Life Is Easier Essay

Living today is more comfortable and easier than when your grandparents were children. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer. Recently, my grandparents often recall how difficult their lives were when they were young, claiming that my generation has much easier lives than they had. I agree with them. In fact, life today is much more comfortable and easier than it was in my grandparents’ youth for some reasons. First, technology has made modern-day life much more comfortable than in the past. During my grandparents’ time, life was rough and hard because all the work was done without any modern tool, so they had to do their laundry by hand, walked from one place to another by feet. Furthermore, there was limited in entertainment choices in the past. They could at best listen to the radio or perhaps watch a black-and-white movie for pleasure. Today, however, living has become a lot easier thanks to technological developments. We launder our clothes with washing machine, uses buses, subways, or cars to move around. We also enjoy home theater systems, DVDs, and video games. Technology has definitely improved our lives. In addition, people today have more leisure time than they did before. People no longer have to work very long hours like my grandparents did. Since my grandparents were farmers, they had to work in the rice field all day long even without resting on weekends. In contrast, many people today, including my parents, simply work from nine to five on weekdays and take weekends off. They therefore have much free time than my grandparents did, so they can spend more time on leisure activities. They go to the movies, go to the gym, or take trips. All these activities have positive affect on their quality of living. In conclusion, people today have more comfortable and easier lives than in the past. This is the results of technological developments and the extra leisure time available. These factors will make our live even more comfortable in the future.

While There Is Much Hype About International Sporting Events Like the Fifa World Cup, Such Events in Fact Have Limited Value. Do You Agree

Now people are like to do sport. Not matter adult, children, man and woman also likes to do sports. Even if the work is very busy, or a lot of remedial classes also take the free time to do sports. This is our love of sport. Since ancient times, people are like sports. Then people love sport, they gradually formed a large-scale movement. Nowadays, there are two sports competition in the world largest. It is Olympic Games and FIFA World Cup. These international sporting will give many advantages to a country.Hold international sporting events like the FIFA World Cup will become many advantages for a country. It will become improve growth of economy who are hold international sporting, then create more job, increase the relationship of other countries, and increase the image of a country. The first advantage of holding international sporting events is it creates more job opportunities for to the country. International sporting events need many sports centers, athlete hostels, hotels, c ar parks, restaurants, and others. So, human resources are needed to build the building.People are also needed to work in the construction field, restaurant, and service. The country has host the international sporting must invite many workers to complete the competition. For example, hotels need many workers to service the tourist, restaurants need many waiter and chefs to service the tourist and to cook many delicious foods, transportation need many drivers like taxis, bus, private drivers, and others. Furthermore, human resources also need the guide to introduction their country. Hold the international sporting can become increase the relationship of other countries.It can exchange players to show their talent. They promote their countries players and then promote their culture. NBA is the example, it make many teams to invite many country’s players come to their country. So that can increase many people know their country. Then their country will increase the economic and crates more jobs to their commonwealth. Similarly, they can organize a competition about the international sporting. For example, FIFA World Cup, Olympic Games, Formula 1, Europe Cup, and others sports.After the competition, the host country will enjoy many benefits from this competition. It can improve the economy growth of their country. Then it can lead to many business deals from all the world. This is because many other countries get to are know about this their country’s economy. So other countries are confident to do business with the host country. Then they countries can form good relationships in business. Likewise, they also can easily make transactions. For example China is a big developing country. It just hosted the Olympic Games in 2008.Now it is a popular country in the world. At the same time, it is also a big brother in Asia for business. Moreover, the advantage of holding international sporting is improved growth of economy. After which country was hosted t he international sporting. There can improve the currency at the time. For example, many tourists come to your country travel must change the currency. Multi-national currency may come in to your country. After that, the currency in your country will be growth up at the time. IN 2008 China, after it was finished hosted the Olympic Games.After that, it improved growth of economy at the moment. Then, many tourists come to China for tourism. So, many tourists need change the currency after that just can use. In conclusion, the hold international sporting can enjoy many advantages. Otherwise, host international sporting may improve growth of economy and increase the image of a country. In future, many countries must try to host the international sporting. So, many countries just can increase the relationship of others country. Finally, there are many advantages of host international sporting events.

Road use charges should be introduced in the UK both for motorways and for urban areas

Whenever we hear today about the problems facing this country and how the government intends to solve them, arguably the three most commonly occurring points for debate on the government's agenda are education, the health system and transport. Transport often comes into focus when high profile incidences involving sub-standard public transport (most notably in recent times involving the railway network) are brought to light. And all this does is reinforce the reasons why many of us choose to use a car to travel in, rather than public transport. Due to the increasing need to use cars, our roads are becoming more and more congested. Now the government, in its position of trying to improve the situation, has to find a solution, which will at least ease the problem. Congestion arises when the volume of traffic exceeds road capacity. This reduces the speed of all vehicles and so increases the average time it takes to complete a particular journey. The congestion mainly occurs at peak times where the demand for the road is at its highest. Particularly when queuing in traffic jams, more people are using the roads, which increases the (marginal) cost of time to other people. Congestion occurs due to the fact that roads are a â€Å"nonexcludable† public good, i.e. no one is excluded from using the roads (based on the assumption that everyone can afford a vehicle, can drive a vehicle, and can afford the additional costs to run a vehicle.) By its definition, when a nonexcludable public good is provided, it affects the welfare of every person in the society. A public good is one where another individual using it will have no effect on the benefits received by others using it (i.e. the marginal cost of someone else consuming it is zero) and theref ore there is no competition for the service). Figure 1;The speed flow curve (Inverse relationship between the number of vehicles on a road and the average speed of vehicles) There are many causes of congestion, which all lead to some economic costs and therefore affect businesses and users of the roads. For a business the consequences of congestion are most likely to be incurred when transporting the goods and raw materials to and from factories and retail outlets. Congestion increases firms' costs, resulting in a lower comparable profit (to the value of profit without congestion) for the firm. Providing the price is inelastic these extra costs could be passed on to consumers in the form of higher market prices (whereby demand for the good is not too sensitive to a change in price). These extra costs can be incurred by either the opportunity cost of time (delays) or direct costs of extra fuel being burned travelling at lower speed. Figure 2: Supply and Demand during congestion for a price elastic good (Congestion costs shift the supply curve to the left, resulting in higher selling price and therefore lower quantity demanded) Supply curve with congestion charges Supply curve without congestion charges Demand curve Congestion may cause delays in delivery, which in turn may lead to various negative impacts on the business itself. For instance this may adversely effect the reputation of the business. Furthermore suppliers to the business may be delayed causing the firm to be less productive incurring unnecessary costs from staff becoming idle. These consequences are an adverse affect on the welfare of the other motorists, (i.e. people most likely become more irritated). Since there is a direct effect here of the actions of one person on the welfare of another person or persons in a way that is not transmitted by market prices, we have the definition of an effect that is called an externality. In economics, public goods and externalities are closely related and are often associated with efficiency problems. Thus this is part of the reason why our roads are â€Å"inefficient†. Congestion also causes the road network to become an impure public good. A public good is defined as one where another individual using it will have no effect on the benefits received by others using it (i.e. the marginal cost of someone else consuming it is zero) and therefore there is no competition for the service. An impure good is one where the consumption of the commodity is to some extent rival. When congestion occurs the use of the road network becomes competitive (especially during the rush hour) and therefore the good becomes impure. This allows the public good to be given a price and so allows schemes such as congestion charging and toll roads to be introduced. Governments across the world are introducing road charges with the goal of reducing road use and minimising the negative effects of road usage. An important decision that the government will take into consideration will be whether introducing road charges would have a negative impact upon the environment. In the capital the Mayor of London, Ken Livingston, is currently asking for the views of 300 groups likely to be affected by road charges to enter London. Despite a London report suggesting a 12% reduction in traffic, opposing parties believe it would cause chaos and adversely effect families and small businesses. Transport is a derived demand as it comes from the needs of the people (whether they are travelling to work, going shopping or meeting socially) and needs of businesses (transportation of goods and industrial materials). However the increasing demand for road use over the years has added to the number of vehicles on the road, and in turn, increases the damaging effects upon the environment. The obvious aim of introducing road charges for using motorways or entering urban areas in private vehicles are that fewer people will choose to do so, thus decreasing the harmful gas engine emissions as a result. Noise and sight pollution, along with air pollution, should also be seen as a result of reduced traffic and congestion. This would rely on the fact that roads have an elasticity that is either inelastic or elastic. The greater the elasticity (value) of these road charges would indicate higher price sensitivity in using the road in question. Establishing the elasticity will enable us to identify the extent to which the environment will benefit from a reduction in pollution (air, gas and noise). From a report by Button (1993) the ‘trip type' significantly affects the price elasticity. For instance travelling to urban areas for shopping purposes has a high elasticity, so if road charges become applicable it is likely that fewer people will decide to make the journey using private vehicles. From an environmental perspective fewer cars entering these urban areas will reduce congestion and vehicle pollution levels. When looking into the decrease of CO emissions for particular areas, such as Hereford as shown above, this illustrates the dramatic reduction in air pollution levels when a charge is applied. This does however depend on price elasticity of demand for the road. This is in comparison to the minimum elasticity for urban commuting (travelling to work) which is much lower. Any road charges imposed on these people will have a minimal effect, as it is more essential for them to travel into the urban area. An additional advantage of road charges is the extra revenue that would be generated through payment of those people who continue to use the particular (charged) road. This has seen positive results in Norway where the funds collected are being used to support the successful public transport areas of Oslo and Trondheim. The biggest environmental concern that road charges are associated with, specifically with motorways, is the likelihood that car drivers would take alternate routes (not charged) such as country roads. These roads that were previously quiet would then be subjected to noise and gas emissions as well as congestion problems. This is an example of the substitution effect as both the main roads and the rural roads could satisfy the needs of the public. The introduction of payment for using the main roads would result in an increase in the quantity demanded of the substitute, that is the rural roads where no charges are being imposed. How elasticity effects the demand for motorways with/without alternative routes (Motorways without alternative routes) (Motorways with alternative routes) From an environmental perspective road charges should be introduced for the vehicles entering the urban areas. This is because there is significant evidence that motor vehicle usage will drop significantly (as shown in the Button 1993 table). The additional revenue raised can be used to fund the much-needed public transport services. Therefore those who will no longer use their own private vehicles will potentially benefit from an improved transport service. Evidence showed that those who continue to travel into the urban areas using private vehicles are also more satisfied if the money they are charged goes into improving public transport (as shown in the MORI diagram). For motorways the decision from an environmental perspective is split between those motorways that have alternative routes and those that do not. On those motorways with possible alternative routes the disadvantages (such as the possible movement of traffic as opposed to reduction) outweighs the potential benefit of the additional revenue. Where alternative routes are unavailable road charges are appropriate as the disadvantages stated above and in the report are much less of a problem. Revenue generated from these charges can then help urban areas with the possible improvement of public transport (like the Norwegian example). If roads were a â€Å"typical† competitive commodity, supply and demand would determine its price and an organization or business would own it. However there isn't a market for roads, and (in places where there are no toll systems in place) people can use the roads for free (i.e. its price is treated as if it was zero). Added to the fact that no one actually owns the roads (the government only has a requirement to maintain them), we have a demand for the usage of the roads by the public, but a failure of a market to emerge. Therefore there is no mechanism to ensure that the resource of roads is used efficiently. Therefore if someone owned the roads and could charge a price for their use, a market would emerge leading to an efficient use of the commodity, because the price reflects the value for alternative uses. Thus through the understanding of how a road is economically defined and the fact that at the moment, it is economically â€Å"inefficient†, a measure has to be taken. Therefore we will now explain using the defining economic principles why road use charges should be introduced for motorways and for urban areas. Arguably, though, the notion of congestion charges is more readily available to be implemented than road tolls, but the economic principles that should guide the design of this policy towards taxing and charging road users also applies to road tolls. The aim of the policy is to find an equilibrium position, where the marginal cost of using the resource is equal to the marginal cost of providing the resource. Figure 4: The equilibrium position and the effect of road charges The graph is labelled with â€Å"level of traffic† on the x-axis and â€Å"generalised cost of driving† (this means that the generalised costs are time and money spent on making the journey) on the y-axis. The first line drawn in was the demand curve (D), which is also the marginal benefit (MB) curve, (which is a straight line). The easiest way to describe it's negative gradient is as the number of people using the road increases, the marginal driver will have a lower benefit from the road than the previous one. There are two costs curves to be added to the diagram. The private marginal costs (PMC) are the direct costs to the driver. The PMC curve is also the supply curve (S). It is an upward sloping curve because with low traffic densities, the only cost to the driver is petrol. However as levels of traffic increase, congestion increases, and thus the driver incurs time costs as well. The social marginal costs (SMC) has the same base as the PMC (i.e. petrol costs) but as traffic increases, not only does it represent the time cost to that one particular driver, there is also the time costs that each driver imposes on every other driver. As is to be expected, at the moment, drivers act according to their PMC curve and the level of traffic on the road increases to the point (Xo), where the PMC is equal to the MB. Thus as the economic theory states, we are at a level of traffic above the social optimum, because the social optimum occurs when the SMC is equal to the MB. This is shown at the point X*, which is the social optimum and the optimal level of traffic. To get the level of traffic reduced from Xo to X*, we have to impose an extra charge or tax â€Å"P† (= P*-Po). This is referred to as the Pigouvian tax amount. This amount (P) forces the road user to take into account the costs of the externality that they are generating, and thus induces them to operate at the efficient level. Since this â€Å"tax† is a congestion charge, it should only be imposed where congestion arises, and the level of charge should be directly related to the amount of congestion. Therefore the inner cities (i.e. urban areas) and motorways, having high levels of traffic, should have higher charges than areas with low levels of traffic. Traffic imposes a cost on society over and above the PMC. To achieve the socially optimal solution, these costs should be passed on to the driver. In doing this, only those drivers who were willing to pay society for the externalities they cause would use the road network. Thus levels of traffic would fall to the optimal output level, reducing congestion and pollution in the desired areas of urban areas and the motorways. It could be argued that if drivers were charged for the delays and road congestion they impose on one another, some of them would arrange to travel at different times, by different means e.g. rail and bus, or arrange to use different routes where road use charges can be avoided completely. There are various technological methods of charging for road uses. The simplest method is buying a license to enter a zone at certain times. The license, like a tax disc, would be prominently displayed with traffic wardens policing the system. However this would mean that only people parked in these zones would get checked; it would not include people just driving through them. To do this, traffic wardens would somehow have to physically stop cars and charge them for entrance into the area. To set this up in the UK would be very difficult with our complicated network of motorways, urban and rural roads and actually stopping cars would cause more congestion rather than reducing it. Another method that uses the new technology of electronic tolls/beacons, no longer requires motorists to halt at tollbooths. As motorists drive past these tollbooths, the toll registers the electronic number plate and sends a signal to a recording computer. This is a very direct way to charge the amount specific to the road and to the time of day with the amount due being deducted from their bank account. However, this would infringe on privacy rights, as it would enable people to derive individuals' locations. Hence the use of smartcards would be more preferable like the method used in Hong Kong. The driver inserts a prepaid card, like a telephone card, into the electronic number plate and payments are debited from it when a tollbooth is passed. Only in a case where the card runs out of credit do the central computer monitors start charging directly for road use. The installation of electronic technology would have the drawbacks of being time consuming and very costly. Not only is there the construction of tollbooths, the installation of smartcards on every single car, but maintenance as well. A type of security system would also be needed to prevent free riders1, for example they could remove the smartcard or tamper with it. A method of overcoming this would be the use of cameras on each booth to capture an image of the license plate if a smart card was not detected. The most technical method, and therefore probably the most expensive, would be satellite car tracking technology. This uses existing Global Positioning System (GPS) satellites to track vehicles via electronic black boxes fixed to the dashboard of all vehicles. The problems associated with using satellites are similar to that of the above; that is the infringement on privacy rights and costs of setup and maintenance. However one possibility with this method is that it can also be used in conjunction with locating stolen cars. From a technical point of view smartcards seem to be the most sensible option. Although it would be more costly than just buying licenses, this method would lead to less congestion, as there is no stopping to enter the areas being charged. It is less expensive than using satellites and would not infringe on privacy rights. However there are difficulties and limitations with implementing any of these road use charging methods; the general public will have to be educated in the use of them, which will be quite complicated due to different regions and the specific times of the day having varying charges. The aim of this report was to analyse the argument that as elsewhere in the world, road charges should be introduced in the UK, both for motorways and for urban areas. On addressing the argument the environmental and the consequential factors of congestion needed to be considered. On considering the environmental factors the conclusion is that the reduction in pollution levels would only occur if the road charges reduced private road use and increased the use for public transport (i.e. there were no alternative routes that people had switched to avoid the charges). However a reduction in congestion on motorways and urban areas could certainly improve a firm's economic profit as the investigation into consequences of congestion revealed. Having decided the obvious need for charges with the economic principles supporting this, whether the application of schemes is technically possible became important. For this factor the smartcard road-charging scheme emerged as the best option. On bringing all these points together road charges are both necessary and feasible for UK motorways and urban areas. Except by environmental perspectives where additionally there have to be few alternative routes, thus preventing people congesting other roads and avoid payment.

Health Issues as It Relates Health In High sSchool Education Essay

Health Issues as It Relates Health In High sSchool Education - Essay Example Keeping this in mind, the writer has felt that it would be essential to conduct a probe into a serious concern of high school education, that is, use and abuse of alcohol, since this has a major impact on the health and educational pursuits of students. The designing of this Research study has been carried out for determining the positive, or negative impacts of drinking by high school students, on their learning and academic performance. Importance of this research: Health hazards caused by use of alcohol by high school students has assumed serious dimensions and has adversely affecting academic performance in the student community; it also connotes indisciplined in class behaviour, lowering of ethical and moral standards, sexual permissiveness under the influence of excessive alcohol and a host of other social and physiological problems, besides endangering students' mental health, well being and their future college studies. Despite the fact that social and Governmental organizations have long evolved policies, practices and programs for curbing this social evil, the truth remains that much more effective policy making and implementation needs to be done in these vital areas which have grave socio-economic and medical implications. The research Hypothesis: is based on the premise that alcohol interferes with the functioning of impressionable minds of high school students, causing mental debility & lack of mental co-ordination, affecting academic performance among high school students Aims of the study In order to curb the use of alcohol and its detrimental effects on the high school student population, as a whole, it has become necessary to introduce and... This essay stresses that the findings of the experiments conducted proved beyond doubt that â€Å"alcohol is a powerful drug that slows down the body and mind. It impairs co-ordination; slows reaction time; and impairs vision, clear thinking and judgment....drinking while the brain is growing may lead to long lasting intellectual effects and may even increase the likelihood of delayed alcoholic dependence later in life.† This tested hypothesis that attributes alcohol as one of the main drugs for substance abuse, in today’s high school population has been established, both by the current literature written by eminent scholars and practitioners, and also by independent empirical studies. In today’s social settings, especially in the field of High School educational pursuits, the use of alcohol, substance abuse and permissive sexual behaviour have become a common phenomenon among school students, especially in the developed world. This paper makes a conclusion that the school administration should enforce individual programmes that could create a social environment that could actively discourage, if not reduce the use of drug by school children. A holistic approach, involving the student community, teachers, social workers, school administration and, most importantly, the parents needs to be taken in order to address a permanent solution to the problem. It is believed that creating awareness and self belief is more important that strict enforcement, since these measures could have contrary results, which may not in total alignment to the fundamental purposes for its enunciation.

Discuss the regulatory intervention that took place in the US post Research Paper

Discuss the regulatory intervention that took place in the US post 2008 crisis choosing a topic from FRANK-DODD ACT 2010 - Research Paper Example The consumer’s welfare is protected, and their rights are to be considered. Through consumer protection fraud and illegal activities are able to be avoided because some of the laws protect the needs of those who have no knowledge about their rights taking an example in a business where some firms use the advantage of their size over others. Through the laws installed in the country there exists a fair deal and assists in the consumer in making better decisions in the market place (Acharya 26). People like investors, those in need of mortgage are able to be clear on what their rights are before involving themselves in companies or people who will deceive them. These includes the government organizations and also the self-regulating business organizations such Federal Trade Commission among others. The consumer protection rights have been seen to grow over the years from the 19th century which people saw the need for this from the fraud seen in the mail to what we see to date. T his assists in the protection of both consumers and businesses in the operation of their works.9Through consumer protection people are able to use the law in reporting cases like illegal acts and works done against the law. They are therefore, said to protect the welfare of people in making fair deals and transparency to the services and businesses conducted. The consumer rights are also put to protect the environment and the welfare of people’s health. Some industries produce toxic products which leads to the retrogression of the health conditions of people like the Cigarettes and also the environment like the global warming effect (Li & Palumbo 23). Introduction There are several consumer protection acts in the American government and in this context we are going to use the Dodd-Frank Wall Street reform and consumer protecting in establishing his acts, the benefits of the consumer protection laws and be able to tell the rights the consumers are eligible to. 1 The Dodd-Frank Reform and Consumer Protection Act is mainly n the financial crisis in America which started in 2007.It is an act imputed on the financial services to the banks and non- banking holding companies which include insurance companies, security firms and also international banks among others within and globally (Stowell 25). The Dodd-Frank Act leads to the change in financial services regulation creating a new federal authority and also a new financial consumer regulatory body. This act was approved in 2010 and became effective from 22nd July (Braybrooke 19). This legislation was put in place of all the financial activities within the States and also non-US banking organization firms. The main features in the legislation included maintenance of financial stability by creating a council which is given the mandate to overlook on the activities in the financial system. It also gives the Federal Deposit insurance Corporation to be able to control the firms which are failing by protecting th e counterparties which leads to t

Business ethic homework 2 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Business ethic homework 2 - Essay Example hical principle of deontology which states that actions as well as decisions can be regarded as ethical or morally correct if the maxim which refers to the intention as well as the reason of that particular act or decision is based on doing well to the society (Shaw 66). One of the critics of Kant’s ethical theory is that not all actions are considered ethical or legal in all regions, actions are considered as ethical or unethical depending on where they occur. 3. The two ways through which Kant believes that categorical imperative can be formulated is that while an individual takes an action, the reason behind that particular action should be that he/she is ready to face the same action when it is carried out against him in same or any other situation (Hayden 18). The second way of formulating the categorical imperative is that people should take actions while considering other individuals as ends and not simply considering them as means to achieve

Research critique part 2 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Research critique part 2 - Essay Example Both the independent and dependent variables have been identified in the study. The independent variables were the task-oriented leadership, and relationship-oriented leadership. The dependent variable in the study relates to job satisfaction. Questionnaires were used to collect data from the 444 nurses. More to this, interviews were used to collect data from 40 ward managers, and 13 directors. The managers and directors also filled questionnaires after their interview. In addition, field observations in 40 wards were carried out to provide data for the study. The 444 nurses were too many to conduct interviews with them, thus had to use questionnaires to avoid the tedious process. Questionnaires also allow for fast collection of data. Interviews with and questionnaires for the managers and directors were used to collect specific information. The interviews were also used as they provided the researchers with an opportunity to clarify on certain things. The questionnaires to the 444 nurses were filled and were returned within the three to four days that observations took place in the respective wards. The interviews were also conducted during the week that the various wards were under observation, as well as filling of the questionnaires. Ward visits lasted between 20-30 hours per ward for the three or four days spent in a ward. A total of 900 hours were spent on the observations. The wards were visited one at a time, and the nurses issued with the questionnaire to fill in at their own time. The interviews also took place during the time the wards were visited for the first author to make observations. The data was analyzed by use of two-level analyses. These were the individual predictor and the ward-level predictors. Leadership style was the individual predictor. Use of teams, staff stability, and workload were the ward-level predictors. A software

Taxation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 2

Taxation - Essay Example However, the unrecovered rent of two months that the previous tenant totaling  £1,000 will not be deducted in deriving the taxable profit since the amount is not an expense entitled to the property owner for immediate deduction under the Inland Revenue provisions (Lunt, 2009). Similarly, the  £600 rent paid in advance has to be reflected in property income assessment. Under the Inland Revenue rules, rent advances have to be reflected in the year the financial year the rent income has been received (Segal, 2011). This implies that the 2013-2014 property income assessment that runs up to 30 June of 2014 has to cater for all rental income even if it is not meant for a month falling in the given financial year. Furthermore, the rent income that was collected from the previous tenant before defaulting has to be included in the property income assessment provided to the Inland Revenue authority (BLS.com, 2014). Consequently, client A’s profit that will be taxed by the Inland Rev enue authority is the derived after deducting the three identified expenses from all rental income received within financial year of 2013-2014. Undeclared property income has the consequence of imposing penalty charges on the property owner for defaulting to remit the tax returns for the given financial years (Gilbertson, 2009) (James, 2009). However, client B has the potential of saving the money charged by HMRC by reporting the undeclared property rental income. The opportunity is available to client B by registering for self-assessment in declaring income that has not been taxed for the last four years (Warren, Reeve, & Duchac, 2012). The tax return is filled in different tax return to cover for each of the undeclared tax. In addition, the HM Revenue and Customs provides that if one has registered for Self Assessment but has failed to declare all their income generated in previous years, he

MKT Unit 3 Individual Project Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

MKT Unit 3 Individual Project - Research Paper Example Part 2 deals with Application to Product/Service, this part mainly focus on Strategic Marketing Plan of Pentax PocketJet 3. Introduction: This Project will be mainly about the Strategic Marketing Plan of Pentax PocketJet 3 using the integrated marketing communications method. According to the American Association of  Advertising Agencies, integrated marketing communications identifies  the  value  of a  comprehensive  plan  that assesses the  planned  roles  of a variety of   public relations,  communication  disciplines  advertising,   sales promotion  and   personal selling, and joins them to  give   consistency, clarity,  and highest communication  impact. PART 1: General Research: Communication channel: A  communication channel refers to a physical  transmission medium  for example a wire or to a  logical connection  more than a  multiplexed  medium for instance a radio channel. A channel is used to  suggest  an  infor mation  sign, such as a digital  bit stream, from one or several  senders  to one or several  receivers. â€Å"Communication channels have evolved with more emphasis on multiplexing of multiple channels at higher data rates over the same link or channel† (Hura & Singhal 215). The Advertising Pros and Cons: There are a lot of contrasting estimations about advertising. Those in favor state that advertising educates customers regarding new products and services that can assist them develop their lives. It also enhances sales so that organizations can produce things at lesser costs and create things cheaper. And it helps the financial system and provides jobs to several people. With no advertising some free TV and radio channels would not be able to exist. Gaming and other procedures are promoted by ads. Ticket costs will be high without advertisements. In contrast, critics say that customers pay for advertising during higher product costs. They say that small organizat ions sometimes must close as they cannot fight with larger ones. Through advertising, persons sometimes buy goods that they cannot require and often may not afford. This guides to a high personal debt. It also guides to a casual society products are thrown away and more waste and pollution is produced. Children are so often the main aim of advertisers. They sometimes do not recognize which products are good and buy wrong things. Fast food and snack firms show ads, which guide to diabetes and obesity. Direct Marketing Pros & Cons Direct marketing contains direct trade. So it is cost helpful for customers, because there is no cost hike due to retailers or wholesalers. Marketing managers may state certainly of the correct answer to their goods. The profit or loss may be extra correctly judged. In contrast, it can be seen as attack of privacy, as consumer questions where we increased their private details. And negative figure of direct mail and not needed phone calls. â€Å"Relatively expressed due to high costs of making direct contact rather than the broad approach of advertising† (Somers, Cain, and Jeffery 335). Sales Promotions Pros & Cons: By running a sales promotion, a business owner can increase the sales and also improve the bottom line. Sales promotions have the prospective to develop relationships with customers and also the suppliers. One of the advantages of using sales promotions is that it influences customer behavior. The thought of the sale may well influence the consumer to do a purchase when they were not planning to do so. The notion of missing out on the

Organizing, Decision-Making, Ethics, and the Law in Managemen Essay

Organizing, Decision-Making, Ethics, and the Law in Managemen - Essay Example The detrimental effect that stress has on decision making is mediated by the impairment of alternative scanning patterns. (Keinan, 1997) This means that stress makes one not adequately search for different courses of action that are available to the individual. If I were Rick I would have evaluated all possible options that are available to me and try to pick the correct one. Since Stan is my boss, I know whatever he asks me to do should get done. However, in this case, the instructions involve violating ethical standards by including his excess personal expense together with my own monthly expense voucher. Even though there is a rare chance that it could be identified through auditing, it would still be against my personal moral standing. Therefore, I believe the best option would be to decline to do as my boss asks, explain the evident risk of losing my job and hope that it would be reason enough for him to understand my decision. I do agree with Mr. House’s response to Rick. This is because he gave Rick a true picture of what would be the consequences for different courses of action. For one to make a critical decision all possible options must be considered and their pros and cons weighed. The correct decision will be based on the option that has the most pros and the least cons amongst all. Therefore by Mr. House giving Rick the different courses of action available to him and evaluating them one by one, it actually is the best possible way to make a good decision. Mr. House also tells Rick that â€Å"†¦ every man at some time has to make a decision that determines his survival of the fittest. This situation could be one of them.† This is, in fact, a correct statement in all realms of life and I agree with it since the decision that Rick is about to take will definitely be a tough one in all respects.

History of the Phantom of the Opera Essay Example for Free

History of the Phantom of the Opera Essay In 1911, Gaston Leroux published Le FantÔme de l’Opera, the now famous book that gave birth to the legend of the Phantom.   Leroux had been fascinated by the mystery and design of the Paris Opera House.   As a theatre enthusiast, he had toured all the levels of the Opera House including a visit to the underground lake, cellar and hidden passageways. The mysterious events at the Paris Opera House which ignited Leroux ‘s interest began with Napoleon III’s call for a new opera house to be built in Paris in 1860, after he had survived an assassination attempt one evening when returning from the Opera.    The construction of the Opera House, faced many delays and construction stopped during the Franco Prussian War. After the war, the then unfinished Opera House was occupied by the working class who used it as a warehouse, observation post, communications center, military post and a powder store.   The cellar was once used as a torture chamber.   The new Paris Opera House was finally finished in 1875.   Finally, adding to the mystery, an unfortunate incident occurred in the Paris Opera House in 1896, a counter-weight of six and a half ton chandelier fell from the ceiling, killing a patron. Gaston Leroux always claimed that the ghost in the story was true, based on his investigations and tours of the Opera House.   He is quoted as saying: The Opera ghost really existed.   He was not, as was long believed, a creature of the imagination of the artists, the superstition of the managers, or the absurd and impressionable brains of the young ladies of the ballet, their mothers, the box-keepers, the cloak-room attendants, or the concierge.   No, he existed in flesh and blood, though he assumed all the outward characteristics of a real phantom, that is to say, of a ghost.   (Leroux, G, n.d) In 1925, began the chain of events that would give rise to the phenomenon of the Phantom.   Universal Studios made the first film of the book – the silent movie, Phantom of the Opera, which starred Lon Chaney Snr.   A second version of the film, this time with sound and color, starring Claude Raines was produced in 1943.   Followed by a Spanish version in 1962, and a 1974 version starring Herbert Lom and Heather Sears. The Phantom was produced twice on stage in 1935 and 1975, without much success. Then, in 1986, the legend of the Phantom of the Opera would become one of the most famous stories in the world, when Andrew Lloyd Weber’s Musical – Phantom of the Opera hit the stage in London.   In the 21 years since the Musical began, it has broken all theatre records and is now the longest running Broadway Show in History. The success of the musical spurred the movie industries interest again in 2004, with a moderately successful movie called â€Å"Phantom of the Opera† based on Andrew Lloyd Webber’s opera.   Critical acclaim for the movie has been varied. The Phantom has outlived his creator who died in April 1927 and has become iconic to the 20th and 21st Century.    History of the Hit Musical – The Phantom of the Opera   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical The Phantom of the Opera opened in London’s Majesty Theatre on 9 October 1986.   In the original London Cast, â€Å"The Phantom† was played by Michael Crawford, and â€Å"Christine† by Sarah Brightman (then wife of Andrew Lloyd Webber). The original creative team of the Phantom was: Harold Prince  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Director Cameron Mackintosh  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Producer Andrew Lloyd Webber  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Composer, Book, Co-orchestra Maria Bjà ¶rnson   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Production Designer    While Andrew Lloyd Webber had already been phenomenally successful with productions like Evita and the Sound of Music, â€Å"The Phantom† made stars of the actors and creative team members. The musical is still running 21 years later (2007) in London, Broadway (N.Y) and touring worldwide.   The Phantom has won over 50 awards including 3 Olivier, an Evening Standard Award, 7 Tony’s and 3 Outer Critic Circle Awards. At the time of writing, it is estimated that over 80 million people have seen the musical, with total ticket sales of over $3.2 billion.    Reviews of the Phantom of the Opera: The Daily Mirror’s first review of the Phantom of the Opera in 1986: It’s fantastic, fabulous and phantasmagorical! Its fantastic, fabulous and phantasmagorical! From the eerily flickering lights that greet you outside Her Majestys Theatre to the last, glorious curtain call, Andrew Lloyd Webbers long-awaited new musical, Phantom of the Opera, is a triumph. The special effects are among the most spectacular ever seen in the West End. The music is very bit as memorable as one would expect from the man who wrote Evita, Starlight Express and the rest. But most of all, the show belongs to Sarah Brightman and Michael Crawford, who soar and swoop through their hugely demanding roles like eagles. After all the well-publicised false starts and back-biting, Lloyd Webber has created a musical which deserves to be around well into the next decade. The story is based closely on the original novel of 1911 unlike most of the Phantom of the Opera films which have been made over the years. Michael Carwfords Phantom hides his hideously disfigured face by skulking in the stage caverns and pools deep beneath the Paris opera. His passion for music is the only thing which gives his life meaning until he becomes obsessed by Sarah Brightmans Christine a young opera singer whose beauty is matched only by the purity of her voice. He coaches her in secret while visiting dreadful catastrophes on anyone who refuses to advance her career. A hanged scene shifter is suddenly hideously dropped on to the stage in the middle of a performance. A vast crystal chandelier crashes on to the audience. As the phantom becomes more fiendish so Christine becomes increasingly mixed in her feelings towards him. A dreadful climax is fast approaching. The eerie sets of the unfolding drama great stages filled with mist and shining candles are interspersed with all the colour and spectacle of the operas being prepared and presented at the theatre. Despite all the ghost train theatricals the greatest thrills of the show come from Michael Crawford. He not only sings superbly but also captures the torment of the Phantom perfectly. If you only see one show this year, make sure it is this one! (Blake, J, 1986) In 2002, The Times wrote: Long-runners One answer is obvious: Maria Bjà ¶rnson’s stunning designs. The story, based on Gaston Leroux’s novel, begins on the Paris Opera’s stage in 1911. The building is dusty and neglected, the stage festooned with great swags of grey fabric. Old theatrical props are being auctioned off. Then, as the auctioneer announces the final lot — the opera’s enormous chandelier — the dustsheets fall away, the scene seems almost to dissolve and the theatre travels back in time to 1881 before our very eyes. It’s a vision of gaudy grandeur: gas lamps flicker, red velvet glows in the light and plaster nymphs and satyrs frolic on pillars. The opera is dogged by misfortunes that are rumoured to be the work of the Phantom, a malevolent figure who haunts the theatre. This sinister creature has become obsessed with Christine Daaà ©, a pretty chorus girl. But only cadaverous Madame Giry, the formidable ballet mistress, knows the terrible secret that lies behind the mask the Phantom wears. The musical’s best sequence occurs when the Phantom leads Christine through labyrinthine passages to his lair beyond a hidden lake underneath the building. As their boat glides over the misty water, surrounded by flickering candles, the effect is breathtaking. The problem is that this spectacle takes place early on and nothing afterwards can really compete. Harold Prince’s direction is slick and Gillian Lynne’s choreography effective, but Lloyd Webber’s music is often trite and dated. There’s little depth to any of the characters, either, yet the musical’s central relationship intrigues. For while Christine is Beauty to the Phantom’s Beast, she is haunted, not only by the opera ghost, but by the memory of her dead violinist father. This lends a pleasingly perverse Freudian twist to the erotic tension between the two characters, and the performers John Owen-Jones and Celia Graham make the most of it. Not only are they both excellent singers, they are fine actors too. Graham brings both passion and a childlike neediness to her portrayal of Christine. Owen-Jones uses his rich, powerful voice to great effect, crooning one moment, spitting bitterness the next. But the real star of the show is Bjà ¶rnson’s work. The designer died earlier this month, aged 53, and if Phantom has stood the test of time, it’s because of her. It is not the music audiences will remember; it’s the opera’s chandelier swinging crazily over the stalls, or a masked figure crouched menacingly over a gilded angel. And for those images alone, this show is still worth seeing. (Marlowe, S,   2002) The New York Times revisited the Phantom in 2005 and wrote this review: New York Times revisits the Phantom Old and Ghostly but Still a Hoot The paint on the balconies of the Majestic Theater looks chipped and the electronic drum machine sounds like something left over from a music video from the 1980s. But The Phantom of the Opera really shows its age (17 years and running) when the signature special effect is presented. Musicals have opened and closed in the time it takes that chandelier to lumber to the floor. Looking like one of Ed Woods teetering flying saucers, it crashes to the stage with the force of a shopping cart, the biggest, most extravagant anticlimax in town. Seventeen years later: Sandra Joseph and Hugh Panaro are now playing the roles of Christine and the Phantom. Under the fearsome shadow of Hugh Panaro in The Phantom of the Opera. But what do you expect? It was designed during the Reagan administration. For a top-of-the-line chandelier, you will have to wait for the $40 million production of Phantom opening in Las Vegas next spring. But if the technology of the Broadway show seems a bit quaint, the real news is that the rest of the production has grown old gracefully. Judging by sheer invention, emotional punch and onstage talent, the venerable blockbuster still beats out almost all of the whippersnappers currently on Broadway. Maria Bjornsons flamboyant gothic design and Harold Princes fantastical staging still have the gleam of finely polished professionalism. Led by the current Phantom (there have been 10 after Michael Crawford), Hugh Panaro, an up-and-coming musical theater star who finds the right mix of shock and schmaltz, most of the cast retains the freshness of opening night. That does not mean that Andrew Lloyd Webber haters, a large and very grumpy contingent, will be won over. Sorry, The Music of the Night hasnt changed. Nor has Charles Harts bumbling lyrics (You have brought me to that moment when words run dry). But for those sentimental souls looking for a popular entertainment to transport them to a baroque, romantic new world with a powerful smoke machine, Phantom, Im happy to report, still delivers the goods. Which is especially impressive, given that not long ago, the musical seemed to be on its last legs. By the fall of 2003, its peers Miss Saigon, Cats and Les MisÃÆ' ©rables had faded away. Ticket sales were down and rumors of its demise were common around Broadway. Flash-forward to today: crowds are lined up around the corner to see the show, which regularly sells out. Last week, 99 percent of the seats were filled. In January, barring a strike, disaster or nuclear holocaust, Phantom will eclipse Cats as the longest-running show in Broadway history. What happened? For one thing, it received a boost from Joel Schumachers film version of the musical, which opened in December. Even though it wasnt a smash hit, the movie introduced a new audience to the show (as evidenced by the large number of young girls at the Majestic) and reminded old ones how superior the musical is. In fact, the bombastic film may be the only thing that makes the musical look understated. Mr. Prince, who continues to oversee casting and reportedly checks up on the show every few months, deserves credit for tending to it with care. When the box office dipped, he never panicked and cast a former Backstreet Boy for a short-term boost in sales. Unlike so many long-running shows, Phantom has not resorted to stunt casting. Although dont be surprised if Mr. Panaro, who has been rumored on theater Web sites as the choice to star in Lestat, Elton Johns vampire musical heading to Broadway next season, becomes a household name someday. A young, charismatic actor, he brings a maniacal energy and Grand Guignol charm to the tortured Phantom. In his hands, the show concentrates more on the horror than the romance; but only once does he turn to the audience and growl which, considering how scenery chewing this role could be, counts as admirable restraint. Surrounding him is a solid supporting cast who deliver disciplined performances free of the lazy flourishes that sneak into a role when an actor becomes bored by repetition. As the diva Carlotta, Anne Runolfsson flashes a hundred-watt smile and shows off a richly textured voice in the opening song, Think of Me. Jeff Keller and George Lee Andrews, the only actors with major roles who have been with the company since the beginning, are marvelous as the nervous theater managers who made the mistake of buying the Paris Opera House. In 2001, Mr. Prince had them switch roles to keep things fresh. Sandra Joseph (who doesnt perform Wednesday evenings or Saturday matinees) is perfectly competent as Christine, although in her scenes with the Phantom she can come off as a bit bland. As her other love interest, Raoul, a terribly underwritten role, Tim Martin Gleason provides a strong voice and a stiff performance. In the romantic songs, ones mind easily wanders to the bitingly funny Lloyd Webber parody in Spamalot, which droned on and on until the stars looked tired of their own voices. Then again, the winking and eyebrow-raising in satirical musical comedies like Spamalot and The Producers are part of what makes the proudly melodramatic and unironic Phantom a nice change of pace. The musical may seem as if it is from a different time, but thats not necessarily a bad thing. (Zinoman, J, 2005) Personal Review:    The Broadway production of The Phantom of the Opera captures your attention right from the start and then you will be you will be drawn into a mysterious world of horror, romance and tragedy. Your journey keeps you spellbound through resonating songs sung by a handpicked cast, Maria Bjornsons magnificent sets and costumes to both delight and frighten you. Gaston Leroux’s gothic novel comes to life through Andrew Lloyd’s Webbers’ Phantom.   The musical beautifully combines a mixture of genres, performed through opera, leaving the audience entrapped in a tragic tale of love. Whether you are recovering from fright or floating on Phantoms’ songs – this musical will keep, you entertained, wistful and somewhat disturbed leaving you thoughtful as to who should triumph in the end. New fans and old are still being enraptured by the phenomenon of The Phantom.       Works Cited: Blake, J, (1986) It’s fantastic, fabulous and phantasmagorical!, The Daily Mirror U.K. Retrieved 04/18/2007, http://www.thephantomoftheopera.com/poto/news_mediareviews_story.php?id=38 Leroux, G. n.d. Quotation Phantom of the Opera Official Site. Retrieved 04/18/2007, http://www.thephantomoftheopera.com/poto/show/the_show_history_filmography.php Marlowe, S, (2002), Long Runners, The Times, UK.   Retrieved 04/18/2007 http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/article805339.ece Zinoman, J, (2005), New York Times revisits the Phantom: Old and Ghostly but Still a Hoot, The New York Times, USA.   Retrieved 04/18/2007 http://www.thephantomoftheopera.com/poto/news_mediareviews_story.php?id=216    Bibliography: Paris Opera House (n.d.), Music of the 19th Century Paris, Opera. Retrieved 04/18/2007 http://gallery.sjsu.edu/paris/music/opera/opera_house.html The Phantom of the Opera (n.d.), Official Website.   Retrieved 04/17/2007, http://www.thephantomoftheopera.com

Vinataba †Philip Morris Graduate Trainee Program Essay Example for Free

Vinataba – Philip Morris Graduate Trainee Program Essay About the program Vinataba – Philip Morris Graduate Trainee Program aims to develop creative, talented and ambitious graduates, helping us to making our business growth ambition become a reality. What we offer Our Graduate Trainee Program offers a real exciting and fruitful development journey to help you as a fresh graduate build your general skills, professional skills and leadership. While you own your development journey, diversified learning approaches will be also offered to foster your career development. With real job assignments, you will be exposed to lots of world-class training workshops, cross-functional rotations, coaching sessions, mentoring chats and exposure opportunities to work in other countries. What we are looking for * Vietnamese nationality * University fresh graduates or graduates with maximum of 2 years working experience * Background in Economics / Commerce / Logistics / Business Management / Finance / Accounting / Marketing / IT is preferred * GPA (Grade Point Average) of minimum 7 out of 10 or equivalent * English fluency and computer literacy * Passionate in Fast-Moving-Consumer-Goods industry with Entrepreneurial Spirit, Courage, Clear and Constructive Communication, High Efficiency and strong Emotional Intelligence. How to apply * Obtain complete Application Form made available at your University Career Center and/or University Portal * Submit application via email to [emailprotected] or send the hard-copy application to: Vinataba Philip Morris Limited, Ho Chi Minh City Branch Level 6 The Kumho Asiana Plaza 39 Le Duan District 1 Ho Chi Minh City * By no later than 28th February 2013. Applications received after the deadline will not be considered. Note: An Auto Reply Message will be sent to your email upon receipt of your application. If you do not receive this Auto Reply Message, please resend your application.

Psychodynamic Theory Founded By Sigmund Freud Psychology Essay

Psychodynamic Theory Founded By Sigmund Freud Psychology Essay The following essay will analyse the Psychodynamic theory founded by Sigmund Freud. It will focus on the components of the mind including the Conscious, the pre-conscious proper and the Unconscious. It will then examine his contribution into the structure of Personality with reference to The Id, Ego and Super-ego. Following this, the essay will discuss Freuds proposal of stages within his psychosexual development. The essay will then focus on the Humanistic theory of Carl Rogers. It will explain his concept of the Actualizing tendency and incorporate his creations of Self concept, the Organismic self and the Ideal self. As a contribution to Rogers work, the essay will also highlight the Hierarchy of needs by Abraham Maslow. The two theories will then be compared and contrasted. This essay will focus on the human developmental stage of childhood. According to Freud there are three levels of Consciousness within the mind. The conscious, this holds thoughts and feelings that we are fully aware of at any one time, it can be verbalised and logically thought about. The pre-conscious proper holds memories that only when they are thought of can they be brought back into the Conscious part of the mind. Information is easily shared between the conscious and the pre-conscious proper. Finally the Unconscious. Material here is deemed too painful and is repressed (locked away) yet still has the strength to influence our actions. We have conscious thoughts that we are aware of and unconscious thoughts that appear in our mind in the form of dreams. Moreover, what happens in our conscious mind in turn influences what thoughts filter through to our unconscious mind (Gross, The Science of Mind and Behaviour, 2010) (Ingleby, 2006, p. 7) Freud related this idea to a model of an Iceberg. The tip acts as 10% relating to the Conscious as only this is visible, the rest being submerged acting as the Pre-conscious and the Unconscious. (Kazlev, 2004) Freud furthered his concept of personality of which he proposed was devised into the Id or intrinsic drive, the Ego and the Superego The Id obeys the pleasure principle. It holds no morals and seeks instant gratification containing mostly sexual or aggressive impulses. a cauldron full of seething excitations†¦it is filled with energy †¦ but†¦ has no organisation†¦ only a striving to bring about the satisfaction of instinctional needs subject to observance of the pleasure principle (Freud, New introductory lectures in psychoanalysis, 1933, p. 73)Within the id lies the Eros (life or pleasure drive) and Thanatos (death instincts). Eros helps the child to survive, it directs life-sustaining activities such as respiration, eating, sex and the fulfilment of other bodily needs In contrast Freud believed Destructive acts such as arson, fist fights, murder, war and even masochism were outward expressions of the death instincts (R.Shaffer, 1946, p. 43) The Ego Acts as the mediator between the Id and the super-ego. It is the rational part of the mind. It is governed by the reality principle. Freud Created defence mechanisms in an attempt to protect the ego from constant threat from the super-ego. These include Repression meaning re-directing negative thoughts to the Unconscious . As well as Projection this being the shifting of blame or thoughts and feelings onto someone or something less intimidating. The idea of psychological defence itself was not problematic; it was a normal operation of the human mind faced with unpleasant events. But normal defence did not generally lead to total forgetting: though usually absent from consciousness, unpleasant memories could be recalled by fresh perceptions. (Freud, The origins of Psychoanalysis, 1954) The super-ego acts as the negative parent. This is learned from others and seen as the internalisation of social morals. It criticises decisions made by the ego and makes negative judgments. (Freud, The origins of Psychoanalysis, 1954) (Gross, Psychology- The Science and Mind of Behaviour, 2010) According to Freud, sexuality is apparent in babies from birth allowing sexual pleasure and frustration. The progression of the Psychosexual stages depends on the biological maturity but is influenced greatly by how individuals are treated, most importantly by their parents. If excessive frustration or gratification occurs during a stage, the individual will remain fixated. (Gross, The Science of Mind and Behaviour, 2010) The Oral stage (0-1year) Sensitive nerve endings in the mouth and lips allow the baby to gain pleasure from Sucking and swallowing. Disturbances throughout this stage will lead to Oral fixation such as thumb sucking or over-eating The Anal stage (1-3years) Muscles of the bowel are the source of pleasure. Whilst potty training, the parents love becomes dependent on the childs actions. The child is in control of where and when it defecates. The Phallic stage (3-5/6 years) introduces a new source of pleasure in the genitalia. The child focuses on their opposite-sex parent. In males the Oedipus conflict suggests a young boy gains sexual feelings for his mother. In females the Penis envy or Electra complex suggests sexual feelings for the father in which time she is jealous of the mother. a tragedy of destiny. Its tragic effect is said to lie in the contrast between the supreme will of the gods and the vain attempts of mankind to escape the evil that threatens themIt is the fate of all of us, perhaps, to direct our first sexual impulse towards our mother and our first hatred and our first murderous wish against our father. (Freud, The interpretation of Dreams., 1900) The Latency Period (5/6 to puberty) involves the decline of sexual instincts. The traumas of the phallic stage are repressed thus allowing social skills to develop. Finally, the Genital stage. The earlier sexual thoughts have been repressed; however the focus on the genitalia returns, enabling the control of the Id and its heterosexual demands. (Gross, Psychology- The science of Mind and Behaviour, 2010) The Humanistic approach founded by Carl Rogers was a direct reaction to behaviourism and psychoanalysis, with the idea that both theories related more to the testing and the treatment rather than the perceptions/interpretations of the individuals external stimuli. (Gross, The science of the Mind and Behaviour, 2010) In accordance to this, Rogers created the Person Centred theory. Thus being a theory based more on the client and their potential for personal growth. He adopts a holistic approach, considering all aspects of the individual and external stimuli. He stipulates an individuals equilibrium is based upon being congruent; However outside influences can cause incongruence (an unbalance in one self). not from the point of view of simply accepting the standard view of science as postulated in myriad academic texts, but rather of creating a newer view of science as a human endeavour which calls on the whole person rather than just on the intellect (Rowan, 2001, p. 291) Rogers believed each living being had the ability to develop and reach their maximum potential. This introduced The Actualising Tendency. Rogers developed this idea whilst observing a bin of potatoes stored in the basement during his childhood. In the unfavourable conditions the potatoes began to sprout, desperately reaching toward the light from a small window. Thus giving the example that regardless of the conditions, everyone and everything can strive to self actualise. the mainspring of life it is the urge which is evident in all organic and human life- to expand, extend, become autonomous ,develop and mature (Rogers, 1961, p. 193) Rogers put forward his concept of personality, categorised into The self concept, The Organismic self and the Ideal self. The self concept, described as how we perceive ourselves and the environment. This is acquired through childhood and can reflect on the care given during such time. The Organismic self is who we truly are with the ability to act how we please once free from judgement and social conformities. The Ideal self is in continuation with the self concept. It is something we desperately want but will never achieve as once the goal is reached a new one is created. the organized consistent conceptual gestalt composed of perceptions of the characteristics of I or me and the perceptions of the relationships of the I or me to others and to various aspects of life, together with the values attached to these perceptions. It is a gestalt which is available to awareness though not necessarily in awareness. It is a fluid and changing gestalt, a process, but at any given moment it is a specific entity (Rogers C. , 1959) (Gross, Psychology- The science of Mind and Behaviour, 2010) any given moment it is a specific entity.at any given moment it is a specific entity.the organized consistent conceptual gestalt composed of perceptions of the characteristics of I or me and the perceptions of the relationships of the I or me to others and to various aspects of lifethe organized consistent conceptual gestalt composed of perceptions of the characteristics of I or me and the perceptions of the relationships of the I or me to others and to various aspects of life, together with the values attached to these perceptions. It is a gestalt which is available to awareness though not necessarily in awareness. It is a fluid and changing gestalt, a process, but at any given moment it is a specific entity. In conjunction with Rogers, Abraham Maslow introduced the Hierarchy of Needs. He devised a model in the shape of a pyramid into stages of human development. Before progressing to a higher level, the previous needs to be fully attained, beginning with the foundation which includes basic Physiological needs such as food, oxygen and sex. Other levels include safety needs, love and belongingness, Esteem needs, cognitive needs, aesthetic needs and finally Self actualization, this being the ultimate an individual can become. However it can only be gained through experience rather than the prominent biology found in the lower levels. (Gross, Psychology- The Science and Mind of Behaviour, 2010) With regards to similarities between Freuds Psychoanalysis and Rogers Humanistic Approach both theorists include a division of personality. Freuds Id can be compared to Rogers Organismic self in the sense that the Organismic self is who we truly are, this however is contained once in public, much like the Id of which the desires are controlled by the Ego, both related to the true self and what it desires. Much like Freuds Ego, Rogers Self Concept is logical and the part of personality both shaped by external stimuli built from childhood. The Eros Within Freuds concept of the Id is similar to Rogers Self Actualising Tendency for the reason that the Eros directs life sustaining activities enabling us to progress and develop to fulfil our life potential. Both are male perspectives and may be biased, most noticeable in Freuds concept of Penis envy, implying that not having a penis makes women feel inferior. In relation to the differences, Freuds idea of the development of personality includes psychosexual stages, these directly relate to childhood and uses specific ages throughout, whereas Rogers disregards age as an importance and focuses primarily on the individual in a holistic manor. Rogerss concept of Self Actualization relates to all living beings from humans to potatoes; however Freud only concerns himself with humans. Freud believes babies are born with bad psychic energy in order to satisfy basic needs referring to them as a Seething cauldron. However Rogers expressed the process of becoming a fully functioning person meaning how they become is all that is relevant. This essay has identified key aspects of both Freuds Psychodynamic theory into personality and also Carl Rogers Humanistic theory. It Focused on Freuds perception of the Mind including the conscious, the pre-conscious proper and the Unconscious. As well as his structure if personality broken into the Id, the Ego and the Super-ego and finally the stages into his conception of the Psychosexual stages. The essay then focused on Carl Rogers Humanistic theory, explaining The Actualising Tendency, the three Selfs and also briefly highlighted the work of Maslow as a continuation to Rogers theory. Whilst focusing on Childhood it finished by emphasising the similarities and differences within the two theories. However it may be prominent to believe the events of its first years are paramount importance for its whole subsequent life. (Freud, An Outline of Psychoanalysis., 1949, p. 283)

How Computers Impact our Daily Life :: essays research papers

"Computers are transforming society. Time is collapsing. Distance is no longer an obstacle. Crossing oceans takes only a mouse click." This is the phrase of sentences I heard somewhere about computers. Virtually, computers which pressure most people's life are considered as the most important technological achievement of the XXI century. Using computers, we can make or solve most of difficult things which are hardly completed without their hands. Because of these different varieties of abilities, computers have been creating many noticeable achievements in most of societies? fields especially medicine, education, and usual life. In other words, these three fields also are computers? influences that I want to write in this essay today. Firstly, there is a nonnegotiable point here that health services and art of medicine have been changed absolutely by computers in recent decades. Computers totally are able share the physician?s heavy duty which is save human?s life. In deed, since computers have been invented, new technological treatments that cooperate with computers have cured a thousand of patients. Eventually, there is nothing is more happy than come to life again. Formerly, once a doctor wanted to diagnose their patients, he or she mainly used to apply their experiences. Unfortunately, this process is doubted sometimes. And now, computers and other accessory machines are able to diagnose accurately with less time. In addition, computers have the other excellent benefit which is the ability in analyzing gene. Now scientists have more conditions to examine organic structures or to invent many new medicines, modern effective treatments which are very useful by using these gene technologies. Undoubtedly, the medic ine?s current promotions closely connect with the development of computers. Therefore, we can agree unanimously that computers greatly influence our existent medicine. Furthermore, ?Crossing oceans takes only a mouse click?- with computers, we no longer remain the conception about spatial distance. Actually the greatest advantage of computers is reducing distance and connecting people together. By this or other ways, computers thoroughly support and push up our education. Nowadays, students certainly stay at home but still can study for his or her bachelor degree. This actually seems to be impossible few decades ago. Those students just need to equip themselves with a computer connected internet at home only. This perfect utility is determined as computers? greatest success for humankind. For example, one student, a handicap person, who has his or her health?s problems, completely feels uncomfortable to go to school.

Understanding Catullus’s Poems :: Biography Biographies Essays

Understanding Catullus’s Poems Many of Catullus’s poems expressed Catullus’s love for his beloved Lesbia.   In the first poem he is relishing her kisses and declaring the eternity of their love.   The three later poems show him sadder and he accurse Lesbia of unfaithfulness yet still confesses his love for her.   Catullus’s Poems are universal in time and are relevant to any time period.   The particular time period that I am focusing on is today’s time period and how his essays are relevant to the modern reader.   The two particular poems that I am going to be focusing on is number five and number seventy-two.   Both are very emotional and could be reflected on today’s society.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In poem number five; Catullus is expressing his love for Lesbia.   He says that their love that they posses is internal and how he is so fond of her kisses.   After reading this poem you get the idea that they kiss very often and their kissing is the symbol of their love.   This is relevant to today’s society with young couples starting a relationship.   Once the relationship starts to become intimate, then they couple start to kiss more often and devote their love to one another.   Although in no place in the text does it say if they were in a relationship or even married, you could infer that they were very intimate with each other.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The second poem, number seventy-two, discussed some a very significant aspect that exists in today’s society, which is cheating.   Catullus accuses Lesbia of cheating in he couldn’t believe that she is doing this to him.   â€Å" ‘How,’ you may ask, ‘can this be?’ Such actions as yours excite increased violence of love.†Ã‚   He accuses her of putting the relationship in jeopardy and losing his love for her.   You can’t help but feel sorry for Catullus is this scenario.   He devotes his undying love to Lesbia and she cheats on him.   Unfortunately, this is rather popular in today’s society.   After time progresses in the relationship, intimacy start to decrease and the partners start to search for other sexual partners.   This is the case with Catullus and Lesbia and how Lesbia is cheating on him.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The last poem is poem number seventy-five.   In this poem, Catullus recognizes the sins that Lesbia has committed but still says that he â€Å"can never cut this love.†Ã‚   Some individuals still love their partner after what they did.

Poverty and Disease :: essays research papers

Nearly 50,000 people, including 30,000 children, die each day due to poverty-related problems and preventable disease in underdeveloped Countries. That doesn’t include the other millions of people who are infected with AIDS and other incurable diseases. Especially those living in Sub-Saharan Africa (70%), or â€Å"the Third-World,† and while we fight to finish our homework, children in Africa fight to survive without food, or clean water. During the next few paragraphs I will give proof that poverty and disease are the two greatest challenges facing under developed countries. Niger and Sierra Leone, the two poorest countries in the world only have a GDP of around 500 dollars per capita. Which, compared to Canada’s 27,000 dollars per capita, is considerably low. In the 48 poorest countries, an average of 2$ a day is made by each working person. Imagine living off 2$ a day in Canada, you couldn’t even buy a Big Mac and a drink for 2$. This is making starvation a very serious problem in 3rd-world countries, not to mention their low immune systems, used for preventing disease, not working right from the lack of nutrition. After the smallpox pandemic, science has done a lot to cure and control most other outbreaks of diseases. But with the shortage of healthcare and medication in the developing regions, what is there to stop many diseases from spreading. In Kenya, there is only 1 doctor for over 5000 people. How does 1 doctor make sure 5000 people are not in trouble with a live-threatening disease? The AIDS virus is the most common disease, and with no cure, an infected person will die. It is estimated that 90 to 95 percent of AIDS infections occur in developing countries where the world’s worst living conditions exist. After being brought up to date with the current situation in the under developed part of the world there should be good reason to believe that the two main problems are disease and poverty. Poverty and Disease :: essays research papers Nearly 50,000 people, including 30,000 children, die each day due to poverty-related problems and preventable disease in underdeveloped Countries. That doesn’t include the other millions of people who are infected with AIDS and other incurable diseases. Especially those living in Sub-Saharan Africa (70%), or â€Å"the Third-World,† and while we fight to finish our homework, children in Africa fight to survive without food, or clean water. During the next few paragraphs I will give proof that poverty and disease are the two greatest challenges facing under developed countries. Niger and Sierra Leone, the two poorest countries in the world only have a GDP of around 500 dollars per capita. Which, compared to Canada’s 27,000 dollars per capita, is considerably low. In the 48 poorest countries, an average of 2$ a day is made by each working person. Imagine living off 2$ a day in Canada, you couldn’t even buy a Big Mac and a drink for 2$. This is making starvation a very serious problem in 3rd-world countries, not to mention their low immune systems, used for preventing disease, not working right from the lack of nutrition. After the smallpox pandemic, science has done a lot to cure and control most other outbreaks of diseases. But with the shortage of healthcare and medication in the developing regions, what is there to stop many diseases from spreading. In Kenya, there is only 1 doctor for over 5000 people. How does 1 doctor make sure 5000 people are not in trouble with a live-threatening disease? The AIDS virus is the most common disease, and with no cure, an infected person will die. It is estimated that 90 to 95 percent of AIDS infections occur in developing countries where the world’s worst living conditions exist. After being brought up to date with the current situation in the under developed part of the world there should be good reason to believe that the two main problems are disease and poverty.

Succubus on Top CHAPTER 12

â€Å"Thetis,† he said after several more moments of silence, â€Å"talk to me here.† I looked up sharply. â€Å"What do you want me to say? You already know the answer. They wouldn't lie. Well, actually, they lie all the time but not about something like that.† He nodded and set the bowl and spoon on the coffee table. Slouching back on the couch, he didn't look at me, instead staring off across the room in thought. I could guess what was going through his mind. He knew what I was and what I did. But it was one thing to have a superficial knowledge of it and another to suddenly know there was tangible evidence each time I had sex. He would recognize the glow now and know that I had just come from someone else's bed, that not so long ago I'd been in someone else's arms doing the most intimate things two people could do. Things I couldn't do with him. â€Å"I'm sorry,† I said, not knowing what else I could say. â€Å"For what?† â€Å"For†¦this. For doing what I do.† â€Å"Why? It is what you do. It's what you have to do, right? There's no need to apologize for your own†¦uh, nature.† â€Å"So†¦what? You're okay with that? Knowing what I'm doing with other guys? Or rather, when I'm doing it?† â€Å"‘Okay' is a funny word, but yeah, I guess. What I'm not okay with is†¦Ã¢â‚¬  He paused, as always considering his words before speaking. â€Å"What I'm not okay with is you being afraid to tell me about this. You must have seen how†¦entranced†¦I was. But you never brought it up or explained it to me.† â€Å"What was I supposed to say? ‘Thanks for noticing how pretty I am. It's because I just went down on some stranger in a sleazy club.'† Seth flinched, and I immediately regretted my example. â€Å"Maybe†¦maybe it could be phrased a bit more, uh, tactfully than that, but yeah. I guess essentially that's what you could tell me.† I poked at the melted remains of my ice cream. â€Å"It's not that easy, and you know it. It's got to be hard enough for you to accept that I'm sleeping around on you, so to speak, without real evidence to confirm each time it happens.† â€Å"Why don't you let me decide what I can or can't accept.† He didn't sound angry exactly, but I'd never heard him so sharp and assertive. The arrogant part of me didn't like being spoken to like that, but I knew he was justified in the comment. And, I had to admit, that confidence was kind of a turn-on. Alpha males. Yum. â€Å"I know what you are,† he continued, â€Å"and I know what you do. I had to acknowledge that from the beginning of the relationship. It bothers me, yeah, but that doesn't mean I can't go on with the knowledge.† He laid his hand over mine, his fingertips absentmindedly stroking my skin. â€Å"But you can't be afraid to tell me the truth. Not ever. Even if it's ugly. What we have isn't about sex – like that wasn't already perfectly obvious. But if we don't have honesty either, then there's nothing left.† I forced my eyes up to him and smiled. â€Å"How can you be so young and so wise at the same time?† â€Å"I'm not that wise,† he said, pulling me to him so I leaned against his shoulder. He didn't challenge the â€Å"young† comment. Looking at our ages objectively, one could practically accuse me of cradle robbing. I sighed and snuggled into him. â€Å"It means nothing, you know. All that stuff I do. I don't even remember their names.† â€Å"I know. You've told me. Although†¦Ã¢â‚¬  â€Å"What?† â€Å"Sometimes that's not exactly comforting. Sex isn't supposed to be about ‘nothing.' I don't really like the idea of you being with guys you don't want to be with. Even if you're technically my girlfriend†¦I'd rather you at least liked what was going on. â€Å" â€Å"Well†¦in the ultimate heat of it, I sort of do like it. The energy I get from sex†¦well, you can't really understand it. But it†¦it's literally what I live for. So even if I don't want to be with someone before and after the deed, there's still that one moment, no matter how brief, when I want them.† I tried to give him a reassuring smile. â€Å"Besides, don't feel too bad for me. Things are a lot better than they used to be. I have more of a choice about who I'm with now, which makes a big difference. It's not like I just take whoever comes along.† â€Å"What do you mean you have a choice now} Haven't you always?† I laughed uneasily. â€Å"Oh, come on, Seth. You know women didn't start getting any real rights until about a century ago. Men haven't always been kind or considerate in their relations with the fair sex – especially those in the lower classes.† He stared at me, shocked, and pulled back a little. I loved how expressive those eyes were, even if their current emotion wasn't exactly positive. â€Å"You're talking about†¦it†¦it sounds an awful lot like rape.† I shrugged, immediately realizing we needed to steer out of these waters. â€Å"It's hard to rape a succubus. In the ultimate climax, the succubus is the conqueror – especially if the guy ends up blacking out.† â€Å"You aren't really answering my question.† â€Å"And you aren't really asking it.† We lapsed into silence. A moment later Seth took me back into a tight embrace, burying his face in my shoulder this time. â€Å"Hey, now. Don't let it bother you. Don't judge the past by the standards of today. It won't work. They're incompatible.† â€Å"I don't like the idea of you doing things you don't want to do,† he said gruffly. â€Å"I wish I could do something†¦wish I could, I don't know, protect you.† â€Å"You can't,† I whispered, kissing the crown of his head. â€Å"You can't, and you have to accept that.† We went to bed together after that, the first time since the kissing incident. Seth held me tightly all night, even in his sleep, clinging as though I might slip away if he let go. Again, I marveled at his understanding. And again, I questioned whether I was in love yet. How would I know? What was love anyway? I ticked off a list as my hands held tightly to his back. Affection. Connection. Understanding. Acceptance. All these things he gave me. Those were parts of love. All these things he offered freely, no matter how terrible each new discovery about me was. I wondered whether I returned as much as I received. Did I have any right to be in this relationship? Somehow I doubted it, yet it made me want him all the more. When we drove to the bookstore the next morning, he held my hand with a thrilling possessiveness. He didn't let go until we actually cleared the bookstore's door. â€Å"Did Doug come in today?† I asked Beth after I'd made a sweep of the store. â€Å"Yeah. He was here earlier. I think he's in your office.† I walked to the back. The office was dark. When I turned on the light, I found him hunched in a corner, his body curled up in a tight ball. I immediately dropped down beside him. â€Å"What's wrong?† After several seconds, he lifted his eyes up to mine. They were dark and troubled. â€Å"Nothing.† To contradict him seemed both obvious and pointless. â€Å"What can I do to help?† He laughed bitterly, a terrible sound. â€Å"Don't you get it, Kincaid? Nothing helps, that's the problem. There's no point to any of this. You know that as well as I do.† â€Å"Do I?† He gave me a cynical smile. â€Å"You're one of the most depressed people I know. Even when you're smiling and flirting and all of that. I know you hate this life. This world. I know you think it's all stupid. â€Å" â€Å"Not true. There's good in the bad. There's always hope. What's gotten into you?† â€Å"Just reality, that's all. Just woke up and realized how stupid it all is. Dunno why I even bother.† I touched his arm. â€Å"Hey, you're kind of freaking me out here. Did you get any sleep? Do you need something to eat?† He leaned back against the wall, face still bleak and full of snide humor. â€Å"Kincaid, I need so many fucking things, it's not even funny. But you know what? We don't get them. That's how it is. What's that saying? Life is brutish and short?† â€Å"Er†¦close enough.† I sat there with him for a long time, listening to him go on. His words were an outpouring of bitter anger and black despair. A frightening combination. I'd never heard him like this. Not upbeat Doug, always ready with a joke. Doug, the guy who never took anything seriously. His bleak face reminded me of Casey's when I'd found her in the caf? ¦, but she hadn't been this down. As the clock ticked, I wondered what I should do. He certainly couldn't work today, yet I feared sending him home. Who knew what he might do in this mood? Previously, I would never have worried about him hurting himself, but all bets seemed to be off now. â€Å"I want you to stay here,† I finally said, standing up and straightening the kinks out of my legs. â€Å"I've got to get back out there, but I'm going to check on you later, okay? Promise you'll find me if you need me. We'll eat lunch later on. I'll get us some falafels from that place you like.† He only gave me a twisted half-smile, face stormy and mocking. I left, taking the letter opener with me. His mood didn't change as the day wore on; even the falafels did no good. Once more, I wondered desperately what I should do. He had no family in the city I could call. I knew the hospitals had psych emergency services; should I contact one of them? Shortly after lunch, Alec showed up. He avoided Casey's pleading eyes and gave me a smile that tried too hard. â€Å"Hey Georgina, is Doug around?† I hesitated. I didn't like Alec, but he was sort of Doug's friend. Maybe that would help. I led the drummer to the back. When Doug saw him, he leapt up with an astounding burst of energy, his face both desperate and rapt. â€Å"Jesus Christ, man! Where have you been?† â€Å"Sorry,† said Alec. â€Å"I got held up.† They huddled together, then looked uneasily over at me. Sensing I was unwanted, I backed out of the office but not before I saw Alec reaching into his coat and Doug looking very eager. It was Alec, I realized. Alec was feeding Doug whatever drug he was addicted to. The realization made me want to go in there and throttle him, wipe that stupid grin off his face. Yet, when the two emerged a half hour later, the change in Doug was so marked that I couldn't bring myself to act. A swagger had returned to his step, the normal cheery grin back on his face. Janice passed by, and he made some playful remark that caused her to laugh. Seeing me, he pranced up and saluted. â€Å"Ready for duty, boss. What do you have for me?† â€Å"I†¦Ã¢â‚¬  I stared stupidly, which only made him smile more. â€Å"Rein it in, Kincaid,† he said with mock severity. â€Å"I know that as a good groupie, you're ready to take me anytime, anywhere. But, as literary professionals, we've got to control our passion until after hours.† I was still staring. â€Å"Um†¦why don't you, uh, grab a register?† He saluted again and clicked his heels together, military style. â€Å"Can do.† He turned to Alec. â€Å"I'll see you at the rehearsal tonight?† â€Å"Yup.† Doug flashed both of us a grin, then sauntered off. I stood there alone with Alec. He waited expectantly, like I was supposed to say something. The words â€Å"fuck off† seemed appropriate, but I changed my mind. I smiled at him. It was a slow, sweeping smile that started with my lips and then shone in my eyes, the kind of smile that said I'd just noticed something I'd never seen before. Something I suddenly liked – and wanted. Alec's own smile faltered. I think hitting on me had become so automatic, he didn't expect a response anymore. He swallowed and then turned his own grin back on. â€Å"A rehearsal, huh?† I said. â€Å"You guys got another show coming up?† â€Å"Next weekend. You going to come?† â€Å"I'll try. Are you going to have another party after?† â€Å"Probably. Wyatt's having one tomorrow if you wanna go to that.† â€Å"Are you going to be there?† I asked silkily, catching his eye meaningfully. â€Å"You bet.† â€Å"Then I'll be there.† I turned to go, still giving him the hypnotic smile. â€Å"See you then.† As soon I was out of his sight, my smile lapsed into a grimace. Ack. I hadn't thought it was possible to loathe that guy anymore, but I'd been proven wrong once again. Still, flirting with him, I'd realized, might be the best way to figure out what was going on with Doug. I felt pretty sure Alec had tried to push whatever he had on Casey. If I appeared to fall prey to his so-called charm too, he might let me share in the goods. Doug, as I soon discovered, certainly wasn't going to provide any help in the matter. â€Å"You've got something,† I teased later when he and I ran into each other in the fantasy books. I gave him the lethal smile. He returned it. â€Å"Magnetism? Sex appeal? Intelligence? Babe, I've got it all.† I stepped forward and pulled playfully on his shirt, looking up into his face. â€Å"That's not what I mean. You've got something good, something you aren't sharing.† He stayed close to me and tugged on a lock of my hair in return. â€Å"Don't know what you're talking about.† â€Å"The hell you don't. Do you know how many hours I've been working for you and Paige lately? Good lord. It's driving me crazy. Grey Goose only goes so far. If you've got some stash, you need to spread the love.† â€Å"Hey, I'll spread as much love as you want. Name the time and place.† â€Å"I thought we were friends.† I pushed lightly on his chest and stepped back with a pout. â€Å"You're holding out on me. No way could you have perked up so quickly. Not after how you were this morning. You took something. â€Å" â€Å"Bah, mood swing. You're a woman; you understand. Just woke up grumpy, that's all. A little falafel and some Kincaid charm, and now I'm good to go. Great even.† He took a step back toward me, apparently hoping I'd renew the flirtation. Heat burned in his eyes, something a little darker and more intense than our typical bantering called for. â€Å"In fact, I'm downright unstoppable now. A god, babe. Come on back to the office, and I'll show you.† I walked away, giving him a taunting look over my shoulder, still playing it light. â€Å"Not my religion, babe.† He laughed as I left him. We'd been flirting for years, and I knew he'd probably take no offense at my teasing or baiting. I, on the other hand, was pissed. Bad enough this shit of Alec's could push Doug into over-the-top exuberance and inappropriate behavior at work. Dragging him into the pits of despair, however, was an entirely different matter. I was going to find out what was going on and put an end to it – even if it meant cozying up to that sleaze, Alec. Remembering one of the other complications in my life right now, I called Bastien later that night for a status check. â€Å"Don't even ask, Fleur .The clouds of failure are gathering.† â€Å"What the hell is it with you depressed guys today? Why do I have to be everyone's goddamned cheering-up committee?† I ordered him to drive to Queen Anne immediately. When he arrived, he was still whining. â€Å"Dana's being really nice to me,† he conceded, â€Å"but nothing intimate. She can't ever come over alone either. She's always got Jody with her or some other CPFV freak. My odds are probably better at getting her sidekicks into bed as a group than ever nailing her. They're all trying to get me to join their cult. I suppose making the gesture can't hurt, but I think I'll see more of her if I pretend to be a hesitant convert. You know, she also asks about you a lot.† â€Å"Like what?† â€Å"Random stuff. Last time she wanted to know how the clothes you bought were working out. What's that about?† â€Å"Not a clue,† I lied. It was ironic, really, because just then Bastien noticed the Victoria's Secret bag still sitting on my counter. My privacy apparently not a concern, he emptied it out and looked through the lingerie with approval. â€Å"You want to try something on?† I asked wryly, noting his scrutiny. â€Å"You always did have good taste.† He held up the black mesh bra and peered at me through it, as though imagining how it would look on. â€Å"Although I still don't know why you buy this stuff. Just shape-shift it.† â€Å"I have a respect for ‘intellectual property.' Whoever designed this deserves their pay.† â€Å"Even if it was constructed by third-world labor?† I made a face. â€Å"Come on, let's get out of here.† â€Å"Where to?† â€Å"A piano bar.† Surprise put his malaise on hold. â€Å"Are those still around?† â€Å"Yup. There's actually a couple of them in Seattle.† In fact, one was even nearby, less than a fifteen-minute walk away. As we went, however, Bastien wouldn't stop worrying about the Dana thing. It drove me crazy. I hated her too, believe me, but I couldn't figure out what was making this such a maniacal obsession for him. Fortunately, the piano bar was just wacky enough to distract him – as I'd hoped it would be. We ate yummy bar food and drank froofy drinks like Midori martinis and Sex on the Beach. Meanwhile, dueling pianists sang everything from Eminem to Barry Manilow. As the evening passed, getting a request played cost more and more money. However, the patrons grew drunker and drunker, so they didn't mind putting the cash down. Knowing this in advance, I had brought a stack of bills, and Bastien and I took great amusement in seeing just how well the piano players could keep up with our increasingly older and more obscure requests. Bastien and I sang along beautifully. Shape-shifting, in addition to so many other benefits, could modify one's voice and vocal cords. The piano players had an astounding knowledge of our requests, and we were so impressed – and drunk – by the end of the night that we gave them a hefty tip. Before we could leave, however, Bastien made me wait to hear one more request. â€Å"I slapped a fifty down with it,† he said. â€Å"They've got to play it soon. I picked it just for you.† â€Å"If it's ‘Superfreak,' I walk,† I warned. He laughed. â€Å"You'll know it when you hear it. It reminded me of you and your writer. â€Å" Sure enough, I immediately knew which song his silly sense of humor had led him to. The smile cracking his face was sort of a giveaway too. Pulling half of me onto his lap, he sang along loudly with Fiona Apple's lyrics: â€Å"I've been a bad, bad girl I've been careless With a delicate man And it's a sad, sad world When a girl will break a boy Just because she can. â€Å" â€Å"You're truly a creature of hell,† I told him, trying to wiggle away. â€Å"You know that, don't you?† â€Å"I just tell it like it is.† He held onto me and kept singing. â€Å"Heaven help me For the way I am Save me from These evil deeds Before I get them done†¦Ã¢â‚¬  When we finally left the bar, both of us laughing and humming, we passed a group of girls even more drunk than us. A few of them gave Bastien open looks of invitation, and I glanced at him expectantly. He shook his head. â€Å"Too easy. Besides, I'd rather go home with you. So to speak.† He walked me back toward my apartment, holding my arm as he had once done when social mores dictated it for anyone of good breeding. The pavement was slick from earlier rain, and a moist chill hung in the air. Not far away, the Space Needle gleamed watchfully above the nearby buildings; it would have Christmas lights on it soon. Bastien tightened his hold on my arm and turned his gaze absentmindedly toward the cloudy sky for a while before looking over at me. † Fleur ,do you want to know why I'm so gung-ho about this Dana business?† I willed myself to sober up, suspecting something big was about to come. â€Å"You mean other than your righteous fury at her?† He smiled gently and looked down at the pavement, watching our feet. â€Å"I'm in trouble. Big trouble.† He sighed. â€Å"You ever heard of a demon named Barton?† â€Å"No. Should I have?† â€Å"Maybe. He works in Chicago. Very high up. Very powerful. He's one of those who expects ‘favors' from his staff.† I nodded in understanding. It was one of the occupational hazards succubi and incubi faced, and probably something else Seth would be happier not knowing about. As workers in the sex industry, so to speak, our demonic supervisors often thought we wouldn't mind one more â€Å"customer.† Many saw it as our duty. Whatever his other failings, Jerome at least had never demanded anything of that nature from me. â€Å"So†¦anyway, Barton has this succubus named Alessandra. Relatively new. You know, a century or so. Beautiful. She has as good an eye for exquisite physical detail as you. And she's bright. Wicked sense of humor. Outgoing.† I stared at him in astonishment. â€Å"Are you in love, Bastien?† â€Å"No, but I was – am – very attracted to her. Hard not to be. We got to know each other, and well, one thing sort of led to another†¦Ã¢â‚¬  â€Å"As it often does with you.† â€Å"Yes,† he admitted ruefully. â€Å"But let me tell you, it was amazing. That woman†¦wow.† â€Å"So how are you in trouble?† â€Å"Well, the thing is, Barton's kind of possessive about his people. He expected Alessandra's body to be exclusively for his use – mortal business aside, of course.† â€Å"And he found out?† â€Å"Yes. He turned unbelievably jealous.† Contempt filled Bastien's voice. â€Å"Stupid emotion for our kind. Of course, demon or no, I suppose he might have had reason to feel insecure knowing his girlfriend had been with a sex-master like myself. I mean, once you go Bastien†¦Ã¢â‚¬  â€Å"Keep telling the story, ego-master. What happened?† â€Å"Well†¦to say he was pissed off would be an understatement. Honestly, I don't think I'd be enjoying your lovely company today if Janelle hadn't done some serious intervening.† Janelle was Bastien's archdemoness in Detroit. â€Å"But mostly she just protected me from physical torture. Everything else is a mess. My career is in shambles. Barton has powerful friends, and Janelle's made it clear she's not going to cover my ass anymore.† We had reached my building and stood outside it now. He ran a hand through his dark curls, face suddenly weary. â€Å"I'm on everyone's shit list all of a sudden. Plans are already in motion to transfer me somewhere else, and I know it's going to be horrific. Like Guam. Or Omaha. That's why I need this Dana thing. A big hit like this – a public humiliation for the other side. It'll put me on top again. They won't be able to punish me, not if I've got a takedown like that on my record.† I started to understand his obsession with the radio host. â€Å"But the takedown isn't exactly taking.† â€Å"I don't know what else to do. I've tried all the old tricks, all the textbook moves plus a few exclusive Bastien moves. None of it's working.† I reached out to him. â€Å"You might have to accept that she's got a strong will,Bas.It happens.† â€Å"I know.† He sounded so miserable, it broke my heart. â€Å"Hey, come on. Don't give up the fight yet. I taught you everything you know, remember? We'll find a way out of this. We'll get that wench wet yet.† He laughed and brushed a finger against my cheek. â€Å"You always make me feel better when I'm around you, you know that? It's one of the wonderful things about you. That and – if the rumors are true – your mouth. â€Å" â€Å"The rumors are true, and I'm going to help you with this, you'll see. Besides, nothing else works on her, there's always hard liquor, right?† â€Å"Ah yes, the old standby.† He hugged me tightly and kissed each cheek. â€Å"Good night, my sweet. Thanks for a lovely evening.† I kissed him back. â€Å"Anytime.† I had my hand on the door handle when I thought of something. â€Å"Hey, Bastien?† He turned from where he'd been walking away down the sidewalk. â€Å"Yes?† â€Å"Why'd you do it?† â€Å"Do what?† â€Å"Alessandra. You must have known how Barton felt about her, right?† â€Å"I did.† â€Å"So why risk it?† He looked at me like he could scarcely believe I had to ask. â€Å"Because I could. Because she was beautiful and wonderful and I wanted her.† I knew better than to argue with that. It was textbook incubus logic. Smiling, I went inside.