Wednesday, August 26, 2020

Change Management in Organization

Question: Change the board in the advanced organisation.One of the later issues in the executives is job of progress the board in authoritative viability. You are to embrace a writing survey talking about the effect of progress the board on hierarchical viability. Answer: Theoretical It tends to be suggested that the convincing control of progress is critical to any relationship to live and be profitable in the present uncommonly solid and constantly changing business condition. In any case, musings and techniques to change control at present accessible to educators and managers are regularly opposite, by and large missing analytical certification and supported by unchallenged speculations concerning the characteristics of cutting edge different leveled change control. The clarification behind this substance is, in this way, to give a vital evaluation of a distribution of the standard considerations and systems to dynamic change control as an essential early on move towards building a substitute structure for managing change. The substance shows with proposition for additional examination. Presentation Change control has been portrayed as the strategy of diligently reestablishing a connection's course, structure, and capacities to offer the continually indicating hints of progress needs of inside and outside customers (Moran, 2001). As per (Burnes, 2004), change is an ever-present constraint of different leveled life, both at an utilitarian and perfect level. Along these lines, there ought to be without a doubt concerning the centrality to any relationship of its capacity to see where it should be later on, and how to deal with the developments assumed arriving. Therefore, different leveled change can't be isolated from authentic structure, or the reverse way around (Rieley, 2001). Considering the nuts and bolts of different leveled change, its control is changing into an incredibly obliged managing bowed (Senior, 2010). (Graetz, 2000), goes the degree that exhibiting against a foundation of overhauling globalization, deregulation, the quick speed of building, a making learning wor kers, and moving social and business fragment styles, few would strife that the rule procedure for control today is the association of dynamic change. Since the need for change reliably is unexpected, it will in general be delicate, broken, spontaneous and as a rule built up by a circumstance of conclusive issues (Nelson, 2003). In spite of the way that the productive control of headway is support as a need to live and be fit in the present to a remarkable degree amazing and constantly adjusting condition (Luecke, 2003). (Balogun, 2008), audit a falling level proportion of around 70% all change adventures began. It might be suggested that this deficient achievement all out shows a fundamental nonappearance of an ensured game plan of how to apply and deal with dynamic change as what is at present accessible to teachers and managers is a mixed pack of backwards and tangled contemplations and frameworks. Setting Due to making of globalization, improvement progression, and business joining, change is these days change into a segregating bit of each relationship to live in changing business condition. To deal with the change, change control is required in progressing for both business and individual stage to complete future required change (Hughes, 2006). Change at business stage is imperative to procedure which will the big deal bearing and exercises. In making persuading affiliation technique, both inner and outside environmental factors must be thought of. Right when the system has been changed as adjusting to changing inside and outside environmental factors, flawless change is must be used as a piece of progress control to be able to adjust change to made procedure. As individual change is basic bit of affiliation change, change control should be gotten a handle on at singular stage to be able to start the change and thus get gainful affiliation change. As change expert anticipate danger of acknowledging change, they have to have away from of flawless change thought including change models, techniques and devices to be able to execute change authentically. As far as possible required for change vendor are reasonable limit with regards to dissecting change conditions, critical and major hypothesis limits for sifting through the conditions base on criticalness, and execution, relational and influencing limits for applying change to basic individuals in the affiliation. In like manner, care is also essential for change master to fathom the need of headway from affiliation point of view rather they could call their own particular knowledge and experience (Balogun, 2008). The early strategies and considerations to authentic change control recommended that affiliations couldn't be productive or upgrade ability in the event that they were never stop. It was embraced that people need exercises to be able and arranged to improve ability. By the by, it is correct presently prescribed that it is major to affiliations that people have the breaking point experience relentless change. While (Luecke, 2003) shows that a condition of propelling change can change into a plan in its own particular right, (Leifer, 1989) translates change as a trademark traditional technique response to inside and environmental conditions. The chance of partner is to help the perfect control inside affiliations. As to change methods, partners are both the individuals who are had with assurance about change and the individuals who are influenced by the change (Mainardes, 2011). The partners that were engaged with the change exertion are seen through standards. In any case, the laborers of the affiliation are the inside clients, as the social and specific changes issue them. The application and parts improvement prompted better system and execution of machine and responds in due order regarding the association's clients. Second, it is of high tremendousness to see the stars that drive the business change. For the conditions that the article takes a gander at, the significant stars were the connection's HR boss who was made sure about with social changes, ten specialists of the IT approaches division who made the application and bits up-dates conceivable and two outside experts. Third, draw in is the individual that gives the money related reward to the change wander and impacts choosing (Thornhill, 2000). Rising strategy to change is begun from simultaneous in meeting desires and unanticipated condition without past purposely engineering. It is beneficial to relationship as change can be related in shorter timespan and more liquid in meeting desires framework than made method. Contain made system should be managed out various stages and base on social occasion execution. In this manner, in condition, for example, money related emergency that fast change is required, exude strategy is increasingly reasonable for applying adjust. Regardless, for some situation, climbing system has limitation on valuable bother considering insecurity of creating fragments, unfortunate insufficiency of control association and dissatisfaction of execution from nonappearance of use twisted. By return, managed methodology stores up its obstacle on unfortunate inadequacy of control association as its control is never going to budge from start to finish. While extend thought and assembling attributes used to a ssess change, drive and upkeep of open get-together, improvement assessment and three stop plans of progress which are unfreezing, learning, and refreezing, team up to adjust of open assembling direct and cause reliable to modify. Sorted out structure is fitting for affiliation structure change as opposed to making framework (Chris, 2009). Hypothesis and Analysis As for mentioned by degree there is less stirred up doubts as there is from each edge some more extensive agreement. As per (Dunphy, 1993), change saw by degree can be isolated into four distinct attributes: tweaking, coordinated adjustment, flip modification, and business similarity. Tweaking, for the most part called concurrent change, lights up dynamic change as a persevering framework to sort out the connection's system, systems, individuals and structure. It is commonly appeared at a retail or divisional degree of the affiliation. The motivation driving tweaking is, as per (Dunphy, 1993), to make operators proposed for the current structure, joining frameworks and make fit models to develop entirety and mindfulness concerning cost and quality, and improve rules, methodology and systems. Besides, the changing should refresh both individual and party obligation to the method of sections and the association's stopping point, clarify developed positions, and upgrade trust in confirm ed standards, models, and misinterpretations. As indicated by (Senior, 2010), sorted out change unites novel blends to association techniques and dynamic structures, anyway dismisses inconceivable change. Restricted change can't avoid being change seen by veritable changes of one or two or three segments or regions. In spite of efficient change this change can be dazzling. Then again, it focuses on a touch of an affiliation instead of on the relationship with everything considered. On the off chance that the change is wide and sorted out by dazzling groupings in the business system it is portrayed as business modification. As exhibited by (Dunphy, 1993) structures of this kind of progression can be adjustment, similarity of affiliations styles, cool different leveled goal and key models, and changed force and position. This assessment has focused on sagacious works relating especially to conclusive change. There is a wide gathering of work that investigations social change all the more for the most part. Of course, it is fundamental to take note of a couple of key parts from that evaluation that are appropriate to the I

Saturday, August 22, 2020

Advertisement Analysis job for keen young school leavers Free Essays

1) The notice utilizes a couple of techniques to draw in individuals to the activity. In the include it is referenced that they are searching for â€Å"keen youthful school leavers†, as there are many school graduates who are searching for a vocation, particularly an occupation where the â€Å"starting pay is BD 5,000 ascending to BD 9,000†. In the advertisement it is additionally referenced that â€Å"opportunities for advancement are available†. We will compose a custom article test on Commercial Analysis: work for sharp youthful school leavers or on the other hand any comparable theme just for you Request Now 2) An adaptable up-and-comer would be expected to fill the activity in Awali clinic just as any emergency clinic, since consistent consideration is required with the goal that the patients can get the most ideal treatment. the expert would be expected to ‘hook up’ or fix clinical and different kinds of gear, similar to x-beam machines or even lights. 3) We had as a primary concern numerous choices for distributing the advertisement. We considered placing the promotion in specific occupations magazines yet in the wake of directing a little poll at some point in the past we found that the Gulf Daily News was the most understood paper, and was perused by numerous understudies which was the intended interest group. 4) We requested that the candidates compose an application structure just as sending a supporting letter to show how much the candidate really needs the activity and furthermore to dissect the applicant’s English capacity and standard. Additionally you can peruse Analysis July at the Multiplex 5) A proper meeting s not adequate to test all the needed data, that’s why we decided to test the candidates, we can likewise plan the test to test them on anything we believe we need to test them on. 6) We issue a lot of terms and conditions to our staff already to ensure that they completely comprehend the clinic arrangement and can consider a portion of the advantages, for example, â€Å"sickness advantage scheme† which will be a special reward. Additionally, workers realize how long occasion they get in a year and close to what we have uncommonly conceded to. 7) Our representatives have joined an association which exists to speak to and secure the interests of the their individuals, and to offer guidance and data on an entire scope of issues, for example, pay, annuity, wiped out compensation, conditions, occasions, hours, redundancies, preparing, wellbeing and security and changes in the working practices. The enormous bit of leeway for a laborer is that an association can partake in â€Å"collective bargaining† this is the point at which the association implies the representative and offers to haggle with the business, talking about any uncertain issues in the work environment. Peruse also Case 302 July in Multiplex 8) We stress our standards of equivalent open doors in our advert to point and give all people indistinguishable rights and openings paying little mind to what their identity is. Moreover, we expected to follow the Sex and Discrimination Act which forestalls any sex separation in the work place. We likewise follow the Race Relations Act that was passed in 1976 under this demonstration nobody ought to be victimized their race. We additionally follow the Disability Discrimination Act which was passed in 1995 generally, we trust in equivalent rights accordingly we will take anybody, any race, any sex, regardless of whether impaired or not as long as they are committed to the activity. The most effective method to refer to Advertisement Analysis: work for sharp youthful school leavers, Papers

Wednesday, August 19, 2020

How to Excel at Small Talk

How to Excel at Small Talk Small talk can be a surprisingly difficult conversation form to master. Yet, it is important, as you can’t get away with it in your professional or personal life. You can save many situations simply by being able to strike a light-hearted conversation with another person. © Shutterstock.com | Robert KneschkeBut what is small talk all about and could it provide you with some real benefits? This guide will answer those questions and give you tips on how to excel at small talk by focusing on the right tactics and avoiding the common mistakes.WHAT IS SMALL TALK AND WHY DOES IT MATTER?Small talk is a term that can cause quite a bit of unease in some people. It’s also a topic that has created countless blog posts, guides and you can even take courses on it in order to master it.The Oxford Dictionary definition of small talk states:“Polite conversation about unimportant or uncontroversial matters, especially as engaged in on social occasions”It is a light conversation, typically with strangers and casual acquaintances, that doesn’t require a specific purpose or end goal. If you’ve ever been to a party, then you’ve most likely engaged in small talk.It could be argued small talk is one of life’s essential survival skills. While it can strike fea r in the hearts of many, mastering this skill has plenty of benefits.The benefits of small talkIf you consider small talk as a mindless activity, which isn’t something you should focus on excelling, you might want to check out the below benefits. This humble skill can surprise you with its amazing, almost life-changing, abilities.Helps you make a good impressionFirst of all, a person who knows how to small talk will leave a much better impression than someone who can’t keep a conversation going. Humans are social animals and the ability to socialise with others with ease will make others feel more at ease as well.Small talk tells people you are smart, approachable and friendly. You can think about the acquaintances you’ve met. Were the ones you found friendly and nice also the ones who could keep the conversation flowing?Boost your careerBecause you can give a better impression of yourself and come across as approachable, the ability to small talk can also boost your career.A simple small talk at a business seminar or even a party will create an impression of you for the other person and leave a lasting memory of you to their minds. This impression can pop into their head when they are looking for a new business connection or even an employee.Small talk is essentially an aspect of networking. You never know which connections you make end up being beneficial in the future.Gives you new ideasSmall talk can even enhance your creativity. Even when you aren’t engaged in a deep conversation, you are still using your brain and dealing with people who might think of things differently.The ability to keep the conversation flowing will boost your creativity, which in turn can help you discover new ideas and ways of thinking about things. Small talk can even be a great way to get your mind off things during a busy workday!Improves your ability to solve problemsUniversity of Michigan’s study has even found that people who are good at small talk are also better a t problem solving. Because you need to adapt to the other person’s way of talking, your brain gets better at thinking things from a different angle.Makes you feel betterSince humans are social beings, little social interactions can have a huge impact on our mood. Talking to other people for a moment can in fact make you feel happier. Small talk also has the benefit of being quite light â€" you don’t need to share deep personal beliefs, but can just enjoy the other person’s company and smile.TRICKS FOR CRACKING THE ART OF SMALL TALKWhile small talk is an essential part of life, it is by no means easy. Even though you aren’t sharing deep, thoughtful ideas, striking a conversation over nothing can actually be a lot harder. The good news is that there are clever ways you can crack the art of small talk.Be preparedJust like many things in life, excelling at small talk is all about preparation. If you have a plan and strategy to follow, you are more likely to feel relaxed and give a better impression to the other person.Do some appropriate preparations, depending on the situation where you are likely to have to make small talk. For example, if you are going to a party, you’d want to think about your connection with the host. This way, you can use it as an icebreaker when meeting new people.If you are going to an event, where you are likely to meet acquaintances you have met previously, it’s important to try remembering a few things about the person. For example, try to think whether they had any children or their profession, so that you can impress them by asking a casual question on these topics.You should also think a list of subjects you’d like to talk about and think about these before small talk situations. For example, try answering questions such as:What are your hobbies?What is your relation to the people at the event?Where have you been travelling recently or have you participated in an interesting event?These can give you plenty of talking po ints and they can easily direct the discussion further.Overall, you want to try to stay on top of current events as much as possible. While you’ll see later that certain topics should not be discussed during small talk, you want to know some fun and interesting cultural events that have happened.If you read newspapers, online blogs and generally pay attention to the world around you, you’ll be more prepared and able to talk about a wide range of subjects.Train your brainGet your brain more used to small talk by actively engaging it in the process. If you never go out of your comfort zone, you’ll never be able to improve your ability to do something different.With a bit of practice, you can ensure your brain goes into automatic gear as soon as you are faced with a small talk situation. By preparing and practicing small talk, you can guarantee the responses and questions come automatically to you.For example, practice certain conversation starters and questions before hand in fr ont of the mirror. If you are very scared of talking with strangers, try having small talk discussions with your friends and family.In addition, memory can be a big part of a successful small talk. You can probably think of a time when the person introduced himself to you and just five minutes later, you have no idea who he is.Studies have highlighted the benefits of different memory games â€" you can even find a name remembering game app for your phone! When you are in a situation where you hear a new name, as soon as you hear the name, repeat it in your head a few times. Saying the name in your head five times, for instance, can ensure it gets stuck in your head better. If the name is rather difficult, you can always say to the person:“It was xx, right? Just want to make sure I pronounce it right, a beautiful name â€"xx â€" does it have a special origin or a meaning?”See what just happened? Not only did you say the name aloud twice, you also threw in a beautiful conversation s tarter!Finally, if you do forget a name, just confess! It isn’t such a big deal.Don’t be afraid of the silenceOne of the things most people find most frightening about small talk is the occasional silence. Silence might seem like a sign of a dying conversation, but it isn’t necessarily.First, you shouldn’t try to jump in too quickly to fill a silent space. People take different times to respond and that short silence might just be your conversation partner analysing what to say next. So, always try to count to ten in your head before you start going on.Sometimes, the other person might just feel like getting out of the conversation, for whatever reason. Don’t force another person to talk with you. If you feel like they want to move on, allow them by either giving them space to say they are going or by suggesting yourself that you should move on.Try to focus on the signals, you can usually tell, if the other person doesn’t know what to say or if they want to leave. If you feel they aren’t sure what to say, but would like to continue talking, take the initiative.If a certain topic is drying out and the silences are becoming too common, don’t be afraid to change the topic. There’s nothing wrong with jumping from one topic to another during small talk.For example, if you’ve been talking about your professions for a while, but there’s not much more to say, you can go “Yes, I enjoy working there a lot, have you been to that part of the town yourself? There are plenty of great restaurants”. This offers you a way to change subjects and the person is provided with two topics to talk about. They can either talk about the area or even the restaurants and favourite foods in more specific.Above all, the transition doesn’t need to be smooth. The other person is likely just going to feel relieved you were able to come up with a new topic, they won’t mind whether it has nothing to do with what you just talked about!Reduce your anxietyIf the idea of small talk causes your hands to sweat, there are ways to try to reduce your anxiety. The more comfortable and relaxed you feel, the better the conversation will flow.First, you shouldn’t have too many expectations about each conversation. While there are benefits to small talk that could see your career lift off, not every conversation is going to create a long-lasting connection. If you just take the conversation as a fun way to lift your spirits, you won’t feel too nervous.You don’t need to feel like you need to perform or give out a certain impression. Try to be yourself and to enjoy the situation. If something big comes out of it, it’ll just be a bonus. Small talk is not a job interview!Remember you aren’t the only person in the conversation â€" it isn’t solely your responsibility to make it work. While you want to take the initiative, you don’t need to feel like it’s your fault if the discussion ends short. Some people will like you and some people won’t †" don’t be too hung up on it!THE SMALL TALK MISTAKES YOU MUST AVOIDMastering the art of small talk is not only about doing the right things. If you want to excel, you also need to avoid making mistakes. Here are the most important small talk mistakes you should avoid in order to improve your conversation skills.Talking, but not listeningSmall talk is not just about the ability to talk, but also to ability to listen. When it comes to listening, there are two important things to keep in mind.First, you won’t give a very good impression of yourself, if you are the only person talking. You don’t want the conversation to be all about you. How will you get anything out of the conversation, if you are the only one talking?When you are having a conversation with someone, make sure to include enough questions and talking points aimed at the other person. If they ask about your last holiday, don’t go into a ten-minute rant. Provide a few details and ask follow-up questions or allow th e other person to step in with their own stories as well.Second related point deals with the way you listen. Listening isn’t just about shutting up. When the other person talks, pay attention to it and when it’s your turn, grab onto a point they made or a thing they said. This shows them you care and creates an impression that you aren’t just wasting the other person’s time. As mentioned above, you can always learn from the other person, so pay attention to what they are saying.Bringing up the so-called heavy subjectsThe definition of small talk says the conversation should be polite and rather light. This means certain topics are out of the question. Small talk is not about finding out the meaning of life or sharing your political opinions in-depth; it is a casual conversation, which could lead to a relationship, where deeper conversations will occur.There are certain topics you need to avoid bringing up and which you don’t need to engage in, even if the other person brin gs them up. These are those of politics, race and ethnicity, sexuality and religion.Small talk is all about creating that uplifting and positive mood. Unfortunately, the topics mentioned above can too easily cause arguments and bad mood, as they are rather divisive and personal.If the other person makes a remark you find too personal, you can gently steer the conversation away from it. For example, “Oh it’s nice you are involved with the local church, so do you have any other hobbies? I’m personally so into golf these days!”Furthermore, don’t ask anything too personal, as you never know whether the person is comfortable discussing certain topics. If you unintentionally bring up a tough topic, apologize, say something polite about the person and change the subject.Furthermore, avoiding personal topics doesn’t of course mean you can’t show some personality. You don’t need to share your life story in full detail, but do open the window to your personality. If you’ve d one interesting things, then share them in a positive way.Failing to make a connectionPeople often make the mistake of treating small talk as mindless chitchat. While you aren’t going to share your inner thoughts, you still shouldn’t treat the conversation as a means to kill time.You want to come out of the conversation having gained something. This doesn’t mean it needs to be something life changing, but treat each conversation as an opportunity to learn.This could just be information and new ideas. Perhaps, the other person will tell you about a great new book to read, a play you should go see or a holiday destination you should definitely visit. You might even simply learn how interesting cooking could be!On the other hand, you might get along with the other person well and you should jump in on the opportunity to make a connection. You never know if you are talking to your future boss or spouse.Whatever the conversation is about, don’t fail to use it for making a connect ion!Forgetting about your body language Finally, don’t forget that only 35% of our communication is verbal and the rest is non-verbal. When you engage in small talk it doesn’t just matter what you say, but what you are ‘saying’ with your body language during the conversation.Your body language involves things such as gestures, facial expression and your posture. By standing or sitting straight, with a smile on your face, you can give out a much better impression and show the other person you are paying attention. If you are fidgeting with your phone and looking elsewhere in the room when the person talks, they’ll feel like you don’t care.Your body language is especially important during small talk. Since you are talking to a person you don’t know very well, and about topics that are supposed to be positive, you can’t give mixed signals with your body.Try to relax your body, maintain a calm and positive body posture and look the person you are talking with directly in the eyes. Remember to smile and don’t get too touchy with them.

Sunday, May 24, 2020

Epicurus His Philosophy of Pleasure

Wisdom hasnt come a step further since Epicurus but has often gone many thousands of steps backwards.​Friedrich Nietzsche About Epicurus Epicurus (341-270 B.C.) was born in Samos and died in Athens. He studied at Platos Academy when it was run by Xenocrates. Later, when he joined his family on Colophon, Epicurus studied under Nausiphanes, who introduced him to the philosophy of Democritus. In 306/7 Epicurus bought a house in Athens. It was in its garden that he taught his philosophy. Epicurus and his followers, who included slaves and women, secluded themselves from the life of the city. The Virtue of Pleasure Epicurus and his philosophy of pleasure have been controversial for over 2000 years. One reason is our tendency to reject pleasure as a moral good. We usually think of charity, compassion, humility, wisdom, honor, justice, and other virtues as morally good, while pleasure is, at best, morally neutral, but for Epicurus, behavior in pursuit of pleasure assured an upright life. It is impossible to live a pleasant life without living wisely and honorably and justly, and it is impossible to live wisely and honorably and justly without living pleasantly. Whenever any one of these is lacking, when, for instance, the man is not able to live wisely, though he lives honorably and justly, it is impossible for him to live a pleasant life.Epicurus, from Principal Doctrines Hedonism and Ataraxia Hedonism (a life devoted to pleasure) is what many of us think of when we hear Epicurus name, but ataraxia, the experience of optimal, enduring pleasure, is what we should associate with the atomist philosopher. Epicurus says we should not try to increase our pleasure beyond the point of maximum intensity. Think of it in terms of eating. If youre hungry, theres pain. If you eat to fill the hunger, you feel good and are behaving in accordance with Epicureanism. In contrast, if you gorge yourself, you experience pain, again. The magnitude of pleasure reaches its limit in the removal of all pain. When such pleasure is present, so long as it is uninterrupted, there is no pain either of body or of mind or of both together. Satiation According to Dr. J. Chander*, in his course notes on Stoicism and Epicureanism, for Epicurus, extravagance leads to pain, not pleasure. Therefore we should avoid extravagance. Sensual pleasures move us towards ataraxia, which is pleasing in itself. We should not pursue endless stimulation, but rather seek out enduring satiation. All desires that do not lead to pain when they remain unsatisfied are unnecessary, but the desire is easily got rid of, when the thing desired is difficult to obtain or the desires seem likely to produce harm. The Spread of Epicureanism According to The Intellectual Development and Spread of Epicureanism, Epicurus guaranteed the survival of his school (The Garden) in his will. Challenges from competing for Hellenistic philosophies, notably, Stoicism and Skepticism, spurred Epicureans to develop some of their doctrines in much greater detail, notably their epistemology and some of their ethical theories, especially their theories concerning friendship and virtue. Stranger, here you will do well to tarry; here our highest good is pleasure. The caretaker of that abode, a kindly host, will be ready for you; he will welcome you with bread, and serve you water also in abundance, with these words: Have you not been well entertained? This garden does not whet your appetite; but quenches it. Anti-Epicurean Cato In 155 B.C., Athens exported some of its leading philosophers to Rome, where Epicureanism, in particular, offended conservatives like Marcus Porcius Cato. Eventually, however, Epicureanism took root in Rome and can be found in the poets, Vergil (Virgil), Horace, and Lucretius. Pro-Epicurean Thomas Jefferson More recently, Thomas Jefferson was an Epicurean. In his 1819 Letter to William Short, Jefferson points up the shortcomings of other philosophies and the virtues of Epicureanism. The letter also contains a short Syllabus of the doctrines of Epicurus. Ancient Writers on the Topic of Epicureanism EpicurusDiogenes LaertiusLucretiusCiceroHoraceLucianCornelius NeposPlutarchSenecaLactantiusOrigen Sources David John Furley Epicurus Whos Who in the Classical World. Ed. Simon Hornblower and Tony Spawforth. Oxford University Press, 2000. Hedonism and the Happy Life: The Epicurean Theory of Pleasure, www.epicureans.org/intro.html Stoicism and Epicureanism, moon.pepperdine.edu/gsep/ class/ethics/stoicism/default.html

Wednesday, May 13, 2020

How to Help Australians in Poverty - 654 Words

Do any of you wake up one morning and not know if you’re going to be able to have a decent meal for the whole day? or not being able to have a shower and brush your teeth? What even being able to drink clean water? These questions may seem extreme or over the top, but it is a complete reality to those living under extreme poverty. According to research of the oxford dictionary , poverty is the state of being extremely poor. My goal here is to inform you about the main causes of poverty and what we can do here in Australia to help those in need. What are the causes of poverty? There is no one cause for poverty across the world. However, there are many components that contribute to poverty. One of those includes overpopulation, imagine living in the same house with 20 other people. There wouldn’t be much space to do anything, countries such as China and India have such an incredibly high population density that they don’t have the necessities to look after everyone. 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The largest gap in death rates between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians was in circulatory disease deaths (22% of the gap) followedRead MoreSummary Of Judith Wrights Boora Ring1484 Words   |  6 Pagesability to resonate overtime or make an immediate impact. The function of poetry is to give pleasure to the reader as well as to give the reader perspective on moral ideas. In Judith Wright’s ‘Bora Ring,’ published in 1946 we see a strong sense of the Australian identity and the fear that drove colonial Australia to mass genocide. In Grace Nichols’s ‘Price We Pay For The Sun,’ published in 1982 there is still similarity in the concerns some forty years later. We see that even in different generations andRead More1. Media Report. There Is A Lot Of Poverty Happening Around1363 Words   |  6 Pagesreport There is a lot of poverty happening around the world such as a country called timor leaste, they help out in Thirty Five counties for example South Sudan, Bangladesh, Bolivia, Australia, Central African Republic. Poverty is one of the main problems in underdeveloped countries. Every year, a large number of people from these countries die mainly due to poverty because of the lack of supplies, â€Å"An estimated 41.5 percent of the population is living under the national poverty line in 2005 (UNDP, 2006Read MoreSocioeconomic Factors Of A Student s Life And Lower Academic Outcomes1711 Words   |  7 PagesThe current social climate has no small amount of xenophobia, apathy towards the poor and inequality. Much literature has been written on how particular segments of the population are disadvantaged through their identity, limited access to resources and socialization (Ewing, 2013; Grattan, 2014 October). In addition, connections have been established between disadvantage in the context of a student’s life and lower academic outcomes (Gorski, September 2013, p. 49). The aim of this paper is to consider

Wednesday, May 6, 2020

Individual General Profile City of Kelsey Eth/316 Free Essays

Individual General Profile Angel Pacheco 7/22/12 ETH/316 The City of Kelsey boasts a rich and diverse culture with residents ranging from African American, Caucasian, Asian American, and other ethnicities. The occupations that these residents are associated with range from logistics, information technologies, medical personnel, and blue collar occupations. Interaction within a community as tight knit as the City of Kelsey occurs throughout the region. We will write a custom essay sample on Individual General Profile City of Kelsey Eth/316 or any similar topic only for you Order Now Shops in the downtown area offer a place for residents to hang out and relieve stress, as well as aid in spurring the regions economy. The Kelsey Library is a great place for residents of all ages to research the internet, as well as read recreationally. Community events in the City of Kelsey include an annual 10K Marathon, various sports tournaments, an annual balloon festival, a monthly farmers market, and an annual St. Patricks Day Parade. These events offer a wide variety of events to enable community interaction. With over 71,000 students in the Kelsey School system, all regional schools are used to educate students in a group setting. This group setting is paramount in interaction between students. With over 4,500 educators, the school system offers a place for staff members to interact as well. With a history embedded in agriculture, combined with an organic way of life, the community believes in being responsible for the community on an individual basis. With the use of public transportation, and alternative means such as bicycles the community is showing how they are giving back. With the community offering many opportunities for activity such as arts and crafts center, aquatic center, Lake Lora, and the city park it is the responsibility of the community to reciprocate this through careful preservation of these resources. The City of Kelsey has a foundation of preservation of natural resources, but with the rise of population in the last few years the efforts must be dramatically increased. Being socially responsible would be to recognize this problem and allocate funds to maintain the problem with the Sanitation Department and their digester problem. Many of the problems that arise with their greatest resource water, derived from Lake Lora or regional aquifers, may be caused by leeching from a poorly kept solid waste digester. Allocation of funds for this problem is imperative in determining the ability of reversing the degradation of the water quality available to the City of Kelsey. How to cite Individual General Profile City of Kelsey Eth/316, Papers

Tuesday, May 5, 2020

Mexico and its Importance to US Bilateral relations free essay sample

Mexico is an important asset to the United States, is shares 1,954 miles of border with the United States, and has become an important economic trading partner with the United States. Relations between these two nations are paramount, but we must address a list of issues that need answers, economic reform, homeland security, drug control, migration and even the environment. Every day over one million people cross the border legally, in 2012 two way trade totaled over $500 billion dollars. Mexico has remained one of the biggest tourist destinations for American travelers, and America major source of tourism for Mexico. Cooperation between these two nations is important, it is also important for the United States to help streamline diplomacy with Mexico. In 2010 the Executive Committee for 21st Century Border Management was created to help create advancements in creating a modern, secure and efficient border. This Committee was created to spur ideas on ways to help secure the border, as well as create a better way to manage the legal crossing taking place every day. The attacks September 1 1, 2001 led to the closing of many border crossing, putting a strain on the already verworked crossings, with the implementation of this program new ways are being explored on how we should run these border crossings as well as exploring the re- opening of certain closed crossing points. Cooperative activities between the U. S. and Mexico take place under a number of arrangements such as the U. S. -Mexico Border 2012/2020 Program the North American Development Bank and the Border Environment Cooperation Commission; the North American Commission for Environmental Cooperation; the Border Health Commission. These agencies help cooperate with Mexico in regards to the serious environmental issues that have risen ue to population growth and industrialization. In 2008 we began the Merida Initiative seeking to cooperate with Mexico as well as other South American countries in an attempt to curb the growing trend of drug trafficking crimes. Mexico suggested that it was a shared problem because the majority of the money flowing into Mexico was from American drug users. Although as of 2012 congress has appropriated nearly 1. 9 billion dollars to the Merida Initiative. Beginning in 2010 the Merida Initiative took a four pillar approach to break down its attempts at disrupting the drug trafficking and violence problem. The first pillar aims to disrupt the capacity of organized crime to operate and the second pillar focuses on enhancing the capacity of Mexicos government and institutions to sustain the rule of law. The Merida Initiatives third pillar aims to improve border management to facilitate legitimate trade and movement of people while thwarting the flow of drugs, arms, and cash. Finally, the fourth pillar seeks to build strong and resilient communities. Despite the major advances we have made with mexico regarding trade and the furtherance of our partnership as nations, it must be noted the major issues we still ace. The Drug Cartels in mexico currently run a 20 plus billion dollar a year industry. important area of discussion is the immigration issues that have faced the united states from mexico as immigrants attempt to flee mexico for a variety of reasons. Mexico is also a major recipient of remittances, in 2012 the state department estimated over 22 billion dollars worth was sent from relatives living in America. Immigration has become a hot point in current affairs, it is time to analise some options for the future in regards to immigration and options regarding drug rafficking issues. In may of 2013 Obama announced the formation of a bilateral forum on higher education, innovation, and research. With this forum the United States and mexico will encourage typically underprivileged students to attend college and secondary schools providing them access to these schools as well as secondary training programs in STEM fields.. This forum is our first step towards making mexico an economic power as well as a place that can welcome advancing technology. Recommendations. Increasing the funding that is appropriated for the Merida Initiative, this funding hould be sent towards furthering the security checkpoints at Mexicos borders. Updating x ray machines as well as non-invasive body scanners. Money should also be spent in an attempt to inform the Mexican community of the intentions to curb the trend of drug cartel control. The Merida initiative should focus primarily on the first pillar, of disrupting organized Criminal Groups. Scrapping all additional plans for continuing the fence on the American Mexican border. Rather Funds should be appropriated in designating a committee to explore further partnership with Mexico regarding immigration. America needs to accept that Mexican immigrants as a majority are good people looking for honest work. This should no longer be a crime, The process of obtaining a green card should be streamlined, making it accessible to anyone who seeks it out. This policy has to go hand in hand with near total elimination of drug violence. Mexico needs to be regarded as a safe place where both American and Mexican nationals can come and go across the border freely and without safety in question. Mexico should not be treated as a third world nation, we have the potential to help them become a eautiful place to visit. It Just requires some creative policy ideas to meet our goals. Drug Reform has not had much success, in part to the weak policies that have been implemented.

Tuesday, March 31, 2020

Downfall of Macbet Essay Example

Downfall of Macbet Paper Macbets Downfall William Shakespeare’s play Macbeth show three main forces that create the eponym’s downfall. These are the role of the supernatural, the struggle between good and evil and Macbeths ambition guilt and fear. These all combine to create the massive downfall of power that Macbeth experiences during the play. The role of the supernatural has a key part in the creation of the downfall of Macbeths power. This is brought on by many factors associated with the supernatural. The witches are a central part in the supernatural theme. The storms that are associated with the witches whenever they come on stage reflect a violation of the natural order of witch the weather is meant to be. The worst of these storms happens on the night of Duncan’s murder. They also summon the apparitions that give the predictions to Macbeth that lead to his downfall. The siliquy of the dagger shows that Macbeth was completely obsessed with the thoughts of the murder. This would also be a warning sign to the audience that Macbeth was morally unfit to undertake the murder. Banquo’s ghost also portrays this sense of unfitness towards Macbeth’s conscience. We will write a custom essay sample on Downfall of Macbet specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Downfall of Macbet specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Downfall of Macbet specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer Macbeth would be experiencing an unstable mind state due to the fact of the supernatural controlling his life. This would have in turn lead to Macbeths downfall. The struggle between good and evil created havoc for Macbeth’s life and therefore contributed to his downfall. The good side is portrayed in Macbeth through noble Banquo and the rightful king Duncan. Macbeth juxtaposes these characters during his downfall. On the contrary there is the evil side of the play. This is portrayed through the witches and their many spells. The most important of these are the apparitions that they use to show Macbeth his future. These are very vague and only tell of the good to come but not of the evil. These trick Macbeth into thinking that everything will be all right. This later contributed to Macbeth’s downfall. Lady Macbeth also portrays evil herself. After finishing the deed of killing Duncan she believes that the blood has stained her â€Å"What will these hands ne’er be clean? † This shows the distracting power that the evil has on the characters. Macbeth also plays part of showing the theme of evil through darkness and blood. The blood on his hands symbolizes the guilt that he has about the murder. He portrays darkness through the line â€Å"stars hide your fires let no light see my backward deep desires† Here Macbeth is taking about how he is almost possessed by the thought of murder. He gets caught up in these thoughts and this is a contributing factor to his downfall. Macbeth’s ambition guilt and fear all had a huge contribution to the downfall that he experienced. Ambition was one of Macbeth’s fatal flaws. This was what ultimately led to his downfall. This was combined with Lady Macbeth’s ambitions. She is the one that suggests entertaining Duncan after hearing the news of the witches’ predictions. If Lady Macbeth hadn’t pushed forward Macbeth’s ambition and convinced him to kill Duncan the whole downfall would not have happened. Guilt was another factor that contributed to Macbeth’s downfall. Macbeth says, â€Å"I could not say ‘amen’†¦ Macbeth will sleep no more†. This puts forward the guilt that Macbeth would have been feeling at the time. Yet after saying this he still does not repent. This guilt then led to fear that Macbeth feels. â€Å"We have scratched the snake not killed it. † This quote is Macbeth referring to the predicament that he is facing. The ambition to kill Duncan that lead to guilt and consequently fear played an important role in Macbeth’s downfall. In William Shakespeare’s play Macbeth we see the eponym face many factors that contribute to his downfall. These are the roles of the supernatural being the witches the daggers and Banquo’s ghost. The struggle between good and particularly evil with Macbeth being sucked in form the good side by the withes and them pushed ahead by Lady Macbeth. This is all combined with Macbeth’s Ambitions guilt and consequently fears. All of these reasons combine to the outcome of Macbeth’s downfall.

Saturday, March 7, 2020

Africa.. essays

Africa.. essays Africas Resistance to the Portuguese The African history has been affected tremendously due to the influence of some European countries. Portugal, who probably had the greatest impact on the continent, was not shy in invading what they thought to be profitable circumstances. One of these areas that they profited from was the kingdom of Kongo. Kongo was a major Bantu-speaking kingdom astride the Congo River in west-central Africa, probably founded in the 14th century. It was governed by a king, the manikongo, whose economic power was based upon trade in ivory, hides, slaves, and a shell currency of western Africa. Within a few years after the Portuguese first encountered the kingdom in 1484, the sixth manikongo, Nzinga Mbemba, later Alfonso 1, converted to Christianity and extended diplomatic and economic relations with Portugal. The agreement soon collapsed, however, as the Portuguese extended their slave-raiding activities. By 1570 the power of the Kongo kingdom had begun to decline, and severe internal tensions had developed. Alfonso I knowing what was going on wrote a series of papers to King Joao III of Portugal. In these papers, Alfonso I pleaded with the king to take away all the corrupt Portuguese from his kingdom. With false assurance from the king of Portugal, he asked to have sent those people of religious and medical backgrounds to help modernize his kingdom. With the corruptness still noticeable in the Kongo, Alfonso I was forced to pass a law stating that ...any white man living in our Kingdoms and wanting to purchase goods in any way should first inform three of our noble men and officials of our court whom we rely upon in this matter... (57). These futile attempts of writing letters to the king were not making any significance. The king of Portugal was money hungry along with the majority of all his servants who worked for him down in Africa. ...

Thursday, February 20, 2020

International business environment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

International business environment - Essay Example The paper describes the process of globalization that results in mutual satisfaction of international economic relations as man-made and natural barriers fall. The process itself may have positive as well as negative effects on country's economy. The process grew strength in the early 19990s. Globalization offer opportunities that entail effective resource allocation and so higher per capita incomes. Faster integration to the system can be promoted by new methods and ways of production driven by change in technology. Globalization has made it easier to divide production into several sub-processes, so labor-intensive sections of the production process could be gotten from abroad. This atomization made international trade in intermediate goods a growing substantial feature of international trade. The rapid change in international demand and supply conditions has besides bringing economies together, made relations more composite. Another issue that has made international trade complex i s the weight of the upcoming markets in the world economy has become substantially more prominent. Although globalization entails various dimensions, it usually refers to economic ties and processes. Economic globalization pertains the expansion of production, consumption, trade, savings, and investment made to markets beyond regional and national ones. For countries that are developing, the risk of growing inequality linked with active participation in the global economy attributed to institutional weaknesses relating to being poor. (Prasad 2003, p.4). This paper tries to bring out a fair view of globalization; pointing out the benefits and risks that globalization has for countries that are developing. The paper looks at the evidence and controversies that can be used against and in favor of globalization and also the policy options and prospects. It also tries to assist Palomia by looking at its economy and reporting the risks and benefits of globalization. Gains from globalizati on Benefits from Globalization can lead to advances, in efficiency and gains, in economic wellbeing. Trade improves division of labor as countries that specialize in a given field gains comparative advantage over the rest. This is a very vital part of economic empowerment as a country like Palomia may have the advantage on something over the others. Deeper relationships and penetration of international markets will enable and encourage and motivate consumers and producers to reap the benefits of economies of scale. The competitive international market will also reduce profits of monopolies. This incentivizes businesses to seek innovations that are cost efficient and advances what they sell. Gains in efficiency also should bring advancement in economic growth and so resulting in higher per capita incomes. This could be good prospects for developing nations as it is able to make more money to stir more growth. Globalization also has assisted many poor countries in the world achieve hi gher growth rates and minimize the number of citizens living in absolute poverty. For consumers, globalization or international trade expands the range of good services available. The rate at which goods and services get innovated is also encouraging making the trade dynamic. The participation of countries that are still developing in the process of globalization can allow them better apply their comparative advantages. This making them bring in advanced technologies, management experience and foreign capital. It is also prosperous for eliminating monopolistic characteristics and toughening market competition (Bigman 2002, p.10). Risks involved in globalization While providing more growth opportunities for countries that are still growing, the globalization process also poses enormous risks. To begin with, economic globalization has indeed expanded instead of reducing the

Tuesday, February 4, 2020

Business Ethics Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words - 2

Business Ethics - Essay Example The pure theories of ethics reveal an extreme characteristic, and they are traditional. Neither complete dedication towards profit nor total social service would help any business in the present scenario. In the modern days the hybrid theories of ethics are the most prevalent. It is when ethics has to be followed and profits have to be saved. Andy has to prioritise tasks but cannot eliminate any aspect because both are significant. He and his team have to assist customers in handling the coffee cups and lids. Suppliers need to be informed regarding the latest occurrences, and employees should be involved in decision-making. Organisations following ethics not only to reap profits, but also deliver excellent services to customers, serve the society and make their employees proud. Ethical Dilemma Faced by Andy This study is based on the theme of business ethics in hospitality or tourism. The aim of this study is to discuss and evaluate the case study of Global Coffee House, owned by And y, and analyse the ethical dilemmas that Andy had to face. This will also assist in identifying what probable solutions he could identify, and what were the implications of such consideration. It was found that due to poor quality of hot cups and lids a customer was badly burnt due to coffee spill. The customer was taken to hospital and John, Andy’s assistant, apologised. However Andy was in ethical dilemma after knowing the matter because they engaged a new supplier to offer hot cups and lids at low cost, so as to decrease cost and support the expense of refurbishment. Andy was in dilemma, whether to offer good cups and lids to customer even if it is costly, as this will assist in avoiding accidents. On the other hand if he supports profit making strategy then cost reduction decision was correct. He was facing mental conflict about which one to consider. Such situation is also known as ethical paradox. In Andy’s case customer safety was equally important as refurbishm ent because Nancy already had a first-degree burn. Moreover, there were thousands of unused cups and lids in the storeroom and they had also made a contract with the supplier. Possible Decisions and their Implications Andy was into ethical dilemma because he cannot decide whether to dismiss thousands of cups and lids in storage and the contract with the new supplier, for protecting the goodwill of his coffee shop and the customers from accidents, or to ignore it. There were several options for him, which can be better explained with the help of ethical theories. According to the theory of Adam Smith, competitors always take undue advantage of the weaknesses of other players in the industry. Capitalism theory also supports the fact that profitability is everything in business, and there is no room for ethics here. Even the theory stated by Karl Max emphasises on profit maximisation. Following the above mentioned theories, Andy should ignore the accident thinking that it was just a mi shap, and will not happen again, and then the suppliers would be happy, refurbishment can be done. In case Socialism theory is chosen, then product safety would be priority as social welfare comes first. Following such ethical theory, Andy would ethically choose to consider customer safety. Apart from this, his relationship with the

Monday, January 27, 2020

A study into Reflection and the factors it achieves

A study into Reflection and the factors it achieves According to Fish and Twinn (1997) reflection can be defined as systematic, decisive and inspired thinking regarding certain act with the purpose of understanding its roots and procedures. According to Fish and Twin (1997), reflection has three stages- The learning opportunity The collection of information and critical analysis The changed prospective ( Spalding, 1988) So from the stated definition it can be presumed that reflection is a daily process where we reflect as a person in order to face everyday problems and situations. In other words it can be said as moveable processing of beliefs and judgments regarding an incident. So the reflection can be presented as: Considerate reflection (Tickle, 1994) Learning from What is reflection?Experience (Spalding, 1998) Systematic, decisive and inspired thinking (Fish and Twinn, 1997) So the purposes of the Reflective analysis report is to identify gaps between the learning and skills, to analyze multifaceted and testing situations, to analyze the group dynamism and inspect the technique we normally use for decision making. (Bolton, 2001) In order to translate the personal reflection in to formal procedure, Kolbs (1984) reflective practice can be discussed. Experience Action Conceptualization Reflection Figure- Kolbs cycle of reflective practice (Taken from Experimental learning, prentice Hall) Action Here in this applied management project the main action from my point of view is to review the literature on market segment from a consumer managers prospective. Another mentionable action is the analysis and discussion part where I need to analysis the effects of new technology on market segmentation. Experience In case of completing this applied management project, the challenges I face are a lifelong experience to me. This applied management project is intended to imitate a realistic business situation, giving me the opportunity to show my ability in case of using knowledge and expertise obtained through the structure of the program. Through this applied management process I have successfully able to carry forward the learning of realistic business scenario in to the academic field. In addition I have also learned to underline the relationship among the variables of the program by synthesising and discovering new areas in details. Reflection In the academic prospective the true reflection of this project will come when I will receive grades for this module. But the important point for me is the reflection in my career. That means how this project will help me to advance forward to face the challenges offered by the corporate world. Conceptualization My overall impression regarding the writing of this applied management project is that this project will make me stronger and completive before I confront with the corporate world. Chapter-2 Recollection of Experience In order to demonstrate the experience I have faced in case of completing this applied management project, I would like use Gibbs (1998) cycle. Descriptions (What Happens?) Action plan (If it arose again what you will do?) Feelings (What were the feelings?) Evaluation (What was good and bad regarding the experience?) Conclusion Description (What sense can you make of the situation?) Figure- Gibbs (1998) reflective cycle (Taken from A guide to teaching and learning methods, Oxford Brookes University) Stage-1 Description of the event As a part of the post graduate course Msc in Marketing and Business Management I was asked to ask to complete an applied management project as my final module of the masters program. My project topic is on market segmentation and the effects of new technology into its effectiveness. As a part of this event, University authorities organized a whole week of tutor support sessions where topics such as plagiarism and Turnitin UK, discussion regarding the subject matter of reflection report and relevant information for referencing were discussed. That whole week of support session is worked as introductory pillar for this project. Satge-2 Feelings Before the tutor support session, I was very nervous about the applied management project. As I have never done this types of project in my previous academic events. In fact the system of study I have faced in UK is very new to me and that was adding the pressure even more. But after that particular session where the full guide lines about the project was given, I felt relatively relaxed and confident of how I should approach this project. Stage-3 Evaluation After the tutor support sessions I formally started to plan about how to approach this project. At that point of time, I have two and half months in my hand to complete this project. First thing I have done was to prepare the notes about the lecture given at that study session. After that I prepared notes on daily basis. But one bad experience I have felt that when I heard that no formal tutor supports will be given after that particular event. Finally my over all experience at that time was very effective in case of completion of this project. Stage-4 Analysis From the beginning I have prepared a plan regarding how to approach this project. As a part of my plan firstly I started collecting journals on daily basis. On the basis of those journals I started making notes regarding the subject matter. I took help of the hand book in order to break down the report into sub-parts. I also estimate the words allocation for each part. After that I started writing my project. So the experience I have gained in case of preparation of this project will be helpful for rest of my career. Stage-5 Conclusion After the successful completion of my report I can conclude that the challenges I have faced in the time of preparation of this project was to relate the articles of several authors to my designated topic. At the time of preparing this project I felt that the primary data such as questionnaire would make this project better. But we were limited to use only researched based secondary data and that is one of the limitation I have found. Stage-6 Action Plan If I am being asked to prepare an applied management project again in future, I will definitely do that particular task in a different way. Because from my point of view, if I do what I have done previously then I will only have what I have already got. So I will try to reflect the experiences I have gained through this particular project. Last but not the least, from my point of view the reflection cycle will be the same in case of the second task but the approaches, feelings, evaluation and analysis of that reflection will be more mature, as I will have the experiences of writing a reflective report before. Chapter-3 Personal feelings and learning from the experience In order to exhibit by my learning experience at different stages I would like to use Kolbs and Frys (1996) experimental learning cycle. Concrete Experience Observation And Reflection Testing in new Situations Forming Abstract Concepts Figure- Kolbs and Frys experimental learning cycle (Taken form Experimental learning: experience at source of learning and development, prentice-Hall) The four stage of learning will demonstrate how my learning experience converted to reflection in the time of completing this applied management project. The first stage concrete experience gives the learners opportunity to learn at the field level (Kolb, 1996) my learning at the tutor support session was a concrete experience for me. As according to the requirement of our applied management project, we dont need to do any primary research at the field level. From my point of view that was a missed opportunity of gaining concrete experience. The second stage concentrates on Observation and Reflection where a learner seriously considers and remembers about the experience gained at the first stage. (Kolb, 1996) According to my learning cycle, the period when I started to take the notes, regarding what happened to the tutor support session was the observation and reflection period. According to Kolb (1996), the third stage is Abstract conceptualization where learners try to build a mode l or theory based on the observations made at the previous level. With no difference with other learners I have also gone through this stage. The time when I built a format of this applied management project based on the observations made during and after the tutor support period. On that session I also identified sub-sections of the project. At the final stage of Kolbs (1996) learning cycle (Active experimentation), learners try to test the model and plan for upcoming events. In case of my scenario, the period where I was implementing the observations made at the earlier stages and time when I started thinking about this particular reflective report was the stage of active experimentation to me. Chapter-4 Group dynamics and learning from the experience According to dictionary.bnet.com, group dynamics can be referred as communication and interpersonal relationship among the group members. Basically it gives the direction, in which a group is formed and functioned. Although this applied management project is an individual task, but in order to facilitate our work we were formed in a group initially by the module coordinator. In order of develop an effective group there are certain stages. (Tuckman, 1965) they are- Forming Storming Norming Performing Adjourning Figure- stages of group development (Taken from Management and Organizational Behaviour, 7th edition, p-532) Forming- This is the first stage when number individuals are bring together for the initial formation of our group. In case of our group, the stages of forming the group took place in the middle part of the tutors support session before we were handed out the AMP project. Storming- In the second stage of group development, the members of the group let themselves know about each other and it is better for any group to give their opinions regarding any particular subject matter. The first storming session for our group held on the last three days of that particular session when students have the accessibility of taking helps from several tutor. On the first day of our meeting we formally get introduced to each other and have general discussion about the project. Norming- This stage of group development involves conflicts and hostility among the group members. As our group members are from three different locations, we have differences in attitudes and norms. In the time of group sessions, we have certain conflicts regarding any particular subject matter but those brainstorming are constructive rather than distractive. Performing- When any group overcome the previous stages of group development successfully, then we can assume that it has developed the structure and cohesiveness to perform. After the general discussion, the first task we allocated to ourselves as group is to collect one journal which relates to our project. Through that activity we formally started performing as group. Adjourning- The final stage of group development was the time when the support session was over. From then we share certain information related to our project through mail and started giving concentration towards writing the project. In order to identify the cohesiveness of our group, factors that are contributing to group performance can be used. Group Size Level of participation in the group Managed Diversity Group Cohesiveness Level of conformity to norms Group Identity Emphasis on goal accomplished Success Figure- Group cohesiveness and performance (Taken form Management and Organizational behaviour, 7th edition, p- 529) Group Size- Our group for this applied management project has consisted of nine members. Five of them including me are Bangladeshi. Two of them from India and rest of the two are from Libya. Managed Diversity- In case of diversity, the more homogenous the group in terms of characteristics such as shared backgrounds, interests, attitudes and values, the more successfully the cohesiveness works. ( Mullins, 2005) In case of our group, the group members are from three different locations and thats why we need to cope up with the diversification factors such shared value. Group Identity Out of nine members of our group five of them including me are Bangladeshi, two of them are Indians and rest of them are from Libya. Success- The more cohesive the group, the more likely to be successful. Success is a big motivational factor in a group. Our main motivation as group is to get good grades in the project from the academic prospective. But from the career point of view the reflection of this group work will be a great lesson for our future career development. Based on those features the following outcomes will come: Level of participation in the group- After the formation of the group, we assign sever task among the group members. All our group members participated equally in the specified task selected by ourselves. For example on the first day of group meetings, we were assigned ourselves to collect a journal each and with the help of those articles we discussed several issues regarding matters related to our topics. Level of conformity to norms- As previously mentioned our group members are from three different locations, we have certain disruptions and conflicts amongst us in regard to certain issues. But those conflicts help each of us as several issues were come out because of those sessions. So although the conformity of our group was low at starting level but we began to jell together as a team as our discussion goes on. Emphasis on goal accomplished- In those group sessions, our main goal was to complete this applied management project on time. But before that we have set certain objectives for our group in order to achieve the main goal. For example we have discussed regarding structure of the project. After that particular group session we focused on our individual task which is to writing the project individually. Chapter- 5 Lessons for future projects Finally from the learning and experience I had in terms of completion of this applied management project, I have generated five lessons which can prove useful for the future projects. Critical Analysis- The first thing I want to mention, after the successful completion of this applied management project, is the analysis abilities. If I wish to do better in such kinds of projects in future, I will need to use the experiences and knowledge gained from this project, so that I can analyse certain issues much more critically and constructively. Synthesis/creativity- After the successful completion of this applied management project, I have understood that creative thinking is very important in case of handling these kinds of project more efficiently. If can synthesise information unconventionally, generate new hypothesis and redefine previous knowledge to develop new ideas, I will able to improve my performance for future group activities and projects. Evaluation of the situation- Another key lesson I have learned through this applied management project is the ability to evaluate certain situation. In order to do well in future projects, I will have to evaluate recent research autonomously, need to use the methodologies appropriately and will have to justify the work of self and others. Enhanced level of confidence- Before the start of this applied management project, I was feeling very nervous regarding the matter of how should I approach this project. But towards end part of this project the lessons I have learned have increased my confidence level to a certain level that will help me in case of handling any future group task or any other individual project. Time consciousness Final lesson I have learned is the time awareness. By completing this project I have learned how I need to utilize the timing factor more effectively. Chapter -6 Conclusion Finally at the end of this reflection report it can be concluded that peoples visualization may vary person to person but its important not to go far away from our main topic. This report is basically the reflection of work that I have done in my main project. Form the word reflection we can presume that it is a middle process of turning experience into learning. (Boyd and Fales, 1983) So form the above definition we can say that reflection is the process through which person can become efficient in one behaviour by repeating the same behaviour again and again or may learned from his previous experiences in order to improve his techniques. Last but not the list, in order to increase generic skills outcomes, presentation and evaluation skills more effectively we need to utilized the concept of reflection in the academic purposes as well as outside the academic field.

Sunday, January 19, 2020

Political and economic effects of Mongol rule on China and Middle East Essay

Yuan economic policies also accommodated traditional Chinese practices. Yuan rulers did not try to convert China into the Mongol-style nomadic economy; instead, they fostered agriculture. They restored the she, rural organizations composed of about 50 families, to assist in farming. These organizations also improved flood control, established charity granaries for orphans and widows, and introduced such new crops as sorghum. In addition, early Yuan emperors sought to protect the peasants by devising a regular, fixed system of taxation. Unlike previous Chinese dynasties, the Yuan rulers fostered trade and accorded merchants a high social status. Moreover, they promoted commerce by increasing the use of paper money, by offering cheap loans to merchant associations (ortogh), by building roads, and by allowing traveling merchants to lodge and to obtain supplies at government postal stations, which were located about 32 km (20 mi) apart throughout the empire. Concern about supplying the new capital led the Yuan court to initiate the ambitious project of rerouting and expanding the Grand Canal, aiding the shipping of surplus grain from southern China to the less fertile lands of the north. Such government support for merchants, together with the peace imposed on much of Asia by the Mongols, resulted in the greatest expansion of commerce in Eurasian history. Indian, Southeast Asian, Persian, Arab, and even European merchants arrived in China. Muslim merchants, the principal intermediaries in the overland trade between China and Central Asia, West Asia, and Europe, brought horses, carpets, medicines, and spices to China, and exported Chinese textiles, ceramics, and lacquerware. From the southern port cities of Quanzhou (Ch’à ¼an-chou), Guangzhou (Kuang-chou), and Yangzhou (Yang-chou), they conveyed Chinese ceramics and silks by ship and returned with spices, precious stones, incense, pepper, and medicines. The growing agricultural and commercial economy initially provided sufficient revenue for the court, but not for long. The original tax structure did not exploit the Chinese and was not burdensome on landlords, peasants, merchants, or artisans. In fact, Kublai Khan repeatedly reduced or postponed taxes on those of his Chinese subjects whose lands had suffered during  natural disasters. Yet the various construction projects he had undertaken, the building of the capital, postal stations and roads, and the enlargement of the Grand Canal, as well as military campaigns against Japan, Java, and mainland Southeast Asia, were costly. As the government’s expenditures soared, its need for additional revenue became more pressing. The court responded by appointing two new non-Chinese ministers whose principal duties were to raise more funds. However, their authoritarian methods only worsened the problem. By imposing higher taxes on merchants, deliberately inflating the currency, and increasing prices on salt, iron, and other goods monopolized by the government, they succeeded only in alienating Chinese officials. Finally, their highhanded treatment of the bureaucracy and their profiteering led to the assassination of one and the execution of the other. The economic situation merely declined further.

Saturday, January 11, 2020

Stefan’s Diaries: Bloodlust Chapter 23

October 9, 1864 Iam not supposed to have a heart. A bullet went through it nearly three weeks ago, and no blood of my own will ever pump through it again. The only blood that now courses through my veins is that of whomever I happen to attack. And yet something about Callie causes my dead heart to flutter and the stolen blood to quicken in my body. Is it real? Or is it a mere memory of something that used to be? Damon once told me that on the battlefield, boys who'd undergone amputations still woke up to agonizing pain in their legs or cried for the hand that ached, though those limbs were no longer part of them. But while those boys had phantom limbs, it seems I have a phantom heart. In my short time in New Orleans, I've learned about my Power. It's what has driven me, what I've thrived on, what makes me a vampire. But that's not the only power I possess. The other kind isn't exciting, or thrilling, or dangerous. It's mundane and tedious–the exercising of control over my Power. I've had to learn to suppress my urges to fit in and to remain with Lexi. Yet when I was with Callie at the show, it was as though my two powers were at cross-purposes, each threatening to destroy the other in a private battle in my brain. Now she enters my thoughts constantly. The constellation of freckles on her skin. Her long eyelashes. Her vibrant smile. I can't help but admire the way she wields her own power. How she commands the attention and respect of her father's employees, but also how she grows soft around me, cuddling close when she thinks no one is looking. I think of my hand interlaced with hers. And every time an image of Callie floats to my consciousness, I curse myself. I should be stronger than this. I shouldn't think of her. I should put her out of my mind, write her off as a silly little girl who is lucky I'm letting her live. But deep down, despite my Power, I know Callie has control over me–and my phantom heart. The next morning, I returned to the freak show, with only one thing on my mind: freeing Damon. â€Å"Hello, friend!† the strong man, Arnold, greeted me as I walked through the gateway to the fairgrounds. â€Å"Hello,† I muttered. The tattooed woman came up behind him and gazed at me quizzically. Without her India-inked designs, she was actually quite pretty, with high cheekbones and wide, inquisitive eyes. â€Å"What are you doing here?† I grunted in response. â€Å"Youll want to apologize to Callie.† She pointed at the side of the tent. So Callie had already told her friends about our disastrous evening. Just as I had feared. I walked around the grounds until I saw Callie kneeling over a piece of birch wood at her feet. Paint splattered her overalls, and her red hair was twisted on top of her head and held in place by a single, slender, long-handled paintbrush. The sign said: A PENNY A PEEK: A REAL, LIVE, HUNGRY VAMPIRE. ENTER IF YOU DARE! Underneath was a crude drawing of a vampire: fangs elongated, eyes squinting, blood trickling down both sides of his mouth. The features were Damons, but it was clear Callie had drawn significant artistic inspiration from the burlesque show last night. Callie looked up, catching me staring. Her mouth made a round O, and she dropped her brush onto the canvas. A large black spot suddenly appeared on Damons face. â€Å"Look what you made me do,† she said angrily. I stuck my hands in my pockets, subtly sniffing the air for traces of Damon. â€Å"Im sorry.† Callie sighed in annoyance. â€Å"I dont need your apologies. I just need you to stop distracting me so I can get some work done.† â€Å"Do you want me to help you fix the painting?† The words were out of my mouth before I could stop them. They hung between us for a long moment, both of us seemingly surprised by my offer. â€Å"Fix the painting?† Callie echoed, putting her hands on her hips. â€Å"Am I hearing you correctly? Fix thepainting?† â€Å"Yes?† I fumbled. â€Å"Are you aware that you left me last night to get home alone, with no explanation?† Her chin was jutted out, and her stance was aggressive, but her lower lip wobbled, and I could tell she was hurt. â€Å"Callie,† I began. Excuses flew through my head.I work for your father. We should not sneak around. You're just a girl, and I'm a vampire Even though part of me was furious at her for allowing her father to parade Damon around like livestock, to let him fight perhaps until death, the other part knew that she had as little sway over her father as Id had with mine. And now all I could think about was making her lip stop wobbling. â€Å"Its better this way,† I said, twisting my ring around my finger. She shook her head and stabbed the sharp wooden end of the paintbrush into the dirt. It remained there, as if it were a tiny surrender flag after a battle. â€Å"No explanation necessary. Weve known each other a week. You dont owe me an explanation. Thats the best thing about strangers: You dont owe them anything,† she said crisply. I rocked back on my heels. A silence hung between us. The image of Damon glared up at me, seemingly mocking my ineffectiveness. â€Å"Well, arent you going to get to work?† she asked. â€Å"Or are we just paying you to stand around?† Before I could turn to leave, Jasper burst out of a small black tent at the edge of the property. â€Å"We need some extra hands!† A lanky man trailed behind him, cradling his forearm close to his chest. Callie leaped to her feet. â€Å"What happened?† As the man held out his hand, blood flowed down his arm onto the ground. I averted my eyes. Even so, pain rippled along my jaw as I felt my fangs grow. â€Å"The vampires fighting today. We need more men.† Jasper gasped breathlessly, his eyes falling on me. â€Å"Stefan,† Callie said in a tone that wasnt a question. Jasper and the stocky man stared at me. â€Å"Well then, come on, new guy. Show us youre Gallagher material,† Jasper said, jerking his chin in the direction of the tent. â€Å"Of course,† I said slowly, a plan forming in my mind. I could pick out four separate heartbeats in the tent. There would be copious amounts of vervain, of course, but Id been feeding regularly enough that I might be able to overcome the men. Four I could handle, but five I turned to Jasper. â€Å"Why dont you and Callie take care of your man here and Ill join the others in the tent?† â€Å"I'm coming, brother,† I added under my breath. Callie squinted at me. â€Å"Did you say something?† â€Å"No,† I said quickly. Jasper shifted from foot to foot, sizing me up with his eyes. â€Å"Callie will take care of Charley here, and Ill take care of you. Teach you the tricks of monster wrangling,† he said, clapping me on the back, pushing me toward the tent. With each step the scent of vervain grew stronger, curdling the blood in my veins. Together, we entered the tent. The interior was hot and dark, the stench of vervain nearly suffocating me. It took every ounce of my strength not to bend at the waist and scream in agony. I forced my eyes open and looked at my brother, who was chained in the corner. Four men yanked on his restraints, trying desperately to keep him in place. The second Damons eyes landed on me, his face lit up. â€Å"Welcome to hell, brother,† Damon whispered, his lips barely moving as he locked eyes with me. Then he turned to Jasper. â€Å"So, Jasp,† he said, in a conversational tone, as if they were just two men engaged in a friendly talk at a tavern, â€Å"you found a new sap to do your dirty work. Well, come on, brother. Lets see if you can stake me.† â€Å"His bark is worse than his bite,† Jasper said, holding out a stake to me. From its stench I could tell it had been soaked in vervain. â€Å"Give me your gloves,† I said with an air of authority. Touching the wood would give me away instantly. â€Å"Wont give you much protection. Those fangs can go through anything,† Jasper protested. â€Å"Just give them to me,† I said through clenched teeth. Damon watched the exchange intently, clearly enjoying my predicament. â€Å"Okay, if theyll make you more comfortable. † Jasper shrugged and handed me his leather gloves. I pulled them over my hands and took the stake from Jasper, my hands trembling slightly. How could something so light be so deadly? Damon let out a low chuckle. â€Å"Is this the best you could rustle up? He looks about ready to keel over.† I glared at my brother. â€Å"I'm trying to save you,† I whispered. Damon just snorted derisively. â€Å"Please,† I added. â€Å"Please what?† he said, wrapping the chains around his hands. â€Å"Please let me save you.† â€Å"Sorry. Can't help you there,† he said, before yanking on the chains. Two of the guards fell to the ground in surprise. â€Å"Do something!† Jasper said gruffly. â€Å"Youve got to stick him, let him know his place.† â€Å"Listen to your boss,† Damon sneered.†Be a man and stab me. A real man isn't afraid of blood, isn't that right?† Jasper bent down and grabbed a stake from the ground. â€Å"Cmon, boy. Earn your keep,† he said, using the side of the stake to nudge me forward. I gasped. Pain shot up and down my skin, as if Id been touched by a hot poker. Damon laughed again. The flap opened, and Callie poked her head through the tent. I looked wildly over at her. â€Å"Callie, you shouldnt be here!† Both she and Damon looked at me quizzically. A sickening feeling spread through my limbs. The vervain, the heat, the stakes Just then, with a simple twist from his chains, Damon broke free and lunged toward Callie. Callie shrieked, and Jasper dove to shield her. Time seemed to stop, and without thinking, I hurled my stake through Damons belly. He fell backward, gasping, blood spurting from the wound. â€Å"I said, please!† I hissed wildly, in a voice only Damon could hear. Callie cowered near the flap, her eyes wide as she glanced between me and Damon. Damon looked up, wheezing as he pulled the stake from his stomach. Then I heard the faintest, hoarse whisper over the shouts of Jasper and the trainers as they moved to re-chain Damon. â€Å"Then please know that your hell hasn't even yet begun, brother.† Stefan’s Diaries: Bloodlust Chapter 2~3 Chapter 2 Damon and I crouched in the cemeterys hemlock grove behind the mausoleums that housed the bones of Mystic Falls founders. Despite the early hour, already the townspeople stood stoop-shouldered around a gaping hole in the ground. Puffs of air curled into the cerulean blue sky with the crowds every exhalation, as if the entire congregation were smoking celebratory cigars rather than trying to calm their chattering teeth. My heightened senses took in the scene before us. The cloying smell of vervain–an herb that rendered vampires powerless–hung heavy in the air. The grass was laden with dew, each drop of water falling to the earth with a silvery ping, and far off in the distance church bells chimed. Even from this distance, I could see a tear lodged in the corner of Honoria Fellss eye. Down at the pulpit, Mayor Lockwood shuffled from foot to foot, clearly eager to get the crowds attention. I could just make out the winged figure above him, the angel statue that marked my mothers final resting place. Two empty plots lay just beyond, where Damon and I should have been buried. The mayors voice sliced through the cold air, his voice as loud to my sensitive ears as if he were standing right next to me. â€Å"We come together today to say farewell to one of Mystic Falls greatest sons, Giuseppe Salvatore, a man for whom town and family always came before self.† Damon kicked the ground. â€Å"The family he killed. The love he destroyed, the lives he shattered,† he muttered. â€Å"Shhh,† I whispered as I pressed my palm against his forearm. â€Å"If I were to paint a portrait of this great mans life,† Lockwood continued over the sniffles and sighs of the crowd, â€Å"Giuseppe Salvatore would be flanked by his two fallen sons, Damon and Stefan, heroes of the battle of Willow Creek. May we learn from Giuseppe, emulate him, and be inspired to rid our town of evil, either seen or unseen.† Damon let out a low, rattling scoff. â€Å"The portrait he paints,† he said, â€Å"should contain the muzzle flash of Fathers rifle.† He rubbed the place where Fathers bullet had ripped through his chest only a week earlier. There was no physical wound–our transformation healed all injuries–but the betrayal would be etched in our minds forever. â€Å"Shhh,† I said again as Jonathan Gilbert strode up to stand beside Mayor Lockwood, holding a large veiled frame. Jonathan looked to have aged ten years in seven short days: lines creased his tanned forehead, and streaks of white were visible in his brown hair. I wondered if his transformation had something to do with Pearl, the vampire he loved but had condemned to death after finding out what she really was. I spotted Clementines parents in the crowd, arms clasped, not yet aware that their daughter was not among the somber-faced girls in the back of the crowd. Theyd find out soon enough. My thoughts were interrupted by an insistent clicking, like a watch counting or a fingernail tapping against a hard surface. I scanned the crowd, trying to trace the ticking to its point of origin. The sound was slow and steady and mechanical, steadier than a heartbeat, slower than a metronome. And it seemed to be coming directly from Jonathans hand. Clementines blood rushed to my head. The compass. Back when Father first became suspicious of vampires, hed created a committee of men to rid the town of the demonic scourge. Id attended the meetings, which had taken place in Jonathan Gilberts attic. Hed had plans for a contraption to identify vampires, and Id witnessed him using it in action the week before. It was how hed discovered Pearls true nature. I elbowed Damon. â€Å"We have to go,† I said, barely moving my jaw. Just then Jonathan looked up, and his eyes locked directly onto mine. He let out an unholy shriek and pointed to our mausoleum. â€Å"Demon!† The crowd turned toward us as one, their stares cutting through the fog like bayonets. Then something rushed past me, and the wall behind me exploded. A cloud of powder billowed around us, and chips of marble slashed across my cheek. I bared my fangs and roared. The sound was loud, primal, terrifying. Half the crowd knocked over chairs in their haste to flee the cemetery, but the other half remained. â€Å"Kill the demons!† Jonathan cried, brandishing a crossbow. â€Å"I think they mean us, brother,† Damon said with a short, humorless laugh. And so I grabbed Damon and ran. Chapter 3 With Damon behind me, I raced through the forest, jumping over felled branches and skipping over stones. I leaped over the waist-high iron gate of the cemetery, turning briefly to make sure Damon was still following. We zigzagged deep into the woods, the gunshots sounding like fireworks in my ear, the shrieks of the townspeople like breaking glass, their heavy breathing like low-rolling thunder. I could even hear the footfalls of the crowd pursuing me, each step sending vibrations through the ground. I silently cursed Damon for being so stubborn. If hed been willing to drink before today, hed be at full strength, and our newfound speed and agility would have already taken us far away from this mess. As we cut through the thicket, squirrels and voles scattered from the underbrush, their blood quickening in the presence of predators. A whinny and a snort sounded from the far edge of the cemetery. â€Å"Comeon.† I grabbed Damon by the waist and hoisted him to his feet again. â€Å"We have to keep moving.† I could hear the blood pumping, smell the iron, feel the ground shaking. I knew the mob was more afraid of me than I of them; but still, the sound of gunshots caused my mind to whirl, my body to lurch forward. Damon was weak and I could only carry him so far. Another gunshot cracked, closer this time. Damon stiffened. â€Å"Demons!† Jonathan Gilberts voice sliced through the woods. Another bullet whizzed past me, grazing my shoulder. Damon flopped forward in my arms. â€Å"Damon!† The word echoed in my ears, sounding so much like the worddemonthat it startled me. â€Å"Brother!† I shook him, then began awkwardly dragging him behind me again toward the sounds of the horses. But despite having just fed, my strength wouldnt last forever, and the footsteps were coming closer and closer. Finally we reached the edge of the cemetery, where several horses were tied to the iron hitching posts. They pawed at the ground, pulling on the ropes that tethered them so hard that their necks bulged. One coal-black mare was none other than my old horse, Mezzanotte. I stared at her, mesmerized at how desperate she appeared to be to get away from me. Just a few days earlier, I was the only rider shed trusted. Footfalls sounded again. I tore my gaze away, shaking my head at being so sentimental. I pulled Fathers old hunting knife from the top of my boot. It had been the one thing Id taken when Id walked through Veritas, our family estate, one last time. Hed always had it with him, although Id never seen him use it. Father had never been one to work with his hands. Still, in my minds eye, the knife conveyed the power and authority that everyone had associated with my father. I put the blade to the rope that tied Mezzanotte, but it didnt make even the smallest cut. Looking down, I saw the knife for what it was: a dull blade that could barely cut through twine, polished to look important. It was well suited to Father, I thought in disgust, throwing the knife to the ground and yanking at the ropes with my bare hands. The footsteps came closer and I looked wildly behind me. I had wanted to free all the horses so Jonathan and his men couldnt ride them, but there simply wasnt time. â€Å"Hey, girl,† I murmured, stroking Mezzanottes elegant neck. She pawed the ground nervously, her heart pounding. â€Å"Its me,† I whispered as I swung myself onto her back. She reared up, and out of surprise, I kicked her so hard in the flanks that I heard the snap of a rib breaking. Instantly, she yielded in submission, and I trotted her to Damon. â€Å"Come on,† I yelled. A flicker of doubt passed across Damons eyes, but then he reached over Mezzanottes broad back and hoisted himself up. Whether it was fear or instinct, his willingness to flee gave me hope that he was not resolved to die, after all. â€Å"Kill them!† a voice yelled, and someone threw a burning torch toward us that arced and landed on the grass at Mezzanottes feet. Instantly, the grass began to burn, and Mezzanotte bolted in the opposite direction of the quarry. Hoofs thudded behind us–the men had leaped on the other horses and were now fast on our tail. Another gunshot rang out behind us, followed by the twang of a bow. Mezzanotte reared up, letting out a high whinny. Damon slipped, grappling to hold on to the underside of Mezzanottes neck, while I tugged at the leather straps, trying to keep us upright. Only after a few steps backward did all four of Mezzanottes hooves get back on the dirt. As Damon righted himself, I saw a slim wooden arrow jutting out from the horses haunches. It was a clever tactic. At a distance, the mob had a far better chance of slowing down our horse than of striking one of us straight through the heart. Hunched low over Mezzanotte, we galloped under branches and pressed on. She was a strong horse, but she favored her left side, where the arrow had gone in. A wet streak of my own blood was streaming down my temple and onto my shirt, and Damons grip on my waist was dangerously loose. Still, I urged Mezzanotte forward. I was relying on instinct, on something beyond thinking and planning. It was as if I could smell freedom and possibility, and just had to trust that Id lead us to it. I pulled the reins and steered out of the woods and into the field behind Veritas Estate. On any other rainy morning there would have been lights in the window of our old home, the lamps giving the bubbled glass an orange-yellow look of sunset. Our maid, Cordelia, would have been singing in the kitchen, and Fathers driver, Alfred, would be sitting sentry by the entrance. Father and I would be sitting in companionable silence in the breakfast room. Now the estate was a cold shell of its former self: the windows dark, the grounds completely silent. It had only been empty for a week, yet Veritas looked as though it had been abandoned for ages. We leaped over the fence and landed unsteadily. I just barely managed to right us with a hard tug on the reins, the metal of the clacking against Mezzanottes teeth. Then we thundered around the side of the house, my skin clammy as we passed Cordelias plot of vervain, the tiny stalks ankle-high. â€Å"Where are you taking us, brother?† Damon asked. I heard three sets of splashing hooves as Jonathan Gilbert, Mayor Lockwood, and Sheriff Forbes cut along the pond at the back of our property. Mezzanotte wheezed, a peach froth lining her mouth, and I knew that outriding them wouldnt be a possibility. Suddenly, the throaty wail of a train whistled through the morning, blocking out the hooves, the wind, and the metallic rasp of a gun reloading. â€Å"Were getting on that train,† I said, kicking Mezzanotte in the flanks. Bearing down, she picked up speed and sailed over the stone wall that separated Veritas from the main road. â€Å"Cmon, girl,† I whispered. Her eyes were wild and terrified, but she ran faster down the road and onto Main Street. The charred church came into sight, blackened bricks rising up like teeth from the ashen earth. The apothecary had also been burned to the ground. Crucifixes were affixed to every single doorframe in town; vervain sprigs were hung in garlands over most. I barely recognized the place Id lived all my seventeen years. Mystic Falls wasnt my home. Not anymore. Behind us, Jonathan Gilbert and Mayor Lockwoods horses were approaching faster and faster. Ahead of us, I could hear the train drawing nearer, grinding against the rails. The froth at Mezzanottes mouth was turning pink with blood. My fangs were dry, and I licked my parched lips, wondering if this constant desire for blood came with being a new vampire, or if I would always feel this way. â€Å"Ready to go, brother?† I asked, yanking Mezzanottes reins. She halted, giving me just enough time to jump off before she collapsed onto the ground, blood rushing from her mouth. A shot rang out, and blood spurted from Mezzanottes flank. I yanked Damon by the wrists and hurled us onto the caboose just before the train roared out of the station, leaving Jonathan Gilbert and Mayor Lockwoods angry cries far behind.