Amos and Hosea Essay Example for Free

Amos and Hosea Essay Amos was a Judean who accepted he was authorized by Yahweh to deliver his words to Israel, However Hosea was a local Israelite. With these two men was the custom of recording prophets which seem to have started, for if the expressions of their prophetic forerunners were protected in a composed structure, at that point they would have since a long time ago been lost to every one of us. Inside a couple of years, prophets having comparable worries with Amos and Hosea started to be dynamic in Judah and their words as well, were safeguarded. II Kings 15 and Amos 1-9 Amos remained in judgment of good and moral abhorrence be that as it may, in contrast to them, he didn't confine himself to single issues or to singular circumstances, yet managed the decay of Yahwism and human conduct in all degrees of society. Urban communities he makes reference to), examples of circumstances and logical results (3:3 ff.), and Israelite faction rehearses. His striking symbolism, drawn from nature, proposes a keen spectator equipped for relating his bits of knowledge and encounters in ground-breaking phrasing. Maybe the very straightforwardness of his life made him be stunned at the excesses of the rich and the awful neediness and vulnerability of the individuals who were the prey of the ground-breaking. The advantage of summer and winter castles rather than the cottages of poor people, the avaricious interest of the exceptionally rich diverged from the weep for equity and value of the oppressed drove him to cruel professions against ground-breaking, self-satisfied, content people, ministers and ruler. The push of Amos judgment is against the division of life into compartments. He contends for solidarity. What a man does in the commercial center, in the Court of law or, in his dealings with others can't be walled off from love. Yahweh is a God surprisingly; in this manner the dealings of man with man are straightforwardly identified with the dealings of God with man. His is a sob for the acknowledgment of keeps an eye on moral duty before God. In any case, let equity move down like waters what's more, uprightness like an Overflowing stream. Amos 5:24 AMOS RELIGIOUS CONCEPTS Amos convictions concerning Yahweh and perfect human connections were comparable. Yahweh the maker, the God of hosts Amos never talks about Yahweh as God of Israel), or had control over nature and countries. In spite of the unreasonable accentuation, Yahwehs specific concern was Israel, the picked orâ elected individuals, Amos underlined Yahwehs activity in history in carrying the Hebrews to nationhood and enormity, and called attention to that the continuation of intensity and security rested in Yahweh.

Environment and Sustainable Development Assignment - 1

Condition and Sustainable Development - Assignment Example This guarantees all living things are impartially dealt with and termination of specific species is escaped (Williamson 12) . Help the legislature and companies just as general society to make progress in use and full advantageous access from regular assets. By doing so they guarantee that there are greatest use and huge advantages from the earth commonly. The job of tree hugger identifies with the different procedures instructed in class, for example, natural and zoological protection techniques to dive into the center job of ecological preservation. Accordingly, every methodology was embraced in class as far as pragmatic work connects as one to the down to earth approach attempted by tree huggers. The meeting led included a specialist in the natural field. Name; Contact no: The primary strategy for meet utilized was question and answer and from the outcomes accomplished the report was composed. Going before the voyage through a natural based scene/zone it was clear that preservation of the species was foremost among all (the premise of our group subjects protection of a domain). Besides, there was away from of progress in the maintainability of nature in different ways, for example, aquariums of indigenous fish species as a method of securing them.â â

Important Dates in the Life of Sigmund Freud

Important Dates in the Life of Sigmund Freud History and Biographies Print Important Dates in the Life of Sigmund Freud By Kendra Cherry facebook twitter Kendra Cherry, MS, is an author, educational consultant, and speaker focused on helping students learn about psychology. Learn about our editorial policy Kendra Cherry Updated on January 16, 2020 Hulton Archive - Stringer/Archive Photos/Getty Images More in Psychology History and Biographies Psychotherapy Basics Student Resources Theories Phobias Emotions Sleep and Dreaming Sigmund Freud (1856-1939) was an Austrian neurologist who is considered to be the father of psychoanalysis. He wrote multiple books and papers on psychology and considered himself to be more of a scientist than a doctor. Right after he graduated from university, he set up his own private practice to treat patients with psychological disorders. He didnt become particularly well-known until around 1909 and his theories, focusing largely on sexuality, were often considered scandalous or narrow. Timeline of Sigmund Freud 1856 â€" (May 6) Sigismund Freud was born in Freiberg, Moravia, now part of the Czech Republic, to parents Jacob and Amalia. At the age of 41, Jakob already had two children from a previous marriage, but Sigismund was the 21-year-old Amalias firstborn. 1860 â€" After the failure of his fathers business due to economic woes, the Freud family moved to Vienna, Austria, and settled in the Jewish neighborhood of Leopoldstadt. 1865 â€" Began attending the Gymnasium. 1873 â€" Graduated summa cum laude from secondary school and began studying medicine at the University of Vienna. 1878 â€" Changed his first name from Sigismund to Sigmund. 1881 â€" Received his doctorate degree in medicine. 1884 â€" Published a monograph, a detailed study, on cocaine. 1885 â€" Worked with Jean-Martin Charcot at the Salpetriere Hospital on hysteria and hypnosis. 1886 â€" Began his own private practice and married Martha Bernays. 1887 â€" Daughter Mathilda (1887-1978) was born and he first met Wilhelm Fliess. 1889 â€" Son Jean Martin (1889-1967) was born. The boy was named in honor of Freuds early mentor, Jean-Martin Charcot. 1891 â€" Son Oliver (1891-1969) was born. 1892 â€" Josef Breuer describes the case of Anna O. with Freud. His son, Ernst, (1892-1970) was also born. 1893 â€" Began formulating his seduction theory. Daughter Sophie (1893-1920) was born. 1895 â€" Published Studies on Hysteria with Breuer. Daughter Anna Freud (1895-1982) was born. 1896 â€" First used the term psychoanalysis in Zur Ätiologie der Hysterie. His father, Jakob, died the same year.? 1900  â€"  Published The Interpretation of Dreams. 1901 â€" Published The Psychopathology of Everyday Life. 1905 â€" Published Three Essays on Sexuality. 1906 â€" Began correspondence with Carl Jung. 1907 â€" Freud and Jung met face-to-face. 1908 â€" The first International Psychoanalytical Congress was held in Salzburg. 1909 â€" Freud made his first and only visit the United States along with Carl Jung and Sandor Ferenczi. He had been invited by G. Stanley Hall to present a series of guest lectures at Clark University. 1913 â€" Jung broke from Freud and psychoanalysis. Freuds book  Totem and Taboo was published. 1920 â€" Published Beyond the Pleasure Principle, which introduced his concept of the death instinct. 1922 â€" His grandson, the noted artist Lucian Freud, was born. 1923 â€" Published The Ego and the Id and was diagnosed with jaw cancer. 1929 â€" Civilization and its Discontents was published. 1930 â€" Freuds mother died. 1933 â€" Corresponded with Albert Einstein. The Nazis publicly burned some of Freuds books because he was Jewish. 1938 â€" Youngest daughter Anna Freud was arrested and interrogated by the Gestapo, so Freud moved to London with his wife and Anna to escape the Nazis. 1939 â€" Freud died on September 23 of cancer in London. 10 Things You Might Not Know About Sigmund Freud

Molly Ivins, Sharp-Tongued Political Commentator

Molly Ivins (Aug. 30, 1944–Jan. 31, 2007) was a political commentator with a sharp wit—a take-no-prisoners critic of what she considered silly, outrageous, or unfair. Ivins was based in Texas, and both loved and made fun of her state and its culture and politicians. President George W. Bush, a frequent target of Ivins writings, nevertheless praised her after she died, saying he â€Å"respected her convictions, her passionate belief in the power of words, and her ability to turn a phrase.† Bush added: â€Å"Her quick wit and commitment to her beliefs will be missed.† Fast Facts: Molly Ivins Known For: Political commentator with biting witAlso Known As: Mary Tyler IvinsBorn: Aug. 30, 1944 in Monterey, CaliforniaParents: James Elbert Ivins and Margaret Milne IvinsDied: Jan. 31, 2007 in Austin, TexasEducation: Smith College (BA in History, 1966), Columbia School of Journalism (MA, 1967)Published Works: Molly Ivins: She Cant Say That Can She? (1992), Bushwhacked: Life in George W. Bushs America (2003), Who Let the Dogs In? Incredible Political Animals I Have Known (2004)Awards and Honors: Three-time Pulitzer Prize finalist, 2005 Lifetime Achievement Award from the International Womens Media FoundationSpouse: NoneChildren: NoneNotable Quote: There are two kinds of humor. One kind that makes us chuckle about our foibles and our shared humanity—like what Garrison Keillor does. The other kind holds people up to public contempt and ridicule—thats what I do. Satire is traditionally the weapon of the powerless against the powerful. I only aim at the powerful. When sa tire is aimed at the powerless, it is not only cruel—its vulgar. Early Life Ivins was born in Monterey, California.  Most of her childhood was in Houston, Texas, where her father was a business executive in the oil and gas industry. She went north for her education, getting her bachelors degree from Smith College, after a brief time at Scripps College, and then earned her masters degree from Columbia Universitys Graduate School of Journalism. While at Smith, she interned at the  Houston Chronicle. Career Ivins first job was with the Minneapolis Tribune, where she covered the police beat, the first woman to do so. In the 1970s, she worked for the Texas Observer.  She often published op-eds in The New York Times and The Washington Post.  The  New York Times, wanting a livelier columnist, hired her away from Texas in 1976.  She served as the bureau chief for the Rocky Mountain states.  Her style was, however, apparently was more lively than the Times  expected, and she rebelled against what she saw as authoritarian control.   She returned to Texas in the 1980s to write for the Dallas Times Herald,  given freedom to write a column as she wished. She sparked controversy when she said of a local congressman, â€Å"If his I.Q. slips any lower, we’ll have to water him twice a day.† Many readers expressed outrage and said they were appalled, and several advertisers boycotted the paper. Nevertheless, the paper rose to her defense and rented billboards that read: â€Å"Molly Ivins Can’t Say That, Can She?† The slogan became the title of the first of her six books. Ivins was also a three-time finalist for the Pulitzer Prize and briefly served on the board of the Pulitzer committee.  When the Dallas Times Herald, closed, Ivins went to work for the  Fort Worth Star-Telegram.  Her twice-weekly column went into syndication and appeared in hundreds of papers. Later Years and Death Ivins was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1999. She underwent a radical mastectomy and several rounds of chemotherapy. The cancer went into remission briefly, but it returned in 2003 and again in 2006. Ivins waged a very public battle against cancer. In 2002, she wrote about the disease:  Ã¢â‚¬Å"Having breast cancer is massive amounts of no fun. First they mutilate you; then they poison you; then they burn you. I have been on blind dates better than that.† Ivins worked nearly up to the time of her death, but she suspended her column a few weeks before she passed away. Ivins died on Jan. 31, 2007, in Austin, Texas. Legacy At its height, Ivins column appeared in about 350 newspapers. Upon her death, The New York Times noted that Ivins cultivated the voice of a folksy populist who derided those who she thought acted too big for their britches. She was rowdy and profane, but she could filet her opponents with droll precision. After her death, Time magazine called Ivins a major figure in Texas journalism. In some respects, Ivins and President George W. Bush came to national prominence at the same time, but while Bush came to embrace his political heritage, Molly veered from her own, Time noted in its obituary, adding: Her family was Republican, but she was caught up in the turmoil of the 60s and became an ardent liberal, or populist as Texas liberals like to call themselves. One of the first newspapers Ivins worked for, the Texas Observer, had a simpler take on her legacy: Molly was a hero. She was a mentor. She was a liberal. She was a patriot. And as recently as April 2018, journalists and writers were still mourning her passing and praising her influence. Columnist and author John Warner  wrote in the Chicago Tribune that Ivins work clarifies that the forces that roil our democracy are nothing new. She just saw things more clearly and sooner than many of us. I wish she were here, but I’m thankful her spirit lives on in her work. Sources Seelye, Katharine Q. â€Å"Molly Ivins, Columnist, Dies at 62.†Ã‚  The New York Times, The New York Times, 1 Feb. 2007.â€Å"About Molly Ivins.†Ã‚  By Carey Kinsolving | Creators Syndicate.Warner, John. â€Å"If Only Molly Ivins Could Say Something Now.†Ã‚  Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 25 Apr. 2018.Hylton, Hilary. â€Å"Remembering Molly Ivins, 1944-2007.†Ã‚  Time, Time Inc., 31 Jan. 2007,.PBS, Interview: Molly Ivins. Public Broadcasting Service.

A Lawsuit Over Plagiarism in H. Bruce Millers Life is Not...

In â€Å"Life is Not Measured by Grade-Point Averages† by H. Bruce Miller, Miller announces that a young lady named Gabrielle Napolitano was suing the University for accusing her of plagiarism in her paper. Napolitano hired a lawyer and built the case stating that the so called â€Å"plagiarism† was just a, quote â€Å"technical error† (Miller, par.2). Miller announces this problem but doesn’t get his true argument out until the last few paragraphs of his paper, stating that students need to stop worrying about their grades or grade-point averages and need to start enjoying the process of learning, to embrace the knowledge and use it without the fear of lack of money in the back of their minds. Miller uses strong terminology throughout his paper and†¦show more content†¦Miller does not take in account that Napolitano might have been suing for what was right, suing the University because she was having her life delayed for a mistake. Miller doesn’t include Napolitano’s side of the story but he also does not relate to his audiences beliefs and includes fallacies in his writing. Throughout the paper there was no emotional statements or statements showing understanding for the students of the Nation, Miller automatically assumes that everyone is just worried about grades and not actually there to learn for the fun and joy of it. There are several occasions where Miller uses the faulty causality fallacy, for example; Miller states â€Å"Students get a lower grade in a course than they think they deserve; they sue. Students graduate and fail to get a job, or as good a job as they expected; they sue†(Miller, par.3). At this point he is using the faulty causality fallacy by making that the assumption that negative outcomes would automatically lead to suing, for example â€Å"Jacob got a bad grade on his school work so he sued the school†. Even though Miller makes assumptions in his writing, he does keep the reader’s attention with a face-paced tone and long sentences with similes. For example, when Miller says â€Å"The notion that the principal, or only, purpose of going to college is to win a ticket of admission to the great upper middleShow MoreRelatedFundamentals of Hrm263904 Words   |  1056 Pagesavailable 24/7 Instructors personalize and manage their course more effectively with assessment, assignments, grade tracking, and more manage time better study smarter save money From multiple study paths, to self-assessment, to a wealth of interactive visual and audio resources, WileyPLUS gives you everything you need to personalize the teaching and learning experience.  » F i n d o u t h ow t o M A K E I T YO U R S  » www.wileyplus.com ALL THE HELP, RESOURCES, AND PERSONAL SUPPORT YOU ANDRead MoreLibrary Management204752 Words   |  820 Pages9. Highland Park Public Library Strategic Plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Figure 6.1. Ten Reasons for Marketing Library and Information Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Figure 7.1. The Life Cycle of Organizations. . . . . . . . . . . . . Figure 7.2. Organization Chart Showing Authority Lines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Figure 7.3. Line and Staff Organizational Units . . . . . . . . . Figure 7.4. Organization

The Gifted Free Essays

Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love. † Mother Teresa A day of extending the service of love was once again showed by the grantees to the children of orgy. We will write a custom essay sample on The Gifted or any similar topic only for you Order Now Barras, Stop. NIH. It was a day full of happiness that the grantees, though they didn’t have expensive things to share, and fancy gifts to give, didn’t fail the children experience the feeling of being loved through sharing with them the Joy and laughter that no amount of money could ever buy. It was a day of fun when the renters conducted several activities in cooperation with the Christ the King College- College of Teacher Education Graduating Class of 2013. The KC-CITE together with the grantees of Cassis Development Foundation had an outreach program exclusively for the students of Barras Elementary and Secondary Schools. The grantees were able to show their spirit of generosity not Just by sharing largesse to the learners of Bray. Barras but also by giving them knowledge and understanding of things that are still alien to them, giving them awareness of the scholarships offered at Christ the King College, most specifically the Cassis Development Foundation, and of course sharing with them a barrel of laughs. Just looking into the eyes of those children, their eagerness and enthusiasm of pursuing their studies and the realization by themselves that cried how unfortunate they were not to do so because of financial instability made the hearts of the grantees moved†¦ And this was the highlight of their visit on that place. Subsequently, the only thing that emanated to the grantees was to open the gates for them by sharing with the learners the idea that both sides share the same sentiments specially before. The grantees disclosed with them their past stories before they became grantees, the grantees wanted the learners to understand that in every problem there will always be a solution, that there is always a chance for the unfortunate, and a hope to those who believe. The UDF grantees gave inspiration to the learners to not lose hope but fight instead to whatever circumstances they may be facing for life is sometimes cruel but it can yield the sweetest thing if one learns how to look into its positive side. The outreach program did not Just wake up the hearts and minds of the people in orgy. Barras but it also rough them enlightenment unto which path to go through and it was really an honor that the Cassis grantees were also a part of that realization in their lives. Through the grantees’ initiative of uncovering their life stories for the sake of giving the students the encouragement and motivation to continue to the course of their lives through educating themselves, truly they presented their being of a teacher with Franciscan values with them. The grantees believe that they can make a difference through commencing with simple things, thus, according to Napoleon Hill, whatever the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve. How to cite The Gifted, Papers

Pollution and Human Health

Ecosystem An ecosystem is often defined as an environment or community, where inter-relationships among organisms take place (Vogt 69). In this respect, plants, animals, natural resources and humans interact for mutual benefits. Other elements such as soil, micro-organisms and non-living things are also included as part of a freshwater lake ecosystem.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Pollution and Human Health specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More A freshwater localized ecosystem A freshwater localized ecosystem consists of plants and animals of all kinds (Silk Ciruna 29). Some of these animals and plants exist as producers to other living organisms. For example, the conversion of inorganic matter into organic matter takes place in a freshwater lake. However, plants may perform this process through photosynthesis. Animals like fish that lives in a freshwater lake, usually feed on plants. The plants have chemi cal energy obtained from plant as a result of photosynthesis. In this respect, fish and other animals obtain this energy after they consume plants. It is important to note that there are animals or fish that depend on each other for survival. Living things, particularly both animals and plants die and decompose. Upon decomposing, the matter is changed into organic matter. The inorganic matter can also be obtained from waste produced by animals. Basically, the cycle of both living and non-living organism within a freshwater lake is interrelated and continuous. Without interruptions, this ecosystem is an example of a balanced ecosystem. This ecosystem highly depends on non-disruption from human activities. Living organisms in a lake and their inter-connection Biologically, the living organisms in a freshwater lake are referred as biotic elements. The biotic elements depend entirely on each other for survival. For example, fish, amphibians, insects, snails and a variety of water plants live in freshwater lakes (123). The plants provide the fish with food energy. Some carnivorous fish also depend on other small fish for food energy.  The same can be said of amphibians that live off other fish and insects. From this perspective, the living organisms are related through food webs or food chains.  An aspect of symbiotic relationship can also be evidenced in living organisms living in a freshwater lake. An example of such relationship is evidenced when bacteria survive through the legume plants found in the lake. Insects within the lake habitat live off animals and plants without harming them in what is known as commensalism.Advertising Looking for research paper on environmental studies? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Human activities According to Silk and Ciruna, some of the activities disrupting a freshwater ecosystem are fishing, hunting and pollution (321). Fishing Fishing in a freshwater lake targets fish. In this respect, fishing without control measures may lead to fish extinction from the habitat (245). Eventually, there is an ecosystem imbalance within the lake. For example, amphibians no longer have a source of food. Eventually, some living organisms that depend on fish as a source of food also die. Hunting Humans hunt amphibians such as crocodiles, alligators and hippopotamus. Humans hunt these animals for food and skin (231). Eventually, some living organisms like fish over-multiply and affect the production of other important organisms such as plants due to over-dependency. Pollution Humans are known of polluting freshwater ecosystems by using pollutants like oil, waste materials and other activities. This is done through dumping of toxic substances into the freshwater (240). Such activities affect the environment and living organism may die from toxic exposure. Works Cited Silk, Nicole and Kristine Ciruna. A practitioner’s guide to freshwater biodiversity conserv ation. Washington: Island Press, 2005. Print. Vogt, A. Kristina. Ecosystems balancing science with management. New York: Springer, 1997. Print. This research paper on Pollution and Human Health was written and submitted by user Jaden Santos to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Free Essays on Ovids Amores

Ovid’s Amores The main concept that surrounds Classical Greek literature is the fact that Eros, or love, is the enemy against all reason. In his collection of poems, Publius Ovidius Naso verifies and elaborates on this idea of irrationality. Through these poems, Ovid illustrated the power of Eros that can inevitably destroy not only a man’s reasoning, but also his dignity and his soul as well. Ovid’s concept of infidelity between lovers is key to the design of these poems. The narrator in this anthology is furiously bombarded with emotions of jealousy, both internally and externally, as a result of this infidelity. There are three main stages of jealousy to which the narrator experiences: possessiveness over a lover; being accused of infidelity, making him the victim of jealousy; and experiencing agonizing pain or sorrow as a result of unfaithfulness. In the second poem of this collection, the narrator is extremely jealous and possessive over his lover. His jealousy is obvious right in the first line of the poem when he boldly states, â€Å"Your husband? Going to the same dinner as us? / I hope it chokes him† (2.1-2). This jealous characteristic simply makes the narrator writhe over the fact that he has to sit and watch while his lover’s husband touches her breasts (2.38) and puts his arms around her neck as he pleases (2.5-6). He losses all reason and begins to create situations in his mind; situations in which he stakes his claim over what he believes is rightfully his and causes a public scandal (2.39-40). It is here when the notion of Eros begins to set into place and the narrator drowns in his own madness. Naturally, as these poems so boldly indicate, all humans are fickle. Turning the tables, the sixth poem shies away from the jealousy the narrator feels personally and demonstrates his role as the person causing envy. His lover is jealous of him and believes that he is being unfaithful to her. Looking at all of thes... Free Essays on Ovid's Amores Free Essays on Ovid's Amores Ovid’s Amores The main concept that surrounds Classical Greek literature is the fact that Eros, or love, is the enemy against all reason. In his collection of poems, Publius Ovidius Naso verifies and elaborates on this idea of irrationality. Through these poems, Ovid illustrated the power of Eros that can inevitably destroy not only a man’s reasoning, but also his dignity and his soul as well. Ovid’s concept of infidelity between lovers is key to the design of these poems. The narrator in this anthology is furiously bombarded with emotions of jealousy, both internally and externally, as a result of this infidelity. There are three main stages of jealousy to which the narrator experiences: possessiveness over a lover; being accused of infidelity, making him the victim of jealousy; and experiencing agonizing pain or sorrow as a result of unfaithfulness. In the second poem of this collection, the narrator is extremely jealous and possessive over his lover. His jealousy is obvious right in the first line of the poem when he boldly states, â€Å"Your husband? Going to the same dinner as us? / I hope it chokes him† (2.1-2). This jealous characteristic simply makes the narrator writhe over the fact that he has to sit and watch while his lover’s husband touches her breasts (2.38) and puts his arms around her neck as he pleases (2.5-6). He losses all reason and begins to create situations in his mind; situations in which he stakes his claim over what he believes is rightfully his and causes a public scandal (2.39-40). It is here when the notion of Eros begins to set into place and the narrator drowns in his own madness. Naturally, as these poems so boldly indicate, all humans are fickle. Turning the tables, the sixth poem shies away from the jealousy the narrator feels personally and demonstrates his role as the person causing envy. His lover is jealous of him and believes that he is being unfaithful to her. Looking at all of thes...

2 Formats for Use in the Compare-Contrast Essay

2 Formats for Use in the Compare-Contrast Essay The compare/contrast essay is an excellent opportunity to help students develop their critical thinking and writing skills.   A compare and contrast essay examines two or more subjects by comparing their similarities and contrasting their differences.   Compare and contrast is high on Blooms Taxonomy of critical reasoning and is associated with a complexity level where students break down ideas into simpler parts in order to see how the parts relate. For example, in order to break down ideas for comparison or to contrast in an essay, students may need to categorize, classify, dissect, differentiate, distinguish, list, and simplify. Preparing to write the Essay First, students need to select pick comparable objects, people, or ideas and list their individual characteristics. A graphic organizer, like a Venn Diagram or top hat chart, is helpful in preparing to write the essay: What is the most interesting topic for comparison? Is the evidence available?What is the most interesting topic to contrast? Is the evidence available?Which characteristics highlight the most significant similarities?Which characteristics highlight the most significant differences?Which characteristics will lead to a meaningful analysis and an interesting paper? A link to 101  compare and contrast essay topics   for students provides opportunities for students to practice the similarities and differences such as Fiction vs. NonfictionRenting a home vs. Owning a homeGeneral Robert E. Lee vs General Ulysses S. Grant Writing the Block Format Essay:A, B, C points vsA, B, C points The block method for writing a compare and contrast essay can be illustrated using points A, B, and C to signify individual characteristics or critical attributes.   A. historyB. personalitiesC. commercialization This block format allows the students to compare and contrast subjects, for example, dogs vs. cats, using these same characteristics one at a time.   The student should write the introductory paragraph to signal a compare and contrast essay in order to identify  the two subjects and explain that they are very similar, very different or have many important (or interesting) similarities and differences. The thesis statement must include the two topics that will be compared and  contrasted. The body paragraph(s) after the introduction describe characteristic(s) of the first subject. Students should provide the evidence and examples that prove the similarities and/or differences exist, and not mention the second subject. Each point  could be a body paragraph. For example,   A. Dog history.  B. Dog personalitiesC. Dog commercialization. The body paragraphs dedicated to the second subject should be organized in the same method as the first body paragraphs, for  example: A. Cat history.B. Cat personalities.C. Cat commercialization. The benefit of this format is that it allows the writer to concentrate on one characteristic at a time. The drawback of this format is that there may be some imbalance in treating the subjects to the same rigor of comparing or contrasting. The conclusion is in the final paragraph, the student should provide a general summary of the most important similarities and differences.   The student could end with a personal statement, a prediction, or another snappy clincher. Point by Point Format:AA, BB, CC Just as in the block paragraph essay format, students should begin the point by point format by catching the readers interest. This might be a reason people find the topic interesting or important, or it might be a statement about something the two subjects have in common.   The thesis statement for this format must also include the two topics that will be compared and  contrasted. In the point by point format, the students can compare  and/or contrast the subjects using the same characteristics within each body paragraph. Here the characteristics labeled A, B,   and C are used to compare dogs vs. cats together,   paragraph by paragraph. A. Dog historyA Cat history B. Dog personalitiesB. Cat personalities C. Dog commercializationC. Cat commercialization This format does help students to concentrate on the characteristic(s) which may be may result in a more equitable comparison or contrast of the subjects within each body paragraph(s). Transitions to Use Regardless of the format of the essay, block or point-by-point, the student must use transition words or phrases to compare or contrast one subject to another. This will help the essay sound connected and not sound disjointed. Transitions in the essay for comparison can include: in the same way or by the same tokensimilarlyin like manner or likewisein similar fashion Transitions for contrasts can include: and yetnevertheless or nonethelessbuthowever or thoughotherwise or on the contraryin contrastnotwithstandingon the other handat the same time In the final concluding paragraph, the student should give a general summary of the most important similarities and differences.   The student could also end with a personal statement, a prediction, or another snappy clincher. Part of the ELA Common Core State Standards The text structure of compare and contrast is so critical to literacy that it is referenced in several of the English Language Arts Common Core State Standards in both reading and writing for K-12 grade levels.   For example, the reading standards ask students to participate in comparing and contrasting as a text structure in the anchor standard  R.9: Analyze how two or more texts address similar themes or topics in order to build knowledge or to compare the approaches the authors take. The reading standards are then referenced in the grade level writing standards, for example, as in W7.9   Apply  grade 7 Reading standards  to literature (e.g., Compare and contrast a fictional portrayal of a time, place, or character and a historical account of the same period as a means of understanding how authors of fiction use or alter history). Being able to identify and create compare and contrast text structures is one of the more important critical reasoning skills that students should develop, regardless of grade level.

Journalism Mass Media and Communication Research Paper

Journalism Mass Media and Communication - Research Paper Example How is this history displayed for the audience? Is this history conveyed effectively? Is Kaufman constructing a history from above, from below or something in between? The Laramie project is based on a true story about voices of real people grappling with prejudice and tragedy in their small town (Bollas, 26). In 1998, Matthew Sheppard, an explicitly gay college student was beaten, tied to a fence, and let to die on the outskirts of Laramie in Wyoming. These actions lead to the small town being thrust into national spotlight revealing prejudice and the harsh truth of violence that the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) community often faces in the contemporary society. After the event, Moises Kaufman and other members of the New York-based tectonic theater project traveled to the place. Through the utilization of interviews, theater techniques news report and interviews, the Laramie project was born. Moises Kaufman and other members of the tectonic theater project made 6 trips to Laramie in the aftermath of the beating and when the two young men accused of killing Sheppard were being tried. The Laramie is a breathtaking melodramatic collection that explores the height of compassion of which human beings are capable of as well as the depth to which humanity can sink (Elsbree & Wong, 100). The play is based on a true story of October 1998 when Matthew Sheppard, a gay student who was attending the University of Wyoming in the town of Laramie was murdered by two young men. Matthew was taken to a spot that was isolated by two local young men with the intent of robbery, Russell Henderson, and Aaron McKinney beat him up by using the butt of the butt of their guns and left him with injuries but tied to the fence. However, Sheppard was found eighteen hours later exposed outdoor and died a few days later. After the trial, Russell and McKinney were convicted and imprisoned for life.

Efficient Functioning of a Capitalist System Coursework

Efficient Functioning of a Capitalist System - Coursework Example The country's law should also assist companies to come-up with their CSR policies; hence the company law has to bring required amendments. Like other countries, the concept of CSR is gaining momentum in the UK and the company law system is incorporating required changes so that companies can carry out their social responsibility. UK company law system is considered as an over-complicated system which has a blend of both modern and radicalism. All the UK listed companies have to comply with the combined code and they have to publish the Turnbull report. This report ensures that the company will manage its non-financial risks and it will pay due respect toward environmental, social and ethical factors along with its main business practice. The UK government always tried to maintain a balance between shareholders interest and this view was clearly reflected in the white paper that provides a guideline which the companies have to follow. A government of the UK has always supported the id ea that the duty of the director of a company has to be codified and the new director should gain an introductory idea regarding the duty toward society. After considering all the factors into account, the UK government had introduced certain amendments like draft clauses, volume II- Schedule II, 2 (b) which was a step toward modernizing the company's lawyer. Different thinkers have the different view regarding capitalism and CSR. The term corporate was well defined by Melvin Aron Eisenberg in the following fashion â€Å"the business corporation is an instrument through which capital is assembled for the activities of producing and distributing goods and services and making the investment. The business corporation should have as its objective the conduct of such activities with a view to enhancing the corporation's profit and the gain of the corporation’s owners.

General Sir Arthur Currie Essay -- essays research papers

LIEUTENANT--GENERAL SIR ARTHUR CURRIE (A brief account of the battle of Passchendaele)   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Lieutenant-General Sir Arthur Currie was the most capable soldier that Canada has produced. Certainly, he did not look like the great soldier he had become. A very tall man, at six-foot-four, he was also somewhat overweight. Through his successes as the Commander of the Canadian Corps, he knew how to delegate authority and stand by the decisions of his subordinates.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Currie, however, was not a professional soldier. He was born in Strathroy, Ontario, on December 5, 1875 and raised, he had moved to Canada’s west coast in his late teens. As an adult, he movedto Victoria, British Columbia, he had become a schoolteacher, and insurance salesman, and, a real-estate speculator, an occupation that made him one of Victoria’s leading citizens. Like all goodCanadian businessmen at the time, he joined the Canadian Militia. In 1897, he had enlisted as a lowly gunner in the 5th Regiment, Canadian Garrison Artillery; by 1909, he was the lieutenant-colonelcommanding the regiment. In late 1913, Currie accepted the challenge of raising and training an infantry unit, the 50th Regiment, Gordon Highlanders of Canada.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  When the war broke out in August 1914, the highly regarded Currie was commanded of an infantry brigade. Currie fought with exceptional composure at Ypres in 1915 where his 2nd Brigade made a remarkable stand against the poison gas. Having impressed his superiors, Currie was promoted to command the â€Å"crack† 1st Canadian Division. He led the â€Å"Red Patch† at Mount Sorrel, through the horror of the Somme in 1916 and at Vimy Ridge, Arleux, and Fresnoy in the spring of 1917. In June, Currie had been knighted and named commander of the Canadian Corps, now four divisions strong.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  One of Currie’s most impressive and important achievements had come during the winter or 1919-17, while he was still a divisional commander. By analyzing the fighting he had witnessed on the Western Front, Currie had drawn up what proved to be a blueprint for tactical success. In a paper, Currie synthesized the best of British and French concepts, and with many of his own beliefs based on personal experience. Under Sir Arthur Currie, the Canadian Corps emerged as an outstanding formation on the ... ...m: not only was he a mere colonial, he was a non professional to boot, and he was much younger that th earmy commanders who would have reported to him. Far from demonstating his carelessness over casualtiles, Passchendaele proved Currie’s concern for he preservation fo the lives of the men under his command; indeed, Currie’s actons throughout th war stand as strong evidence of his desire, and ability, to win battles only at the least possible cost. A lot of Canadians, veterans and conscripts alike, had little regard for General Currie. Passchendaele convinced many of them that victory was his old consideration.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Charges of this nature dogged Currie for the rest of his life. Political enemies, took up the cry as the war wound down. He was being accused as a Canadian commander of deliberatley sacrificing the lives of his men in the pursuit of his own personal glory. His death five years later, in 1933 at the age of fifty-seven, may be attributed, at least indirectly, to the lawsuit. His funeral was a major event in Montreal and thousands lined the streets to honour the â€Å"Great Leader† of the Canadian Corps. He is buried in Mount Royal Cemetery, Montreal.

Bible: Exodus 20:4-6

The Old Testament ends with the prophets. These teachers provided insight on many issues facing Jews who were desperate to know God. Idolatry, social injustice and religious ritualism are three areas that are emphasized in their teachings and instilled in the minds and hearts of believers today. The prophets were great teachers who had much to say about God and the way man lived, social issues they faced, religious rituals they took part in, and their teachings are just as important today as they were in the past. Idolatry was a prominent issue among the Jews.God confronted this problem early in the Bible in Exodus 20:4-6. It is clear that following God requires complete and total attention on Him. The prophets considered this very an important issue. Consider Hosea who was commanded to marry an unfaithful wife to represent Israel’s covenant unfaithfulness towards God. During this time, Israel was unwilling to worship God and sought to find their own idols to worship and besto w glory upon. Hosea taught through his marriage the extent of unfaithfulness the Jews had in their relationship with God.Hosea compared Israel to spoiled grapes, a wild vine, a trained heifer, and a rebellious son and led into God to lay ruin to a large portion of His people causing the remnants to seek repentance before Him. Hosea, through using a marriage metaphor, showed the Jews how deep God’s love for them truly was and still is. Hosea’s example has modern implications. Because man can see how deeply God cares for them, there should be no reason to place importance of other things before their worship of Him. Yet, they do.If society could focus more on God today, the issues the world faces would cease to exist. Because this is not the case, man continues to destroy themselves as their eyes and minds stray from God and their own idols. The prophet Jonah put the truth about idolatry bluntly in his prayer to God: â€Å"Those who pay regard to vain idols forsake thei r hope of steadfast love. † Amos was a prophet with a lot to say about social injustice. He preached of a coming judgment against Israel for (among other things) oppressing their people.The Old Testament had charged the Israelites to take care of the disadvantaged and the poor, but there was a great disparity between the rich and the poor as Israel continued to reject God’s commands. Amos compared the wealthy women of Samaria to well fed cattle because they oppressed the poor while being consumed by selfish pleasures. Amos 5:14-15 states: â€Å"Seek good, not evil, that you may live. Then the Lord God Almighty will be with you, just as you say he is. Hate evil, love good; maintain justice in the courts. Perhaps the Lord God Almighty will have mercy on the remnant of Joseph.†The goal of Amos was to show that Israel was not keeping their charge to care for one another despite God’s command. This was due, in large part, to the people focusing on self interest s. This sentiment is echoed in Micah where the wealthy conspired to steal the land of the needy. The world today mirrors Israel during the time of Amos. History has shown time again that wealth and personal selfishness blind man to the plight of the needy. In the United States, there is a huge disparity between the rich and the poor that requires personal conviction to change.Man must stay focused on God and care for one another to bring blessing upon them. Man’s negligence of the needy has led to homelessness and even suicides. Micah was a prophet who fought social injustice and idolatry like the other prophets. However, he offered a unique insight on what God looks for in man’s glorification of Him. As Micah reveals, God was not primarily interested in Israel’s sacrifices and offerings, no matter how extravagant they may have been, He was interested (and still is) in man’s humble obedience to Him reflected through a lifestyle of mercy and justice.The ot her prophets spoke to religious ritualism, but Micah put the concept simply and this concept is definitely true today. Man can go to church, sing the hymns, tithe their money, and hear a sermon, but God is most concerned with what man does in their obedience to Him and their receiving of His revelation. Church rituals are practically meaningless without obedience and positive action. James 2:20 is very relevant in this respect: â€Å"But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead? † The Prophets of the Old Testament deliver instruction, wisdom, and warning.Man learned from them that idolatry takes the focus from God and puts the focus on self. Their teachings on social injustice show that God requires us to love and care for one another. Their teachings on ritualism show that God is more concerned with our obedience and reflection of Him than He is with offerings. Though the teachings of the prophets occurred many years ago, they are certainly releva nt today. Man can learn a great deal from the teachings and warnings presented by these men. Praise God for His patience in man’s stubborn ignorance.As man began to drift away from God’s own heart they began to create their own religion and beliefs. Many cultures have materialistic things that became their Gods! There social injustices in these cultures and many religious rituals. We all know the 10 commandments but the first commandment God said there will be no other Gods before me. A lot of people of that time were so far away of God and had so much wickedness in their hearts. In Ezekiel chapter eight it talks about an idolatry temple and God took him all around the area to show him how and why God’s presence has left.Ezekiel 8:17-18 says â€Å"He said to me, â€Å"Have you seen this, son of man? Is it a trial matter for the house of Judah to do the detestable things they are doing here? Must they also fill the land with violence and continually provoke me to anger? Look at them in anger; I will not look on them with pity or spare them. Although they shout in my ears, I will not listen to them. † Obviously after reading this you can tell how mad God was with all the Idol worshipping going along at the land.As you continue to read the book of Ezekiel you read that the presence of God departed from the temple. God seem so disgusted with the people and right fully so we see how man put other idols in front of God. The word of the Lord always came to the prophet Ezekiel and God exposed him to many things that the people did. When God told Ezekiel â€Å"set your face toward the south; preach against and prophesy against† not only did God believe in Ezekiel but he had enough with these false Gods. It’s so easy for our society to be drowned into having an Idol.In my opinion our time period has more of a temptation of having Idols because of social media and it’s easier to get the things you strongly desire to use a s an idol, but with that we are seeing the people getting to know Jesus by the millions. It has it’s pros and cons but I believe that we have so many things to guide us in the right path that it would help us to draw near to God. Amos’ statements are daring for him to make because they directly challenge the generally accepted religious practices of his time.Strong opposition to Amos developed at once when Amaziah, a priest, sent word to King Jeroboam that Amos was a dangerous character and should be expelled from the land. Although Amos insisted that he spoke only the words that Yahweh told him to proclaim, Amaziah told him to leave the country and never to prophesy again in the land of Israel. The prophecies of Amos mark an important point in the development of the religion of the Old Testament. The prophet was indeed a spokesman for Yahweh. That he was not speaking for himself or trying to please his listeners is made clear by the content of the message he delivered .Critics have often maintained that the Old Testament Prophets created the god of whom they spoke out of their own imaginations. However, had these prophets done so, it does not seem at all likely that God would have spoken so critically of what was being done by the prophets’ own people. Some of the rituals we in our time are like fasting (sun rise to sun set), acts of kindness, buying your way to heaven. Honestly if you can think of it being a ritual it probably is a ritual somewhere. Just like how it is today back then you the old days (bible) they were social injustice.The book of Amos 5:11 it says â€Å"You trample on the poor and force him to give you grain. Therefore, though you have built stone mansions, you will not live in them; though you have planted lush vineyards, you will not their wine. I wish I can just say that it’s only in the Old Testament that dealt with social injustice but it happen in the New Testament as well. Thinking about social in justice reminds me the time when Joseph was captured by pharaoh and he was held captive for such a long time. In our society we have so much injustice. We have the very wealthy branch of people then we have the middle and the lower.If you’re not in with a group of people then you are good enough to be around them. It seems like it is something you deal with in high school but not so much. I deal with it in the military. In the book of Micah chapter six verse eight it says â€Å"He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? † what has our society has come to that they lost the love and compassion for people. We have become complacent that we forget to love our neighbor and I fall into this subject. We need to be a people who Love not hurt others

The issue of risk in non-financial companies - Free Essay Example

Sample details Pages: 7 Words: 2231 Downloads: 7 Date added: 2017/06/26 Category Business Essay Type Narrative essay Did you like this example? Risks have always been at the centre of business activities. Risks were routinely accepted by traders in historical times, as well as by commercial expeditions in post-medieval periods. They are similarly now being faced by a range of modern day businesses in the course of their operations for the fulfilment of their objectives. Don’t waste time! Our writers will create an original "The issue of risk in non-financial companies" essay for you Create order (Buljevich, Park, 1999, P 1)The systematic management of risk is not a new phenomenon either; insurance companies specialising in making money out of methodical risk identification, assessment and management have now been in existence for more than a century (Buljevich, Park, 1999, P 1). Apart from insurance companies, other financial organisations like banks and financial institutions also deal with risk as part of their mainstream activity and approach the issue in a planned and methodical manner (Buljevich, Park, 1999, P 1). The issue of risk in non-financial companies however takes on different dimensions (Carlton, 1999, P 83 to 107). Whilst the activities of non-financial companies do not specifically call for continuous application of risk management techniques, many of their major activities, (like selling goods in the market place, buying material or services from external vendors, procuring and applying new technology, opening new branches, or putting up new factories) , involve significant elements of risk (Carlton, 1999, P 83 to 107). It is also widely accepted by management and financial experts that modern day, non-financial business corporations need to often engage in activities with high elements of risk (Esty, 2004, P 213 to 224). The contemporary business environment is much different from what it was even two decades ago. Globalisation and economic liberalisation, along with the dismantling of physical and economic barriers, astonishing technological progress, the emergence of instantaneous communication technology and the spread and sophistication of the internet have led to the creation of enormous business opportunities for commercial firms (Esty, 2004, P 213 to 224). Business organisations who were in the past content to grow in set patterns along reasonably pre-determined routes are now faced with a bewildering range of business opportunities (Esty, 2004, P 213 to 224). Modern day businesses are also shedding the inhibitions, apprehensions and constraints of the past and engaging in substantial expansion and in new projects, both on a local and an international basis (Esty, 2004, P 213 to 224). Cross country investment and trade has expanded dramatically. Whilst a few companies like McDonalds, Coca-Cola and some other iconic organisations were in the past associated with extensive international activities, a number of UK based companies like Tesco, Mark and Spencer, Costas Coffee, and Next, are steadily increasing their global footprint. Although business opportunities have exploded in contemporary times, and modern day businesses are exploiting them aggressively, such opportunities do entail significant risks (Carlton, 1999, P 83 to 107). Non-financial organisations are also under pressure, not just from their share holders, but also from the larger, high pressure, and fast changing economic and competitive environment to engage in new projects with various degrees and dimensions of risk (Carlton, 19 99, P 83 to 107). Risk management is now one of the most important activities of non-financial organisations, albeit not in the way it is for banks and other financial companies (Carlton, 1999, P 83 to 107). This study deals with the various risks that are faced by non-financial companies engaged in new projects, the identification, measurement and management of such risks and the importance of effective risk management for organisational security and success (Carlton, 1999, P 83 to 107). 2. Identification of Risk Contemporary businesses engaged in setting up new projects are likely to face risks of diverse types and with different dimensions (Wibowo, Kochendà ¶rfer, 2005, P 963 to 972). It is thus important for such organisations to formulate and develop efficient systems of risk management (Wibowo, Kochendà ¶rfer, 2005, P 963 to 972). Effective risk management systems start with construction of processes for systematic identification of risks (Wibowo, Kochendà ¶rfer, 2005, P 963 to 972). Risks associated with new projects can broadly be classified under the broad categories of operational risks, financial risks, market risks and reputational risks (Carlton, 1999, P 83 to 107). With such categories however being too broad for actual measurement and management, most firms isolate and identify risks under the more specific and narrower categories described below (Carlton, 1999, P 83 to 107). Market Risk Market risks concern the market demand for products or services that are proposed to be generated by new projects (Wibowo, Kochendà ¶rfer, 2005, P 963 to 972). The market demand originally assessed and projected at the time of preparation of feasibility studies, can be adversely affected by unavoidable increases in costs, the development of more effective or economical substitutes, alterations in customer industries, and political or environmental developments (Wibowo, Kochendà ¶rfer, 2005, P 963 to 972). The economic recession that set in towards the middle of 2007 and continues even today affected the fortunes of many new projects (Wibowo, Kochendà ¶rfer, 2005, P 963 to 972). With market demand for products and services diminishing sharply in the wake of the economic recession, new projects in the UK, as in many other parts of the world, took a severe beating (Wibowo, Kochendà ¶rfer, 2005, P 963 to 972). Operating Risks Such risks concern the different resources that are required for the successful operations of new projects (Wibowo, Kochendà ¶rfer, 2005, P 963 to 972). They can emerge from factors that are controlled by organisational managements like labour and cash availability, or be caused by external factors like fluctuations in exchange rates or faults in design, planning or construction (Wibowo, Kochendà ¶rfer, 2005, P 963 to 972). Risks of this type can lead to the surfacing of problems that could make it difficult for new projects to meet their scheduled output of products or services (Wibowo, Kochendà ¶rfer, 2005, P 963 to 972). Completion Risks Completion risks refer to the possibility of projects getting delayed because of various factors like unavailability of essential material, labour unrest, delayed delivery of supplies and equipment, delays in disbursal of bank loans, and even inclement weather (Carlton, 1999, P 83 to 107). Inflation Risks Inflation risks can arise from actual inflation rates exceeding the rates projected at the time of preparation of feasibility studies (Carlton, 1999, P 83 to 107). It is pertinent to note that the unprecedented increase in oil prices during 2007 adversely impacted the progress of numerous big and small new projects across the world (Carlton, 1999, P 83 to 107). Currency Risks Currency risks are essentially part of the operating and construction risks of new projects (Wibowo, Kochendà ¶rfer, 2005, P 963 to 972). Such risks arise when the inflows and outflows of a project are denominated in different currencies (Wibowo, Kochendà ¶rfer, 2005, P 963 to 972). Unexpected and sharp exchange rate fluctuations can severely affect the operations and profitability of such ventures. New projects that are overly dependent upon export or import of goods or services are likely to be more exposed to such risks (Wibowo, Kochendà ¶rfer, 2005, P 963 to 972). Political Risks Political risks are important for new projects that are proposed to be put up in other countries with different political environments (Carlton, 1999, P 83 to 107). Whilst most business organisations are reluctant to invest in new projects in politically volatile areas, competitive pressures and the need to get early entry in attractive markets often force business organisations to invest in new projects in politically sensitive countries (Carlton, 1999, P 83 to 107). Apart from arising out of political volatility, such risks could emerge from the possibility of legislative or regulatory changes in host countries leading to significant changes in market conditions (Carlton, 1999, P 83 to 107). To elaborate, businesses in the United States have been engaging in substantial outsourcing of activities for improving their competitive advantage. The ongoing recession is however forcing US policy makers to enact legislative changes for protecting American jobs, which in turn could have significantly adverse results on the many Asian companies who have invested in new projects for supplying offshore services to the Unites States. Regulatory Risks New projects in regulated areas like supply of water or power, or the construction of toll roads, often face uncertainties about the future pricing of their products or services. Whilst the initial paperwork for such projects includes clauses regarding the future pricing of generated services, it is not uncommon for such agreements to be adversely impacted by regulatory change. The huge Dabhol Power Project set up in Western India by Enron in the late 1990s came to a virtual standstill because of sharp downward revisions in the price of generated power after the election of a new and hostile state government (Esty, 2004, 213 to 224). Other Risks Even the risks given above are illustrative and not exhaustive. New projects can be adversely affected by other causes like changes in technology or the possibility that the natural resources needed for a project may not be available (Carlton, 1999, P 83 to 107). Force Majeure risks represent a basket of unanticipated and practically uncontrollable natural or manmade conditions like floods, earthquakes, war or civil riots that can severely affect the operations and feasibility of new projects (Carlton, 1999, P 83 to 107). 3. Measurement and Management of Risks Whilst many of the risks detailed above are self evident and intrinsic to new business projects taken up by non-financial companies, a large number of modern organisational managements still do not take comprehensive steps for the management of such risks. A survey by Ernst and Young, a leading firm of management consultants, reveals that more than half of the CFOs and CEOs of major business firms appreciate that their organisations do not have comprehensive and systematic processes for managing their important risks (Izaguirre, 2009, P 1). In fact the majority of such companies tackle different risks individually, and whilst some standard precautionary methods are adopted, most risk control actions tend to be reactive rather than proactive and take place only after or during the development of risk environments (Priddy, 1999, P 1). Risk management experts state that non-financial companies need to adopt far more comprehensive and holistic strategies towards risk management, not just for new projects but as an integral component of modern day business activity (Carlton, 1999, P 83 to 107). Managements of new companies, at the time of initiation of new projects, need to not only exhaustively identify the various risks that are associated with new projects, but also investigate whether their organisations are taking the right risks, whether they are undertaking acceptable amounts of risk, and whether they are capable of taking action to manage such risks (Carlton, 1999, P 83 to 107). Apart from the need for identification of risks, risk management experts also point to the necessity of adequately measuring such risks, deciding whether the benefits from new projects are sufficient for organisations to accept such risks, and finally of taking specific and centrally controlled measures to manage such risks (Carlton, 1999, P 83 to 107). Investigation and measurement of risks primarily involves (a) getting to know the important risks that are being undertak en by organisations, (b) the relationships of such risks with the objectives and strategies of the firm, (c) the relationship of such risks with the creation of organisational value and (d) the connection of risks with enhancement of organisational competitive advantage (De Wit, 2005, P 2 to 25). Such an exercise if conducted methodically can help significantly in localising risks that need to either be compulsorily be taken for organisational benefit or otherwise be partially or totally avoided (De Wit, 2005, P 2 to 25). Business organisations usually measure risks by different methods (Priddy, 1999, P 1). Identifying and localising risks help businesses in deciding upon various project features and in altering and managing risk profiles to ensure that only risks necessary for organisation benefit are accepted (Priddy, 1999, P 1). Risks are measured through four main methods, namely the proxy method, the earning volatility method, the assessment method for loss modelling, and th e method for direct risk estimation (Priddy, 1999, P 1). Whilst the loss modelling method involves some amount of statistical work, the others are basically dependent upon the application of sound business sense to different risk bearing situations (Priddy, 1999, P 1). Such risk measurement enables organisational managements to predict the potential profitability of particular new ventures, locate areas of risk and take action either to avoid such risks or mitigate their potential impact (Priddy, 1999, P 1). Managements manage risks through the application of a range of strategic choices, organisational policies and operational actions after their identification (Carlton, 1999, P 83 to 107). Whilst the appropriate identification of risks can help managements in aborting excessively risky projects, they are also helpful in increasing managerial focus on specific areas and take appropriate risk mitigation actions (Carlton, 1999, P 83 to 107). Such risk management methods are tai lored to meet specific sets of risks (Carlton, 1999, P 83 to 107). The management of operational and construction risks is generally met through very careful selection of suppliers and contractors, arrangement of adequate funds, obtaining of bank guarantees, and inclusion of penalties for contractual failures (Carlton, 1999, P 83 to 107). Currency and exchange risks are managed through forward hedging contracts (Carlton, 1999, P 83 to 107). Political risks are controlled through constant communication with policy makers and the use of political lobbies, if so required (Carlton, 1999, P 83 to 107). Environmental risks are controlled by ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements. Appropriate insurance also helps greatly mitigating business risks (Carlton, 1999, P 83 to 107). 4. Conclusion Non-financial companies face a wide range of risks in their regular business activity and more so during execution of new projects. Whilst financial companies look at risk management in a methodical manner and base most of their operational actions after the assessment of a range of risk criteria, non-financial companies tend to be ad-hoc, conventional, and reactive in their approach towards risk management. Modern day business environments, whilst brimming with opportunities, are however complex and risky, especially so for growth oriented firms. It is thus necessary for managements of such firms to put strong risk management measures in place to safeguard their investments and improve their competitive advantage.

Swot Analysis The Companys Mission Statement Essay

Generial Nutrituion Center, better known as GNC, is one of the top leading nutritional companies that strives to better the lives of their customers each and everyday. Luckily, being an employee of GNC, I felt I would better understand the companys take on how they market themselves. The companys mission statement is, â€Å"To continue to be the leading provider of products, services, and information in the self-care and personal health enhancement market. To provide a shopping experience that exceeds our customers’ expectations (GNC,web).† In more simple terms, we explain to customers that our mission statement is better explained by two words, â€Å"Live Well†. You can find this phrase all over the stores, whether that be on imagies, or even some of the products being sold. The term â€Å"Live Well† promotes living a healthy, happy lifestyle, and what better place to help you on that journey than a nutrional store. The mission statement reflects a strong marketing stragiety of promoting a healthy lifestyle, and is foucused on that statement when training employees, as well as helping coustmers find what they are looking for. For myself, when I started college I was not entirely sure what I wanted to major in, although I picked Fashion Merchandising. I have always had a passion to follow my dreams into the fashion industry, but I also decided to double major with a business marketing degree. With this double degree, if I do not follow a career in fashion, the business marketing degreeShow MoreRelatedA Summary On Strategic Planning1393 Words   |  6 Pagesdifferences with other forms of planning. The second section of the summary paper discusses issues facing managers during organizational change. The third portion of the paper discusses the importance of a SWOT analysis and the impact on the performance of an organization. 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Essay on Helen as Angel and Rebel in The Tenant of...

Helen as Angel and Rebel in The Tenant of Wildfell Hall In nineteenth century England, the lives of men and women were completely different. The women had very few - or no - rights and the man had absolute power over his wife and children. He even had the rights to his wifes income or heritage! The only acceptable way for a woman to lead her life was to be a social character, a supporting wife and loving mother, so to speak an angel in the house. The term the angel in the house refers to Coventry Patmores poem with the same name. The poem depicts the ideal of a loving, unselfish, (sexually) passive and sensitive woman, who was religious and devoted to please her husband: Man must be please; but him to please, is womans†¦show more content†¦But a considerate and high-principled woman, may, without loss of dignity, and certainly without loss of respect, make them feel that she regards it as her duty to be their friend as well as their mistress, and that she looks upon herself as under a sacred obligation to advise them in difficult ies, to guard their welfare, and to promote their comfort, simply because the all-wise Disposer of human affairs has seen meet to place them within the sphere of her influence (Ellis, p 210-211). Helen Graham, the heroine in The tenant of Wildfell Hall, is a strong and unique woman. She is in many ways a typical Victorian upper-class lady, but in many ways also a very modern and independent kind of woman. She lives with her aunt and uncle, who want to see her married to a wealthy man, but she refuses any offers of marriage since she does not want to marry a man she does not love. When she is about 18 years old and still quite naivà «, she falls in love with Mr Huntingdon, who woos and courts her - and seems very much in love with her too. I will willingly risk my happiness for the chance of securing his (p 125), she says when trying to persuade her aunt intoShow MoreRelatedA Dialogue of Self and Soul11424 Words   |  46 Pagesthe red-room; to be imprisoned literally as well as ï ¬ guratively. For ‘the fact is,’ confesses the grownup narrator ironically, ‘I was [at that moment] a triï ¬â€še beside myself; or rather out of myself, as the French would say . . . like any other rebel slave, I felt resolved . . . to go all lengths’ (ch. 1). But if Jane was ‘out of’ herself in her struggle against John Reed, her experience in the red-room, probably the most metaphorically vibrant of all her early experiences, forces her deeply

Succubus Blues CHAPTER 12 Free Essays

â€Å"Man, if Jerome had threatened to stash me somewhere, I wouldn’t be out snooping around.† â€Å"I’m not snooping. I’m just speculating. We will write a custom essay sample on Succubus Blues CHAPTER 12 or any similar topic only for you Order Now † Peter shook his head and took the cap off a beer. I sat with him and Cody in their kitchen, the day after Hugh’s attack. A ham and pineapple pizza had just arrived, and Cody and I dug into it while the other vampire merely watched. â€Å"Why can’t you just accept this for what it is? Jerome’s telling the truth. It’s a vampire hunter.† â€Å"No. No way. None of this adds up. Not the goofy way Jerome and Carter are acting. Not Hugh’s attack. Not that fucked-up note I got.† â€Å"I figured you get screwy love notes all the time. ‘My heart bleeds for you, Georgina.’ Written in actual blood. Stuff like that.† â€Å"Yeah, nothing like self-mutilation to turn a girl on,† I muttered. I gulped some Mountain Dew and returned to my pizza. Really, as far as caffeine and sugar went, Mountain Dew was nearly as good as one of my mochas. â€Å"Hey, why aren’t you eating any of this?† Peter held up his beer bottle by way of explanation. â€Å"I’m dieting.† I peered at it. Golden Village Low- Carb Ale. I froze, mid-bite. Low- carb? â€Å"Peter†¦ you’re a vampire. Aren’t you by definition always on a low- carbdiet?† â€Å"It’s no use,† Cody chuckled, speaking up for the first time. â€Å"I’ve already had this argument with him. He won’t listen.† â€Å"You wouldn’t understand.† Peter eyed our pizza wistfully. â€Å"You can make your body look like anything you want.† â€Å"Yeah, but†¦Ã¢â‚¬  I looked to Cody. â€Å"Can he really even put on weight? Aren’t immortal bodies, I don’t know, unchangeable? Or timeless? Or something?† â€Å"You’d know more about it than me,† he said. â€Å"We eat other things.† Peter rubbed his stomach selfconsciously. â€Å"Not just blood. It all adds up.† This had to be weirdest thing I’d heard since Duane’s death. â€Å"Stop it, Peter. You’re being ridiculous. Next thing, you’ll be down at Hugh’s asking for liposuction.† He brightened. â€Å"Do you think that would help?† â€Å"No! You look fine. You look the same as you always have.† â€Å"I don’t know. Cody’s been getting all the attention whenever we go out. Maybe I should get more blond put into the spikes.† I refrained from pointing out that Peter had been almost forty when he’d become a vampire, his hair heavily receding. Cody had been very young – barely twenty – and bore tawny, leonine good looks. Immortals who were formerly human stayed fixed at the age and appearance immortality had taken over. If the two vampires still frequented clubs and college bars, I didn’t doubt Cody had more luck. â€Å"We’re wasting time,† I exclaimed, wanting to derail Peter from this whole image thing. â€Å"I want to figure out who attacked Hugh.† â€Å"Christ, you have a one-track mind,† he snapped. â€Å"Why can’t you just wait to find out?† Good question. I didn’t know why. Something inside me was tugging to get to the truth of this, to do what I could to protect my friends and myself. I just couldn’t stand passively by. â€Å"It couldn’t have been a mortal. Not from the way Hugh described the attack.† â€Å"Yeah, but no immortal could have killed Duane. I already told you that.† â€Å"No lesser immortal,† I pointed out. â€Å"But a higher immortal†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Peter laughed. â€Å"Oh-ho, you are pushing the envelope now. You think there’s some vindictive demon out there?† â€Å"They’d certainly be capable.† â€Å"Yeah, but they have no motivation.† â€Å"Not nece – â€Å" A funny sensation suddenly spread over me, tingly and gentle and silvery. I was put in mind of the fragrance of lilacs, the tinkling of small bells. I looked sharply at the others. â€Å"What the – † began Cody, but Peter was already moving toward the door. The signature we all felt was similar to Carter’s in certain ways but lighter and sweeter. Less powerful. A guardian angel. Peter opened the door, and Lucinda stood there primly, her arms clasped tightly around a book. I nearly choked. It would figure. As a general rule, I didn’t interact with many angels in the area, Carter being the exception because of his relationship with Jerome. Still, I knew who the locals were, and I knew Lucinda. She wasn’t a true angel like Carter. Guardians were more like the heavenly equivalent of Hugh: former mortals who served and ran errands for all eternity. I had no doubt Lucinda performed all sorts of good deeds on a daily basis. She probably worked in soup kitchens and read to orphans in her free time. Whenever she was around us, however, she became a prissy little bitch. Peter shared my sentiment. â€Å"Yes?† he asked coolly. â€Å"Hello, Peter. Your hair is very†¦ interesting today,† she observed diplomatically, not moving from the doorway. â€Å"May I come in?† Peter scowled at the hair comment but had too many good hosting instincts drilled into him to not wave her inside. He might tease me about mortal hobbies, but the vampire had a meticulous sense of propriety and etiquette bordering on obsessive-compulsive disorder. She swept inside, proper in an ankle-length plaid skirt and high-necked sweater. Her short blond hair curled under in a perfect bob. I was a different story. Between my plunging neckline, ultratight jeans, and fuck-me heels, I felt like I might as well lie down on the floor and spread my legs. The demure look she gave me clearly implied she was thinking the same thing. â€Å"Charming to see you all again.† Her tone was crisp, formal. â€Å"I’m here to deliver something from Mr. Carter.† â€Å"Mr. Carter?† asked Cody. â€Å"Is that his last name? I always thought it was his first.† â€Å"I think he just has one name,† I speculated. â€Å"Like Cher or Madonna.† Lucinda said nothing to our bandying. Instead, she handed me a book. Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus: The Classic Guide to Understanding the Opposite Sex. â€Å"What the hell is that?† exclaimed Peter. â€Å"I think I saw it on some talk show.† I suddenly remembered walking out with Carter in the hospital and how he’d claimed to own a book that would help me with Seth. I tossed it on the counter disinterestedly. â€Å"Carter’s fucked-up sense of humor in action.† Lucinda flushed deep crimson. â€Å"How can you use such language so carelessly? You sound like you’re†¦ like you’re in a locker room!† I smoothed down my tank top. â€Å"No way. I’d never wear this in a locker room.† â€Å"Yeah, it isn’t even in school colors,† said Peter. I couldn’t resist toying with the guardian. â€Å"If I were in a locker room, I’d probably have on a short cheerleader skirt. And no underwear.† Peter continued playing off me. â€Å"And you’d do that one cheer, right? The one with your hands splayed against the shower wall and ass sticking out?† â€Å"That’s me,† I agreed. â€Å"Always ready to take one for the team.† Even Cody flushed at our crassness. Lucinda was practically purple. â€Å"You – you two have no sense of decency! None at all.† â€Å"Oh whatever,† I told her. â€Å"Back at the country club, or wherever you and the rest of the choir hang out, you probably wear a shorter version of that skirt all the time. With knee socks. I bet the other angels really go for the schoolgirl look.† If Lucinda were any one of my friends, a comment like that would have only escalated into more sarcasm and snide remarks. The guardian, however, merely stiffened and chose to rely on deadpan self-righteousness. â€Å"We,† she declared, â€Å"do not carry on in such an unseemly manner with each other. We act with decorum. We treat each other with respect. We do not turn on each other.† This last one came with a brief eye-glance toward me. â€Å"What was that for?† She tossed her hair, what little of it there was. â€Å"Oh, I think you know. We’ve all been hearing about your little vigilante act. First that vampire, then the imp. Nothing about you people surprises me anymore.† Now my face flushed. â€Å"That’s bullshit! I was cleared of Duane a long time ago. And Hugh†¦ that’s just stupid. He’s my friend.† â€Å"What does friendship mean among your kind? He’s just as bad. From what I heard, he received a great deal of amusement telling anyone who would listen about your little whip and wings getup. Oh, and by the way, if you don’t mind my observation, I think that has to be the most degrading thing I’ve ever heard. Even for a succubus.† She arched a glance toward the book I had tossed to the counter. â€Å"I’ll tell Mr. Carter you, uh, received the book.† With that, she turned neatly and left, closing the door behind her. â€Å"Sanctimonious bitch,† I muttered. â€Å"And how many people know about that demon girl thing anyway?† â€Å"Forget her,† said Peter. â€Å"She’s a nobody. And an angel. There’s no telling what they’ll do.† I scowled. And then, it hit me. I couldn’t believe I’d never thought of it before. Maybe Lucinda needed more credit. â€Å"That’s it!† â€Å"What’s it?† mumbled Cody through a mouthful of nearly cold pizza. â€Å"An angel killed Duane and attacked Hugh! It’s perfect. You were right in saying a demon would have no reason to take our side out. But an angel? Why not? I mean a real one, not a guardian like Lucinda.† Peter shook his head. â€Å"An angel could do something like that, but it’d be too petty. The great cosmic good-versus-evil battle is bigger than one-on-one matches. You know that. Taking out one agent of evil at a time would be a waste of resources.† Cody considered. â€Å"What if it was a renegade angel? Someone not following the rules of the game.† Peter and I both turned to the younger vampire in surprise. He’d been more or less avoiding our speculation this evening. â€Å"There’s no such thing,† his mentor countered back. â€Å"Is there, Georgina?† I felt both vampires’ eyes turn to me, waiting for my opinion. â€Å"Jerome says there are no bad angels. Once they’re bad, they become demons, not angels anymore.† â€Å"Well, that kills your theory then. An angel doing something bad would fall and not be an angel anymore. Then Jerome would know about him.† I frowned, still intrigued by Cody’s use of the word â€Å"renegade† over â€Å"fallen.† â€Å"Maybe angel sin is like human sin†¦ it’s not always ‘bad’ if the person thinks they’re doing ‘good.’ This one hasn’t gone over yet.† We all pondered this a moment. Humans continually labor under the delusion that there really is a precise set of rules on what sin is and is not, rules that one might break without even realizing it. In reality, most people know when they do wrong. They feel it. Sin is more of a subjective matter than an objective one. Back in the days of the Puritans, corrupting souls had been no problem for a succubus since almost anything sexual and pleasurable felt wrong to those men. Nowadays, most people don’t regard premarital sex as wrong, hence no sin is committed. Succubi have been forced to become more creative over the years if they want to get an energy fix and corrupt a soul. Still, by that logic, it was possible that a renegade angel who believed he or she was doing good might not cross into the realm of sin. If there was no sin, then there could be no fall. Or could there be? The whole concept strained the mind, and Peter apparently thought so too. â€Å"So what’s the difference? What makes an angel fall? We’re staking a lot here on a technicality.† I could have concurred until I recalled something else. â€Å"The note.† â€Å"Note?† asked Cody. â€Å"The note that was on my door. It said I was beautiful enough to tempt angels into falling.† â€Å"Well, you do look pretty good.† When I raised an eyebrow, Peter said grudgingly, â€Å"Okay, that is kind of suspicious†¦ but it’s almost too suspicious. Why would someone overtly leave a calling card?† Cody nearly jumped out of his seat. â€Å"It’s some kind of psycho angel who likes playing mind games. Like in those movies where killers carve clues into their victims, so they can watch the police puzzle things out.† I shuddered at that image as I thought over what I knew about angels in general, which really was nothing. Unlike our side, the powers of good did not have the same cryptic hierarchy of supervisors and geographical networks, no matter the stories about cherubim and seraphim. After all, we were the ones who had invented middle management, not them. I always had the impression that most angels and denizens of good operated like private investigators or field agents, completing assorted angelic missions in a very loosely organized way. Such an open venue would provide ample chance for someone to surreptitiously tackle a side agenda. Angelic involvement would also explain the subterfuge, I reflected. Their side was embarrassed. Typical, really. Little embarrassed our side anymore. They, however, would be shamefaced to admit one of theirs had turned rogue, and Carter, being so chummy with Jerome, had conned the demon into keeping quiet about the whole matter. All of his sarcasm and attempts to mock me were only more weak efforts at saving face. The more I considered this far-fetched theory, the more I liked it. Some disgruntled angel, wanting to be heroic, decided to turn vigilante and take on the forces of evil. The renegade angel theory would explain how any of us could be legitimate targets, as well as shed light on why no one could sense this being since we now knew higher immortals could hide their presence. Which made me wonder why exactly Jerome and Carter were also masking their presence. Were they hoping to catch this angel unaware? That, and†¦ â€Å"Why’d this person let Hugh live then?† I looked from vampire to vampire. â€Å"An angel could take out any of us. Hugh said he wasn’t winning, and no one interrupted. The attacker just got bored and took off. Why? Why kill Duane but not Hugh? Or me, for that matter, since this person knows what I am.† â€Å"Because Duane was an asshole?† suggested Peter. â€Å"Personality aside, we all weigh in just as heavily on the evil side. Hugh maybe even more so.† Indeed, Hugh was in his prime as far as immortals went. He no longer held a novice’s inexperience like Cody, nor had the imp grown world-weary and bored like Peter and I had. Hugh knew enough now to be good at his job, and he actually liked what he did. He should have been a prime target for any angelic vigilante wanting to make the world a better place. Cody agreed with Peter. â€Å"Yeah. Evil or not, some of us are more likable than others. Maybe an angel could respect that.† â€Å"I doubt an angel would find any of us likable – â€Å" I cut myself off. One angel did like us. One angel hung out with us a lot. One angel who seemed to be everywhere Jerome was lately when these attacks happened. One angel who knew us personally, who knew all of our habits and weaknesses. What better way was there to track and study us than to infiltrate our drinking group and pretend to be a friend? The idea was so explosive, so dangerous, I felt ill at ease just giving shape to the thought. I certainly couldn’t utter any of it aloud. Not yet. Cody and Peter hardly believed the angel theory at all. I doubted they’d jump on board if I started accusing Carter. â€Å"You okay, Georgina?† Cody queried when I lapsed into silence. â€Å"Yeah†¦ yeah†¦ fine.† I caught a glimpse at the time on the stove and jumped up from my chair, head still reeling. â€Å"Shit. I’ve got to get back to Queen Anne.† â€Å"What for?† asked Peter. â€Å"I have a date.† â€Å"With who?† Cody grinned slyly at me, and I blushed in response. â€Å"Roman.† Peter turned to his apprentice. â€Å"Which one is that?† â€Å"The hot dancing guy. Georgina was all over him.† â€Å"I was not. I like him too much for that.† They laughed. As I picked up my coat, Peter asked: â€Å"Hey, I don’t suppose you could do me a favor sometime?† â€Å"What?† My mind still clung to the mystery winding around us. That, and Roman. He and I had talked on the phone a few times now since the last date, and I was growing more and more amazed at just how well we clicked. â€Å"Well, you know how they’ve got those computer programs in salons that will show you what you’ll look like with different colors and cuts? I was thinking you could be like a living one. You could morph into me and show me what I’d look like with different hairstyles.† Silence hung in the room for a full minute as Cody and I stared at him. â€Å"Peter,† I told him at last, â€Å"that’s the stupidest idea I’ve ever heard.† â€Å"I don’t know.† Cody scratched his chin. â€Å"For him, it’s not bad.† â€Å"We have too many other issues to deal with right now,† I warned, having no patience to humor Peter with niceties. â€Å"I’m not wasting my energy on your vanity.† â€Å"Come on,† pleaded Peter. â€Å"You’re still brimming from that good virgin guy. You can spare it.† I shook my head, slinging my purse over one shoulder. â€Å"Succubus 101. The farther a transformation takes me from my natural form, the more energy it expends. Cross-gender changes are a pain in the ass; cross-species ones are even worse. Playing salon with you would burn through most of my stash, and I’ve got better things to waste it on.† I eyed him dangerously. â€Å"You need some serious counseling for body image and insecurity, my friend.† Cody regarded me with new interest. â€Å"Cross-species? Could you, like, turn into a Gila monster or†¦ or†¦ a sand dollar or something?† â€Å"Good night, boys. I’m out of here.† As I departed, I could just barely hear Peter and Cody debating if it would take more energy for me to change into a really small mammal or a human-sized reptile. Vampires. Honestly, they’re like children sometimes. I drove home in record time. I remembered to shape-shift my heels into sandals and walked up to my building’s door just as Roman did. Seeing him banished any lingering thoughts of angels and conspiracies. He had told me to dress casually for this evening, and while he had done the same, he still managed to make jeans and a long-sleeved T-shirt look like runway fashion. I apparently had the same effect on him because he caught me up in a giant bear hug and kissed my cheek. â€Å"Hey, gorgeous,† he murmured into my ear, holding on to the embrace a bit longer than necessary. â€Å"Hey, yourself.† I disentangled my body from his and smiled up at him. â€Å"You’re so short,† he noted, cupping my cheek in his hand. â€Å"It’s cute.† Those eyes threatened to engulf me, and I hastily turned away before I did something stupid. â€Å"Let’s go.† I paused. â€Å"Um, where are we going?† He led me to his car, parked just down the street. â€Å"Since you seem to be so good with your feet, I thought I’d take us somewhere to test the rest of your bodily coordination.† â€Å"Like a hotel room?† â€Å"Damn. Am I that obvious?† Several minutes later, he pulled into a dilapidated establishment with a blinking neon sign reading BURT’s BOWLING ALLEY. I stared in open distaste, unable to hide my feelings. â€Å"This is your choice of date? A bowling alley? Not even a nice one at that.† Roman seemed unconcerned about my lack of enthusiasm. â€Å"When was the last time you actually went bowling?† I suspected it had been back in the 1970s. â€Å"Not in a very long time.† â€Å"Exactly. You see,† he began conversationally as we went inside and approached the counter, â€Å"I’ve got you figured out. You claim you don’t want to get serious with anyone, but I still get the impression you go out a lot. Size ten, please.† â€Å"Six and a half.† The cashier gave us each a pair of unsavory-looking shoes, and I felt grateful germs posed no threat to me. Roman handed over some cash, and she gestured us down to our designated lane. â€Å"Anyway, like I was saying, regardless of your intentions, you must still end up dating quite a bit. I don’t know how you couldn’t with the attention you attract.† â€Å"What’s that supposed to mean?† I sat down by our lane and took off my Birkenstocks, still eyeing the rental shoes askance. Roman paused in his own shoe-tying and gave me a long, steady look. â€Å"Oh come on, you can’t be that oblivious. Men check you out all the time. I always see it when I’m with you. Walking through the bookstore, going to that bar the other night. Even here, in this place. In just walking over from the counter, I saw at least three guys stop and watch you.† â€Å"Is there a point here somewhere?† â€Å"Eventually.† He stood up, and we walked over to a rack of communal bowling balls. â€Å"With all that attention, guys must ask you out all the time, and you must give in sometimes, just like you did with me. Right?† â€Å"I guess.† He paused in his ball selection and gave me another one of those breathtaking, soul-searching looks. â€Å"So tell me about your last date.† â€Å"My last date?† I somehow didn’t think Martin Miller counted. â€Å"Your last date. I mean a real date, not like a casual grabbing a drink thing. A date where the guy gave his best shot at planning an itinerary he thought would get you into bed.† I tested the weight of a fluorescent orange and green swirled ball, racking my brain. â€Å"The opera,† I said at last. â€Å"And dinner at Santa Lucia’s.† â€Å"Nice spread. And the one before that?† â€Å"Jesus, you’re nosy. Um†¦ let’s see, I think it was the opening of an art exhibit.† â€Å"Undoubtedly paired with dinner at some restaurant where stiff waiters say ‘thank you’ after you make a selection, right?† â€Å"I guess.† â€Å"Just as I thought.† He hoisted a navy blue ball into the crook of his arm. â€Å"This is why you’re resistant to dating, why you don’t want to get serious with anyone. You’re such a hot commodity that plush, five-star dates are par for the course. They’re ordinary. Men try to throw out all the stops for you, but after a while, you get bored with them.† His eyes danced mischievously. â€Å"Therefore, I will differentiate myself from those losers by taking you to places your little elitist feet would never dream of touching. The salt of the earth. Back to basics. The way dating was meant to be: two people, more concerned with each other than their posh venue.† I walked with him back to our lane. â€Å"You just took an awfully long time to say you think I want to go slumming.† â€Å"Don’t you?† â€Å"No.† â€Å"Then why are you with me?† I eyed that gorgeous appearance and thought about the conversation we’d had the other night on classical languages. Looks and intellect. Hard to beat. â€Å"You’re hardly slumming it.† He smiled at me and changed the subject. â€Å"That’s your choice?† I looked down at the ball’s psychedelic color pattern. â€Å"Yeah. This night is already turning surreal enough. Figured I might as well get the full experience. Maybe we’ll drop some acid later.† Roman’s eyes crinkled with amusement, and he cocked his head toward the lane. â€Å"Let’s see what you can do with it.† I stepped up uncertainly, trying to remember how I used to do this. All up and down the alley, I could see other players walking up and throwing with ease. Shrugging, I stood at the line, drew my arm back, and threw. The ball flew out jerkily, sailed about four feet, hit the lane with a loud crack, and then promptly entered the gutter. Roman walked up beside me, and we silently watched the ball complete its journey. â€Å"Are you always that rough with balls?† he asked finally. â€Å"Most men don’t complain.† â€Å"I imagine not. Try making contact with the floor before you let it go this time.† I gave him a sharp look. â€Å"You aren’t one of those guys that gets off from showing women how much better you are at stuff, are you?† â€Å"Nope. Just offering friendly advice.† My ball returned, and I followed his instructions. The ball’s impact proved quieter that way, but I still ended up in the gutter. â€Å"All right. Show me what you can do,† I grumbled, sitting down huffily into a chair. Roman strode up to the lane, movements graceful and flowing like a cat’s. The ball poured from his hand like water from a pitcher, sailing smoothly down and hitting nine pins. When his ball returned, he threw it effortlessly once more and took out the obstinate tenth. â€Å"This is going to be a long night.† â€Å"Cheer up.† He chucked my chin. â€Å"We’ll get you through this. Try it again, and aim more toward the left. I’m going to get us some beers.† I threw to the left as advised but only succeeded in hitting the left gutter. On my second throw, I tried greater moderation and managed to hit one pin on the far left. I whooped in spite of myself. â€Å"Nicely done,† cheered Roman, setting two mugs of cheap beer down on the table. I hadn’t drunk anything not from a microbrewery in over a decade. â€Å"It’s all about baby steps.† That certainly turned out to be true as our evening progressed. My pin count increased slowly, though I soon developed the nasty habit of creating splits on my first throw. I showed no aptitude for picking them up, despite Roman’s best explanations. To his credit, he gave good, nonthreatening advice, as well as some hands-on instruction. â€Å"Your arm goes like this, and the rest of you leans like this,† he explained, standing behind me with one hand on my hip and the other on my wrist. My flesh warmed at his touch, and I wondered if his actions were truly driven by altruism or were an excuse to get his hands on me. I exercised such techniques regularly in succubus work. It drove men wild, and now I knew why. Ruse or no, I didn’t tell him to stop. I hit my peak in the second game, even managing one strike, though my performance declined in the third round as beer and fatigue took over. Sensing this, Roman called our bowling adventures closed, lauding my progress as highly impressive. â€Å"Do we have to go to a dive now for dinner, in order to keep with this dream-date slumming fantasy you’ve got going?† He put his arm around me as we walked out to the car. â€Å"I guess that depends if you’ve succumbed to my wily charm or not.† â€Å"If I say yes, will you take me somewhere good? Sometimes the posh places do work, you know.† We ended up at an upscale Japanese restaurant, much to my satisfaction. Taking our time, we savored both food and conversation, and again Roman’s knowledge and wit impressed me. This time we discussed current issues, sharing opinions on recent news and culture, things we liked, things that drove us crazy, etc., etc. I discovered Roman had traveled quite a bit and held strong views on world politics and affairs. â€Å"This country is so in love with itself,† he complained, sipping sake. â€Å"It’s like one big mirror. It just sits all day and looks at itself. When it can be bothered to look away, it’s only to tell others ‘do this’ or ‘be just like me.’ Our military and economic policies bully people outside our borders, and inside, conservative groups bully other citizens. I hate it.† I listened with interest, intrigued at this side of a normally light and easygoing guy. â€Å"So do something about it. Or leave.† He shook his head. â€Å"Spoken like a comfortable citizen. The old ‘if you don’t like it, you can just leave’ policy. Unfortunately, it’s a lot harder than that to cut yourself off from your roots.† Leaning back, he forced levity with a small grin. â€Å"And I do do things here and there. Small acts. My own battle against the status quo, you know? Attend the occasional protest. Refuse to buy products made with third world labor.† â€Å"Avoid fur? Eat organic food?† â€Å"That too,† he chuckled. â€Å"Funny,† I said after a moment’s silence. Something had just struck me. â€Å"What?† â€Å"This whole time, we’ve talked about current things. No sharing of traumatic childhoods, college days, exes, or whatever.† â€Å"So what’s funny about that?† â€Å"Nothing really. It’s just that the human mating process usually seems to dictate everyone share their histories.† â€Å"You want to do that?† â€Å"Not really.† I actually hated that part of dating. I always had to edit my past. I hated the lying, having to keep track of my stories. â€Å"I think the past plagues us enough without muddling it into our present. I’d rather look forward, not backward.† I studied him curiously. â€Å"Does your past plague you?† â€Å"Very much so. I fight every day to not let the past overtake me. Sometimes I win, sometimes it does.† God only knew mine did the same. It was odd to talk to someone about this, someone who felt the same way. I wondered how many people in the world walked around with invisible baggage, hiding it from others. Even while packing said baggage, I’d always kept it concealed. I had a driving need to keep up surface appearances – hence the so-called â€Å"happy face.† I’d smiled and nodded through the worst times of my life, and when that superficial reaction had not been enough, I’d finally just run – even though it cost me my soul. I smiled slightly. â€Å"Well then. I’m glad you and I stick to the present.† He tweaked my noise. â€Å"Me too. In fact, my present is looking pretty damned good right now. Maybe my future too, if I keep weakening your resolve.† â€Å"Don’t push it.† â€Å"Aw, come on. Admit it. You find my outrage at the powers-that-be endearing. Maybe even erotic.† â€Å"I think ‘entertaining’ would be a better word. If you want outrage, you should spend time with Doug, my coworker. You guys have a lot in common. By day he cleans up and plays respectable assistant manager, by night he’s the lead singer of this wacky band, registering his discontent against society through music.† Roman’s eyes flickered with interest. â€Å"Does he play around here?† â€Å"Yup. He’ll be at the Old Greenlake Brewery this Saturday. Me and some of the other staff are going.† â€Å"Oh yeah? What time should I meet you?† â€Å"I don’t recall inviting you.† â€Å"Don’t you? Because I could have sworn you just named a day and place. Sounded like a passive invitation to me. You know, the kind where it’d be my job to say ‘mind if I come along,’ and then you say ‘yeah, no problem,’ and so it goes. I just skipped a few steps.† â€Å"Most efficient of you,† I observed. â€Å"So†¦ mind if I come along?† I groaned. â€Å"Roman, we can’t keep going out. It was cute at first, but it was only supposed to be one date. We’ve already gone past that. People at work think you’re my boyfriend.† Casey and Beth had informed me recently what a † hottie† I had. â€Å"Do they?† He looked very happy about this. â€Å"I’m not joking here. I mean it when I say I don’t want to get serious with anyone right now.† And yet, I didn’t really mean it. Not in my heart. I’d spent centuries cutting myself off from any sort of meaningful attachment with another person, and it hurt. Even when I had purposely cultivated relationships with nice guys in my succubus glory days, I had immediately dropped them and disappeared post-sex. In some ways, my life now was even harder. I avoided the guilt of stealing a nice man’s life energy, but I never had true companionship either. No one who cared exclusively for me. Sure, I had friends, but they had their own lives, and those who got too close – like Doug – had to be pushed away again for their own good. â€Å"Don’t you believe in casual dating? Or even male-female friendships?† â€Å"No,† I answered decisively. â€Å"I do not.† â€Å"What about the other males in your life? That Doug guy? The dance instructor? Even that writer? You’re friends with them, aren’t you?† â€Å"Well, yeah, but that’s different. I’m not attracted – â€Å" I bit off my words, but it was too late. Roman’s face bloomed with hope and pleasure. He leaned toward me, touching my cheek with his hand. I swallowed, terrified and thrilled by how close he was. Beer and sake had made me fuzzy in body and mind, and I made a mental promise not to drink the next time we went out. Not that we were going out again†¦ right? Alcohol confused my senses, made it harder to differentiate between the succubus feeding instinct and pure, primal lust. Either one was dangerous around him. And yet†¦ in that moment, lust wasn’t even really the issue. He was. Being with him. Talking to him. Having someone in my life again. Someone who cared about me. Someone who understood me. Someone I could go home to. And with. â€Å"What time should I meet you?† he murmured. I looked down, suddenly feeling warm. â€Å"It’s a late show†¦Ã¢â‚¬  His hand slid from my cheek to the back of my neck, intertwining with my hair and tipping my face toward his. â€Å"You want to hang out beforehand?† â€Å"We shouldn’t.† My words all seemed long and drawn-out, like I was swimming in molasses. Roman leaned over and kissed my ear. â€Å"I’ll be at your place at seven.† â€Å"Seven,† I repeated. His lips moved to kiss the part of my cheek closest to my ear, then the cheek’s center, then just below my mouth. His lips hovered so close to mine; my whole body concentrated on that proximity. I could feel the heat from his mouth, like it had its own private aura. Everything moved in slow motion. I wanted him to kiss me, wanted him to consume me with his lips and his tongue. I wanted it and feared it, yet felt powerless to act either way. â€Å"Can I get you something else?† The waiter’s mildly embarrassed voice shattered my numbing haze, snapping me back to reason, reminding me what would happen to Roman even with a kiss. Not too much, true, but enough. I broke out of his grasp and shook my head. â€Å"Nothing else. Just the check.† Roman and I spoke little after that. He drove me home and made no advances when he walked me to the door, only smiling kindly as he chucked me under the chin again and reminded me he’d be by at seven on Saturday. I went to bed restless and aching for sex. The alcohol helped me fall asleep easily, but when I awoke in the morning, lying in bed in a drowsy state, I could still remember how it had felt to have his lips so close to mine. The lustful yearning returned with a vengeance. â€Å"This is no good,† I complained to Aubrey, rolling out of bed. I had three hours before work and knew I needed to do something other than daydream about Roman. Remembering that I had never followed up with Erik, I decided I should pay him a visit. The vampire hunter theory was more or less obsolete as far as I was concerned, but he might have found something else of use. I could also ask him about fallen angels. Considering the whole â€Å"stashing† threat, I probably should have experienced more concern about going back to Arcana, Ltd. Still, I felt more or less safe. One thing I had learned about the archdemon was that he was not a morning person. He didn’t really need rest, of course, but it was a mortal luxury he’d taken to wholeheartedly. I expected him to still be asleep, wherever he was, with no way of knowing what I planned to do. Dressing and eating breakfast, I soon hit the road to Lake City. I found the shop effortlessly now, feeling dismay once more at its barren look and empty parking lot. Yet, when I entered, I saw a dark shape leaning over a corner of books, too tall to be Erik. Pleasure at the thought of Erik getting more business coursed through me until the figure straightened and fixed me with a sardonic, gray-eyed expression. â€Å"Hello, Georgina.† I swallowed. â€Å"Hello, Carter.† How to cite Succubus Blues CHAPTER 12, Essay examples