Paraphrase Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 1

Paraphrase - Essay Example This was basically used in the experiment as the components are easy to control and manipulate due to the less number of parameters. Also the various parameters that will be controlled are as follows. Firstly, the damping time constant where there is an amplitude drop of half of the height. Secondly, the period length and finally the signal level attenuation. It is essential to also note that the single level attenuation is dependent on the total number of uses of the periods. The main reason for the use of ‘dampened sinusoids’ rather than the sinusoids that have been used in previous research is the following. The dampened sinusoids have been noted to be similar to the single pulse resonance sounds. This has been used in the past for communication by a number of animals and thus it plays a very important role in this research. Since the sound of the single dampened sinusoid is similar to that of one cycle of a vowel, thus the close resemblance to the natural sounds has been used in the research. The benefits of it are numerous and it has been noted that the control is also relatively easier. It will also be interesting to note that this is the only study which used stimuli with a wavelength shorter than one period and also with an increased length in the scale of the logarithm, with almost sixteen periods of the

Economics Exchange Rates Commentary Essay Example for Free

Economics Exchange Rates Commentary Essay NEW YORK (Dow Jones)The dollar continued its slide Wednesday, touching its lowest level in 12 months against the euro and flagging against the yen as rising equities battered the greenback yet again. The dollar has lost key legs of support over the past two weeks as encouraging global economic data has led investors to assume more risk and buy higher-yielding assets. With the recession receding and financial markets in recovery, investors have become more confident theres no longer a need to hold their money in a safe-harbor currency like the dollar. Because of the Federal Reserves need to stimulate the economy, the dollars ultra-low interest rates have made it the lowest-yielding major currency. The cost of borrowing U.S. dollars in the London interbank market continued its slide Wednesday. The key three-month London interbank offered rate marked its lowest level since the British Bankers Association first introduced its Libor fixings in 1986. The dollar hit its lowest level against the common currency since September 2008 in New York afternoon trading, with the euro touching a 12-month high at $1.4738. If the euro is able to sustain levels above $1.4720, a key technical level, it could be on a march to $1.50, said Carl Forcheski, vice president for foreign exchange at Societe Generale in New York. The dollars losses were broad, sinking to new 13-month lows against the Australian and New Zealand dollars as well as lows for 2009 versus other widely traded counterparts. The U.K. pound also piggy-backed off the euros gains to advance on the dollar. The yen had been the so-called carry trade currency of choice, but with U.S. interest rates expected to remain feeble until 2010, analysts anticipate the dollar to continue funding riskier bets. A carry trade involves buying a lower-yielding currency to fund purchases of higher-yielding assets. The dollar was also burdened Wednesday by comments from Japans incoming finance minister, Hirohisa Fujii, who said he saw no need to intervene in currency markets to weaken the yen. In the past, the dollar had received support from the belief that Japan would intervene to prevent unwanted appreciation of its currency. Theres no change in my thinking that its not the time to consider foreign-exchange intervention, Fujii said at a news conference. Though he wouldnt rule out intervention in what he termed really abnormal situations, Fujii said the idea that the yen should be cheaper for the sake of [Japans] exporters is wrong. Wednesday afternoon in New York, the euro was at $1.4729 from $1.4667 late Tuesday, according to EBS via CQG. The dollar was at Y90.78 from Y91.06. The euro was at Y133.72 from Y133.60. The U.K. pound was at $1.6506 from $1.6495, while the dollar was at CHF1.0306 from CHF1.0340. U.S. economic data released Wednesday, including as-expected August consumer price index and better-than-expected industrial production numbers, pointed to a continuing recovery, leading stocks to rally. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 108 points, lending support to the euro and other high-yielders. The dollar looks likely to continue its broad-based slide through the rest of the year, analysts said. As long as the buck doesnt fall too far too fast, dollar weakness is expected in a time of loose monetary policy, said Adnan Akant, a currency specialist at money manager Fischer Francis Trees Watts, a New York unit of BNP Paribas. Right now, the euro and other higher-yielding currencies are reaping the benefits of a global economic turnaround and stock market rallies, but within the next 12 months, the dollar should start benefitting from a recovering U.S. economy, said Wells Fargo analysts. The Canadian dollar ended higher near its strongest levels of the day Wednesday, reflecting another sustained flight into riskier assets like stocks and commodities at the expense of the slumping U.S. dollar. The U.S. dollar was trading at C$1.0666 late afternoon, from C$1.0721 late Tuesday. Strong gains for oil, gold and other commodities as well as rising North American equity markets underpinned the Canadian dollars gains, although the currency again failed to mount a serious challenge of its year-to-date high at C$1.0639, achieved in early August. Commentary The article refers to a depreciation of the dollar against major currencies due to â€Å"ultra-low interest rates† and increased risk by investors. The Federal Reserve has been cutting interest rates in an attempt to boost aggregate demand and stimulate the economy. High interest rates in an economy generally encourage investment in that currency as the value of the investment will increase over time. Currently US interest rates set by the Federal Reserve are around 0.25% compared to the European Central Bank’s 1%. Because of this, investors have switched to higher yielding currencies, such as the Euro, and to a lesser extent the Pound, causing a fall in the Dollar’s exchange rate. This is shown in Diagram 1. As the diagram shows, a right shift in the supply of the Dollar leads to a fall in its price relative to the Euro. In addition, the aforementioned cutting of interest rates is an expansionary monetary policy used to manipulate aggregate demand. The trade off of this policy is increased inflation. A high rate of inflation might further decrease investment in Dollar assets as the real value of the investment would decrease over time. During times of economic crisis, investors tend to invest in low risk assets such as generally strong currencies like the dollar. However with signs that the global economy is exiting the recession and in recovery, not only does the demand for safe-harbor currencies like the dollar decrease, but there is an increased demand for high risk investment due to bullish speculation. In addition, some consumers, firms, or foreign central banks might believe that despite the improving economic situation, the Dollar will continue to fall as the article mentions and sell dollar assets. This bearish speculation would further increase the supply of the dollar and perhaps lead to self-fulfilling prophecy. As shown above, the combination of the three factors leads to a sharp fall in the exchange rate. As previously mentioned, this depreciation could cause a self-fulfilling prophecy in which the initial bearish speculation leads to depreciation, which in turn causes more bearish speculation causing the exchange rate to enter a downward spiral. Initially, the Federal Reserve might not intervene but if the depreciation continued, it would be forced to buy back Dollars to counteract the increases in supply. This would slow the depreciation, discouraging people from selling dollars. It might even create bearish speculation as some might assume the dollar market will bottom out and start to appreciate. The depreciation of the Dollar should benefit the US economy by means of an improved current account deficit. Initially, the deficit will worsen as the demand for imports and exports is inelastic in the short run, but eventually the current account balance will improve as US exports become more competitive. US export revenue will increase while expenditure will fall. This improved current account situation will boost AD leading to economic growth. This is shown below in Diagram 3. Diagram 3 However, as the diagram shows, in the long run, there will be the trade off of inflation as AD rises. This might encourage Federal Reserve to strengthen the Dollar to reduce imported cost-push inflation. In addition, the increased demand for US exports will increase the demand for the Dollar causing appreciation. Foreign nations might eventually implement import controls such as tariffs on US goods in order to preserve their own current account balances. Eventually, the Dollar should regain its status as a high-yielding currency [ 1 ]. The value of one currency expressed in term of another [ 2 ]. A period in a business cycle following a recession, during which the GDP rises. [ 3]. Believing that a particular security, a sector, or the overall market is about to rise [ 4 ]. Revenue from the exports of goods and services and income flows is less than the expenditure on the import of goods and services and income flows in a given year

Style and its Relationship to Good Writing Essay -- Writing Education

Style and its Relationship to Good Writing Style. It’s a small word that packs a powerful punch, and most writers do not stop to think about what it truly means. Initially, I thought style was a personal element in writing specific to the writer and to change this personalized style of writing was absolutely forbidden. However, through our class exploration of the two style manuals, Style Toward Clarity and Grace and The Elements of Style, this original definition was challenged, and eventually changed based on the compelling evidence. Contrary to popular belief, style is not specific to one’s writing; it is much more involved than that. This notion of style takes into consideration the reader and the ease of the reading material. So, it is not selfish, it is actually focused on the reader and values the thoughts and considerations of the audience. With this in mind, it is important to apply it personally to one’s own writing by changing the perspective about what you, as the writer, are trying to say and take a step back, critically look at your writing and wonder about how it will affect your audience and what they will walk away with. Now that there is an understanding about what style actually means, a quick analysis of each text is in order. Both books are style manuals, each with the purpose of educating writers to be better writers. However, their approaches are vastly different, and it’s important to explore each manual to see how, in some cases, they compliment and contradict each other. To better appreciate different teaching techniques and explore which one should be used based on the goals of the writer a study of each of the writing stylebooks is in order. The first impor... ...adability of the text and a concern for the audience that is reading the writing piece. It is about well-written work that is not personalized with each writer, it’s more general. Manuals are written because there is a need for writers to write more clearly and with style. Each one has its elements of positive and negative and it is the ultimate responsibility of the writer to incorporate the information found within these manuals to assist with readability ease and style. Works Cited: Haas, Christine, http://people.emich.edu/chaas/, date accessed March 3, 2004 McGahey, Michelle, http://people.emich.edu/mmcgahey/eng328/, date accessed March 4, 2004 Strunk Jr., William and E.B. White The Elements of Style. 4th ed. New York: Longman, Inc., 2000. Williams, Joseph M. Style Toward Clarity and Grace. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1990.

No Mo Accidents :: essays research papers

No More Accidents Bike helmet safety is a big problem in our society. People do not realize that a bike helmet to a biker is the same as a seat belt to a motorist. We as bikers need all the protection that we can get since we don’t have the tank-like protection of a ’88 Ford Tempo. So now I am going to tell you a story of a personal experience, the basics to a helmet and some statistics Even though bike helmets are designed to lessen the impact in one particular spot and disperse the force throughout the helmet. The helmet however is not the most safest thing to but in our society. Most manufactures today tend to make helmets that have a lot of holes and are made for fashion instead of for being a good helmet. The plastic coating on most helmets is there to prevent less friction when you are sliding down on your head. The air holes on the helmet provide better air flow and a fresh new style but they lessen the fact of the force upon impact will have less of a space to disperse the force into. Do not get me wrong all the bicycle helmets on the market pass at least the minimum of the standard. In Austrailia the market had to lower the standard of their helmets because they were soo expensive, so that people would buy their helmets. Being in a bike accident is a very tramatizing thing to go through. I went through several accidents, but one accident in particular knocked some sense into me about helmet safety. One summer morning I woke up like every other day. I did all the normal things one would do in the morning like taking a shower, eating breakfast and getting dressed. After I got myself all set up to go out for the day, I called up one of my friends to go do something. It was another one of San Francisco’s beautiful weather days so we decided to go bicycle riding and to play some basketball. So, then I start to head out of my house to get my bicycle ready for departure about 10am. Now I am on my way to my friends’ house. The first half of my ride was pretty basic, all it was just a nice cruise down hill. The second part however was not so much difficult as I just had to keep my eyes on the path. No Mo Accidents :: essays research papers No More Accidents Bike helmet safety is a big problem in our society. People do not realize that a bike helmet to a biker is the same as a seat belt to a motorist. We as bikers need all the protection that we can get since we don’t have the tank-like protection of a ’88 Ford Tempo. So now I am going to tell you a story of a personal experience, the basics to a helmet and some statistics Even though bike helmets are designed to lessen the impact in one particular spot and disperse the force throughout the helmet. The helmet however is not the most safest thing to but in our society. Most manufactures today tend to make helmets that have a lot of holes and are made for fashion instead of for being a good helmet. The plastic coating on most helmets is there to prevent less friction when you are sliding down on your head. The air holes on the helmet provide better air flow and a fresh new style but they lessen the fact of the force upon impact will have less of a space to disperse the force into. Do not get me wrong all the bicycle helmets on the market pass at least the minimum of the standard. In Austrailia the market had to lower the standard of their helmets because they were soo expensive, so that people would buy their helmets. Being in a bike accident is a very tramatizing thing to go through. I went through several accidents, but one accident in particular knocked some sense into me about helmet safety. One summer morning I woke up like every other day. I did all the normal things one would do in the morning like taking a shower, eating breakfast and getting dressed. After I got myself all set up to go out for the day, I called up one of my friends to go do something. It was another one of San Francisco’s beautiful weather days so we decided to go bicycle riding and to play some basketball. So, then I start to head out of my house to get my bicycle ready for departure about 10am. Now I am on my way to my friends’ house. The first half of my ride was pretty basic, all it was just a nice cruise down hill. The second part however was not so much difficult as I just had to keep my eyes on the path.

King David- A short outline essay of his life Essay

â€Å"A man after God’s own heart† is what David is called in I Samuel 13:14. So, it is very helpful to discover that he is not sinless but a man of great passions and driven by great desires. He has a violent temper and is a vicious, cruel killer. However, when the Lord puts the finger on him, he is also completely repentant. He has the whole spectrum of emotions that you and I have, yet God calls him a â€Å"man after His own heart,† because, even though he fails God many times, he loves God wholeheartedly. David’s Rise: God Chooses David to be King- King Saul, though a talented king, had stopped obeying God early in his career, and had begun turning selfish and evil. So God told the prophet Samuel he would remove Saul from being king, and replace him with â€Å"a man after his own heart†. The Battle with Goliath- David approached Goliath on the run, sling in hand. His first shot penetrated the giant’s forehead, and he fell facedown, dead. Saul Turns on David- Saul threw his spear, and David narrowly dodged the spear. Fearing for his life, David finally decides he isn’t safe and left town that night. David in Exile- David wandered the wilderness, living in caves. Many other fugitives sought him out, and soon he had a community of 400 families in his care. David Spares King Saul- David passed up a chanced to kill Saul, out of respect for the LORD, and he displayed the hem of Saul’s robe as evidence. He furthermore promised he would never harm the king the LORD had chosen. King Saul Dies in Battle- Saul was mortally wounded, and fearing that hisenemies would capture and torture him, he takes his own life. David, King of Judah- under David’s powerful leadership, Judah grew stronger and stronger. Under Ishbosheth’s incompetence, Israel grew weaker and weaker. David, King of Israel- David’s military prowess became legendary. He converted many nearby nations from aggressors into subdued enemies. By the end of his life, his empire was so powerful that there was peace, and his son Solomon never had to fight a war. The Ark of the Covenant- Instead of carrying the Ark as prescribed; they followed the example of the Philistines, placing it on a cart. Then at one climactic moment, the oxen stumbled, the cart was upset, and the Ark was in danger of falling to the ground. One of the Levites, named Uzzah, reached out to steady the Ark, ignoring the prohibition against touching it. For this offense, the LORD instantly struck him dead. Preparations for the Temple -The LORD had different plans. He told Nathan to go back to David and tell him he was not the one to build a temple. Instead, after David’s death his son would be king in his place, and he would build the temple. David’s Decline: Scandal- David sends one of his commanders to die in battle after falling for his wife and getting her pregnant. Later this son dies and God continue to curse him by turning his family against him. Amnon’s Crime- The prince rapes his sister and King David handling of this crime shows his loss of good judgment since his own similar crime. Absalom’s Crime- Another one of David’s Sons and the full brother of Tamar, swears revenge and ends up having his brother killed and then becomes exiled to prevent his own death. Absalom’s Rebellion- Almost as soon as Absalom returned to Jerusalem, he began conspiring to overthrow his father King David and take his throne. Absalom died under Joab’s sword. Sheba’s Rebellion- One of the leaders in the bickering over the land left by king Absalom, a man named Sheba, declared himself king of Israel, exclusive of Judah. He raised an army, and civil war began once again. Adonijah’s Rebellion- When King David was old; he lost awareness of much that happened around him. God had chosen Solomon, and David had privately promised that Solomon would succeed him as king. But in his feeble condition he was losing control of his kingdom, and his ability to control who succeeded him was in doubt. At this moment David’s son Adonijah decided to make himself king. When Bathsheba, Solomon’s mother heard this she went to David and reminded him that God had chosen Solomon as the new king of Israel. David finally had a clear moment and made sure that Solomon took over the Kingdom. As Solomon took over as king he sent Adonijah home with the warning that if he ever showed the slightest sign of treason again, he would die. Later, Adonijah schemed to obtain one of now-dead David’s assistant girls for his wife. This seemed innocent enough, but it reminded Solomon vividly of similar schemes Adonijah’s brother Absalom had used in his treasonous bid for the throne. Solomon interpreted this as the first step in Adonijah’s renewed effort to overthrow Solomon, and ordered him put to death, along with some of the top people in Adonijah’s original conspiracy.

College Essay Topic #1 7 Essay Tips for Writing a College Application Essay About Your Grandmother

College Essay Topic #1 7 Essay Tips for Writing a College Application Essay About Your Grandmother One of the most popular topics for the college application essay is â€Å"My grandmother.†Ã‚   If you are planning to write an essay about your grandmother, you have a challenge ahead of you. How will you make your essay stand out amongst all the other grandmother essays? How will you make the admissions committee remember your essay and not just yawn over it? Here are some essential tips to write a college application essay about grandma: 1.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Focus on you, not on your grandmother.  Ã‚   When you wrote your first grade school essay about grandma, it was all about grandma.   Now its gotta be all about you. Write about your experience, your thoughts, and your opinions as they relate to your grandmother. 2.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   If you find you have written more than one sentence in a row that is all about your grandmother instead of about you, add the word â€Å"I† or â€Å"me† to at least one of the sentences! 3.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Use very specific examples of conversations you had with your grandmother.   That way you can’t possibly write the same essay someone else has written. 4.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Know your starting point and ending point, and show growth. Perhaps your grandma used to give you help and advice, and now that you are older you have become her advisor.   Perhaps you used to judge certain things as negative that you now see as positive.   Or maybe you didn’t understand something as a young child that you now understand. Any growth or changes of perspective are great to write about. 5.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Keep it real.   Although a certain amount of description is necessary, if you get overly flowery with your language you’ll lose the reader’s attention. 6.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Consider writing about an object or activity that is related to your grandmother, but isn’t directly your grandmother. For instance, let’s say your grandma was a gardener.   You could write about an aspect of gardening as your theme, so your grandmother would be part of the essay but not the sole focus.   Grandma may have taught you about gardening and you may have used some of those lessons in other parts of your life.   Your essay would then be about gardening as a metaphor. 7.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Want to write about grandpa instead?   He’s less popular but the same principles apply. For examples of successful college essays, The Essay Expert recommends Accepted!   50 Successful College Admissions Essays by Gen and Kelly Tanabe. Still not sure how to write a great college application essay about your grandma (or grandpa)?   Contact The Essay Expert for a FREE 15 minute consultation.

Test Review Essay

Test Review Essay Test Review Essay 12/10/14 Revew for History Test Section 1: Acts Sugar Act- Stamp Act- They create the Stamp Act Congress after this act, this congress successfully repeals the stamp act Tea Act lead to the Boston Tea Party Townshend Act Intolerable Act/Coercive Act- closes Boston Harbor Quartering Act- lead to the Boston Massacre Know about the Boston Massacre First Continental Congress established: Minutemen Declaration of Rights NO more taxes No more soldiers Trade can be regulated Lexington Secret alarm system Paul Revere, Jeremy, Dawes Revere gets captured We loss this battle Concord They were more organized and ready. They won Section 2 2nd Continental Congress They set up a military And official currency Peace or necessity of taking up arms Battle of Bunker Hill- Loss The British siege Boston Washington pushes loyalists out to Canada. Declaration of Independence Inspiration: John Locke: natural rights (life, liberty, and property) and the government needs to protect those rights. Thomas’s Paine â€Å"Common Sense† Mayflower Compact Bill of Rights Magna Carta Declaration of Independence: Preamble Grievances or complaints Taxes without representation Troops ( Martial Law) Quartering They called a king a tyrant Unfair trials because they were trialed in Britain Section 3 Women helped: Boycotts Helping out/supplies Nurse Messengers Dressed as soldiers African Americans fought for the British because Lord Dumore’s Proclamation promised they would have their freedom

Prostitution in Bangkok

Prostitution in Bangkok As far as prostitution in Bangkok is concerned, it has been estimated that here are about 200 European women and 500 Chinese women in the sex industry (Clark, 2005, p. 23). This has come to be referred to as the dark side of Thailand that people don’t know which portrays a narrow segment of life in Bangkok. In this case, it has been estimated that the sex industry as a whole generates more than 100 billion baht each year.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Prostitution in Bangkok specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More This has always been as a result of various short term sex establishments that have sprung up as time goes by. As far as the industry as a whole is concerned, thousands of women are always sold to brothels in Bangkok by unscrupulous job brokers. Brothels have always operated in an organized international syndicate for their own sustainability when it comes to money issues. 40% of foreigners make up majori ty of prostitutes in different establishments in Bangkok (Clark, 2005, p. 55). The industry has different segmentations based on the amount of money that is involved in the business. It should be known that a large number of women and children alike are always lured into the business from neighboring countries to Bangkok with the promise and expectation of good money. This implies that most of these prostitutes want to go to Bangkok for prostitution because of the thriving industry in the country which might not be the case in their own countries (Seabrook, 1996, p. 35). Thai women always move to other roles in the sex industry which therefore requires replacement that is always done by trafficking in other foreign women who are estimated at more than 10,000 every year. As much as fewer Thai women have entered the sex industry in recent years, there has been a large influx of women from Burma and Southern China into the country for prostitution (Murcott, 1991, p. 62). Most prostitut es in Bangkok have entered the country illegally which shows that there are thousands of foreign women in the sex industry. Prostitution culture and public opinions It should be known that prostitution is one of the areas where issues of people’s private life are always subjected to public opinion as far as cultural history is concerned. This means that there are several underlying factors that have been behind the prostitution culture in Thailand and more specifically Bangkok.Advertising Looking for essay on social sciences? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The practice of prostitution is illegal but it has been practiced throughout the country which raises various integrity issues (Cleo, 1994, p. 9). The fact that prostitution is illegal in the country has made it difficult for various stakeholders to estimate the exact number of women and children who are involved in the sex industry. On the other hand, just like in other countries, people’s views about prostitution in Thailand have always been influenced by cultural changes that have emerged with modernity (Hanna, 2004, p. 89). Visiting a prostitute or a mistress in Thailand is common but it doesn’t mean that it is acceptable behavior. This is a held public opinion that has been ignored by different people who are involved in the sex industry. The society has a lot of tolerance to the downtrodden which has ended up shaping perceptions and attitudes towards prostitution. It should be known that the attitude of different Thai girls towards prostitution is shaped by the society’s cultural norm. The acceptance of tolerating people who are downtrodden has enabled prostitution to flourish without any social stigma that is found in other countries and societies (Peracca, 2005, p. 16). Social stigma towards prostitution in Thailand has not taken root because prostitutes provide assistance to their families and relatives. This has therefore tilted public opinion in their favor as time goes by thereby creating a new culture where although prostitution is illegal, it is wholly embraced by the society (McCamish, 2002. p. 40). The political power has not been able to create some national subjectivity that is desired to make a firm national position or opinion about prostitution and the sex industry in Thailand. Thailand’s modernization has been greatly influenced by many cultures that relate to western capitalism thereby playing a big role in shaping peoples opinion on the issue of prostitution. As far as culture is concerned, prostitution in Thailand is illegal but it is tolerated and partly regulated in practice (Bales, 1999, p. 19). This means that the country is breeding a culture of child prostitution based on different and diverse aspects that are supposed to be evaluated if public opinion is expected to shift in the near future.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Pros titution in Bangkok specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Gambling culture in Thailand It should be known that Thailand, at least at a faà §ade level, is not a gambling state as many people might assume it to be. This means that the state does not in any way permit casinos and sports books although official lottery is allowed. There are certain underlying factors that will always tempt people into gambling in different societies which are expected depending on the motive. As far as the culture in the country is concerned, there are other officially endorsed activities apart from gambling. On the other hand, as much as it is illegal, it is widely popular in the country just like any other place. Illegality in gambling in Thailand means that there is more discretion that is involved (Rich, 2007, p. 20). There has been an argument that the Thai government should legalize some forms of gambling from different quarters of the country but these needs proper review for long term sustainability. Just like prostitution, gambling is illegal but there are other people who have continued with the practice without fear. As far as this issue is concerned, it is quite obvious that gambling has some economic and social impacts whether it is legal or illegal. There are some small exceptions that allow people to gamble in one way or the other. This therefore brings us to the aspect of the effects of gambling to the society and individuals. Legalized and illegal gambling will always have some effects on the society in the country in one way or the other. There are many illegal gambling spots in the country known as Siam. This can be explained from the fact that many foreign nationals have always come in the country to engage in these illegal gambling. This means that the practice is acceptable amongst the citizens as an economic activity that can give them money (Kausch, 2003, p. 37). People get addicted to gambling because of the monetary r eturns that are associated with it. This means that as long as somebody is getting money from gambling, she or he will continue doing it in the long term. In the process, this has often led to addiction to gambling with far reaching consequences. As time goes by, different cartels have emerged by to protect their interest as far as gambling is concerned.Advertising Looking for essay on social sciences? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More It should be known that there are grave dangers for people who do not want to pay as far as gambling is concerned. People who get on the wrong side of gamblers have always paid with death which has led to a bad culture that is emerging in the country. The psychology of gambling There are different aspects of gambling that are supposed to be understood. In this case, it should be known that addiction to gambling can always ruin finances and family relationships in one way or the other. This means that there are different psychological aspects that are used by casinos to encourage people into gambling. In fact, it is as far as making a bet on the outcome of different events is concerned. Gambling is always considered an immoral activity because those people who engage in it might end up stealing or coming crimes to get the money. In the long run, it always leads to greater poverty because people want to continue playing and pay debts that they have incurred as a result of gambling (Ha gan, 2010, p. 27). Gambling has always been seen as a manifestation of greed by various people in the society. This is because despite the greed and laziness, there is a desire to get rich as time goes by without working hard or investing in anything. There is an exploitation of human frailty that is involved in gambling which explains why it has thrived illegally in Thailand and other countries. Gambling becomes a problem in the society when an individual cannot control what he or she is spending in the long run and short run. There is always a rush mentality to gambling although there is an addiction to some occasional pay offs. On the other hand, gambling can be fun when it becomes more than a game. In this case, people become addicted to gambling because of the thrill to win and the anticipation of winning. People who are addicted to gambling believe that it can help them in alleviating different and diverse problems that they might be facing in one way or the other. This means that such individuals are likely to spend considerable amounts of money to get whatever they want as far as gambling is concerned (Volberg, 2002, p. 103). Therefore compulsive gambling has been described as a disorder that affects various people in Thailand who engage in gambling illegally in one way or the other. Narcotics, how people get addicted There are various factors that have always led to addiction in one way or the other depending on the prevailing situation and circumstance. Using narcotics has never caused addiction in any way. People therefore become physiologically dependent on drugs as time goes by. In this case, it does occur that there is nobody who starts depending on drugs from the word go but rather it takes time (Rang, 2003, p. 44). This means that there is an addiction cycle that is followed by everybody before they become fully fledged addicts. The addiction cycle is the reoccurring process that takes place as people cope with addiction. In the first stage the re is always acting out where people engage in some behavior to relive stress (Roesner, 2006, p. 72). After acting out, there is always guilt and remorse due to sinning that the individual has engaged in. Shame and depression follows guilt and remorse because people feel badly about themselves based on what they have done. Shame and depression leads to recommitments as a result of the behavior that people engage in (Hillman, 2008, p. 60). Most notably, there is some recommitment to the same habit that an individual was feeling shame about. Performance follows recommitment which ultimately leads to stress that makes people and individuals to continue using the drug. Stress can be manifested in different ways but it is brought about by diverse and distinct aspects. Fear of failure, fear of rejection and expectations can always lead to stress which should be understood. People turn to the life of crime and prostitution to support addiction because such aspects are related in one way or the other. Addiction is very bad and an individual needs the drug to support his life which means that they can do anything to get the money that will get those drugs (Boob, 2007, p. 51). Many drug users will always turn to prostitution to support their habits because they never have any meaningful way of getting money. By engaging in prostitution they will be able to get money and thereby continue using drugs. On the other hand, people who cannot engage in prostitution will turn to crime to get money. In this case, addicts can only support their behavior by turning to prostitution and crime (Gass, 2008, p. 39). Lacking income to support an illegal habit is very bad which turns people to crime and prostitution. It should be known that pimps always use violence and drugs as a control mechanism in different ways. This is always a strategy of control over their activities should be understood for long term sustainability when it comes to understanding this issue. In this case, drugs a re a control mechanism that they have always used to support their activities when it comes to monopolizing. The most renowned form of control mechanism has always been violence but if this fails to work out, pimps have always resorted to drugs. Just like other drug dealers, pimps are also able to keep their business by using any means possible. All in all, it should be known that drug addiction, prostitution and crime are related in one way or the other meaning that they will always thrive together. Reference List Bales, K. (1999). Disposable People: New Slavery in the Global Economy. Los Angeles: University of California Press. Boob, G. (2007). Stress, Dysregulation of Drug Reward Pathways, and the Transition to Drug Dependence. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone. Clark, J. (2005). Falang: Behind Bangkoks Smile. Bangkok: Oxford press. Cleo, O. (1994). Patpong Sisters: An American Womans View of the Bangkok Sex World. New York: Routledge. Fuller, P. (1975). The Psychology of Gambling . New York: Harper Colophon Books. Gass, T. (2008). Glutamatergic substrates of drug addiction and alcoholism. Chicago: University of Chicago press. Hagan, K, (2010). Gambling linked to one in five suicidal patients. Melbourne: The Age. Hanna, D. (2004). Brit Girls who pay Thais for no-strings sex. Thailand: Daily Mirror. Hillman, D. (2008).The Chemical Muse. New York City: St. Martins Press. Kausch, O. (2003). Patterns of substance abuse among treatment-seeking pathological gamblers. Thailand: The Nation. McCamish, M. (2002). The structural relationships of Support from male sex workers in Pattaya to rural parents in Thailand. Bangkok: Parallax Press. Murcott, S. (1991). The First Buddhist Women: Translations and Commentary on the Therigatha. Bangkok: Parallax Press. Peracca, S. (2005).Young teens happy with sex work. Thailand: The Nation. Rang, H. (2003). Pharmacology. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone. Rich, B. (2007). Gambling had role in religious history. Bangkok: Oxford press. Roesner, S. (2006). New pharmacological approaches for the treatment of alcoholism. New York: Routledge. Seabrook, J. (1996).Travels in the Skin Trade: Tourism and the Sex Industry. Bangkok: Parallax Press. Volberg, A. (2002). The epidemiology of pathological gambling. New York: St. Martins Press.

Explanatory of The Inheritance of Loss by Kiran Desai Essay

Explanatory of The Inheritance of Loss by Kiran Desai - Essay Example Jemubhai Patel is an embittered judge, wounded by his past, which holds both hurtful and glorious memories. It is ironic how much love he can shower on an animal, his pet dog, while he regards other people with distrust. He has shut himself off from all human contact. Sai is the youthful granddaughter who somehow tames Patel’s otherwise dark persona with her feistiness and curiosity. She reminds him of himself when he was a youth. Sai is one person who gives hope that her grandfather will ultimately come out of the tough shell he has built around himself. The cook, Biju’s father is the traditional, superstitious and chatty helper awed by the allures of modernization and is bent on his son to realize the American dream. It is through this cook’s voice that the reader learns a parallel story about love and loss. Patel’s neighbors, Lola and Noni are Anglophiles who might be savvy readers of V.S. Naipaul but who are, perhaps, less aware of how fragile their own social standing is--at least until a surge of unrest disturbs the region. The title of the book is so intriguing. When one hears of an inheritance, it is usually something so precious, so cherished that the next generation anticipates it to be bequeathed with pride and honor. Desai’s Inheritance of Loss truly reflects her adeptness for irony. True, the pathetic state of loss can be inherited and may be passed on to future generations, but how can anyone anticipate such a dreadful fate? The story is delivered in such a compelling way that the reader understands the process of loss of cultural identity being passed on from the elders to the young. The book tells of different stories but anchors its base on Kalimpong in the at the foothills of Mount Kanchenjunga in the northern Himalayas, specifically in the decaying cottage named Cho Oyu, the household of Jemubhai Patel, who lives with his granddaughter, Sai and his beloved dog, Mutt. The

Compare and contrast two Management Theories Term Paper

Compare and contrast two Management Theories - Term Paper Example Theory X This theory is based on traditional conception of control and direction. The theory makes assumptions that average human beings do not like working. Because of this dislike, most people must be punished in order to put forth adequate effort towards the realization of the organization’s goals. Furthermore, theory X assumes that average people prefer to be directed, wish to avoid responsibility, have relatively little ambitions and want securities (Sapru, 2006). Traditionally, this theory was referred to as the carrot and the stick theory and was practically based on mechanistic approach to human relations. Rewards and punishments may be used to induce desired behavior, and this came from the donkey story whereby the best way to make a donkey move was to "put a carrot in front of the donkey or jab him with a stick from behind" (Sapru, 2006). Rewards and punishments are still strong motivators in many organizations. The use of theory X works well under certain circumstances; however, this does not work at all once an employee has attained the highest level and is motivated by higher needs. In other words, this theory does not explain human nature. McGregor states that as long as theory X continues to influence managerial strategy, human potentialities cannot be discovered. Theory Y The inadequacies in theory X led to development of theory Y as integration to replace traditional concepts of direction and control. The human motivations in theory Y may be characterized by the expenditure of physical and mental effort in work. Here, an ordinary person does not dislike work (Miner, 2007).

Strategic Management in the Financial Crisis Essay

Strategic Management in the Financial Crisis - Essay Example The study Strategic Management in the Financial Crisis explores the period of the great credit crisis that first had a toll on the United States’ financial sector before other parts of the globe had its impact. This may have been because of various issues of failure within companies that even made them fail to meet targets before the financial crisis period. With the resource utilization reaching the maximum limits compounded further by a relatively high wage rate, most enterprises were feeling the pinch in the reduction of their rates of return. The widening of international trade and the strengthening of global capital flows have led to a significant rise in cross-border assets and liabilities, as well as to financial linkages across countries and regions. The key implications of such developments have been a wider spread of shocks and stronger co-movements in macroeconomic variables. There are various issues that have been raised and a major one has been that of the failure of corporate governance as shall be discussed in the paper. It is clear that good corporate governance actually operates effectively in two distinct areas which may include measures put in place to guard against opportunistic or conflicted behaviour by financial technocrats with aims of maximizing wealth. According to good management principles, corporate governance best practice is important and essential for the protection of shareholders and other stakeholders against the often conflicting interests of dealers in the financial sector. Blundell-Wignall et al (2009) point out the need to clarify the responsibilities of regulatory institutions and to restore confidence in the integrity of financial institutions. Independent audits of financial statements provide a check against fraud, and a verified overview of financial evolution of the business. Blundell-Wignall et al (2009) also state that considerable flexibility should be envisaged as regards liquidity management. Quantitative measures and indicators should be integrated into the process in proportion to the degree that they are robust and operational. There is an overall bias in many countries' tax systems which work to encourage corporate leverage. The interface between tax, leverage and excess risk taking is complex. Blundell-Wignall et al. note that the US approach shares the risks of buying toxic assets between the taxpayers and investors creates buyer demand and prevents dumping of assets that would prolong the crisis phase, and is an open-market approach. It is important to foster corporate structures that enhance both stability and competition. The complexity of some corporate groups has been identified in both governance and risk control issues. As a

Macroeconomics - Inflation, Disinflation and Deflation Term Paper

Macroeconomics - Inflation, Disinflation and Deflation - Term Paper Example The paper outlines that the global financial crisis has led the whole world to think of taking the radical measures through which the financial situation of the globe can be improved. The global recession spread across Europe and US has also caused everyone to become indebted. This situation serious attention and the first thing that the economists need to do are to review the macroeconomic policies in their respective economies in order to reform them. The most dangerous economic ailment that is also considered as a potential cause of economic recession is inflation, which is known as the sustained rise in the general level of prices for the goods and services. Due to the inflation, the monetary value liquidates and although people have same amount of money, but their buying power is reduced. Therefore, the purpose of the report is to make the readers understand some of the basic yet alarming principles of macroeconomics that are leading the current financial situation in to its worst era. Apart from the causes and effects of inflation, the disinflation, and deflation will also be discussed. In the end, the conclusions and recommendations will be made concerning how the inflation and its forms can be overcome. The main conclusion from the study is that inflation and deflation are the two driving forces that drag the prices sometimes up and sometimes down. The rise in the inflation leads to rise in supply and decline in demand, where as the deflation rise will result in the decline in supply and rise in demand, and this cycle goes the same way.

Health Promotion Assessment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Health Promotion Assessment - Essay Example Second would be perceived severity wherein the health practice that is campaigned and promoted are evaluated of the consequences and the threats that may be associated with it. The third dimension is the perceived benefits such that the usefulness and efficiency of the preventive actions in the health promotion is assessed. The barriers that might affect the health promotion are the fifth dimension. The assessment of difficulties and negative consequences of the preventive behaviour at the same time affects the compliance of the community regarding the preventive practice being introduced or implemented to them. Finally, the fifth dimension is the cues to action that triggers the community or the participating group of the society and helps them to decide as to whether comply with the promoted health practice or not. However, health motivation is further added recently to the model. This includes the individual's readiness to be concerned about their health. The HBM provides a strong framework for health promotion programmes, stressing the need to identify a link between an individual's risk behaviour and disease in order to highlight the severity of the disease and to make it relatively easy to engage in behaviour likely to lead to a reduction in risk for that disease. (Bunton & McDonald, 2002) The Social Learning Theory, however states that behaviour is the outcome of an interaction between cognitive processes and environmental events. One of its basic tenets is that behaviour is guided by expected consequences. Thus, having such principles, given that the community or the participating group have obtained good experiences from the promotion, the reinforcement is possible. This may further lead the group to be more engaged in the behaviour encouraged by the health campaign because of the perceived positive experience. On the other hand, negative experiences, the less likely they are reinforced, their behaviours tend to minimize their participation or worse, not to adapt the practice at all. When individuals avoid such punishments by engaging in an alternative form of behaviour, it is termed negative reinforcement. These processes are important mediators of the uptake and maintenance of many health-related behaviours. (Bunton & McDonald, 2002) Health Belief Model The implementation of Health Belief Model (HBM) involving the now six dimensions that are considered significant in the reinforcement of a health campaign or promotion is generally deemed effective. It has a flexible nature that can be applied to a wide range of health behaviours as well as it can address to a large group of population that is the target participant or group of a particular health campaign. Some of the areas that can be best applied with this theoretical model are those that concerns preventive health behaviours including health-promoting behaviours and heath-risk behaviours. Vaccination and the practice of using contraceptives are also included in the preventive health behaviours that can be covered by the HBM. Another health behaviour wherein HBM can be used would be the sick role behaviours that refers to the target participants' compliance to the recommended medical regimens or

Macroeconomics - Inflation, Disinflation and Deflation Term Paper

Macroeconomics - Inflation, Disinflation and Deflation - Term Paper Example The paper outlines that the global financial crisis has led the whole world to think of taking the radical measures through which the financial situation of the globe can be improved. The global recession spread across Europe and US has also caused everyone to become indebted. This situation serious attention and the first thing that the economists need to do are to review the macroeconomic policies in their respective economies in order to reform them. The most dangerous economic ailment that is also considered as a potential cause of economic recession is inflation, which is known as the sustained rise in the general level of prices for the goods and services. Due to the inflation, the monetary value liquidates and although people have same amount of money, but their buying power is reduced. Therefore, the purpose of the report is to make the readers understand some of the basic yet alarming principles of macroeconomics that are leading the current financial situation in to its worst era. Apart from the causes and effects of inflation, the disinflation, and deflation will also be discussed. In the end, the conclusions and recommendations will be made concerning how the inflation and its forms can be overcome. The main conclusion from the study is that inflation and deflation are the two driving forces that drag the prices sometimes up and sometimes down. The rise in the inflation leads to rise in supply and decline in demand, where as the deflation rise will result in the decline in supply and rise in demand, and this cycle goes the same way.

Business economics Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Business economics - Essay Example The largest consumers of fossil fuels are the automobile industry and the electric power generation industry. Major manufacturers of the world also rely mostly on bunker fuels to run their factories. What â€Å"peak oil† means is that oil production is now on a downward slope due to declining oil production from rapid depletion of this non-renewable energy source. Oil is also an energy that has security risks involved as its source, chiefly in the Middle East, has been wracked by production disruptions lately. Economic development for the past several decades has been anchored on the assumption of cheap oil supplies but this is not true anymore. Fossil fuels or hydrocarbons have supplied the most of energy requirements for transportation and also for the production of fertilizers, plastics, fibers, pesticides, detergents and even pharmaceuticals (Abdullah, 2005:18). It is quite ironic the automobile industry is only now again reviving electric cars although the technology had been around since the invention of cars centuries ago but shelved due to the availability of vast cheap oil which precluded further development of electric and hybrid cars (Anderson, 2010:4). Market Structure – the oil industry is an oligopoly. ... To date, the only large areas still left unexplored are the large patch of ocean in the South China Sea known as the Spratly Islands group (Deffeyes, 2001:9) and the cold Arctic wastes of the North Pole (Myers, 2011:1). The global warming from climate change had made the ice glaciers retreat which now opened many new inaccessible areas to possible oil and gas exploration activities. Price Discrimination – the oil industry had been charged in the past of this bad practice as it has a complete hold on oil production and sale. There is latent price collusion among the oil producers in which one leading producer can increase its prices at will and then followed by the other producers (OPEC is an example although its pricing power has weaned recently). Other practices include setting the maximum price that the market can bear as producers in oligopolies are price-takers (ability to set the price) especially with oil becoming a diminishing commodity. Industry players are able to do this because of price inelasticity in oil demand in some markets. Government Regulations – the oil industry also stands accused of price gouging in which the players take advantage of price volatility in the international markets to their own advantage. Although many factors determine the gasoline price at the pump, it has been estimated only 85% of price changes are due to changes in demand conditions worldwide. This is further complicated by growing demand from strong powerful economies like China and India. In the United States, Robinson-Patman Act (1936) makes price discrimination an illegal practice. It is rarely enforced due to the difficulties in monitoring volatility and the many factors driving gas prices. Global Business Environment – the industrialized

Two Thumbs Up for Phantom of the Opera Musical Essay Example for Free

Two Thumbs Up for Phantom of the Opera Musical Essay The musical play Phantom of the Opera is really extraordinary. The Angel of Music is really a catchy song that put viewer’s attention on stage. The actors and actresses managed to do their performances with majestic skills and enthusiasm. The presentation of design and visual arts added an overall impact on the play. Various points that were highlighted in the play were props, musical score, voicing, choreography, the story and the turn of events. Being able to see the musical is a once in a lifetime experience. The major characters are well selected and they are credible enough in playing their roles. Most song performances are acted out with richness and smoothness of their voices as they sing and act in the entire stage. The songs were also well selected and no doubt that it captures the mind and soul of viewers. It feels like they were also in the stage acting out and singing all throughout the show. There are parts of the introductory scenes that were too fast phased. There are some parts where could have been prolonged to provide a clear and deep meaning of what is intended for the whole story. One thing that is notable is the scene of Mega and Christine as they sing the song â€Å"Angel of Music†. The song has both clarity and ambiguity in a sense. The message of Christine while singing the song exhibited clarity. For once, she was able to show that there is an â€Å"unseen stranger† and this is the angel of music who has been teaching her and helping her excel in singing for the people. This made the audience more endowed to the scene and carefully watches the progress of Christine’s story. The characters of Phantom and Christine are really amiable. Though Phantom’s character is monstrous, it still catches sympathy from the audience because of the way the actor played his part. Same with Christine’s character who is really well refined and her expressive eyes are really endearing. Her transition from a simple lady to a wonderful woman in the end proven that she is worthy of all happiness in the end. The antagonists in the play also did a fantastic performance on their part. Overall acting of the characters made viewers a clearer understanding of the whole story. They acted out with elegance and professionalism. The lightning and music sets the mood of the audience. Taking an eye off the stage means losing the chance of seeing more surprising moments for the piece. Costumes are designed with brilliance and freshness to make the audience up to date without loosing the era of British touch. The lights set the mood of the audience along with the music and sound effects to predict future scenes and make them more fasten into their seats. Facial expressions of the actors and actresses made the story more meaningful. It allows audiences to unite with their lamentations and triumphs in the whole musical. Phantom of the Opera has a dramatically and artistically focused story that hinges on a series of conflicts. Christine’s character is redefined by her surroundings as well as the other people around her. The musical theme, motifs and textures really depicted the development of the character, attitude and emotion of characters. The creativity and vividness of the musical made it really memorable. Audience will remain fastened into their seats from the start until the end. It showcased undying effort and enthusiasm of casts and crews. The entire musical was able to put the script into the big picture without sacrificing anything. It revealed the artistry of each person on and off stage. The Phantom of the Opera is truly great. The moving performances will never bore any single audience. It keeps the crowd alive and makes them feel like they belong on each and every scene. This musical is worthy of your time, money and effort. Given the chance to rate this piece, I will not hesitate in rising up two thumbs. The best words to describe it are perfect, brilliant and magnificent. A stage musical to die for.

The Consequence From The Ineffective Listening English Language Essay

The Consequence From The Ineffective Listening English Language Essay There are few common barriers to good and effective listening. One of them is,Knowing the answer. It means that you assume that you already have an idea on the content of the message before the speaker actually finishes it. In some situation, you might interrupt her or selfishly try to make the sentence complete for them. The worst thing is you interfere the speaker and say you are disagreeing with their opinion. It is rude because you are not letting others to finish up their sentences. This is the main factor that makes a discussion to end up without a decision and it is common happen when two team in an organization have their own idea and both not listening each other and stand on their own way. It can be said that you are not appreciating and not value the message send by the speaker to you by distracting the speaker before letting them to finish their sentences. Crucial component in good listening is showing respect to the speaker. Pre-judgement on what the speaker going to say or it can be said as closed mindedness contributes to listening barrier. Be open or receptive minded person is a characteristic of a good listener. Good listener will stretch his mind and looks for available chance to obtain new idea or insight rather than stick to existing idea or their own point of view. Other than that, trying to be helpful is another barrier in listening skill. Although we assume that it seems to be beneficial if we are trying to be helpful, but it turns into horrible situation when it come into listening. Its actually interferes effective listening. This is because the listeners is considering solving the speakers problem. The result is the listener misses the words throws or what actually message saying by the speaker. When walking, walk. When eating, eat., this is some proverb say in old Zen. This can be clearly stated that we need to put our full attention to anything that we are currently doing. It is worth stressing that the aim of good listening depends on how much attention we put on listening to receive the message sends by the speakers. Giving advice during speakers try to explain something which they experience may break the flow of conversation. Thus, it affects both parties by which the speakers did not pass the message accurately and the listeners did not get the exact content from the communication process. Messiah complex is one of the common problem faces by many people. It can well describe as we try to rescue or fix other people problem as a means of feeling fulfilled. This type of people usually not called as problem-solvers. Nevertheless, mannerism can be a huge obstacle to good listening. Trying to say something while listening will also reflect that you have made particular judgments about the message sender which is the speaker. Emotional distractions carry few percentages in effective communication. Early judgement by the listener can mean that the listeners does not have whole comprehended on the message though by the speakers. The true act of love and respect which you can offer is you give a person your 100% attention while listening. Listen and understand your team mate can empower the relationship between team members because human beings are such social animals. When the speakers starts to explain their long-term problem and you offer a facile or off-the-cuff solution and this would be inappropriate. This is because you might forget that the speaker may take into consideration your immediate solution long time before. Another significant barrier to good listening is some people feel that it is a sign of weakness when we agree or in the same line with the speaker during a heated conference. They feel induced to argue each point the speaker said even though if the listener inwardly agrees. The person who keeps arguing will wins the most point in a discussion. When we treat a discussion as a competition will be the biggest barriers to good listening. It prevents the listener from viewing an idea in difference prospective. It can be very frustrating on behalf of the speaker. This situation often we can see in an organization. When two teams try to defend their own opinion and idea, they tend to interfere when opposition team explaining their arguments. This makes an organization to rupture. A good listener just relies on listening. Any unnecessary motive will indirectly diminish the concentration of the listener. Trying to influence or impress the speaker is an example of ulterior motive. When a listeners have any other agenda rather than simply to understand what the speakers try to think and feel will not helping them to focus while listening. People can understand a language three or two times faster than any words they speak this is what been claim by psychologists. This shows that a listener has a lot of extra mental bandwidth or wide range of field to think about other things when listen to speaker. Spare few space or capacity to contemplate about what the content of message send by speaker will be a valuable characteristic of a good listener. During conversation process in an organization, an ulterior motive employee will try to impress the manager and will possibly make use of the spare capacity to start thinking of his next move. This type of employee will thin k what they need to say next or rebuttal when their manager finished with their sentences. The employee is not focusing on understanding the message send to them. Believing in language can be arduous barriers to an effective listening. In other word is, we tend to interpret some rarely used or double meaning words with unmatched meaning. Some people think that, language can be a guessing game. Both speaker and listener use language to surmise each other to think on the subject matter. Some words do have several meaning. When the speaker throws any words by assuming that listener must understand it, thus the fallacy on the speaker side. It is not practical to think that definition of a word can be sent live from the dictionary to the listener through the word. Why didnt you understand, I already said it perfectly and clearly?, this is an example of fallacy which a speaker may do during conversation. Of course, the simple-minded assumption here is words that other people understand can be understand by others too. These can be applicable, when particular word containing absolute meaning. This is because each word gives unique effect to a person. The consequence is the person will try to relate the word based on their unique experience. Few differences can be tolerated but it will cause misunderstanding when we try to interpret most of the word in our own definition and experience. It will become a severe problem when senior worker use any word or term in conversation which based on experience with their junior worker. If the junior worker does not have the same experience as the senior worker, then the words is pointless. The worst case is the junior worker may silently make the word match with a difference experience. There are few strategies can be taken to create a good listening. A good listener will listen not only to what is being said, but also to what is left unsaid or only partially said. Listening involves observing body language and noticing inconsistencies between verbal and non-verbal messages. For example, if someone tells you that they are happy with their life but through gritted teeth or with tears filling their eyes, you should consider that the verbal and non-verbal messages are in conflict, they maybe dont mean what they say.   Listening requires you to concentrate and use your other senses in addition to simply hearing the words spoken.  Listening is not the same as hearing and in order to listen effectively you need to use more than just your ears. 1. Stop Talking If we were supposed to talk more than we listen, we would have two tongues and one ear. Mark Twain. Dont talk, listen.   When somebody else is talking listen to what they are saying, do not interrupt, talk over them or finish their sentences for them.   Stop, just listen.   When the other person has finished talking you may need to clarify to ensure you have received their message accurately. 2. Prepare Yourself to Listen Relax.  Focus on the speaker.  Put other things out of mind.   The human mind is easily distracted by other thoughts whats for lunch, what time do I need to leave to catch my train, is it going to rain try to put other thoughts out of mind and concentrate on the messages that are being communicated. 3. Put the Speaker at Ease Help the speaker to feel free to speak.   Remember their needs and concerns.   Nod or use other gestures or words to encourage them to continue.   Maintain eye contact but dont stare show you are listening and understanding what is being said. 4. Remove Distractions Focus on what is being said: dont doodle, shuffle papers, look out the window, pick your fingernails or similar. Avoid unnecessary interruptions.   These behaviours disrupt the listening process and send messages to the speaker that you are bored or distracted. 5. Empathise Empathy is a selfless act, it enables us to learn more about people and relationships with people it is a desirable skill beneficial to ourselves, others and society.   Ã‚  Phrases such as being in your shoes and soul mates imply empathy empathy has even been likened to a spiritual or religious state of connection with another person or group of people. I call him religious who understands the suffering of others. -Mahatma Gandhi Try to understand the other persons point of view.   Look at issues from their perspective.   Let go of preconceived ideas.   By having an open mind we can more fully empathise with the speaker.   If the speaker says something that you disagree with then wait and construct an argument to counter what is said but keep an open mind to the views and opinions of others. 6. Be Patient A pause, even a long pause, does not necessarily mean that the speaker has finished.   Be patient and let the speaker continue in their own time, sometimes it takes time to formulate what to say and how to say it.   Never interrupt or finish a sentence for someone. 7. Avoid Personal Prejudice Try to be impartial.   Dont become irritated and dont let the persons habits or mannerisms distract you from what they are really saying.   Everybody has a different way of speaking some people are for example more nervous or shy than others, some have regional accents or make excessive arm movements, some people like to pace whilst talking others like to sit still.   Focus on what is being said and try to ignore styles of delivery. 8. Listen to the Tone Effective speaking has nothing to do with the outdate concept of elocution where everyone was encouraged to speak in the same correct manner.   Rather, effective speaking concerns being able to speak in a public context with confidence and clarity, while at the same time reflecting ones own personality. Volume and tone both add to what someone is saying.   A good speaker will use both volume and tone to their advantage to keep an audience attentive; everybody will use pitch, tone and volume of voice in certain situations let these help you to understand the emphasis of what is being said. 9. Listen for Ideas Not Just Words You need to get the whole picture, not just isolated bits and pieces.   Maybe one of the most difficult aspects of listening is the ability to link together pieces of information to reveal the ideas of others.  Ã‚   With proper concentration, letting go of distractions, and focus this becomes easier. 10. Wait and Watch for Non-Verbal Communication Gestures, facial expressions, and eye-movements can all be important.   We dont just listen with our ears but also with our eyes watch and pick up the additional information being transmitted via non-verbal communication. Do not jump to conclusions about what you see and hear. You should always seek clarification to ensure that your understanding is correct. Non-verbal communications include  facial expressions, the  tone and pitch  of the voice,  gestures  displayed through  body language (kinesics)  and the physical  distance between communicators (proxemics). These non-verbal signals can give clues and additional information and meaning over and above spoken (verbal) communication.

Tom Sawyer Essay -- essays research papers

Tom Sawyer Tom Sawyer was a boy, not one of the sort that you read about in good books, but a little devil, never malicious and always at some trick, and in the course of years he engaged in a multitude, all of which are here recorded in Twain's style. He had special aversions for church, Sunday school, pious people, devout conversation and the company of his sedate but good old aunt. In spite of his efforts to escape from such inflictions he had to suffer them once in a while, but in his efforts to get some diversion on such occasions he more than once made lively sensations. Too lazy to get his Sunday school lessons, he managed by sharp trading to buy up a lot of the tickets given to the best pupils, and when a distinguished visitor came the children were requested to step forward with their tickets so that the one who had the most should receive the prize. To the astonishment of all Tom Sawyer was the hero, and, after a great time had been made over him, the visitor thought Tom should have a chance to show his learning, so he asked him who were the first two of the twelve Apostles to follow Jesus, it being presumed that the prize boy knew such things perfectly, for the lesson of the term had been in the study of the four Gospels. Tom felt the necessity of giving some answer, and his was "David and Goliath," to the surprise of the visitor, the consternation of the head teacher and the amusement of the school. When Tom went to church he took a large snapping bug...

Breast Cancer Essay -- Biology Essays

Breast Cancer The thought of having breast cancer is frightening to every woman, and devastating to some. However, ignoring the possibility that you may get breast cancer, or avoiding the things you should do to detect and avoid cancer, can be even more dangerous. Breast cancer is a devastating disease that may affect one out of nine women in the United States. This year alone, a patient will be diagnosed every three minutes and a woman will die from breast cancer every thirteen minutes. Unfortunately, there is still little known about the disease’s cause or cure. Currently the only means of increasing a breast cancer victim’s chance of survival is early detection by annual breast exams and education about the disease. A professional high quality mammogram is the most reliable way to find breast cancer as early as possible. By the time a lump can be felt in a woman’s breast, it is usually bigger than the size of cancers that can be found with a mammogram. About twenty five percent of breast cancers are found through monthly exams and thirty five percent are found through mammograms. They rate of cancers discovered increases to nearly forty percent when physical exams and mammograms are used. Women are urged to do both. Educating women about breast cancer has become increasing important. Recently, an alarming survey, conducted by the American Cancer Society, showed that many women have incorrect perceptions about their risk of getting breast cancer. Nearly half of the women believed their chances of developing cancer were as much as fifty percent, when in reality it is only eleven percent. Also, many women thought that their risk of getting breast cancer was highest in their thirties and fourths, when in ... ... and to kill cancer cells if they ever develop. A large number of studies also back up a link between alcohol intake and an increased chance of developing breast cancer. Overall women that drink an average of three drinks a day have a forty percent higher chance of developing the disease verses non-drinkers. Research has found that alcohol alters the way a woman’s body metabolizes estrogen. As estrogen levels rise, the risk of developing the disease does also. Above all, the important thing to remember is that having no risk factors should not give you a false sense of security. It is vital for each woman to be aware of their own personal risk factors for developing cancer, and what they can do to decrease their chances with simple lifestyle changes. Women are encouraged to talk to their doctors and do their own research to further inform themselves.

How well do you communicate Essay

I am considered to be a communicative person who established an outstanding raport with others. I am able to listen deeply to people,to help them ,to share my experience with them. Many of them tell me I am a good listener and when I talk they usually listen to me. What is important for a good communication? You need to take into consideration the point of view of others. I respect their opinion,but I respect my opinion as well.. I understand how people interpret my communicative style and I am able to avoid misunderstanding. I sometimes handle children hassles effectively. People usually understand my thoughts and I can nderstand theirs.. The tone of my voice sometimes communicates how I feel about my partner. Determining a communication problem is not very hard for me and I am often able to resolve it. I usually speak in a gentle manner,to give an impression of kindness. I often stay calm in tense situations. I can express my feelings and tell people close to me how much I care about them. My relationship with my family is full of emotion and devotion. Many people think I am a friendly and expansive person. I often know how to cooperate with them and they usually do what I want them to do. Read more:  Reasons why people communicate  essay However,I have not always been so successful. I was shy when I was younger and did not speak with assertion. It was hard for me to express my thoughts,it was hard for others to know how I felt about something. Later,I improved my communication skills. During my experience,I began to speak louder and people could understand me. I listened to others more carefully. I learned that it is important to avoid passive style of communication. I also learned to speak with more assertion because my own opinion is as important as the opinion of other people. I usually tell people to stay calm in unpleasant situations in order to avoid misunderstanding or aggressive communication. This style enables me to communicate effectively. I discovered that my body language and some gestures I made earlier affected my communication in a bad way. Eye contact is extremely important as it shows respect and interest for the person you are talking to. In addition to this,posture is another important aspect of dealing with others and sometimes it affected my communication. I learned to get my posture right which made me feel better. By finding out the major cause of communication breakdown,I could easily improve it. Being aware of the importance of a successful communication,I am trying to find the ways to improve my communication skills. For example,using body language may lead to great communication. This is especially useful when I am not sure how to start a conversation. In addition to this,I need to be clear about what I want to communicate. I also need to be confident that the information if useful and accurate. By successfully getting my message accross,I convey my thoughts effectively .

Night World : Secret Vampire Chapter 13

He doesn't understand,† Poppy said softly as Jamesunlocked the door to his apartment. â€Å"He just hasn'tgrasped that you're risking your life, too.† The apartment was very bare and utilitarian. Highceilings and spacious rooms announced that it wasexpensive, but there wasn't much furniture. In theliving room there was a low, square couch, a desk with a computer, and a couple of Oriental-lookingpictures on the wall. And books. Cardboard boxes of books stacked in the corners. Poppy turned to face James directly. â€Å"Jamie †¦ Iunderstand.† James smiled at her. He was sweaty and dirty andtired-looking. But his expression said Poppy made it all worthwhile. â€Å"Don't blamePhil,†he said, with a gesture of dismissal. â€Å"He's actually handling things pretty well. I've never broken cover to a human before, but I think most of them would run screaming and never come back. He's trying to cope, at least.† Poppy nodded and dropped the subject. James wastired, which meant they should go to sleep. Shepicked up the duffel bag that Phil had packed withher clothes and headed for the bathroom. She didn't change right away, though. She was toofascinated by her own reflection in the mirror. So this was what a vampire Poppy looked like. She was prettier, she noted with absent satisfaction. The four freckles on her nose were gone. Herskin was creamy-pale, like an advertisement for facecream. Her eyes were green as jewels. Her hair was wind-blown into riotous curls, metallic-copper. I don'tlooklike something that sits on a buttercupanymore, she thought. I look wild and dangerous andexotic. Like a model. Like a rock star. Like James. She leaned forward to examine her teeth, pokingat the canines to make them grow. Then she jerkedback, gasping. Her eyes. She hadn't realized. Oh, God, no wonderPhil had been scared. When she did that, when herteeth extended, her eyes went silvery-green, uncanny. Like the eyes of a hunting cat. All at once she was overcome by terror. She hadto cling to the sink to stay on her feet. I don't want it, I don't wantit†¦. Oh,dealwith it, girl. Stop whining. So what did you expect to look like, Shirley Temple? You're a hunter now. And your eyes go silver and blood tastes like cherry preserves. And that's all there is to it, andthe other choice was resting in peace. Sodeal. Gradually her breathing slowed. In the next few minutes something happened inside her;shediddeal.She found †¦ acceptance. It felt like something giving way in her throat and her stomach. She wasn'tweird and dreamy now, as she'd been when she hadfirst awakened in the cemetery; she could thinkdearly about her situation. And she could accept it. And I did it without running to James, she thought suddenly, startled. I don't need him to comfort meor tell me it's okay. I canmake it okay, myself. Maybe that was what happened when you faced the very worst thing in the world. She'd lost herfamily and her old life and maybe even her childhood, but she'd found herself. And that would have to do. She pulled the white dress over her head andchanged into a T-shirt and sweatpants. Then shewalked out to James, head high. He was in the bedroom, lying on a full-sized bedmade up with light brown sheets. He was still wearing his dirty clothes, and he had one arm crooked over his eyes. When Poppy came in, he stirred. â€Å"I'll go sleep on the couch,† he said. â€Å"No, you won't,† Poppy said firmly. She flopped on the bed beside him. â€Å"You're dead tired. And Iknow I'm safe with you.† James grinned without moving his arm. â€Å"Because I'm dead tired?† â€Å"Because I've always been safe with you.† Sheknew that. Even when she'd been a human and herblood must have tempted him, she'd been safe. She looked at him as he lay there, brown hair ruffled, body lax, Adidas unlaced and caked with soil.She found his elbows endearing. â€Å"Iforgot to mention something before,† she said.†I onlyrealizedI forgot when I was . . .going tosleep. I forgot to mention that I love you.† James sat up. â€Å"You only forgot to say it withwords.† Poppy felt a smile tugging at her lips. That was theamazing thing, the only purely good thing about what had happened to her. She and James had cometogether. Their relationship had changed-but it still had everything she'd valued in their old relationship.The understanding, the camaraderie. Now on top ofthat was the new excitement of discovering each other as more than best friends. And she'd found the part of him that she hadnever been able to reach before. She knew his secrets, knew him inside out. Humans could never know each other that way. They could never really get into another person's head. All the talking in theworld couldn't even prove that you and the otherperson both saw the same color red. And if she and James never merged like two dropsof water again, she would always be able to touchhis mind. A little shy, she leaned against him, resting on hisshoulder. In all the times they'd been dose, they'dnever kissed or been romantic. For now, just sitting here like this was enough, just feeling James breathe and hearing his heart and absorbing his warmth. Andhis arm around her shoulders was almosttoo much, almost too intense to bear, but at the same time it was safe and peaceful. It was like a song, one of those sweet, wrenchingsongs that makes the hair on your arms stand up.That makes you want to throw yourself on the floorand just bawl. Or fall backward and surrender to the music utterly. One ofthosesongs. James cupped her hand, brought it to his lips, andkissed the palm. I told you. You don't love somebody because of their looks or their clothes or their car. You love them becausethey sing a song that nobody but you can understand. Poppy's heart swelled until it hurt. Aloud she said, â€Å"We always understood the samesong, even when we were little.† â€Å"In the Night World there's this idea called thesoulmate principle. It says that every person has onesoulmate out there, just one. And that person is perfect for you and is your destiny. The problem beingthat almost nobody everfindstheir soulmate, just because of, distance. So most people go through theirwhole lives feeling not complete.† â€Å"I think it's the truth. Ialwaysknew you wereperfect for me.† â€Å"Not always.† â€Å"Oh, yes. Since I was five. I knew.† â€Å"I'd have known you were perfect for me-exceptthat everything I'd been taught said it was hopeless.† He cleared his throat and added, â€Å"That iswhy I wentout With Michaela and those other girls, you know.I didn't care about them. I could get dose to themwithout breaking the law.† â€Å"I know,† Poppy said. â€Å"I mean-I think I alwaysknew it was something like that, underneath.† Sheadded, â€Å"James? What am I now?† Some things shecould tell instinctively; she could feel them in herblood. But she wanted to know more, and she knewJames understood why. This was her life now. She had to learn the rules. â€Å"Well.† He settled against the headboard, head tilted back as she rested under his chin. â€Å"You're pretty much like me. Except for not being able to ageor havefamilies,made vampires are basically like thelamia.†He shifted. â€Å"Let's see. You already knowabout being able to see and hear better than humans.And you're a whiz at reading minds.† â€Å"Not everybody's mind.† â€Å"No vampire can read everybody's mind. Lots oftimes all I get is a sort of general feeling for whatpeople arethinking.The only certain way to make aconnection is to-† James opened his mouth andclicked his teeth. Poppy giggled as the sound traveled through her skull. â€Å"And how often do I haveto-?† She clicked herown teeth. â€Å"Feed.† She felt James getting serious. â€Å"Aboutonce a day on average. Otherwise you'll go into thebloodlust. You can eat human food if you want, but there's no nutrition in it. Blood is everything for us.† â€Å"And the more blood, the more power.† â€Å"Basically, yes.† â€Å"Tell me about power. Can we-well, what canwe do?† â€Å"We have more control over our bodies than humans. We can heal from almost any kind of injuryexcept from wood. Wood can hurt us, even kill us.† He snorted. â€Å"So there's one thing the movies haveright-a wooden stake through the heart will, in fact, kill a vampire. So will burning.† â€Å"Can we change into animals?† â€Å"I've never met any vampire that powerful. Buttheoretically it's possible for us, and shapeshifters andwerewolves do it all the time.† â€Å"Change into mist?† â€Å"I've never even met a shapeshifter who coulddo that.† Poppy thumped the bed with her heel. â€Å"And obviously we don't have to sleep in coffins.† â€Å"No, and we don't need native earth, either. Myself, I prefer a Sealy Posturepedic, but if you'd likesome dirt †¦Ã¢â‚¬  Poppy elbowed him. â€Å"Urn, can we cross runningwater?† â€Å"Sure. And we can walk into people's homes with out being invited, and roll in garlic if we don't mindlosing friends. Anything else?† â€Å"Yes. Tell me about the Night World.† It was herhome now. â€Å"Did I tell you about the dubs? We have clubs inevery big city. In a lot of small ones, too.†Ã¢â‚¬ What kind of dubs?† â€Å"Well, some are just dives, and some are like cafes,and some are like nightclubs, and some are likelodges-those are mostly for adults. I know one for kids that's just a big old warehouse with skate rampsbuilt in. You can hang out and skateboard. And there are poetry slams every week at the Black Iris.† Blackiris,Poppy thought. That reminded her of something. Something unpleasant †¦ What she said was, â€Å"That's a funny name.† â€Å"All the dubs are named for flowers. Black flowersare the symbols of the Night People.† He rotated hiswrist to show her his watch. An analog watch, witha black iris in the center of the face. â€Å"See?† â€Å"Yeah. You know, I noticed that black thing, but Inever really looked at it before. I think I assumed itwas Mickey Mouse.† He rapped her lightly on the nose in reproof. â€Å"Thisis serious business, kid. One of these will identify youto other Night People-even if they're as stupid as a werewolf.'I :You don't like werewolves?† â€Å"They're great if you like double-digit IQs.† â€Å"But you let them in the dubs.† â€Å"Some dubs. Night People may not marry out oftheir own kind, but they all mix:lamia,made vam pires, werewolves, both kinds of witches †¦Ã¢â‚¬ Poppy, who had been playing at intertwining theirfingers in different ways, shifted curiously. â€Å"What'sboth kinds of witches?† â€Å"Oh. . .there's the kind that know about theirheritage and have been trained, and the kind that don't. That second kind are what humans call psychics. Sometimes they just have latent powers, andsome of them aren't even psychic enough to findtheNight World, so they don't get in.† Poppy nodded. â€Å"Okay. Got it. But what if a human walks into one of those dubs?† â€Å"Nobody would let them. The dubs aren't whatyou'dcallconspicuous, and they're always guarded.† â€Å"But if they did†¦Ã¢â‚¬  James shrugged. His voice was suddenly bleak. â€Å"They'd be killed. Unless somebody wanted to pickthem up as a toy or pawn. That means a humanwho's basically brainwashed-who lives with vampires but doesn't know it because of the mind control.Sort of like a sleepwalker. I had a nanny once†¦Ã¢â‚¬ His voice trailed off, and Poppy could feel his distress. â€Å"You can tell me about it later.† She didn't wanthim ever to be hurt again. â€Å"M'm.†He sounded sleepy. Poppy settled herselfmore comfortably against him. It was amazing, considering her last experiencegoing to sleep, that she could even shut her eyes. But she could. She was with her soulmate, so whatcould go wrong? Nothing could hurt her here. Phil was having trouble shutting his eyes. Every time he did, he saw Poppy. Poppy asleep inthe casket, Poppy watching him with a hungry cat'sgaze. Poppy lifting her head from that guy's throat toshow a mouth stained as if she'd been eating berries. She wasn't human anymore. And just because he'd known all along that shewouldn't be didn't make it any easier to accept. He couldn't-he couldn't–condonejumping on people and tearing up their throats for dinner. Andhe wasn't sure that it was any better to charm people and bite them and then hypnotize them to forget it. The whole system was scary on some deeplevel. Maybe James had been righthumans justcouldn't deal with the idea that there was somebodyhigher on the food chain. They'd lost touch with their caveman ancestors, who knew what it was liketo be hunted. They thought all that primal stuff wasbehind them. Could Phillip tell them a thing or two. The bottom line was that he couldn't accept, andPoppy couldn't change. And the only thing that madeit bearable was that somehow he loved her anyway. Poppy woke in thedim, curtained bedroom the next day to find the other half of the bed empty. Shewasn't alarmed, though. Instinctively she reached out with her mind, and . . . there. James was in the kitchenette. She felt†¦ energetic. Like a puppy straining to belet loose in a field. But as soon as she walked intotheliving room, she felt that her powers were weaker. And her eyes hurt. She squinted toward the painful brightness of a window. â€Å"It's the sun,† James said. â€Å"Inhibits all vampirepowers, remember?† He went over to the windowand dosed the curtains-they were the blackout type, like the ones in the bedroom. The midafternoon sunshine was cut off. â€Å"That should help a little-butyou'd better stay inside today until it gets dark. Newvampires are more sensitive.† Poppy caught something behind his words. â€Å"You'regoing out?† â€Å"I have to.† He grimaced. â€Å"There's something I forgot my cousin Ash is supposed to show up thisweek. I've got to get my parents to head him off.† â€Å"I didn't know you had a cousin.† He winced again. â€Å"I've got lots, actually. They'reback East in a safe town-a whole town that's controlled by the Night World. Most of them are okay, but not Ash.† â€Å"What's wrong with him?† â€Å"He's crazy. Also cold-blooded, ruthless-â€Å" â€Å"You sound like Phil describing you.† â€Å"No, Ash is the real thing. The ultimate vampire.He doesn't care about anybody but himself, and heloves to make trouble.† Poppy was prepared to love all James's cousins forhis sake, but shad to agree that Ash soundeddangerous. â€Å"I wouldn't trust anyone to know about you justnow,† James said, â€Å"and Ash is out of the question. I'm going to tell my parents he can't come here,that's all.† And then what do we do? Poppy thought. She couldn't stay hidden forever. She belonged to theNight World-but the Night World wouldn't accepther. There had to be some solution-and she could onlyhope that she and James would find it. â€Å"Don't be gone too long,† she said, and he kissedher on the forehead, which was nice. As if it wasgetting to be a habit. When he was gone, she took a shower and puton dean clothes. Good old Phil-he'd slipped in herfavorite jeans. Then she made herself putter aroundthe apartment, because she didn't want to sit and think.Nobody should have to think on the day after their own funeral. The phone sat beside the square couch and mockedher. She found herself resisting the impulse to pickit up so often that her arm ached. But who could she call? Nobody. Not even Phil,because what if somebody overheard him? What ifher mother answered? No, no, don't think about Mom, you idiot. But it was too late. She was overwhelmed suddenly, by a desperate need to hear her mother's voice.Just to hear a â€Å"hello.† She knew she couldn't sayanything herself. She just needed to establish that her mom still existed. She punched the phone number in without givingherself time to think. She counted rings. One, two,three †¦ â€Å"Hello?† It was her mother's voice. And it was already over,and it wasn't enough. Poppy sat trying to breathe, with tears running down her face. She hung there,wringing the phone cord, listening to the faint buzz on the other end. Like a prisoner in court waiting to hear her sentence. â€Å"Hello? Hello.† Her mother's voice was flat andtired. Not acerbic. Prank phone calls were no big dealwhen you'd just lost your daughter. Then a click signaled disconnection. Poppy clutched the earpiece to her chest and cried, rocking slightly. At last she put it back on the cradle. Well, she wouldn't do that again. It was worse thannot being able to hear her mother at all. And it didn't help her with reality, either. It gave her a dizzy Twilight Zone feeling to think that her mom was athome, and everybody was at home, and Poppy wasn't there.Life was going on in that house, but she wasn'tpart of it anymore. She couldn't just walk in, any more than she could walk into some strange family's house. You're really a glutton for punishment, aren't you? Why don't you stop thinking about this and dosomething distracting? She was snooping through James's file cabinetwhen the apartment door opened. Because she heard the metallic jingle of a key, sheassumed it was James. But then, even before sheturned, she knew it wasn't James. It wasn't James's mind. She turned and saw a boy with ash blond hair. He was very good looking, built about like James,but a little taller, and maybe a year older. His hairwas longish. His face had a nice shape, clean-cut fea tures, and wicked slightly tilted eyes. But that wasn't why she was staring at him. He gave her a flashing smile. â€Å"I'm Ash,† he said.†Hi.† Poppy was still staring. â€Å"You were in my dream,† she said.. â€Å"You said, ‘Bad magic happens.†Ã¢â‚¬Ëœ â€Å"So you're a psychic?† â€Å"What?† â€Å"Your dreams come true?† â€Å"Not usually.† Poppy suddenly got hold of herself.†Listen, um, I don't know how you got in-â€Å" He jingled a key ring at her. â€Å"Aunt Maddy gaveme these. James told you to keep me out, I bet.† Poppy decided that the best defense was a goodoffense. â€Å"Now, why would he tell me that?† she said,and folded her arms over her chest. He gave her a wicked, laughing glance. His eyeslooked hazel inthislight, almost golden. â€Å"I'm bad,†he said simply. Poppy tried to plaster a look of righteous disapproval-like Phil's-on her face. It didn't work verywell. â€Å"Does James know you're here? Where is he?† â€Å"I have no idea. Aunt Maddy gave me the keysat lunch, and then she went out on some interiordecorating job. What did you dream about?† poppy just shook her head. She was trying tothink.presumably, James was wandering around in search ofhis mother right now. Once he found her he'd findout that Ash was over here, and then he'd come backfast.Which meant †¦well,Poppy supposed it meantshe should keep Ash occupied until James arrived. But how? She'd never really practiced being winsome and adorable with guys. And she was worriedabout talking too much. She might give herself awayas a new vampire. Oh, well. When in doubt, shut your eyes and jump right in. â€Å"Know any good werewolf jokes?† she said. He laughed. He had a nice laugh, and his eyes weren't hazel after all. They were gray, like James's. â€Å"You haven't told me your name yet, little dreamer,† he said. â€Å"Poppy,† Poppy said and immediately wished shehadn't. What if Mrs. Rasmussen had mentioned thatone of James's little friends called Poppy had justdied? To conceal her nervousness, she got up to dose the door. â€Å"Good lamianame,† he said. â€Å"I don't like thisyuppy thing of taking on human names, do you? I've got three sisters, and they all have regular oldfashioned names. Rowan, Kestrel, Jade. My dad would burst a blood vessel if one of them suddenlywanted to call herself ‘Susan.' â€Å" â€Å"Or ‘Maddy?' â€Å"Poppy asked, intrigued despiteherself. â€Å"Huh? It's short for Madder.† Poppy wasn't sure what madder was. A plant,she thought. â€Å"Of course I'm not saying anything against James,†Ash said, and it was perfectly dear from his voicethat he wassaying something against James. â€Å"Things are different for you guys in California. You have to mix more with humans; you have to be more careful.So ifnamingyourself after vermin makes it easier †¦ â€Å"He shrugged. â€Å"Oh, yeah, they're vermin all right,† Poppy said atrandom. She was thinking, he's playing with me. Isn't he playing with me? She had the sinking feeling that he knew everything. Agitation made her need to move. She headedfor James's stereo center. â€Å"So you like any vermin music?† she said.†Techno? Acid jazz? Trip-hop? Jungle?† She waveda vinyl record at him. â€Å"This is some serious jump-up jungle.† He blinked. â€Å"Oh, and this is great industrialnoise. And this is a real good acid house stomperwith a sort of madcore edge to it†¦.† She had him on the defensive now. Nobody couldstop Poppy when she got going like this. She widenedher eyes at him and blathered on, looking as fey asshe knew how. â€Å"And I say freestyle's coming back.Completely underground, so far, but on the rise.Now, Euro-dance,on the other hand †¦Ã¢â‚¬  Ash was sitting on the square couch, long legsstretched out in front of him. His eyes were deepblue and slightly glazed. â€Å"Sweetheart,† he said finally, â€Å"I hate to interrupt.But you and I need to talk.† Poppy was too clever to ask him what about.†Ã¢â‚¬ ¦these sort of eternal void keys and troll groaningsounds that make you want to ask, ‘Is anybody outthere?' â€Å"shefinishedand then she had to breathe.Ash jumped in. â€Å"We reallyhave to talk,† he said. â€Å"Before Jamesgets back.† There was no way to evade him now. Poppy'smouth was dry. He leaned forward, his eyes a dear blue-green like tropical waters. And, yes, they really dochange color, Poppy thought. â€Å"It's not your fault,† he said. â€Å"What?† It's not yourfault. That you can't shield your mind. You'll learn how to do it, he said, andPoppy only realized halfway through that he wasn't saying it out loud. Oh. . . spit. She should have thought of that.Should have been concentrating on veiling her thoughts.She tried to do it now. â€Å"Listen, don't bother. I know that you're notlamia. You're made, and you're illegal. James hasbeen a bad boy.† Since there was no point in denying it, Poppy liftedher chin and narrowed her eyes at him. â€Å"So youknow. So what are you going to do about it?† â€Å"That depends.† â€Å"On what?† He smiled. â€Å"On you.†