United States industrial relations Research Paper

United States industrial relations - Research Paper Example The government ensures a peaceful coexistence of employers and employees and their representatives for a peaceful society. The management on the other hand, ensures business prosperity by managing labor costs, company profitability as well as productivity. In maintaining such goals, employers often conflict with employees regarding work conditions and it is the duty of worker representatives or trade unions to ensure the rights of workers are not infringed. They therefore fight for; safe work conditions, wages and benefits and against unfair labor practices. Industrial relations have a long history which is the basis of the current labor environment in the United States. Several labor movements or trade unions have developed over time from craftsmen associations to amalgamated unions and international unions and continue to fight for workers rights to date as work environment changes due to globalization. Change in government leadership also affects industrial relations. Various presidents and congressmen have different views regarding labor issues; some are sympathetic to workers plight while others are less concerned hence numerous legislations have been passed which dictate the nature of relationship between employers and employees and their representatives. These legislations have a bearing on the current labor environment in the United States. ... They deal with employees of a certain locality or region. The national unions on the other hand, handle labor issues at a national level. The local unions serve as branches of the national union. The national unions are broader in nature in that they incorporate workers of all regions. The local and national unions fall under the labor federations; they incorporate all the unions. They control the activities of all unions hence give the labor movement direction. Sometimes unions cross the boundaries and unite with unions worldwide due to globalization to deal with international labor issues (Budd, 2006). Fuller (2011) also notes that the number of unionized staff has been declining over the years. He attributes this to; management attitudes towards unions move from manufacturing to service jobs which don’t require skills as well as increase in part-time jobs which make organization of labor difficult. Budd (2006) attributes the decline of union membership to the introduction o f management friendly practices such as the human resource management which emphasize on worker empowerment through participation and involvement in management practices such as decision making and workplace flexibility which is achieved through team work instead of job designations. Unions are also encouraged to work in partnership with management so as to achieve efficiency. The government also restricts union growth by passing labor laws which protect the rights of workers hence reducing the importance of unions. Workers need not to join trade unions to achieve their rights. Labor in early America was characterized by the existence of European immigrants, African slaves, long working days, low wages, control of the industry by craftsmen and journeymen. Skilled

Types of informal research method Essay Example for Free

Types of informal research method Essay o What type of informal research method did you use? o How was your research method similar to research methods used by psychologists? o If given another opportunity, what would you have done differently? When thinking about a time I had to test a theory there are many that come to mind. One thing that comes to mind is when my middle daughter had a situation at school where she was being labeled with ADHD and the school demanded her to be put on medication. I wanted to make sure that if there was any issue then we could start at step one. I wanted to make sure that it was not something that was causing this or if it was something medically wrong. My theory was my daughter was bored and just acting out because she was not being challenged. Once I was given the information by the school to get my daughter on medication I used the information and looked online to find out if my daughter had any of the symptoms that the scyhool had described. I used Google to find out the information I needed and was directed to WebMD. I found out that many of the symptoms the school had described were not any of the symptoms I had seen in my daughter myself. I also contacted several groups and asked many questions. One of the most helpful was being able to contact not only my daughters’ pediatrician but I was able to contact several other doctors with informal questions. I also kept a log of my daughters’ behavior for a few weeks as well as have a few conversations with my daughter. It was almost like a process of elimination with changing diets, changing sleeping patterns and changing the home routine for a little bit. With her pediatricians advice I was also asked to do some of the things I had already done to see if that would make a difference. In the end it was just the school not being a good fit for my daughter and she was not being challenged properly while in school and once we relocated her to another school it seemed things slowed down and straightened out. If given another chance to help my children out properly or myself in a situation like this I would definitely do it again. I think  that we give in to the world of medication these days and rely too much on a magic pill to fix everything instead of going through the process of elimination to find out what is wrong with our daily lives and making sure what we do makes us really happy. How did the world function 20 years ago before the magic pills we are prescribed today? It is something to think about.

The Invention of Air Conditioning :: essays research papers

Willis Haviland Carrier invented the first air conditioner in 1902. This was designed to boost the working process control in a printing plant. Carrier’s invention controlled temperature and humidity. The low heat and humidity helped keep the paper dimensions and ink alignment the same. Later his invention was used to populate productivity in the workplace. The Carrier Air Conditioning Company of America developed for the increasing demands. Gradually, air conditioning was used to help increase comfort in homes and cars. Residential sales increased rapidly in the 1950's. Carrier lived from 1876-1950. He graduated with a Masters in Engineering from Cornell University. One of Carrier’s first patents was awarded to him in 1906,â€Å"The Apparatus for Treating Air†. The American Society of Mechanical Engineers was given Willis Carrier’s formula for the Rational Psychrometric Formulae. The Carrier Engineering Corporation was formed in 1915. The factors for exponential growth for air-conditioning are the HVAC Market, energy, environment, communication, societal, political, preparing for the future, looking ahead, and the conclusion. Buildings of the U.S. use approximately 35% of the nation’s precise total of energy consumption. The worth of shipments by U.S. HVAC manufacturers was over $28 billion of 1996. Since there are 52,000 CHC chillers needed to be replaced among the U.S., there’s a large opportunity for new chillers, new technology for the HVAC industry. The ozone depletion is an international issue in which is currently being resolved. The 3rd world countries are still allowed to manufacture CFC’s. Illegal imports of CFC’S to the U.S. is a consistent concern. Many illegal imports are virgin CFC’s. Those whom have a political overtones are specifically the ones whom create a protectionism of local commerce, having a negative impact on those inside and out of the country.

Social&Technology Analysis of Revlon

Issues that may impact the industry include consumers' concerns about product safety and the use of animal testing by cosmetics companies[1]. In 1990, cosmetics giant Revlon became one of the first industry heavyweights to swear off all animal testing. Since then, Revlon has grown to be an animal-friendly empire, garnering awards for its products from magazines such as Cosmopolitan, Teen People, Allure, and In Style[2]. That is a signal that Revlon has an awareness of social responsibility and also showed their concerns about natural environment. Besides, with the income increasing, modern people are more willing to purchase personal care products and cosmetics for themselves. The age range of consumers is developing to both younger and elder. These trends are obviously seen especially in some developing countries and areas. Since the majority of personal care products are currently sold in the United States, Japan, Canada, and European countries(less than 20%of worlds population), the potential for sales of personal care products around the world is excellent. Increasingly, cosmetics/personal care is not an industry for women only; men purchase personal care products such as skin creams and hair care products/dyes and many men are trying cosmetics in an effort to improve their appearance. The market for hair colouring has expanded with teenagers and adults wanting more vibrant colouring options[3]. Revlon also shows its social responsibility according to charities. There are the most recent examples which are significant. Through November 2008, Revlon donated a percentage of their profits to the Rainbow Trust children’s charity. Another one is announced in May of 2009. Revlon said it would donate 10% of sales (up to $100,000) of its new color collection to fund women`s cancer program in partnership with the EIF, which full name is Entertainment Industry Foundation.

Health Care: History, Developments, and Problems Essay

Health care is necessary in every individual’s well-being. A lot of individuals require health care in one way or another, for, unfortunately, illness—not to mention old age and the disadvantages that come along with it—are inevitable. While it may seem rather frivolous to many, it is necessary to understand the various aspects of health care, as well as the related issues to it, for this will help pinpoint necessary information in the advent one needs to undergo hospitalization and long-term care. Understanding Nonprofit and For-profit Hospitals The difference between nonprofit and for-profit hospitals is actually historical. Nonprofit hospitals are were originally found by religious organizations. In a sense, these hospitals are those which aim to help people out of kindness. It is stated that nonprofit hospitals tend to be more dedicated in caring for their patients because their motivation is to help people without expecting anything in return. However, one important issue regarding nonprofit hospitals is that their facilities and equipment may not be updated, for they are getting no returns for their service (Cutler, 2000). On the other hand, for-profit hospitals are those hospitals which eventually emerged from nonprofit hospitals due to one important factor: profit. for-profit hospitals earn money and can afford to develop their health care programs, as well as provide better equipment and facilities in order to provide better service. Apart from this, for-profit hospitals can fund health education for its employees as well as fund medical research. However, it is stated that for-profit hospitals might skimp on health care. Since for-profit hospitals have â€Å"shareholders who demand the highest possible returns† (Cutler, 2000, p. ), there is a tendency for the hospital to be stingy with its services in order to provide the business demands of its shareholders (Cutler, 2000). Trends in the Hospital Sector As the service of health care improved over time, a various amount of changes occurred. Currently, there are several trends in the hospital sector which are said to aim for organization improvement and better service. One of the most prominent trends in the hospital sectors is the consolidation of hospitals. This merging is done in order to ensure that some of the small hospitals are able to survive. Apart from this, merging is a way to improve health care quality, as well as strengthen their financial and organizational capacity. This will also end the competition between hospitals whenever there are scarcities in resources (Laschober, Wiley & Gelband, 1995). Another trend in the hospital sector is the increasing number of doctors who specialize in various fields of practice. This only means that hospitals have decided to focus on creating a more efficient means of treatment for patients through hiring a wide range of specialists who can provide the appropriate health care needed by a patient. Laschober, Wiley & Gelband, 1995). And lastly, the hospital sector has largely improved in its patient care through removing the hotel function of hospitals. Gone are the days that patients need to spend days lying on a hospital bed; there is now a significant increase in the volume of outpatient care and the trend is that patients who undergo same-day surgeries and are allowed to go home on the same day (Laschober, Wiley & Gelband, 1995). Long-Term Care in Hospitals and Nursing Homes Nursing homes are residential settings for individuals who need assistance; commonly, individuals who are admitted into nursing homes are there due to poverty, advanced age, living alone, impaired mental status, loss of ability to take care of oneself, heart disease, and dementia. Primarily, the criterion is that the individual must be sick enough to need nursing care, but not sick enough that he or she requires hospitalization. Read more: Problems of Old Age Essay The long-term care plan in nursing home involves assisted-living facilities (focuses on providing all of the basic needs), special care units (different units created to address different needs of specific residents in the nursing home) and resident-centered care (addresses the need of patients for increased quality of life) (Miller, 2009). On the other hand, long-term care in hospitals is very different; usually, patients require an array of services which are dependent on the their changing condition. This is referred to as integrated care, wherein every single condition is addressed differently. Also, unlike a nursing home, patients are not required to stay in for a long time in hospitals; they may eventually go to their homes under the care and supervision of home health agencies (Singh, 2010), whereas those who are admitted in nursing homes are predetermined to stay there. Also, the patient can move into different types of long-term care, depending on his or her condition—this can also mean that the services provided may either be long-term or non-long term (Singh, 2010). Long-term Care in the United States As seen in the aforementioned discussion, long-term health care is undoubtedly important in ensuring that patients are well-cared for during times of illnesses and weakness. However, currently, the state of the long-term care policy in the United States is rather problematic. For example, long-term care benefits cannot be collected for the Community Living Assistance Services and Supports (CLASS) program is still not running. The earliest predicted date when individuals can claim their benefits will be in 2017, which is a problem especially if some individuals need benefits to support their hospitalization and so on. Apart from this, this health care policy concerning CLASS does not cover individuals who are not working, such as those who cannot work or retired (Andrews, 2010). Summary As seen in the aforementioned discussion, health care has come a long way from being provided by religious institutions. It has developed systems for the benefit of its patients, as well as new policies. However, it could be seen in the current situation of long-term care in the United States, there needs to be more improvement in order to attain the appropriate policies to serve the people. In a nutshell, although long-term care has been developed appropriately, whether it is on a hospital or in a nursing home, long-term care policies which have been currently implemented, such as CLASS, will prohibit people from receiving the appropriate health care. Even if such program will provide more benefits for individuals compared to the private long-term care insurances, it, nevertheless, excludes other individuals from being properly cared for because it is not encompassing.

Arab Americans Populations by State

Arab Americans Populations by State As a bloc, the 3.5 million Arab Americans in the United States are becoming an important economic and electoral minority. The largest concentrations of Arab Americans are in some of the most contested electoral battlegrounds of the 1990s and the 2000s - Michigan, Florida, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Virginia. In the early 1990s Arab Americans tended to register Republican more than Democratic. That changed after 2001. So have their voting patterns. The largest block of Arab Americans in most states is of Lebanese descent. They account for a quarter to a third of the total Arab population in most states. New Jersey is an exception. There, Egyptians account for 34% of the Arab American population, Lebanese account for 18%. In Ohio, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania, Lebanese account for 40% to 58% of the Arab American population. All these figures are based on estimates by ​Zogby International, conducted for the Arab American Institute. A note about the population estimates in the table below: ​Youll notice quite a disparity between the 2000 Census Bureau figures and those of Zogby in 2008. Zogby explains the difference: The decennial Census identifies only a portion of the Arab population through a question on ancestry on the census long form. Reasons for the undercount include the placement of and limits of the ancestry question (as distinct from race and ethnicity); the effect of the sample methodology on small, unevenly distributed ethnic groups; high levels of out-marriage among the third and fourth generations; and distrust/misunderstanding of government surveys among more recent immigrants. Arab American Populations, 11 Largest States Rank State 1980Census 2000Census 2008Zogby Estimate 1 California 100,972 220,372 715,000 2 Michigan 69,610 151,493 490,000 3 New York 73,065 125,442 405,000 4 Florida 30,190 79,212 255,000 5 New Jersey 30,698 73,985 240,000 6 Illinois 33,500 68,982 220,000 7 Texas 30,273 65,876 210,000 8 Ohio 35,318 58,261 185,000 9 Massachusetts 36,733 55,318 175,000 10 Pennsylvania 34,863 50,260 160,000 11 Virginia 13,665 46,151 135,000 Source: Arab American Institute

The History and Importance of the Vacuum Tube

The History and Importance of the Vacuum Tube A vacuum tube, also called an electron tube, is a sealed-glass or metal-ceramic enclosure used in electronic circuitry to control the flow of electrons between the metal electrodes sealed inside the tubes. The air inside the tubes is removed by a vacuum. Vacuum tubes are used for amplification of a weak current, rectification of an alternating current to direct current (AC to DC), generation of oscillating radio-frequency (RF) power for radio and radar, and more. According to PV Scientific Instruments, The earliest forms of such tubes appeared in the late 17th century. However, it was not until the 1850s that sufficient technology existed to produce sophisticated versions of such tubes. This technology included efficient vacuum pumps, advanced glassblowing techniques, and the Ruhmkorff induction coil. Vacuum tubes were used widely in electronics in the early twentieth century, and the cathode-ray tube remained in use for televisions and video monitors before being supplanted by plasma, LCD, and other technologies. Timeline In 1875, American, G.R. Carey invented the phototube.In 1878, Englishman Sir William Crookes invented the Crookes tube, an early prototype of the cathode-ray tube.In 1895, German, Wilhelm Roentgen invented an early prototype Xray tube.In 1897, German, Karl Ferdinand Braun invents the cathode ray tube oscilloscope.In 1904, John Ambrose Fleming invented the first practical electron tube called the Fleming Valve. Leming invents the vacuum tube diode.In 1906, Lee de Forest invented the Audion later called the triode, an improvement on the Fleming Valve tube.In 1913, William D. Coolidge invented the Coolidge Tube, the first practical Xray tube.In 1920, RCA began the first commercial electron tube manufacturing.In 1921, American Albert Hull invented the magnetron electronic vacuum tube.In 1922, Philo T. Farnsworth develops the first tube scanning system for television.In 1923, Vladimir K Zworykin invented the iconoscope or the cathode-ray tube and the kinescope.In 1926, Hull and Williams c o-invented the tetrode electronic vacuum tube. In 1938, Americans Russell and Sigurd Varian co-invented the klystron tube.

Cómo se paga y costo de fianza migratoria en EE.UU.

Cà ³mo se paga y costo de fianza migratoria en EE.UU. Si un familiar o amigo es detenido por Inmigracià ³n es posible que el ICE o un juez fijen una fianza y pueda ser liberado mientras espera que se resuelva su caso. La fianza la puede pagar directamente un amigo o familiar del migrante detenido o, si nadie cercano tiene recursos econà ³micos para ello, se puede recurrir a una agencia autorizada. Pago de fianza por amigo o familiar del migrante detenido En estos casos, el amigo o familiar debe encontrase legalmente en Estados Unidos, prefirià ©ndose que sea ciudadano americano o un residente permanente legal. El pago debe hacerse por la totalidad de la cantidad fijada como fianza por el ICE o por el juez de corte migratoria. Se acepta pago en dinero en efectivo o con bonos del Tesoro de los Estados Unidos (bonds, notes). Para hacerse efectivo el pago es necesario cerrar previamente una cita por telà ©fono con la oficina local del ICE (appointment to pay the bond). El dà ­a de la cita acudir al lugar que se ha indicado y a la hora seà ±alada. Es muy importante que solo se presente un familiar o amigo del detenido que tenga estatus legal en Estados Unidos, ya que de encontrase en situacià ³n de indocumentado podrà ­a ser detenido. Adems, debe llevar un I.D. vlido, tipo licencia de manejar del estado en el que reside habitualmente, pasaporte estadounidense, tarjeta de residencia, etc. Asimismo, debe llevar la tarjeta original de su Nà ºmero del Seguro Social. No se admite llevar una copia de la misma. Finalmente, ante un oficial el amigo o familiar del migrante que deposita la fianza debe firmar los documentos I-305 - original del recibo de haber pagado la fianza- y el I-352 -copia del contrato de fianza. Estos documentos deben de guardarse porque ser necesario para recuperar la fianza cuando finalice el proceso en contra del migrante. ​Pago de fianza migratoria a travà ©s de una agencia autorizada En ocasiones es conveniente pagar a travà ©s de una agencia de fianzas migratorias, que se conocen en inglà ©s como bond agents. Por ejemplo, porque los familiares y amigos no tienen estatus legal o porque no tienen todo el dinero que piden de fianza para hacer frente a la misma. En estos casos puede decirse con carcter general que el familiar o amigo que solicita la colaboracià ³n de una agencia autorizada debe pagar entre el 15 y el 20 por ciento del total de la fianza en dinero en efectivo y garantizar el resto con un colateral, como puede ser con una propiedad, con la nà ³mina, el auto, etc. Es muy importante saber cunto se tiene que pagar, cul es el colateral y otras condiciones econà ³micas, como monto de tarifas no recuperables. Tambià ©n conviene tener en cuenta que los bond agents suelen cobrar como comisià ³n por sus servicios entre el 15% y el 20% del total de la fianza. Asimismo, algunos agentes exigen para pagar la fianza que una vez que son liberados los migrantes lleven unos grilletes de monitoreo electrà ³nico con un GPS incorporado para saber en todo momento dà ³nde se encuentra el migrante. Algunos agentes llegan a cobrar a los migrantes $420 por mes en concepto de arrendamiento por el grillete. Por estas razones es conveniente contactar con varias agencias y comparar las condiciones ofertadas por cada una de ellas y tener mucho cuidado con lo que se firma, particularmente si est en inglà ©s y no se entiende el compromiso que se adquiere.  ¿Cul es el monto de la fianza de migracià ³n? El costo de la fianza depende de varios factores, entre ellos: la gravedad de la acusacià ³n contra la persona extranjerasu historial delictivosi tiene familiares en los Estados Unidossu estatus migratorioposibilidades de desaparecer y no presentarse en las audiencias en la Corte de Inmigracià ³n En là ­neas generales hay dos tipos de fianzas migratorias: las fianzas conocidas como departure bonds se fijan a partir de $500, dependiendo del caso.los deliver bonds tienen un monto que puede ir desde los $1.500 hasta los $10.000 o ms. Segà ºn datos de la Executive Office of Immigration Review, en el aà ±o fiscal 2019 el monto medio de las fianzas migratorias es de $8.000. Con los deliver bonds el migrante queda en libertad mientras sigue en trmite su proceso de deportacià ³n. Si falta a alguna cita en corte, pierde el derecho a la libertad y todo el dinero entregado en concepto de fianza. Con los departure bonds el migrante se ha comprometido a abandonar EE.UU. en un plazo determinado y pagando à ©l o ella por los gastos de esta salida. El migrante queda libre despuà ©s de pagar esta fianza para poder arreglar sus asuntos antes de salir del paà ­s. Si no cumple con el plazo establecido, el migrante pierde el dinero de la fianza.  ¿Cunto se demora ICE en regresar el dinero de la fianza? Cuando el proceso que se sigue contra el migrante finaliza o cuando el migrante abandona EE.UU. se puede reclamar al gobierno que regrese el dinero depositado en concepto de deliver bond o departure bond. Segà ºn ICE, estn regresando la fianza en el plazo de un mes a partir de la fecha en la que se reclama su devolucià ³n. Sin embargo, datos publicados por la Universidad de Stanford y la Universidad de California, Davis, muestran que frecuentemente la demora es mucho mayor y que, como consecuencia de ello, ICE tiene bajo su custodia $204 millones en finanzas. Adems, 18.000 personas jams han reclamado la devolucià ³n de la fianza. La complicacià ³n del trmite impide que muchos migrantes puedan hacerlo sin encontrar ayuda legal cualificada. Pago de fianzas migratorias La posibilidad de pagar fianza y su monto lo establece ICE o un juez de Inmigracià ³nEl pago de la fianza para liberar a un migrante de su detencià ³n puede ser realizada por un familiar o amigo con estatus legal o recurrir a los servicios de un agente de fianzas.Si se utilizan los servicios de un agente, comparar condiciones entre varios, particularmente cunto tarde en depositar la fianza, porcentaje de su comisià ³n, tarifa no reembolsable, quà © pide de colateral y si exige que el migrante liberado utilice un grillete electrà ³nico.No es fcil el papeleo para reclamar a ICE que regrese el dinero de la fianza. Es muy comà ºn que se necesite recurrir a los servicios de un abogado o de una persona con conocimientos sobre este tipo de fianzas. Este es un artà ­culo informativo. No es asesorà ­a legal. Fuentes: Flynn, Meagan, ICE is holding $204 million in bond money, and some immigrants might never get it back The Washington Post. April, 26, 2019.https://www.washingtonpost.com/immigration/ice-is-holding-204-million-in-bond-money-and-some-immigrants-might-never-get-it-back/2019/04/26/dcaa69a0-5709-11e9-9136-f8e636f1f6df_story.html?utm_term.7a18f948b630

Foodborne Outbreaks Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Foodborne Outbreaks - Essay Example Just about any food can become a threat if it has spoiled, however, the foods most commonly associated with leading to foodborne illness include fresh foods and dairy products, like eggs, fish, poultry, and condiments, like mayonnaise. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention explains that while there are many measures taken to prevent the possibility of causing an foodborne outbreaks, it is not always easy because the contamination can occur at any point in the food production chain, the fault could lie in the production, the processing, preparation, and distribution; which makes identifying the sources, scope, and efficient treatment incredibly difficult and important (2014). Foodborne outbreaks may seem uncommon, but are common enough to pose a serious health risk that costs the United States $77 billion per year to address the ,almost 130,000 of hospitalizations and 3,000 deaths caused yearly by foodborne illnesses (Nuzzo & et al, 2013). Determining the range and scope of an outbreak involves a number of factors, including, where and how the contamination occurred, how much was contaminated, where was it sent, and how many people have been in contact with or consumed it. However, the most essential step and greatest challenge is identifying which of the millions of possible culprits is responsible for the outbreak. The majority of foodborne illness outbreaks is an important issue for a number of governmental agencies that work to make certain that the food that is provided, sold, and consumed by the public is safe (The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2014). Most outbreaks can be controlled by the local and state health agencies, however, larger outbreaks will include multiple agencies working together . (The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2014). The three federal agencies most closely involved in the occurrences of foodborne outbreaks are the CDC. FDA, and the USDA. The first, again, is the Centers for Disease

Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Term Paper Example According to him, to understand this sector completely one must consider to analyze following points like economic factors, industry trend, and competitive sources (Diechart et al). This paper is based on the marketing strategies of these two giants along with the discussion on several economic parameters like demand theory, opportunity cost, preferred completion. The paper also gives a historic overview of the companies, their financial performance and also a suggestion part that can be helpful for these two organizations to be more competitive. Analysis Methodology The study is about the market dominance of both the company in terms of different economical parameter. The findings are based on various article and financial report published in different magazines, news, and financial report of both the companies and a comparison between these two companies marketing strategy. The main two questions we are trying to answer are as follows: 1. Comparative analysis of marketing strategy of Coca-Cola and Pepsi. 2. Analysis of two companies in different micro-economic perspective. For marketing strategy review and the effect of the same on these two companies the main source of informationis company’s annual report, different article related to company’s marketing strategies over the year and the style of branding and promotion. For economic perspective, various economical factors are analyzed based on available secondary data sources. Coke and Pepsi: Past and Present position in the Market. There were three different factorsassociated with the market performance of these two companies. According to Data Monitor, these were market size, growth rate and overall profitability. Among no-alcoholic drinks soft-drinks have the overall market share of 46.8%. The total market value of the soft drinks industry was $307.2 billion in 2002 and as per their report was expected to reach around $367billion by 2009. Although along with this strong forecast, Data Monito r also predicted that there will be a slight decline in the soft drinks market due to market price. This was due to increase in the other non-alcoholic industry like tea and coffee (11.8%) and water (9.3%). According to Diechart et al, despite of solid profit margins the declaration in the soft drinks market was due to market saturation especially in USA. According to him, to increase the profitability the soft drinks company needed the product diversification to reach out more number of people. According to Murray’s report Coca Cola enjoyed maximum market share of around 50% followed by Pepsi (21%). The Coca Cola were having more diversified soft drinks offering for the client like Coca-Cola, Diet Coke, Fanta, Sprite etc and they were engaged in over 200 nations (Diechart et al). Pepsi have brands like Pepsi, Dew, and Slice etc (Diechart). According to thereport published in the Bangkok Post Coke sales was grown by 32% in 2012, which was highest in last 10 years. The markets hare of coke again rose to 50% whereas Pepsi falling to 15% (Bangkok Post). Marketing Strategy: Coca Cola: The main aim of Coca Cola is to refresh the world, to inspire moments of optimism and happiness and to create value and make a difference in customer mind. To fulfill their mission 5 broad steps were taken by the marketing team of

Math Standards Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Math Standards - Essay Example They should have the ability to find correct answers to addition, This list however is by no means everything a student should be able to do, and only acts as a basic guideline for what a student should be able to achieve in math while they are in the California educational system. The goals associated with student's learning in mathematics are also important. Students should develop fluency in basic computational Skills, develop an understanding of mathematical Concepts and Become mathematical problem solvers who can recognize and solve routine problems readily and can find ways to reach a solution or goal where no routine path is apparent. These are the three goals that all students should develop while learning math, and are important to their overall schooling as they grow up to adults upon their leaving of the educational system. In a general education class these broads skills are skills that all students should learn, and are skills that are helpful to teach to everybody. Some students will learn them fast, and others will struggle, but by teaching them as general educations everybody can learn them on the same level filed.

Debate Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Debate - Essay Example Shareholders value refers to the wealth and profits of the shareholders. It is a part of business ethics that company should strive continuously for maximizing the shareholders value (Zairi, 1998). According to the Vermaelen (2008), Professor of Finance at INSEAD, in the consideration of capitalist economy it is assumed that management has the responsibility to maximize the shareholders value. The value maximization should be considered as an implicit contract and in his opinion it is an ethical responsibility of the managers. Hence, the policies of the company that are designed to reduce the application of this implicit contract must be considered as an unethical practice. Until, of course, the Company has clearly stated in the shareholders contract about the different objectives of using the profit for other purposes. For example, a company decided to start a corporate social responsibility practice in the society for the sake of humanity. The application of this practice will be d one by distributing five percent of the company’s profit among the social welfare institutions. ... fessor Vermaelen clearly indicates that the mangers are liable to maximize the shareholders value, if they do so then they are on a right track, and if not, then they are violating the conducts of business ethics. Sometimes it seems that the companies violate the conducts of social ethics in maximizing the shareholders value. Here the question arises, is that ethical to violate the conducts of social ethics to maximize the wealth of shareholders? The profit of shareholders is associated with company’s profit and it has a positive relationship with profit as well. In the consideration of raised question the business ethics are designed to protect the rights of employees, customers, shareholders and the society. And companies are liable to follow the conducts of business ethics. The implementation of business ethics creates the company’s image in the society. The example for violation of business ethics and social ethics is given to understand the importance of considerin g the business and social ethics in the company’s practices. The case of Nokia in china is the perfect example for understanding the consideration of social ethics in the maximization of shareholders value. Everyone is aware with the fact that the China has low labor wage rates when comparing it with wage rates of other countries. China is highly focused on achieving economies of scale and they are getting success in their vision. Nokia is in contract with few Chinese electronic factories for the supply of mobile parts and accessories. But the factories do not supply the finished products. The factory has a great number of female labors. When the survey was conducted in the factory and female labor are asked to give their reviews regarding the application of policy of business ethics then a

Why Steve Jobs was not a leader Article Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Why Steve Jobs was not a leader - Article Example In this case, Jobs did not want to take the personal risk of trusting his staff, and he monitored their every move in the workplace in order to ensure that there were no chances of failure. For Steve Jobs, personal achievements governed the leadership approach that he used. Unlike billionaires like Bill Gates who contribute to numerous charities, Jobs did not have a history of contributing to any charity. In effect, this implies that Jobs looked down on his followers. In addition, Jobs is described as a man who would take credit of other people’s ideas, obsessively controlling, and a tyrant (Williams). This description does not fit a leader who is sensitive to his followers. Finally, Steve Jobs extolled some other behavior that does not qualify him to be an outstanding leader. In this regard, Williams noted that Jobs denied his first daughter paternity in order for his daughter to live on welfare, which is despite his billionaire status. In effect, this indicates that Steve Jobs did not value people more than he valued his money. Simply put, Jobs did not value any other thing in life, but the drive to see his profits and company’s portfolio grow guided his operations, which are not characteristics of an exemplary

Reflection paper Term Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Reflection - Term Paper Example In the second section, the professor taught us how to write. We were given different kinds of assignments. Doing those assignments was a means of learning to write academically and professionally. Now that I reflect on my writing skills, I find noticeable improvement in the content, structure, organization, and quality of writing I produce. The most interesting thing about this course was the syllabus. The topics we discussed and wrote about were primarily oriented around freedom and independence. We learnt different ways in which advanced technology promoted personal freedom as well as intervened in people’s personal rights and space. For example, while we can explore the world and capture precious moments using the cameras of our smartphones, we can also freely take anybody’s pictures without having them even realize that they are being photographed. This is an intervention in an individual’s personal space and freedom but technology has equipped us to do this. We have to resort to our moral values to behave ethically in such scenarios and make only positive use of the technology in our hands. Similarly, we did an assignment where we discussed how cameras can be used to record people cheating on their spouses or how lie-detection machines can be used to learn the secret. All these practices come with certain advantages and disadvantages, with the disadvantage being primarily intervention in others’ personal freedom. We should use our moral judgment and conscience to make optimal use of such technology and avoid its secret use unless the benefits of the same outweigh the demerits. To discourage the inappropriate use of technology, the government should formulate laws and regulations to guide people’s behavior. People intervening in others’ personal space without consent and for unjustifiable reasons should be held accountable for their secret endeavors. Personal freedom is the fundamental right of every human being and must be granted. The

Why Steve Jobs was not a leader Article Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Why Steve Jobs was not a leader - Article Example In this case, Jobs did not want to take the personal risk of trusting his staff, and he monitored their every move in the workplace in order to ensure that there were no chances of failure. For Steve Jobs, personal achievements governed the leadership approach that he used. Unlike billionaires like Bill Gates who contribute to numerous charities, Jobs did not have a history of contributing to any charity. In effect, this implies that Jobs looked down on his followers. In addition, Jobs is described as a man who would take credit of other people’s ideas, obsessively controlling, and a tyrant (Williams). This description does not fit a leader who is sensitive to his followers. Finally, Steve Jobs extolled some other behavior that does not qualify him to be an outstanding leader. In this regard, Williams noted that Jobs denied his first daughter paternity in order for his daughter to live on welfare, which is despite his billionaire status. In effect, this indicates that Steve Jobs did not value people more than he valued his money. Simply put, Jobs did not value any other thing in life, but the drive to see his profits and company’s portfolio grow guided his operations, which are not characteristics of an exemplary

Global Economic Changes Over the Next Decade Research Paper

Global Economic Changes Over the Next Decade - Research Paper Example However, the current global economic environment is likely to contribute to a severe crisis over the next decades. This is because of the disruptive financial market chaos, which is slowing economic growth in advanced economies. Many emerging economies have made efforts of providing global resilience measures but this has set an explosion of food and gasoline price crisis. The next generation is under threat because the emerging and advanced economies are unable to adjust the current crisis. The trends in the global business cycle such as the emergence of internal growth momentum, failure to adjust to the price shock for commodities and shift in the financial shock absorbers are likely to create global economic challenges in the future. Although the federal will employ policies for reducing global economic issues, climatic changes due to globalization and increased gasoline prices are likely to create the economic crisis in the future. The global economic environment is likely to exp erience varied changes that would take place over the next decade. First, new changes will occur because of the emergence of strong internal growth momentum in developing and emerging nations; thus providing the most trade shock-absorber across the globe. Many nations especially the emerging economies such as India, China, Malaysia and some Asian Pacific economies as well as developed economies are transforming the global business cycle dynamics. The global trade shock absorber will make the U.S downturn steeper due to the support offered in the export sector by many developing nations across the globe (Callioni, 2010). Therefore, the issue arises in case the emerging economies such as India and China sustain in the internal momentum over the decades. This may impact the emerging economies from achieving growth. This is because both financial and trade linkages continue to increase in the emerging economies as the emerging economies attempt to incorporate business activities in the global markets. Therefore, the emerging and developing nations are likely to become immune from of financial chaos in developed nations. The fiscal shock absorbers have made efforts of solving the economic challenges through employing new methods. For instance, the capital movements instead of trade have become the world’s driving force since the 19th century up to the present. The change is undeviating rather than being cyclical; thus, the link between the two is difficult to predict. The economists are unable to understand the cause of the capital movements and trade changes but the economic changes are clear. It may take some period before economists may accept the fundamental changes. However, the research indicates that the global economy is in control of the changes rather than the macroeconomics of a state through which economic theory focuses. Moreover, the primary products in the market have been changing and the price of commodities are likely to rise into higher pr ices for the next decades. For instance, the prices for energy sources have been one of the major problems across the globe. The price for gasoline keeps on changing; thus affecting other commodities in the market. Although the federal state has attempted to regulate the global energy crisis, still changes will take places; thus affecting the price of commodities. This will impact many developing and emerging economies from becoming developed.

Consider It Cured Essay Example for Free

Consider It Cured Essay Our caned, very anti-social doctor is in the house. He is not interested in simple medical cases. He loves to solve medical cases that are highly mysterious. He is not a people person. His talented, young medical staffs; his oncologist best friend; the hospital administrator; and even his patients do not escape our doctor’s â€Å"rudeness. † In spite of his not â€Å"very good behavior,† our doctor’s capability to treat mysterious medical cases prove to be indispensable. His expertise is highly respected by his colleagues. That even though our doctor is treating them (medical staffs, oncologist best friend, hospital administrator, and patients) â€Å"harshly,† they could not thank him enough for his great medical ideas. You know who I’m talking about. He is the famous Dr. Gregory House of the TV series Dr. House M. D. The â€Å"success† of the series is not only attributed to Dr. House but to everyone in the house. This medical drama is just one of the many medical dramas that are taking the limelight. These medical dramas expose us to what is happening inside hospital institutions. Or let me be more specific, these medical dramas more or less expose us to different hospital scenarios. Have you been hospitalized? If not, have you been in a hospital? Have you seen real â€Å"actions† in hospitals? Have you seen the commotions of the doctors, nurses, and other medical staffs? Or your ideas on hospital scenarios are based only on medical television dramas? Are these medical dramas happen in real life? Are all mysterious medical cases always solved? Is it true that most patients of mysterious medical cases always survived? What are the real scores in hospitals? What is the real situation in hospitals with actual patients, in hospitals not seen in the limelight? I had been in a hospital several times, visiting a sick member of my family. To be honest, I have never seen an actual breathtaking scenario during those visits. This is good news though. Remember Rescue 911? I used to watch this show because it’s informative. I learned some medical tips. I was able to see actual footages of rescue operations and first aid application. Rescue 911 was able to show the actual procedures on saving patients in cases of emergencies. No doubt, Dr. House is a â€Å"good† doctor in the series. Good† doctor because he has helped a lot of patients. Are all real-life doctors as good as Dr. House? Are all real-life doctors able to treat most of their patients? Do you think medical dramas have changed the image of real-life doctors? Are these changes advantageous or disadvantageous to real-life doctors? How have medical dramas influenced real-life medical cases? More often than not, viewers of medical dramas treat these as real events and situations. These medical dramas affect the way people think of medical cases. Another fact, these medical dramas have changed the image of real-life doctors and nurses. Some might find Dr. House’s qualities to real-life doctors. Others might think that all medical cases are treatable and that most patients can survive any life-threatening situations. Because doctors and nurses in medical dramas are really good (I’m not saying that real-life doctors are not good), some real-life patients expect that nothing is impossible to our real-life doctors. Too much expectation could fail them. Because in real-life, not all diseases are treatable and not all patients can survive. Again, I’m not saying that our real-life doctors are no good. There are many patients too that are treated and survive, and we can credit these successful medical cases in our real-life medical experts. Let me just remind you that the medical dramas we watch are fictional, meaning there is a deviation from the actual situation. These medical dramas are products of very creative and imaginative minds. Thus, these medical dramas are designed to entertain us, not to change the way we think about our real-life doctors. Aside from the entertainment we get in watching a medical drama, the end of each episode often gives us a relief because, our Dr. House did it again. He made the patient, and his or her family, happy. The happy endings make the viewers happy also. Medical dramas could be informative, but we should not get carried away. Best to consult real-life doctors than our medical dramas’ doctors. Here is another should be avoided situation. Medical dramas might influence some patients to rely on the medical dramas’ diagnosis on certain diseases. Again, this is a big NO, NO. Should we find ourselves sick, better visit our doctor and have him/her examine you. Our real-life doctors are the ones authorized to give diagnosis and to give the prescribed medication. Though medical dramas are products of fiction, they are not totally wrong. Directors of these medical dramas consult the expertise of medical practitioners to make the episodes more realistic. Since the lead actors and actresses are not really medical practitioners, to whom are we going to put our confidence if our health condition is at risk? Real-life doctors have undergone lots and lots of training before they could earn their first patient. Medicine is not the normal four-year college course. Sick persons entrust their lives to real-life doctors. A sick person who is admitted in hospitals is hoping that doctors could ease his or her pain, that doctors could cure his or her illness, that doctors could add more years to his or her lives. A doctor has great responsibilities to his or her patients. The experiences of real-life doctors are countless. Each experience has taught them how to become effective and efficient doctors. Survival of the fittest could very much explain how a doctor earned his or her title. Many say that to become a doctor, one has to be very brilliant and very knowledgeable. The truth is, brilliance and knowledge are not enough. Aspiring doctors need a lot of courage, patience, and a very healthy body to withstand pressure and long hours of study. Compare the long hours of medical trainings or real-life doctors to our medical dramas’ â€Å"doctors. † We all know that good actors perform and act well. Good actors should portray their roles effectively for the success of the show. We can prove the effectiveness of an actor’s portrayal when the audience believe and trust him. Same is true for the actors-playing doctors in medical dramas. In fact, they are very good actors. I have no doubt for that. Why? Because some viewers believe in them. Because their portrayal is good, some viewers think of medical dramas as fiction. How long are these actors trained to become â€Å"good† doctors in their medical dramas? Are these long hours of training justifiable enough to trust their diagnosis? With the long years of medical trainings, how come that there are still mortality? How come real-life doctors could not cure all their patients? Recall that Dr. House loves to handle mysterious medical cases. In the event of these mysterious medical cases, not all doctors are successful in finding the correct diagnosis. Like in medical dramas, real-life doctors are also doing their best to save their patients. Like in medical dramas, real-life doctors are also frustrated when their patients die. Like in medical dramas, real-life doctors share with their patients’ happiness after a successful operations or treatments. The day to day events in most city hospitals are not boring. Real-life doctors and nurses are very busy. They could be handling two or more medical cases at the same time. Real-life doctors treat real-life patients. Real-life doctors encounter real-life illnesses. Real-life doctors are always on the move. Since they are in the real-world, they are portraying the role of real-life doctors. The real-life doctors are not the cast of a fiction medical drama. With real-life doctors, we are talking about real or non-fiction medical dramas. These medical dramas are the real ones––the stories of patients who survived and those who do not; and the stories of doctors who continuously serve the needs of sick people. Medical dramas on television have affected the viewers’ point of view in terms of medical issues. This is true to some viewers. There are still viewers who know the difference between fiction and non-fiction; viewers who know what to believe; and viewers who live on reality. But we should bear in mind that when in comes to one’s health, the best person to consult to are medical practitioners. Also bear in mind that fiction can never become non-fiction. Medical dramas can never be applied to real-life situations. There is a big difference between those medical dramas and the real-life situations in hospital. There are no points for comparison because giving entertainment (like what medical dramas do) is totally different from giving treatment and taking good care of humanity’s health (like what doctors do). The main goal of medical dramas, like any other television shows, is to entertain. If they want to educate the viewers, that is another story. But still, we have to choose who to believe. Remember, life is at stake here. We are not doctors to take a risk. Real-life doctors know best.

Self Assessment on Child Learning Environment

Self Assessment on Child Learning Environment Part A Reflecting on a childs learning and development as a practitioner is important in order to gauge an understanding of the childs ability to learn and how it can be continually improved. The National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA) developed a curriculum framework, known as Aistear, which supports practitioners in early childhood care and education (ECCE) settings to reflect, identify and assess childrens learning. Assessment of the childs learning allows the practitioner to gather an understanding about how the child thinks, their abilities, and interests. For a practitioner to understand and assess a childs thinking, abilities and interests they must interact with the child. Good assessment practices depend on listening, empathising, watching and talking with the child (Dunphy, 2008). It is through these types of interactions in everyday activities and experiences with the adult and other children that help form a successful learning process for them. In order to plan and develop appropriate experiences which the child will find enjoyable and exciting, it is important that the practitioner has a good assessment process in place in the ECCE setting. Through observation the practitioner can assess the childs progress and develop a plan to continually enhance the childs development further. It is up to the practitioner to interpret the childs learning using the aims and learning goals outlined by Aistear to then form and plan the learning further. The practitioner must observe to note childrens progress in all areas of their development including skills, dispositions, attitudes, knowledge and understanding (NCCA, 2009). Development through planning is done through two assessment approaches defined in Aistear which include the assessment for learning and the assessment of learning. Assessment for learning takes the approach of supporting and planning the childs learning through reflection and assessment whereas assessment of learning is the approach of measuring, comparing, analysing and reporting (Daly and Forster cited in Mhic Mhathà ºna and Taylor, 2012). These approaches use many different methods of assessment. Each method helps to create portraits of the childrens learning and development. Observation is a key method in assessing a childs learning. Observing a child allows the practitioner to physically see the childs capabilities and document their learning. It allows them to see where the child excels or where they may need further support. It can also show a practitioner how a child interacts in social situations and how they play. While many practitioners use this as their main assessment method it is not the only one. Through the use of different assessment methods the practitioner can form a bigger picture of a childs learning and development. Aistear outlines the five assessment methods; self-assessment, conversations, observations, setting tasks and testing (NCCA, 2009). Self-assessment consists of the children themselves assessing their own learning and development. The child can begin to identity their own achievements and progress. It is then up to the practitioner to help guide the child and discuss with them about their experience. Discussing and having conversations with the child allow the practitioner to further assess and gather a better understanding of the childs learning (NCCA, 2009). By using conversation as an assessment method the practitioner can gain a better insight into the childs thinking then they would from just observing, thus allowing the practitioner to offer the appropriate support for the child. These assessment methods so far discussed are very child lead assessment. It is the child who shows the practitioner their learning and development with the practitioner acting as an observer. Observation can also be adult lead assessment as well as setting tasks and testing. If the practitioner needs to collect information on certain aspects of the childs learning they may design certain activities to help them do so (NCCA, 2009). Through observing, the adult can design activities which interest and excite the child to help them further gather information they may have set out to obtain. From setting these tasks the practitioner can help explain and encourage the child to further their learning and development. This is similar to the assessment method of testing. The assessment should focus on strengths and also aspects which may need further improvement (Dunphy, 2008). The practitioner complies all they have learned through observing and discussing with the child to test the child on certain aspects of their learning and development, such as social abilities. This can allow the practitioners to compare the outcomes with other children of similar ages therefore allowing t hem to see which children are meeting their milestones and who may need further assistance. There is a huge necessity for these assessment methods because without them the practitioner would not be able to understand or have the information needed to assist the child appropriately to develop into a well-rounded holistic child. While using Aistear as a framework to help with good assessment practices in ECCE settings the Centre for Early Childhood Development and Education developed the quality framework Sà ­olta, which also promotes good assessment practices. Sà ­olta was designed to assess and support ECCE settings to continually improve the environment for which the child learns and develops. Sà ­olta aids the practitioner to reflect upon their own role assessing themselves to ensure they are providing quality experiences for every child (CECDE, 2006). As well as reflecting upon themselves is allows the practitioner to assess the environment, equipment, curriculum and interactions, all areas which assist in childrens learning and development. While assessing the child helps create portraits of their learning and development it is also important to use frameworks, such as Sà ­olta, to assess the learning environment. Without an appropriate educational environment which engages, assists, challenges and offers the child different experiences then a child will not learn and develop to their full potential. Part B Lesson Plan for Spring Month: Febuary/March Weekly Theme: Plants Flowers Type of Setting: Montessori/Aistear Room: Pre-School Age of Children: 3-5 Rationale for topic: A child brought a flower to the setting which prompted the other children to want their own flowers. Lesson Plan 1 Hand Print Flower Date: 27th Febuary Number of Children: 8 Dispostions developed: Persistance, responsibilty, investigative, Curiousity, Fun, independence. Rationale for choice of activity: Allow the children to express themselves creatively through visual arts using paint. Make marks to record their own idea of flowers. Long-term aim: To develop their abilities to express themselves creatively, express their imagination and to refine fine motor skills. Develop a connection between flowers and spring. Aistear Link Codes: WB A3 LG1 COM A4 LG2 ET A3 LG1 Sà ­olta Standard: Standard 6: Play Component 6.5 encourages him/her to explore, be creative and use previous learning to make new meaning. Material and/or equipment needed: White paper, various colour paints, paint brushes. Plan: To begin the practitioner will demonstrate how to create a flower using your handprints. The practitioner will paint their hand using a paint brush, printing it in a circular motion around the page then using their fingers to paint the other parts of the flower. Once the practitioner has demonstrated to the children how to create the flower, the children are invited to explore the materials and create their own concept of a flower. Children will be able to choose their own colours and method to create their flower. Reflection: The activity went well as the children actively engaged with the idea of the activity, each creating and exploring their own idea of a flower. They demonstrated curiosity as they printed their hands on the page at different angles to make marks with the paint. The children each used different methods to paint the flower. Some imitated the practitioner while others just used their fingers or the paintbrush. I then noticed (P) had painted squares at the bottom of the page and asked them what did you make when you did these. (P) told me There flower pots, my mammy has lots of flowers in flower pots. This then got one child particularly curious asking me where do flowers grow and how do you make flowers. I told them how flowers grow from seeds either in the ground or they can be planted in a flower pot. The children then shifted their focus from the painting to the discussion and each child shared their idea on how flowers grow. Critique and Evaluate: As the children all wanted their own flower, I set them a task to design their own. They showed confidence in their ability to independently paint their own hands and design their own flowers with the different methods they those. By setting the children the task they have demonstrated the aim of the activity, to express themselves creatively by making marks to record their ideas. Setting the task enabled the children to choose their own colours acting upon their curiosity to explore different marks and experiment with different colours. During the task the children took the lead during the natural occurring opportunity of one child asking questions about where and how flowers grow. This prompted all the childrens curiosity as they all moved their focus from painting to get involved in the discussion. It is important when using the method of setting tasks outlined in Aistear as an assessment method that going forward I use their questions about the flower to co ntinue their interests in planning the next activity. Lesson Plan 2 Plant Flower Seeds Date: 28th FebuaryNumber of children: 8 Dispostions developed: Responsibilty, Curiousity, independence. Rationale for choice of topic: During painting our own flowers the topic of where and how do flowers grow was asked. Planting the seeds and physically watching the flowers will help give the children a better understanding of where and how they grow. Long-term aim: The children will be able to have a better understanding of working theories of where and how the flowers grow. It will also develop the disposition of responsibility as the children will need to care for their flower to help it grow. Aistear Link Codes: WB A3 LG5 IB A4 LG4 ET A2 LG3 Sà ­olta Standard: Standard 7: Curriculum Component 7.4.1 What strategies do you use in implementing the curriculum/programme? Example being facilitating the childrens interest. Material and/or equipment needed: Flower seeds, flower pots, soil, gloves, hand shovel and water. Plan: The practitioner will demonstrate how to plant the flower seed. The children will then be given the hand shovel taking it in turns to spoon soil into their flower pot. Using their finger they will place a hole in the middle of the soil and place the flower seed into the hole covering it over. Once the seed is planted, the children will then use a jug to water the seed. While planting the practitioner will discuss how we care for our plant and what it needs to grow. Reflection: This activity went really well as the children really engaged and showed interest. They demonstrated great independence and manipulation skills as they spooned the soil into the flower pots with great control. (B) did struggle with spooning to soil into to pot and (S) demonstrated great care Ill help you do it as she assisted (B) to get the soil in his pot. (S) than went on to discuss with the other children what they had to do next assisting each of them. Once the children had planted their seeds I discussed with them what the plant needed in order to grow. I asked I wonder what the seed needs to grow. (B) said you pour water on top of it while (A) contradicted (B) telling them No you just put it in the pot. I then said youre both right the plant needs water and soil to grow but it also needs sun. Where should we put the plants so they can get sun?. The children looked around the room (S) shouted to everyone the sun is at the window look as they decided we would place ou r pots here. (B) then reminded everyone we forgot the water lets put it on top the children took turns watering their plant. I discussed with them that the plant will grow roots and drink the water in the soil but this seemed to confuse them especially (B) who kept telling everyone that you pour the water on top of the plant. Critique and Evaluate: The link with Aistears method of assessment using conversations is evident during this activity as the children took turns in talking, listening and discussing their ideas with each other. It is also evident as I responded to the children agreeing with both (A) and (B) as we discussed and I gave feedback about what the plant needed. I also used conversation to prompt the children to share their ideas using an open ended question about where was best to place the flower to get sun therefore aiding the children in expressing their own views and making their own decisions, which Aistears Identity and belonging learning goals outlines. Through conversing with the children it has given them the opportunity to expand on their own knowledge about how to care for materials in their environment and what they need to survive. Lesson Plan 3 Experiment: How plants drink water using food colouring. Date: 1st March-3rd March (observed the flowers over a few days.) Number of Children: 8 Dispostions developed: Investigative, Curiousity, Fun. Rationale for choice of activity: The children will be able to see the food colouring stain the flowers as it absorbs the water helping them develop thinking skills as they can come to an understanding of plants absorbing water. Long-term aim: To continue their intrests about flowers and give the children a better understanding about how the plants absorb water. Aistear Link Codes: WB A3 LG 1 ET A1 LG4 Sà ­olta Standard: Standard 8: Planning and Evaluation Enriching and informing all aspects of practice within the setting requires cycles of observation, planning, action and evaluation, undertaken on a regular basis- the activity planned is from observing and evaluating the childrens interests and taking action to plan according to their needs and interests. Material needed: Food colouring, flowers, jug, and water. Plan: Under the guidance of the practitioner,the childrenwill fill a jug with water and place some flowers in the jug. They will then add food colouring into the water and place the flowers in an area of sunlight. With this activity the flowers need to be observed over a few days to observe the flower changing colour from absorbing the stained water. Reflection: The initial activity was short and prompted many curious questions from the children such as why is the water green how will they drink that how will it change colour. After discussing and answering their questions the children were eager to move on and conduct the experiment. They demonstrated their independence as once provided with the materials and instructions about what and how we were going to do the experiment, they supported and enabled each other to carry it out. I then observed the children as they continually went back to the flowers that day watching to see if they had changed colours. The following day, upon arrival the children raced to the flowers screaming with excitement to see that one of the leaves had green spots on it. (B) look everybody its gone green (S) the plant drank the green water (P) it drinks it from the bottom. Over the next few days the children still continued to have interest over the experiment as I observed them going over to look shar ing it with the other children and even their parents. Critique and Evaluate: From watching and listening to the children I observed how excited and involved they all got while discussing and carrying out the experiment. Using observation as an assessment method has allowed me to see how the children express their excitement and awe using their language, gestures and facial expressions. From taking a step back and observing the children I could see how the children expressed their feeling and thoughts with each other and their excitement to involve their parents. Using observation as an assessment method has shown me that building on the child interests to help them make sense of the world truly excites them. (See appendices for photographs of the activities.) Part C Using the topic of spring, the assessment of the activities helped to plan further activities based on the childs interests. Aistears outlines the features of good assessment practices which involve collecting, documenting, reflecting and using the information (NCCA, 2009). In each activity, the assessment of the activity benefited the child as it built on the childs past experiences which they shared to support the development of new learning. From collecting and documenting the childs interests, it allowed a portrait of the childs interests, abilities and knowledge to be assessed and used to plan further experiences which would help the child/children develop. From using the different methods of assessment such as setting a task, conversations and observation it allowed for appropriate activities to be planned according to the stage of development and interests the child/children were at. Observing over a period of time during the how plants drink water experiment highlighted how e xcited the children got from watching the plant change colour sharing the information with parents. This allows the parent to gain an insight into what the child is interested in which can be further developed outside the classroom. In each activity the children developed the disposition of curiosity. Their curious nature engaged the children to get involved in the painting, planting and experimenting. The activities also showed evidence of the childrens knowledge developing as while planting the children believed that pouring water on the top of the flower helped it to grow were it then became clear during the experiment that they absorbed water from the bottom. From planning the activities, to observing the children while implementing them and using Aistears different assessment methods to record and reflect on the experience, it gives a portrait of the child/children which helps the practitioner to continually provide and enhance future experiences to help develop a holistic chil d. References Centre for Early Childhood Development and Education (CECDE). (2006), Sà ­olta: The National Quality Framework for Early Childhood Education. Dublin: Centre for Early Childhood Development and Education. Daly, M and Forster, A. (2012). Aistear: the early childhood curriculum framework. In: Mhic Mhathà ºna, M. and Taylor, M., eds., Early childhood education and care: an introduction for students in Ireland. Dublin 12: Gill Macmillan. Dunphy, E. (2008). Supporting early learning and development through formative assessment: a research paper. Dublin 2, National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA) Aistear: the Early Childhood Curriculum Framework. Dunphy, E. (2008). Supporting early learning and development through formative assessment: a research paper: executive Summary. Dublin 2, National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA) Aistear: the Early Childhood Curriculum Framework. National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA). (2009) Aistear: The Early Childhood Curriculum Framework: supporting learning and development through assessment. Dublin: NCCA. National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA). (2009) Aistear: The Early Childhood Curriculum Framework: principles and themes. Dublin: NCCA.

A Kingdom In Waiting :: essays research papers

The thunder shook the land like the footsteps of the giant Mitocas. The water crashed against the jagged cliffs of Lithany. Lithany was the greatest city in the land, the lush gardens smelled of juniper and lilacs, the white buildings flowed throughout the city. This was indeed the grandest city of Malik. The ruler of Lithany, Romero the Pharaoh, became distressed when the giant Mitocas decided to block the flow of the Fandi River. The Fandi’s were simple water farmers whom collected vital goods from the river and controlled the water animal’s population, so without the river they’re doomed. Romero the Pharaoh unsure of a solution called upon Virous a young man filled with courage to test into manhood by saving the Fandi clan. â€Å"Romero the Pharaoh, I came to prove myself, and to earn my manhood,† said young Virous. â€Å"I am pleased with your courage young Virous. This task I ask of you is not a simple task, many have tried and failed already, do yo u still live up to the challenge?† asked Romero the Pharaoh with a grim look across her face. â€Å"Yes!† shouted young Virous. â€Å"I am up to your challenge and I will not fail like the others, your river will be restored.† With a pleased looked on Romero the Pharaohs face, and a flip of the wrist young Virous was off for the Fandi’s River.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  After riding two days across the lands of Lithany young Virous arrived at the base of the village. To his surprise the village looked as if the serpent from the North Mountains had whipped its long, slimy, cold body throughout the village destroying everything but a small structure at the far end of the village. Virous hopped off his horse and opened the small door to the structure. Within was the entire Fandi Clan, from the chief to the children of the clan. After Virous introduced himself and showed the chief his scroll from the Pharaoh, the Fandi clan told Virous where to find the giant. Due to their fear of Mitocas the Fandi’s remained in the tiny hut. Virous then traveled alone to the Fandi River where he met Mitocas, the largest and most bitter of all giants. â€Å"Why are you hurting the Fandi’s and taking over their river?† asked young Virous. â€Å"It’s rather simple, they denied me of my request,† said the giant Mitocas . â€Å"And what was your request,† asked young Virous.

The Twilight Saga 2: New Moon Chapter 24 VOTE

HE WAS NOT PLEASED, THAT MUCH WAS EASY TO READ in his face. But, without further argument, he took me in his arms and sprang lithely from my window, landing without the slightest jolt, like a cat. It was a little bit farther down than I'd imagined. â€Å"All right then,† he said, his voice seething with disapproval. â€Å"Up you go.† He helped me onto his back, and took off running. Even after all this time, it felt routine. Easy. Evidently this was something you never forgot, like riding a bicycle. It was so very quiet and dark as he ran through the forest, his breathing slow and evendark enough that the trees flying past us were nearly invisible, and only the rush of air in my face truly gave away our speed. The air was damp; it didn't burn my eyes the way the wind in the big plaza had, and that was comforting. As was the night, too, after that terrifying brightness. Like the thick quilt I'd played under as a child, the dark felt familiar and protecting. I remembered that running through the forest like this used to frighten me, that I used to have to close my eyes. It seemed a silly reaction to me now. I kept my eyes wide, my chin resting on his shoulder, my cheek against his neck. The speed was exhilarating. A hundred times better than the motorcycle. I turned my face toward him and pressed my lips into the cold stone skin of his neck. â€Å"Thank you,† he said, as the vague, black shapes of trees raced past us. â€Å"Does that mean you've decided you're awake?† I laughed. The sound was easy, natural, effortless. It sounded right. â€Å"Not really. More that, either way, I'm not trying to wake up. Not tonight.† â€Å"I'll earn your trust back somehow,† he murmured, mostly to himself. â€Å"If it's my final act.† â€Å"I trust you,† I assured him. â€Å"It's me I don't trust.† â€Å"Explain that, please.† He'd slowed to a walkI could only tell because the wind ceasedand I guessed that we weren't far from the house. In fact, I thought I could make out the sound of the river rushing somewhere close by in the darkness. â€Å"Well† I struggled to find the right way to phrase it. â€Å"I don't trust myself to be enough. To deserve you. There's nothing about me that could hold you.† He stopped and reached around to pull me from his back. His gentle hands did not release me; after he'd set me on my feet again, he wrapped his arms tightly around me, hugging me to his chest. â€Å"Your hold is permanent and unbreakable,† he whispered. â€Å"Never doubt that.† But how could I not? â€Å"You never did tell me† he murmured. â€Å"What?† â€Å"What your greatest problem is.† â€Å"I'll give you one guess.† I sighed, and reached up to touch the tip of his nose with my index finger. He nodded. â€Å"I'm worse than the Volturi,† he said grimly. â€Å"I guess I've earned that.† I rolled my eyes. â€Å"The worst the Volturi can do is kill me.† He waited with tense eyes. â€Å"You can leave me,† I explained. â€Å"The Volturi, Victoria they're nothing compared to that.† Even in the darkness, I could see the anguish twist his faceit reminded me of his expression under Jane's torturing gaze; I felt sick, and regretted speaking the truth. â€Å"Don't,† I whispered, touching his face. â€Å"Don't be sad.† He pulled one corner of his mouth up halfheartedly, but the expression didn't touch his eyes. â€Å"If there was only some way to make you see that I can't leave you,† he whispered. â€Å"Time, I suppose, will be the way to convince you.† I liked the idea of time. â€Å"Okay,† I agreed. His face was still tormented. I tried to distract him with inconsequentials. â€Å"Sosince you're staying. Can I have my stuff back?† I asked, making my tone as light as I could manage. My attempt worked, to an extent: he laughed. But his eyes retained the misery. â€Å"Your things were never gone,† he told me. â€Å"I knew it was wrong, since I promised you peace without reminders. It was stupid and childish, but I wanted to leave something of myself with you. The CD, the pictures, the ticketsthey're all under your floorboards.† â€Å"Really?† He nodded, seeming slightly cheered by my obvious pleasure in this trivial fact. It wasn't enough to heal the pain in his face completely. â€Å"I think,† I said slowly, â€Å"I'm not sure, but I wonder I think maybe I knew it the whole time.† â€Å"What did you know?† I only wanted to take away the agony in his eyes, but as I spoke the words, they sounded truer than I expected they would. â€Å"Some part of me, my subconscious maybe, never stopped believing that you still cared whether I lived or died. That's probably why I was hearing the voices.† There was a very deep silence for a moment. â€Å"Voices?† he asked flatly. â€Å"Well, just one voice. Yours. It's a long story.† The wary look on his face made me wish that I hadn't brought that up. Would he think I was crazy, like everyone else? Was everyone else right about that? But at least that expressionthe one that made him look like something was burning himfaded. â€Å"I've got time.† His voice was unnaturally even. â€Å"It's pretty pathetic.† He waited. I wasn't sure how to explain. â€Å"Do you remember what Alice said about extreme sports?† He spoke the words without inflection or emphasis. â€Å"You jumped off a cliff for fun.† â€Å"Er, right. And before that, with the motorcycle† â€Å"Motorcycle?† he asked. I knew his voice well enough to hear something brewing behind the calm. â€Å"I guess I didn't tell Alice about that part.† â€Å"No.† â€Å"Well, about that See, I found that when I was doing something dangerous or stupid I could remember you more clearly,† I confessed, feeling completely mental. â€Å"I could remember how your voice sounded when you were angry. I could hear it, like you were standing right there next to me. Mostly I tried not to think about you, but this didn't hurt so muchit was like you were protecting me again. Like you didn't want me to be hurt. â€Å"And, well, I wonder if the reason I could hear you so clearly was because, underneath it all. I always knew that you hadn't stopped loving me.† Again, as I spoke, the words brought with them a sense of conviction. Of rightness. Some deep place inside me recognized truth. His words came out half-strangled. â€Å"You were risking your life to hear† â€Å"Shh,† I interrupted him. â€Å"Hold on a second. I think I'm having an epiphany here.† I thought of that night in Port Angeles when I'd had my first delusion. I'd come up with two options. Insanity or wish fulfillment. I'd seen no third option. But what if What if you sincerely believed something was true, but you were dead wrong? What if you were so stubbornly sure that you were right, that you wouldn't even consider the truth? Would the truth be silenced, or would it try to break through? Option three: Edward loved me. The bond forged between us was not one that could be broken by absence, distance, or time. And no matter how much more special or beautiful or brilliant or perfect than me he might be, he was as irreversibly altered as I was. As I would always belong to him, so would he always be mine. Was that what I'd been trying to tell myself? â€Å"Oh!† â€Å"Bella?† â€Å"Oh. Okay. I see.† â€Å"Your epiphany?† he asked, his voice uneven and strained. â€Å"You love me,† I marveled. The sense of conviction and Tightness washed through me again. Though his eyes were still anxious, the crooked smile I loved best flashed across his face. â€Å"Truly, I do.† My heart inflated like it was going to crack right through my ribs. It filled my chest and blocked my throat so that I could not speak. He really did want me the way I wanted himforever. It was only fear for my soul, for the human things he didn't want to take from me, that made him so desperate to leave me mortal. Compared to the fear that he didn't want me, this hurdlemy soulseemed almost insignificant. He took my face tightly between his cool hands and kissed me until I was so dizzy the forest was spinning. Then he leaned his forehead against mine, and I was not the only one breathing harder than usual. â€Å"You were better at it than I was, you know,† he told me. â€Å"Better at what?† â€Å"Surviving. You, at least, made an effort. You got up in the morning, tried to be normal for Charlie, followed the pattern of your life. When I wasn't actively tracking, I was totally useless. I couldn't be around my familyI couldn't be around anyone. I'm embarrassed to admit that I more or less curled up into a ball and let the misery have me.† He grinned, sheepish. â€Å"It was much more pathetic than hearing voices. And, of course, you know I do that, too.† I was deeply relieved that he really seemed to understandcomforted that this all made sense to him. At any rate, he wasn't looking at me like I was crazy. He was looking at me like he loved me. â€Å"I only heard one voice,† I corrected him. He laughed and then pulled me tight against his right side and started to lead me forward. â€Å"I'm just humoring you with this.† He motioned broadly with his hand toward the darkness in front of us as we walked. There was something pale and immense therethe house, I realized. â€Å"It doesn't matter in the slightest what they say.† â€Å"This affects them now, too.† He shrugged indifferently. He led me through the open front door into the dark house and flipped the lights on. The room was just as I'd remembered itthe piano and the white couches and the pale, massive staircase. No dust, no white sheets. Edward called out the names with no more volume than I'd use in regular conversation. â€Å"Carlisle? Esme? Rosalie? Emmett? Jasper? Alice?† They would hear. Carlisle was suddenly standing beside me, as if he'd been there all along. â€Å"Welcome back, Bella.† He smiled. â€Å"What can we do for you this morning? I imagine, due to the hour, that this is not a purely social visit?† I nodded. â€Å"I'd like to talk to everyone at once, if that's okay. About something important.† I couldn't help glancing up at Edward's face as I spoke. His expression was critical, but resigned. When I looked back to Carlisle, he was looking at Edward, too. â€Å"Of course,† Carlisle said. â€Å"Why don't we talk in the other room?† Carlisle led the way through the bright living room, around the corner to the dining room, turning on lights as he went. The walls were white, the ceilings high, like the living room. In the center of the room, under the low-hanging chandelier, was a large, polished oval table surrounded by eight chairs. Carlisle held out a chair for me at the head. I'd never seen the Cullens use the dining room table beforeit was just a prop. They didn't eat in the house. As soon as I turned to sit in the chair, I saw that we were not alone. Esme had followed Edward, and behind her the rest of the family filed in. Carlisle sat down on my right, and Edward on my left. Everyone else took their seats in silence. Alice was grinning at me, already in on the plot. Emmett and Jasper looked curious, and Rosalie smiled at me tentatively. My answering smile was just as timid. That was going to take some getting used to. Carlisle nodded toward me. â€Å"The floor is yours.† I swallowed. Their gazing eyes made me nervous. Edward took my hand under the table. I peeked at him, but he was watching the others, his fate suddenly fierce. â€Å"Well,† I paused. â€Å"I'm hoping Alice has already told you everything that happened in Volterra?† â€Å"Everything,† Alice assured me. I threw her a meaningful look. â€Å"And on the way?† â€Å"That, too,† she nodded. â€Å"Good,† I sighed with relief. â€Å"Then we're all on the same page.† They waited patiently while I tried to order my thoughts. â€Å"So, I have a problem,† I began. â€Å"Alice promised the Volturi that I would become one of you. They're going to send someone to check, and I'm sure that's a bad thingsomething to avoid. â€Å"And so, now, this involves you all. I'm sorry about that.† I looked at each one of their beautiful faces, saving the most beautiful for last. Edward's mouth was turned down into a grimace. â€Å"But, if you don't want me, then I'm not going to force myself on you, whether Alice is willing or not.† Esme opened her mouth to speak, but I held up one finger to stop her. â€Å"Please, let me finish. You all know what I want. And I'm sure you know what Edward thinks, too. I think the only fair way to decide is for everyone to have a vote. If you decide you don't want me, then I guess I'll go back to Italy alone. I can't have them coming here.† My forehead creased as I considered that. There was the faint rumble of a growl in Edward's chest. I ignored him. â€Å"Taking into account, then, that I won't put any of you in danger either way, I want you to vote yes or no on the issue of me becoming a vampire.† I half-smiled on the last word, and gestured toward Carlisle to begin. â€Å"Just a minute,† Edward interrupted. I glared at him through narrowed eyes. He raised his eyebrows at me, squeezing my hand. â€Å"I have something to add before we vote.† I sighed. â€Å"About the danger Bella's referring to,† he continued. â€Å"I don't think we need to be overly anxious.† His expression became more animated. He put his free hand on the shining table and leaned forward. â€Å"You see,† he explained, looking around the table while he spoke, â€Å"there was more than one reason why I didn't want to shake Aro's hand there at the end. There's something they didn't think of, and I didn't want to cine them in.† He grinned. â€Å"Which was?† Alice prodded. I was sure my expression was just as skeptical as hers. â€Å"The Volturi are overconfident, and with good reason. When they decide to find someone, it's not really a problem. Do you remember Demetri?† He glanced down at me. I shuddered. He took that as a yes. â€Å"He finds peoplethat's his talent, why they keep him. â€Å"Now, the whole time we were with any of them, I was picking their brains for anything that might save us, getting as much information as possible. So I saw how Demetri's talent works. He's a trackera tracker a thousand times more gifted than Jarres was. His ability is loosely related to what I do, or what Aro does. He catches the flavor? I don't know how to describe it the tenor of someone's mind, and then he follows that. It works over immense distances. â€Å"But after Aro's little experiments, well† Edward shrugged. â€Å"You think he won't be able to find me,† I said flatly. He was smug. â€Å"I'm sure of it. He relies totally on that other sense. When it doesn't work with you, they'll all be blind.† â€Å"And how does that solve anything?† â€Å"Quite obviously, Alice will be able to tell when they're planning a visit, and I'll hide you. They'll be helpless,† he said with fierce enjoyment. â€Å"It will be like looking for a piece of straw in a haystack!† He and Emmett exchanged a glance and a smirk. This made no sense. â€Å"But they can find you,† I reminded him. â€Å"And I can take care of myself.† Emmett laughed, and reached across the table toward his brother, extending a fist. â€Å"Excellent plan, my brother,† he said with enthusiasm. Edward stretched out his arm to smack Emmett's fist with his own. â€Å"No,† Rosalie hissed. â€Å"Absolutely not,† I agreed. â€Å"Nice.† Jasper's voice was appreciative. â€Å"Idiots,† Alice muttered. Esme just glared at Edward. I straightened up in my chair, focusing. This was my meeting. â€Å"All right, then. Edward has offered an alternative for you to consider,† I said coolly. â€Å"Let's vote.† I looked toward Edward this time; it would be better to get his opinion out of the way. â€Å"Do you want me to join your family?† His eyes were hard and black as flint. â€Å"Not that way. You're staying human.† I nodded once, keeping my face businesslike, and then moved on. â€Å"Alice?† â€Å"Yes.† â€Å"Jasper?† â€Å"Yes,† he said, voice grave. I was a little surprisedI hadn't been at all sure of his votebut I suppressed my reaction and moved on. â€Å"Rosalie?† She hesitated, biting down on her full, perfect bottom lip. â€Å"No.† I kept my face blank and turned my head slightly to move on, but she held up both her hands, palms forward. â€Å"Let me explain,† she pleaded. â€Å"I don't mean that I have any aversion to you as a sister. It's just that this is not the life I would have chosen for myself. I wish there had been someone there to vote no for me.† I nodded slowly, and then turned to Emmett. â€Å"Hell, yes!† He grinned. â€Å"We can find some other way to pick a fight with this Demetri.† I was still grimacing at that when I looked at Esme. â€Å"Yes, of course, Bella. I already think of you as part of my family.† â€Å"Thank you, Esme,† I murmured as I turned toward Carlisle. I was suddenly nervous, wishing I had asked for his vote first. I was sure that this was the vote that mattered most, the vote that counted more than any majority. Carlisle wasn't looking at me. â€Å"Edward,† he said. â€Å"No,† Edward growled. His jaw was strained tight, his lips curled back from his teeth. â€Å"It's the only way that makes sense,† Carlisle insisted. â€Å"You've chosen not to live without her, and that doesn't leave me a choice.† Edward dropped my hand, shoving away from the table. He stalked out of the room, snarling under his breath. â€Å"I guess you know my vote.† Carlisle sighed. I was still staring after Edward. â€Å"Thanks,† I mumbled. An earsplitting crash echoed from the other room. I flinched, and spoke quickly. â€Å"That's all I needed. Thank you. For wanting to keep me. I feel exactly the same way about all of you, too.† My voice was jagged with emotion by the end. Esme was at my side in a flash, her cold arms around me. â€Å"Dearest Bella,† she breathed. I hugged her back. Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed Rosalie looking down at the table, and I realized that my words could be construed in two ways. â€Å"Well, Alice,† I said when Esme released me. â€Å"Where do you want to do this?† Alice stared at me, her eyes widening with terror. â€Å"No! No! NO!† Edward roared, charging back into the room. He was in my face before I had time to blink, bending over me, his expression twisted in rage. â€Å"Are you insane?† he shouted. â€Å"Have you utterly lost your mind?† I cringed away, my hands over my ears. â€Å"Um, Bella,† Alice interjected in an anxious voice. â€Å"I don't think I'm ready for that. I'll need to prepare† â€Å"You promised,† I reminded her, glaring under Edward's arm. â€Å"I know, but Seriously, Bella! I don't have any idea how to not killyou.† â€Å"You can do it,† I encouraged. â€Å"I trust you.† Edward snarled in fury. Alice shook her head quickly, looking panicked. â€Å"Carlisle?† I turned to look at him. Edward grabbed my face in his hand, forcing me to look at him. His other hand was out, palm toward Carlisle. Carlisle ignored that. â€Å"I'm able to do it,† he answered my question. I wished I could see his expression. â€Å"You would be in no danger of me losing control.† â€Å"Sounds good.† I hoped he could understand; it was hard to talk clearly the way Edward held my jaw. â€Å"Hold on,† Edward said between his teeth. â€Å"It doesn't have to be now.† â€Å"There's no reason for it not to be now,† I said, the words coming out distorted. â€Å"I can think of a few.† â€Å"Of course you can,† I said sourly. â€Å"Now let go of me.† He freed my face, and folded his arms across his chest. â€Å"In about two hours, Charlie will be here looking for you. I wouldn't put it past him to involve the police.† â€Å"All three of them.† But I frowned. This was always the hardest part. Charlie, Renee. Now Jacob, too. The people I would lose, the people I would hurt. I wished there was some way that I could be the only one to suffer, but I knew that was impossible. At the same time, I was hurting them more by staying human. Putting Charlie in constant danger through my proximity. Putting Jake in worse danger still by drawing his enemies across the land he felt bound to protect. And ReneeI couldn't even risk a visit to see my own mother for fear of bringing my deadly problems along with me! I was a danger magnet; I'd accepted that about myself. Accepting this, I knew I needed to be able to take care of myself and protect the ones I loved, even if that meant that I couldn't be with them. I needed to be strong. â€Å"In the interest of remaining inconspicuous,† Edward said, still talking through his gritted teeth, but looking at Carlisle now, â€Å"I suggest that we put this conversation off, at the very least until Bella finishes high school, and moves out of Charlie's house.† â€Å"That's a reasonable request, Bella,† Carlisle pointed out. I thought about Charlie's reaction when he woke up this morning, ifafter all that life had put him through in the last week with Harry's loss, and then I had put him through with my unexplained disappearancehe were to find my bed empty. Charlie deserved better than that. It was just a little more time; graduation wasn't so far away I pursed my lips. â€Å"I'll consider it.† Edward relaxed. His jaw unclenched. â€Å"I should probably take you home,† he said, more calm now, but clearly in a hurry to get me out of here. â€Å"Just in case Charlie wakes up early.† I looked at Carlisle. â€Å"After graduation?† â€Å"You have my word.† I took a deep breath, smiled, and turned back to Edward. â€Å"Okay. You can take me home.† Edward rushed me out of the house before Carlisle could promise me anything else. He took me out the back, so I didn't get to see what was broken in the living room. It was a quiet trip home. I was feeling triumphant, and a little smug. Scared stiff, too, of course, but I tried not to think about that part. It did me no good to worry about the painthe physical or the emotionalso I wouldn't. Not until I absolutely had to. When we got to my house, Edward didn't pause. He dashed up the wall and through my window in half a second. Then he pulled my arms frcm around his neck and set me on the bed. I thought I had a pretty good idea of what he was thinking, but his expression surprised me. Instead of furious, it was calculating. He paced silently back and forth across my dark room while I watched with growing suspicion. â€Å"Whatever you're planning, it's not going to work,† I told him. â€Å"Shh. I'm thinking.† â€Å"Ugh,† I groaned, throwing myself back on the bed and pulling the quilt over my head. There was no sound, but suddenly he was there. He flipped the cover back so he could see me. He was lying next to me. His hand reached up to brush my hair from my cheek. â€Å"If you don't mind, I'd much rather you didn't hide your face. I've lived without it for as long as I can stand. Now tell me something.† â€Å"What?† I asked, unwilling. â€Å"If you could have anything in the world, anything at all, what would it be?† I could feel the skepticism in my eyes. â€Å"You.† He shook his head impatiently. â€Å"Something you don't already have.† I wasn't sure where he was trying to lead me, so I thought carefully before I answered. I came up with something that was both true, and also probably impossible. â€Å"I would want Carlisle not to have to do it. I would want you to change me.† I watched his reaction warily, expecting more of the fury I'd seen at his house. I was surprised that his expression didn't change. It was still calculating, thoughtful. â€Å"What would you be willing to trade for that?† I couldn't believe my ears. I gawked at his composed face and blurted out the answer before I could think about it. â€Å"Anything.† He smiled faintly, and then pursed his lips. â€Å"Five years?† My face twisted into an expression somewhere between chagrin and horror. â€Å"You said anything,† he reminded me. â€Å"Yes, but you'll use the time to find a way out of it. I have to strike while the iron is hot. Besides, it's just too dangerous to be humanfor me, at least. So, anything but that.† He frowned. â€Å"Three years?† â€Å"No!† â€Å"Isn't it worth anyrhing to you at all? â€Å" I thought about how much I wanted this. Better to keep a poker face, I decided, and not let him know how very much that was. It would give me more leverage. â€Å"Six months?† He rolled his eyes. â€Å"Not good enough.† â€Å"One year, then,† I said. â€Å"That's my limit.† â€Å"At least give me two.† â€Å"No way. Nineteen I'll do. But I'm not going anywhere near twenty. If you're staying in your teens forever, then so am I.† He thought for a minute. â€Å"All right. Forget time limits. If you want me to be the onethen you'll just have to meet one condition.† â€Å"Condition?† My voice went flat. â€Å"What condition?† His eyes were cautioushe spoke slowly. â€Å"Marry me first.† I stared at him, waiting â€Å"Okay. What's the punch line?† He sighed. â€Å"You're wounding my ego, Bella. I just proposed to you, and you think it's a joke.† â€Å"Edward, please be serious.† â€Å"I am one hundred percent serious.† He gazed at me with no hint of humor in his face. â€Å"Oh, c'mon,† I said, an edge of hysteria in my voice. â€Å"I'm only eighteen.† â€Å"Well, I'm nearly a hundred and ten. It's time I settled down.† I looked away, out the dark window, trying to control the panic before it gave me away. â€Å"Look, marriage isn't exactly that high on my list of priorities, you know? It was sort of the kiss of death for Renee and Charlie.† â€Å"Interesting choice of words.† â€Å"You know what I mean.† He inhaled deeply. â€Å"Please don't tell me that you're afraid of the commitment,† his voice was disbelieving, and I understood what he meant. â€Å"That's not it exactly,† I hedged. â€Å"I'm afraid of Renee. She has some really intense opinions on getting married before you're thirty.† â€Å"Because she'd rather you became one of the eternal damned than get married.† He laughed darkly. â€Å"You think you're joking.† â€Å"Bella, if you compare the level of commitment between a marital union as opposed to bartering your soul in exchange for an eternity as a vampire† He shook his head. â€Å"If you're not brave enough to marry me, then† â€Å"Well,† I interrupted. â€Å"What if I did? What if I told you to take me to Vegas now? Would I be a vampire in three days?† He smiled, his teeth flashing in the dark. â€Å"Sure,† he said, calling my bluff. â€Å"I'll get my car.† â€Å"Dammit.† I muttered. â€Å"I'll give you eighteen months.† â€Å"No deal,† he said, grinning. â€Å"I like this condition.† â€Å"Fine. I'll have Carlisle do it when I graduate.† â€Å"If that's what you really want.† He shrugged, and his smile became absolutely angelic. â€Å"You're impossible,† I groaned. â€Å"A monster.† He chuckled. â€Å"Is that why you won't marry me?† I groaned again. He leaned toward me; his night-dark eyes melted and smoldered and shattered my concentration. † Please, Bella?† he breathed. I forgot how to breathe for a moment. When I recovered, I shook my head quickly, trying to clear my suddenly clouded mind. â€Å"Would this have gone better if I d had time to get a ring.'† â€Å"No! No rings!† I very nearly snouted. â€Å"Now you've done it,† he whispered. â€Å"Oops.† â€Å"Charlie's getting up; I'd better leave,† Edward said with resignation. My heart stopped beating. He gauged my expression for a second. â€Å"Would it be childish of me to hide in your closet, then?† â€Å"No,† I whispered eagerly. â€Å"Stay. Please.† Edward smiled and disappeared. I seethed in the darkness as I waited for Charlie to check on me. Edward knew exactly what he was doing, and I was willing to bet that all the injured surprise was part of the ploy. Of course, I still had the Carlisle option, but now that I knew there was a chance that Edward would change me himself, I wanted it bad. He was such a cheater. My door cracked open. â€Å"Morning, Dad.† â€Å"Oh, hey, Bella.† He sounded embarrassed at getting caught. â€Å"I didn't know you were awake.† â€Å"Yeah. I've just been waiting ior you to wake up so I could take a shower.† I started to get up. â€Å"Hold on,† Charlie said, flipping the light on. I blinked in the sudden brightness, and carefully kept my eyes away from the closet. â€Å"Let's talk for a minute first.† I couldn't control my grimace. I'd forgotten to ask Alice for a good excuse. â€Å"You know you're in trouble.† â€Å"Yeah, I know.† â€Å"I just about went crazy these last three days. I come home from Harry's funeral, and you're gone. Jacob could only tell me that you'd run off with Alice Cullen, and that he thought you were in trouble. You didn't leave me a number, and you didn't call. I didn't know where you were or whenor ifyou were coming back. Do you have any idea how how† He couldn't finish the sentence. He sucked in a sharp breath and moved on. â€Å"Can you give me one reason why I shouldn't ship you off to Jacksonville this second?† My eyes narrowed. So it was going to be threats, was it? Two could play at that game. I sat up, pulling the quilt around me. â€Å"Because I won't go.† â€Å"Now just one minute, young lady† â€Å"Look, Dad, I accept complete responsibility for my actions, and you have the right to ground me for as long as you want. I will also do all the chores and laundry and dishes until you think I've learned my lesson. And I guess you're within your rights if you want to kick me out, toobut that won't make me to go to Florida.† His face turned bright red. He took a few deep breaths before he answered. â€Å"Would you like to explain where you've been?† Oh, crap. â€Å"There was an emergency.† He raised his eyebrows in expectation of my brilliant explanation. I filled my cheeks with air and then blew it out noisily. â€Å"I don't know what to tell you, Dad. It was mostly a misunderstanding. He said, she said. It got out of hand.† He waited with a distrustful expression. â€Å"See, Alice told Rosalie about me jumping off the cliff† I was scrambling frantically to make this work, to keep it as close to the truth as possible so that my inability to lie convincingly would not undermine the excuse, but before I could go on, Charlie's expression reminded me that he didn't know arything about thecliff. Major oops. As if I wasn't already toast. â€Å"I guess I didn't tell you about that,† I choked out. â€Å"It was nothing. Just messing around, swimming with Jake. Anyway, Rosalie told Edward, and he was upset. She sort of accidentally made it sound like I wa? trying to kill myself or something. He wouldn't answer his phone, so Alice dragged me to L.A., to explain in person.† I shrugged, desperately hoping that he would not be so distracted by my slip that he'd miss the brilliant explanation I'd provided. Charlie's face was frozen. â€Å"Were you trying to kill yourself, Bella?† â€Å"No, of course not. Just having fun with Jake. Cliff diving. The La Push kids do it all the time. Like I said, nothing.† Charlie's face heated upfrom frozen to hot with fury. â€Å"What's it to Edward Cullen anyway?† he barked. â€Å"All this time, he's just left you dangling without a word† I interrupted him. â€Å"Another misunderstanding.† His face flushed again. â€Å"So is he back then?† â€Å"I'm not sure what the exact plan is. I think they all are.† He shook his head, the vein in his forehead pulsing. â€Å"I want you to stay away from him, Bella. I don't trust him. He's rotten for you. I won't let him mess you up like that again.† â€Å"Fine,† I said curtly. Charlie rocked back onto his heels. â€Å"Oh.† He scrambled for a second, exhaling loudly in surprise. â€Å"I thought you were going to be difficult.† â€Å"I am.† I stared straight into his eyes. â€Å"I meant, ‘Fine, I'll move out.'† His eyes bulged; his face turned puce. My resolve wavered as I started to worry about his health. He was no younger than Harry â€Å"Dad, I don't want to move out,† I said in a softer tone. â€Å"I love you. I know you're worried, but you need to trust me on this. And you're going to have to ease up on Edward if you want me to stay. Do you want me to live here or not?† â€Å"That's not fair, Bella. You know I want you to stay.† â€Å"Then be nice to Edward, because he's going to be where I am.† I said it with confidence. The conviction of my epiphany was still strong. â€Å"Not under my roof,† Charlie stormed. I sighed a heavy sigh. â€Å"Look, I'm not going to give you any more ultimatums tonightor I guess it's this morning. Just think about it for a few days, okay? But keep in mind that Edward and I are sort of a package deal.† â€Å"Bella† â€Å"Think it over,† I insisted. â€Å"And while you're doing that, could you give me some privacy? I really need a shower.† Charlie's face was a strange shade of purple, but he left, slamming the door behind him. I heard him stomp furiously down the stairs. I threw off my quilt, and Edward was already there, sitting in the rocking chair as if he d been present through the whole conversation. â€Å"Sorry about that,† I whispered. â€Å"It's not as if I don't deserve far worse,† he murmured. â€Å"Don't start anything with Charlie over me, please. â€Å" â€Å"Don't worry about it,† I breathed as I gathered up my bathroom things and a set of clean clothes. â€Å"I will start exactly as much as is necessary, and no more than that. Or are you trying to tell me I have nowhere to go?† I widened my eyes with false alarm. â€Å"You'd move in with a house full of vampires?† â€Å"That's probably the safest place for someone like me. Besides† I grinned. â€Å"If Charlie kicks me out, then there's no need for a graduation deadline, is there?† His jaw tightened. â€Å"So eager for eternal damnation,† he muttered. â€Å"You know you don't really believe that.† â€Å"Oh, don't I?† he fumed. â€Å"No. You don't.† He glowered at me and started to speak, but I cut him off. â€Å"If you really believed that you'd lost your soul, then when I found you in Volterra, you would have realized immediately what was happening, instead of thinking we were both dead together. But you didn'tyou said ‘Amazing. Carlisle was right,'† I reminded him, triumphant. â€Å"There's hope in you, after all.† For once, Edward was speechless. â€Å"So let's both just be hopeful, all right?† I suggested. â€Å"Not that it matters. If you stay, I don't need heaven.† He got up slowly, and came to put his hands on either side of my face as he stared into my eyes. â€Å"Forever,† he vowed, still a little staggered. â€Å"That's all I'm asking for,† I said, and stretched up on my toes so that I could press my lips to his.