Implementing Immunizations Essay

Implementing Immunizations Implementing immunizations into the clinics can be challenging for the facility and the staff. There are several methods that have been implemented to monitor the methods used by the staff to give the immunizations to the patients in the clinics. There have been several obstacles and challenges that the staff and leaders have faced. As with any changes that take place in patient care within an organization methods must be set up to monitor those changes. Changes promote challenges not just to staff leaders but the organization as a whole. Communication with any changes can be challenging for the leadership and staff (Surdu, 2010). Methods to Monitor Change In implementing changes there needs to be methods to monitor those changes. The first method is to monitor the reimbursement value units per visit associated with the immunizations. The need to monitor the increase of visits, the percentage of increase of the reimbursement value units now that the immunizations that are given in in the clinic since they are ordered immunizations ordered directly by the physician and not given on protocol (Surdu, 2010). Another method to monitor the change of implementation is to survey the patients to see how they have responded to immunizations being given directly in the clinic. This can be done in a survey form either via email or sent in the mail so patients can voice their opinion on the changes that have been implemented (Helfrich, Blevins, & Smith, 2011). The leaders in the clinic can sit down with the staff to get their opinion and suggestions on how the changes of giving immunizations in the clinic are affecting their time management with patients. This can be very helpful to  leaders in adjusting the change that have been implemented because no change should never be set in stone. The input of the staff can be crucial when monitoring changes that have been implemented to determine whether they are successful or not (Helfrich, Blevins, & Smith, 2011). The final method used to monitor that immunizations are properly being implemented in the clinic setting are going to be chart audits by the leadership. This will be used to ensure that the proper immunizations are given to the patients and that patient care is not being compromised (Helfrich, Blevins, & Smith, 2011). Of all of the monitoring methods mentioned above the main issue is patient care. The â€Å"Patient Medical Center Home Model† consists of modeling the care around the patient. Ensuring that patient care is at the forefront of the facility, monitoring the changes is one way to ensure that this takes place. The quality control standards of the â€Å"Patient Medical Center Home Model† consist of upper management performing quality control chart checks on a monthly basis. These chart audits are done to ensure that the standards are being met which are determined by the Department of the Army. This is one of the main differences that a military treatment facility is held to as a standard versus a civilian facility. Therefore this can be seen to some as has bureaucratic red tape in some instances, whereas in others it does have its advantages (Marshall, Doperak, & Milner, 2011). Organizational Relationship The relationship between organizations process systems and professional roles on a staff can be essential to the success of an implemented change. The Department of the Army has specific protocols when implementing changes such as implementing immunizations into the clinic setting. Organizational process systems will provide how changes will be implemented in the facility. In the facility changes come from Western region then trickle down from the Command or another words upper management. The changes are then implemented throughout the clinics in the facility. The responsibility falls on the clinic officer in charge to implement the changes throughout each clinic (Marshall, Doperak, & Milner, 2011). In a military treatment  facility changes are implemented differently than in the private sector. In the organization upper management solely consists of military personnel while leadership within the clinic is a mixture of military and civilian personnel. The process of changes is not set in stone but guidelines are set forth from Western region. The actual written standard operating procedure for the facility is implemented and brought to the forefront by upper management. Then upper management delegates the implementation down to the clinic officer in charge for actual rollouts into each clinic (Marshall, Doperak, & Milner, 2011). The roles of the leadership in the clinics are essential to the success or unsuccessful implementation of change. The attitude of the leadership carries weight on how well the rest of the staff receives the change. Leaders on the clinic level have to accept changes whether good or bad and expect staff to challenge them. Leaders have to be strong and accept the change themselves and to support upper management. There are problems dealing with changes when issues arise between created civilian and military personnel. These issues are not easily dealt with and when changes are ensuing within a facility this causes undue stress within the organization. This is one reason that leadership needs to bring forth and implement changes within an organization as all one team because staff is well suited at picking up any rift within the management team (Marshall, Doperak, & Milner, 2011). Communication Techniques Communication techniques are one of the mainstays in addressing any issues when implementing changes in any organizational plan. There are several ways in an organizational plan change that communication can take place such as talking directly to leadership on the front lines who deal with the change or all the way up the chain dealing with upper management. Without communication problems with the changes that have been implemented will not be resolved and the changes will not be successful (Marshak. & Grant, 2011). One communication technique that can be used is that leadership can address staff that seems to have issues with the changes that have been implemented. They can speak to staff on an individual basis using a closed-door setting to try to alleviate any issues that are affecting any of the employees work.  Employees may feel more comfortable speaking with a member of the leadership team on a one-on-one basis to voice their concerns with the change. Sometimes most of the issues dealing with an employee that have issues with changes that have been implemented, the staff member has questions or does not understand why the change has been made. This issue is best addressed in a one on one sit down conversation with the employee in a closed-door situation (Marshak. & Grant, 2011). Another communication technique used to address any implementation issues with the changes can be providing specific emails to a particular person. By addressing issues to one particular person within the organization instead of problems associated with the change can be addressed centrally and immediately if necessary. If issues cannot be handled by this one person than the contact person can go to their resources and take care of the issue or issues at hand. Emails are the preferred method of communication unlike phone calls at a military treatment facility. Phone calls should only be used for emergencies, where there is an immediate response that is needed. In other words the majority of the issues dealing with the implementation of the changes that occur can be dealt with through emails. These issues are not needed to be dealt with in an immediate time frame and can be dealt with and a normal work week depending on the issue that have arisen (Marshak. & Grant, 2011). Without proper communication, the need to communicate and how the communication is to take place the change implementation may well as not have ever taken place. Communication for a successful organization does need to take place in several forms; this is in the hands of a successful management and leadership (Borkowski, 2005). Conclusion In implementing changes there needs to be several methods to monitor how those changes are affecting the organization on the clinic level and as the organization as a whole. Many times staff along with the patients; both whom are giving input on the change in which the organization is trying to improve care on how the changes are taking place. The organization must be  willing to change its process in its systems whether or how management runs a certain part of their business develops a new process or because of a change implementation downsizes a facility. In order for the change to be successfully implemented communication is essential for this to take place. There are many techniques that organizations can use to accomplish this task. The communication technique will depend on the change implemented and the structure of the organization. Staff leaders whether at the clinic level or upper management are still the main key whether the organizational plan that has been set forth if the changes that have been implemented will be successful. Reference Borkowski, N. (2005). Organizational behavior in health care. Sudbury, MA: Jones and Bartlett Publishers. Retrieved from The University of Phoenix eBook Collection database Helfrich, C., Blevins, D., & Smith, J. (2011, July). Predicting Implementation From Organizational Readiness for Change: A Study Protocol. Implementation Science , 6(76). Marshak., R., & Grant, D. (2011, Sep). Creating Change by Changing the Conversation. OD Practitioner, 43(3), 2 – 7. Marshall, R., Doperak, M., & Milner, M. (2011, Nov). Patient-Centered Medical Home: An Emerging Primary Care Model and the Military Health System. Military Medicine, 176(11), 1253 – 1259. Surdu, G. (2010, Winter). Organizational Change- Different A. Romanian Economic and Business Review, 5(4), 48-54.

Mhr Individual Case Study

1. You are the consultant. Clark has asked you to submit a proposal for a PS plan for Maple Leaf Shoes. You wonder about the appropriateness of such an incentive system for Maple Leaf Shoes, but you promised to look into it. What will you tell Robert Clark? A profit sharing plan is a plan that gives employees a share in the profits of the company. Each employee receives a percentage of those profits based on the company's earnings.The textbook defines profit sharing plan as â€Å"A system whereby an employer pays compensation or benefits to employees, usually on an annual basis, in addition to their regular wage, on the basis of the profits of the company† (Page 352). This plan can either be a really great plan or a terrible plan because it ultimately depends on the profits earned by the company in a given time period.Let’s say for a certain month the company is doing really great in profits and business is good than the employees will be really happy and earn a lot mor e than they’ve earned in the past, But if the company fails to generate a lot of profit the next year than wages for the employees will decrease and be more lower than it was before which will make employees upset and earn less money. The idea of imposing a PS plan is so that employees are motivated to work hard so that they can make money as possible and the company can be profitable.It’s a drive to get employees to help the business become successful so ultimately it’s a win-win situation between the employees and company. I would tell Robert Clark to continue with his plans on proposing this idea of making a PS plan. This PS plan will be great for this Maple Shoes Company because it will motivate employees to work hard and become more productive in their work field so that Maple Shoes can make as much money as possible and results to a good company image. 2.Do you see a possibility of convincing Maple Leaf Shoes' unions to buy in on a PS plan? I believe the u nion members will not buy into the PS incentive plan because it ultimately depends on how much the company makes over a certain period of time. There is always a possibility that there will be no profits or low profits during a period of time. The amount of profit Maple Leaf Shoe is making is highly unstable but one moment you might be getting a lot of money and another moment you will be getting paid under what you used to get paid.This plan has a lot of ups and downs but it’s really like gambling because you can win a lot of money and lose a lot also. I can see how this plan might be able to increase production of employees because it will motivate employees to work harder to help the company earn more profits. But sometimes the employees will do everything their supposed to do and maybe the company doesn’t make profits because of other reasons like competitions or other factors that employees can’t control.Also Maple Leaf Shoe production costs are steadily in creasing which means they need to make a lot more money to cover their high costs. There is a low possibility that Union will accept this PS plan because there is too much gamble and risk. 3. What other incentive plans are suitable for Maple Leaf Shoes? The three incentive plans that will be more beneficial to the Maple Leaf Shoes company is production incentive plans, employee stocks ownership plans (ESOPs), and Scanlon plan.Production incentive plans are plans that â€Å"allow groups of workers of workers to receive bonuses for exceeding predetermined levels of output† (Page 351). This will motivate employees to work harder and be more productive than they were before. Employees would want to work more than there supposed to so that they earn more money and the company benefits because it will have a lot of employees that will do a lot more for them that will ultimately generate more profits.Employee stocks ownership plans (ESOPs) is a plan that gives employees ownership of the company and gives them voting rights within the company. This is advantageous because it allows employees to feel that they are part of the company instead of being related to as an asset to the company. Employees would want to work for a company that they represent and have ownership in because they will treat the company as their own and do whatever it takes to get the company more profits. The two plans previous are all determined on factors that employees can’t control with is the profit the company makes.Scanlon plans as stated in the textbook is â€Å"An incentive plan developed by Joseph Scanlon that has as its general objective the reduction of labour costs through increased efficiency and the sharing of resultant savings among workers† (Page 352). This plan is great for employees because it rewards them based on the labour costs, a factor they can control. Works Cited List Schwind, H. F. , Das, H. , & Wagar, T. H. (2010). Canadian human resource managemen t: a strategic approach (9th ed. ). Whitby, Ont. : McGraw-Hill Ryerson.

Health and nutrition worksheet Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Health and nutrition worksheet - Essay Example Physical activity enables one to fight depression, boost energy, manage weight, build muscles and sleep better. To get enough physical activity, one should change their sedentary lifestyle and engage in activities that require movement. Factors that influence food choices include: biological factors like taste, appetite and hunger; economic factors like one’s income, availability, and cost; social factors like peer pressure and culture; physical factors like time, cooking skills and access to food; and knowledge, beliefs and attitudes about food. This is because not everyone can access the same food due to the above differences. Proteins consist of large amino acids which are broken down when chewing then digested in the stomach then in the small intestines for absorption. Carbohydrates are digested from the mouth where saliva breaks and passes them to the esophagus and stomach for further digestion. Carbohydrates make one feel fuller longer because some are stored in the liver for later usage. Nutrients are used to produce adenosine triphosphate (ATP) through various processes such as glycolysis whereby glucose found in nutrients is broken down into two subunits referred to as pyruvate. After pyruvate has been formed by glycolysis, respiration will enable nutrients to produce ATP by facilitating the combination of pyruvates with oxygen to form water and carbon dioxide, thus forming

Visual analysis paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 1

Visual analysis paper - Essay Example During these periods, artists would use fired clay for creating their artwork (The metropolitan museum of art, 2012). By using the fired clay, the artists ensured that their final piece of art was highly durable and lasted longer than any form of art that was created. As opposed to other types of ancient art, for an instant painting, pottery as an art form was highly durable. Not only did the artists mould the clay into fine forms, they also assumed the skill of painting. The reason the artists’ painted their pottery was to create a means of communication. The painted decorations helped the artists in making three-dimensional representations of their pottery. Among the Greeks artists’, pottery was produced from using geometric shapes in decorating them to use of human forms. The geometric kind of art showed in the Heron class Olla came along in the middle and late geometric time. There are different lines that run across the pot from the tip to the base; distinct lines that run vertically, while pothers are designed horizontally. In between a series of lines running horizontally on the pot, the artists put other motifs. They use animal motifs accompanying them with other abstract diamonds like motifs. Thereafter, the horizontal line second row is only modelled in animal depictions. The artist has used decorative motifs after the third horizontal lines that alternate with the short vertical lines (The metropolitan museum of art, 2012). The base of the pot follows a series of horizontally formed lines that are of varying thickness. There has been much emphasis on the geometric motifs just like the artistic period name. As opposed to the black-figure period, where the artist used dark colors in the objects on the surface of the artwork, the geometric era u ses brighter hues. Unlike pottery in the geometric era, the archaic period pottery the artists were using

Interactive Planning and Occupational Safety Research Paper

Interactive Planning and Occupational Safety - Research Paper Example Such can be said on COPPST Circuitry. It is a global organization with site-level units in ten US states, a site in Canada, another in Nigeria, and several in Europe and Asia. The most recent emergency that occurred at one of the US sites of COPS Circuitry should be considered as a learning opportunity, as well as a time to propose an interactive planned improvement to encompass mandated safety standards in the site. In planning for safety, Leeman (14) described four parts of this phase in the planning process the systems analysis, obstruction analysis, reference projections, and reference scenarios. The Occupational Health and Safety Hazard Administration (OSHA) provides an extensive standard and guideline for employers and managers that address the four said parts of the planning process. ... Â  mission (EOCC), Federal Communications Commission (FCC), Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Department of Transportation (DOT), and Department of Homeland Security (DHS). At the state level are Department of Environmental Protection (Air, Water, Soil, Waste, Facility Response Plans, and Emergency Notification), Department of Health and Human Services (Radiation Control Program), State Office of the Fire Marshall (Occupancy and Life Safety Codes), Department of Economic and Community Development, Department of Labor (Workers Comp, Disability, etc.), Department of Public Safety, and the Department of Transportation. And at the local level are Code Compliance Division, Planning and Development Department, and the Water Resource Protection Department. Together with the employers, they play a crucial role in the provision of safety in the workplace. Interactive Planning These various levels and agencies of the government all contribute to the mass knowledge and information in t he formulation of interactive planning for the organizational operations. Various standards are required by these agencies to be met, with the continuing and safe operations of businesses as end-goal. These include safety of workers at the workplace and structural standards and procedures that ensure safety and environmental requirement compliance are met. However, additional considerations include the welfare and goals of the various stakeholders of COPS Circuitry. They are the employees, customers, suppliers, distributors, other local businesses, the local community, corporate OHS, other business units, and the overall corporation.

Effect of foreign direct investment in the banking sector on the Research Proposal

Effect of foreign direct investment in the banking sector on the Libyan banking industry - Research Proposal Example n investor can â€Å"alter the way of doing business† for the new company including change of name, nature of doing business or the products on offer (Froot26-27). According to Barclay, firms mostly multinationals engage in Foreign Direct Investment with the aim of â€Å"increasing profitability and also increasing its global presence† (101). It is also aimed at minimising risk that is inherent in international business operations. A firm that engages in FDI stands a better chance of surviving in turbulent economic times if it operates in more than one market. A firm may also engage in FDI to â€Å"check the expansion of a local competitor into a new market† (Barclay 77). The aim is to prevent the local competitor from gaining a foothold in a foreign market and then using its newly acquired status and resources to destabilize the local market. Martinez says that Libya is a country in the African continent with a â€Å"fairly complicated history† (81). It has evolved from decades of misrule, revolutions among other national evils. It has for a long time been accused of sponsoring terrorist activities, and was listed among the axis of evil by the American government. Libya was put under the microscope by the United Nations after it was accused of sheltering the suspects accused of the Lockerbie bombing. Consequently it was put under UN sanctions and this severely affected its economy. Today Libya is one of the â€Å"emerging economic giants in Africa courtesy of its abundant oil resources† (Ham 35). It has also normalised its relations with the west and the UN lifted its economic sanctions after the Arab state complied with the set demands. Libya has a population of around 6 million people and a GDP of $21 billion. It has carried out extensive private and public sector reforms to encourage foreign investors so as to spur the local economy. â€Å"The banking industry in Libya is fairly complicated† (Collard 71-72). Due to the embargo that was put by the UN and other

Personal Statement Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 21

Personal Statement Example Essentially, I have many of the required qualities to make a good accountant. Besides, accounting was my major during my undergraduate program. All these attributes will contribute to my competence when I enrol for my MAcc program. Since every field requires some qualities and skills, accounting too requires some basic qualities, a majority of which I possess. Primarily, I am good with calculations and mathematics has always been my favourite subject from my early childhood education. It has also enabled me to comprehend the beauty of accounting as a career path. I strongly believe that I can make a competent and efficient accountant with the good quantitative skills that I possess. Moreover, my communication skills are excellent for both oral and written communication. I fully understand the fact that accountants deal various clienteles on a daily basis and this aspect requires excellent interpersonal and communication skills. I have won several accolades for debating contests in high schools because of my good oral expression skills. As far as time management is concerned, I am proud to say that I allocate everything that I do appropriate time. My good time management skills have enabled me to balance between family, relationships, life, and education without necessarily affecting my grades. In addition, I have good analytical skills that are vital for all accountants. I always assess every situation before acting or making a decision. Since accounting is a respected profession all over the world, I have always strived to maintain a high sense of professionalism. I have managed to accomplish this attribute through honesty, trustworthiness, and listening attitude. I uphold high ethical standards because I understand that every client and stakeholder deserves respect and personal integrity. I was a student leader both in high school and at the university and such privileges have enabled me to act professionally at all

Cross-cultural business issues Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Cross-cultural business issues - Coursework Example Most of them concentrate more on basic commodities, and luxuries such as extra hard engines may have a poor market penetration. The national language is Chinese, and very few people understand English. This makes communication between the marketers and the Chinese nationals difficult. Translations from English to Chinese may lose some of the intended meaning and impact (Emery and Tian, 2010). Chinese people have a slow decision making and response tradition. They have to scrutinize every detail before making their judgment. The marketers take long before getting the response, which slows down the marketing process. Gender differences are experienced in china. Men are regarded as social figures of authority, influence, and respect. Male marketers are therefore more effective than female counterparts. Social relationships (Guanxi) are family ties, relationships with strangers, and relationships with familiar people. Marketers will be regarded as strangers at first. The Chinese people h ave little ties with strangers, and may fail to communicate with them. This will hamper effective marketing for the engines. However, these ties may improve with time when the two parties become more familiar with each other. Cross-cultural communication refers to the use of language during marketing. In china, the Chinese language is dominant, and a larger percentage of the population does not understand English. The marketing staff has to engage the Chinese in word of mouth. This occurs during discussions for customer expectations, satisfaction, and product quality. English marketers may fail to explain all engine qualities or collect all expectations from the customers. Translators are required, which increases the marketing cost and the process may take longer. Marketing also requires advertisements through billboards, television, radio, internet, and newspapers. The advertisements are in Chinese language or a combination of both. Translations from English to Chinese lose some o f the intended meaning affecting the impact of the products on the consumers. The locals have to develop friendship with foreigners before they interact with them according to guanxi. Cultivating these relationships may involve dining with them or attending their social gatherings. This prolongs the marketing period (Emery and Tian, 2010). Ethnocentrism refers to reluctance to accept foreign goods. The Chinese people are reluctant to accept foreign goods, and the company requires promotions, marketing slogans, and staff training. Slogans used should not conflict with their beliefs. Staff training helps the marketers understand the culture of the locals to avoid conflicts due to different perceptions. Female marketers have to engage with the male citizens differently compared to the male marketers. Effective communication requires empathy. The two parties must try to understand each other’s ideas, feelings, and experiences. The Chinese people may be reluctant to share their id eas, expectations or feelings with the Americans. The company will therefore take long to understand the customer expectations, and the products will take long before market establishment. Cross cultural ethical differences have significant impacts on marketing. Gift giving in china is a sign of respect and business etiquette. The gifts however require careful choice to avoid influencing the decisions of the recipient. In such cases, the gift is considered as a bribe,

Religion and Philosophy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Religion and Philosophy - Essay Example ThÐ µ yin yÐ °ng sign illustrÐ °tÐ µs thÐ °t Ð µvÐ µn whÐ µrÐ µ you'vÐ µ got two oppositÐ µs, thÐ µy complimÐ µnt Ð µÃ °ch othÐ µr. ThÐ µ blÐ °ck Ð °nd whitÐ µ of thÐ µ two sidÐ µs of thÐ µ sign Ð °rÐ µ oppositÐ µs, but within thÐ µ blÐ °ck thÐ µrÐ µ is Ð ° littlÐ µ bit of whitÐ µ Ð °nd within thÐ µ whitÐ µ thÐ µrÐ µ is Ð ° littlÐ µ bit of blÐ °ck. ThÐ µrÐ µ's Ð ° pÐ µrfÐ µct bÐ °lÐ °ncÐ µ bÐ µtwÐ µÃ µn thÐ µ two. OftÐ µn thÐ µ yin yÐ °ng sign is usÐ µd to symbolizÐ µ mÐ °lÐ µ Ð °nd fÐ µmÐ °lÐ µ forcÐ µs. FÐ µmÐ °lÐ µ usuÐ °lly is Ð °ssociÐ °tÐ µd with thÐ µ dÐ °rk Ð °nd thÐ µ mÐ °lÐ µ is Ð °ssociÐ °tÐ µd with whitÐ µ Ð °nd thÐ µ light. In somÐ µthing thÐ °t might sÐ µÃ µm complÐ µtÐ µly mÐ °sculinÐ µ, not just in pÐ µoplÐ µ or Ð °nimÐ °ls, but Ð µvÐ µn in vÐ °rious mÐ °nifÐ µstÐ °tions of nÐ °turÐ µ or sociÐ µty or whÐ °tÐ µvÐ µr, thÐ µrÐ µ is Ð ° littlÐ µ touch of thÐ µ fÐ µmininÐ µ. Within somÐ µthing thÐ °t might sÐ µÃ µm to bÐ µ complÐ µtÐ µly fÐ µmininÐ µ, thÐ µrÐ µ is Ð ° littlÐ µ touch of thÐ µ mÐ °sculinÐ µ. ThÐ µrÐ µ is Ð °lwÐ °ys Ð ° littlÐ µ bit of thÐ µ oppositÐ µ within whÐ °tÐ µvÐ µr it is you'rÐ µ tÐ °lking Ð °bout, Ð µvÐ µn if things sÐ µÃ µm to bÐ µ totÐ °lly oppositÐ µ.

Allow Naturalized Citizens to Run for President Essay Example for Free

Allow Naturalized Citizens to Run for President Essay Article II, Section 1, Clause 5 of the Constitution states No Person except a natural born Citizen, or a Citizen of the United States, at the time of the Adoption of this Constitution, shall be eligible to the Office of President; neither shall any Person be eligible to that Office who shall not have attained to the Age of thirty five Years, and been fourteen Years a Resident within the United States. In some way these words are very important to our nation because it prevents over 12. 8million American for being eligible for presidency. Michigan Governor, Jennifer Granholm, former Secretaries of State, Madeleine Albright and Henry Kissinger, Labor Secretary, Elaine Chao, Governor, Schwarzenegger, and other 700 more Medal of Honor Winners have served in the US military or served in high political positions that are not able to become president only because they were not born in the United States. For example, many people would agree that a naturalized person adopted to American parents at the age of three months, attends American schools would have more qualifications than someone who was born in the US but moved to Europe, attends European school, comes back to US at the age of 40, runs for presidency at 55. Limiting these opportunities for naturalized people would be unfair and could lead to discrimination. Not giving someone with presidential qualifications but not allowing them to run for president could be a discrimination of race, religion, or the fact that they were born in a foreign country. Article I of the Constitution states that All man are born free and equal. This means that not allowing an eligible person to run for president is against the Constitution. Someone who put lots of effort and time towards US shouldnt not be stopped from running for president just because they were born in a foreign country. Many people with many experiences even from different backgrounds should be eligible to become presidents.

The Limitation Of Emarketing Marketing Essay

The Limitation Of Emarketing Marketing Essay Take Saks Fifth Avenue as an example, it invited people to go into their shop and take photos about the thing which they find in the shop, they cannot live without, the winner of this campaign can win $1,000. This company use Instagram as a platform to spread this message out of crowd, it also use the participators to help that company to do promotions because people who take part in this campaign needs to go into their shop and find a product that they cannot live without and photo that product and post it on their Instagram pages. Firstly, you need to be fans of that company so that you post your photo on Instagram and the company knows that you have participated. Secondly, this campaign can increase the visiting of the shop or even more sales. Thirdly, when you post photos on your Instagram at the meanwhile, you are sharing something to your friends or people who follow you. Moreover, sometimes when you post something on your Instagram, it can also post something on your twitter a nd Facebook simultaneously. On the other hand, the company only needs to pay $1,000 in order to get access to your social networks. If the company uses traditional marketing strategy, it may need to pay double or triple price in order to get a few seconds of advertisement on TV, but the result is not that big. If you think deeply, the company has a slightly chance to earn back the cost within a few months because participators think that they cannot live without that product, that means they require to have that product in their life, it may encourage their wants so they may spend money on that company so the firm can earn more than the cost. Moreover, if companies organize a lucky draw in Facebook, it may require people to give some personal information to them in order to maintain that activity. Through that lucky draw, the company may need to give out a few products but the company can gain attention from public and collect people personal information to be used in the future. Furthermore, Starbucks organized a campaign on Instagram which encourage people to share their favorite drinks of Starbucks through Instagram and tag Starbucks. Through this campaign, Starbucks gained a lot not only revenues from drinks which people bought and photo it on Instagram but also many advertisements spread among social network due to the fact that when you share your photo on Instagram, you are sharing photo to friends you have on Facebook and twitter which makes you share one photo on multiple channels. Moreover, if one of your friends likes your photo on Facebook, he will also help you to spread your photo to his Facebook with his friends. If this happens continuously, Starbucks will gain attention of their products all over the world. In addition, people who follow Starbuck on Instagram can get large information of products which supplied by Starbucks and Starbucks sells their product by view of third party which is more persuasive. In addition, viral marketing includes tag tool. Nowadays many companies have set up their own Facebook pages which allow them to have many followers. When they want to sell a new product or service, they will tag people who follow their Facebook page to announce the new coming product. Before pop up of e-marketing, people used to sell their product by goodwill and spread by connecting others. Compared with viral marketing, this strategy is low efficient and takes times. Traditional marketing cannot allow people update information immediately, it transports message to customers in a slow way compared with viral marketing which spread like a virus. Affiliate Marketing Affiliate Marketing is one kind of marketing strategy which is popular recently; it works out by using the power of join force. Company finds different industries companies as partners to promote its own products on their website, at the same time company helps its partners to promote and advertise their products. Except promote its own companys products on multiple websites, company also can gain revenue for successful selling its partners products. On the other hand, company also needs to pay partners for transaction of its own products. In order to be successful in affiliate marketing, there are four elements. Firstly, the retailer is used for sales of products. Secondly, the network, which uses to enhance exposure of company products, is essential because it is a platform for company and its partners to share their products with each other and use their network to sell its own product. Thirdly, partners are more important in this marketing because the key term is the joining forc e. Fourthly, customers are necessary because the end of marketing strategy is to sell more products to more customers. Advantages of that marketing strategy are lower cost of marketing, increase the volume of companys website, this marketing strategy also providing extra revenue for company. Affiliate marketing is lower cost of marketing because it charges either cost per sales, cost per click or cost per lead. For cost per sales, company will be charge to pay its advertisement according to sales volumes made by its partners; it will ensure that company only need to pay when company earns money. Additional, cost per click means as long as advertisement click by customers and review, company will need to pay for its exposure. Moreover, cost per lead is a way that company will pay when partners successfully to link customers to advertisement of company and fill their information. Either of way, the cost is lower than usual marketing strategy however, the outcome of affiliate marketing is better than traditional marketing because people can buy companies/ its partners product in multiple places, also co mpany may has its chance to work with big company as its partners to boost up its sales. I would like to use Amazon as an example to illustrate affiliate marketing strategy which it quite successful in Amazon. Amazon began as an e-tailor bookstore. However, after a period of time, Amazon started to use affiliate marketing strategy. Nowadays people want to shop, the first thing comes up their mind is Amazon. Due to fact of many affiliates in Amazon, Amazon can sell variety type of products to satisfy customers needs. Meanwhile, Amazon can earn a huge amount of profit from this affiliate to support its operation. Why people choose Amazon is the key reason why Amazons affiliate marketing strategy becomes successful. Amazon is a well-known brand which is the first requirement. And Amazon is a well-known brand also helps to people to feel safe with clicking on Amazons link which lead to lesser-known company. Moreover, Amazon only takes maximum 30% as its commission which is ridiculously small. This action can allow people to earn more. Proximity Marketing (Mobile Marketing) Proximity marketing is the localized wireless distribution of advertising content associated with a particular place. Transmissions can be received by individuals in that location who wish to receive them and have the necessary equipment to do so. The reason why mobile marketing has become the trend of marketing is based on the fact of fast development of smart phone. Nowadays almost everyone in developed countries has a smart phone with them typically Hong Kong. People will no longer use PC to connect to internet; they can use their smart phone which allows them to check email, Facebook easier than before. This change ,also rewrite marketing history, it opens more ways to company in order to promote their products to customers, allows people to receive information no matter why they are as long as they have a smart phone with them. Within mobile marketing, people use two main functions of smart phone as a way to promote their products, those functions are texting and Wi-Fi. Texting can be used as a marketing strategy is because there are 10 trillion messages sent globally per day in 2012, can u imagine how often people text? According to this fact, people use texting as a way to promote their product. Did you give your mobile phone number to any shop when you become a member of shop? If yes, I guess you already have experience of getting marketing text which contents the latest news/ promotion of that shop. However, did you realize how quickly you response to text rather than e-mail? According to statistics, 97% of people will response to text within a few minutes, that response rate is 7 to 15 times quicker than email. And that is part of the reason why companies are likely to use text marketing instead of email marketing anymore. Take Netpunch company as an example, it is a company which sells mobile marketing to others. It put a video online on YouTube and tell people how good mobile marketing it is and if people is interested, please send it a text (Netpunch) to the number it provide at the end on the video then the company will inform you more information through text. How convince this way to communicate to your clients? Communicate through text and lowering cost of employees because you dont need somebody to ask the phone call, you just reply peoples text and give more information about things that they are interested. Also, by different text content you can category different needs of people. If you company has ten different types of products by typing different content in text, you can able to identify them and reply information they want to know. Text marketing happens based on customers want to receive more information about your company, through this way, marketing becomes more effective. Also, did you even forward your message received from one company to your friends? When you saw message, you find the discount given by that company is cheap, you may want to forward to your friends so they can enjoy that discount too . In this way, message spreads no only between you and company but also between your friends, company can gain more revenue through spreading process. Compared with advertisement cost, text marketing which is a lower cost and more effective and efficient. Moreover, text marketing also helps to build a two-way communication between company and client. Furthermore, it is easy to track result of that campaign such as A company is offering discount to its customers by sending them some codes when customers come into A company and use their codes. A company is able to identify the result of campaign through codes use by customers. Wi-Fi becomes more and more essential when we use smart phone more frequently. Therefore, people think of ways to promote their product through Wi-Fi system which has in every smart phone. In order to advertise people, company needs to put a system in a public and crowd place such as mall, bus stop etc. Through putting a system in mall, it can identify people by their own smartphone, once they step into mall, the system will send a message to ask whether they want to accept information from the mall, if yes, the system will automatically send them different promotions within the mall. This situation also applies in bus stop when people are waiting bus, they can receive information from companies of selling their product. Compared with bus stop, the way to promote advertisement in mall will be more effective because when people go to mall, they may want to shop for something, thats why people will 100% open and accept to receive information from the mall. This strategy helps companies generate more sales. Limitation of e-marketing: Although there are lots of advantages of using e-marketing, there are still some limitations. We would like to divide that into two big categories which are technology and non-technology. In technology part, lack of sufficient systems security, reliability, standards, and communication protocols, insufficient telecommunication bandwidth, maintenance costs due to a constantly evolving environments and low connection speed are essential to success of e-marketing. Lack of sufficient systems security, reliability, standards, and communication protocols will leads to failure of e-marketing because the infrastructure of communication with customers is incomplete. Due to incomplete infrastructure, companies may not be able to respond to customers in time. This act will make company lose some of its customers. Insufficient telecommunication bandwidth affects the way companies and customers communicate to each other. In order to communicate within the internet, sufficient bandwidth is essential; it affects success of internet marketing. How can you see and spread your message within Facebook without bandwidth? Sufficient bandwidth allows people spread message between others become more effective and efficient. Due to software development tools are still evolving and changing rapidly, maintenance costs may be high in order to keep up with new development of technology. This will make small company step back about using e-marketing because this may be costly to small firm in order to hold an IT team to promote their product online. Companies have low connection speed may lose its customers because some companies use Wi-Fi marketing require a high respond rate to customers, if they fail to do this, they may lose their chance to promote their products to customers. Also, low connection speed may affect the availability people receive information from outsiders. Typically affect mobile marketing because mobile marketing becomes more and more important due to people use mobile to surf the Internet rather than a PC. However, if the connection speed of mobile is so low, it takes 15minutes to get people on Facebook, people may not willing to wait for the time, they may use their PC instead of mobile, it not just only affect mobile marketing but also viral marketing, the speed that message spread between people getting longer, the result of companies will be affected. So far, we discuss limitation of e-marketing on technological way; we would like to continue discuss it on non-technological way which includes lack of personal approach, data may not be updated, content security and privacy issues and physical examination issue. Lack of personal approach will be a major damage to e-marketing, customers may not be able to build up a relationship between customers and companies. Not loyalty to companies will be lead companies lose customers in a sudden. Unlike traditional marketing, salesperson may able to know the name of customer and chat with them face-to-face, e-marketing such as text marketing is just texting between customer and companies, which involves less interaction. Data may not be updated may occur in e-marketing. Small companies may be the largest group that use e-marketing as promoting their product however small companies may have insufficient employees to update their companies Facebook or websites in time. In consequence, companies Facebook or websites are not updated. It may affect the revenue of companies because their new product may not sell well and lose potential customers. Content security and privacy issues also occur when involve in Internet because there is no guarantee that your information will not leak to outsiders. When companies uses Wi-Fi marketing, they may accidently receive many information about customers personal information how to deal with those information is troublesome. The content of text may lead companies to know more about their customers such as their needs and interest or personal information, on the other hand inappropriate deal with those information may lead companies lose huge amount of customers and maybe lawsuit due to leaking information. Unlike traditional marketing, e-marketing does not allow customers to have physical examination on product which is a disadvantage to e-marketing especially when companies are selling food products. Companies may sell their products online however without testing and experiencing by customers themselves, customers may not want to buy it. If companies tell you that its new product A is very tasty, without tasting it are you going to believe it? It may become difficult without tasting; this is a weakness for e-marketing. Recommendations: Outsourcing would be useful to solve data updated and maintenance costs limitation. When companies hire other companies to do their marketing strategy, it can help companies to avoid information of website or Facebook is not update issue. Also, companies dont need to pay a huge amount of maintenance costs because company only need to pay to other companies to help them with maintenance issues. Moreover, companies can send out samples to customers to solve physical examine issue. E-marketing only promote products online without real face-to-face connect and product experience, it leads to less attractive. However, if companies send out some sample to potential customers, they can attract customers after using their products. http://www.standardmarketing.ca/2012/06/use-instagram-your-business/ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Internet_marketing#Limitations http://weblogs.about.com/od/monetizingablog/fr/AmazonAssocRev_2.htm http://mobile-marketing-colorado.com/sms-text-marketing-facts-and-benefits http://emarketingtanzania.com/what-is-emarketing/why-emarketing/disadvantages-of-e-marketing http://www.wewanttraffic.com/ebusiness/emarketing/advantages.aspx http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_are_the_disadvantages_of_e-marketing http://www.google.com/url?sa=trct=jq=limitation+of+e-marketingsource=webcd=5cad=rjaved=0CFUQFjAEurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cba.edu.kw%2Fabo%2F2007%2FeMarketing%2520ppT.pptei=OFWoUJD3H8T_iAewpYCACQusg=AFQjCNHVk_5JeghkZ56pTH4fqRIGwMA0bw http://blog.i2k2.com/seo/what-are-the-limitations-of-online-marketing/

Predestined Serial Killers :: Genetics Murder Genes Essays

Predestined Serial Killers serial killer: a person who commits a series of murders, often with no apparent motive and usually following a similar, characteristic pattern of behavior. (8) As participants in today's information obsessed society we are constantly being bombarded with the brutal actions that mankind is capable of. One watches the news and hears about a murder, or reads a book about a mysterious killer. The only time that the New York Daily News has ever outsold the New York Times was when the headline claimed the letters that proved the 'real' identity of Jack the Ripper. As you wade through these bits and pieces of reality, one can't help but be struck by the thought-- what causes a person to actively commit such horrendous acts? There have been many different studies done in hopes of finding an answer. For a crime such as serial killing there are two main schools of thought. The first idea is that serial killing is caused by an abnormality in the frontal lobe region of the brain. Another theory is that serial killers are bred by circumstance. However, I believe that with some analysis the evidence for both theories can serve to prove that serial k illers are genetically different. Thus demonstrating that serial killing can find its origins in genetics. A startling amount of criminals on death row have been clinically diagnosed with brain disorders. A recent study has demonstrated that 20 out of 31 confessed killers are diagnosed as mentally ill. Out of that 20, 64% have frontal lobe abnormalities. (1) A thorough study of the profiles of many serial killers shows that many of them had suffered sever head injuries (to the frontal lobe) when they were children. To discover why damage to the frontal lobe could be a cause of serial killing, one must look at the function of the frontal lobe of the brain. The frontal lobe is located in the most anterior part of the brain hemispheres. It is considered responsible for much of the behavior that makes possible stable and adequate social relations. Self-control, planning, judgment, the balance of individual versus social needs, and many other essential functions underlying effective social intercourse are mediated by the frontal structures of the brain. (3) Antonio and Anna Damasio, two noted Portuguese neurologists and researchers working in the University of Iowa, have been investigating in the last decade the neurological basis of psychopathy.

Coca-Cola SWOT Analysis :: Business Management swot Analysis

Coca-Cola SWOT Analysis SWOT stands for Strengths Weakness Opportunities Threats. SWOT analysis is a technique much used in many general management as well as marketing scenarios. SWOT consists of examining the current activities of the organisation- its Strengths and Weakness- and then using this and external research data to set out the Opportunities and Threats that exist. Strengths: Coca-Cola has been a complex part of world culture for a very long time. The product's image is loaded with over-romanticizing, and this is an image many people have taken deeply to heart. The Coca-Cola image is displayed on T-shirts, hats, and collectible memorabilia. This extremely recognizable branding is one of Coca-Cola's greatest strengths. "Enjoyed more than 685 million times a day around the world Coca-Cola stands as a simple, yet powerful symbol of quality and enjoyment" (Allen, 1995). Additionally, Coca-Cola's bottling system is one of their greatest strengths. It allows them to conduct business on a global scale while at the same time maintain a local approach. The bottling companies are locally owned and operated by independent business people who are authorized to sell products of the Coca-Cola Company. Because Coke does not have outright ownership of its bottling network, its main source of revenue is the sale of concentrate to its bottlers. Weaknesses: Weaknesses for any business need to be both minimised and monitored in order to effectively achieve productivity and efficiency in their business’s activities, Coke is no exception. Although domestic business as well as many international markets are thriving (volumes in Latin America were up 12%), Coca-Cola has recently reported some "declines in unit case volumes in Indonesia and Thailand due to reduced consumer purchasing power." According to an article in Fortune magazine, "In Japan, unit case sales fell 3% in the second quarter [of 1998]...scary because while Japan generates around 5% of worldwide volume, it contributes three times as much to profits. Latin America, Southeast Asia, and Japan account for about 35% of Coke's volume and none of these markets are performing to expectation. Coca-Cola on the other side has effects on the teeth which is an issue for health care. It also has got sugar by which continuous drinking of Coca-Cola may cause health problems. Being addicted to Coca-Cola also is a health problem, because drinking of Coca-Cola daily has an effect on your body after few years. Opportunities: Brand recognition is the significant factor affecting Coke's competitive position.

African American Essay

Working with African American men as a counselor its necessary to have a strategic plan to be able to work around there ego. African American men in no way wants to feel belittled or not in control. African American men wants to play the â€Å"head of the household role†. According to this case study I would like to do role playing so both individuals can have a better understanding how the other feel. Majority of the therapy sessions would be role playing with some talk sessions. I would like to play the mediator role in this specific case and give homework assignments to the couple. Given that I don’t see Sue as the issue the session would mostly be geared towards Jeremy. Given the Chinese culture I am more worried about how therapy will work for Jeremy. Chinese culture †¢Small numbers of close, lifelong friends who feel deeply obligated to give each other whatever help might seem required. †¢Relationships with other people involve reciprocal obligations. †¢Avoid direct confrontation, open criticism, and controversial topics. †¢maintain harmony †¢Faith in personal relationships than in written rules and procedures for structuring interactions. Questions I would like to address 1. Prior to marriage how did Jeremy about an interracial child? 2. What has influenced Jeremy thinking on having a child? 3. Why has the dynamics of the relationship changed since Sue parents moved to the same city? 4. Has Sue parents been an influence on their relationship? 5. Has Sue discussed her concerns to Jeremy about their marriage? 6. How was Jeremy and Sur relationship prior to marriage? 7. How does Jeremy family feel about his marriage? 8. Besides the issue with having a child, what other issues is the marriage facing? 9. Jeremy working more hours, is that optional or mandatory? 10. What are some of Jeremy concerns about having a bi-racial child?

The Vampire Diaries: The Awakening Chapter Ten

October 7, about 8:00 a.m. Dear Diary, I'm writing this during trig class, and I just hope Ms. Halpern doesn't see me. I didn't have time to write last night, even though I wanted to. Yesterday was a crazy, mixed-up day, just like the night of the Homecoming Dance. Sitting here in school this morning I almost feel like everything that happened this weekend was a dream. The bad things were so bad, but the good things were so very, very good. I'm not going to press criminal charges against Tyler. He's suspended from school, though, and off the football team. So's Dick, for being drunk at the dance. Nobody is saying so, but I think a lot of people think he was responsible for what happened to Vickie. Bonnie's sister saw Tyler at the clinic yesterday, and she said he had two black eyes and his whole face was purple. I can't help worrying about what's going to happen when he and Dick get back to school. They have more reason than ever to hate Stefan now. Which brings me to Stefan. When I woke up this morning I panicked, thinking, â€Å"What if it all isn't true? What if it never happened, or if he's changed his mind?† And Aunt Judith was worried at breakfast because I couldn't eat again. But then when I got to school I saw him in the corridor by the office, and we just looked at each other. And I knew. Just before he turned away, he smiled, sort of wryly. And I understood that, too, and he was right, it was better not to go up to each other in a public hallway, not unless we want to give the secretaries a thrill. We are very definitely together. Now I just have to find a way to explain all this to Jean-Claude. Ha-ha. What I don't understand is why Stefan isn't as happy about it as I am. When we're with each other I can feel how he feels, and I know how much he wants me, how much he cares. There's an almost desperate hunger inside him when he kisses me, as if he wants to pull the soul out of my body. Like a black hole that. Still October 7, now about 2:00 p.m. Will, a little break there because Miss Halperncaught me. She even started to read what I'd written out loud, but then I think the subject matter steamed her glasses up and she stopped. She was Not Amused. I'm too happy to care about minor things like flunking trigonometry. Stefan and I had lunch together, or at least we went off into a corner of the field and sat down with my lunch. He didn't even bother to bring anything, and of course as it turned out I couldn't eat either. We didn't touch each other much-we didn't-but we talked and looked at each other a lot. I want to touch him. More than any boy I've ever known. And I know he wants it, too, but he's holding back on me. That's what I can't understand, why he's fighting this, why he's holding back. Yesterday in his room I found proof positive that he's been watching me from the beginning. You remember how I told you that on the second day of school Bonnie and Meredith and I were in the cemetery? Well, yesterday in Stefan's room I found the apricot ribbon I was wearing that day. I remember it falling out of my hand while I was running, and he must have picked it up and kept it. I haven't told him I know, because he obviously wants to keep it a secret, but that shows, doesn't it, that he cares about m e? I'll tell you someone else who is Not Amused. Caroline. Apparently she's been dragging him off into the photography room for lunch every day, and when he didn't show up today she went searching until she found us. Poor Stefan, he'd forgotten about her completely, and he was shocked at himself Once she left-a nasty unhealthy shade of green, I might add-he told me how she'd attached herself to him the first week of school. She said she'd noticed he didn't really eat at lunch and she didn't either since she was on a diet, and why didn't they go someplace quiet and relax? He wouldn't really say anything bad about her (which I think is his idea of manners again, a gentleman doesn't do that), but he did say there was nothing at all between them. And for Caroline I think being forgotten was worse than if he'd thrown rocks at her. I wonder why Stefan hasn't been eating lunch, though. It's strange in a football player. Uh-oh. Mr. Tanner just walked by and I slammed my note pad over this diary just in time. Bonnie is snickering behind her history book, I can see her shoulders shaking. And Stefan, who's in front of me, looks as tense as if he's going to leap out of his chair any minute. Matt is giving me â€Å"you nut† looks and Caroline is glaring. I am being very, very innocent, writing with my eyes fixed on Tanner up front. So if this is a bit wobbly and messy, you'll understand why. For the last month, I haven't really been myself. I haven't been able to think clearly or concentrate on anything but Stefan. There is so much I've left undone that I'm almost scared. I'm supposed to be in charge of decorations for the Haunted House and I haven't done one thing about it yet Now I've got exactly three and a half weeks to get it organized-and I want to be with Stefan. I could quit the committee. But that would leave Bonnie and Meredith holding the bag. And I keep remembering what Matt said when I asked him to get Stefan to come to the dance: â€Å"You want everybody and everything revolving around Elena Gilbert.† That isn't true. Or at least, if it has been in the past, I'm not going to let it be true anymore. I want-oh, this is going to sound completely stupid, but I want to be worthy of Stefan. I know he wouldn't let the guys on the team down just to suit his own convenience. I want him to be proud of me. I want him to love me as much as I love him. â€Å"Hurry up!† called Bonnie from the doorway of the gym. Beside her the high school janitor, Mr. Shelby, stood waiting. Elena cast one last glance at the distant figures on the football field, then reluctantly crossed the blacktop to join Bonnie. â€Å"I just wanted to tell Stefan where I was going,† she said. After a week of being with Stefan, she still felt a thrill of excitement just saying his name. Every night this week he'd come to her house, appearing at the door around sunset, hands in pockets, wearing his jacket with the collar turned up. They usually took a walk in the dusk, or sat on the porch, talking. Although nothing was said about it, Elena knew it was Stefan's way of making sure they weren't alone together in private. Since the night of the dance, he'd made sure of that. Protecting her honor, Elena thought wryly, and with a pang, because she knew in her heart that there was more to it than that. â€Å"He can live without you for one evening,† said Bonnie callously. â€Å"If you get talking to him you'll never get away, and I'dlike to get home in time for some kind of dinner.† â€Å"Hello, Mr. Shelby,† said Elena to the janitor, who was still patiently waiting. To her surprise, he closed one eye in a solemn wink at her. â€Å"Where's Meredith?† she added. â€Å"Here,† said a voice behind her, and Meredith appeared with a cardboard box of file folders and note pads in her arms. â€Å"I've got the stuff from your locker.† â€Å"Is that all of you?† said Mr. Shelby. â€Å"All right, now, you gals leave the door shut and locked, you hear? That way nobody can get in.† Bonnie, about to enter, pulled up short. â€Å"You're sure there's nobodyalready in?† she said warily. Elena gave her a push between the shoulder blades. â€Å"Hurry up,† she mimicked unkindly. â€Å"I want to get home in time for dinner.† â€Å"There's nobody inside,† said Mr. Shelby, mouth twitching under his mustache. â€Å"But you gals yell if you want anything. I'll be around.† The door slammed shut behind them with a curiously final sound. â€Å"Work,† said Meredith resignedly, and put the box on the floor. Elena nodded, looking up and down the big empty room. Every year the Student Council held a Haunted House as a fund-raiser. Elena had been on the decorating committee for the last two years, along with Bonnie and Meredith, but it was different being chairman. She had to make decisions that would affect everyone, and she couldn't even rely on what had been done in years past. The Haunted House was usually set up in a lumberyard warehouse, but with the growing uneasiness about town it had been decided that the school gym was safer. For Elena, it meant rethinking the whole interior design, and with less than three weeks now until Halloween. â€Å"It's actually pretty spooky here,† said Meredith quietly. And therewas something disturbing about being in the big closed room, Elena thought. She found herself lowering her voice. â€Å"Let's measure it first,† she said. They moved down the room, their footsteps echoing hollowly. â€Å"All right,† said Elena when they had finished. â€Å"Let's get to work.† She tried to shake off her feeling of uneasiness, telling herself that it was ridiculous to feel unsettled in the school gym, with Bonnie and Meredith beside her and an entire football team practicing not two hundred yards away. The three of them sat on the bleachers with pens and notebooks in hand. Elena and Meredith consulted the design sketches for previous years while Bonnie bit her pen and gazed around thoughtfully. â€Å"Well, here's the gym,† said Meredith, making a quick sketch in her notebook. â€Å"And here's where the people are going to have to come in. Now we could have the Bloody Corpse at the very end†¦ By the way, who's going to be the Bloody Corpse this year?† â€Å"Coach Lyman, I think. He did a good job last year, and he helps keep the football guys in line.† Elena pointed to their sketch. â€Å"Okay, we'll partition this off and make it the Medieval Torture Chamber. They'll go straight out of that and into the Room of the Living Dead†¦Ã¢â‚¬  â€Å"I think we should have druids,† said Bonnie abruptly. â€Å"Have what?† said Elena, and then, as Bonnie started to yell â€Å"droo-ids,† she waved a quelling hand. â€Å"All right, all right, I remember. But why?† â€Å"Because they're the ones who invented Halloween. Really. It started out as one of their holy days, when they would build fires and put out turnips with faces carved in them to keep evil spirits away. They believed it was the day when the line between the living and the dead was thinnest. And they were scary, Elena. They performed human sacrifices. We could sacrifice Coach Lyman.† â€Å"Actually, that's not a bad idea,† said Meredith. â€Å"The Bloody Corpse could be a sacrifice. You know, on a stone altar, with a knife and pools of blood all around. And then when you get really close, he suddenly sits up.† â€Å"And gives you heart failure,† said Elena, but she had to admit itwas a good idea, definitely scary. It made her feel a little sick just thinking about it. All that blood†¦ but it was only Karo syrup, really. The other girls had gone quiet, too. From the boys' locker next door, they could hear the sound of water running and lockers banging, and over that indistinct voices shouting. â€Å"Practice is over,† murmured Bonnie. â€Å"It must be dark outside.† â€Å"Yes, and Our Hero is getting all washed up,† said Meredith, cocking an eyebrow at Elena. â€Å"Want to peek?† â€Å"I wish,† said Elena, only half jokingly. Somehow, indefinably, the atmosphere in the room had darkened. Just at the moment shedid wish she could see Stefan, could be with him. â€Å"Have you heard anything more about Vickie Bennett?† she asked suddenly. â€Å"Well,† said Bonnie after a moment, â€Å"I did hear that her parents were getting her a psychiatrist.† â€Å"A shrink? Why?† â€Å"Well†¦ I guess they think that those things she told us were hallucinations or something. And I heard her nightmares are pretty bad.† â€Å"Oh,† said Elena. The sounds from the boys' locker room were fading, and they heard an outside door slam. Hallucinations, she thought, hallucinations and nightmares. For some reason, she suddenly remembered that night in the graveyard, that night when Bonnie had sent them all running from something none of them could see. â€Å"We'd better get back to business,† said Meredith. Elena shook herself out of her reverie and nodded. â€Å"We†¦ we could have a graveyard,† Bonnie said tentatively, as if she'd been reading Elena's thoughts. â€Å"In the Haunted House, I mean.† â€Å"No,† said Elena sharply. â€Å"No, we'll just stick with what we have,† she added in a calmer voice, and bent over her pad again. Once again there was no sound but the soft scratching of pens and the rustle of paper. â€Å"Good,† said Elena at last. â€Å"Now we only need to measure for the different partitions. Somebody's going to have to get in behind the bleachers†¦ What now?† The lights in the gym had flickered and gone down to half power. â€Å"Oh,no ,† said Meredith, exasperated. The lights flickered again, went out, and returned dimly once more. â€Å"I can't read a thing,† said Elena, staring at what now seemed to be a featureless piece of white paper. She looked up at Bonnie and Meredith and saw two white blobs of faces. â€Å"Something must be wrong with the emergency generator,† said Meredith. â€Å"I'll get Mr. Shelby.† â€Å"Can't we just finish tomorrow?† Bonnie said plaintively. â€Å"Tomorrow's Saturday,† said Elena. â€Å"And we were supposed to have this done last week.† â€Å"I'll get Shelby,† said Meredith again. â€Å"Come on, Bonnie, you're going with me.† Elena began, â€Å"We could all go-† but Meredith interrupted. â€Å"If we all go and we can't find him, then we can't get back in. Come on, Bonnie, it's only inside the school.† â€Å"But it'sdark there.† â€Å"It's dark everywhere; it's nighttime. Comeon; with two of us it'll be safe.† She dragged an unwilling Bonnie to the door. â€Å"Elena, don't let anybody else in.† â€Å"As if you had to tell me,† said Elena, letting them out and then watching them go a few paces down the hall. At the point at which they began to merge with the dimness, she stepped back inside and shut the door. Well, this was a fine mess, as her mother used to say. Elena moved over to the cardboard box Meredith had brought and began stacking filing folders and notebooks back inside it. In this light she could see them only as vague shapes. There was no sound at all but her own breathing and the sounds she made. She was alone in the huge, dim room- Someone was watching her. She didn't know how she knew, but she was sure. Someone was behind her in the dark gymnasium, watching.Eyes in the dark , the old man had said. Vickie had said it, too. And now there were eyes on her. She whirled quickly to face the room, straining her own eyes to see into the shadows, trying not even to breathe. She was terrified that if she made a sound the thing out there would get her. But she could see nothing, hear nothing. The bleachers were dim, menacing shapes stretching out into nothingness. And the far end of the room was simply a featureless gray fog. Dark mist, she thought, and she could feel every muscle agonizingly tense as she listened desperately. Oh God, what was that soft whispering sound? It must be her imagination†¦ Please let it be her imagination. Suddenly, her mind was clear. She had to get out of this place,now . There was real danger here, not just fantasy. Something was out there, something evil, something that wanted her. And she was all alone. Something moved in the shadows. Her scream froze in her throat. Her muscles were frozen, too, held motionless by her terror-and by some nameless force. Helplessly, she watched as the shape in the darkness moved out of the shadows and toward her. It seemed almost as if the darkness itself had come to life and was coalescing as she watched, taking on form-human form, the form of a young man. â€Å"I'm sorry if I frightened you.† The voice was pleasant, with a slight accent she couldn't place. It didn't sound sorry at all. Relief was so sudden and complete that it was painful. She slumped and heard her own breath sigh out. It was only a guy, some former student or an assistant of Mr. Shelby's. An ordinary guy, who was smiling faintly, as if it had amused him to see her almost pass out. Well†¦ perhaps not quite ordinary. He was remarkably good-looking. His face was pale in the artificial twilight, but she could see that his features were cleanly defined and nearly perfect under a shock of dark hair. Those cheekbones were a sculptor's dream. And he'd been almost invisible because he was wearing black: soft black boots, black jeans, black sweater, and leather jacket. He was still smiling faintly. Elena's relief turned to anger. â€Å"How did you get in?† she demanded. â€Å"And what are you doing here? Nobody else is supposed to be in the gym.† â€Å"I came in the door,† he said. His voice was soft, cultured, but she could still hear the amusement and she found it disconcerting. â€Å"All the doors are locked,† she said flatly, accusingly. He raised his eyebrows and smiled. â€Å"Are they?† Elena felt another quiver of fear, hairs lifting on the back of her neck. â€Å"They were supposed to be,† she said in the coldest voice she could manage. â€Å"You're angry,† he said gravely. â€Å"I said I was sorry to frighten you.† â€Å"I wasn't frightened!† she snapped. She felt foolish in front of him somehow, like a child being humored by someone much older and more knowledgeable. It made her even angrier. â€Å"I was just startled,† she continued. â€Å"Which is hardly surprising, what with you lurking in the dark like that.† â€Å"Interesting things happen in the dark†¦ sometimes.† He was still laughing at her; she could tell by his eyes. He had taken a step closer, and she could see that those eyes were unusual, almost black, but with odd lights in them. As if you could look deeper and deeper until you fell into them, and went on falling forever. She realized she was staring. Why didn't the lights come on? She wanted to get out of here. She moved away, putting the end of a bleacher between them, and stacked the last folders into the box. Forget the rest of the work for tonight. All she wanted to do now was leave. But the continuing silence made her uneasy. He was just standing there, unmoving, watching her. Why didn't he say something? â€Å"Did you come looking for somebody?† She was annoyed with herself for being the one to speak. He was still gazing at her, those dark eyes fixed on her in a way that made her more and more uncomfortable. She swallowed. With his eyes on her lips, he murmured, â€Å"Oh, yes.† â€Å"What?† She'd forgotten what she'd asked. Her cheeks and throat were flushing, burning with blood. She felt so light-headed. If only he'd stoplooking at her†¦ â€Å"Yes, I came here looking for someone,† he repeated, no louder than before. Then, in one step he moved toward her, so that they were separated only by the corner of one bleacher seat. Elena couldn't breathe. He was standing so close. Close enough to touch. She could smell a faint hint of cologne and the leather of his jacket. And his eyes still held hers-she could not look away from them. They were like no eyes she had ever seen, black as midnight, the pupils dilated like a cat's. They filled her vision as he leaned toward her, bending his head down to hers. She felt her own eyes half close, losing focus. She felt her head tilt back, her lips part. No! Just in time she whipped her head to the side. She felt as if she'd just pulled herself back from the edge of a precipice. What am I doing? she thought in shock. I was about to let him kiss me. A total stranger, someone I met only a few minutes ago. But that wasn't the worst thing. For those few minutes, something unbelievable had happened. For those few minutes, she had forgotten Stefan. But now his image filled her mind, and the longing for him was like a physical pain in her body. She wanted Stefan, wanted his arms around her, wanted to be safe with him. She swallowed. Her nostrils flared as she breathed hard. She tried to keep her voice steady and dignified. â€Å"I'm going to leave now,† she said. â€Å"If you're looking for somebody, I think you'd better look somewhere else.† He was looking at her oddly, with an expression she couldn't understand. It was a mixture of annoyance and grudging respect-and something else. Something hot and fierce that frightened her in a different way. He waited until her hand was on the doorknob to answer, and his voice was soft but serious, with no trace of amusement. â€Å"Perhaps I've already found her†¦ Elena.† When she turned, she could see nothing in the darkness.

Cost Plus History Essay

The first Cost Plus opened in 1958, when a San Francisco businessman parlayed his passion for travel into an import business by selling a shipload of hand-woven wicker from a local pier. The furniture sold out within a few days, but the idea lived on. Now Cost Plus World Market’s store at Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco is a favorite destination for tourists and locals alike. (Cost Plus World Market) With such a receptive audience eagerly awaiting his return, it only made sense to open a store. And in 1958 he opened the first store in San Francisco’s famed Fisherman’s Wharf and called it Cost Plus World Market. The store quickly became a destination for those who craved original and handmade items from around the world. Items were sold at cost, plus ten percent – hence the name Cost Plus World Market! (Cost Plus World Market) Since its opening more than four decades ago, the Company’s product categories have expanded to include: furniture, pillows, lamps, floor and window coverings, frames, baskets, garden, collectibles, tabletop and kitchen accessories, along with gourmet foods and wines. From a dining room table and chairs to the perfect Chardonnay to complement a meal, Cost Plus World Market is a complete value retailing resource which provides simple yet unique solutions for every entertaining and decorating need. (Cost Plus World Market) In 1996, the Company completed an initial public offering and trades on the NASDAQ national market under the symbol Cost Plus World Market. (Cost Plus World Market) As of January 30, 2010, the company operated in 268 stores under the name â€Å"World Market†, â€Å"Cost Plus World Market†, â€Å"Cost Plus Imports†, and â€Å"World Market Stores†. Cost Plus World Market) Cost Plus World Market buyers travel the world visiting remote villages, centuries-old factories and foreign bazaars searching for unique products to offer our customers. They get baskets from Bali, chocolates from Belgium, pottery from Portugal, and wine from around the world. These are just a few of the uncommon treasures that customers will discover on their adventure through our stores. Cost Plus World Market) Cost Plus World Market is a spirited, eclectic and wildly different retailer that turns shopping into an adventure by continually filling aisle after aisle with great finds at great prices from around the world. (Cost Plus World Market) Although I was not able to find Cost Plus World Market’s mission statement, I found what they call the Company Atmosphere. They want customers to expect an adventurous atmosphere when they enter into any of the store locations. They try to recreate a bazaar type atmosphere for those who want to look for items from different areas from around the globe. Cost Plus World Market changes their items they carry in the stores frequently, so products are always new and fresh. The stores offer a wide variety of goods that are imported from fifty countries around the globe. (Cost Plus World Market) Cost Plus World Market carries a variety of environmentally friendly items such as the plantation raised wood that many furniture products are made from as well as recycled glass goblets to name a few. Cost Plus World Market stores are located near major malls in thirty different cities. The target market is women from ages 25 to 55 years. World Market is a private label which most of the items have, with a few other labels. (www. hoovers. com) Cost Plus World Market Organizational Strengths Cost Plus World Market is considered 50 Countries Under One Roof. This is strength for the company for the people who do not ever get to leave and see other countries. They bring unique items from all over the globe that you cannot find in an ordinary retail or department store. Cost Plus World Market offers seasonal items that are unique and they sell them at reasonable prices. Many of the products that are sold at World Market are hand crafted by the local artisans in the different countries. (Cost Plus World Market)The company sells gourmet foods from different areas of the world not sold in your local stores. The wines that they sell include wine, micro brewed and imported beers, coffee, tea and bottled water. The wine assortment is moderately priced premium wines that are not readily available at a neighborhood wine or grocery store. The staffs are trained and can help with the different wines as to what the consumer is looking for with the budget they are working with. The company routinely shops a variety of retailers to ensure that its products are competitively priced. (Cost Plus World Market) Company strength for the company is that they are online, and since many people are connected to the internet they can reach many more consumers. Outside of the shopping the company has available on the website its Annual Report, Quarterly Reports, and Currents reports. The website gives information for the investors, merchandisers, etc. Cost Plus World Market offers different coupons for sales and percent off on the internet as ell. Since they shop the other competition retailers to make sure they have a competitive price you can feel comfortable that you will get the best price out there for unique items. Cost Plus World Market Organizational Weaknesses Cost Plus World Market has significant debt and may incur from this substantial debt added to it in the future. A good portion of the future cash flow for the companies operating activities will likely be dedicated to the payment of interest and the repayment of principal on the indebtedness. The company lenders have liens on the majority of the company’s assets. With this, the lender has a first priority including the company’s cash and inventory balances. (Cost Plus World Market) Cost Plus World Market can minimize this by making sure that they have the best prices of their competitors, advertise sales, new items, and the seasonal items they get in stock. Another weakness for Cost Plus World Market is that they incur major costs for the transportation of goods from foreign ports to the distribution centers and stores. They continually negotiate pricing for certain transportation contracts and with the rise in fuel costs vendors are expected to increase their rates, which in turn Cost Plus World Market will not be able to remain competitively priced to the consumers as they will have to compensate for the increase in transportation rates. (Cost Plus World Market) They can try to minimize this by negotiating a contract that holds a set transportation rate for a predetermined price to keep the costs competitive with the competition. Cost Plus World Market Organizational Opportunities Cost Plus World Market has an International, well established, sourcing network with long standing relationship with many of its vendors. They however do not hold long-term contracts with their suppliers as it is customary for this type of industry. The buyers often work with suppliers to produce unique products exclusive to Cost Plus World Market. The company believes that to keep the competitive prices, although there could be delays in changing suppliers, alternate sources of merchandise are available at comparable prices. Cost Plus World Market’s products are manufactured abroad in over 50 countries in Europe, North and South America, Asia, Africa, and Australia. (Cost Plus World Market) Another opportunity for the company is the use of technology with having the products available on the company website for those consumers which Cost Plus World Market is not in their local area. The company’s information systems allow all of the stores across to link to the headquarters in Oakland, California. They are able to keep track of all the stores, sales, inventory, what store the items are sold in, all of which is updated daily. This allows the store managements to keep track of their data and better other in-store administration capabilities. This will help to keep products stocked, decide which items sell better in which area so as to not waste money on items which do not sell in certain areas and sell better in others. This will also better the communication between stores and better control finances. (Cost Plus World Market) Cost Plus World Market Organizational Threats One of the main threats to Cost Plus World Market is the competition. The company competes against a diverse group of retailers from specialty stores to department stores. The competitions companies are such as Bed Bath & Beyond, Target, Crate & Barrel, Pottery Barn, Michaels Stores, Pier 1 Imports, Trader Joes, and William-Sonome. Cost Plus World Market competes with these types of companies for customers, prices, and assortment of products, brand name, recognition, store locations, and the qualifications of the management. Cost Plus World Market) Another threat for Cost Plus World Market is the occurrence or threat of international conflict or terrorist activities because the products that they sell are purchased in other countries and must be shipped to the United States. They need the items precise and on-time as much as possible to keep the stores stocked with the merchandise to sell. These threats or occurrences can cause critical downfall for the company, impact on the busines s, personnel and facilities, customers and suppliers and the general economic condition for Cost Plus World Market. Cost Plus World Market) Summary, Strategic Analysis and Suggestions Cost Plus World Market can maximize on their sourcing network with the vendors and suppliers overseas by when the fuel prices are high and scheduled to be on the rise. They could try for an extended contract with the vendors and suppliers to have a set rate for the shipping of the products to keep costs down to be competitive with competitors. This can keep them ahead of the competition and draw in new customers as well as keep the existing customers. Cost Plus World Market can continue to keep updating their information systems to keep all of the data accurate for finances, merchandise, suppliers, vendors, each stores information, and keep this all connected to the home office in Oakland, California. This is going to let them know where they stand and be able to better serve the consumers. To neutralize the threat of the competition, Cost Plus World Market can do all they can to keep the costs of the merchandise down below the competition, advertise their products, and keep the products fresh and new to keep drawing in current and new customers. They can continue to build relationships with the vendors and suppliers overseas to keep the products coming and unique for the consumers. To neutralize the threat of international conflicts or terrorist attacks, Cost Plus World Market can try all they can to keep a good bond with the overseas vendors and suppliers to keep business going and items to be shipped to the distribution centers. Many items are unique and exclusive to World Market regularly supplied by an international network of individual and regional artisans developed over the Company’s 50 years in the import business. The majority of the store’s furniture is constructed of environmentally friendly, farm raised wood while a number of items are made out of recycled glass and yet countless are constructed of environmentally friendly bamboo. The value, breadth and continual refreshment of products invite customers to come back throughout a lifetime of changing home furnishings and entertaining needs. (Wire) For consumers who want to shop in a store that is considered â€Å"50 countries under one roof† they will be more than pleased to step into any of the Cost Plus World Market Stores and find unique items to suit their personal tastes.

Interactive Simulation Paper Essay

Workplace discrimination can be reflected in many ways, gender, age group, race, nationality or disability and can have legal and fiscal consequence for a company (Bennett-Alexander & Hartman, 2007). Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) are some of the laws and regulations that make discrimination unlawful in the conditions and terms of job, for example hiring, evaluation, and promotion. It’s important for administrators to identify different types of discrimination and defend against employees in the place of work (Bennett-Alexander & Hartman, 2007). The measures a company may have the appropriate adjustments for employees with disabilities, or those with a known drug abuse problem, the employees with a known drug abuse problem, the companies must have an arrangement on announcing a pre-employment in addition to a post-employment alcohol and drug test. An employee with a drug abuse issue may be in the company code of breach. The company can offer technique to re-employ the employee in matters of rehabilitation status is complete. Alternatively if the employee has an alcohol abuse the company should inform the employee of internal or external counseling aid or treatment (UOP, 2014). The alternatives for the employee are termination, counseling or therapy, or warning. These solutions can benefit the employee and employer. As for disable persons applying for a job, there is The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) employment agencies, labor unions, and joint labor-management committees (Bennett-Alexander & Hartman, 2007). Executive agencies of the United States government are exempt from the ADA, but these agencies are covered instead by similar nondiscrimination requirements and additional affirmative employment requirements under Section 501 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Bennett-Alexander & Hartman, 2007). The challenges may include inaccessible equipment or amenities or perhaps a procedures or regulations should meet the criteria. Good accommodating dismisses these challenges for a disabled employee. This where the ADA brings in companies to establish accommodations for their disabled employees, . Therefore, they appreciate the privileges and benefits of the  employment. Factors according to per sonality, attitude toward work, and future upward mobility should be considered when hiring. A candidates goal-settings, work attitudes, and, are considered elements that justify the process of employment. These characteristics are essential and effective to the companies’ modern office environments. In addition, applicants may believe a possible discrimination towards themselves regarding the company but it is not the case in the hiring process. The two applicants selected were a female and Judaic. The female employee made accusations of sexual harassment regarding two co-workers in her work group and had assumptions of her manager behavior was unjust when evaluating her work performance concerning the reported accusations. The issue should examine thoroughly, and companies indeed react with the professional manner in this sort of conduct to remain clear of any sexual harassment. The Judaic employee reported of his religious beliefs on the project given to him by a manager regarding the advertisement of a meat product. This was altered for the employee regarding reli gious affiliation but costly. This cases that have arisen with the two candidates selected had legal advice from the company Legal Counselor for HHP. Her choices include credentials and abilities for the workplace; not sex, impairment of faith, and not race. The company president concern’s with a female employee working in the surroundings of a white male environment and Manager, the Executive Director uncertainty of employee’s support of African-American rights in addition to feminist status. These characteristics should not be an interest of concern in the hiring process (UOP, 2014). Title VII is a federal government law and a work contract, verbal or written and should comply with the laws and regulations of the job. Title VII may bypass the job atmosphere and conditions specified in a written job agreement between a company and worker. The job contract won’t bypass Title VII; but, Title VII will bypass the contract. Before Title VII, the company could employ and terminate an employee for any given reason. Title VII forbids discrimination in employing, firing, coaching, promotion, discipline or any other office decisions. (Bennett-Alexander & Hartman, 2007). Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) cover all private employers, state and local governments, and education institutions which use fifteen or over persons (Bennett-Alexander & Hartman, 2007). A work agreement doesn’t permit or  legalize any action o f discrimination that is covered by Title VII. Title VII overrode the job atmosphere and office conditions (Bennett-Alexander & Hartman, 2007). Religious values should be accommodated with a good faith effort by the company (UOP, 2014). Moreover, the Executive Director was worried about the employee having the ability to travel to deal with customers; however he is a protected under the rules of ADA. With the introduction of the latest technology could allow the specific employee to able to teleconferences or net conferences with customers and still meet his job conditions (UOP, 2014). Reference Bennett- Alexander, D. D., & Hartman, L. P. (2007). Employment law for business (5th ed.). Boston, MA: McGraw-Hill. UOP. (2014). Simulations: Preventing Workplace Discrimination [Multimedia]. Retrieved from UOP, MGT/434 website.

Frostbite Chapter 12

Twelve I WAS OUT OF BED in a flash. We found the entire lodge abuzz with the news. People clustered in small groups in the halls. Family members sought each other out. Some conversations were conducted in terrified whispers; some were loud and easy to overhear. I stopped a few people, trying to get the story straight. Everyone had a different version of what had happened, though, and some wouldn't even pause to talk. They hurried past, either seeking out loved ones or preparing to leave the resort, convinced there might be a safer place elsewhere. Frustrated with the differing stories, I finally- reluctantly- knew I had to seek out one of the two sources who would give me solid information. My mother or Dimitri. It was like flipping a coin. I wasn't really thrilled with either one of them right now. I debated momentarily and finally decided on my mother, seeing as how she wasn't getting it on with Tasha Ozera. The door to my mother's room was ajar, and as Lissa and I entered, I saw that a sort of makeshift headquarters had been established here. Lots of guardians were milling around, moving in and out, and discussing strategy. A few gave us odd looks, but no one stopped or questioned us. Lissa and I slid onto a small sofa to listen to a conversation my mother was having. She stood with a group of guardians, one of whom was Dimitri. So much for avoiding him. His brown eyes glanced at me briefly and I averted my gaze. I didn't want to deal with my troubled feelings for him right now. Lissa and I soon discerned the details. Eight Moroi had been killed along with their five guardians. Three Moroi were missing, either dead or turned Strigoi. The attack hadn't really happened near here; it had been somewhere in northern California. Nonetheless, a tragedy like this couldn't help but reverberate within the Moroi world, and for some, two states away was far too close. People were terrified, and I soon learned what in particular made this attack so notable. â€Å"There had to be more than last time,† said my mother. â€Å"More?† exclaimed one of the other guardians. â€Å"That last group was unheard of. I still can't believe nine Strigoi managed to work together- you expect me to believe they managed to get more organized still?† â€Å"Yes,† snapped my mother. â€Å"Any evidence of humans?† someone else asked. My mother hesitated, then: â€Å"Yes. More broken wards. And the way it was all conducted†¦it's identical to the Badica attack.† Her voice was hard, but there was a kind of weariness in it, too. It wasn't physical exhaustion, though. It was mental, I realized. Strain and hurt over what they were talking about. I always thought of my mother as some sort of unfeeling killing machine, but this was clearly hard for her. It was a hard, ugly matter to discuss- but at the same time, she was tackling it without hesitation. It was her duty. A lump formed in my throat that I quickly swallowed down. Humans. Identical to the Badica attack. Ever since that massacre, we'd extensively analyzed the oddity of such a large group of Strigoi teaming up and recruiting humans. We'd spoken in vague terms about â€Å"if something like this ever happens again †¦Ã¢â‚¬  But no one had seriously talked about this group- the Badica killers- doing it again. One time was a fluke- maybe a bunch of Strigoi had happened to gather and impulsively decided to go on a raid. It was horrible, but we could write that off. But now†¦now it looked as though that group of Strigoi hadn't been a random occurrence. They'd united with purpose, utilized humans strategically, and had attacked again. We now had what could be a pattern: Strigoi actively seeking out large groups of prey. Serial killings. We could no longer trust the protective magic of the wards. We couldn't even trust sunlight. Humans could move around in the day, scouting and sabotaging. The light was no longer safe. I remembered what I'd said to Dimitri at the Badica house: This changes everything, doesn't it? My mother flipped through some papers on a clipboard. â€Å"They don't have forensic details yet, but the same number of Strigoi couldn't have done this. None of the Drozdovs or their staff escaped. With five guardians, seven Strigoi would have been preoccupied- at least temporarily- for some to escape. We're looking at nine or ten, maybe.† â€Å"Janine's right,† said Dimitri. â€Å"And if you look at the venue†¦it's too big. Seven couldn't have covered it.† The Drozdovs were one of the twelve royal families. They were large and prosperous, not like Lissa's dying clan. They had plenty of family members to go around, but obviously, an attack like this was still horrible. Furthermore, something about them tickled my brain. There was something I should remember †¦ something I should know about the Drozdovs. While part of my mind puzzled that out, I watched my mother with fascination. I'd listened to her tell her stories. I'd seen and felt her fight. But really, truly, I'd never seen her in action in a real-life crisis. She showed every bit of that hard control she did around me, but here, I could see how necessary it was. A situation like this created panic. Even among the guardians, I could sense those who were so keyed up that they wanted to do something drastic. My mother was a voice of reason, a reminder that they had to stay focused and fully assess the situation. Her composure calmed everybody; her strong manner inspired them. This, I realized, was how a leader behaved. Dimitri was just as collected as she was, but he deferred to her to run things. I had to remind myself sometimes that he was young as far as guardians went. They discussed the attack more, how the Drozdovs had been having a belated Christmas party in a banquet hall when they were attacked. â€Å"First Badicas, now Drozdovs,† muttered one guardian. â€Å"They're going after royals.† â€Å"They're going after Moroi,† said Dimitri flatly. â€Å"Royal. Non-royal. It doesn't matter.† Royal. Non-royal. I suddenly knew why the Drozdovs were important. My spontaneous instincts wanted me to jump up and ask a question right now, but I knew better. This was the real deal. This was no time for irrational behavior. I wanted to be as strong as my mother and Dimitri, so I waited for the discussion to end. When the group started to break up, I leapt up off the sofa and pushed my way toward my mother. â€Å"Rose,† she said, surprised. Like in Stan's class, she hadn't noticed me in the room. â€Å"What are you doing here?† It was such a stupid question, I didn't try to answer it. What did she think I was doing here? This was one of the biggest things to happen to the Moroi. I pointed to her clipboard. â€Å"Who else was killed?† Irritation wrinkled her forehead. â€Å"Drozdovs.† â€Å"But who else?† â€Å"Rose, we don't have time- â€Å" â€Å"They had staff, right? Dimitri said non-royals. Who were they?† Again, I saw the weariness in her. She took these deaths hard. â€Å"I don't know all the names.† Flipping through a few pages, she turned the clipboard toward me. â€Å"There.† I scanned the list. My heart sank. â€Å"Okay,† I told her. â€Å"Thanks.† Lissa and I left them to go about their business. I wished I could have helped, but the guardians ran smoothly and efficiently on their own; they had no need for novices underfoot. â€Å"What was that about?† asked Lissa, once we were heading back to the main part of the lodge. â€Å"The Drozdovs' staff,† I said. â€Å"Mia's mom worked for them†¦.† Lissa gasped. â€Å"And?† I sighed. â€Å"And her name was on the list.† â€Å"Oh God.† Lissa stopped walking. She stared off into space, blinking back tears. â€Å"Oh God,† she repeated. I moved in front of her and placed my hands on her shoulders. She was shaking. â€Å"It's okay,† I said. Her fear came to me in waves, but it was a numbed fear. Shock. â€Å"This is going to be okay.† â€Å"You heard them,† she said. â€Å"There's a band of Strigoi organizing and attacking us! How many? Are they coming here?† â€Å"No,† I said firmly. I had no evidence of that, of course. â€Å"We're safe here.† â€Å"Poor Mia †¦Ã¢â‚¬  There was nothing I could say to that. I thought Mia was an absolute bitch, but I wouldn't wish this on anyone, not even my worst enemy- which, technically, she was. Immediately, I corrected that thought. Mia wasn't my worst enemy. I couldn't bear to leave Lissa's side for the rest of the day. I knew there were no Strigoi lurking in the lodge, but my protective instincts ran too strong. Guardians protected their Moroi. Like usual, I also worried about her being anxious and upset, so I did my best to diffuse those feelings. The other guardians provided reassurance for Moroi too. They didn't walk side by side with the Moroi, but they reinforced lodge security and stayed in constant communication with guardians at the scene of the attack. Information flowed in all day about the grisly specifics, as well as speculation about where the band of Strigoi was. Little of this was shared with novices, of course. While the guardians did what they did best, the Moroi also did what they- unfortunately- did best: talk. With so many royals and other important Moroi at the lodge, a meeting was organized that night to discuss what had happened and what might be done in the future. Nothing official would be decided here; the Moroi had a queen and a governing council elsewhere for those types of decisions. Everyone knew, though, that opinions gathered here would make their way up the chain of command. Our future safety could very well depend on what was discussed in this meeting. It was held in an enormous banquet hall inside the lodge, one with a podium and plenty of seating. Despite the businesslike atmosphere, you could tell this room had been designed for things other than meetings about massacres and defense. The carpet had the texture of velvet and showed an ornate floral design in shades of silver and black. The chairs were made of black polished wood and had high backs, clearly intended for fancy dining. Paintings of long-dead Moroi royalty hung on the walls. I stared briefly at one of a queen whose name I didn't know. She wore an old-fashioned dress- too heavy on lace for my tastes- and had pale hair like Lissa's. Some guy I didn't know was in charge of moderating and stood at the podium. Most of the royals on hand gathered at the front of the room. Everyone else, including students, took seats wherever they could. Christian and Mason had found Lissa and me by that point, and we all started to sit in the back when Lissa suddenly shook her head. â€Å"I'm going to sit in the front.† The three of us stared at her. I was too dumbfounded to probe her mind. â€Å"Look.† She pointed. â€Å"The royals are sitting up there, sitting by family.† It was true. Members of the same clans had clustered near each other: Badicas, Ivashkovs, Zekloses, etc. Tasha sat there as well, but she was by herself. Christian was the only other Ozera there. â€Å"I need to be up there,† said Lissa. â€Å"No one expects you to be there,† I told her. â€Å"I have to represent the Dragomirs.† Christian scoffed. â€Å"It's all a bunch of royal bullshit.† Her face set into a determined expression. â€Å"I need to be up there.† I opened myself up to Lissa's feelings and liked what I found. She'd spent most of the day quiet and afraid, much as she had when we'd found out about Mia's mom. That fear was within her still, but it was overpowered by a steady confidence and determination. She recognized that she was one of the ruling Moroi, and as much as the idea of roving bands of Strigoi scared her, she wanted to do her part. â€Å"You should do it,† I said softly. I also liked the idea of her defying Christian. Lissa met my eyes and smiled. She knew what I had sensed. A moment later, she turned to Christian. â€Å"You should join your aunt.† Christian opened his mouth to protest. If not for the horribleness of the situation, seeing Lissa order him around would have been funny. He was always stubborn and difficult; those who tried to push him didn't succeed. Watching his face, I saw the same realization I'd had about Lissa come over him. He liked seeing her strong too. He pressed his lips together in a grimace. â€Å"Okay.† He caught her hand, and the two of them walked off toward the front. Mason and I sat down. Just before things started, Dimitri sat down on the other side of me, hair tied behind his neck and the leather coat draping around him as he settled in the chair. I glanced at him in surprise but said nothing. There were few guardians at this gathering; most were too busy doing damage control. It would figure. There I was, stuck between both of my men. The meeting kicked off shortly thereafter. Everyone was eager to talk about how they thought the Moroi should be saved, but really, two theories got the most attention. â€Å"The answer's all around us,† said one royal, once he'd been given leave to speak. He stood by his chair and looked around the room. â€Å"Here. In places like this lodge. And St. Vladimir's. We send our children to safe places, places where they have safety in numbers and can be easily guarded. And look how many of us made it here, children and adults alike. Why don't we live this way all the time?† â€Å"Plenty of us already do,† someone shouted back. The man waved that off. â€Å"A couple of families here and there. Or a town with a large Moroi population. But those Moroi are still decentralized. Most don't pool their resources- their guardians, their magic. If we could emulate this model†¦Ã¢â‚¬  He spread his hands out. â€Å"†¦ we'd never have to worry about Strigoi again.† â€Å"And Moroi could never interact with the rest of the world again,† I muttered. â€Å"Well, until humans discovered secret vampire cities sprouting up in the wilderness. Then we'd have lots of interactions.† The other theory about how to protect the Moroi involved fewer logistical problems but had greater personal impact- particularly for me. â€Å"The problem is simply that we don't have enough guardians.† This plan's advocate was some woman from the Szelsky clan. â€Å"And so, the answer is simple: get more. The Drozdovs had five guardians, and that wasn't enough. Only six to protect over a dozen Moroi! That's unacceptable. It's no wonder these kinds of things keep happening.† â€Å"Where do you propose getting more guardians from?† asked the man who'd been in favor of Moroi banding together. â€Å"They're kind of a limited resource.† She pointed to where I and a few other novices sat. â€Å"We've got plenty already. I've watched them train. They're deadly. Why are we waiting until they turn eighteen? If we accelerated the training program and focused more on combat training than bookwork, we could turn out new guardians when they're sixteen.† Dimitri made a sound low in his throat that didn't seem happy. Leaning forward, he placed his elbows on his knees and rested his chin in his hands, eyes narrowed in thought. â€Å"Not only that, we have plenty of potential guardians going to waste. Where are all the dhampir women? Our races are intertwined. The Moroi are doing their part to help the dhampirs survive. Why aren't these women doing theirs? Why aren't they here?† A long, sultry laugh came as an answer. All eyes turned toward Tasha Ozera. Whereas many of the other royals had dressed up, she was easy and casual. She wore her usual jeans, a white tank top that showed a bit of midriff, and a blue, lacy knit cardigan that came to her knees. Glancing at the moderator, she asked, â€Å"May I?† He nodded. The Szelsky woman sat down; Tasha stood up. Unlike the other speakers, she strode right up to the podium, so she could be clearly seen by everyone. Her glossy black hair was pulled back into a ponytail, completely exposing her scars in a way I suspected was intentional. Her face was bold and defiant. Beautiful. â€Å"Those women aren't here, Monica, because they're too busy raising their children- you know, the ones you want to start sending out to the fronts as soon as they can walk. And please don't insult us all by acting like the Moroi do a huge favor to the dhampirs by helping them reproduce. Maybe it's different in your family, but for the rest of us, sex is fun. The Moroi doing it with dhampirs aren't really making that big of a sacrifice.† Dimitri had straightened up now, his expression no longer angry. Probably he was excited that his new girlfriend had mentioned sex. Irritation shot through me, and I hoped that if I had a homicidal look on my face, people would assume it was for Strigoi and not the woman currently addressing us. Beyond Dimitri, I suddenly noticed Mia sitting by herself, farther down the row. I hadn't realized she was here. She was slumped in her seat. Her eyes were red-rimmed, her face paler than usual. A funny ache burned in my chest, one I'd never expected her to bring about. â€Å"And the reason we're waiting for these guardians to turn eighteen is so that we can allow them to enjoy some pretense of a life before forcing them to spend the rest of their days in constant danger. They need those extra years to develop mentally as well as physically. Pull them out before they're ready, treat them like they're parts on an assembly line- and you're just creating Strigoi fodder.† A few people gasped at Tasha's callous choice of words, but she succeeded in getting everyone's attention. â€Å"You create more fodder still if you try making the other dhampir women become guardians. You can't force them into that life if they don't want it. This entire plan of yours to get more guardians relies on throwing children and the unwilling into harm's way, just so you can- barely- stay one step ahead of the enemy. I would have said it's the stupidest plan I've ever heard, if I hadn't already had to listen to his.† She pointed at the first speaker, the one who had wanted Moroi compounds. Embarrassment clouded his features. â€Å"Enlighten us then, Natasha,† he said. â€Å"Tell us what you think we should do, seeing as you have so much experience with Strigoi.† A thin smile played on Tasha's lips, but she didn't rise to the insult. â€Å"What do I think?† She strode closer to the stage's front, gazing at us as she answered his question. â€Å"I think we should stop coming up with plans that involve us relying on someone or something to protect us. You think there are too few guardians? That's not the problem. The problem is there are too many Strigoi. And we've let them multiply and become more powerful because we do nothing about them except have stupid arguments like this. We run and hide behind the dhampirs and let the Strigoi go unchecked. It's our fault. We are the reason those Drozdovs died. You want an army? Well, here we are. Dhampirs aren't the only ones who can learn to fight. The question, Monica, isn't where the dhampir women are in this fight. The question is: Where are we?† Tasha was shouting by now, and the exertion turned her cheeks pink. Her eyes shone with her impassioned feelings, and when combined with the rest of her pretty features- and even with the scar- she made a striking figure. Most people couldn't take their eyes off her. Lissa watched Tasha with wonder, inspired by her words. Mason looked hypnotized. Dimitri looked impressed. And farther past him †¦ Farther past him was Mia. Mia no longer hunched in her chair. She was sitting up straight, straight as a stick, her eyes as wide as they could go. She stared at Tasha as though she alone held all the answers to life. Monica Szelsky looked less awed, and she fixed her gaze on Tasha. â€Å"Surely you aren't suggesting the Moroi fight alongside the guardians when the Strigoi come?† Tasha regarded her levelly. â€Å"No. I'm suggesting the Moroi and the guardians go fight the Strigoi before they come.† A guy in his twenties who looked like a Ralph Lauren spokesmodel shot up. I would have wagered money he was royal. No one else could have afforded blond highlights that perfect. He untied an expensive sweater from around his waist and draped it over the back of his chair. â€Å"Oh,† he said in a mocking voice, speaking out of turn. â€Å"So, you're going to just give us clubs and stakes and send us off to do battle?† Tasha shrugged. â€Å"If that's what it takes, Andrew, then sure.† A sly smile crossed her pretty lips. â€Å"But there are other weapons we can learn to use, too. Ones the guardians can't.† The look on his face showed how insane he thought that idea was. He rolled his eyes. â€Å"Oh yeah? Like what?† Her smile turned into a full-fledged grin. â€Å"Like this.† She waved her hand, and the sweater he'd placed on the back of his chair burst into flames. He yelped in surprise and knocked it to the floor, stamping it out with his feet. There was a brief, collective intake of breath throughout the room. And then †¦ chaos broke out.