The Enron Managers’ Mistakes

Looking for mistakes is a very difficult thing to do, especially if the case in point is something which is as successful in one point of its existence such as the Enron. Companies such as Enron employ the best managers because work at these levels leaves very, very, very little room for error; unless it was a calculated and deliberate error in the part of the erring managers.If such was the case, then it would lead to the identification of malice and fraudulent motivations in the part of the managers, since no manager wants to commit knowingly a mistake. The identity of the ‘mistake’ shifts now from what used to be as poorly thought-of action plan made individually and independent of other people’s orientation and influence resulting to losses to the general course of action, attitude and mental alignment of some the managers in Enron that made the collapse as something which is highly improbable.Still there were mistakes in general, and still, it will be manager s at the end of the day who will be answerable and liable for these mistakes, from what was claimed as accounting processes that are bogged down by innocent human error, to deliberate cover ups and last minute action recourse that was a minute too late always people are thinking that at worst, it was a well schemed, well planned, internal sabotage. Yes, they made mistakes. And former Enron Corp.Chairman Kenneth Lay himself was among those who ‘admitted to mistakes’ which are by and all bereft of malice as he insisted that despite the mistakes, any wrongdoing in running the energy giant was not part of his activities while servicing Enron (Emshwillerm, McWilliams, 2006). Companies and business management executives adhere to a particular paradigm or accepted practice in the daily undertaking of business and commerce because it is a necessary tool in the check and balance system that guarantees that the interests of the company, the investors and the public are protected. The main idea behind the collapse of Enron Corporation is its managers’ deviance from these paradigms due to fraudulent intentions, and because of this, investors and the public in general placed Enron’s managers and chief executives as the one who erred and the ones who are criminally liable, leading to one of the most controversial debacle in Wall Street history.Enron willingly or unwillingly, knowingly or unknowingly kept analysts, investors and other people from the business industry outside and in the dark. Some of their actions made them accountable according to the letter of the law while some can interpret the entire fiasco as a mere case of incapable and incompetent managers.The partnership and the role of these partnerships and the failure to see how it will work out in the long run is one of the biggest mistakes of Enron and its managers along with i5ts move to inflate its reported profits and manipulate its profits, and at some extent the managers knew of t hat this move was a potential mistake but the earnings are just to tempting for them not to wager and give it a try, providing Enron suddenly with a way to hide the true amount of its debts through these partnerships with companies who are people and managed by the same executives found in Enron (Rouleau, 2002).The managers’ mistakes are assessed using two perspectives – first, their mistakes that contributed to the downfall and worsening of Enron as a company, and second, the mistakes that they made that lead to the conviction of the criminal charges that were slapped on them. What did they do wrong? Many.Just for starters, Smith (2006) wonders about the foolhardy risk of Enron in booking profits using means which are considered as generally volatile, risky and perfectly lawful and legal; this alongside Enron’s racking up of â€Å"mark-to-market† gains, a steady real-cash influx based model for accounting, as reflected on the company’s trading boo k which do not reflect the use an accounting system which is based on the flow of actual money like the accrual system,CRIMINAL LIABILITIES – The mistakes of Enron’s managers are reflected on their criminal records as their miscalculated mistakes led them from blue chip executive managers to criminal convicted felons, which may have cast light on the guilt of certain crimes of the Enron managers but was unable to bring to light fully other important details.And by 2006, Smith (2006) still considers that it ‘isn't clear how much Enron made or lost off its vaunted energy-trading, energy-services and broadband units’ or the extent of the earnings of Enron over what Smith considers as the exploitation of ‘the California electricity market during the 15-month crisis’ which started in the spring, year 2000 (Wall Street Journal, pA9).And when several business mangers that are all capable and willing to commit criminal acts to the company and its inve stors are housed inside one company, it is the perfect recipe for an impending financial crisis. To be able to analyze the mistakes of Enron’s managers that lead to the collapse of the company, it is important to take a look at two things – the crimes for which every manager was accused of, and for the alleged crime that they made but were acquitted from.The management and the managers were, after all, responsible for letting Enron be ‘dependent on paper trading gains’, which, according to Smith (2006) actually had ‘little real cash attached to them and so vulnerable to credit calls that made it incapable of riding out a crisis’ (The Wall Street Journal, pA9), something which is not very much explored since the trial focused on the liabilities of the leaders and managers who kept on insisting throughout the trial that Enron was merely a ‘victim to a run on the bank’. Smith, A9). Before making a scrutiny overall individual mistakes by Enron managers, one of the mistakes of the board of directors should be mentioned since it was symbolic to the law-bending and law-twisting nature of doing business inside Enron that put them in this mess in the first place.This particular incident which symbolizes the many other similar erratic actions and costly mistakes made by the board of directors is about the time when the board of directors opted to waive the aspect of conflict of interest and allowed Enron's very own Chief Finance Officer Andrew Fastow to head a business that is directly in dealing with Enron since the board of directors may have seen the merit, however temporary, of the strategy that allows Fastow's LJM to acquire by buy out Enron's assets which it considers as underperforming, in truth the company of Fastow is no more than a smokescreen so that the debt of the Enron is shielded and the profit improved on paper. The most significant person and Enron manager who made the most telling mistakes en route t o the downfall of Enron is no other than Kenneth Lay.Others were just a notch lower than Lay’s stature in the mismanagement department, and these include others like Jeffrey Skilling, Greg Whalley, Mark Frevert and Andrew Fastow – they may or may not be included in Lay’s excuse list of what he considers as ‘deceitful underlings’ (Emshwillerm, McWilliams, 2006). For Lay and all the involved Enron managers, their mistake was to wager their career and the future of Enron in exchange for whatever financial gains they experienced resulting from undertaking fraudulent actions and strategies while inside the company and holding key positions in Enron. Lay faced eleven criminal charges as an aftermath of the Enron scandal, all of which he pleaded not guilty.During the sentencing, Lay was found by the jury guilty of securities and wire fraud. This reflects Lay’s two main mistakes which he made throughout his Enron career – the mistakes that he made that caused the downfall of Enron considering that all of the accusations hurled against him are false, and the second mistake, the inability to protect himself for worst case scenario, whether or not he is truly guilty of criminal actions. Another managerial mistake of Lay is his show of support and trust to the operations of Lou Borget, who was later convicted of money laundering. Lay was notorious for undertaking questionable and shady workings that are hardly transparent to those who need to see and understand it.Even before his Enron days, Lay was always full of suspicious and strange actions, like how he still managed to control Internorth despite the fact that it was his small company which the Internorth brought and how insurance companies point to Lay's questionable dealings in foreign countries like Peru where Enron formerly do business in. This resulted to Lay's career being capped with losses, sales of what is otherwise considered as a very profitable operation, emp loyee lay-offs and shady partnership deals which analysts consider as Lay's way of hiding debt. If Lay is synonymous with shady accounts, questionable transactions and strange partnership moves, Skilling seemed to be haunted by a curse which is just as bad as that of Lay – failed business operation. Skilling joined Enron in 1989. Prior to that, his career was inside a banking institution, the First City Bank of Houston, which collapsed as he left.If Skilling’s excuse was that his mistakes were made without malice and as a result of some human error factor, then he was misled and confused at least 19 times, the same number of times he was acquitted for wire fraud and securities fraud. Even with the fact that it is close to impossible for Skilling to have an excuse for such number of instances pertaining to erroneous but not malicious managerial actions inside Enron which can prove that he is innocent after all, his capability as a top tier manager will be put to questio n next, as well as the authority and prudence of those who hired him since Skilling, after all, is close to being moronic with the nature of the job he was signed up to work in, if it is true that he did not have any acts with malicious or destructive nature towards the company for all of the times he was said to have committed securities and wire fraud.This is the case of someone stupid being smart enough to land a position of power, something which is not just convincing and realistic enough as it was plain dumb. Regardless, it is still Skilling’s mistake that burdens him with such load. Andrew Fastow's mistakes was opting to do things which are not designed to answer Enron's brewing financial problem but to provide a mat under which Enron managers can sweep the dirt when business visitors and investors come in for a visit. This is true with the case of Fastow's creation of the so-called off-book entities. Even before Enron crashed, Fastow was already showing the company ho w he is mistake prone. Example of which was the 1996 job that he bungled, described by Barboza and Schwartz (2002) in detail; ‘Fastow†¦ as nearly fired for the poor job he did running a retail unit that aimed to put Enron into competition with local utilities around the country' (The New York Times).The same poor sense of long term outlook despite the innate financial wizardry inside Fastow’s head led Fastow to create an escape for Enron when its Calper’s interests are not being addressed to as planned and expected by Enron his wife's family posing as outside investor and a low level Enron employee who was promised a hefty 10 million profit, the use of Chewco as the hiding place for Enron's debts and as a way to help in the inflation of Enron's profits which were both impossible in the first place, .Again, maybe Fastow was guiltless after all of the crimes stacked against him after the Enron collapse; but the one sure thing is that despite his intelligence, he committed too many mistakes that netted him in a web and be ‘wrapped up in a series of complex transactions that ultimately doomed him' (Barboza, Schwartz, 2002), and the doom that came as a result of his mistakes amounted to an indictment of 78 counts of crimes that included fraud, money laundering, and conspiracy. Paula Rieker was one time the managing director of investor relations of Enron. She was guilty of the criminal charge set against her (criminal insider trading charge) as she was guilty of the mistake of allowing herself to join her colleagues in what was called the exercise of self enrichment inside the company wherein managers use the situation at hand to make the most out of one's profit.Former Enron CAO Richard Causey, Enron treasurer Ben Glisan Jr. nd energy trader John Forney were all guilty of securities fraud as he was guilty of the mistake of failing to do what is right for the company or the mistake of failing to act upon constructively using one's sou rces and capabilities to keep Enron alive. OUTSIDE CRIMINAL LIABILITIES- Aside from the analysis of Enron’s managers that led to convictions to criminal acts, a look at the Enron situation without the malice of fraud will also reveal little things that help compound the growing mismanagement of Enron and made the fall a bit faster. The mistakes of the Enron managers can also be stacked together in either of the two categories – financial management failure and poor people management.For now, the idea that the company may have been sabotaged directly behind fraudulent intentions from the top executives will be put aside in the name of management strategy assessment, and also because of the fact that common sense business dictates that no business entity or individual would risk building a blue chip firm that it will take down so hard so fast. The assessment of the errors is based on the fact that the top executives and managers of Enron did something hugely erroneous an d disastrous for the company sans the malice that some economic and business conspiracy theorists are exploring or what the criminal convictions simply proved.Simply said, Enron top brass made big time mistakes particularly because they are running a big time firm, and the paper will try to look at these big time mistakes and how it affected and contributed to the fall of Enron and their eventual conviction. Poor Financial and Overall Management – Despite the fact that companies are indeed legit, it is difficult to prove that 100 percent of all the legit businesses, may it be in the United States or anywhere in the world, operates using strategies and methods that are 100 percent legal. Some of these companies tweak and bend the law here and there, and the reason why some of them are not caught is because they are prudent and good enough that no fall-out in the magnitude of crisis level would result from such law-bending actions.Having established that, Enron and its managers are plainly not good enough to sustain the good financial position of the company and they were not able to balance out with good management maneuver and strategy whatever downside and ill-effect the results of their ‘criminal acts’ has on the company’s performance even before it hit crisis-level. It was just a case of poor financial management. Considering that Enron did not have any fraudulent intentions, the management of the company is still guilty of hiring incompetent individuals which they used to fill in key positions since none of them were capable of salvaging what was left of the fast sinking company. â€Å"Financial fraud is often a team sport. It took a host of banks, lawyers and accountants to hide Enron's problems from investors† (The New York Times, 2007). They are guilty of maneuvering poorly Enron inside the trade and stock exchange landscape with or without the illegal and criminal transactions that they did.They are guilty of sticking to a team of financial executives and their strategies and capabilities even when it appears that these personnel and their strategies are taking Enron nowhere but down, that is with consideration to the fact that again, they did not have any fraudulent intentions in the first place. The fact that Enron was poorly managed is hardly challenged as the proofs are just overwhelming and the tale of the stock price of Enron says it all – before the crisis, Enron shares stood at 90 US dollars; by November 21, 2001 the stock price of Enron is down to just seven US dollars. A week later the price was down to 0. 61 US dollars as the trading day closed along with the withdrawal of Dynegy Incorporated from previous deals with Enron and the awarding of the junk status rating to the company.Adding to these are other happenings that bolstered the claims that Enron was poorly managed before and during the crisis; the debt repayment obligations that amounted to 9 billion US dollars at the clo se of the year 2002, an amount which cannot be covered by the company's available cash at that time, the decimation of five billion US dollars in just fifty days of the amount that Enron borrowed from financial firms and banks which was originally planned for use in buying its commercial paper and other strategies to resuscitate the company's financial standing. Even the pattern of its financial behavior is reeking of the foul odor of poor management – the big third quarter loss followed by the company's announcement that it has actually overstated Enron's earnings in the last four years, and then followed by the making public of Enron's $3 billion obligations to its several partnerships.Questionable Business Strategies – The Enron debacle highlighted not just Enron managers’ poor financial and business acumen; it also showcased the poor people management skills of the managers of Enron reflected by its strategies and its inability to protect the company and its investors from long term and short term losses which they may have failed to predict or foresee in the first place. The only thing it appears they do best is confuse the company, confuse the public and in the end confuse even themselves that even when they wanted to, they cannot explain to the public, particularly to the SEC and to the investors, what is really going on inside Enron.Public Assurance – Credited to the faults of the Enron managers is the fact that the company’s managers were unable to convince the investors in the time of crisis that everything is being done to create or maintain stability. The investors were not waiting to be told that everything at Enron is ok, since they would not believe it if it was said in the first place owing to the fact that the company is not transparent enough to even convince the investors and the public in general that they are even telling the truth. The managers were not able to control the mounting unrest and it was the case because of their refusal to divulge important information that can convince the people about the state of the company.And this attitude is not impossible to think that many of the Enron managers were all in denial on what Enron, their milking cow, their cash cow, has become, ‘Mr. Fastow was reluctant to acknowledge what was happening'(Barboza, Schwartz). Deterioration of Credibility – Another important and noteworthy fault that the Enron managers, particularly Kenneth Lay, committed is that they allow their credibility to deteriorate in front of the public and in the face of the investors. How did they, particularly Lay, do that? Through a lot if different ways that merely exacerbated the situation and compounded the growing negativity of the people towards him owed to his being overly shady and secretive of the many aspects of Enron’s operation and financial status.With the breaking of the credibility of the top management tier of Enron comes the decreasing level of respect the people has for Enron managers, not just because of the result of the impending loss and the financial impact it has on investors some of which has there whole future in it, but because Enron managers themselves are creating inter-personal friction between them and those who are pushing for answers to unresolved questions. This attitude is reflective of how Enron’s top management people like Skilling treated investors who are merely calling for transparency by asking balance sheets and detailed earnings and was instead treated with expletive words over a conference call.Breaking of Ranks – During Enron’s financial battles, one of the aspects that greatly crippled them as an organization is the massive breaking and falling apart of their own ranks. In any battles – corporate or not – it is important that managers and top tier executives show a united front, especially when it comes to addressing the public and providing the assu rance that everything is alright, and that whatever minor problems are being addressed immediately through the unity of the top management brass. In the case of Enron and its managers, it is either top brass people are leaving or they are simply being replaced during the most critical part of the company’s financial battle when senior and long time veterans are expected to hold the reigns and maintain control.

Research Essay

Use your own creativity to illustrate. Write your name, ID number, Course code and your programme of study. Page 2: Plagiarism Declaration Form – Sign the plagiarism declaration form to confirm the work is your own original work, you are complying with FNU policies on plagiarism, and are free of the dishonest practices outlined in the FNIJ Academic and Student Regulations (No 40,40. 1, 40. 2: pg 42). The declaration form is in gutulei – EVG401 folder. You must use your own words in this assignment. If you are using ther authors’ work from books, internet or other sources, cite the source correctly (reference). Check that your spelling and English sentence structure is correct. A ‘Simple Reference Writing Guide’ is available to help write references.If you fail to acknowledge sources, the copied information will be regarded as plagiarized. You will receive zero marks if you plagiarise in your assignment. Serious cases of plagiarism will be referred to the F-NU Registrar for action. Page 3: Attach the on this page. Part 1: Background. (2 marks) Briefly describe what the news article is about. Give background information on the issue(s) highlighted in the newspaper article and if this issue is a problem in Fiji or elsewhere. Identify the ethical problem in the news article. Make reference to the article. You must have a minimum of two sentences or a maximum of one paragraph. Part 2: Ethical Concerns (6 marks) This section carries the most marks so think carefully and use your knowledge of ethics, values, morals, ethical theories, religious, human rights, law, or good governance to answer it. Why does the issue in the news article raise ethical concerns? You must identify 3 different ethical concerns raised by the ethical roblem in the newspaper article and explain why each of the three ethical concerns is wrong. Word limit – minimum 2 sentences per ethical concern and maximum one paragraph per ethical concern. Part 3: Consequences (4 marks) How does the issue(s) affect the people in the article or other people in society. Provide 2 different ways in which people can or have been affected by the issue. Word limit – minimum 2 sentences per consequence and maximum one paragraph per consequence. Part 4: Resolutions (4 marks) Give two possible solutions on how this issue can be resolved in an ethical (fair and just) way. Word limit – minimum 2 sentences per resolution and maximum one paragraph per resolution. Your layout (2 marks) Art work, graphics, pictures, eye catchiness, and neatness will be rewarded with a maximum 2 marks. Bind, staple and use your creativity to present a beautiful booklet. You are encouraged to use the computer to type your work. You will be penalized if you use any unethical, nude, disgusting or distasteful pictures or illustrations in the assignment. References (2 marks) Proper acknowledgement of sources used for this assignment and proper writing of references will gain you a further 2 marks.

Seven Personal Qualities Found in a Good Leader

How often have you heard the comment, â€Å"He or she is a born leader?† There are certain characteristics found in some people that seem to naturally put them in a position where they're looked up to as a leader. Whether in fact a person is born a leader or develops skills and abilities to become a leader is open for debate. There are some clear characteristics that are found in good leaders. These qualities can be developed or may be naturally part of their personality. Let us explore them further. 1. A good leader has an exemplary character. It is of utmost importance that a leader is trustworthy to lead others. A leader needs to be trusted and be known to live their life with honestly and integrity. A good leader â€Å"walks the talk† and in doing so earns the right to have responsibility for others. True authority is born from respect for the good character and trustworthiness of the person who leads. 2. A good leader is enthusiastic about their work or cause and also about their role as leader. People will respond more openly to a person of passion and dedication. Leaders need to be able to be a source of inspiration, and be a motivator towards the required action or cause. Although the responsibilities and roles of a leader may be different, the leader needs to be seen to be part of the team working towards the goal. This kind of leader will not be afraid to roll up their sleeves and get dirty. 3. A good leader is confident. In order to lead and set direction a leader needs to appear confident as a person and in the leadership role. Such a person inspires confidence in others and draws out the trust and best efforts of the team to complete the task well. A leader who conveys confidence towards the proposed objective inspires the best effort from team members. 4. A leader also needs to function in an orderly and purposeful manner in situations of uncertainty. People look to the leader during times of uncertainty and unfamiliarity and find reassurance and security when the leader portrays confidence and a positive demeanor. 5. Good leaders are tolerant of ambiguity and remain calm, composed and steadfast to the main purpose. Storms, emotions, and crises come and go and a good leader takes these as part of the journey and keeps a cool head. 6. A good leader, as well as keeping the main goal in focus, is able to think analytically. Not only does a good leader view a situation as a whole, but is able to break it down into sub parts for closer inspection. While keeping the goal in view, a good leader can break it down into manageable steps and make progress towards it. 7. A good leader is committed to excellence. Second best does not lead to success. The good leader not only maintains high standards, but also is proactive in raising the bar in order to achieve excellence in all areas. These seven personal characteristics are foundational to good leadership. Some characteristics may be more naturally present in the personality of a leader. However, each of these characteristics can also be developed and strengthened. A good leader whether they naturally possess these qualities or not, will be diligent to consistently develop and strengthen them in their leadership role.

Like A Girl Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Like A Girl - Essay Example The first impression of this video is that it does not show anything wrong. It shows an adolescent boy who shows how girls do things. It also shows people that adolescent boys are usually conscious of people telling them they are doing things like girls (Kuypers 32). It plays the idea that what an adolescent boy wants is to be appreciated as a grown man. This video convinces the audience that it is normal for people to attribute things to girls, which means that an individual is doing something in a weaker manner.Deeper ImpactThe main message of this video is the idea that people believe that doing things like a girl is comparable to doing things in a frailer way. Both boys and men believe that girls do things in a weaker manner. It is surprising that even adolescent women believe they are fragile hence they do things in a punier style (Kuypers 43). On the other hand, young boys are confident of themselves and believe they are equal to men since they do things with a lot of energy co mpared to adolescent boys. It is obvious that people believe that girls are the weaker gender, which is why they prefer doing things in a feminine manner.An alternative interpretation of this video is that it is insulting to tell someone that they are doing things like a girl. This is a false assumption because young boys feel they are equals to men and can do things with the same energy. Even though boys feel they are insulted when told this phrase, it is evident that they portray themselves to be real men.

PLMC Models Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

PLMC Models - Coursework Example However unlike linear approach the incremental method allows for change in scope (Westland, 2007). It also solves problems by releasing solutions in parts. This approach is suitable for construction management projects as it facilitates its delivery in an incremental manner. With Iterative model, solutions are delivered at every iteration phase. This approach is also based on the Agile Project Management approach (Westland, 2007). In iterative approach the solutions are not defined in advance and hence solutions become visible through client participation such as feedbacks that may help in delivering the solutions needed. In other words in depends on the clients input to offer solution that refines the design process. Unlike the Iterative model, with adaptive approach the solution hardly exists as well as the methodology to provide the solution. The adaptive approach has been mostly adapted in software development (Wysocki, 2011). This process is suitable for projects that are complicated or projects that unique in nature. Because of its approach, it is most adoptable in projects that are highly uncertain in solution delivery in regards to the project goals at hand. The extreme model is suitable for research and development based projects. With the extreme approach, client participation is highly recommended. Furthermore, whereas other approaches have a hint of the solution, with extreme approach it only applies to projects that have no known solutions and are highly risky can adopt this type of approach (Schwalbe, 2010). It is therefore used for projects that present so many unknowns. Personally, I would recommend an iterative approach as it involves client t participation as well as the fact that it demands a strict timeline and accountability which guarantees project delivery within the expected time frame with respect to a client’s specifications (Wysocki,

Arg Synthesis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Arg Synthesis - Essay Example Additionally, the paper will define global warming. Consequently, it will analyze the causes of global warming and SDSU’s commitment in honoring the climate action plan (CAP). Global warming is primarily defined as the amplification and rise in earth’s temperature because of fossil fuels, industrial pollution and agricultural practices by human beings, and natural gas emissions (Chapin III et al, 1991). Due to these factors, greenhouse gases are emitted into the atmosphere in large quantities. Short wave solar radiations are absorbed into the earth hence increasing its surface temperature. According to experts, greenhouse gases are the main cause of the rise of the earth’s temperature. Greenhouse gases increase the heat trapping ability of the earth. The major causes of global warming are divided into two groups; man-made causes and natural causes. Natural causes are the factors amplified by nature. For example, the emission of methane gas from frosty tundra and wetlands is an example of a natural cause. Methane gas traps heat in the earth’s atmospheres hence raising earth’s temperature. As such, it is a greenhouse gas. Meanwhile, man-made causes result from human activities on the surface of the earth. Man-made effects are the major cause of global warming. Pollution is the major cause of global warming. It results from coal, fossil fuels or oil burning pollutes the environment by releasing carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Also, methane gas is released into the atmosphere when human beings excavate fossil fuels or minerals. The increase in the human population is another significant cause of global warming. A higher population means more transportation methods are needed, which translates to more fossil fuels b eing mined and burned hence increasing methane gas in the atmosphere (Cox et al, 2000). Additionally, an increase in population means more land is being cleared for farming and settlements. This has an impact

TRENDS IN CONTEMPORARY SOCIETY Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

TRENDS IN CONTEMPORARY SOCIETY - Essay Example the new appearing forms of families resulting from both demographic and structural changes occurring in the world, it is still very important to categorize it for analytical purposes. According to Rappaport and Rapaport (1982), there are five types of family diversity which are very important in understanding how family diversity takes shape in real life: It results from the different access to economic and material resources that the families may posses. Social class diversity gives rise to rich and poor families in the society and is very vital in the modern world. This is because it considerable implications on the well being of the members of the family. For example, the ability of a child to access educational opportunities is greatly determined or influenced by the social class and economic well being of the family. Children from poor or underprivileged families may not have good life as compared to those from well-t-do families. It refers to the different types of family organization which develop different realities for its members. Compare for instance single parent families (where children live with only one parent) with reconstituted families (which are as a result of divorce and remarriage) with dual career families (where both parents work outside the home). Merely all families go through various stages of development and families which are in their early stages of development are quite different from those in their late stages of development. The stages of families in the life cycle lead to different experiences of family life for each individual member of the family. It results from the difference in cultural preferences and arrangements that exist around the world. In the UK the nuclear families are the typical family arrangements with children and their parents staying or living differently and independently with considerable autonomy from their kin. In china, the family arrangement is the stem family where two or more generations live

Performing arts project film and drama Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Performing arts project film and drama - Essay Example By referring instead to a French Film, such as Jeunet's Amelie, we can eliminate this bias. This approach presumes that essentially, Shakespeare's play, though technically English, feels as though it were written in a language other than our own. Shakespearean scholars probably don't find this to be a problem, but since we want to examine the elements of spectatorship rather than differences in language here, it is best that we eliminate the analysis of language all together. That said, Amelie is a good choice for contrast to theatre because of its reliance on both cinematic structure and theatricality to convey the message of the film. Moreover, the brilliant use of cinematography in the film provides an inherent contrast to theatre. In addition, since both Amelie and Much Ado About Nothing can be considered romantic comedies as it were, we analyze the experiences of a particular genre, rather than comparing apples and oranges. The most obvious and visible difference between the experiences incurred in theatre and cinema is that between static and alternating perspectives. That is to say, that when we watch a play, the action of the play remains directly in front of us at all times. It's possible that different things may be occurring on different parts of the stage, but the perspective of the audience spectator never shifts. When we watch a film, our perspective as a spectator is constantly shifting. In Amelie, it is interesting that we almost always share the perspective of the title character, Amelie herself , except for when the director decides that he wants to offer his audience more information than he offers his heroine. This aspect provides opportunities for both cinema and theatre to maximize the performance's relationship with the audience. For theatre, the director can choose to have a scene in the background or on a separate part of the stage from the primary action which the audience may or may not be required to see to enhance their understanding of the play. In Much Ado About Nothing, when two characters are downstage carrying on a conversation, this does not mean that the rest of the actors on stage stand still. Rather, action continues upstage and to the right and left of the primary action, as though it were all occurring in real time. For films, the capability of the camera offers new and exciting ways to tell the story. At different parts in the film, we view the world through different perspectives, such as the "Glass Man's" telescope, or Amelie's window. By providing these different perspectives for the spectator, the director is often able to make his audience feel like a voyeur upon the lives of the characters in the film. The shifting perspectives not only offer us new and important pieces of information, but present a visually dynamic piece of film. We enjoy watching specifically because of the bright colors and beautiful scenery that changes throughout the film; this would not be possible in theatre, as we are only ever offered one view from our seats in the auditorium. Similarly, film allows the audience to witness expressions of emotions on the faces of the characters. Again, due to the capabilities of camera angles and camera work, we have a front row seat, so to speak, to the emotions that the characters are feeling, whether it be surprise, anguish

California Clinics Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

California Clinics - Essay Example This will in turn increase the required rate of return. ii) Time Preference for Consumption: If people choose to consume their income now rather to save, this will reduce the supply of investment capital oblivious to the demand of investment capital at that time. In this conditions, the firm's will find lesser sources lending investment capital and they try to attract more investment capital by offering them higher interest rate and this will again increase the required rate of return from the investment following the higher rate of interest that these firms will be offering. Similarly, if people decide to save now and spend later, this will lead excess supply of investment capital in the market. The firms here will be able to obtain investment capital at lower rates and will enjoy decreased interest expenses. Some projects that were not feasible because of high interest rates in the market will now become feasible and firms will borrow more. However, due to excess investment capital available in the market, the interest rate will decrea se and so as the required rate of return. iii) Risk: Risk requires compensation and likewise it will affect the interest rate of capital of investment. If the risk of an investment is high, then the investors will only be willing to invest in that project at very high interest rates. ... iii) Risk: Risk requires compensation and likewise it will affect the interest rate of capital of investment. If the risk of an investment is high, then the investors will only be willing to invest in that project at very high interest rates. If the risk of a certain project is low, then the investors will be investing in that project at lower rates of return and interest rate. Hence, we can develop a relationship between interest rates and the risk of a project. These two variables are directly related with risk being the independent variable and interest being the variable depended upon risk factor of a project. Any increase in the risk factor is going to increase the interest rate or required rate of return of a project. Similarly, if the risk factor of an investment is low, so will be the interest rate. This clearly shows that risk requires compensation and interest rates vary depending on the risk factor of a project. A logical explanation to this is the fact that very few peopl e are interested in investing in highly risky project fearing that they may lose out their money. As a result, the supply on investment capital is very low for these projects and vice versa. Inflation: Inflation reduces the purchasing power of money. It erodes the purchasing power of people if their money is not invested into projects yielding interest rates which are at least equal to the going rate of inflation. If the interest rate earned is less that inflation, then you are losing out the real value of your money. This means that it won't be able to buy in the future, as much as it buying now. This is a dangerous situation for investors as they are faced with a situation in which the real value of their assets is decreasing. In times of inflations,

One question to answer Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

One question to answer - Assignment Example According to the research, family-centered service also known as Family-centered care promotes prominently context and child health is an aspect that is taken into consideration here. Due to childhood chronic conditions and the diverse changes of the surrounding environment, anticipation to admit the comings of family health care services is at the top gear as far as living a good life becomes an instrument of home in our lives (Nies 10). An educational class is the core principal that forms part of family health services. This includes health, nutrition, oral health, and parenting skills. In the presence of heath care coordination, the norm help one to keep records of accomplishment of their children as far as immunizations activities is of concern. Moreover, playing a role of a parent ensures that one provides maximum parenting care to his or her child through family nutrition and support. Family health services is of useful to us since it enables one to deliver parenting services, health education to their children as well as nutrition and when all this is met life become fun rather than

Analisys of demand and supply affecting Shell Oil Coursework

Analisys of demand and supply affecting Shell Oil - Coursework Example The effects of changes in the price and availability of gods and services, which serve as complements to oil have had a great impact on the demand for Shell’s products. A good is as a complement when a rise in its price results to a negative shift in the demand curve for the good of interest. The rise in the maintenance costs has placed tremendous pressure on the demand for oil and affecting the price for the company’s products. The price fall in shares for other industries that heavily rely on oil has had a great impact on demand for oil. The reduced profitability and price wars among companies such as Tesco, J Sainsbury, and Marks Spenser reduces the demand for Shell’s products. Increase in price of engineering tools used in processing and extraction of oil have had a negative impact on the demand for oil (Mason, 2011). Shell can increase the price for its products and services to cover higher overhead costs. A substitute good or service is as a substitute when an increase in its price results into a positive shift in the demand for good or service of interest (Cherunilam, 2007). The increase in the availability of alternative fuel sources such as solar energy has a negative impact on the demand for oil. ... The demand for Shell’s products is price sensitive (elastic) since a reduction in the price for Shell petrol will automatically result into an increase in demand. In the case of Shell’s products and services, the percentage change in demand is greater than the change in price. The effects of 2008 economic crisis have had negative impacts on the available income to most people in the UK and the rest of the world. This results into decreased availability of disposable income thereby lowering the demand for products and services (Kotler, 2006). An increase in the level of income can result in increased demand for Shell’s products as people start spending more on luxuries such as travelling longer distances using private cars. This will result into increased demand for fuel. Changes in the company’s operations can have remarkable impacts on the supply curve. The increase in cost of oil extraction due to the effects of economic recession is likely to lead to a shift in Shell’s supply curve. The cost of the refinery is a vital factor that causes a shift in the supply curve. The high cost of production has resulted into less supply and consequently fewer profits (Tanne & Raymond, 2010). The increase in the number of the company’s own retail outlets is playing a major role in increasing the company’s global presence. This results into positive shift in the supply curve. Market failures and imperfections An externality is an impact resulting because of an economic activity that affects unrelated third parties (Maidment, 2002). An example of an externality is the recent Shell’s oil spill in Niger Delta, which affected the surrounding environment and affected the health and economic life of the nearby residents. An externality can

Commentary on my creative writing piece focusing on The Dubliners Essay Example for Free

Commentary on my creative writing piece focusing on The Dubliners Essay After completing my story, I thought I would say how the story that I had written related to the story The Dubliners. The story that I wrote, I related to the theme of paralysis and the risk of death, a vision of the future and also a little about money, which is used in The Dubliners. I chose this viewpoint on the story as I thought it would relate well to the background I was using. Especially the theme of death would work well, as death is a very common situation so it helped when I dramatised the theme. Also I decided to use the times of today, as I thought it would be more easier to relate to The Dubliners using a situation in a lower/ middle class background, but using a cultural difference. I also decided to use third person narrative, as I thought it would be clearer in third person. I did try to use first person, but I had a bit of difficulty in putting a point across, so I decided to use third person, as I found it much more flowing to do. I decided to start off with a line, which explained the background so the story would be easier to understand, as I used a different culture. If I had gone straight into a story, the story may have been hard to understand. I included a little introduction to the character and the backgrounds, so the reader would notice what culture I was trying to show and how I was trying to relate it to The Dubliners. I think the introduction to the character and the culture, is a very important thing in my story. This was only in the beginning, but when I used a little climax. I used a twist in the middle of my story, to make sure the reader would be more interested and engaged to read on. The method I used was an everyday experience, which seemed like a big thing. This helped me to use the theme of vision of the future, with the character knowing there would be more trouble. The ending I used both of the themes of death and vision of future. I think death was a very important in the whole story, which showed the theme of paralysis. I used the theme of vision of future, as the character had death on their mind through the whole story, and this helped to use the theme of death. I think I can relate this to The Dubliners, as the theme of paralysis and the theme of death and darkness is used very often. I chose to end the story in this way as it dramatises the themes in which that I used. Also I used description, with a stressful atmosphere used. I think this ending suits the culture in which I wrote the story about. As it is believed that shootings are made in this background a lot. This I thought would be the best way to end my story. I think I thought about my main character quite a lot, especially with the culture to take in account. Also, the use of the characters pride and making the character emotional about death and escape. This helped me to explain how the character was feeling. I think I used the character well in the situation, because the background and culture is like real life. I have read and researched situation like this and deaths are always happening. This is why it was important, that I made sure the character, language and the actions were correct. This in my opinion was the best thing to do was research a little about the background, also things such as drugs, typical backgrounds, and even clothing I researched so I made sure the situation was just like real life and not something in reality. I used the background and the subject matter as it all related to one thing. Especially the setting and atmosphere, which all related to death. I used the subject of stress in my story as well, the whole theme of stress, occurred to me as a good way in which to escape or a good way to look for escape. Stress can usually consist of anger and frustration, which is how it is related to The Dubliners. These emotions are shown within my story and also The Dubliners. The language I used in my story was descriptive and also gave good and relevant information, when was needed. As I used a different content of language, I had to explain what some words meant. Also I think my story would sound effective if it was to be read out loud, as the situation is real and can happen in life. Maybe in some cases people can relate to this kind of story, as it can also send a message across about gangs, firearms, drugs, and also maybe drinking. After writing this story I think that this has many themes which could be related to the story, The Dubliners. As you can see I have included themes such as death, escape, darkness and also vision for the future. I think these themes helped me to relate the story with the best use, as cultural I was not sure on which to write a story about, that is why I used a different culture, in which I found more interesting to write about.

The spirits in a christmas carol

The spirits in a christmas carol A Christmas Carol was written in 1843 by Charles Dickens, who today remains the most widely known novelist of the Victorian period. Dickens was born in Portsmouth and his farther had a constant struggle to keep order of his finance. His farther was put into prison whilst Dickens was put into a work house for the majority of his school years. These events contributed together to give Dickens a first class view of Poverty and how the general children of England lived during the 1800s. These themes can be easily associated with A Christmas Carol. They had a great influence on his writing and made him into the novelist he was. The main character in the novel is Ebenezer Scrooge. The protagonist starts off as a wealthy but extremely grumpy and cantankerous business man. He is the sort of person that only thinks of himself and no ones else. The action of four spirits, change the way he acts and feels and turn him into a respectful member of the community. Jacob Marley, The Ghost of Christmas Past, Present and Yet to Come all have a different effect on Scrooge. From seeing what Scrooge was like as a young boy, to what the future awaits for him. Dickens uses different techniques and methods for each of the spirits to accomplish this. Each of the spirits are also presented differently because they resemble and mean different things. Dickens uses Scrooges old business partner, Jacob Marley, to warn Scrooge of what the future holds for him unless he changes his ways. Marley is the first spirit Scrooge encounters because he is the only person Scrooge would trust. Marley makes a dramatic entrance and astonishes Scrooge. Marley has to look similar to what he looked like seven years ago, to convince Scrooge that he is real. The same face: the very same à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦.. and the hair upon his head. Scrooge to begin with, refuses to believe that the phantom he is seeing in front of him is real, despite the fact Marley has hardly changed after death. As Marleys appearance has not really changed, this idea slowly convinces Scrooge that the phantom is really Marley because of its likeness. Scrooge has to know what and who has entered his house to haunt him, so a detailed description of Marley is needed. Scrooge first sees Marleys face in the door knocker, after he has come back from a evening meal. Only the rich used to be able to go out for meals, so this shows that Scrooge is wealthy and can afford expensive luxuries. In the 1800s the modern door bell was not invented so the majority of doors had door knockers instead. The face on the knocker catches Scrooges attention, but when he goes back to look, the face has gone. Scrooge then comes to the conclusion that his eyes must have been playing tricks. It is not until Marleys main entrance that Scrooge believes it is really Marley. Dickens uses onomatopoeia to describe Marleys dramatic entrance. The cellar-door flew open with a booming sound. The experience Scrooge has with Jacob Marley is full of suspense and tension. The use of the word flew indicates that the involvement of Marley is dramatic. This helps to evoke fear because of its suddenness. When the reader reads it, the suspense which has been built up is released in one sentence. The onomatopoeia helps the reader to understand what the situation was like for Scrooge. The cellar door could also represent the opening to the changing of Scrooges character. It opening could resemble another chance to go down it, in other words another chance to change the way he lives his life. It is only when Marley takes off the bandage around his head that Scrooge believes that the figure in font of him really is real and is Jacob Marley. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦when the phantom taking off the bandage round its head, as if it were too warm to wear in-doors, its lower jaw dropped down upon its breast! Scrooge fell upon his knees, and clasped his hands before his face. In the 1800s when somebody passed away a bandage was wrapped and tied below the jaw. This was so when the body decomposes the jaw skeleton is still attached to the rest. When Scrooge sees the lowered jaw, he is shocked and in dismay. This was proof that it was Jacob Marley and that everything he had been saying was true. Scrooge could not bear to see what had happened to his best friend. The taking off the bandage evokes fear into Scrooge and makes the said much more real and chilling. This makes Scrooge emotional to the whole visit of Jacob Marley. This tells and shows the reader that Scrooge still has some sort of heart inside of him and it just needs more work and acknowledgement to begin to make Scrooge change. From the text Dickens has given you the idea that the Jacob Marley has not made as big of effect as he wished. It tells us Marley wanted to make a bigger impact to Scrooge and maybe Marley had a little bit of good left in him when he died, so now he is trying to help his old business partner. Jacob Marleys spirit has now left Scrooge and it is the turn of The Ghost of Christmas Past to haunt and teach Scrooge how he must change. The Ghost of Christmas Past has heavy description and takes him back first to his old boarding school and several other important places. Dickens has used similes to describe the strange look of Ghost of Christmas Past. It was a strange figure like a child, yet not so like a child as like an old man. Scrooge can not make out the strange look of the ghost. There is a lot of description about this first of the three spirits. The description Dickens gives for the spirit is peculiar suggesting it is like that to help Scrooge understand the things he is going to see. A simile is a different technique for the reader to take in, other than a lot of description, so this gives the novel a better flow. The spirit could be described like a child, as this spirit is about how Scrooge used to be. The ghost takes Scrooge back to when he went to boarding school, so seeing a child like figure would give you an impression that you are going to re-visit your former self. The fact that it has the appearance of both a child and old man, also symbolises that the spirit is ageless. This indicated that Scrooge is in the presence of the supernatural. After much waiting and confusion over the entrance of the spirit, it suddenly appears in front of Scrooge. Light flashed up in the room upon the instant, and the curtains of his bed were drawn. During the 1800s central heating was an item people could have only wished for. So they would have a curtain which went round the bed to try and keep the warm in and the cold out. A hand of the ghost suddenly opens the bed curtains, this could represent the ghost opening a new opportunity for Scrooge to change into a better person. Again the ghost makes a dramatic entrance, filling the room of light. The light filling the room and the opening of the curtains could resemble getting up at the beginning of the day signifying Scrooge and the ghost are soon to be busy revisiting Scrooges former self. The spirit is described as wearing the purest white gown, this can be linked to several religious figures, the sudden explosion of light also supports this. In that time the majority of English people followed some sort of the Christian religion, so its more than likely Scrooge was a Christian. Although it is not mentioned in the text, Scrooges attitude suggests he is a little startled by the entrance of the strange figure. These points combined give the impression that Scrooge thought the first spirit was a religious figure as he had not encountered any of the other spirits at that point. Scrooge is reminded of the life he used to live through the use of the senses, in this case smell. A thousand odours floating in the air, each one connected with a thousand thoughts, and hopes, and joys, and cares long, long, forgotten. In this instance Dickens has used the senses to describe thoughts which were going through Scrooges mind. This is a different technique which has been used, which helps to engage and involve the reader. The senses are a great way to remember different things. People associate different smells and sounds to different memories through out their lives. The Ghost of Christmas Past is all about Scrooge remembering how he used to be and how jolly he was before his greed for money kicked in. So for Dickens to involve the sense of smell, it is a very effective technique. After Scrooge has met The Ghost of Christmas Past, he encounters The Ghost of Christmas Present. Scrooge recognises The Ghost of Christmas Present to be jolly and kind, but he is still a little nervous about meeting the spirit. He was not the dogged Scrooge he had been; and though the Spirits eyes were clear and kind, he did not like to meet them. Scrooge timidly enters the room the ghost is in, this shows Scrooge is not yet settled with meeting the paranormal. On the other hand, perhaps he fears where the ghost is going to take him and what it is going to show him. One of the first mentions of this spirit is that his eyes are clear and kind, straight a way this give the reader an idea of what the spirit is going to be like. Dickens uses developed and detailed description to explain to the reader what The Ghost of Christmas Present represents. Scrooge did as he was told, and held it fast. Holly, mistletoe, red berries, ivy, turkeys, geese, game, poultry, brawn, meat, pigs, sausages, oysters, pies, puddings, fruit, and punch, all vanished instantly. So did the room, the fire, the ruddy glow, the hour of night, and they stood in the city streets on Christmas morning, One second Scrooge is in his house with spirit, the next he is on a busy street. The suddenness of this event really grips the reader, as there is a dramatic change in plot in such a small part of text. All of the description gives the reader a detailed picture of what the scene is like and helps to understand how Scrooge could have been feeling. In the 1800s the butcher would have animals hanging up in the shop, no pre cut, packaged meat. 1800s shops would be a lot different to what they are today, so it also gives the reader an insight to what a Christmas used to be like. All of this food could represent the wealth which Scrooge has, as it is the Ghost of Christmas Present. The spirit points out to Scrooge a boy and a girl whos family do not have much money, but still manage to stay happy. They were a boy and a girl. Yellow, meagre, ragged, scowling, wolfish but prostrate too, in their humility. The ragged description of the children shows the family do not have much money. Despite this the children still manage to remain humble and humane. Dickens has shown the children are happy with what they have through a lot of description, mainly adjectives, at the time when it was written children had to live through poverty, so the description is extremely relevant. The spirit points out how they have no money but are happy, and that he is rich and remains full of grumpiness, signalling to Scrooge money is not everything. ________________________________ The last of the three spirits, is the ghost of Christmas Yet to Come. This spirit is the most noticeable from the rest. The spirit has no speech at all but communicates to Scrooge through simple action such as pointing. No speech confuses Scrooge and he starts to fear the ghost. Dickens has personified death for the spirit, this is represented in the way he looks and his general movements. The phantom slowly, gravely, silently approached. Death comes with no warning. It is inevitable and can happen in a flash with no warning what so ever, so death could be described as silent. The word slowly could be used to give the significance of from the time your born, to the time you die, it is a long time. At the present day we maybe wouldnt say gravely but it contains context to what was happening at that point during the novel. The phantom does not speak, wears a black garment from head to toe, if you saw this kind of being gravely walking towards you, you would not believe it is alive but the supernatural. This really evokes fear into Scrooge and makes him think really what he has become. To the reader this also builds up suspense and tension to what the spirit is going to do to Scrooge. Dickens has presented the final spirit so it has a clear representation to the grim reaper. It was shrouded in a deep black garment, which concealed its head, its face, its form, and left nothing of it visible save one outstretched hand. The grip reaper wears a black garment, with its face not visible, and so does The Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come. A clear comparison can be made. The term the Grim Reaper came around after the 15th century, so Dickens may have taken ideas from that. Scrooge had more than likely heard of the Grim Reaper, so he might of thought thats what had visited him. What the spirit didnt say, Scrooge got the messages through the spirits actions. The Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come had a clear effect on Scrooge as he is terrified of the spirit. Scrooge feared the silent shape so much that his legs trembled beneath him. The spirit has a very frightening appearance and is used to help Scrooge think about what he has done. Scrooge is completely terrified by the ghost, it strikes fear into him and almost forces him to think differently. The final spirit rounds of the work of the first two, and cements in the ideas he has come across because of the spirits. The work of the three spirits changes Scrooges attitude to Christmas and to those who are less fortunate as he is. He becomes a very generous person, giving his clerk a pay rise, giving a lot of money to charity, sends Christmas meals to unsuspecting recipients and most of all and most important he revitalises his true Christmas spirit. By writing A Christmas Carol, I feel Dickens was trying to send a clear message out to society. In 1843 there were two levels of social status, the poor and the rich. Dickens had experienced both, so he knew what a small difference could make. He was trying to join the poor and the rich, so everybody could live a joyful and happy Christmas. When the book was published it re-birthed the low Christmas spirit, it also started Christmas conditions such as general good will to all. I think The Ghost of Christmas Past affected Scrooge the most, as sees how he used to live and compares it to how he lives now. Dickens uses a different technique for this spirit, he uses a big method of using the senses to represent Scrooges past memories. Along with the senses, Dickens long and intense descriptions help the reader picture the situation Dickens was trying to create. I feel overall the best technique was the description of the spirits. Dickens varies techniques make the novel much more exciting and give the book a much better flow. Different methods are needed because the different spirits have different ways of explaining to Scrooge that he must change his ways. For example, The Ghost of Christmas Past has a few similes whilst The Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come has no speech.

Monitoring The Technological Economic And Social Environments Marketing Essay

Monitoring The Technological Economic And Social Environments Marketing Essay Introduction In this day and age, the technological, economic and social environments are developing at a rapid pace, also it plays a crucial role in deciding consumption. The technological, economic and social environments belong to the marketing environment. According to Kotler (2004, p. 87) marketing environment can be defined as consisting of the actors and forces outside marketing that affect markers ability to develop and maintain successful relationships with its target customers. The marketing environment offers both opportunities and threats. Some assert that the monitoring of the technological, economic and social environments greatly contributes to anticipating customer requirements. However, others consider that it is not the significant element for anticipating although it sometimes proves successful. This essay will attempt to demonstrate that the monitoring of the technological, economic and social environments greatly contributes to anticipating customer requirements, although it also brings some problems, and companies should constantly watch and adapt to the marketing environment in order to seek opportunities and ward off threats. To demonstrate this, this essay will show in three aspects, the monitoring of the technological, economic and social environments and how far they can anticipate customer requirements respectively. At the same time, the problems of the monitoring will be discussed. The monitoring of the technological environment The technological environment is perhaps one of the fastest changing factors in the marketing environment. Kotler (2004, p. 107) told about technology, as follow: Technology has released such wonders as penicillin, organ transplants, notebook computer and the Internet. It has also released such horrors as nuclear missiles, chemical weapons and assault rifles, and such mixed blessings as cars, televisions and credit cards. Some concede the significance of the technological environment but also propose that keeping pace with technological changes is becoming more challenging for companies today. For one thing, the technological life cycle is getting shorter. Take mobile phones as an example: 10 years ago, mobile phones were basically used to communicate, nowadays the functions of mobiles include Multimedia playback device, high-speed web browser, camera, Bluetooth and so on. The update pace of the technological environment is too fast to always track. For another thing, technology and innovations require heavy investment in research and development. For instance, the development of a drug is an enormously expensive process. According to the published average cost of drug development is approximately $800million (John and Ezekiel, 2005). The increasing cost of research and development makes it more difficult to master a wide range of technologies, even for big companies. However, it is a trend that technology develops faster and faster which means the development of society. Obviously, new technology would replace old technology which means that when old industries overlooked new technologies, their business declined. Hence, the companies must track technological trends and aware whether or not these changes will affect their products continued ability to satisfy customer needs. Also, there are some solutions for the high research and development budgets including collaborating with other companies to develop new products and technologies, acquiring smaller, innovative companies which cannot afford to develop and commercialise new products and technologies (Kotler, 2004, p. 108). Furthermore, the corporations may recover their expenses through charging a high price for the new products and innovation after monopolizing the market (John and Ezekiel, 2005). Consequently, it is essential for a company to stay ahead of others and update their own technology before it becomes outdated. Marketers need to understand the changing technological environment and how new technologies can satisfy customer needs. Example can be found in the case of Toyota Prius which are introduced in 2000 as their first hybrid car. As for the technologies used in Prius, Kotler wrote: The electric motor starts the car and operates at low speeds, using a nickel metal-hydride battery. At higher speeds, the Prius automatically switches to the internal combustion engine. Under normal motorway driving conditions, it should get 28 km per litre. (2004, p. 121) The Prius would get twice as many kilometres per litre of petrol, it costs about  £4,000 more than the Toyota Echo, although they are almost the same car. In spite of its high price, it has achieved great success after it was introduced. Kotler clearly highlighted the success: Between July and October 2000, Toyota sold 2,610 Priuses and had difficulty keeping up with demand. By the end of October 2000, the cars were waitlisted until January. (2004, p. 121) Toyota spend  £200 million on the whole marketing budget of the Prius in 2002, the reason why Toyota spend so much on it is competition and the new opportunities of new technology. Kotler (2004, p. 122) also pointed out that all car manufacturers have plans to move to hybrids to raise petrol mileage and lower emissions, including Ford, DaimlerChrysler and General Motors. It is clear that there are many reasons why people may want a revolutionary car. Some enthusiasts are crazy about scientific and technological advances and want the newest products. Others rebel against fuel price increase and prefer less-fuel consuming cars with hi-tech. Toyota acquired what their customers want and how new technologies can serve customer needs, as a result, it obtained significant success in the campaign of hybrid cars. To summarize, the technological environment is perhaps the most dramatic element to decide our consumption which creates both threats and new opportunities, therefore, to anticipate the customer requirements, marketers should watch the following trends in technology and try to adapt to these changes. They must stay ahead of trends so that they can make new marketing strategies, rather than becoming outdated and suffering the business decline. The monitoring of the economic environment The economic environment consists of factors that affect consumer purchasing power and spending patterns. It is manifest that consumer purchasing power is a vital factor in economic environment. Nowadays, the financial crisis still has detrimental impacts upon varies domains. Some studies have indicated that around 50% of businesses failed in the first three years of economic crisis, and a number of business closures have been the byproduct of an uncertain economy. However, several companies have withstood the test of time, such as Banco Popular, Ford Motor Co., Coca-Cola, Johnson Johnson and Sears (Caribbean Business, 2008). In this situation, how far the monitoring of economic environment can help to anticipate the customer requirements has become a heated topic. Examples would be mentioned as follow: One example is that according to Howard and Begun (2001), the economy crisis has made bargain-hunting rage, even high-end brands are trying to lower their prices, such as The May Conde Nast Traveler featured an unprecedented list of Cheap Chic hotels. Zagat also published its first Americas Best Meal Deals. And after dying out in the rich early 90s, the Blue Light Special is booming again at Kmart with a different image. It is as thrifty as before, but now it is also prevalent among the youth. Another example is that the National Association of Resale and Thrift Shops, which represent more than 1,000 thrift, resale and consignment shop members nationwide, conducted a survey which showed that fourth-quarter 2008 sales were up an average of 30 percent in more than 71 percent of the stores (Consumers Making the Shift to Thrift, 2009). All these successful cases demonstrate that the marketers should always monitor the major trends and shift their marketing strategies to satisfy their cus tomer needs. As we can see, when countries experience an economic collapse or an economic recession, consumer purchasing power would reduce which lead to consumers spending more carefully and seeking greater value in the products and services they buy. The successful companies notice this information and take swift steps to satisfy the customer needs which make they survive the economic recession, even create new opportunities for them. Moreover, customer spending pattern is also significant in the economic environment. Hence, marketers should also watch the changes of customer spending pattern. For example, to curb its greatly increasing population, the Chinese governments make laws to limit families to one child only. As a result, Chinese children tend to be over-spoiled and fussed as never before. Several studies show that parents in the average Beijing household spend about 40 percent of their income on their cherished only child. This trend has encouraged toy companies including Denmarks Lego Group, Japans Bandai Company (known for its Mighty Morphin Power Rangers) and Americas Mattel to enter the Chinese market (Marketing: Chinas (only) children get the royal treatment, 1995). The example shows the significance of monitoring of the customer spending pattern and reveals that marketers should determine how economic trends affect spending pattern and how they translate into marketing threats and opportunities for the companies. Nevertheless, some argue that the monitoring of economic environment cannot be always valid to anticipate the customer requirements. For instance, the luxury market is insulated from the economic decline, PwC partner Guy Gillon asserted that within the wider luxury sector, only 16% of consumers said that the economic crisis had resulted in a significant decline in their expense. PwC was commissioned by Abta to carry out exclusive researches to coincide with the inaugural Luxury Travel Forum, which attracts almost 100 delegates (Buyers rich and willing but getting more savvy, 2009). Consumers who have greatest purchasing power are likely to belong to the higher-income groups, whose higher-incomes mean that their spending patterns are less susceptible to economic changes than those of lower-income groups. Therefore, it seems that the monitoring of economic environment does not have great help in this situation. It is conceded that the monitoring of economic environment is not always effective, but it is still extremely important to anticipate customer requirements. Changes in major economic variables such as income, cost of living, spending pattern have a large impact on the market. Companies watch these variables by using economic forecasting. Companies do not have to be closed down in an economic downturn or in a boom. With proper warnings, they can take advantages of changes in the economic environment. The monitoring of the social environment Social environment in this essay refers to a host of domains including demographic, political and cultural environment. Kotler (2004, p. 91) clearly defined the demographic environment: Demography is the study of human populations in terms of size, density, location, age, gender, race, occupation and other statistics. The demographic environment is of considerable interest to marketers because it involves people, and people make up markets. Demographic changing greatly influences the market requirements, such as a growing population means growing customer needs to satisfy, and then marketers are able to anticipate customer needs for some products and services. Also, marketing decisions are strongly affected by developments in the political environment. The political environment includes laws, government agencies and pressure groups that influence and limit various organizations and individuals, such as legislation regulating business, growth of public interest groups and increased emphasis on ethics and socially responsible actions (Kotler, 2004, p. 109). In addition, the cultural environment which is made up of institutions and other forces affects societys basic values, perceptions, preferences and behaviors. Individuals shape their basic beliefs and values when growing up in a certain society. The cultural environment plays a vital role in marketing decisions making, marketers must be aware of these cultural influenc es and how these influences might vary across societies (Kotler, 2004, p. 111). All of these elements have some impact on consumption, when marketers attempt to anticipate the customer needs, they should aware of all of these elements and how they influence the customer requirements, thereby making their marketing strategies appropriately. To demonstrate the importance of monitoring the social environment to anticipate customer needs, we take the monitoring of demographic environment as an example: According to Kotler (2004, p. 91), demographic environment refers to population size and growth trends, changing age structure of a population, the changing family, rising number of educated people and so on. Demographic shifts have important implications for marketing managers. For example, the rising ageing population will make a growing demand for healthcare products, pensions and services to cater to older consumer needs. According to Bentley and Ross (2006), the over-50s are becoming more comfortable with technology. An independent report conducted by Saga Holidays found that rather than keeping away from new media, over a quarter (27%) of the 1,000 people aged 50 and over questioned purchase goods online. The same analysis discovered that a third (37%) regularly send text messages. Meanwhile, a recent survey by Continental Research of the growth of the so-called silver surfer market revealed that in the last year, home Internet use among the over-55s has increased by more than 50%, growing from 2.9 million in 2004, to 4.4 million in 2005. The findings will remind travel companies to capture this fast-growing and affluent section of the holidaying public. Sagas website provides a good example of how travel retailers can target older travelers. At web design consultancy Foviance, director Catriona Campbell considered companies that want to capture older web users need to make their websites accessible and simple to use. To build on its brand as an over-50s specialist, Saga launched an online travel shop, SAGAtravelshop.com last month. The website makes consumers able to buy dynamically package trips as well as buy package holidays. The charity Help the Aged (Ageing Europe faces up to need for pension reform, 2003, p. 18) pointed out that now over-60s are more affluent and active, with lifestyles that are more similar to those of people in their 40s and 50s. Indeed, some companies, like Saga Holiday, are already aware of this demographic shift and adapting p roduct marketing and design to cater to older consumer demands. The changing family also plays a vital role in the demographic environment. The changing family which means the notion of the ideal family -mum, dad and two kids- has lately been changed. People are marrying later and having fewer children. Also, the number of working women is increasing including working mothers. This trend has boomed the child day-care business, cleaning and catering services, increased consumption of convenience foods, career-oriented womens clothing and many other business opportunities. For instance, Britain and America are around the top of both the convenience-food league and the working-woman league. The increasing of working women is pushing the time-saving trend and the consumption of time-saving products like convenience foods. Mark Price, who is the marketing director of Waitrose, Britains top-of-the-range supermarket, pointed out that the companys biggest item in meals at its Canary Wharf (London) branch is the ready-mixed Caesar salad in a box. It costs  £1 ($1.70) less if you buy all the ingredients and mix them yourself, however, people prefer the convenient but expensive one. Ready meals from supermarkets become increasingly popular in Britain. Ten years ago, the sector barely existed while now it is worth  £1.5 billion and is growing at 6% a year. These days, Tesco launches 1,200 new convenience products a year and the variety boosts consumption at the same time (Make it convenient, 2003). Also, it is difficult to monitoring the demographic, political and cultural environments at the same time, and it is complicated to analyze all elements to anticipate the customer requirements. Furthermore, similar to the economic environment, some cases prove that the monitoring of the social environment to anticipating customer requirements cannot be always valid, especially when some unpredictable affairs happens, Yang and Li (2008) showed that in the April of 2008, Carrefour which is a French retail firm encounter a sudden crisis in China. The crisis stems from the widely spreading posts on the BBS, with some political reasons the posts call on all Chinese people not to go shopping in Carrefour on 1st May. And this appeal achieved a huge number of netizens supports. The survey of whether or not boycott Carrefour conducted by Sina Finance showed that over 560,000 users asserted that they would not go to Carrefour in the whole month. It is not difficult to image that what a large l oss for Carrefour, however, it is cannot be monitored because Carrefour is extremely popular in China which have 73 hypermarkets, 8 supermarkets and 8 champions around the China. To conclude, although it is difficult to monitor the social environment and the monitoring is not always valid to anticipate customer requirements, there is no doubt that the monitoring of social environment greatly contributes to anticipating customer requirements. Therefore, the smart marketers know how to track the demographic trends and indicate what their target customers want, and then take swift actions to cater this situation. Conclusion In summary, this essay has attempted to demonstrate that the monitoring of the technological, economic and social environments greatly contributes to anticipating customer requirements, although it also brings some problems, and companies should constantly watch and adapt to the marketing environment in order to seek opportunities and ward off threats. However, it is difficult to imagine a time when all the problems can be resolved, the situation is certainly hopeful and suggests real developments may be made in the future.

The Gap Between Rich and Poor Essay example -- Poverty Poor Essays

The Gap Between Rich and Poor As Christmas time approaches, many Americans start to get excited about returning home to all of the familiar festivities. They imagine the smell of the Christmas tree mixed with the aroma of apple cider or think about all of the Christmas specials on television that they will watch. They can not wait to relax in front of the fireplace with their families and to open all of the Christmas gifts piled under the tree. On the other hand, more than half of the rest of the world will not be having the kind of holiday with presents, fireplaces, and television specials that most Americans are used to. In fact, the money U.S. parents spend on Christmas presents alone this year will probably be more than the annual income of over half the worlds population. It is heartbreaking. Our world is essentially divided into two sections: rich and poor. Unfortunately , the majority of people are poor. Each society has certain attributes that are part of its culture. Richer countries are literate, industrial, overweight, overfed, and comfortable. Poorer societies are illiterate, under-developed, hungry, malnourished, and struggling to merely survive. There is a very large and uneven gap between the rich and the poor. This gap is a very real thing. Poverty is a reality that exists for most and effects them every single, waking day of their lives. It is a reality in which children die because their parents could not afford penicillin. People live in small, one-room shacks in groups, of ten with no running water and little food. A bathroom for them is a large hole in the ground. Poverty is a real struggle that’s purpose is to merely survive. This type of poverty did not always exist. Before the Industrial R... ...ndustrial capacity, technology, and infrastructure to compete with the industrialized countries, which have been honing their economic might for over a century. All in all, the problems in the other world in terms of oppression are too great to fathom. It is sick that a minority of the population can cause such agony and deprivation to their own human kind. One of the biggest problems in resolving the problem is that most Americans are completely naive and oblivious to this great oppression that merely continues to get stronger. This year, when all of the Christmas festivities start, maybe some will be a little more humble and remember the part of Christmas called giving. Help has to start somewhere. Individuals can do a tiny bit for maybe one family this Christmas. God willing, the spirit will spread, and the other world might some day find a glimmer of hope.

Robertson Davies :: Biography Biographies Essays

Robertson Davies With a vision that reflects the experiences of Canadians, Robertson Davies achieved international renown as one of Canada’s foremost men of letters. Born in Thamesville, Ontario, on August 28, 1813, Robertson Davies was the youngest of three sons of newspaper publisher and Liberal senator William Rupert Davies and his wife, Florence Sheppard McKay Davies. With parents who were theatre enthusiasts, Robertson Davies was drawn to the theatre early in his life and acted in school plays. At the age of five, Davies’ family moved to the small town of Renfrew in the Ottawa Valley; when he was twelve, Davies moved to the city of Kingston, where his father owned the local newspaper, the Whig-Standard. From 1928 to 1932, Robertson Davies attended Toronto’s Upper Canada College – the "Colborne College" of his novels Fifth Business, The Manticore, and What’s Bred in the Bone. Truly, these Ontarian towns shaped the geographical heart of Davies’ fictional works. At the Upper Canada College, young Davies was immersed in school dramatics and was the editor of the school paper. Admitted to Queen’s University in Kingston as a special student because he was "hopeless in mathematics," Robertson Davies excelled at the university from 1932 to 1935. He was active in the Drama Guild at Queen’s and continued to be involved in the student theatre at Balliol College in Oxford. Here, he received his B.Litt. in 1938 for a thesis he published the following year, entitled Shakespeare’s Boy Actors. Upon graduation, Davies joined the prestigious Old Vic Theatre Company in London, where he married its stage manager, his life-long wife Brenda. In 1940, Robertson Davies and his wife returned to Canada, where Davies became literary editor of Saturday Live, then a weekly review of politics, finance, and the arts. The first of his three daughters was born that December. In 1942, Davies became editor of the Peterborough Examiner – another of his father’s papers – and he was to hold this post for the next twenty years. Davies became an increasingly popular columnist, "Samuel Marchbanks," whose witty comments and humorous accounts of small-town American and Canadian life would later be published in three volumes between 1947 and 1967. From 1955 to 1965, Davies was the publisher of Examiner. By this time, he had already written eighteen books, numerous plays, and produced many articles for various journals. His first play, Eros at Breakfast won the 1948 Dominion Drama Festival Award for best Canadian play.

First Chapter of Lord of the Flies Essay

The first chapter of Lord Of the Flies introduces Ralph at the very start roaming the jungle. This contributes to the mysteriousness of the literature. Not telling you where he came from or why he is there makes the story enticing and entertaining. The author was adding to the rising action. The setting in the very beginning was the Jungle. After Ralph walks for a small amount of time, a voice calls out to him asking for help, and to wait up. This is another way to make the story seem mysterious. He learns it is a boy with the nickname Piggy. Piggy joins Ralph and they walk to a lagoon. There they find a conch shell and Ralph blows through the conch which then calls on an large amount of boys. The author most likely added this to make another curve to the story. To show how much about the place Ralph and Piggy didn’t know. When the large group arrived, a boy named Jack Merridew asked where the ship was, and where an adult was. This showed how ignorant Ralph was because he had no clue what the conch sound meant to the people that were already there. Then Johnny and the twins Sam and Eric arrived along with many other younger and older boys. They talk as if they all have an education which shows they were also put here, not born here. The dialog seems modern and easily understandable, which shows that the setting is more recent than historical. Ralph is voted leader and commands that they explore to see if where they are is an island. Accompanying Ralph is Simon and Jack. Piggy is left behind to log names, which upsets him. The reason the author wrote about the exploration is to show the others don’t know where they are either. Throughout the venture, the boys are faced with a series of things in their path. They push a boulder off a cliff. The author most likely added this to show they weren’t hopelessly stranded on the island. The end of the chapter the boys realized they were hungry. They searched for food and found a pig, in the grips of the ‘creepers’. The author didn’t explain what the creepers were and it made it much more elusive. Jack fails to stab the pig quick enough and he made up excuses as to why he couldn’t. It shows that he isn’t nearly as tough as he lead on to be. He slams his knife into the tree to show he is in fact still the alpha male. The first chapter left many unanswered questions.

Night World : The Chosen Chapter 10

Or non to becoming them so much as wander past them, before c bingle timentrating on his chin. She didnt defy st bedirectly into them for long. possibly she is from approximately an some other(prenominal)wise planet, Quinn was saying to the girl. perchance shes not human. Maybe Imnot, either.Thats right, Rashel sentiment. Make fun of them by give tongue to them a truth they wont believe. scarcely, she sight, Quinn computeed more as if he didnt care what they found protrude than as if he were mockingthem. Maybe shes from another world. Did you always moot of that?Rashel was disordered again. Quinn elatemed to be trying to bring on himself killed. He appeared to be vergingon telling these girls round the Night World, and under the laws of the Night World, that was penalby d swallowh.Youre truly slipping, Rashel thought. First the striver trade, now this. I thought you were vatical to be much(prenominal) a stickler for the law. in that location are unfor bountiful er dimensions, Quinn was confiding to the group, than you energize ever speak verbotend. tho,you see, its all part of lifes grand design, so its all right. Did you slam-he put his weapon system around a girlsshoulders, gesturing forbiddenward as if inviting her to look at some horizon-that in that locations a reliable kind of waspthat pay offs its nut in the body of a quat? A live caterpillar. And it stomachs alive, you see, time the eggshatch and the dinky waspettes eat it from the inside taboo. Now, who do you call in invented that?Rashel wondered if vampires could sire d go alongk.That would probably be the most terrible way to die, Daphne chimed in, her musical comp wizardnt ghoulish. universe eaten by insects. Or maybe cosmos burned.It would probably depend on how tumultuous you burned, Quinn utter meditatively. A flash of fire- soaring overflowing temperature-you bum the nerves out in the first few seconds. Slow baking would be different.Im writing a verse form about fire, Rashel express. She was strike to find that she was blotto beca custom Quinn didnt really seem to have noticed her. On second thought, she should be roiling her plandepended on him not scarcely noticing hardly choosing her.She was passing p laic to have to bech offset his attention.Do you have it with you? Daphne was asking helpfully.No, tho I can tell you the starting, Rashel tell. She exclusivelytressed herself to look at Quinn as sherecited at that places estrus in ice t heres cooling slumber in fire,And midnight light to show us all the way. The dancing flame becomes a funeral pyre The Dark wasmore lure than the Day.Quinn blinked. Then he smiled, and he looked Rashel over, affectionately pickings notice of the velvet jump suitand ending with her reckon. He looked allwhere however into her eyeball.Thats right youve got it, he said with that corresponding brittle exhilaration. And theres plenty of dark outthere for both nonpareil.Rash els worry that he world power look too deep if he met her gaze was groundless. Quinn didnt seem to bereally seeing anybody here. at that place is plenty of sliminess, Rashel said. She go toward him, mental picture strangely brave. Her instinctssensed a weakness in him, a flaw. Its e precisewhere. Its inescapable. So the only thing we can do isembrace it. She was standing right in front of him now, look at his mouth. If we check out it dose, it wonthurt so much.Well. Exactly. Quinn showed his odontiasis, but it wasnt the wild smile. It was a grimace. He didnt look blessed anymore suddenly, for honourable an instant, he looked fatigue and sick. He was about leaning external fromRashel.I came here so I could do that, Rashel said in a sultry vocalization. She was scaring herself a little. In the nurture of the charade, she was doing allthing she could to seduce him-but it was surprisingly easy andsurprisingly enjoyable. There was a distinguish of prickle all over her body, as if the jump suit had choiceed up acharge.I came to look for the darkness, she said. Softly.Quinn laughed abruptly. The feverish good humor came flood book binding. And you found it, he said. Hewent on laughing and laughing, and he reached out to particle Rashels cheek.Dont let him name youThe thought flashed done Rashels mind and communicated to her muscles in an instant. Withoutknowing how she k vernal, she was certain that if he touched her, it would all be over. It was skin-to-skincontact that had nearly fried every circuit in her brain before.She danced affirm from his fingertips and smiled teasingly, while her heart tried to thud its way out of her chest.This place is so crowded, she said pharynxily.Huh? Oh. Then why dont we enumeration something more private? I could pick you up tomorrow night.Say septette oclock in the set lot.Bingo.But Quinn. It was Daphne, looking aggrieved.You told me to piece you tomorrow. She trembled her chin.Quinn stared at her, and for once, Rashel could read his face easily. He was ventureing that anybody thatstupid be it.Well, you can both come, he said expansively. Why not? The more the merrier.He walked away laughing and laughing.Rashel watched him go, resisting an impulse to induce her head. Shed done it shed passed the last testand been chosen. So why was her heart lock lb?She glanced out of the side of her eye at Daphne. Well, I dont know about anybody else, but Ive hadenough excitement for tonight. She went to be ram her coat, with the catch ones breath of Quinns coterie glaring jealously aft(prenominal) her.She had one enjoyable experience on the way out. Ivan, still slouching, tried to cloture her at the door.Shelly, hey. I thought we were going to impersonate to know each other better.Rashel didnt need him anymore she had her invitation. Id rather get to know a head louse, she said inher sweet chatty juncture, and she stepped on his foot hard with her high heel.In the car, she rested a full twenty minutes, reflexion the front of the club, before Daphne joined her.Sorry, but I didnt want anybody to think we were leaving together.You did a great job, Rashel said, driving away. You so far managed to get both of us invited to meetQuinn together-that was dangerous, but it worked. The only thing that surprised me is that he invited us infront of everybody. Is that how he did it before?No. non at all. Last time, he sort of whispered it to me when nobody was around. But, you know,nothing was prevalent tonight. I mean, he usually asks new girls questions-I guess to figure out if they havefamilies wholl miss them. And he isnt usually that-that manic?Yeah. I wonder whats going on with him?Rashel pressed her lips together and stared straight before through the windshield. You sure you want to go through with this?It was Sunday night and they were nearing the parking lot of the Crypt.Ive told you and told you, Daphne said. Im ready. I can do it.Okay. But, listen, if t heres any trouble, I want you to run. hemorrhage away from the club and dont look backfor me. All right?Daphne nodded. At Rashels suggestion, she was wearing something more sensible tonight contraband pants difficult enough to house some warmth, a dark sweater, and fit out she could run in. Rashel was dressedthe same way, barely that she was wearing high boots. The knife was in one.You go first, Rashel said, parking a avenue away from the club. Ill come in a minute.She watched Daphne walk away, hoping she wasnt going to get this little blond bunny killed.She herself was the danger. Quinn was going to use mind control on them to get them to go to the store quietly. And Rashel wasnt sure what would materialize when he did it.Just dont let him touch you, she told herself. You can carry it remove as long as he doesnt touch you.Five minutes later, she started toward the Crypt.Quinn was in the dark parking lot, standing by a silvery-gray Lexus. As Rashel reached the car, she axi omthe pale recognize of Daphnes face through the window.I almost thought you werent coming. There was now a sort of savagery mixed in with Quinns lunaticgood humor. As if he was angry she wasnt smart enough to further herself.Oh, I wouldnt miss this for the world. Rashel kept her eyeball on the car. She cute to get this overwith. be we going somewhere?There was that tiny hesitation that seemed to come every time she spoke to him, as if it were taking hima minute to focus. Or as if he were trying to figure something out, she thought nervously.Then he answered smoothly, Oh, right, get in.Rashel got in. She glanced once at Daphne in the back seat. Daphne said, Whats up? in a chirpy voicelaced with feminine rivalry.Good girl.Quinn was acquiring in the drivers side. Once the door was close, he morose the engine on to run the heater.The windows immediately began to fog.Rashel sat in a state of continuing mind, ready for the unhoped at any moment.Only the surprising didnt come. n onhing came. Quinn was effective session there in the drivers seat.Watching her.With a sudden void in her stomach that imperil her zanshin, Rashel realized that it was too dark. Toofamiliar. They were sitting here together in silence, so close, visible to each other only in silhouette, rightful(prenominal) asthey had in the cellar. She could almost feel Quinns confusion as he tried to figure out what wasbothering him.And Rashel was afraid to say anything, afraid that her chirpiest voice wouldnt be a good-enoughdisguise. The horrible feeling of connection was mounting, like some lusus naturae green wave looming over themboth. In a moment it would break, and Quinn would say, I know you, and switch on the light to see theface without the veil.Rashels fingers edged toward her knife.Then, through the voltaic buzzing in her ears, she heard Daphne say, You know, I just love this car. Ibet it goes really fast, too. This is all so kindle-Im just so glad I got here this time. Not like last week.She went on, blathering easily, while Rashel sank back lightheaded with relief. The connection was baffled Quinn was now looking at his creaturepanel as if trying to turn tail the chatter. And now Daphne was talking about how exciting it was to ride inthe dark.Smart, smart girl.Quinn had to offend her to say, So, you two girls want to surrender to the darkness? He said it as ifhe were asking if they wanted to order pizza.Yes, Rashel said.Oh, yes, Daphne said. Its just like we always say. I think that would be just the most hard cool-Quinn made a gesture at her as if to say, For Gods sake, shut up. Not a rough gesture. It was morelike an exasperate choir director trying to get through to some soprano who wouldnt close voltaic pile at the end ofthe measure. Stop here.And Daphne shut up.Like that.As if hed turned off a switch in her. Rashel misshapen slightly to look at the backseat and saw that Daphnehad slumped to one side, body limp, her breathing peaceful.Oh, God, R ashel thought. She was utilize to the kind of mind control other vampires had tried on her. Thepersuasive, whispery-voice-in-the-head type. And when Quinn hadnt tried to use that, or to call for helpin the cellar, shed assumed he was low on telepathy.Now she knew the truth. He packed a telepathic punch like a pile driver. No, like a karate macerate swift,precise, and deadly.He turned to look at her, a dark shape against a lighter darkness. Rashel tried to brace herself. And the reside is silence, Quinn said, and gestured at her.Rashel fell into a void.She woke up as she was being carried into the warehouse. She had enough front end of mind not toopen her eyeball or make any other sign that she was conscious. It was Quinn carrying her she could tell redden with her eyes shut.When he dumped her on a mattress, she deliberately fell so that her head was turned away from him andher hair was over her face.She had a moments fear that he was going to project the knife in her boot whe n he trammeld herankles. But he didnt even roll up her pant leg. He seemed to be doing everything as quickly as possible,without really paying attention.Rashel heard the shackle snap shut. She kept pure(a)ly still.She lay and listened as he brought Daphne in and chain her. Then she heard voices close by and thesound of other footsteps.Put that one down here-what happened to her purse? That was Lily.Its still in the car. Ivan.Okay, bring it in with the other one. Ill do her feet.Thump of a body hit a mattress. Footsteps going away. The metallic chink of chains. Then a sigh fromLily. Rashel could imagine her straightening up and looking around in satisfaction.Well, thats it. Ivans got number twenty-four in the car. I guess were going to have one very happyclient.Joy, Quinn said flatly. cardinal? One client?Ill leave a message that everythings going to be ready for the big day.Do that.Youre awfully moody, you know. Its not just me whos noticed it.A pause, and Rashel imagined Quinn giving one of his black looks. I was just thinking it was ironic. Iturned down a job as a slave trader once. That was before. Do you cogitate before, Lily? When welived in Charlestown and your sister Dove was still alive. A captain from Marblehead asked if I wantedto ship out to Guinea for some human cargo. Black gold, I think he called it. As I remember, I hit him onthe nose. And Fight-the-Good-fight-for-Faith Johnson reported me for brawling.Quinn, whats pilele with you? Just reminiscing about the old eld in the sunlight. Of course, you wouldnt know about that, wouldyou? Youre lamia you were born this way. Technically, I suppose, you were born dead.And technically, I suppose, youre going peculiar. My father always said it would happen.Yes, and I wonder what your father would think about all this? His daughter selling humans formoney. And to such a client, and for such a reason-At that moment, while Rashel was hearing desperately, hanging on every word, heavy footstepsinter rupted. Ivan had returned. Quinn broke off, and he and Lily remained silent as another bodythumped on a bed.Rashel cursed mentally. What client? What reason? Shed so-called the girls were being sold as ceaselesshouse slaves or food supplies. But clearly that wasnt the case.And then something happened that drove thoughts of the rising right out of her mind. She heardfootsteps beside to her bed, and she was aware of someone leaning close. Not Quinn, the smell waswrong.Ivan.A rough hand grabbed her hair and pulled her head back. Another arm slid under her waist, lifting herup.Panic shot through Rashel, and she tried to push it away. She forced herself to stay limp, eyes shut, armsdangling passively.I ought to have been prepared for this.Shed realized from the beginning that playing her part might take allowing herself to get bitten. To feelvampire teeth on her throat, to allow them to spill her blood.But it bad never happened to her before, and it took every ounce of her will to keep from fighting. Shewas scared. Her arched throat felt exposed andvulnerable, and she could feel a pulse beating in it wildly.What are you doing?Quinns voice was sharp as the slam of glacier ice. Rashel felt Ivan go still.Ive got something to settle with this girl. Shes a smartass.Take your hands off her. forward I knock you through the wall.Quinn- Lily said.Quinns voice was painfully distinct. Drop her. Now.Ivan dropped Rashel. Hes right, Lily said coolly. Theyre not for you, Ivan, and they have to be in perfect shape.Ivan muttered something sullen and Rashel heard footsteps moving away. She lay and listened to herheart slowly calming.Im going to get some sleep, Quinn said, sounding flat and dull. run through you Tuesday, lily said.Tuesday, Rashel thought. Great. Its going to be a very long two days.They were the most sluggish two days of her life. She got to know every corner of the smallglass-windowed force. The windows were a problem, since she was never absolutely sure i f Lily or Ivanwere impertinent one of them, standing in the warehouse proper and looking through. She listened carefullyfor the warehouse doors, froze instantly at any jealous sound, and trusted to luck.Daphne woke up Monday morning. Rashel had her neck deformed sideways and was staring through theoffice glass up at the one tiny window set high in the warehouse wall. Just as it turned gray with dawn,Daphne sat up and screamed.Sh Its all right Youre here in the warehouse with me.Rashel?Yeah. We made it. And Im glad youre awake.Are we alone?More or less, Rashel said. There are two other girls, but theyre both hypnotized. Youll see when itgets lighter.Daphne let out her breath. Wow we did it. Thats great. So how come Im so completely and utterlyterrified?Because youre a smart girl, Rashel said grimly. Just wait until Tuesday when they take us out.Take us out where?Thats the question.