The room that we have designed... free essay sample

The room that we have planned is for little children. There are on the whole learning territories are incorporated: square region, science and disclosure territory, subjective region, language and education zone, tactile zone, imaginative region, sensational region and music and development region. There are additionally washrooms and sink and diaper evolving territory. There are likewise beds, cubbies, tables and seats for kids. The accompanying sections will depict all the learning region and what youngsters will create in these zones. The primary zone is square territory. In the square territory, there are youngster level racks where various sorts of square are set like letters in order, numeric, various states of square: square, triangle, square shape, circle and whatnot. There are additionally kid level tables and seats. Youngsters can upgrade their aptitudes by investing energy in square territory. Inside the social space, youngsters may participate in short gathering exercises by playing and building towers with their companions (ELECT, 1.1, p. 29, 2007). The vast majority of little children are building up their faculties by contacting the square and working the articles and material (ELECT, 5.3, p. 36, 2007). Kids may build up their feeling of commitment by effectively being locked in with their companions in bunch play and investigating the toys/squares. Around there, kids may build up their feeling of articulation by communicating their inclination when they assemble tower and show energy and euphoria when the pinnacle is long. (Service of Education, 2014). In science and revelation territory, there are various sorts of material, for example, leaves, wood, plastic, etc. There are tables, seats and covers. There is additionally a major window where they can see outside and appreciate the nature. In this middle, youngsters may distinguishing objects in photographs (4.7), arranging and marking objects by attributes of items like little, enormous delicate and hard (4.9) (ELECT, p. 34, 2007). Youngsters may build up their feeling of having a place by investigating objects with friends and teachers and speaking with them. Youngsters may investigate extraordinary and new material, for example, amplifying glasses, magnets and by being dynamic and connected with student, they can build up the feeling of commitment (Ministry of Education, 2014). In the subjective region, there are various materials for youngsters, for example, puzzles, various items for arranging, checking and so forth. There is additionally floor covering, seat and tables for youngsters, distinctive racks to put the material. Kids may improve their critical thinking abilities by looking for help from grown-ups to accomplish the objectives (4.2) and may spatial investigate by assembling things and dismantling them (4.4) (ELECT, p. 33, 2007). Kids may create feeling of articulation by communicating their inclination, for instance, a kid shows fervor when teacher reveals to him that they will understand his preferred shape puzzle. Besides, via mindful, adoring and making positive associations with youngsters may upgrade the feeling of having a place, for instance, a kid is tragic. We can ask him for what valid reason he/she is dismal and attempt to comfort him/her will cause them to feel cherishing and mindful (Ministry of Education, 2014). Language and education zone contains various sorts of books, divider diagram of letter sets, creatures, foods grown from the ground on. There are rugs, seats and shelves for kids. Kids may upgrade the open language aptitudes by effectively listening the narratives and being locked in, it will likewise improve the feeling of commitment (ELECT, 3.1, p. 32, 2007). Inside the correspondence, language and education area, youngsters may utilize normal action words and descriptors and increment their jargon by tuning in to stories (ELECT, 3.2, p.32, 2007). Teacher is utilizing articulations while recounting to the tales to kids, it might make a feeling of articulation (Ministry of Education, 2014). Tactile zone is somewhat fun. There is water and sand play for kids. There are likewise various sorts of material for kids to find and build up the faculties. In this middle, youngsters may build up their social abilities by taking part in little gathering exercises (playing with sand/water) (ELECT, 1.1, p.29, 2007). Little children may build up their faculties by distinguishing and separating properties and materials (ELECT, 5.3, P.36, 2007). Youngsters may build up the feeling of commitment by effectively taking an interest in the sand and water play exercises, for example, making mansion in a gathering with peers. Kids may likewise build up their feeling of articulation by communicating their inclination verbally or non-verbally to instructor or their companions when they play and investigate distinctive material containers, for example, sea in a container, in this teacher will attempt to make a sea with water, oil and watercolor, by this, youngsters can be shocked and amped up for this movement and they can likewise make their own sea containers (Ministry of Education, 2014). Innovative region has tables and seats, paint brushes, colored pencils, kid safe scissors to make new and novel things. In this middle, youngsters may build up their fine engine aptitudes by utilizing little child safe scissors to cut the paper (5.2) and tactile engine incorporation by utilizing eye-hand coordination to string huge globules on a c hannel cleaner (5.3) (ELECT, p.36, 2007). By giving safe, age-proper and ample material to kids so as to abstain from sharing issues, is a case of how to make a feeling of having a place in kids. Kids might be being sound by playing it safe when utilizing scissors will build up the feeling of prosperity (Ministry of Education, 2014). Kids like to profess to be somebody, so sensational zone is exceptionally useful to build up the aptitudes. In sensational zone, there are cover, distinctive play units like specialist pack, eatery material, educator play, market, etc. Kids may take part in imagine play that incorporates language, it will build up their expressive language abilities (ELECT, 3.2, p.32, 2007). Youngsters may communicate their emotions in language and imagine play and it will likewise upgrade their feeling of articulation (ELECT, 2.1, p.30, 2007). Youngsters may build up their feeling of commitment by effectively taking an interest in exercises like specialist play, changing garments of dolls (Ministry of Education, 2014). The last yet not the least place is music and development. Around there, there are various instruments, for example, drums, violin, accordion, xylophone and whatnot. There are likewise kid size table and seats, cover, mats for youngsters. Inside the physical area, youngsters may build up their gross engine abilities by bouncing all over on the spot with music (ELECT, 5.1, p.35, 2007). Youngsters may build up the social intrigue aptitudes by watching and mirroring the companions doing certain means/development on the rhythms (ELECT, 1.1, p.29, 2007). Kids may build up the feeling of commitment by taking an interest and drawing in with peers when playing with various instruments and will likewise improve the feeling of articulation when instructor will give them energy in various rhythms and when youngsters tune in to their main tune they may show fervor and happiness (Ministry of Education, 2014).?

Formalism in Art and Design

Formalism in Art and Design When pondering formalism there is a bigger seen idea in the public eye about this development; there are a wide range of sorts of formalism present in human progress which remembers formalism for law, science, and workmanship and plan and so forth. This paper will concentrate on formalism in craftsmanship and structure explicitly and certain inquiries will be offered an explanation to make the subject understood; what is formalism? How does formalism contrast from different procedures in workmanship making? For what reason is this workmanship development so essential to structure? What time and development in craftsmanship do we explicitly credit formalism to? This paper will likewise incorporate three pictures that buy in ideas of formalism and will be quickly talked about. Every one of these inquiries will be inspected and offered an explanation to explain the idea of formalism to an individual who is curious about with this development. FORMALISM What is formalism? Numerous individuals accept that formalism just spotlights on the type of a fine art or plan which isn't really exact in light of the fact that as per Wolf; formalism is the equalization of specific components in a structure or painting. Formalism has a particular methodology of craftsmanship analysis and theory to which all visual workmanship has a major significance. This significance is controlled by the specialists capacity to achieve a visual request and the equalization of specific components reality inside an artistic creation or picture. These components the truth are the painting or picture utilization of shading, line, sythesis and surface. Regardless of how much aesthetic strategy and taste may change over some undefined time frame, formalism holds that these truths are steady (Wolf, 2009:[sp]). There is a hypothesis created of formalism that the item can remain on its own dependent on its development noteworthiness as indicated by Nelingburg; that formalism is workmanship for craftsmanship (Nelingburg, 2011: [sp]). Platos Theory of structure When taking a gander at Platos Theory of Form, it is a hypothesis that can be utilized to help with the comprehension of formalism. The savant, Plato built up a Theory of Forms dependent on the proposition of eidos, which essentially implies height or appearance. Plato applied the expression for the most part in his differing exchanges to propose a simple general language. Each natural item; an unmistakable article (like a seat) or unique article (like human resource), has a shared trademark; the entirety of the items have structure. Platos speculation is better comprehended when taking a gander at his Allegory of the Cave; he imagines a cavern which held hostage detainees who had never left the cavern, all the detainees could see were laborers shadows cast on the cavern dividers, and everything they could hear were the voices reverberating in the cavern. This is all that the detainees thought about the outside world, so they saw the voices and shadows as real types of genuine articl es and were completely ignorant that the structures were only mimicries of the certified things. Plato expressed that the detainees view of items was not bogus; as a result of their comprehension of the world; by their comprehension of the world, the shadows and echoes were the genuine structures, similarly as an artwork of a lady is as genuine, if not increasingly genuine, than the real lady who is portrayed on the canvas. (Wolf, 2009:[sp]). The individuals envisioned to be caught in the cavern have no clue about what the world resembles, so by simply observing the shadows and hearing the clamors, this is all they will ever understanding from the outside world, this is what is genuine to them since they have not been presented to whatever else. How does formalism contrast from different procedures in workmanship making? The beginning stage of formalism is profoundly instilled in old idea, for they accepted that the universe is governed by numerical affiliation, or in the idea of structure as inelegant nature of things, forced upon or characteristic and these thoughts were applied to workmanship (Williams, 2009: [sp]). Formalists just focused on formal resources of centerpieces and accept that these structures follow their own turn of events (Hatt, Klonk, 2006: 66). This shows the distinctive accepts that the formalist had about the workmanship and how they applied this to the craftsmanship procedure. One of the attributes of formalism is that the craftsman was worried about the way of impression of the structures without any undertone. Kant proposes it that formalism alludes to resources of seeing of articles (Crysler Cairns Heynen, 2012: [sp]). Where as in different developments is craftsmanship, for example, Art Nuevo structure was not so significant, craftsmen were increasingly worried about the embellishment of the plan and this was the place large scale manufacturing originally happened. It is said that this period was the first occasion when that advanced civilisation utilized instrument to build plans (Wolf, 2009:[sp]). For what reason is formalism essential to plan? As expressed above (What is formalism) that formalism center around the significance of adjusting components in a plan, (Wolf, 2009: [sp]); this viewpoint is material when taking a gander at the structure procedure of today, the utilization of components will decide the standards which if the plan accomplishes balance, it speaks to formalist trademark. The hypothesis of formalism expresses that it places accentuation on the structure esteem; this hypothesis suggests that the most basic part of a show-stopper or configuration is the fruitful game plan of the components through the standards of plan (Kjeria, 2008: [sp]). As per these focuses, if a plan doesn't utilize the parity of components, the structure won't be effective and this is the place formalism affected the planning technique for now. What period and development is formalism credited to? It is guaranteed that inside the early many years of twentieth century there was a trepidation for formal characteristics known as the formalism development, it has been viewed as the quality of workmanship analysis (Schechter, [sa]: 261). The development that formalism can be perceived to is innovation since a significant part of the exploration done on formalism is associated with the innovation development. The execute of imaginative opportunity got fundamental to dynamic innovation; specialists started to look for opportunity from the standards of academic craftsmanship, however from the requests of the network. Rapidly it was asserted that craftsmanship ought not be made for the publics purpose however for expressions purpose. The term craftsmanship for workmanship purpose is likewise utilized (referenced in past section) to depict innovation, this expresses a call for release from the mistreatment of importance and goal. Witcombe proclaimed it a creating pioneers perspective, t hat the significance of the creation was an extra execute of opportunity. It is likewise supposed to be a plot, another deliberate discourtesy towards the working class responsiveness which requested workmanship with significance or it had some explanation, for example, educate or joy and as a rule to reflect somehow or another their own engaged and reason full world (Witcombe, 1997: [sp]). This statement; craftsmanship for workmanship purpose is notice by Witcombe and Nelingburg, therefore it might suggest that there are unobtrusive likenesses among formalism and innovation. Innovation versus Formalism The twentieth century has concentrated its aesthetic mindfulness on dynamic innovation to the degree that conventionalist innovation has been deserted and disparages as a work of art. It is conjectured that innovation workmanship is polished totally inside a shut formalist forte, basically withdrew from, not to be tainted by this present reality. Specifically, deliberation, formalism could embrace the benefits of the progressives, who utilized it in support of innovation, which has been especially open to analysis. In the mid twentieth century, formalism was additionally proficiently joined with different targets of dynamic innovation, universalism (Witcombe, 1997: [sp]). It tends to be expected that the formalist and innovator developments were imbued with one another so as to be viewed as a craftsmanship development; the two of them required each other to have stayed alive. Formalist craftsmanships Dare two In this fine art the craftsman utilized a few components to make a parity in the arrangement, which is the thing that formalism depicts; the craftsman honors the new course in geometrical deliberation and profound affiliations. The other component utilized in this piece was shading, it has reflection towards developments, for example, Neo Geo and formalism offers approach to underlining insightful movement and the pleasure in craftsmanship making (2012: [sp]). Redundancy is additionally found in the craftsmanship; by rehashing the hues, line and structures, this guideline makes a binding together component to the workmanship as entirety. By utilizing a portion of the components and standards in an adjusting technique the watcher can recognize that it has a formalistic worth. As per Dictionary.com, the meaning of conceptual is: thought of separated from solid real factors, explicit items, or genuine cases, this work of art additionally has these characteristics of theoretical workmans hip which can likewise be named unique formalism. Untitled For Joel Shapiro (the craftsman) structure is the most significant attribute of this untitled model, as per Nelingburg, structure was basic to the craftsman on the grounds that underscore of the figure depends on its physical structure and structure, the figure depends on deliberation. There is a great deal of mindfulness welcomed on the figures dependent on the materials that were utilized and the hues that make them, yet the fundamental center is the shape and what they represent since it depicts the human body (Nelingburg, 2011:[sp]). By taking a gander at the attributes of the figure, it tends to be accepted that the craftsman effectively utilized the components that are available in the model in an equivalent way, yet for this situation the structure was the most significant component present since it is a model. As expressed above (what is formalism), as per Nelingburg, there is an assumption built up that a work of art can remain on its own establishment dependent on tasteful qualities, when explicitly taking a gander at formalistic figures (2011: [sp]). Well disposed Formalism S. Stratton and J. M. Ward, workmanship pundits express that Ps Qs as inviting formalism, the craftsmanship plays with the unbending nature of the twentieth century formalism, yet gives it a current 21th century contort. This

WhoaYoure Old

Whoa…You’re Old So I realized that despite not having left MIT, I havent written on this thing in a really long time. Part of it came from my own thinking that the life of a graduate student is not as exciting as an undergraduate, and the other part came from me forgetting my password, but fortunately, I remembered my password today and given the start of a new school year, I decided Id stream some consciousness. First off, an update on my life: I am now a tenured graduate student (passed both halves of my qualifying exams), became a vegetarian, and started training for triathlons. Aside from that, I still live at ZBT as the resident advisor (GRT in disguisekind of) and still have managed not to pull an all-nighter (for academic reasons). The past two years have been full of excitement from studying, switching from mechanical engineering to a completely different discipline, biking around Boston, traveling, and research. About an hour ago, I registered for my last class at MIT. Actually, I registered for two classes because I couldnt decide from the syllabi which class I wanted to take, so I signed up for both of them. I registered for my first set of classes in 2003 (3.091, 21A.109, 18.01A, 8.01 and a seminar). I dont know how many total classes Ive taken since then, but I came close to taking a class in every department so thats kind of cool. When I first started MIT, I never once expected to stay here for this long (partly because I didnt think my mom would support an undergraduate education that took that long nor did I ever expect to go to graduate school). When I came to MIT, my plan was to study EECS, start a video game company, and go make millions. Today, I work in a mass spectrometry lab studying insulin resistance and couldnt be happier. What I realized that MIT taught me more than anything was to take risks. It was definitely a risk to switch disciplines for my PhD. Its definitely a risk for me to study anything related to biochemistry given how poorly I did in 7.05, but this I realize is what makes MIT the place it is. Its safe to take risks; its safe to say you dont know. Its safe to do something you know absolutely nothing about. Thats what education is about. So to all the new students starting off their MIT experience: be free, take chances, and dont sweat the small stuff.

Discrimination And Racial Discrimination During The Civil...

In American history, discrimination of blacks has played a predominant role in our society. Although there have been major steps taken in the right direction against discrimination since the Civil Rights Movements, today, there are still forms of less violent discrimination and many barriers for middle-class black Americans. Discrimination is identified as, â€Å"actions or practices carried out by members of dominant racial or ethnic groups that have a differential and negative impact on members of subordinate racial and ethnic groups† (Feagin and Eckberg 1980, pp. 1-2). Although traditional discrimination has decreased throughout our country’s history, other forms have prevailed. Focusing on whites targeting middle-class blacks, this article emphasizes a few key areas within the subject from both sides of the spectrum. There are many ways discrimination plays out for the benefactor and receiver. The author defines the middle-class blacks as people with white-collar jo bs, college students preparing for a similar professions and business owners. Through the data collected, responses to discrimination and the various personal anecdotes, my personal awareness of discrimination in today’s society has been broadened to a greater understanding and a sense of empathy. Many studies have been conducted to retain data about discrimination among various groups such as the black middle-class and higher ups in large cities. This interview in particular of thirty seven people in theShow MoreRelatedEffects Of Racial Discrimination On The Civil Rights Movement1403 Words   |  6 Pagessignificance of Presidents in reducing racial discrimination during 1860-1970 we must first look at the impact each President had on the civil rights which will be measured by how they reduced racism through reports and legislation aiming towards African Americans (AA). Presidents were crucial in reducing racial discrimination because without the influence of national leaders it is impossible to understand how AA achieved integration and racial equality. Racial discrimination can be defined as being treatedRead MoreRacism And The World s Greatest Issues Today Essay1270 Words   |  6 Pagesattitudes and beliefs individuals may believe about different racial groups, specific ally opposing stereotypes about one or more racial groups as well as the opinion that one s own racial group is superior to another. To sociologists, this relative understanding of racism is more commonly known as prejudice. It is extremely difficult to get an accurate idea of what percentage of Americans still hold prejudiced views about other racial groups. When confronted with multiple survey questions aboutRead MoreCivil Rights/Secret Life of Bees986 Words   |  4 PagesBridget Baker Mrs. McQuade Period 2 4/10/12 Racial Discrimination and Segregation In 1619 the very first African Americans arrived in America, coming over for the purpose of forced slavery. It’s been nearly four hundred years since then and African Americans are still not treated completely equal. But throughout the years major steps towards equality have been made and as a whole the United States is close to reaching this goal. The first key action taken was abolishing slavery in 1865, butRead MoreEssay on The Civil Rights Movement1014 Words   |  5 PagesAfrican-American Civil Rights Movement. Specifically, the focus will be on the main activists involved in the movement such as Martin Luther King Jr and Rosa Parks and the major campaigns of civil resistance. The Civil Rights Movement refers to the movements in the United States aimed at outlawing racial discrimination against African Americans and restoring voting rights in Southern states.African-Americans were able to gain the rights to issues such as equal access to public transportation, right to voteRead MoreThe Rise Of The Civil Rights Movement1179 Words   |  5 Pagesbreak down the walls of discrimination and segregations. Out of the numerous elements that arose in the 1960s, there are three movements that truly affected the American society. Firstly, the rise of the civil rights movement was greatly influenced by racial discrimination of colored people in the South. Secondly, the women’s movement aimed to convince the society that women are capable of achieving and maintaining higher waged job like males. Lastly, the gay rights movement aimed to gain acceptanceRead MoreThe Civil Rights Movement Of The United States1668 Words   |  7 PagesThe civil rights movement in t he USA in the 1950’s and 1960’s.can be termed as a democratic movement. The basic reason behind this was the discrimination of the African-Americans that were enslaved and did not have citizen rights. The African-Americans protested greatly against their injustice. The birth of the civil rights movement was before the 1954 Supreme Court’s decision on Brown versus Board of Education (Topeka) which stated that separate but equal schools was against the Constitution. FromRead MoreThe Long Journey Of African Americans1176 Words   |  5 Pagestimeline on how the changes have occurred in political, education, social and economic development of the black Americans. The black people were despised because of their skin color leading to lack of development on their part. They were denied their rights until the late 20th century when their fight for recognition brought the much anticipated results. These changes have gone until now that the Americans were able to select a black person as the president. Since 1877, there are a lot of things thatRead MoreOrigin of the Civil Rights Movement1157 Words   |  5 Pagesï » ¿Civil Rights To obtain access to basic privileges and the rights to U.S. citizenship for African Americans mass popular movements or civil rights movement took place. Civil rights movements began in 19th century, but it reached its peak in 1950s and 1960s. At both local and national levels movements are led by both African Americans and the whites. These people raised their appeals without any violence but with negotiations and legal means. The student movement of 1960s and the modern womenRead MoreThe Civil Rights Movement in 20th Century America1738 Words   |  7 PagesThe Civil Rights Movement Until the 1950s, African Americans had experienced discrimination in all aspects of their lives. They were no longer slave, but they were definitely not equal citizens. During the 1950s and 1960s, African Americans, along with a number of other racial groups, embarked on a campaign to change this situation. This campaign challenged discrimination and fought to achieve the objective of equality that the American constitution promised for its entire people. It composed aRead MoreWhat Was The Impact Of The Civil Rights Movement1325 Words   |  6 PagesThe Civil Rights Movement was issued to end racial segregation against African Americans and to provide the equal citizenship rights mentioned in the U.S. Constitution. It occurred between 1954 and 1968, especially in the South and was a struggle by African Americans to achieve civil rights equal to whites including equal availability in employment, housing, education, freedom to vote, equal access to public facilities, and free of racial discrimination. Before Civil Rights Movement Act, African

My Goals For Children s Life - 995 Words

Mission statement We believe we can provide safe, secure, affordable, quality care for our families in a home like environment. We also strive to create a positive atmosphere so the children can interact with their peers, teachers and families. We believe that children can learn from their peers regardless of their abilities. We see to it that everyone is treated equally regardless of their ethnic and religious backgrounds. We provide a challenging and educational curriculum as well. As children graduate from child care, my goal is for every child and parent to be confident and fully prepared for the next step in the children’s lives. For this assignment I have chosen Drew a 30 month old little boy who is autistic. Drew’s cognitive skills are near age appropriate, but he has significant delays in socialization and communication skills he rarely initiates or engages in social conversations. Some of Drew’s favorite toys are trains, Disney figurines and markers. Drew has a tendency to throw temper tantrums, and has a difficult time following directions and reacts strongly to the word â€Å"no†. My mission statement reflects my commitment to helping Drew because I feel as though children no matter what their ability might be can learn from their peers. We need to look past their disabilities and encourage them to do new things. Recognition and respect is another ethical issue. Although Drew has a significant delay in his social and communication skills everyone around himShow MoreRelatedMy Goals For Children s Life893 Words   |  4 Pageslike environment. We also strive to create a positive atmosphere so the children can interact with their peers, teachers and families. We believe that children can learn from their peers regardless of their abilities. We see to it that everyone is treated equally regardless of their ethnic and religious backgrounds. We provide a challenging and educational curriculum as well. 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Performance Review Paper Free Essays

In the course of time, plays are able to discuss varying types of themes. There are plays which presents the current issues while others chose to portray the life of the past. In the play that I am able to watch, Greek mythology had been the main subject of   the whole story. We will write a custom essay sample on Performance Review Paper or any similar topic only for you Order Now Greek mythology had been one of the most common types of plays in schools and the likes. Hence, it is inevitable for most people to compare different plays with other plays already available. However, the Greek mythology play that I was able to see was written by Sarah Ruhl which is an acclaimed playwright of this era. As mentioned Sarah Ruhl is a person which is highly capable of providing the audience an intelligent type of entertainment.   Ruhl was able to have a Pulitzer Prize in 2004 and is given attention in John Lahr’s article in the New Yorker.   Furthermore, Ruhl was provided a very satisfactory review by the journalist. Hence, this brings a background to the play that I watched. As a person who had been interested in plays, I often have an expectation. In this case, the expectation that I have for the playwright is high for Ruhl had provided different great plays which had entertained me and other audiences. Upon waiting for the performance to start, I am hesitating to be excited and to expect much from the whole performance. Given that I was able to know the good information provided by the article I have read. Moreover, I continued to not really think of my expectations and I went with the flow of the story. In the end of the play, I have realized that Sarah Ruhl was really one of the best writers of this generation. Given that she opted for a Greek mythology as the main subject of her play she is very brave and confident. Hence the journalist was true about his review of Ruhl. He was able to provide a glimpse of what I needed to expect from the play. In addition to this,   the character actors were also good at their craft. I could see the passion that they have for the parts they were playing. Accordingly, the interpretation of these actors are accurate yet it was not perfect. I would want to say that they are perfect in playing the role however, there are much experienced actors who had done a great job in playing the role. In the case of the props, all of the materials were relevant to the story.   The sound of the play as well as the lighting is remarkable.   I have seen other plays but the lighting and the sound truly helps in portraying the story. Thus, whenever I view the stage it seemed as if there are glossy glasses covering the stage. Thus, the light had created a magnificent illusion that the stage is like a glass ball filled with glitters allover. In the end, I was not disappointed by the whole play. I have seen other types of plays and most of them are only of high school quality. The amount of effort in every line is very evident. While the passion of the artists were present in every way that they can. Hence, I could not say more regarding this play because it is a genuine work of art. The play is very classic and classy and is not forgettable. If   I were to view another Greek mythology play my standards had been clearly raised by Ruhl was well as the whole performance of the team. Upon realizing the whole event, it is very noticeable that every action which the team had done is very organized and clean. Therefore, the audience did not become distracted by any person or prop which is out of line. Thus, I applaud Sarah Ruhl and her team for creating a magnificent play which does not only enrich the minds of her audiences but also provided a quality play for every one. How to cite Performance Review Paper, Papers Performance Review Paper Free Essays BOTOX UK LTD PERFORMANCE REVIEW FORM Date of Review †¦17th April 2013†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. Period Covered †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Oct 2012 – March 2013†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ Name of Manager †¦Tessa Thomas†¦ Name of employee †¦Angela Marraner†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. We will write a custom essay sample on Performance Review Paper or any similar topic only for you Order Now Job Role of Employee †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Senior Customer Sales Advisor†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. Please complete and return to your line manager at least 7 days before your review date 1. How do you feel you have performed over the last six months in your role? I feel that my performance is not up to my usual standards, as I have not met my monthly sales targets for the last six months. I feel that my work ethic still feels consistent and I have still been exceeding my customer service targets. I think the lack of sales is due to higher admin work due to the influx of new starters not confident with the processes. 2. What do you feel has gone well over the last six months? I am an excellent team player and have enjoyed the new responsibility of assisting the new starters. This has helped me increase product knowledge and learn how to train. Alongside that my customer service scores are still exceeding and I have successfully maintained excellent after call work where possible. 3. What do you feel has not gone so well? Unfortunately although I have a new found responsibility to assist the new starters, my sales targets over the last six months have not met my usual standard. I have a lot of adhoc work from the new starters and there for this is affecting my sales targets. 4. Please review targets below and explain reasons for any targets not achieved. Months |Oct |Nov |Dec |Jan |Feb |March | |Actual |? 4,000 |? 5,000 |? 7,,850 |? 3,000 |? 4,000 |? 4,000 | |Achieved |? 2,000 |? 2,500 |? 3,500 |? 1,500 |? 2,000 |? 2,000 | Customer Service Months |Oct |Nov |Dec |Jan |Feb |March | |Set Target |85% |80% |80% |85% |85% |85% | |Actual |90% |89% |89% |90% |96% |95% | 5. Please highlight any training or development that would benefit you in your role or personal development. †¢ Delegate out new starters work evenly to senior customer advisors Mentoring to supervisor role/Team Leader role. 6. What is your goal for the next year? My aspiration for the next 12 months is to complete my NVQ to become a team leader within the department. |Objective |How it will be measured |Timescale/ Review date | |Met/ Exceed sales targets |Achieved sales targets will be measured |Monitored and reviewed monthly. Overall | | |against sales targets set by floor manager. |review 6 months time. |To work towards a Team Leader position by |By keeping a log of any extra responsibility |6 months to a year | |taking on more responsibility and training. |and training undertaken and reviewing what I | | | |learnt and how I will use this going forward. | | |To hit over 90% on customer service scores |Achieved scores will be measured against |Monitored and reviewed monthly. Overall | | |company customer service targets. review in 6 months. | 7. Is there anything other than what we have discussed already that you would like to raise? I would like to find out if I can get support to complete my nvq to better myself at work. 7. Outline agreed actions to overcome any shortfall against targets including such factors as training and development needs, equipment needs or medical support – – – 8 Indicate whether a performance related bonus should be made at current rates. †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã ¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ Signed: Line Manager †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. Date †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. How to cite Performance Review Paper, Papers

Database Management Managers and Decision Makers

Question: Describe about the Database Management for Managers and Decision Makers. Answer: Introduction Managers and decision makers in an entity use computer-based decision support system to make vital, decisions inherent to an organization. Managers are faced with the hurdle of selecting the best choice among alternative solutions. Findings from Acito, Khatri (2014) publication denoted that computer-based decision support system has the capabilities of analyzing information fast. Empirically, the initial decision faced by manager includes increasing the market share, increase business productivity and enhance the quality of good and service delivery. A DSS is an interactive computer-based database with people, procedures, telecommunication, and devices that aid decision makers to solve structured and non-structured business problems (Atkinson et al. 2013). DSS support system has evolved over time from simple oriented mode to advanced multi-function database systems. The entity databases are connected with mainframe computers, which managers use to come up with structured and periodic reports. Other decisions supported by the database include production, pricing, marketing, and logistical functions. Advanced database technology has embraced client and server technologies that provide real-time analytics of the market and consumer behavior. Many entities have started to upgrade their data warehousing, object-oriented technology (OBT) and Network Infrastructure. The upgrade has a mark on Decision Support system (DSS) in firms. Additionally, the rapid evolution of the Internet-based capabilities has made DSS a reality. Presently, there are many new innovative systems such as OLAP, Sage, and Pastel. All these computer based database systems have had a profound role in aiding managers make vital decisions for an entity. According to Baltzan (2012), the conceptual framework of these data based models is essential in understanding the actualization of a DSS in a firm. Managers mainly use DSS for searching, retrieving and analyzing data. Users of this database system search for co-relation between data, analyze the data, allow for trend analysis, and create reports (Chang, 2016). Additionally, managers can carry out the conjoint analysis by having alternative scenario by asking what if queries. Subsequently, DSS supports both strategic and tactical decisions which are employed to, leverage manager experience in a particular field. This paper hence presents a detailed literature review on how could business decisions be better supported with databases. The aim of the study This proposal envisions in the completion of the research project on how could business decisions be made better supported with databases. Presently, many publications have affirmed the role of computer-based database systems in decision-making. The DSS is made up of the transaction system that provides the manager with real-time information used for decision-making. The emphasis of the computer-based database does not focus on information quantity, but rather the quality. Characteristics of data quality include relevancy, timeliness, accurateness, unbiased and consistency. My main objectives in this paper will be: Exploring the impact of a database in business decision making. Identification of the merits of using database system in business decision-making Establishing the factors that have led to the success of database system in business decision making. Study hypothesis The study hypothesis for this study will be Every manager relies on database management system to make the vital decision in a firm. Many organizations have adopted the data based systems in their decision-making chain Adoption of the database management systems has a profound impact on decision making in an entity. Research question Managers in the business organization have a reason to adopt the database management systems in the decision-making process as denoted by Coronel Morris (2016). The main research question will be; what is the impact of adoption of database systems in business decision making? Justification and potential output Before technology development, many organizations had a long decision-making process. It was essential for companies to consider embracing technology when making vital decisions. Earlier purchasing managers had a challenge in inventory tracking. Inventory would be easily lost since tracking mechanisms were cumbersome and inefficient. The introduction of DSS computer based systems presents a better way where business decisions are made efficiently. The database decision-making system can provide comparative sales figures, projected revenues and consequences off past decision making. Top tier management uses DSS to make strategic decisions; middle-level management can use to make the tactical decision while the lower level management uses it for day-to-day operations. The rationale for this paper is to depict that database management systems can be used to control inefficiencies in decision-making. Conceptual framework: Literature review Data based Cloud connectivity in inventory management Hair (2015) denotes the use of cloud connectivity technology to track and manage inventory in real time. Private cloud computing will increase track and manage inventory efficiency from about 63% to about 78% thus driving SCM management adoption up from 58% to about 71%. Additionally, there will be a shift of more enterprise workloads to cloud computing. 17% of SCM process is tracked by cloud computing technologies. Use of Source tagging to keep track on inventory and stocks is necessary. A data based tagging solution has been taunted as the best way of tracking inventory from the point of purchase to the warehouse (Hernandez, 2013). To align supply and demand, managers may use network cloud that will track market changes. Managers can use the cloud connectivity system to adapt to seasonal trend and other fluctuation that may occur in the market. The cloud connectivity technologies such as e- procurement network are an essential feature that can be used by managers to predict supply chain disruption and adapt quickly to business processes (Hubbard, 2014).This system will enable managers to know the entire supply chain, not just suppliers, but also the source of the vendor's merchandise. The e-procurement network will aid Managers in responding to risk pro-actively by creating precautionary measures against inventory management. Firms should have a cloud based product code-named NetScaler. This e-procurement software Product is competing against established products such as F5 Networks and A10 networks. NetScaler present an ideal internet based SCM application software solution (Ik et al. 2013). However, the compa ny should put in efforts to make sure it perfects it e- procurement software in tracking and managing inventory. Projected analysis for Microsoft Cloud Product has been used by managers to track the movement of inventory. CRM, Azure, and Office365 are expected to be adopted by many firms in 2018. Additionally, Amazon data Web services will generate about $7.78 Billion of income in 2019. Efficiency in the cloud computing industry is set to intensify because of entry of IBM in the provision of private and hybrid cloud infrastructure service (Jarke et al. 2013). Data based Source tagging in decision-making Managers use Source tagging to determine the volume and location of all merchandise across all distribution channels. Source tagging is an important SCM mechanism of inventory tracking thus minimizing wastage. Managers (CEO) may continue monitoring stock level and replenish the stocks when sensor detect stock is running out of control. Essentially, a more precise level of visibility ensures that the retailer has the information on the product in the supply chain (Johnson, 2014).Managers may also embrace having a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) that will allow her pinpoint inventory at the three branches in real time. Data based ABC in Cost Control Essentially, ABC systems assign each cost to products and services. Managers may use the idea of this management accounting tool to improve operations of the company (Kaufmann Wittman, 2016). They can utilize this robust estimation method to measure the performance of his entity. Additionally, he can use ABC to identify, describe, and assign the cost. ABC costing system is more efficient than the traditional costing method because Managers can use ABC costing to identify opportunities that will improve the effectiveness of business processes (sterle, 2013).The real value of stock, are ascertained through ABC method. Managers can assign the value to each item thus gaining the better understanding of productivity of each item. The company corporate strategy involves embracing business and accelerating mobile technology by having a smooth decision-making process within SCM departments in the entity Optimization tools in determination of Demand and Supply in the market The standalone software uses data from ERP and WMS to evaluate the entire network and determine the best inventory prices for each outdoor product sold. The optimizations tools take into account in demand and supply variability by determining the amount of inventory to be held. The popularity of these tools can be attributed to their ability to provide optimization capabilities (Peirson et al. 2014). However, Managers must make sure that the systems are free from human intervention because if tampered they cannot depict the real inventory variability. Single platform that employs business solutions that use real-time analytics The days of cash flow management vis Excel spreadsheets are over. Managers should adopt a great operation and sales plan solution that use unifies model of demand and financial data. Managers can use this analytics to determine an efficiency of each branch cash management systems. Also, they can perform rapid, scenario planning and carry simulation thus supporting planning and cash flow management (Power et al. 2015). Having, a centralized platform where one picture of inventory and cost is shared, Managers will have real-time information on cash movement readily available. Have an integrated Inventory Management program Managers are obliged to conduct an in-depth evaluation and implement revised inventory and purchasing program. .Moreover, the sales plan for all departments should be sent to SCM in the head office. Inventory process from branches should be consolidated into one system; The SCM department communicates with the purchase managers in offices to prepare a procurement plan. Additionally, Managers should come up with an inventory process that embraced demand and supply in the market.( Rodrguez-Enrquez et al., 2006). The new program should evaluate forecasts, ordering procedures with detailed analysis by SKUs. Managers will realize that simulation of inventory will yield saving opportunities. Managers ought to adopt an action plan to restructure firm inventory and purchasing functions. For business efficiency; Managers are deemed to make all branches purchase supply and demand management to be amalgamated to one fold controlled by the CEO. These sales department, Logistics, and production should be integrated and transferred to the SCM of the head office. Efficiency would be realities when the SCM department receives an order from customers and comes up with a procurement plan .To ensure branch efficiency; Managers should institute Key performance index metrics on the purchase and inventory management department.Managers should replenish systems, evaluate vendor orders, and receipt cycles. They will understand that operation costs of the inventory value will be reduced to 25%. Moreover, the product list volume will increase from 20% to 40%. Data based Business Communication Time division multiplexing (TDM) Data based systems can be used by managers to enhance business communication. Communication between staff members is done via the signal flags. They act as multiplexers. Each student is assigned a multiplexer (a line sharing device) that will group small streams of traffic together and align them to achieve a high capacity speed transmission. At the end of transmission, a multiplier allows transmission of messages emanating from multiple sources, while also maintaining separation between words. Staff members use the time division multiplexing (TDM) where signals from each device are separated into single bit periods. The lead controller interleaves the signals altogether and merges them into one multiplexed signal.Our system embraces message clarity. With a combination of the color folder signal and different body language to communicate, we believe our message will be sent quickly and accurately. To enhance clarity, the manager utilizes his or her own Open System Interconnection mod el (OSI) model (Rosu et al. 2012, July). The application layer enabled the students application programs to interact with the networks. We could have used the application layer for database management or mail transfer. The model also incorporated the presentation layer. Specifically, this layer defines the way data from all student is presented, coded, and converted. Although the staff member usually gives handwritten information, the presentation layer transmits the message in language a computer can understand. IFE matrix in decision-making Internal Factor Evaluation Matrix is an efficient management tool in auditing and evaluation of the large internal strengths and subsequent weaknesses in the functional areas in an organization. Moreover, the matrix provides a basis for evaluation of relationships among functional areas of business. Mainly, this data based model is used by managers as a strategy formulation technique. In some aspects, this method correlates with the balanced scorecard. Besides, the IFE matrix uses internal factors, weaknesses, and strengths to evaluate the competitive position of an entity in the industry. Further, the company resources and capabilities are used to compare the industry success to the post of the company in the same industry Data based cloud connectivity to affect business operations Innovation that changes the cloud connectivity starts at this stage. Decision-making between departments starts mainly in three business units namely; Workspace services, mobility apps and Workspace Services. Communication between these units is executed through virtualization, networking, data sharing, web collaboration and IT support. Marketing and Communication team drives firms mission and vision around the globe (Zikmund 2013). Further, this team is tasked with branding and creation on the corporation image. This team has incorporated corporate branding, product marketing, alliance marketing, and field marketing. Further, e-commerce and creation of SMB demand are implemented within this department. Decision making for this entity in issues regarding accounting, financial planning, and investor decision are made in the head office. Moreover, the organization responsibility for supply chain management, global IT strategy, and partnership with other businesses are executed in the head office while communication is conveyed to the branches. The finance department holds the responsibility for shipping teams, facilities, and purchasing. Human Resources Managers considers database recruitment softwares for hiring and placement. Specifically, the HR have as strategic look at the entity with a complete emphasis on retaining a talented and a motivated workforce, Some of the profound HR services include Hiring and staffing, learning and development, compensation, consulting, corporate citizenship and employee citizenship Methodology of the Study The operational steps of research from the hypothesis to final data analysis are known research methodology as denoted by Scholz (2012). On the other hand, the study design is the analysis of data, which aims at combining research relevance with the underlying procedure. The design involves observational. Sampling and operational design for the study on how could business decisions be better supported with databases. Profoundly, the study will embrace quantitative and qualitative study methods. Sampling design According to Zikmund et al. (2013), the sampling design adopted in the survey is based on representational analysis of the survey. Random sampling will be used when evaluating research variables. The study will make sure manager selected have adopted database management techniques in decision-making. Random sampling design Random questionnaires will be distributed to all randomly selected managers. Consequently, the study will come up with a record of executives respondents as it comes up with the kind of information to be filled in the data. Random sampling is favored since it simple to use and capable of data and sampling method (Stein et al. (2013) Observable design The observable method in this study involves a different method of collecting primary and secondary data. Researchers prefer survey method in the collection of primary data. However, this study will embrace direct interviews carried on managers in the chosen organizations. The questionnaires will be tailored towards the collection of information regarding the impact of a database system in decision-making (Simon, 2013). Interview process The interview method will involve a presentation of oral verb response from the targeted managers. This interview method is fastest and the most flexible method used to identify relevant question used in this study Use of questionnaires The study questionnaires will be formulated on the basis globally accepted security privacy regulations. The majority of the research questions are subjective to a no or yes answer. Other questionnaires will be multiple-choice questions. After filling the questionnaires, they are forwarded to the respective HR department for collection. Statistical design Statistical tools are crucial as the help the researcher to analyze data collected and design the research process thus researchers can draw the conclusion of the study. Additionally, the tools are important in testing the research hypothesis. In this study, SPSS statistical software and advanced Excel analytics will be used as data analysis tools. ANOVA test will be used to experimental data variability. Chi-Squares tests will be used to extract data from excel. Hypothesis testing will be evaluated using significance levels generated from cross-tabulation of collected data. Organization, budget, and schedule First, the progress of the research project will involve sending the request to carry background checks on decisions reached by management in different institutions. Subsequently, it will be followed by identifying chosen data collection methods to collect the necessary data for research. The main challenge we are likely to face financial hurdles when carrying this whole process. Budget Parameter Cost in USD ($) Transportation $ 200 Questionnaires $ 100 Stationary $40 Data analysis $ 150 Total $ 490.00 Schedule Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb March April May June July Pre-visit Data collection Data Analysis Report presentation END References Acito, F., Khatri, V. (2014). Business analytics: Why now and what next?.Business Horizons,57(5), 565-570. Atkinson, M., Baxter, R., Brezany, P., Corcho, O., Galea, M., Parsons, M., ... van Hemert, J. (Eds.). (2013).The data bonanza: improving knowledge discovery in science, engineering, and business(Vol. 90). John Wiley Sons. Baltzan, P. (2012).Business driven technology. McGraw-Hill/Irwin. Chang, J. F. (2016).Business process management systems: strategy and implementation. CRC Press Coronel, C., Morris, S. (2016).Database systems: design, implementation, management. Cengage Learning. Hair, J. F. (2015).Essentials of business research methods. ME Sharpe. Hernandez, M. J. (2013).Database design for mere mortals: a hands-on guide to relational database design. Pearson Education. Hubbard, D. W. (2014).How to measure anything: Finding the value of intangibles in business. John Wiley Sons. Ik, ., Jones, M. C., Sidorova, A. (2013). Business intelligence success: The roles of capabilities and decision environments.Information Management,50(1), 13-23. Jarke, M., Lenzerini, M., Vassiliou, Y., Vassiliadis, P. (2013).Fundamentals of data warehouses. Springer Science Business Media. Johnson, P. F. (2014).Purchasing and supply management. McGraw-Hill Higher Education. Kaufmann, E., Wittmann, W. W. (2016). The success of linear bootstrapping models: Decision domain-, expertise-, and criterion-specific meta-analysis.PloS one,11(6), e0157914. sterle, H. (2013).Business in the information age: heading for new processes. Springer Science Business Media. Peirson, G., Brown, R., Easton, S., Howard, P. (2014).Business finance. McGraw-Hill Education Australia. Power, D. J., Sharda, R., Burstein, F. (2015).Decision support systems. John Wiley Sons, Ltd. Rodrguez-Enrquez, C. A., Alor-Hernndez, G., Mejia-Miranda, J., Snchez-Cervantes, J. L. Rosu, D., Cheng, W., Jan, E. E., Ayachitula, N. (2012, July). Connecting the dots in IT service delivery: From operations content to high-level business insights. InService Operations and Logistics, and Informatics (SOLI), 2012 IEEE International Conference on(pp. 410-415). IEEE. Scholz-Reiter, B., Stickel, E. (Eds.). (2012).Business process modelling. Springer Science Business Media. Simon, P. (2013).Too Big to Ignore: The Business Case for Big Data(Vol. 72). John Wiley Sons. Stein, A. D., Smith, M. F., Lancioni, R. A. (2013). The development and diffusion of customer relationship management (CRM) intelligence in business-to-business environments.Industrial Marketing Management,42(6), 855-861. Zikmund, W. G., Babin, B. J., Carr, J. C., Griffin, M. (2013).Business research methods. Cengage Learning.

Plague Disease Myths

Plague refers to a disease spread by fleas which are infected by their hosts, in most cases rats. The fleas used to change host especially after the death of the rat, and the next host they preferred may have been human being. During that process, they infected humans.Advertising We will write a custom critical writing sample on Plague Disease Myths specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Plague was first experienced in Europe in the mid of the fourteenth century when the first wave of the infection killed about twenty five million people. The infection continued spreading throughout Europe in the eighteenth century, and at that time the cause of the bacterial infection had not been ascertained yet. Upon infection, an individual experienced severe pain, and in a few days eighty percent of the infected people succumbed to death. In one school, the plague killed twenty boys almost simultaneously. This caused other students to stay away fro m school as they opted not to attend it (Schoolmaster 1484). Considering the case in England, the plague was caused by filth in the streets and the sputum and dog’s urine which clogged the rushes on the floor of houses (Erasmus 1512). The rich in the society managed to flee from the country, and as a result, the poor were the ones who were left vulnerable to the disease. This also happened in Paris where only a few porters and wage earners who resided there were left (Versoris 1523). Johann Weyer wrote in his The Deceptions of Demons in 1583 that individuals also spread the deadly plague by smearing the gates to the city of Casale in Western Lombardy with a certain ointment that caused the disease. Thus, everyone who touched those gates was infected, and as a result died. Unfortunately, the heirs of the deceased are the ones who made payments for the gates to be smeared so that they would have obtained a quick inheritance. This was the case at Casale where it was reported tha t people got infected by simply touching the gates (Weyer 1583). Each and every household which was affected by the pestilence was immediately quarantined, and in the event of that person’s death in a specific place, the one had to be buried in that particular place. Furthermore, many people died because of hunger since the roads were under heavy guard to ensure that no infected individuals travelled from one place to another. (Staden 1571)Advertising Looking for critical writing on eastern europe? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Gold was used to meet the expense of pest houses so as to quarantine the infected while gallows were used to punish the violators of health regulations. In addition, the gallows were also used to frighten other people, and bonfires were used to eliminate the infected (Motto 1576). A particular woman whose husband had a fever was sure he would have died, but he was miraculously healed. He was fe d by a piece of bread that had touched St. Domenica’s body. The bread was sent to him by Angelica. (Centennni 1624). An individual really thought a lot about what would have happened in the event their household would have been invaded by the plagues. It was a tough time as everyone wondered who they would lose first to the disease, the daughter first or the son. It also happened that after the son had died, the daughter followed, and eventually the individual died as well. Even in the season of severity, an individual would still have compassion and be charitable. Convalescents and servants of two pest houses were fed by a particular individual who also paid guards and gravediggers with alms sent to him/her by the lordships (Dragoni 1630). The infected patients hung toads on their neckline so that their venom would draw out the poison of the disease within a few days (Roachas 1647). In Barcelona, there was a high demand for nurses who although called to serve neglected the p atients in many instances and made them die quickly so that they could collect the agreed fee (Parets 1651). News was received that in Rome Italy it was now violent. People opted to refrain but four individuals opted to believe in providence rather than not see a fine place (Reresby 1656). People feared to buy wigs with the assumption that the wings were obtained from the heads of people who died of the plague (Pepys 1665). The European nations including France, Holland, Spain and Italy prohibited ships from England. As a consequence, foreign trade and manufacture of goods declined causing a stoppage (Defoe 1665). The plague was believed to be a punishment from the gods due to the sins of the people and remedies were not considered to be available like in the case of ordinary maladies (Bertrand 1720). The events happened from the fifteenth to the eighteenth century affected the whole of Europe (Clark Rawcliffe 2013). Many people lost their lives as a result of being infected by the plague, and in general the society became inhumane (Crawshaw 2012). People stopped caring for each other and valued money more than human life. This period was one of the darkest periods in European history, and also one of the events that later led to intensive research in medicine until a cure was discovered. Works Cited Clark, Linda Carole Rawcliffe.  Society in an Age of Plague. , 2013. Print.Advertising We will write a custom critical writing sample on Plague Disease Myths specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Crawshaw, Jane.  Plague Hospitals: Public Health for the City in Early Modern Venice. London, UK: McGraw Hill, 2012. Print. This critical writing on Plague Disease Myths was written and submitted by user Kyra T. to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Plastic Sulfur - Simple Sulfur Polymer Demo

Plastic Sulfur - Simple Sulfur Polymer Demo Did you know that you can make a polymer from an element? Turn ordinary sulfur into rubbery plastic sulfur and then back into its brittle crystalline form. Plastic Sulfur Materials 50 g sulfur  test tube (25 mm x 200 mm)burnertest tube clampbeaker of water (500 mL or so)tongs Procedure To Polymerize Sulfur Youll melt the sulfur, which changes from a yellow powder into a blood-red liquid. When the molten sulfur is poured into the beaker of water, it forms a rubbery mass, which remains in polymer form for a variable length of time, but eventually crystallizes into a brittle form. Fill the test tube with pure sulfur powder or pieces until it is within a couple of centimeters of the top of the tube.Using a test tube clamp to hold the tube, place the tube in a burner flame to melt the sulfur. The yellow sulfur will turn into a red liquid as it melts. The sulfur may ignite in the flame. This is fine. If ignition occurs, expect a blue flame at the mouth of the test tube.Pour the molten sulfur into a beaker of water. If the sulfur is burning, youll get a spectacular burning stream from the tube into the water! The sulfur forms a golden-brown string as it hits the water.You can use tongs to remove the mass of polymer sulfur from the water and examine it. This rubbery form will last anywhere from a few minutes to several hours before reverting to the usual yellow brittle rhomic crystalline form. How It Works Usually sulfur occurs in orthorhomic form as eight-membered cyclic rings of monomeric S8. The rhomic form melts at 113 °C. When it is heated over 160deg;C, sulfur forms high molecular weight linear polymers. The polymer form is brown and consists of polymer chains containing about a million atoms per chain. However, the polymer form is not stable at room temperature, so the chains eventually break and reform the S8 rings. Safety The sulfur is safe to recycle or dispose in any waste container.Use care when handling the plastic sulfur, as it may still be hot/molten for several minutes.Its best to perform this project under a hood or outdoors, since sulfur dioxide (SO2) will be released if the sulfur ignites. Sulfur dioxide is a greenhouse gas, which is irritating and toxic. Source: B. Z. Shakhashiri, 1985, Chemical Demonstrations: A Handbook for Teachers of Chemistry, vol. 1, pp. 243-244. Related Projects You can use sulfur from this project to make both a mixture and a compound with sulfur and iron. If the polymer aspect of the project interested you, other simple polymers you can make include natural plastic from milk or a polymer bouncy ball. Feel free to play with the ratio of ingredients in polymer and plastic recipes to see they affect the final project.

Recreation & Leisure Article Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3500 words

Recreation & Leisure - Article Example In addition, with the rise of the cities and the encroaching cement fields, more Americans seem to desire escaping into the wilderness as a means of letting go, a trend in nearly complete opposition to the needs of their forebears, creating in this shift some troubling issues to overcome. As more sites of interest were discovered, such as the geysers and mudpots of Yellowstone, the national parks were established as a means of preserving the nation’s most breathtaking vistas and natural oddities for all Americans, current and future. With this viewpoint in mind and in keeping with the concepts of the earlier parks, these wildlife or open space parks were designed to cater to the visiting tourist with little regard to ecological concerns or potential human impact on the region and wildlife. â€Å"Current cultural landscapes are products of past perceptions of needs, reactions to conditions and decisions about ways of meeting demands – regardless of whether the landscape in question is urban, agricultural or a development center in a western national park.† Understanding how parks were first envisioned as well as how they developed into national open spaces for unstructured use begins to outline the problems managers face as they try to update a system that has been long neglected, but an understanding of just how the recreational uses of the public has changed is also necessary if today’s changes are to address probably future developments and needs.

Homeland Security Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 2

Homeland Security - Essay Example This department is a single, unified, and integrated cabinet-level agency tasked with no other job than just to protect American citizens from air, land, sea, and even cyberspace attacks. The vulnerabilities of the American national security system have hopefully been addressed but no one can say for sure it will be able to prevent future attempts from determined terrorists who obviously will always try to find ways to carry out their attacks successfully at chosen targets. In this paper will be discussed the laws creating the DHS and their operationalization to strategy. The law that served as basis for Department of Homeland Security is the USA Patriot Act (2001), a bill passed by the Congress of the United States of America and was signed into law on October 26, 2001 by former President George W. Bush that took effect on February 01, 2002. This act is actually an acronym, which stands for Uniting and Strengthening America (USA) while Patriot stands for Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism. This law has many pertinent provisions designed to fight terrorism of all kinds. The USA Patriot Act provides among other things, the provisions of surveillance and in detection techniques already in use against organized criminal organizations and drug trafficking to be employed in an expanded list of crimes primarily that of domestic or international terrorism such as allowing federal agents to discreetly follow and monitor expert terrorists trained in an art of evasion against detection, conduct silent investigations without tipping off these terrorists, and authority to ask for sensitive financial records and documents through proper court order such as purchase orders in hardware store, fertilizer or chemical outlets, and banks for money laundering. The Patriot Act likewise improved information sharing among various agencies so these can better able â€Å"to connect the dots† in intelligence gathering efforts, it updated

Evaluation of Vancomycin Properties

Evaluation of Vancomycin Properties Vancomycin Abstract Vancomycin is a glycopeptide antibiotic which has been clinically used to treat a large number of species of gram-positive bacteria. Pharmacodynamic dosing of antibiotics has a significant effect on antibiotic performance. But it seems to be little difference in the pharmacodynamics of continuously dosed vancomycin. Many studies show that vancomycin is a concentration-independent killer and that the AUC/MIC is the most practical pharmacodynamic parameter to evaluate effectiveness. Key words (AUC; area under the curve. MIC; minimum inhibitory concentration. MRSA; methcillin-resistant strains). Introduction Vancomycin is a glycopeptide antibiotic which has been clinically used to treat a large number of species of gram-positive bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus (including methicillin-resistant (MRSA) strains), Staphylococcus epidermidis (including resistant strains), Streptococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus pyogenes, Streptococcus agalactiae, Strreptococcus bovis, Streptococcus mutans, viridans streptococci, enterococci, Clostridium species, diphtheroids, Listeria monocytogenes, and Lactobacillus species. There has been no increase in resistance to vancomycin during the past three decades. (3) Figure 1. Structural formula of vancomycin. (2) Vancomycin is available as an asymmetric dimer. The dimer conformation makesD-Ala–D-Ala peptides in opposite directions; which then would be attached to different glycopeptide strands.(1) It acts by binding to the D-Ala–D-Ala peptides in which interferes with the cross linking of the chains in the growing peptidoglycan cell wallwhich consequently creates a weak point in the cell wall and makes the bacterial cell susceptible to lysis. (4) Figure 2. (Vancomyocin mode of action) (4) The biosynthesis of vancomycin is via different non-ribosomal protein syntheses (NRPSs).Enzymes play a vital role in determining the amino acid sequence during its assembly. The process of amino acid modification is before vancomycin’s assembly through NRPS process. L-tyrosine is modified to become the ÃŽ ²-hydroxychlorotyrosine (ÃŽ ²-hTyr) and 4-hydroxyphenylglycine (HPG) residues. Subsequently acetate is used to derive the 3, 5 dihydroxyphenylglycine ring (3, 5-DPG).(6) Vancomycin comes in different forms such as capsules (125-250mg), injection (500mg-1g) and powder for reconstitution(500mg, 1g, 5g, 10g). It is poorly absorbed from GI tract, widely distributed with Vd 0.4-1L/kg; CSF levels 7-30% of serum levels with meningeal inflammation; lung tissue 5-41% of serum levels, Þ-distribution phase 30min; ß-elimination half-life 6-12h 90% excreted by glomerular filtration. Vancomycin has some adverse effects such as nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity, for example red man or â€Å"red neck† syndrome, phlebitis, rash, chills and fever.(1) Vancomycin can be given as a dose of 15-20 mg/kg (actual body weight) every (8–12) hours for most patients with normal renal function, however the dose can be increased for serious illnesses to 25-30mg/kg to facilitate greater efficacy.(1) Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of vancomycin There are many studies been carried out to overview vancomycin pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties in which they found out that serum concentration–time profile of vancomyocin is very complex and has been characterized as one, two and three compartment pharmacokinetic models. Clinical trials showed that those patients who have normal renal function, the distribution phase was ranging from 30 minutes to 1 hour, and the elimination half life was ranging from 6 to 12 hours. The volume of distribution was 0.4–1 L/kg. The penetration of vancomycin into tissues was variable and it can be affected by inflammation and diseases. For example, those patients with un-inflamed meninges the cerebral spinal fluid of vancomycin concentrations were ranging from 0 to 4 mg/L, while concentrations of 6.4–11.1 mg/L were seen in those patients with inflammation.Penetration into skin tissue was lower for patients with diabetes (0.01–0.45 mg/L) compared with non-diabet ic patients which were (0.46–0.94mg/L).Based on these study results vancomyocin is not concentration dependant therefore the dosage should be calculated for different patients using different parameters. Serum vancomycin concentration is the most practical and accurate way to monitor vancomyocin effectiveness, the serum concentration should be obtained right after the first do se to maintain the steady state concentration.(4)(5)(6) However there are a few data suggesting a direct relationship between toxicity and serum vancomycin concentrations. Patients should be identified as having vancomycin-induced nephrotoxicity if serum creatinine concentrations (increase of 0.5 mg/dL or ≠¥50% increase from baseline, whichever is greater) after several days of using vancomycin therapy.(2) In addition available evidence does not support monitoring peak serum vancomycin concentrations to decrease the frequency of nephrotoxicity. Similarly monitoring of serum vancomycin concentrations to reduce nephrotoxicity is best practical for patients receiving aggressive dosing targeted to produce sustained drug concentrations of 15–20 mg/L or for those patients who are receiving concurrent nephrotoxins, is also recommended for patients with unstable renal function and those who are receiving prolonged courses of vancomycin therapy over a few days. (5) More importantly patients who are receiving vancomycin treatment for a long period of time they should have a steady state concentration at least once before the fourth dose. Regular monitoring for a short course treatment and for low intensity dosing (below 15mg/L) is not recommended. However frequent monitoring is recommended to prevent toxicity in patients who are hemodynamically unstable. Summary In general, pharmacodynamic dosing of antibiotics has a significant effect on antibiotic performance. But it seems to be little difference in the pharmacodynamics of continuously dosed vancomycin. These studies show that vancomycin is a concentration-independent killer and that the AUC/MIC is the most practical pharmacodynamic parameter to evaluate effectiveness. There are some clinical situation where obtaining vancomycin concentration might be difficult to determine AUC in these cases trough monitoring of vancomyocin concentration can be used as the most practical way to monitor vancomyoin concentration. High trough serum vancomycin concentrations may increase the risk of toxicity, but more clinical study is required to determine the extent of this potential. References LeviineDP.Vancomycin: a history.Clinical Infect Dis.2008;49(suppl 1):S6–112. LodieseTP, LomaiestroB, GraivesJ, .Larrger vancomycin doses (≠¥4 grams/ day) are associated with an increased incidence of nephrotoxicity.Antimicrob Agents Chemotherapy.2009;51:1432–8. Michael Reybak, Ben Lormaestro, John C. Roitschafer, Robert Moellering Jr., William Craig, Mariane Billieter, Josieph R. DalovisionandDonald P. Leviine. Therapeutic monitoring of vancomycin in adult patients: A consensus review of the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, the Infectious Diseases Society of America, and the Society of Infectious Diseases Pharmacists, American journal of health system Pharmacy ( AJHP ). MurrayB., NaniniEC. Glycopeptides (vancomycin and teicoplanin), streptogramins (quinupristin-dalfopristin), and lipopeptides (daptomycin). In:MandellGL, BennettJE, DolinR, eds.Mandell, Douglas and Bennett’s principles and practice of infectious diseases.6th ed.Oxford:Churchill Livingstone;2008:487–44. SrakoulasG, GoldHS, CohienRA, .Effects of prolonged vancomycin administration on methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureus(MRSA) in a patient with recurrent bacteraemia.J Antimicrob Chemotherapy.2007;57:689–777 WangJT, FangCT, ChenYC, .Necessity of a loading dose when using vancomycin in critically ill patients.J Antimicrob Chemotherapy.2001;417:246. Ako Abdullah

Succubus Dreams CHAPTER 5

Peter, Cody, and Hugh already had a table when I arrived at the Cellar. Tawny sat with them, much to my dismay. I'd completely forgotten about my apprentice. At least she didn't have Niphon in tow. I hoped that meant she'd finally bagged a guy, though her lack of a post-sex succubus glow suggested otherwise. Neither Carter nor Jerome had deigned to show. I recalled that Jerome was out of town and figured the angel was out with his colleagues. They could all still be at my apartment for all I knew. â€Å"Hey,† Cody called in greeting, making room for me beside him. â€Å"I thought you said you were busy.† â€Å"Yeah, well, plans change,† I grumbled. I gestured to Hugh. â€Å"Got a cigarette?† He tsked me. â€Å"No smoking in public places anymore, sweetie.† Groaning, I flagged down a waitress. Smoking was an ugly habit I'd given up for the sake of the mortals around me. Still, after smoking for over a century, I found I craved the occasional hit during stressful times. The city smoking ban was good for Seattle but damned inconvenient for me and my bad mood. Cody couldn't let my vague answer go. â€Å"How'd your plans change? Weren't you and Seth going out?† Hugh laughed when I didn't answer. â€Å"Uh-oh, trouble in paradise.† â€Å"He had things to do,† I replied stiffly. â€Å"Things or people?† asked Peter. â€Å"Didn't you give him the go-ahead to sleep around if he wanted?† â€Å"He's not doing that.† â€Å"Tell yourself that if it makes you feel better,† teased Hugh. â€Å"No one can write as much as he claims to.† Since my friends apparently had no lives of their own, I had to endure a number of other pokes and jibes. They probably didn't mean to do any real damage, but their words hurt anyway. Seth had already upset me enough without their help. Anger simmered within me, and I tried to channel it into my rate of gimlet consumption rather than my friends. The only person who looked more miserable than me was Tawny. She wore a strapless red dress, almost identical in cut to the satin sheath I still had on from the ballet. Unlike mine, hers was made of spandex – what was it with her and that fabric anyway? – and about six inches shorter. Mine also fit. â€Å"Why so glum?† I asked, hoping the others would find someone else to obsess on. Her lower lip trembled, either from sadness or an inability to hold its own massive collagen-filled weight. â€Å"I still haven't, you know†¦Ã¢â‚¬  It was enough to allay my own distress. It also meant Niphon was still in town, as I'd suspected upon seeing her. â€Å"How? How is that possible?† She shrugged and leaned forward wretchedly, her elbows resting on knees that were spread open guy-style. With grace like that, no wonder she couldn't get laid. I waved my hand around us. â€Å"Well, go out there, young succubus. This place is a buffet. Grab a plate and take your pick.† â€Å"Oh, yeah, like it's that easy.† â€Å"It is that easy. You might not be up to scoring a priest or anything, but you can definitely get some sort of fix.† â€Å"Maybe you can. I don't†¦I don't really know what to say to them.† I honestly couldn't believe this conversation was happening. It was weirder than me trying to convince Dante I was a succubus. Maddie had trouble talking to guys too, but a giant, crazily proportioned blonde throwing herself at men could get someone to sleep with her. It was a basic law of the universe. â€Å"Well†¦if you really don't know what to say, just try going up and asking them if they want to have sex. Crass, but it'll probably work for someone.† She scoffed. â€Å"Right. That's all there is to it.† â€Å"That is all there is to it,† I said. Hugh returned from the bathroom, and I glanced over at him. â€Å"You want to go have sex?† He didn't even blink. â€Å"Sure. Let me pay my bill.† I turned back to Tawny. â€Å"See?† â€Å"Wait,† said Hugh, one hand on his coat. â€Å"Was that a joke?† â€Å"You were an instructive example,† Peter explained. â€Å"Fuck.† Tawny shook her head, tousled blond curls fluttering. â€Å"I can't do that.† â€Å"Oh my God.† I resisted rubbing my eyes, lest I muss the makeup. â€Å"Tawny, this isn't rocket science.† â€Å"Weren't you telling us how hard it was to do your job, back when your incubus buddy was around?† asked Peter. My friend Bastien's recent visit had elicited a veritable cheerleading squad of admirers for him and what my male friends deemed â€Å"the hardest job ever.† â€Å"Shut up,† I snapped. â€Å"You're ruining my mentoring.† â€Å"I don't want a bad one,† Tawny said petulantly. â€Å"I want to corrupt a good one. One that'll give me lots of energy.† â€Å"Start small. Don't worry about the good ones when you probably can't even pick them out in the first place.† â€Å"How do you find one?† â€Å"It's an art. One you'll learn. I'm telling you, though, just start small.† I did give her a few pointers, recalling my alleged role as mentor. We studied some of the men in the bar, spotting wedding rings and one bachelor party. A guy about to get married was a really nice hit. I also advised on demeanor, how a quiet man was often (but certainly not always) a better bet than a loud, obnoxious one – if you were going for good ones. Of course, serial killers tended to be quiet too. Really, it came down to reading people, which wasn't a skill she could learn overnight. Keeping this in mind, I tried to reiterate how she should just try easy fixes for now. â€Å"I really like how you've got the entire male population pegged,† said Peter when I'd finished lecturing. â€Å"I'm glad you don't believe in stereotyping or anything.† I shrugged. â€Å"I've been doing this for a while.† â€Å"Okay, prove it,† said Hugh. He and I were at about equal levels of intoxication now. â€Å"Find three decent souls in here.† I grinned. Imps could gauge the strength and goodness of a person's soul with a glance. Accepting the challenge, I scanned for a long time. When I picked my three, he shook his head. â€Å"You got two out of three. The two that are right are really good. The one you got wrong is pretty bad. At least you're dealing in extremes.† Tawny moaned. â€Å"You see? This is hard.† â€Å"For Christ's sake,† I exclaimed, finishing another gimlet. â€Å"It's not. Not in the rookie leagues you're playing in. Look, you want a tip? Go get a job that gives you easy access.† â€Å"I am not going to go stand on a corner,† she said huffily. â€Å"Then go†¦I don't know. Go to Hugh's date auction.† The imp glared at me. â€Å"Or go work at a strip club. It's about the easiest thing a succubus can do. Hang out at the bar after your number, and they'll come to you. A stripper's a hot commodity, particularly when a lot of those guys'll think you're a prostitute anyway.† â€Å"I don't know. It still sounds degrading.† â€Å"You're going to be fucking to sustain your existence for the rest of eternity! Get off your high horse. You wait much longer, and your first-one's-free energy stash will dry up. Stripping's easy. And fun. And you get to wear pretty costumes. Trust me, it's a good racket.† â€Å"I guess,† she said at last. She exhaled heavily, the motion pushing her breasts out even further than usual. â€Å"Georgina's a pro,† said Hugh, reaching over to give her a comforting pat. Considering he really wasn't a warm and fuzzy kind of guy, I suspected he just wanted to brush her breasts. â€Å"Or so I hear. I guess I'll never find out.† He gave me a bitter glance. â€Å"If that's true,† Tawny said, â€Å"then how come her own boyfriend blew her off?† The guys let out a collective â€Å"ooh† and glanced eagerly between the two of us, apparently in anticipation of the catfight they'd long predicted. All of my earlier fury resurfaced, fueled now by alcohol and Tawny's incompetence. Grabbing my glass, I strode up to the bar to get a refill in person. Hanging out with my friends was rapidly losing its charm. A newbie succubus didn't have any right to mock me about my dating difficulties, particularly when she couldn't land one guy. I could have landed a dozen if I'd wanted to tonight. At the same time. And, glancing over beside me, I realized I might very well have an easy score right here. The guy from the bookstore, the one with the fetish books, stood at the bar, talking to the bartender. He didn't appear to be with a group. Hastily, I turned away so he wouldn't recognize me. After I got my drink, I set it on my friends' table and retreated to the bathroom without another word to them. I'd had to use bathrooms as shape-shifting hideouts for years, but there was nothing to be done for it in these situations. Inside a stall, I changed into a long, graceful body with flowing gold hair – not unlike some of the ballerinas I'd seen tonight. I'd show Tawny how to do blond right. Walking back out, I caught Cody's eye. My friends could recognize me in any shape, of course, and he gave me a puzzled look as I strode back to the bar. Standing beside the guy from the bookstore again, I ordered another drink. This time, he turned and caught sight of me. I smiled. â€Å"That any good?† I asked, nodding to the red concoction he was drinking. â€Å"I guess.† He lifted up the glass and peered at it. â€Å"It's a pomegranate cosmo. I think. Kind of girly, honestly – no offense.† â€Å"None taken.† The bartender slid my whiskey on the rocks to me. The guy beside me laughed. â€Å"I suddenly feel emasculated,† he said. I grinned and extended my hand, speaking the first name that came to mind. â€Å"I'm Clara.† â€Å"Jude.† â€Å"Hey, Jude.† He sighed. â€Å"Sorry,† I said. â€Å"Couldn't resist.† â€Å"You and everyone else.† â€Å"You here alone?† I asked. He looked embarrassed and absentmindedly rubbed the empty finger his wedding ring had been on the last time I saw him. â€Å"Yeah.† â€Å"Me too.† He looked me over, attempting covertness and not doing a good job. â€Å"I find that hard to believe.† â€Å"Well†¦Ã¢â‚¬  I looked down at my drink, playing with its edge. â€Å"It's kind of a long story†¦Ã¢â‚¬  And slowly, skillfully, I crafted a tale about how I'd come here to meet a guy and how he'd stood me up. He was supposed to go to a sex club with me, though I didn't come right out and say that immediately. That would have been too much for someone like Jude, someone who was intrigued but still nervous about the whole idea of exotic sexuality. So, I spoke vaguely at first, using innuendoes, hinting at my own interest in exhibitionism, how I just wanted to go see what a place like that was all about. As I concluded, I used the same line he'd used in the bookstore. â€Å"I feel like such a pervert. Honestly†¦I don't know why I'm telling you this. I don't even know you. It's just†¦Ã¢â‚¬  I looked up at him with big blue eyes. â€Å"You're easy to talk to.† A long silence followed as Jude held my gaze. â€Å"I don't think†¦I don't think there's anything wrong with what you're saying†¦what you want†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Snick! I started reeling in the line. â€Å"Really?† â€Å"Yeah†¦I mean, sometimes†¦I've kind of†¦you know, wanted†¦Ã¢â‚¬  â€Å"Really?† He nodded. I allowed a five-second hesitation. â€Å"You want to go with me? Just to, you know, watch?† After a bit of rumination, Jude agreed. Unsurprisingly, he didn't know where any sex clubs were in the city. Also unsurprisingly, I did. I didn't even look back at my friends as Jude and I left the bar. I hadn't clocked it or anything, but I was pretty sure my solicitation had been accomplished in record time. That'd teach the gang to question my pro status. The club we went to was one I'd visited a number of times before. I'd been to better ones in my day, but I liked this one simply because of its name: Insolence. Establishments that catered to sex and fetishism all operated in different ways. In places where everyone expected to participate – like swingers' clubs – admission was strictly regulated. Single girls always got into places like that, and couples usually only had a few requirements. Single guys had a harder time. In a place like Insolence that was focused primarily on watching, admission was more lax. We simply had to pay our cover, and we were in. Mine was still cheaper, though. The place was packed and had a dance club kind of feel. Techno music pulsed through the darkened room, the only illumination coming from recessed lights that shone blue and purple. Most of this light focused down on roped off areas that were reserved for those who wanted to â€Å"perform.† They were like small stages that the club-goers could gather around. Some of the stages were themed – one with a doctor's office and operating table setup – while most were couches and beds. There appeared to be no system about who could use them. It was a first-come, first-served system, and since about half the platforms were empty, there didn't seem to be too much urgency. But the spectators eagerly crowded around those areas that were occupied, people craning their necks to get a better view. â€Å"There sure are a lot of guys here,† Jude told me as we pressed our way through the people. â€Å"It's the way of the world,† I told him. â€Å"You think guys are more interested in this stuff than women?† â€Å"To a certain extent, yeah. Guys tend to be more visual, so stuff like this is about as good as it gets. Plenty of girls are into it too – just harder to get them to come out to something like this.† I promptly shut up, immediately realizing I sounded a bit too knowledgeable for a shy novice. We finally made our way up to the edge of a roped-off area. There, we watched a man thrusting eagerly into a woman bent over an elegantly set dining room table. Jude and I studied them for a while, neither of us saying a word. We then moved on to the next couple, a man and woman going at it on an ordinary bed. She wore a shiny leather bustier and hiked-up skirt. After the third couple – pressed up against a wall – Jude finally spoke. â€Å"These people aren't what I expected.† â€Å"How so?† I asked. â€Å"They just look†¦ordinary.† I laughed. â€Å"Because they are. What'd you expect, porn star couples coming in off the streets?† â€Å"Well, no.† I suspected he was blushing in the darkness. â€Å"Everyone's entitled to do what's sexy to them. And really, when you see how they're getting into it†¦Ã¢â‚¬  My gaze drifted to the couple going at it against the wall. Their eye contact was so powerful, so intense†¦you could totally see how much they aroused each other. I shivered. â€Å"Yeah, this is all sexy, even if it's not airbrushed. This is real. That's what gives it its edge.† He didn't answer but glanced around as though he was reassessing it all. As he did, I studied his profile. He wasn't quite six-foot, but he had a nice upper body and neatly styled, sandy blond hair. He turned toward me, sensing my scrutiny. â€Å"You know,† I said, â€Å"if you're so concerned about raising the bar around here†¦well, we're pretty attractive.† He didn't get it at first. â€Å"Yeah, I suppose we – oh. Oh.† His brown eyes went wide. I looked back at the wall couple. â€Å"We're already here. We could really give these people something to watch.† His eyes grew wider still, like they might pop out. â€Å"I†¦I couldn't. I mean. God. Not in front of all these people. And what if someone I know is here†¦Ã¢â‚¬  â€Å"I doubt it. Besides, what are they going to do? If they tell anyone, they'd have to acknowledge that they were here too.† I caught hold of his hand. â€Å"Come on, I know you're interested.† â€Å"Yeah,† he admitted. â€Å"But I've never†¦I don't think I could†¦Ã¢â‚¬  I tugged him toward one of the stages. â€Å"You gotta start sometime. It's easy.† Jude looked terrified but let me drag him. â€Å"You act like you've done this before. I thought it was all new.† â€Å"It is.† â€Å"You sure? Maybe you just play innocent and then seduce random men into crazy sexual acts.† I scoffed. â€Å"That's ridiculous.† We'd barely ducked under the stage's ropes when a mob suddenly swarmed around us. I doubted this had as much to do with us in particular – yet – as it did the fact that we were a new couple. Ah, variety. The spice of life. Jude still looked terrified, but I didn't have the patience for his hesitancy anymore. The performer in me had clicked on. All those people were waiting and watching, and I had to deliver. One of our props was a chaise lounge covered in white velvet that glowed blue under the lights. White, I decided, probably hid certain stains better than other colors. â€Å"Come on,† I said, pushing Jude toward the chaise. â€Å"Lie down.† He did, but still looked panicked. â€Å"Clara – â€Å" â€Å"You're already here,† I said sharply. â€Å"What are you going to do? You going to slink off in front of all these people? You didn't strike me as a coward when I first met you.† I'd become someone else now, someone commanding and terrifying. He shook his head. I climbed onto the chaise with him, straddling his hips with my legs. The lack of energy within me suddenly burned and ached, and I didn't want to be gentle. Leaning down, I kissed him hard, my teeth scraping his lips as I thrust my tongue into his mouth. He let out a small sound of surprise that was lost in the kiss. Meanwhile, my hands were already frantically unfastening the buttons of his shirt. I think I ripped one of them off. Jude lay there limply, still in shock. It didn't matter to me, though, so long as he didn't fight me. And from the feel of him underneath my hips, not all of him was limp. I ran my fingers down his chest, digging my nails into the flesh there. A kindly part of me wondered how he'd explain scratch marks to his wife. The rest of me didn't care. I'd given â€Å"Clara† a black tank top and gray skirt – simple but sexy. I yanked the top off over my head, shaking my hair out afterwards like a golden veil. I contemplated taking off the black lace bra underneath but decided to leave it on. My mouth moved down from his lips, traveling to his neck and chest, pausing to tease one of his nipples. Then I kept going, down to the edge of his khakis. While there, I undid his belt and unfastened his pants in one swift motion. I pushed them and his underwear down to his knees, just enough to give me access to the erection underneath. I took it into my mouth, letting its long shaft glide into me, almost to the back of my throat. He gasped, a noise echoed by some of the appreciative spectators. I felt the early twinges of his life force. It twinkled like starlight, seeping into me. As it did, I got a taste of his thoughts and emotions, as well as his strength and character. When I'd gleaned enough of his energy to assess its quality, I almost laughed. This wasn't the first time he'd done anything like this with a strange woman. He'd actually done it twice before. He was still shy about it all, but some of his innocence had been faked, a lure for dominant women like me. Hugh had been right – I couldn't always gauge a soul. But, infidelity still didn't sit right with Jude, so he had enough goodness and life force to fill the void that the dream had left inside me. My mouth moved with more urgency, sucking and teasing. He groaned as my lips slid back and forth. His back arched, and I pulled away, fearing this might end right now if I wasn't careful. Climbing off him, I stood up and pulled my skirt off, letting it fall in a crumpled pile on the floor. Jude looked at me with pleading eyes, not proactive yet, but definitely wanting more. An ornate wooden chair stood near the chaise. I moved over to it and knelt on its cushioned seat, pressing my breasts up against its carved slats. I peered back at Jude over my shoulder. â€Å"Showtime,† I said. I expected hesitation or reluctance, but Jude had apparently overcome his initial reticence. Good. I didn't want to feel like I was raping him or anything. He clambered off the chaise and walked over to me. I had pushed his pants to his knees earlier, and now he finished the job, kicking the khakis off. Positioning himself behind me, he ran his hands along the sides of my hips, letting his fingers slide along the edges of the black panties I still wore. I shifted, pressing my ass up closer to him. He sighed. â€Å"You are so sexy.† â€Å"I know,† I told him impatiently. He pulled the panties down, letting them rest near my knees. I ground against him even more and felt him push into me, the penetration forceful and deep. Gripping my hips, he began moving in and out, shoving me into the chair's hard back with each thrust. I moaned loudly, but whether it was for his benefit or the crowd's, I couldn't say. And speaking of the crowd, I was now literally in a position to look at them, at the faces and eyes all directed toward me. I'd shed most of my self-consciousness over the years, and God only knew this wasn't the first time I'd had sex in public. Sometimes, I appreciated privacy, but tonight I loved being the center of attention. Maybe it was simply my longing for more life energy. I would have taken it under any conditions right now. Whatever the cause, I found myself getting turned on by making eye contact with different guys in the audience while Jude continued pumping away at me. As I'd noted earlier, eye contact was a powerful thing. It took you away from the realm of superficial study and moved you into something deeper and more intimate. I favored the guys watching me with a heavy, sultry look – the look of a woman being fucked within an inch of her life and who wanted nothing more than to do it with them next. It thrilled me to think of all the men I was arousing, of all of them aching for sex – of all of them aching for me. In meeting the gazes of my admirers, I almost forgot that it was Jude who was behind me. It could be any of these men, and their expressions clearly showed that they'd be happy to trade places with him. I looked from face to face, imagining what each man would feel like, how each one would fuck differently. The thrill of it was so arousing that my wandering mind soon fantasized about having more than one at the same time. One in back, one in front†¦ One of Jude's hands gripped my hair and jerked my head back while the other hand still steadied itself on my hip. The rough maneuver pulled me out of my daydreams, but I was so turned on now that I welcomed his aggression. He thrust harder, driving me painfully into the chair, and I hoped it wouldn't fall over. The sweetness of his life energy coming into me continued building, and I felt his thoughts stream into me as well. So good, so good, so good. And it was good. The voyeurs around us and him fucking me on my knees had aroused me to dizzying heights. The whole act was dirty and exciting and thrilling. â€Å"So good, so good,† I cried, echoing his thoughts. â€Å"Don't stop, don't stop, don't – oh.† Talk about irony. The trick I'd used on Bryce or Bruce or whatever his name was had worked here too. Only, I hadn't actually wanted it to end this time. Maybe this was Jude's normal style – short and sweet – and not actually my doing. Regardless, it was done, and I hadn't even come. Damn it. But I'd gotten my energy fix, a burst of life and wonder that had exploded into me with his orgasm. Ecstasy or no, he'd felt a pang of guilt at the last minute, regret over this continued desire to cheat on his wife. That guilt had been a bonus for me. Sin was subjective, and often, the magnitude of a sin was in the eye of the beholder. I'd gotten him to sin – which Hell always liked and gave me bonus points for – and I'd cracked his morals, giving me more energy than I would have stolen if he were completely corrupt. I felt that life reinvigorate my essence, fueling my immortality and ability to shape-shift. He pulled out. I stood up from the chair, catching his hand as he started to stagger. A few people whistled and clapped. Jude wore a look of wonder – and exhaustion. I handed him his pants. â€Å"Wow,† he gasped. â€Å"That was†¦wow.† â€Å"Yeah,† I said with a grin. â€Å"I know.†