What Are the Effects on a Person When He Moves to a New Country Personal Statement

What Are the Effects on a Person When He Moves to a New Country - Personal Statement Example This article takes many accounts of both 1.5 Generation members, as well as those, have interacted with them to describe how immigrant youth are transformed as a result of transnational migration and multicultural development. Many were described as lacking a sense of belonging, but not completely. In general, they often reported feeling that they were somewhat in-between, although as one youth puts it, â€Å"I don’t see that as a negative thing.† These youth receive the full benefits of public education in New Zealand and find that many of their friends are native-born Kiwis. They integrate with this cultural not only through shared education but also in shared hobbies, such as Shane Lin of Taiwan who saw skateboarding as a bridge to develop friendships with Kiwis. The article describes the increasing presence of Generation 1.5 members on university campuses and in internet cafes. They bring with them the Asian trends of quirkier fashion, interest in the latest technol ogy, as well as Japanese-style manga. This popular culture is transmitted to local Kiwis and forms another shared interest among all New Zealand youth (Janes). This article takes many accounts of both 1.5 Generation members, as well as those, have interacted with them to describe how immigrant youth are transformed as a result of transnational migration and multicultural development. Many were described as lacking a sense of belonging, but not completely. In general, they often reported feeling that they were somewhat in-between, although as one youth puts it, â€Å"I don’t see that as a negative thing.† These youth receive the full benefits of public education in New Zealand and find that many of their friends are native-born Kiwis. They integrate with this cultural not only through shared education but also in shared hobbies, such as Shane Lin of Taiwan who saw skateboarding as a bridge to develop friendships with Kiwis. The article describes the increasing presence of Generation 1.5 members on university campuses and in internet cafes. They bring with them the Asian trends of quirkier fashion, interest in the latest technology, as well as Japanese-style manga. This popular culture is transmitted to local Kiwis and forms another shared interest among all New Zealand youth (Janes). Moving to New Zealand or other countries as a young child is much different than being fully raised abroad or fully raised in a new culture. As the book the 1.5 Generations puts it, there are five different characteristics of this adaptation. The first is an understanding of their parents’ culture, whether it be Korean, Japanese, or Chinese, and what it means to have that background while living in their host society.  

Roller-coaster of Emotions Essay Example for Free

Roller-coaster of Emotions Essay The plain was rich with crops; there were many orchards of fruit trees and beyond the plain the mountains were brown and bare (3) Ernest Hemingway, A Farewell to Arms. To the innocence of children fruit trees and plains is all they are aware of but in fact, what is beyond is what makes Ernest Hemingway want to explain, that beyond those plains there has been chaos and terrible deaths. After a scanning the entire landscape, the eyes can come across the true reality of the war, which made fruitless trees, beat up grounds, chaos, but also soldiers that have learned the true meaning of what war really is. Frederic Henry, the protagonist in Hemingways literary war novel, comes across the reality what life has to offer and overcomes many obstacles that changes him to become the person he ends up being towards the end of the novel. In his novel, A Farewell to Arms, Ernest Hemingway demonstrates that the destructiveness of war turns him from the naive solider, to the being in love, and finally to Henry the person that sees the world as a bad place that destroys a family. To begin with, Henry has no personal control with his temptations towards women, drinks excessively and simply has carelessness revolving him. The way that Henry enjoys obliterating war is being with women and drinking alcohol which lets him get away for a while. Henry has come across a person that cares for him and wants him to be on the right path, that person is the priest. Trying to get Henry out of his disastrous life, his friend the priest, recommends that Henry visits Abruzzi because it will let Henry become a better person. The priest comes across Henry and wants him to prosper and offers Henry to see Abruzzi and visit my [the priests] family at Capracotta (8), but instead the captain wins over Henry by saying, come one†¦ We go whorehouse before it shuts (9). Henry leaves that night with a simple good-night towards the priest and wonders off with the rest of the men. The reality of Henrys decision was that he wants to do what is right, but can never manage to do the prudent thing. Henry could have stayed home with the priest but instead his temptations leads him to the wron path. Later on that night Rinaldi asks Henry how the night went. Just like men talk Henry starts going on about how he had a beautiful time every where he went and Rinaldi is there to cheer him on. Rinaldi is almost the exact mirror image as Henry as they perceive women, Rinaldi confirms to Henry that in this town we have beautiful English girls. I am now in love with Miss Barkley (12). Henry’s main goal is to get pleasures that are easy and fast, he calls those strange excitement which shows that he has little or no ability to feel satisfied. Frederic Henry has not been able to find his inner self, he only knows what men in war like to do best; Henry drinks alcohol visits the whorehouses to substitute not being able to figure himself out. To come to a conclusion that the people that want to help him, Henry ignores them and shows this when he sat next to the priest and he was disappointed and suddenly hurt that I [Frederic] had not gone to Abruzzi. He had written to his father that I [Frederic] was coming and they had made preparations (13). This is significant because it shows that the help his close friend offers means nothing to him, he confesses that while going out it lets him get a grip of his emotions; something which he cannot do while sober. The way Henry sees things is that people settle for a small amount of pleasure instead of going the extra mile in order to get what they really want. When Henry starts changing is when he meets Catherine Barkley and his love towards her becomes a role in his transformation in his personality. Catherine at first is just someone that attracted Henry to her, her tawny skin and petite body was a reason why she caught his eye. He has found himself fallen for someone and is constantly wanting to be with her. He searches for her, but she was not in the garden and I [Frederic] went to the door of the villa where the ambulances drove up. Inside he saw the head nurse, who said Miss Barkley was on dutytheres a war going on, you know (22). Henry clearly knew that a nurse in war has a stressful duty and has hardly any time to spend time with their loved ones. Henry wants to be with her and no longer is going around with other women, he wants to be with Miss Barkley and he wants to go the extra mile to go in search for her, just to sound some time together. He is so eager to be with her that he goes the next evening to the hospital to see her but has to wait until she came down. While he sits down waits for her he sees every detail inside the hospital, something he never did before, there were many marble busts on painted wooden pillars along the walls of the room they used for an office†¦they had complete marble quality of all looking alike (28). He is patiently waiting for Catherine, meanwhile he is staring at his surroundings. He has changed into a different man than what he was before he met Miss Barkley. They see each other and she asks if he loves her, he replies with a yes but seems unsure of it. While they converse one thing leads to another and they begin kissing, Frederic sees that both her eyes are shit and thinks to himself, I did not love Catherine Barkley nor had any idea of loving her. This was a game, like a bridge, in which you said things instead of playing cards. Like a bridge you had to pretend you were playing for money or playing for some stakes. Nobody had told me what the stakes were. It was all right with me (30-31). At this point he just wants someone to play around with instead of learning the true meaning behind what love really is. Then becoming injured in war awakens Henry and love has put him to the test. I went out the door and suddenly I felt lonely and empty†¦when I could not see her there I was feeling lonely and hallow (41). His real emotions towards her start rising out when he sees that she can really take care of him by which he was injured terribly. Henry suddenly begins to be more aware of other people rather than just himself and it leads towards a step forward in his persona. The termination of Henrys transformation leads into the last words of the novel, he has come to love his Catherine but sees the world as someone that kills with no question. Everything Henry does now revolves around Catherine. His love for her grows as when he is away at the front lines. His uniform is now star-less because he wants nothing to do with war, the faded part of his uniform showed the stars had been removed. He then comes across charming people that not only offer him shelter, but also clothing. Theres a closet. Take anything you want. My dear fellow, you dont want to buy clothes (242) but Henry responds that he would much rather pay for the clothes. Henrys actions are now more powerful and also shows us that he has more responsibility in him, something that he really did not know how to do at the starting point of the novel. Being away from Catherine improves his ability to take action and make him into a better person that he can be. But later his dreams of Catherine being near him are coming true and has her near. While they are together in the hotel room Henry explains to Catherine that if people bring so much courage to this world the world has to kill them to break them, so of course it kills them. The world breaks every one and afterward many are strong at the broken places. But those that will not break it kills. It kills the very good and the very gentle and the very brave impartially. If you are none of these you can be sure it will kill you too but there will be no special hurry (249). He tries to convince himself that he will be all right since he has escaped the war, little did he know that he was not able to escape freely, but to find out that Catherine had died with the baby they had made together. Ever since then Henry is not able to become the person he had been wanting to be. He ends up being a lonely man, with no family, that sees the world and everyone in it, against him, and nobody there to guide him any longer. Catherines fast death concluded his idea on having that there is life left that war took from him. In conclusion, Ernest Hemingway shows us how war can basically destroy not only a family but also a person that is left without it. Hemingway has Frederic Henrys character to demonstrate that there is always a need to escape from the destructiveness of war in order to keep sanity in ones self. With Frederic Henry as Hemingways model, shows us that you cannot have a rainbow without a little bit of rain, which means that even though Henry was put into awful situations like death, he was able to find the person he was destined to become.

Trends in Family Formation: A Look at Same-Sex Marriage Essay example -

Introduction Family and marriage are social and divine institutions that are facing constant challenges due to the rapidly changing trends in society. In the past, the problems that families and marriages experienced were polygamy, early marriages, and family planning, but the current society experiences extra problems such as high rates of divorce, delayed marriages, single parenthood, cohabitation, and emergence of same sex marriages among other pertinent issues. The emergence of same-sex marriages complicated conventional and religious teachings for these teachings view same sex marriage as an immoral issue in the society that should never happen at all. Despite the denial and renunciation of the same sex marriage in the society, gays and lesbians continue to exist in the society while their numbers are increasing alarmingly. High rates of divorce and marriage abuses have left many young people wondering and questioning whether marriage is of any significance in life with regard to happiness and achievement. Glen argues that, â€Å"young adults delay getting married, not out of cynicism or apathy so much, but because of a near crippling anxiety over whether they will fail at marriage like so many of their parents did† (2012, np). Such and many other fears compel young people to get involved in aberrant sexual behaviors as gay and lesbianism in order to avoid problems associated with heterosexual marriages. Therefore, what are the trends, causes, and solutions regarding the issue same-sex marriage? Trends of Same-Sex Marriage Same-sex marriage is an emerging social and religious issue that is gradually finding its way in the legal system as constitutions of many countries recognize heterosexual marriage only. Conventional and ... ..., & Bynner, J. (2002). Learning, Family Formation and Dissolution. Centre For Research on the Wider Benefits of Learning, 4, 1-42. Glen, T. (2012). Family Formation Trends and Analysis: United States Overview. Focus on the Family. Web http://www.focusonthefamily.com/about_us/focus-findings/family-formation-trends/regnerus-family-structures-study.aspx Jost, K. (2003). Gay Marriage. The Congressional Quarterly Research, 13(30), 723-747. Marshall, W., & Sawhill, I. (2002). Progressive Family Policy in the 21st Century. Marriage and Legislation Journal, 1-49 Murphy, M. (2001). Marriage in the Modern World. Family and Society Studies, 1-17 Smith, R. (2006). Sexual Orientation in Children. Childhood Growth and Development, 26-39. Somerville, M. (2003). The Case against ‘Same-Sex Marriage’. The Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights, 1-11.

Textile-and-Clothing-Report India

The Textile Industry and Related Sector in India Source: New Cloth Market The Textile Industry and Related Sector in India Source: New Cloth Market This market research study on Textiles and related sectors in India has been commissioned by Italian Trade Commission (Trade Promotion Section of the Consulate General of Italy), Mumbai, for which Ace Global Private Limited, a consultancy company based in New Delhi, has been appointed. The main objectives of the market research are to carry out a detailed market analysis o~ the industry, in order to identify potential opportunities for Italian entrepreneurs interested in the Indian market. The scope of the market research covers the following key segments of the industry: Textiles Apparel & Clothing; Undergarments; Home Textiles, and Accessories. The findings of the research are presented in the following sections. Market Characteristics The Textile Industry in India is one of the largest and most important industrial segments of the Indian economy accounting for over one fifth of the country's industrial production. It provides employment to around 15 million people who have helped produce one of the largest varieties of yarn, fabrics, textiles, clothing and garments, home furnishings and other textile products in the world. Textiles industry, including related subsectors, is worth about Euros 38 billion of which domestic segment constitutes 65% while 35% comes from exports. The textiles segment accounts for 59% of the industry, with apparel and other made ups constituting the balance. This industry also accounts for nearly 21 % of total employment in the country. Besides the textiles, apparels & clothing, the industry covers a wide range of home furnishings (bed linen, curtains and upholstery, floor coverings, kitchen linen, bath linen, etc. and Accessories (including apparel accessories, like stoles, scarves, etc. , hard accessories like bags, wallets, fashion jewellery, time wear and eyewear etc. ). Market Size The total market size for the sub-sectors covered in this study is estimated at Euro 21. 7 billion in the year 200809 with textile clothing and garments having a major share of 93%. Home textiles and furnishings, and textile usage in accessories was insignificant with a collective share of less than 0. 5% of the total market. Textiles Apparel and Clothing India's domestic market for apparel & clothing is currently worth Euro 20,219 million in 2008-09. It has registered a steady compounded annual growth rate (CAGA) of 13. 6% in the past 5 years. Volume wise, apparel market has grown from 4. 8 billion units in 2004†² to 5. 9 billion units in 2008-09 at a CAGA of 5. 3%. Apparel and Clothing is the second largest retail category in India. India's domestic market for apparels is currently worth over Euro 20 billion in 2008-09. It has registered a steady compounded annual growth ~ate (CAGA) of 13. 6% in the past 5 years. Volume wise, apparel market has grown from 4. 8 billion units in 200405 to 5. 9 billion units in 2008-09 at a CAGA of 5. 3%. Undergarments The 70's witnessed the entry of undergarments in India when Peter Pan from Dawn Mills entered the market with lingerie styles of the West. The undergarment market further proliferated and flourished in India significantly when international majors forayed in to Indian market in a big way since the onset of the 90's. India's domestic market for undergarments is currently worth about Euro 1. 5 billion in 2008-09. It has grown at a CAGA of about 15% in the past three years. Volume wise, apparel · market has grown from 914 million units in 2006-07 to 1. 05 billion units in 2008-09 at a CAGA of 7%. The total urban market for the home textiles in India in 2005-06 was estimated to be Euro 1. 45 billion. With a modest growth rate of about 14%, the market in 2008-09 is about Euros 2. 16 billion and is expected to cross Euros 3. 12 billion by 2011-12. The 2004-05 Volume (million units) Menswear Women's wpar Unisex apparel Kids' wear Uniforms Total 1,328 1,368 – 466 1,222 ~ 423 4,807 India's Apparel & Clothing Market 2006 ·07 Value, Volume (Euro (million Million) units) 4,450 3,856 1,014 1,836 991 12,147 1,443 1,523 519 1,323 , 498 5,306 Value (Euro Million) 5,605 5,106 1,461 2,333 1,461 15,966 2008-09 (estimates) Volume (million units) 1,600 1,676 579 1,468 581 5,905 Value (Euro Million) 6,938 6,414 1,816 2,975 2,077 20,219 market for home textiles is dominated by bed and bath linen, which have more han two third of the market share in value terms. Bed linen alone has a market of about Euros 1. 19 billion according to the estimates. Apart from the home textile products given in the table below, the other articles included in the total market size are textile made-ups like wall hangings and other decorative home furnishing articles. Accessories Usage of textiles and fabrics in the Accessories sector is valued at approx. Eu ros 0. 28 -0. 30 billion in 200809, bf which bags alone account for 61 % and apparel accessories and other fashion accessories account for 39%. The most common fabrics used in accessories are cotton, denim, silk, wool and raxene. Given the wide variety of products, with production largely concentrated in the unorganized sector, no official estimates for consumption of fabrics in accessories sector are available. Therefore for the purpose of this study, the market size has been estimate based on discussions with key players and industry bodies during the primary research, as presented below. Demand Drivers As stated in the preceding section, the market for textiles and related products has been consistently growing annually by 12% – 15% for various sub-sectors. The key factors driving this demand are: Demand Side factors With over 1. 1 billion people, India is the second most populous country in the world. In terms of the demographic â€Å"window of opportunity†, India is home to 17% of the world's population. It is also one of the youngest countries in the world, with over 65% of the population below 35% years of age. The young generation of professionals, both men and women, form important consumer groups with high purchasing power. This buying group is more demanding in their choice of products, looking for quality that satisfy comfort, fitting, styling needs etc. This has resulted in a qualitative shift of consumers from low / economy range to premium and super premium range of products. Growing prosperity of middle class: Indian corporate salaries have grown at 14% per annum, which is considered to be fastest globally. A large number of households are getting added every year to the consuming class with growing income levels, resulting in increasing affluence of the upper middle and igh income strata. According to various studies, there were more than 300 million middle class people in India in 2007 with substantial disposable incomes. This number is expected to touch 600 million by 2010. There will a sustained and increasing demand for various consumer products by this segment of population. The increase in urbanization and nuclear family structure, a growing number of educated and employed women, media prol iferation and growing consumerism, have all contributed to the growth of consumerism and organized retailing. The increasing working female-population has not only increased the income of households, but also changed the outlook of women towards their choice of clothing, home furnishings and its interiors. There is a trend of going with the seasonal tastes. Market Structure and Segmentation The market segmentation for various sub-sectors is on following basis: Textile Apparels-and Clothing: †¢ †¢ †¢ Segmentation by User category: Men's wear, Women's wear, Unisex apparel, Kids' wear Segmentation by Use: Formal, Casual, Traditional, Active sportswear, Uniforms Segmentation by Price: Super premium, Premium, Medium, Economy and Low end Undergarments: †¢ †¢ Segmentation by types of Suppliers: Informal/Unorganized sector, Organized sector – Segmentatfon by Price: Super premium, Premium, Medium, Economy and Low end Home Textile Furnishings †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ Segmentation by types of Suppliers: Informal/Unorganized sector (70% share), Organized sector (30% share); Branded and Unbranded Segmentation by Use: Bed linens, Curtains & Upholstery, Bath linen. Kitchen linen etc. Segmentation By Price: Super premium, Premium, Medium, Economy and Low end Accessories: Segmentation by Use: Apparel accessories (scarves, stoles, shawls etc. ), Hard accessories (bags, belts etc. ), Packaging for jewellery, time, wear, eye wear etc. Segmentation by Price: Super premium, Premium, Medium, Economy and Low end Changing face of consumer: In spite of the economic meltdown in recent times, there has been a continuous and sustained shift in consumer demand pattern from basic necessities to spending on lifestyle products and ervices continues, largely due to : †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ Higher Income Younger age profile Increasing literacy levels Higher adaptability to technology Increasing urbanization Changing role of women and children in the decision making process Increased demand for better shopping experience Impulsive purchase behavior among youngsters Changing fashion trends and increased consciousness Catch up wi th International fashion styles Sustained growth of retail culture in the country According to Central Statistical Organization, and Technopak, the retail market in India was about Euro 210 billion, and will cross Euro 440 billion in 2015, with organized retail growing at nearly 20% per year. The emergence of mall culture and rapid development of malls would act as a catalyst in this retail growth story. Due to the increase in the income levels of people and the push from the supply side of realty boom in this decade has created a housing boom in India. About 2. 5 million new homes are to be constructed to meet the demand of middle class and upper strata of income groups. Housing and Hospitality sectors are the major sectors, with huge demand for soft furnishings. As per estimates, the total shortfall of quality hotel rooms in India in all luxury, premium, economy and budget hotels is about 150,000. More than 40,000 hotel rooms are expected to come in top 10 metro cities by 2012. Supply Side Factors 1) Leading textile manufacturers are integrating their businesses vertically and have strong competencies in spinning, weaving and finishing. 2) There has been a significant improvement in the infrastructure related to textile machinery, transport and power which are further augmenting production. Government of India has allocated substantial funds · for infrastructure development through schemes like TUFS, and SITP, worker skill development trainings etc. 3) Lateral consolidation of players through organic and inorganic growth domestically and internationally. Indian companies have acquired the global brands abroad in order to consolidate their global positioning and have established wholly owned foreign subsidiaries abroad 4) End of quota regime acting as a stimulus to further export growth. Assessment of Demand and Market Potential in India The overall assessment of demand and market potential in various sub sectors, projected on the basis of past growth trends and industry expectations, is summarized in the table below. The total market is expected to increase from Euros 21. 7 billion in 200809 to Euro 29. billion by 2011-12, with overall compounded annual growth of 7. 89%. There are no authentic statistics available- on the production and the total market size of the home textile products and accessories, as no official data is compiled due to the unorganized and highly dispersed nature of sectors. The above estimates for home textile furnishings have been computed taking the overall average annual growth rates of domestic urban market (considered relevant for the foreign brands) as 15% for bath linen, 10% for kitchen linen, 12% for curtains, 15% for upholstery and 10% for other products. It should be noted that, above estimations is only for urban India, which is. Price Segmentation The price segmentation of the market is broadly in three categories: The low end market: Lower and economy (marginally improved product segment in relation to the lower category), solely volume driven, products are mostly unbranded and dominated by large number of regional and local manufacturers, and sold through small neighbourhood stores, The low and economy segment is growing in terms of volume and value and the industry is becoming more organized. The mid-range market: This segment features medium range of products. Though primarily volume driven, this category caters to diverse sections of Indian consumers across all regions, Its quality is by and large acceptable to all sections. The mid-market segment is characterized by the presence of regional and national players. The market is continuously expanding and becoming more and more competitive in respect of quality and price. The high end market: Exclusivity in product features such as high quality . raw materials, embellishments, design developments and above all branding of products for years make the products very special. ‘ Elitist categories of consumers pay for the products on demand. Mainly comprises of large Indian players and the foreign companies/international brands operating in the premium and super-premium product categories. Super-premium products are considered luxury products and marketed by top national and international giants. Illustrative prices for products in various price segments are provided in different Tables. Regional Characteristics of the Market The consumer behavior of a particular region which is economically not so developed is different as compared to developed ones. The consumers in the less developed region are understandably, more priceconscious. Always on the lookout for quality products, their guiding principle is ‘value for money'. A lower per capita income, in eastern region for example, compared to western and northern India leads to a lower per capita purchasing power. Additionally, Delhi being centrally located and Mumbai, being the financial capital have certain advantages. The consumers who live in these cities are more exposed to latest product collections and are more familiar with design, quality and latest trendy fashion, as well as the luxury of greater choice. The relatively undeveloped regions offer several in-built advantages as well. Fashion contenders setting out to do businesses in these regions find to their advantage that the region has not been exploited commercially and is prone to competition. The market, therefore, offers much but it needs to be cultivated in an organized manner. Local ready availability of products also influences a consumer. The decision to stick to a particular available product/brand seems to govern the purchase decision than the rarely available choicest product. Logistics, convenience and easy availability are important considerations for a local consumer. Regional considerations, such as climatic conditions etc. , playa major role in so far as the purchase decision of apparels is concerned. For instance, a consumer in Northern region would spend more on woolen products than his counterpart in the west or south where the winter is much milder. In India, different states are known for their specific style of clothing, home furnishings etc. For example J is the leading state for embroidered bed covers whereas Rajasthan (Jaipur) is famous for block printed, tie & dye bed covers, with mirror work, appliques, and bright colors. The market also depends upon the production and raw materials and government policies and programmes in specific states. Although there is an increasing influence to western and contemporary designs, Indian industry is still greatly influenced by the traditional regional motifs, with the materials of satin mix, tapestry for drapes and even cotton mixes with synthetics for the traditional look. Fabrics with bold prints and pastels are making a comeback. Polka dots and stripes, inspired by the retro, have made a comeback into the collections the world over. The sales of textile roducts increase significantly during the festival seasons in India, by up to 40 – 50 percent. Regional and national festivals, (e. g. ‘Diwali' is one of the most important festivals in India during October/ November) are the time to buy new clothes, renovate home furnishings. Consumer Behavior and Preferences The Indian consumers are noted as among the most discerning' consumers in the world with a high degree of value orientation. Even, luxury brands have to design a unique pricing strategy in order to get a foothold in the Indian market. Indian consumers also have a high degree of family orientation. Brands with identities that support family values tend to be popular and are accepted easily in the Indian market. Indian consumers are also associated with values of nurturing, care and affection. These values are far more dominant than values of ambition and achievement. Products, which communicate feelings and emotions gel with the Indian consumers. Different Segments of Indian Consumers Socialites: These are the upper class who shops in specialty stores and own exclusive accessories, and have a luxurious lifestyle. The Rich: India has over 1 million rich households (income greater than Euro 8,000 per annum). These people are upwardly mobile. Some of them in this category are Double Income No Kids (DINK) households. They spend more on leisure and entertainment-activities than on future looking investments. The Conservatives: These are the middle class population of India, who are very price conscious and demand more value for money. In addition to the above, the following segments are becoming increasingly important in purchase of consumer products: Working Women: Working women with disposable incomes are the key factors for the growth of women's accessories. An Indian woman is no longer just a homemaker. She is willing to buy designer products and is ready to pay high premiums for the same. Youth: With the increasing exposure to International fashion styles, the Indian youth is gaining more awareness and becoming style conscious. This segment believes in impulsive purchasing. There are certain common considerations for consumers regardless of locations. The consumers by and large are becoming increasingly more and more conscious of value of money. Price sensitivity is a common concern. Purchase decisions of consumers anywhere are more guided a combination of demographic and psychometric factors, such as, disposable income, age-distribution, pattern of income distribution, quality of upbringing, aptitude, tastes and preferences and so on. These days, the purchasing behaviors in India are greatly affected by the western tastes. The role of media, magazines, televisions have been increasing in making people aware about the new trends. There is a craze to own the best brands and designs among the people. The premium luxury brands are available only in the tier1 and tier2 cities hence making them a good market. Purchase Pattern of Textile Products Major findings of textile products based on All India consumer survey conducted by Textile Committee, Government of India, 2006-07 are presented as under: †¢ †¢ In India man-made fabric among various textile materials' sells the most. Sales of cotton come next in the order, while wool and silk constitute negligible percentage of total sales. Central, northern and western regions are the major consumers of man-made fabrics. Maximum consumption of cotton is reported from the eastern region. Consumption of cotton, in other regions is reportedly much less. This is an interesting revelation since India is ranked third as a cotton producing country in the world. †¢ †¢ †¢ Brand preferences Brand building is a stupendous task which involves high investment on production infrastructure, technology upgradation and enormous merchandizing. This has inspired lesser known medium sized players who are trying to establish their products in the market through Creation of brands. There is a strong indication that Indian market will have large a number of brands in near future in view of market expansion and increasing competition. Preference for particular apparel brands depends on individual tastes and preferences. However majority of Indian consumers look for certain common parameters like design, quality and above all merchandizing. Innovation in product design and fabric selection, are essential elements that add to value perception for a product. Sales discounts also tend to influence the purchase decisions of consumers provided the minimum parameters/ features are not compromised with. The Undergarments segment is characterized by well known national brands operating in the medium priced segment. Premium and super-premium product categories comprise branded products distinguished for exclusive product features operating at the high end of the market. Efficient logistics and supply chain management and media exposure have largely contributed to the popularity of these brands. Branding is a relatively new phenomenon in the Indian home textile furnishings market. In Accessories, the consumer demand . for premium product is on the rise. Style conscious customers with money look for variety. Consumer inclination for mix-n-match to build their wardrobe is acting as a catalyst in the growth of accessories market. Factors Influencing Brand Preference †¢ Brand preference pattern of consumers depends upon a host of factors such as : Combination of price, quality & fitting as major parameters of purchase decision for sensitive but smart consumers Track record of Indian manufacturer/reputation of foreign joint venture partner. †¢ Reputation of international companies The consumers place major emphasis on product quality. Price is another important consideration attracting customers to a particular shop/brand/ product. Pre and post sales services, parking facilities and ambience of the store or mall are the other major factors that attract local customers. Sales discounts also tend to influence the purchase decisions of consumers provided the minimum parameters/ features are not compromised with. In the selection of products, the consumers do not give automatic ‘precedence to local brands over national or foreign brands. Value for money has become the over-riding consideration. Fabric, texture and color followed by proper fits and sizing weigh more importance to the local consumers rather than just easy availability of local brands on account of proximity. Degree of Elasticity of Demand of Local Consumers Considering that price elasticity depends to a large extent on the degree of competition among the manufacturers, the Lower and Economy segments of the market are usually price inelastic. These segments being highly competitive do not allow the manufacturers much leverage on price. Higher up along the value chain, the affordability or paying capacity of the consumer is higher. The mid-price segment becomes increasingly quality oriented and more diversified. Despite competitive pressure, the price in this segment keeps on rising and the demand becomes price elastic. In case of premium and super-premium product segments, where entire focus is on quality, style and brand value, the consumer is insensitive to change in price. As per the findings of retailer survey, even an increase of less than 5% in the price has an effect on low end / economy category products, while mid-end category is usually able to absorb a 5-10% price increase without a major adverse impact on the sales of a brand. Originally published in New Cloth Market: February 2010

Firm Research and Bid Strategy Essay

What truly distinguishes HA Corporation from our competitors is our commitment to building strong bonds with our loyal consumer base. Throughout the nation, and soon the world, our customers trust HA to make their lives easier. Everything we do contributes to building unmatched levels of loyalty to our brands through lifelong relationships with our customers. We are committed focusing on innovation; cost productivity, product quality and consumer value. We continue to improve our global operating platform to ensure we are the best-cost and best-quality appliance manufacturer worldwide. Our supply chain has been transformed to better deliver products to trade customers and consumers. And we are seeing the benefits of these actions today through a stronger network, increased efficiencies and timely deliveries. Our focus now, and in the future, is on more than just creating great products. We’re focused on maximizing the benefits of our worldwide network of resources, which is unmatched in the industry. We’re creating better, more innovative products that improve consumers’ lives—in and around the home—each and every day. And we’re committed to being an agile, global consumer products company that creates value through our inventory and innovations. We know that our compelling and growing brands, fueled with innovation, attract and retain loyal customers for life. With HA’s movement into the international markets, we have prioritized our bid strategies. The following explains our strategy: i.Bid selectively. The company should avoid rushing for each and every opportunity that comes up. First, we will review the contract documentation, request any clarifications, and finally establish whether there exists a match with any of our company’s capabilities. A bidding evaluation form would be generated for all explored solicitations (McVay, 1987). ii.Establish a detailed procedure of estimating checks and possible balances in a way that all important steps and due diligence is observed. iii.Obtain a collection of price quotations from various qualified contractors and subcontractors. It is also important that pertinent details regarding accuracy of prices are fully disclosed. Ensuring that there is enough time to find various elements that could impact a project and also the company’s performance is paramount. iv. Determine company profit margins/risk levels are relevant and necessary to the project. v. Develop a filing system where all completed (successful or unsuccessful) bids are filed for future use and record. Referencing past contract summaries and bids will be useful in future bid proposals. A key point to consider during project selection is the overall corporate revenue potential. A revenue risk analysis would validates the company’s corporate forecasts and at the same time points out areas that possess the biggest risks. Areas that appear very lucrative on paper can actually be contributing the most to reduced revenues due to uncertainty (McVay, 1987). Accounting for the probability of success is essential in the evaluation of a portfolio’s revenue capacity. Assessing the impact on the portfolio of improving the chance of a successful project bid provides a significant competitive advantage. It allows a company to consider withholding bids on projects that could have a major impact on corporate forecasts if lost or unprofitable. As part of the bid delivery, the determination of liability and risk exposure drives the decision making process about the type of contract to enter into—both between owner and contractor or contractor and subcontractor. Performing a risk analysis will provide insight into the types of work that carry such a liability; and therefore support a decision regarding the bid or contract type. Winning a project is essentially a liability to a company until the point of successful completion, and it is handed over to the client. The more lucrative the project, the higher the stakes and risk, the more potential in financial gain. By examining its ability to execute according to plan, a company lessens its chances of taking on a project that would actually be likely to fail (McVay, 1987).

Realism and Romanticism essays

Realism and Romanticism essays Despite the Realist movements attempt to portray art in a more realistic true form from the Romantic periods often exaggerated emotional depiction of art. The Realist movement may have depicted art from a more true to life point of view than Romantic artists, but in fact was heavily influenced by the artistic motives and styles of the Romantic period. The art period known as Romanticism began in the late 18th early 19th centuries people were tired with the norms of society. Artists of the era were preceded by the Renaissance thinkers and artists who had a very empirical and analytical approach (Galitz, 2004). Romanticism was a revolt against the straightforward heavily analyzed thinking of the Renaissance and the ideas that human actions are guides by inevitable laws of nature. Romantic artist encouraged imagination, exploration of individual thinking, and all forms of inspiration. Artists were not bound by any one particular style being encouraged to explore feeling and surrounding inspirations, often portraying a glorification of nature while incorporating a chivalric and nationalist feel (Galitz, 2004). Romantics create a clear good versus evil portrayal by painting with a clear vision of what is evil and what is good. During the French Revolution Romantics showed their strong resistance to the rational thinking of the enlightened period. Using nostalgia and exotic influences to glorify heroes, romantics were able use exaggerated depictions of nature to portray the hero as overcoming insurmountable odds against not only the enemy but also Mother Nature simultaneously. Romantics were able to expressed emotion with different forms of exaggeration but still kept a very realistic approach so viewers we able view themselves in the art and relate to it. Realism which began in the 1850s and continued into the 1900s attempted to use art to depict life as it really was (Fino...

Arbitrary Geometric Adresses essays

Arbitrary Geometric Adresses essays These are illustrations of the Spaceship Earth Epcot building in Florida. This directly reflects complex geometrical properties, for this is a unusually prodigious geodesic dome. The geosphere is 165 feet in diameter, 180 feet high (it stands 15 feet off the ground), encompasses 2,200,000 cubic feet of space, weighs 15.5 million pounds, has an outside surface of 150,000 square feet, and is covered by 11,324-silvered facets on 954 triangular panels. The exterior tiles are made of Alucobond material, a composite of ethylene plastic which has been chemically bonded between two aluminum panels. The name comes from ALUminum Composite BOND. This material can withstand the Florida climate and is self - cleaning. A specially designed gutter system prevents water from cascading off the sphere; rainwater is channeled through the structure and sent to underground drains, where it replenishes the World Showcase Lagoon. The pilings for Spaceship Earth extend far into the ground. It seems to be un der debate at times, but the debated numbers are usually between 110 and 130 feet with a range of 110 to 185 feet. 3D Objects: an investigation on the geometric drawing of 3D objects in space Orthographic projections of 3D objects is essentially related to a net of a complex 3D object. In other words, look at the illustrations; as you can see, you are given the nets of the Front, Side, and Top of a 3D object, and upon adding these together in 3D space, you get the given object. This is not often used in 3D animation, however, in order to be a professional graphics designer, the studying of orthographic projections is exclusively induced. There are many different types of 3-D drawings. One fairly simple way to get started drawing in 3-D is to try an isometric drawing. An isometric drawing of a cube looks like this: ...

How to Write Your First Screenplay

How to Write Your First Screenplay How to Write Your First Screenplay How to Write Your First Screenplay By Ali Hale Have you ever daydreamed about writing for the big screen? I know I have! Writing a screenplay that gets picked up by Hollywood could see your story reach millions of people – whereas even bestselling novels often only sell in the tens of thousands. Writing a screenplay is very different from writing a short story or a novel, though. There are some specific conventions that you need to know about, in terms of the structure of your story itself, and in terms of how you lay it out on the page. I’m not going to attempt to give you an exhaustive guide in a single blog post – but I’ll take you through all the basics, and give you plenty of links to further reading so you can dig deeper on particular areas of screenwriting that interest you. What’s the Difference Between a Screenplay and a Script? Scripts for plays are laid out slightly differently. They’re designed to be performed live, rather than pre-recorded and shown on a screen. They’ll include stage directions (like â€Å"Exit, stage left† – or Shakespeare’s famous, â€Å"Exit, pursued by a bear†). Screenplays are scripts for something that will be filmed and later â€Å"screened† – shown in the cinema or on TV. They’ll often include instructions for specific shots – e.g. â€Å"CLOSE UP†. Assuming that you’re writing for film, they’ll also have specific length requirements. Coming Up With an Idea for a Screenplay Just as with any type of fiction you write, having a strong idea is essential. Your screenplay should be able to be summed up in a â€Å"logline† – a one-sentence summary of the plot. This logline should include: The protagonist (hero) – e.g. A suburban mother of two. Their goal – e.g. must save her husband The antagonist (villain) or antagonistic force – from a deranged and deadly neighbour. As James Burbridge says, in a great post about constructing a logline: If you can’t write a decent logline of your idea  before  embarking on the script, then maybe reconsider writing that thing. If it’s unfocused and muddled at the loglines stage, it’s not going to get any better as you write. If you’re short of ideas, you might look for inspiration from: Art or music – could something you’ve seen or heard spark off your story? Something you wrote in the past – perhaps you didn’t have enough material for a novel but it would make a great screenplay. A classic story – there have been many, many films based on fairy tales (Disney has probably cornered the market in these!) and Shakespeare. Your idea needs to be something that will take about 100 – 120 minutes to play out on screen. A minute on the screen equates to about one page of script so that means that your screenplay should be between 100 and 120 pages (when laid out with proper formatting, which we’ll come onto in a moment). Planning and Structuring Your Screenplay All writing has structure, and if you’ve written so much as a short story, you’ll know how important it is to have a beginning, middle and end. Screenplays have a more detailed structure, though. You might think this is restrictive – but there’s a lot you can do within this structure, and it’ll help you shape your ideas so your story doesn’t drag. The standard screenplay structure looks like this: Act I – roughly the first 25% of your screenplay. (20 – 30 minutes on the screen.) This is often called the â€Å"setup† – it’s where you introduce your characters and their world and get the story started. Act II – the middle 50% of your screenplay. (Up to an hour on the screen.) This is often called the â€Å"confrontation† – it’s where you complicate the story and the tension rises. Act III – the final 25% of your screenplay. (A final 20 – 30 minutes.) This is often called the â€Å"resolution† – it’s where there’s a confrontation between the protagonist and antagonist (or antagonistic force) and – normally – the protagonist prevails. Within these acts, there are particular points that you’re expected to hit at specific stages: The first turning point: this comes towards the end of Act I, and it changes things. It’s where the protagonist discovers something, or does something, that means nothing will ever be the same. This is what really kicks off the story. For instance, in the story a suburban mother of two must save her husband from a deranged and deadly neighbour, the first turning point might be the neighbour threatening or even attacking the husband. The second turning point: this comes towards the end of the second act. It raises the stakes and moves the story into the third act. For instance, this second turning point might have the neighbour kidnapping one of the children: the mother needs to rescue her child and protect her husband. There are plenty of other â€Å"points† that screenwriters are advised to meet, though you’ll probably find there’s some debate about what exactly these are! There’s a good breakdown of the five-point structure here, which you might want to follow. Laying Out Your Screenplay on the Page Screenplays require a very specific format, which is different from scripts written to be performed on stage. (For instance, these scripts will have character names on the left, with a colon after them, and screenplays have character names centred, with no colon.) For your screenplay, you should use the font Courier New, size 12. Why? Because that way, all scripts fit the same number of lines on a page – making it easy to estimate their run-time from the page count. (Courier is a fixed-width font, so each letter takes up the same amount of space.) Here’s how the first few lines of a script might look: Ive annotated it with some notes about the way in which its laid out. The easiest way to make sure you’re formatting your screenplay correctly is to use specialised software: Final Draft is the industry standard, used by the majority of professional screenwriters but it’s pricy ($249.99). Scrivener can be used to format screenplays (as well as novel manuscripts) – it’s not as specialised as Final Draft, but it’s a lot cheaper ($45). Each of these offer a free trial, so you can give them a try before deciding whether or not to purchase them. Writing a screenplay is no small undertaking – and we’ve only covered the basics of what you need to know. If you want to go further with your screenwriting journey, check out some of these great resources: How to Write a Screenplay, WikiHow While I sometimes find WikiHow’s articles low-quality, this is a great in-depth piece that’s been expertly reviewed and carefully put together. If you want a step by step, very beginner-friendly introduction to writing a screenplay, give it a read! How to Write a Screenplay You Can Sell, Stephanie Palmer, Good in a Room This honest, practical article explains what you need to do to write a good screenplay – from choosing one genre to watching the same movie over and over again to get to grips with structure. If you’re serious about screenwriting, give it a read. How to Write a Screenplay: Script Writing Example Screenwriting Tips, Mario O. Moreno and Kay Tuxford, Writers Store This is a detailed, reassuring article about writing a screenplay, with lots of specific details on layout as well as some helpful tips on length and even on binding and presenting your script. How to Write Your Screenplay in 24 Hours – Advice from a Hollywood Screenwriter and Producer, Dr. Kenneth Atchity, TCKPublishing In this post, you’ll find two really useful resource: precise instructions on what should happen by different points in your screenplay (with page numbers, for a 115 page script), and a nifty way to chart the rising and falling intensity of different scenes in your screenplay. 10 Screenplay Structures That Screenwriters Can Use, Ken Miyamoto, Screencraft If you’d like to look at some different ways to tell a story, going beyond the three-act structure, this post is a great place to begin. Throughout the post, there are examples of each type of structure, with tips on what types of story each one will work best for. Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Fiction Writing category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:7 Classes and Types of Phrases15 Types of DocumentsDouble Possessive

A 2000 word review of Mark Deuzes Media Work and 2000 word self Essay

A 2000 word review of Mark Deuzes Media Work and 2000 word self evaluation - Essay Example His remarks here refer to conditions and setting of liquid life. Among the conditions Deuze is referring to include the challenge and opportunities of precarious labour, contingent employment, and a structural sense of authentic or perceived job insecurity. The first liquid life condition that Deuze refers to is the challenges and opportunities that are resultant of the current contingent or reliant employment environment. This situation, as noted by Ulrich Beck, reflects the fundamental hesitant prospects of the current work-styles throughout the society which are marked by uncertainty, inconsistency and risks (Deuze, 2006). Deuze notes that it is the nature of contemporary freedom that manifests itself most openly in the noteworthy change of people’s career from a chain of more or less expected achievements. Such is a result of an enduring contract to a continuous reshuffling of job bits and pieces in what has been heralded as portfolio work life (Deuze, 2006). Such reshuffle makes life liquid in nature. Another condition of liquid life that referred by Deuze is that precarious labour environment in the contemporary transition from life to work and the overall present employment patterns. Using Zygmunt Bauman’s sketch, Deuze notes that stability and solidity, which were at one-time major hallmarks of a health organisation have also become signs of organisation’s weakness. This is a liquid life because such global integration introduces a deep-seated aspect of unpredictability of work, leading to failure or success of the local production process becoming entirely dependent on the fluctuations in the worldwide network. Consequently, Deuzes’s reference to liquid life is relevant to the perceived job insecurity as it reflects the contemporary workforce behaviours. He notes that such patterns include adaptive response, permanent change, and continual innovation, all expressed as the exclusive philosophies of workforce flexibility.

Cigar Smoking Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Cigar Smoking - Essay Example The first factory cigar in United States was established in 1810 in Connecticut. As the use of cigars gained popularity its manufacturing spread to other parts of the country. By the 1880s and the 1900s, cigars counted for the main form of the tobacco use, of which most of which was grown and distributed locally. By the beginning of the 19th century, of the tobacco used by adults, the amount used in form of cigars was approximately two to seven and a half pound per adult in U.S. (USDA 1997, Burns et al 1997). However during the World War I as the use of cigarettes gained popularity the use of tobacco form cigars declined. The tobacco used in cigars is substantially forming the one used in the manufacture of cigarettes. The form of tobacco used in the cigar filler, wrappers and binder is actually air-cured rather than flue-cured the one used in the cigarettes. Moreover the cigar tobacco is then aged and introduced to a several step fermentation process which allows it to be useable fo r a long period and also determines the aroma and flavor aspects of a particular type of a cigar. The cigars marketed in the use that are considered to be smaller ones usually have straighter bodies, weighing between 1.3 to 2.5 grams, whereas larger ones are usually of lengths 110 to 115 millimeters longer and of the diameter of about 17 millimeters and usually filled with 5 to 17 grams if cigars. On the other hand most brands of the cigarettes contain about one gram of tobacco and usually are of 85mm in length. (Burns, p. 1-20) I believe cigar smoking is bad for following three reasons: 1. Risk of Diseases The form of smoke that comes from both the cigarettes and cigars is the outcome of the incomplete combustion of tobacco, thus it can surely be said the smoke of cigar has the similar hazardous affects as to that of cigarettes, thus it also comprises of the carcinogenic constituents and toxic gases. As just discussed that per piece cigar contains a larger amount of tobacco than the cigarette therefore it takes more time to smoke a whole cigar thus creating more smoke. Moreover, the carbon monoxide burned per unit is more due to the lower porosity of the cigar wrappers. And as the content of cigars is concentrated in nitrate therefore it leads to larger concentrations of ammonia, nitrogen oxides and carcinogenic N-nitrosamines. The tar of the cigar smoke, when introduced to the animals, proved to be more carcinogenic than that of the cigarettes. In additions there is very little evidence from the premium manufacturers of cigars that suggest that cigars lead to less hazardous than cigarettes. It is however clear that if not more cigar smoke is as equally carcinogenic and toxic to that of the cigarettes and the disease risks are highly subjective depending upon the trend of its use and differences in inhalation of smoke and retention and deposition of cigar and cigarette smoke in comparison to differences in frequency of use and composition of smoke. (Davies and Day, p. 363-8) In the cases when the cigar smokers who haven't ever used any other tobacco products are compared to he the individual who haven't used any form of product, by

Longitudinal Strategic Development Study Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3500 words

Longitudinal Strategic Development Study - Essay Example The past twenty-five years may be described as growing years. From its creation in 1971 up 2006 before the big fall of its share price, the company was observed adopting growing and expansion strategies as a logical explanation of its continued stock price. See Appendix A. The dramatic ascension of Starbucks from a single coffee store in Seattle’s Pike Place market to a Fortune 500 company in 2009 could now be considered an American business legend that would show a different kind of entrepreneurial skill from the founders and managers. A critical development that contributed to its expansion strategies involved the hiring of Howard Schultz as Director of Retail Operations and Marketing. Mr. Schultz who operated a coffee bar chain eventually bought the company from the original owners led by Baldwin. After rebranding his coffee chain into Starbucks, he eventually became the Chairman and CEO of the company and continues to occupy the position even at present. Mr. Schultz was th en living in New York as he managed the U.S. operations of a Swedish kitchenware company. It was his being fascinated about ordering large quantities of an unusual kind of coffee filter by a small Seattle company, Starbucks coffee, that caused the man to visit the store in 1981. Starbucks owners-mangers named Gerald Baldwin and Gordon Bowker, who had been running the company for a decade had hired Schultz who was earlier fascinated by â€Å"the vision of a national chain of coffee stores†.  

Management decisions & control Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Management decisions & control - Essay Example In this line, performance will mean how efficient the school is in using the provided resources, both human and material to produce results that are to be considered closely related to the expected results. The close relationship will result to high performance of the school. In such an environment, the performance will be measured by how well the students are trained to become business professionals and how well they are prepared to face the business environment outside school. Additionally, the use of the available resources and the individual performance of each of the players that makeup the schools determines its performance (Lin & Lee 2011, pp 85-96). Performance of the business school can be brought about by a combination of several factors. It is first important to note that not a single player in the business school is capable of making impressive performance alone. There should be cooperation and collaboration in performance for the overall results to be considered a success. This, therefore, implies that one of the causes of performance in business school is cooperation. According to Berkeley (2007), Cooperation must be present between the administration and the students as well among the managers and the students separately. When there is effective teamwork, each performs at his or her capacity in the institution leading to achievement of a common goal (Berkeley 2007, p 384). Similarly, all operations in the school must be geared towards a common goal that should be emphasized for all to understand. When everyone understands his or her roles and the common goal performance is enhanced. Monitoring and evaluation with a perspective ready to effect change is also necessary to cause performance enhancement. There are various other drivers to performance besides cooperation. First, the business school and all the players in it must be committed towards the achievement of the common goals. Lack of commitment leads to failure in some pillars that

How does Hobbes believe that a science of politics is possible Essay

How does Hobbes believe that a science of politics is possible - Essay Example The same would apply in ensuring maintenance of peace and avoiding civil conflict. Hobbes’ science of politics carries scientific proofs leading to such a conclusion. It is not possible to exaggerate the philosophical importance of Hobbes because of the geometric proof entailed in his political argument. Francis Bacon appears to influence the process followed by Thomas Hobbes in formulating his science of politics. The geometric methodology is pronounced in the political philosophy compared to how he treats the laws of nature. Following the provision of quick definitions and conclusions that come in a series, an unfathomable logical consistency emerges relating to prudential results. The author defines the laws of nature as realistic precepts guiding people to the state of peace. To begin with, each person needs to seek peace with other people in the world. The only exemption is when the others do not have an interest in peace. However, the peace seeker should invoke helps of war. According to Hobbes, the first law of nature of seeking peace has two subdivisions. The first category supports a state of peace by making it mandatory for people to fulfil the desire for self-preservation. On the other hand, the law appreciates the fact that coexisting peacefully calls for reciprocity. Chances of establishing peace become slim if only one party takes the responsibility. This aspect led t the formulation of the second part of the first law. The aim was to have an all-round law accommodating possible situations. Te second part asks the peace seeker to use violent means to survive if others do not want to cooperate. Already, people retain personal rights to determine what can help them survive. Continued existence of the right is the main source of war and other forms of conflict (Sorell 53). Therefore, attainment of peace requires people to

Management decisions & control Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Management decisions & control - Essay Example In this line, performance will mean how efficient the school is in using the provided resources, both human and material to produce results that are to be considered closely related to the expected results. The close relationship will result to high performance of the school. In such an environment, the performance will be measured by how well the students are trained to become business professionals and how well they are prepared to face the business environment outside school. Additionally, the use of the available resources and the individual performance of each of the players that makeup the schools determines its performance (Lin & Lee 2011, pp 85-96). Performance of the business school can be brought about by a combination of several factors. It is first important to note that not a single player in the business school is capable of making impressive performance alone. There should be cooperation and collaboration in performance for the overall results to be considered a success. This, therefore, implies that one of the causes of performance in business school is cooperation. According to Berkeley (2007), Cooperation must be present between the administration and the students as well among the managers and the students separately. When there is effective teamwork, each performs at his or her capacity in the institution leading to achievement of a common goal (Berkeley 2007, p 384). Similarly, all operations in the school must be geared towards a common goal that should be emphasized for all to understand. When everyone understands his or her roles and the common goal performance is enhanced. Monitoring and evaluation with a perspective ready to effect change is also necessary to cause performance enhancement. There are various other drivers to performance besides cooperation. First, the business school and all the players in it must be committed towards the achievement of the common goals. Lack of commitment leads to failure in some pillars that

Classs Design-Project Presentations Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

Classs Design-Project Presentations - Essay Example I personally had to conduct deep research pertaining to my model before I could decide which particular areas I would focus on my presentation. The assignment took much longer to study and develop the concepts than recapitulate them in the final presentation, Such extensive research sufficiently educated the students in their respective subjects. Having gone through all of the presentations, I have reached the conclusion that the nature of modern designs emphasizes upon usability without having to compromise upon style. Be it a washing machine, hanger, or a vending machine, one thing that is common in all of them is style and user-friendliness. It is good to find out that we are going to have some extremely stylish and user-friendly furniture in near future. I particularly liked the concept because the subject of the assignment was quite off the track on which conventional assignments are made. Even the making of the presentation was no less interesting. This was one assignment that I enjoyed making because 75 percent of the work was done in powerpoint and only 25 percent was done in MS word. I enjoyed developing pictures and explaining the concepts with respect to them. As they say that one picture is worth one thousand words. I found the concept of teaching the subject through powerpoint slides extremely useful as powerpoint allows the lecturer to make frequent use of pictures to elaborate complex concepts. More often than not, I found a momentary look at the pictures sufficient to convey to me the whole idea that the words would deliver.

Leadership Process Essay Example for Free

Leadership Process Essay First Section Leadership is a process by which one person influences the thoughts, attitudes, and behaviors of others. Leaders set a direction for the rest of us; they help us see what lies ahead; they help us visualize what we might achieve; they encourage us and inspire us. Level 5 leadership refers to the highest level in a hierarchy of executive capabilities that we identified during our research. Leaders at the other four levels in the hierarchy can produce high degrees of success but not enough to elevate companies from mediocrity to sustained excellence. And while Level 5 leadership is not the only requirement for transforming a good company into a great one—other factors include getting the right people on the bus (and the wrong people off the bus) and creating a culture of discipline—our research shows it to be essential. Good-to-great transformations don’t happen without Level 5 leaders at the helm. They just don’t. (Traylor, 2001) The Level 5 leader sits on top of a hierarchy of capabilities and is, according to our research, a necessary requirement for transforming an organization from good to great. But what lies beneath? Four other layers, each one appropriate in its own right but none with the power of Level 5. Individuals do not need to proceed sequentially through each level of the hierarchy to reach the top, but to be a full-fledged Level 5 requires the capabilities of all the lower levels, plus the special characteristics of Level 5. (HBR, 2001) It differs from other leadership styles as the leaders come from the grass root of the organization. Meaning, it is the leader who has grown and developed from the ground level of the organization and has gradually escalated towards the top most level. This allows an employee to go through all phases and nurture to the top level of the organization i.e. CEO level. A few years ago in Strategy Leadership, Michael Raynor debunked the premises on which the shareholder-first model rests, and a few months ago Michael Porter criticized the current belief that looking beyond the business is bad for business. In the January/February Harvard Business Review he argues that companies should be considering other stakeholders, and so generates economic value by creating societal value. These respected thinkers offer another answer to the question about the purpose of a business: the firm should see itself as an interdependent part of a community that consists of multiple stakeholders whose interests are integral to business success. In this view, an enterprise can be seen as a system of long-term cooperative relationships between affected parties. (Collins, 2001) These include the firm’s managers and employees, customers and clients, investors, suppliers, the towns, states and nations where the firm is located or sells goods and services and even future generations of stakeholders. In such a system, stakeholder influence generates pressure for the organization to behave in ethical and environmentally and socially responsible ways, and in turn, this interdependency helps the firm be sustainable and resilient. This alternative approach to leadership is variously referred to as ‘‘sustainable,’’ ‘‘Rhineland’’ or ‘‘honeybee’’ leadership. By sustainable we don’t just mean a firm is being green and socially responsible. Research and observations in over 50 firms around the world, including in many listed corporations, suggest that sustainable leadership requires taking a long-term perspective in making decisions; fostering systemic innovation aimed at increasing customer value; developing a skilled, loyal and highly engaged workforce; and offering quality products, services and solutions. (Caroselli, 2003) Second Section In 2005, Lee Scott, ex-CEO and President of Wal-Mart Stores and now Chairman of its Executive Committee, announced that the company would essentially adopt sustainable leadership principles going forward, although he did not use that term. Financial performance was solid, but the company was the target of many complainants – employees, local communities, suppliers, and environmentalists. Scott decreed that Wal-Mart, one of largest Fortune 500 corporations, would become more ethical, and more socially and environmentally responsible. The company would use its political might to benefit ordinary Americans in healthcare and energy savings, and make people’s lives better. Scott even advocated paying more for products from ethical suppliers – an extraordinary reversal by an enterprise built around a low-cost strategy. In the years since, Wal-Mart has experimented with environmentally-friendly stores and other socially-responsible measures. Interestingly, its bottom line has not suffered during this process, posting net sales increases for the past five years, according to Wal-Mart’s 2009 annual report. In recent months, in a move to improve the healthiness of its products, the firm announced plans to reduce the fat and salt in its house brand groceries and cut prices on fresh produce. (Shaw, 2005) A considerable body of evidence shows that sustainable practices are more likely to enhance business performance than the shareholder-first approach. First, various writers have examined and compared the Anglo/US system with its Rhineland counterpart, concluding that Rhineland principles are more sustainable and lead to better outcomes than the shareholder-first approach. Second, Avery and Bergsteiner have gathered extensive evidence for each of the individual practices in their pyramid model, showing how they are more likely to contribute to positive business outcomes than their counterparts under the shareholder-first model. For example, a major difference between shareholder-first and sustainable practices lies in whether they retain people or lay them off when times get difficult. Staff retention is regarded as a foundation element in the pyramid because conditions aimed at keeping staff can be initiated at any time. However, retaining staff supports various higher order outcomes in the pyramid; it allows knowledge to be retained, and supports quality, trust, and innovation, for example, and enhances financial performance, as well as staff and customer satisfaction. Similar cases can be made for the other 22 elements. (Cooke, 2008) What senior executive would reject these as legitimate goals for an enterprise seeking to both thrive and endure? To some cynics, sustainable leadership – a management approach aimed at delivering better and more sustainable returns, reducing unwanted employee turnover and accelerating innovation – sounds too good to be true. They dismiss it as just another form of humanistic management, merely good management practices, or as following old-fashioned values. There is some truth in each of these characterizations. Certainly, sustainable leadership embraces aspects of humanistic management in that it includes valuing people and considering the firm as a contributor to social well being. The individual practices of sustainable leadership are not new: B Warren Bennis advocated recruiting, training, and employing an effective top leadership team rather than just relying on the heroic CEO. He also proposed that firms become financially transparent as a step to becoming more ethical. B Peter Drucker wanted managers to promote change and allow innovations to come from all over the organization, thereby enabling ordinary people to make extraordinary things happen. B Stephen Covey urged using the knowledge and engagement of a firm’s employees. What is new is the understanding that these practices form a self-reinforcing leadership system that enhances the performance of a business and its prospects for survival. What is also significant is that sustainable leadership practices are diametrically opposed to the typical shareholder-first approach, which business schools, management journals, the media, and many practitioners continue to promote. (Branson, 2010) Sustainable leadership in practice Sustainably-led organizations have been identified across different sectors, countries, institutional contexts, and markets. Examples of successful enterprises that consistently embrace sustainable leadership principles abound, particularly among privately-held firms and SMEs. Unlisted companies displaying virtually all of the 23 characteristics of a sustainable enterprise include: in the USA, WL Gore Associates (Goretexw and other products) and SAS (software); in Germany, Giesecke Devrient (bank notes and securities) and Ka ¨rcher (cleaning solutions); and in Switzerland, Endress Hauser (flow technologies) and Migros (retail conglomerate). However, it is likely to be more difficult for listed corporations or private equity groups to operate on sustainable principles because of the pressures on them to achieve short-term performance goals. Yet numerous listed enterprises manage to operate sustainably, if necessary by standing up to or managing their relationships with the financial markets. Well-known examples include Germany’s Munich Re from the finance industry; Colgate (consumer goods) based in the USA; Britain’s BT Group (telecommunications); the Thai construction corporation, Siam Cement Group, and its competitor from Switzerland, Holcim. (Streshly Gray, 2010) Third Section There are many obstacles in changing to sustainable leadership. First, sticking with conventional wisdom is comfortable and easy – it’s business as usual. Second, change is disruptive and initially creates both financial and intangible costs, although as the Wal-Mart case shows these may not slow growth and profits. Third, most people disregard hard evidence and make their decisions on the basis of ideological beliefs. Managers are no exception to this human foible despite their training and experience in decision making. Fourth, major change involves risks, bringing with it the chance of a drop in short-term performance, so stakeholders need to be prepared to focus on the long term. Finally, radical change can take a long time to embed and then maintain. A major Australian bank converted from a shareholder-first strategy to a sustainable leadership model. The change took a decade to take hold, with outstanding results, but unraveled in only a few years to under a new CEO with a different agenda. The choice to adopt a more sustainable strategy, one that research and practice show leads to higher resilience and performance over the long term, remains in the hands of each executive team. Unfortunately, executives remunerated on a short-term basis may have no incentive for seriously pursuing long-term change, to the detriment of shareholders and other stakeholders. This is where the fundamental short-term focus of the shareholder-first or business-as-usual model begins to destroy shareholder value and endanger a firm’s very survival. (Brown, 2005) References Branson, D. M. (2010). The last male bastion: gender and the CEO suite in Americas public companies. Taylor Francis. Brown, M. T. (2005). Corporate integrity: rethinking organizational ethics, and leadership. Cambridge University Press. Caroselli, M. (2003). The business ethics activity book: 50 exercises for promoting integrity at work. AMACOM Div American Mgmt Assn. Collins, J. C. ( 2001). Good to great: why some companies make the leapand others dont. Harper Business. Cooke, P. (2008). Branding Faith: Why Some Churches and Non-Profits Make a Difference and Others Dont. Gospel Light. Shaw, K. A. (2005). The intentional leader. Syracuse University Press. Streshly, W. A., Gray, S. P. (2010). Leading Good Schools to Greatness: Mastering What Great Principals Do Well. Corwin Press. Traylor, P. S. (2001). IT Takes Two. CIO Magazine , Vol.15, No.4, November 15

Is Scientology Dangerous?

Is Scientology Dangerous? A religion regarded as unorthodox or spurious. Scientology was made up by L. Ron Hubbard, a man who wanted to create a practical religion for all races, color, and gender. He believed this as a route to previously unimagined spiritual heights (scientology.org). Scientologists believe highly in reincarnation and that their spirits are immortal and flow through to every new person when they die. L. Ron Hubbard is a man who created this cult to liberate the human soul or thetan; a word derived from the Greek letter theta. Hubbard is a god to the people who believe in him. People who are in Scientology are more brain washed than the celebrities in Hollywood. The only difference is that the people in Scientology are the people in Hollywood. Scientology is a cult based on one mans crude version of reality. Scientology is classified as a cult in most peoples minds because of their strict rules and unorthodox ways of going about things. It is considered a cult because people are treated badly and are harassed if they dont agree with a rule. There are cases of very unorthodox forms of repenting in the Church of Scientology. People have stated that when they were under the belief of Scientology they were told that everything bad that has happened to them is all their fault and they have to make up for it by spreading awareness of Scientology so they can help others atone for everything. The journalist Joel Sappell reported that in his 5 year study of the Church of Scientology, The tip of the spear, that his dog appeared to be having seizure from which the vet couldnt determine the cause of. This comes after he had previously reported on a Scientology related civil trial. Soon after it died, Sappell received a call from Supreme Court judge Ronald Swearinger(Sappell) who called claiming to h ave. Even though Sappell had never previously spoken to this man they both had something in common. Swearingers dog has been drowned, which made him very concerned since his beloved collie would never go near the water on his own(Sappell). Sappell states that people had warned him to keep an eye on pets(Sappell) while he and a colleague, only named in the article as Bob, left town to keep their heads low while theyre investigating the church. Maybe it was coincidence many highly suspect the church targets peoples pets since so many people have reported that their animals suddenly die or disappear when they speak openly about the misgivings of the church. The current leader of Scientology is David Miscavige who is also in command of the Sea Org or The Sea Organization which is a odd mixture of military and corporate managementwith staff members living in army-like conditions (exscientologykids.com). They have such unorthodox ways of going about their religion that they restrict peopl e from having children while working for Sea Org. If you get pregnant you are either pressured to abort the baby or you must leave.(exscientologykids.com) Cover ups and pay offs may be the reason they are never caught for their bad deeds. Scientology really challenges the meaning of church and it should never be called one and only be considered a cult. In May of 2010, another case was opened about child sex abuse allegations. Of the people putting out these accusations was the daughter of the president of the church in Australia (New Zealand Herald, pg.19). This goes to show that even the people of the highest standings have come forward and spoke against the church. Many reported claims of forced abortions, imprisonment,(New Zealand Herald, pg.19) and disconnection. The strict policies of Scientology and the impact on the people who follow this belief system are in some ways both corrupted by the thoughts of Hubbard. In an interview from April 2016, the parents of two followers of the Church of Scientology, Phil and Willie Jones, begged for their children to come forward and speak to them again. Claiming that the last time they spoke to Michael, the son who they claim was stolen from them by Scientology after the church deemed them as suppressive people, was two years ago.(Gadi Schwartz) After being blocked twice from putting up a billboard to get their childrens attention in Hollywood they finally found a site where they could unveil their sign. Other parents who were excommunicated from the church or were forcefully disconnected from their families came to support the Jones family. A lot of cases against Scientology have to do with freedom of speech. Written in the Constitution, freedom of speech has given the people of the United States the f reedom to speak freely. Scientology has found a way to squash and subdue the first amendment. Hubbard created his own version called Fair Game. This policy forces all believers to ignore moral and ethical tenets (Jose Liy). Hubbard let his followers harass people until it became bigger than it seemed. Thus forcing him to claim that followers harassing and breaking laws were misguided and misunderstood(Jose Liy). If everyone who harassed people for not believing in the same things as them were just brushed off as misguided and misunderstood then there would be no such thing as religious fanatics. They go as far as pulling South Park, a Comedy Central show, off the air because it poked fun at Scientology. Tons of religions are made fun of or joked about on different TV shows and/or movies, but since Scientology is a bigger deal in Hollywood they could not take the chances of looking silly in front of their peers. Yet other actual religions are more made fun of than Scientology wants t o maintain their scary appearance and keep people second guessing them. Disconnection is a very common thing in Scientology. When you are labeled as suppressive you are not allowed to speak too your family. From an article in which the people affected by disconnection told their story and still remained scientology loyal. In this article the names were changed to keep the people safe. Mary was raised in Scientology(leavingscientology.wordpress.com) by her dad Sam who is a dedicated Scientologist(leavingscientology.wordpress.com) and joined Sea Org along with her brother. One day Sam found out Mary was labeled as a suppressive person because she messed up a operation at Sea Org. Sam worried about her being disconnected and knew he had to disconnect from her since it is a policy. Even though Scientology insist that Disconnection does not exist (exscientologykids.com/disconnection) yet it seems to pop up more often. Since Sam cannot speak to Mary until she gets her good standing back he branches off and commits the crime of contacting Ex-Scientologists. Whe n Mary started to consider a lawsuit, the church offered her a deal if Mary would shut up about the abuses, and agree not to be part of any lawsuit, then her SP declare would be lifted (leavingscientology.wordpress.com). Fearing for his daughters safety Sam researched some ex-scientologists who were not named and learned their stories. Mary did not want to be disconnected and they told her that dads betrayal will be forgiven as well as hers. Mary signed. She gave in and let them take her back out of fear and possible loneliness. There are different arguments for disconnection. Some are pro, some are con. From the families of disconnection the arguments are con, yet for Scientologist it is considered likewise to excommunication. Even though excommunicated people are not permitted to take any of the sacraments or receive blessings, their families and friends are not pressured to abandon them (exscientologykids.com). Scientology may deny disconnection, but it is one of the worst kind o f excommunication since it does not only focus on disconnecting the person considered a suppressive person; it pushes the family to go as far as never speaking to the person again or disowning them. Not claiming a son as their own or thinking of a father as someone who helped in the process of your creation. In conclusion, Scientology may not be the average sacrificial virgin cult, but it is in fact a dangerous cult. Modern society needs to be more aware of Scientologys rule over people. Since the media down plays Scientology as something to poke fun at no one really questions Scientologists. If asked many people would probably not even know what Scientology is. Instead of answers you will receive questions likewise to is that science? or is that something to do with biology? Younger people are more unaware of Scientology than some may think. Unless they follow people like Leah Remini or watch shows like South Park and learn how Scientology messes with people in real life. Some things that will make people actually think, what really is Scientology? Once society realizes the dangers of Scientology then the numbers of Scientologists possibly will fall and people will feel safer because they will not be a radical threat anymore. Scientology is a cult and a lot of innocent people are unawar e of what they are walking into. Works Cited Abuse? In My Church? Leaving Scientology, WordPress , 10 Apr. 2011, leavingscientology.wordpress.com/2009/07/15/abuse-in-my-church/. Accessed 21 Feb. 2017. COLUMN: Church of Scientology Infringes upon Right of Free Speech. U-Wire, 2006. Educators Reference Complete, go.galegroup.com/ps/i.do?p=GPSsw=wu=j020902v=2.1it=rid=GALE|A148688058asid=9d53a7cdb20653018d927a5954846b7e. Accessed 2017. Disconnection as Spiritual Blackmail. Leaving Scientology, WordPress, 10 Apr. 2011, leavingscientology.wordpress.com/2009/07/16/disconnection-as-spiritual-blackmail/. Accessed 21 Feb. 2017. Disconnection. ExScientology Kids, SkyHawk Studios, exscientologykids.com/disconnection/. Accessed 21 Feb. 2017. L. Ron Hubbard, Scientology Founder Biography Quotes. Scientology, Church of Scientology International, www.scientology.org/l-ron-hubbard/?video-play=lrh_bio. Accessed 21 Feb. 2017. Ross, Rick. What Makes a Cult? | Rick Ross. Cif Belief, Guardian News and Media, 27 May 2009, www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/belief/2009/may/27/cults-definition-religion. Accessed 21 Feb. 2017. Sappell, Joel. The Tip of the Spear. Los Angeles Magazine, 2013, p. 88. General OneFile, go.galegroup.com/ps/i.do?p=GPSsw=wu=j020902v=2.1it=rid=GALE|A314716972asid=ed39321a51f5fc8ae69e80246fe380a2. Accessed 2017. Sea Org. ExScientology Kids, SkyHawk Studios, exscientologykids.com/sea-org-2/. Accessed 21 Feb. 2017. This Family Has Tried Nearly Everything Just to Reach Their Son and Daughter in the Church of Scientology. Today, July 2016. General OneFile, go.galegroup.com/ps/i.do?p=GPSsw=wu=j020902v=2.1it=rid=GALE|A448889575asid=a7b812f9b7a31c5d0b16388a69d2e982. Accessed 2017.

Dr Jekyll and Mr. Hyde :: English Literature

Dr Jekyll and Mr. Hyde I have been reading the book Dr Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. The book was written by Robert Louis Stevens on during in the 19th century. This book was written during a time where Victorian society had a lot of strong moral values. These codes were very strict and controlled every aspect of the Victorian lifestyle. People in these times believed to settle things verbally rather than aggression so fighting was looked down upon. People looked upon this kind of behavior as a sin and of course they looked down upon sins as well. The upper class Victorian society believed that everyone kept to this moral code that they had. People in this time believed that people with very high status were very moral and did not cause any sins. However, this book was also written during a time where there was a lot of hypocrisy around and people. The underbelly of this society showed what Victorian society was really like. Though it's polite and well-groomed exterior, we find people committing sins and going against the moral codes. These sins were however well hidden from the society and although they acknowledged some of the 'evil' that was happening, they still just shrugged it off saying that only the people committing 'evil' were the 'sick individuals'. The 'sick individuals' also seemed to belong to the lower class society. Victorian people were very physiognomous as they judged people by their physicality and the word 'sick' seemed to describe the lower class society very well according to Victorian times. We know now that it wasn't just the lower class individuals committing sins, but they weren't individuals either. Robert Luis Stevenson explorers this very well and shows that the upper class can be evil too. Stevenson used 'Hyde very well to hide Dr Jekyll's evil side well. Even the name is ironic. The upper class society had seemed to 'Hyde' all this very well. They kept their upper society life 'clean' but they had another side that committed sins. That is what 'Dr Jekyll and Mr. Hyde' is all about. The author (Stevenson) had based this book on people in this era. He believed in the duality of man, which meant that every person had two sides to their personality. He believed that one side of a person would be nice and colorful whereas the other would be rude and dark. Stevenson who was brought up in upper class society, was fascinated with lower class society. With this, he seemed to become angry at what Victorian society was like and this is echoed in Jekyll. The book 'Frankenstein' heavily influenced Stevenson heavily as the

Succubus Shadows Chapter 11

I was in Seattle. Modern-day Seattle, thankfully. I wanted to be nowhere near the fourth century, even though I dreaded what awful vision the Oneroi would show me now. Not only was I in Seattle, I was with Roman. He had just parked on Cherry Street and was striding toward the heart of Pioneer Square, which was buzzing today with tourists and others enjoying the clear autumn night. This time, I wasn't in the dream. I was an observer only, following along with him like a ghost or maybe a documentary camera. I wanted to talk to him, to communicate in some way, but I had no mouth with which to speak. I had no form whatsoever, only my consciousness watching this vision. His pace was brisk, and he pushed through the meandering crowd with no concern for the dirty looks and occasional comment. He was focused on his destination, one I recognized immediately: the Cellar. Our favorite immortal hangout was crowded with mortals tonight. Yet, for whatever reason, no matter how busy the bar was, Jerome always managed to get the same corner table in the back. He sat there now with Carter but didn't wear the usual unconcerned look we often found him with while drinking. The demon's face was filled with agitation, and he and Carter were arguing about something. Roman's signature was masked, so neither angel nor demon noticed his approach. Jerome shot him a glare, no doubt thinking some human was bothering them. Jerome's expression promptly changed when he saw who it was, and he opened his mouth to say something. He didn't get the chance because Roman spoke first. â€Å"Where is she?† demanded Roman. He sat in a chair and jerked it toward Jerome so that father and son could look eye to eye. â€Å"Where the fuck is Georgina?† The music and conversation covered most of his shouting, but a few nearby patrons gave him startled looks. Roman was oblivious. His attention was all on Jerome. Anger crackled around the nephilim like an aura itself. Jerome had been clearly distressed about something when Roman had entered, but now, in the presence of an underling, the demon put on the cold, haughty expression that was so typical for him. â€Å"Funny,† said Jerome. â€Å"I was going to ask you the same thing.† Roman glowered. â€Å"How the hell would I know? She vanished right before my eyes! You're the one that's supposed to have some sort of divine connection to her.† Jerome's face didn't twitch, but his words were like a gut punch to both me and Roman. â€Å"I can't feel her anymore. She's disappeared for me too.† I might have had no physical form, but cold fear ran through me nonetheless. An archdemon was connected to his subordinates. He always knew where they were and could tell if they were in pain. When Jerome had been summoned, that connection had shattered, cutting us off from our hellish â€Å"gifts.† Now, the opposite had happened. I had been summoned, so to speak, and torn from Jerome. The Oneroi's words came back to me: He won't find you. He can't find you. You no longer exist for him. â€Å"That's impossible,† growled Roman. â€Å"Unless†¦Ã¢â‚¬  A troubled look came over him. â€Å"Someone's hiding her signature?† It would be terribly ironic if the scheme he'd once planned came to be through someone else. Jerome shook his head and gestured to a waiter for another round. â€Å"I wouldn't be able to find her if that happened, but the connection would be there. I'd know she still existed.† You no longer exist for him. â€Å"Is she†¦is she dead?† Some of Roman's initial fury had dimmed a little. It wasn't an unreasonable question, really. I kind of felt dead. â€Å"No. Her soul would have shown up in Hell.† Jerome took a sip of his new drink and narrowed his eyes at Roman. â€Å"But it's not your job to ask questions. What do you know? You said she disappeared. Literally?† Roman's face was downright bleak now. He glanced between Jerome and a grim, thus far silent, Carter. â€Å"Yes. Literally. She's been having these†¦I don't know how to explain it. She couldn't even explain it.† â€Å"I was there,† Jerome reminded him. â€Å"She told me. The music. The colors.† The sneer in his voice made it clear that he regarded those types of things as nuisances. â€Å"It was like this weird force pulling her, enchanting her. It wanted her to come to it.† Roman was repeating known info, possibly to make Jerome take it more seriously. â€Å"She called it a siren song and kept sleepwalking, trying to get to it. And then†¦and then tonight, she went to it.† â€Å"Did you see it?† asked Carter. It was odd to see him so serious and†¦well, confused. The former emotion I'd seen only a handful of times. The latter I'd never seen on him. â€Å"I saw her disappear. Like, vanish into thin air. But I didn't see it exactly. I felt it. I could sense whenever it was around.† â€Å"What did it feel like?† asked Jerome. Roman shrugged. â€Å"I don't know. Just†¦a force. A power. Not an entity exactly. And not something I could identify. Not a greater immortal or anything.† â€Å"That,† declared Jerome, â€Å"is absolutely useless information.† Roman's anger returned. â€Å"It's all I've got! If you'd listened to her more, this wouldn't have happened. You let this happen. You didn't take it seriously, and now she's gone!† Yelling at Jerome. Not a good thing. â€Å"Be careful, lest I revoke your invitation,† hissed the demon, eyes boring into his son. â€Å"And I did listen. I set you to protect her. You, apparently, are the one who ‘let' this happen.† Roman flushed. â€Å"I was in the other room when that thing showed up again. I hurried in as fast as I could, but it was too late. Georgina'd already given herself up, and honestly†¦I'm not sure I could have stopped it anyway.† It was a big concession for Roman. Nephilim could inherit anywhere from none to all of their immortal parent's power. Roman was very close to having as much strength as Jerome but still lagged behind just a little. Additionally, the types of power wielded by greater and lesser immortals differed. As a type of hybrid, Roman might not have been able to fight what Jerome could have. Jerome didn't push that point further. â€Å"So, we still know nothing.† â€Å"We know that whatever did this isn't one of ours,† said Carter quietly, speaking at last. â€Å"Yes,† snapped Jerome. â€Å"Which only leaves a billion other things it could be. Unless†¦Ã¢â‚¬  He glanced over at one of the chairs at their table. One moment it was empty. The next, Simone sat there. Carter didn't seem surprised, but Roman and I certainly were. And she was especially surprised, as shown by her squeal of fear and befuddled expression. Being teleported by a greater immortal was not a pleasant experience. She was blond today, dressed in a plain blouse and pair of jeans. It was a sign of her agitation that she didn't widen her neckline when she saw Carter. â€Å"What – what's going on?† she stammered. â€Å"What'd you do to Georgina?† asked Jerome. Her eyes went wide. He might still wear the guise of John Cusack, but as he stared her down, it was easy to see that he truly was a demon of Hell. â€Å"Nothing!† cried Simone. She cowered back into her chair. â€Å"I don't know what you're talking about!† Jerome was up and out of his chair so fast, he might have teleported himself. He jerked Simone up as well and shoved her against a nearby wall, hand on her throat. I'd been in a similar position with him before and felt pity for the other succubus. No one else in the bar noticed, so Jerome was either glamoring them or making him and Simone invisible. â€Å"Do not lie to me!† he exclaimed. â€Å"What have you done? Who did you get to do this?† I could see his line of reasoning now. What Roman had sensed might not be demon or angel, but it wasn't impossible that someone from our side could have worked with an unknown entity. It wouldn't be the first time. Roman had caught on as well and leapt up to stand beside his father. â€Å"I swear, if you've hurt her even a little, I will rip you apart!† Simone's fear was put on pause as she gave Roman a puzzled look. With his signature hidden, he only came across as a human to her. As far as she was probably concerned, he had no involvement in any of this – and no ability to back up his threat. Little did she know. She turned back to Jerome, cringing when she saw his face once more. â€Å"Nothing,† she said, her voice hard to understand with Jerome choking off her air. â€Å"I didn't do anything to her, I swear it!† â€Å"You were trying to get Seth into bed,† said Roman. â€Å"That's all! I didn't do anything to her. Anything.† Simone's face turned pleading as she spoke to Jerome. â€Å"You have to know why I'm here. It's not to harm her.† Jerome's face was still filled with terrible fury, but there was also a flicker of consideration in his eyes. He said nothing, and it was Carter's voice that filled the tense silence. â€Å"She's telling the truth,† he said. Jerome didn't break his hold on Simone, but that calculating look was still in his gaze. â€Å"Do you know anything about her disappearing? Anything at all?† â€Å"No! No!† Jerome glanced back at Carter, who gave a swift nod. With a disappointed sigh, Jerome released her and stepped back. Roman looked doubtful, but he too had to know that if Carter vouched for her, it was gospel, so to speak. Jerome returned to his chair, downing his drink in one gulp. Roman joined him a moment later, but Simone remained standing, watching the whole group uncertainly as she rubbed her bruised throat. â€Å"I don't know what's going on, but if there's anything – â€Å" â€Å"I'm done with you,† said Jerome harshly. He waved his hand in a type of dismissal, and Simone vanished as quickly as she'd arrived. â€Å"That was mean,† noted Carter, idly stirring his bourbon. â€Å"I sent her back to her hotel,† said Jerome. â€Å"Not to a desert island.† Roman's anger had cooled a little, and he wore a calm, considering expression that looked remarkably like his father's. â€Å"What did she mean when she said you knew why she was here? Why was I following her?† â€Å"I can't report this,† said Jerome. He was speaking to Carter, like Roman wasn't even there. â€Å"Not yet†¦not unless I have to. We can't let any higher authorities know.† â€Å"And I can't do anything at all,† mused Carter. â€Å"This is technically your problem.† He took a long drink, as though that would fix everything. â€Å"But you will,† said Roman boldly. â€Å"You'll try to find her?† â€Å"Of course,† said Carter. One of his trademark cynical smiles lit his lips, replacing the grim expression from earlier. I suspected it was a cover-up for how he truly felt. â€Å"This place would be too boring without her.† For a heartbeat, I kind of liked this invisible watcher thing. Carter had no sense that I was there, and for the first time, I was able to truly study him without him looking back. He might have that annoying levity on now, but he'd already shown concern for my well-being. And I really couldn't believe it was simply because he found me entertaining. What was his game? Those gray eyes revealed nothing. â€Å"Yes,† said Jerome dryly. â€Å"Who knows how we'll get by without her maudlin misadventures.† Carter started to protest, but again, Roman came forward with an interruption. â€Å"Oh. That's the other thing, what we talked to Erik about.† He gave them a brief recap of Erik's observations and how I was only visited when I was depressed. Roman also described each of the incidents in as much detail as possible. Jerome and Carter exchanged looks. â€Å"With as down as she usually is, that's not much to go on,† noted the demon. â€Å"But it might be worth a visit to the old man.† â€Å"Jerome,† said Carter in a warning voice. The two locked eyes again and had some sort of silent communication. When Jerome finally looked away, it was to casually pick up his latest drink. â€Å"Don't worry. I won't scare him. Much.† I wondered if he'd go to Erik right then, but I didn't get a chance to find out. The world dissolved once more, and I found myself back in my prison. Aside from being terribly uncomfortable, I also felt exhausted. Studying the smiling, shining Oneroi, I could guess what had happened. In feeding off my dream, they'd taken some of my energy with it. â€Å"Dream†¦Ã¢â‚¬  I murmured, suddenly confused. I'd braced myself for some terrible outcome, but it hadn't happened. â€Å"That wasn't a dream. That was real. You showed me what was really happening. What my friends are doing.† â€Å"Some dreams are true, and some are lies,† said Two. I really wanted to slap him. â€Å"That one was true.† A story came back to me, the faintest memory from my childhood. Christian priests had long had a foothold in Cyprus when I was born, but old stories and rites had lingered. What were considered myths today had been held as fact back then. One such story said that dreams were sent to humans from one of two gates: one of ivory and one of horn. Those from the ivory gate were false; those from the horn gate were true. I didn't know if that was just a metaphor, but the outcome apparently had some validity to it. â€Å"But why?† I asked. â€Å"Why show me true dreams? You'd torture me a lot more with another stupid nightmare.† That nightmare hadn't been stupid. It had been agonizing, but I didn't want them to know that. What was stupid was me suggesting how they should torment me. â€Å"Because you don't know,† said One. â€Å"Soon you won't know truth from lies. You assume everything that causes pain must be a lie. But you won't know. Soon you won't trust anything at all.† â€Å"I'll know,† I said adamantly. â€Å"I can tell the difference.† â€Å"You believe what you just saw was true?† asked Two. â€Å"Yes. Absolutely.† â€Å"Good,† said One. â€Å"Then you've also learned another truth: it's impossible for anyone to find you. You'll stay here forever.†