Every situation is different, and you two will have to find a way to work it out to best ensure their safety. â€Å"Attacks may come at any time, anywhere, and we'll be dressed in all black when it happens. You should always be on your guard. Remember, even though you'll obviously know it's us doing the attacking and not real Strigoi, you should respond as though your lives are in terrible, immediate danger. Don't be afraid of hurting us. Some of you, I'm sure, won't have any qualms about getting us back for past grievances.† Students in the crowd giggled at this. â€Å"But some of you may feel like you have to hold back, for fear of getting in trouble. Don't. You'll get in more trouble if you do hold back. Don't worry. We can take it.† He flipped to the next page of his clipboard. â€Å"You will be on duty twenty-four hours a day for your six-day cycles, but you may sleep during daylight when your Moroi does. Just be aware that although Strigoi attacks are rare in daylight, they aren't impossible indoors, and you will not necessarily be ‘safe' during these times.† Stan read over a few more technicalities, and I found myself tuning them out. I knew this stuff. We all did. Glancing around, I could see I wasn't alone in my impatience. Excitement and apprehension crackled in the crowd. Hands were clenched. Eyes were wide. We all wanted our assignments. We all wanted this to begin. When Stan finished, he handed the clipboard to Alberta. â€Å"Okay,† she said. â€Å"I'm going to call out your names one by one and announce who you're paired with. At that time, come down here to the floor, and Guardian Chase will give you a packet containing information about your Moroi's schedule, past, etcetera.† We all straightened up as she leafed through her papers. Students whispered. Beside me, Eddie exhaled heavily. â€Å"Oh man. I hope I get someone good,† he muttered. â€Å"I don't want to be miserable for the next six weeks.† I squeezed his arm reassuringly. â€Å"You will,† I whispered back. â€Å"Er, get someone good, I mean. Not be miserable.† â€Å"Ryan Aylesworth,† Alberta announced clearly. Eddie flinched, and I instantly knew why. Before, Mason Ashford had always been the first one called on any class lists. That would never happen again. â€Å"You are assigned to Camille Conta.† â€Å"Damn,† muttered someone behind us, who'd apparently been hoping to get Camille. Ryan was one of the suck-ups in the front row, and he grinned broadly as he walked over to take his packet. The Contas were an up-and-coming royal family. It was rumored that one of their members was a candidate for when the Moroi queen eventually named her heir. Plus, Camille was pretty cute. Following her around wouldn't be too hard for any guy. Ryan, walking with a swagger, seemed very pleased with himself. â€Å"Dean Barnes,† she said next. â€Å"You have Jesse Zeklos.† â€Å"Ugh,† Eddie and I both said together. If I'd been assigned to Jesse, he would have needed an extra person to protect him. From me. Alberta kept reading names, and I noticed Eddie was sweating. â€Å"Please, please let me get someone good,† he muttered. â€Å"You will,† I said. â€Å"You will.† â€Å"Edison Castile,† Alberta announced. He gulped. â€Å"Vasilisa Dragomir.† Eddie and I both froze for the space of a heartbeat, and then duty made him stand up and head toward the floor. As he stepped down the bleachers, he shot me a quick, panicked look over his shoulder. His expression seemed to say, I don't know! I don't know! That made two of us. The world around me slowed to a blur. Alberta kept calling names, but I didn't hear any of them. What was going on? Clearly, someone had made a mistake. Lissa was my assignment. She had to be. I was going to be her guardian when we graduated. This made no sense. Heart racing, I watched Eddie walk over to Guardian Chase and get his packet and practice stake. He glanced down at the papers immediately, and I suspected he was double-checking the name, certain there was a mix-up. The expression on his face when he looked up told me that it was Lissa's name he'd found. I took a deep breath. Okay. No need to panic just yet. Someone had made a clerical error here, one that could be fixed. In fact, they'd have to fix it soon. When they got to me and read Lissa's name again, they were going to realize they'd double-booked one of the Moroi. They'd straighten it out and give Eddie someone else. After all, there were plenty of Moroi to go around. They outnumbered dhampirs at the school. â€Å"Rosemarie Hathaway.† I tensed. â€Å"Christian Ozera.† I simply stared at Alberta, unable to move or respond. No. She had not just said what I thought. A few people, noticing my lack of movement, glanced back at me. But I was dumbstruck. This wasn't happening. My Mason delusion from last night seemed more real than this. A few moments later, Alberta also realized I wasn't moving. She looked up from her clipboard with annoyance, scanning the crowd. â€Å"Rose Hathaway?† Someone elbowed me, like maybe I didn't recognize my own name. Swallowing, I stood and walked down the bleachers, robot-like. There was a mistake. There had to be a mistake. I headed toward Guardian Chase, feeling like a puppet that someone else was controlling. He handed me my packet and a practice stake meant to â€Å"kill† the adult guardians with, and I stepped out of the way for the next person. Disbelieving, I read the words on the packet's cover three times. Christian Ozera. Flipping it open, I saw his life spread out before me. A current picture. His class schedule. His family tree. His bio. It even went into detail about his parents' tragic history, how they'd chosen to become Strigoi and had murdered several people before finally being hunted down and killed. Our directions at this point had been to read through our dossiers, pack a bag, and then meet up with our Moroi at lunch. As more names were called, many of my classmates lingered around the gym, talking to their friends and showing off their packets. I hovered near one group, discreetly waiting for a chance to talk to Alberta and Dimitri. It was a sign of my newly developing patience that I didn't walk right up to them then and there and demand answers. Believe me, I wanted to. Instead, I let them go through their list, but it felt like forever. Honestly, how long did it take to read a bunch of names? When the last novice had been assigned his Moroi, Stan shouted above the din for us to move on to the next stage of the assignment and tried to herd out my classmates. I cut through the crowd and stalked up to Dimitri and Alberta, who blessedly were standing with each other. They were chatting about something administrative and didn't notice me right away. When they did glance at me, I held up my packet and pointed. â€Å"What's this?† Alberta's face looked blank and confused. Something in Dimitri's told me he'd been expecting this. â€Å"It's your assignment, Miss Hathaway,† Alberta said. â€Å"No,† I said through gritted teeth. â€Å"It's not. This is somebody else's assignment.† â€Å"The assignments in your field experience aren't optional,† she told me sternly. â€Å"Just as your assignments in the real world won't be. You can't pick who you protect based on whim and mood, not here and certainly not after graduation.† â€Å"But after graduation, I'm going to be Lissa's guardian!† I exclaimed. â€Å"Everyone knows that. I'm supposed to have her for this thing.† â€Å"I know it's an accepted idea that you'll be together after graduation, but I do not recall any mandatory rulings that say you're ‘supposed' to have her or anyone here at school. You take who you're assigned.† â€Å"Christian?† I threw my packet on the floor. â€Å"You're out of your mind if you think I'm guarding him.† â€Å"Rose!† snapped Dimitri, joining the conversation at last. His voice was so hard and so sharp that I flinched and forgot what I was saying for half a second. â€Å"You're out of line. You do not speak to your instructors like that.† I hated being chastised by anyone. I especially hated being chastised by him. And I especially hated being chastised by him when he was right. But I couldn't help it. I was too angry, and the lack of sleep was taking its toll. My nerves felt raw and strained, and suddenly, little things seemed difficult to bear. And big things like this? Impossible to bear. â€Å"Sorry,† I said with great reluctance. â€Å"But this is stupid. Nearly as stupid as not bringing us to Victor Dashkov's trial.† Alberta blinked in surprise. â€Å"How did you know – Never mind. We'll deal with that later. For now, this is your assignment, and you need to do it.† Eddie suddenly spoke up beside me, his voice filled with apprehension. I'd lost track of him earlier. â€Å"Look †¦ I don't mind†¦. We can switch†¦.† Alberta turned her stony gaze from me to him. â€Å"No, you certainly cannot. Vasilisa Dragomir is your assignment.† She looked back at me. â€Å"And Christian Ozera is yours. End of discussion.† â€Å"This is stupid!† I repeated. â€Å"Why should I waste my time with Christian? Lissa's the one I'm going to be with when I graduate. Seems like if you want me to be able to do a good job, you should have me practice with her.† â€Å"You will do a good job with her,† said Dimitri. â€Å"Because you know her. And you have your bond. But somewhere, someday, you could end up with a different Moroi. You need to learn how to guard someone with whom you have absolutely no experience.† â€Å"I have experience with Christian,† I grumbled. â€Å"That's the problem. I hate him.† Okay, that was a huge exaggeration. Christian annoyed me, true, but I didn't really hate him. As I'd said, working together against the Strigoi had changed a lot of things. Again, I felt like my lack of sleep and general irritability were cranking up the magnitude of everything. â€Å"So much the better,† said Alberta. â€Å"Not everyone you protect will be your friend. Not everyone you protect will be someone you like. You need to learn this.† â€Å"I need to learn how to fight Strigoi,† I said. â€Å"I've learned that in class.† I fixed them with a sharp look, ready to play my trump card. â€Å"And I've done it in person.† â€Å"There's more to this job than the technicalities, Miss Hathaway. There's a whole personal aspect – a bedside manner, if you will – that we don't touch on much in class. We teach you how to deal with the Strigoi. You need to learn how to deal with the Moroi yourselves. And you in particular need to deal with someone who has not been your best friend for years.† â€Å"You also need to learn what it's like to work with someone when you can't instantly sense that they're in danger,† added Dimitri. â€Å"Right,† agreed Alberta. â€Å"That's a handicap. If you want to be a good guardian – if you want to be an excellent guardian – then you need to do as we say.† I opened my mouth to fight this, to argue that having someone I was so close to would train me up faster and make me a better guardian for any other Moroi. Dimitri cut me off. â€Å"Working with another Moroi will also help keep Lissa alive,† he said. That shut me down. It was pretty much the only thing that could have, and damn him, he knew it. â€Å"What do you mean?† I asked. â€Å"Lissa's got a handicap too – you. If she never has a chance to learn what it's like to be guarded by someone without a psychic connection, she could be at greater risk if attacked. Guarding someone is really a two-person relationship. This assignment for your field experience is as much for her as for you.† I stayed silent as I processed his words. They almost made sense. â€Å"And,† added Alberta, â€Å"it's the only assignment you're going to get. If you don't take it, then you opt out of the field experience.† Opt out? Was she crazy? It wasn't like a class I could sit out from for one day. If I didn't do my field experience, I didn't graduate. I wanted to explode about unfairness, but Dimitri stopped me without saying a word. The constant, calm look in his dark eyes held me back, encouraging me to accept this gracefully – or as close as I could manage. Reluctantly I picked up the packet. â€Å"Fine,† I said icily. â€Å"I'll do this. But I want it noted that I'm doing this against my will.† â€Å"I think we already figured that out, Miss Hathaway,† remarked Alberta dryly. â€Å"Whatever. I still think it's a horrible idea, and you eventually will too.† I turned and stormed off across the gym before any of them could respond. In doing so, I fully realized what a bitchy little brat I sounded like. But if they'd just endured their best friend's sex life, seen a ghost, and hardly gotten any sleep, they'd have been bitchy too. Plus, I was about to spend six weeks with Christian Ozera. He was sarcastic, difficult, and made jokes about everything. Actually, he was a lot like me. It was going to be a long six weeks.