The Media And Its Effects On Young Girls And Women

Perfection over Imperfection As you’re walking down a street you may notice a young group of girls or women walking and they see a huge billboard of a beautiful model. They might stop and stare at her and then discuss about her perfect her body is. Not knowing in the next five minutes they’ll be comparing their bodies to the model and feeling bad about themselves wishing that they had her body. Not to mention, that the photo may be photoshopped to make it seem as her body is perfect, or she had plastic surgery to fit the idea of having the perfect body. The fact that the media thinks they’re encouraging young girls and women to embrace their beauty, they’re influencing them that they have to have a perfect body in order to get attention. The media has put a lot of pressure on young girls and women to look perfect and second guess their bodies, when plastic surgery is never the answer to build their self-esteem up. The media use subliminal messages to get t he viewers’ attention by using ads, commercials, and other sources of media. For example, when siting in a hairdresser you’re flipping through a magazine all you may see is a young beautiful model who’s thin, perfect skin and just perfect in every way. â€Å"The idealization and pursuit of thinness are seen as the main drivers of body dissatisfaction, with the media primarily setting thin body ideals† (Hill 2006). The media doesn’t realize how they cause women, especially young girls to have low self-esteem. Stated in theShow MoreRelatedThe Effects Of Social Media On Young Girls And Women Alike1474 Words   |  6 PagesSocial media plays an immense role in the way that stereotypes about attractiveness is conveyed in regards to body image. As Gerbner and Gross wrote in 1976, the cultivation theory states that high frequency viewers of television are more susceptible to media messages and the belief that they are real and valid. The subjection to so cial media can cause an idealistic view amongst young girls and women alike. Among the mechanisms of human agency none is more central or pervasive than beliefs of personalRead MoreThe Effects Of Media On Body Dissatisfaction Of Young Girls And Adolescents1214 Words   |  5 PagesThe media is an important aspect of the current society and is ever present to the public. With the creation of new technology, there are more and more ways the media can be received and displayed for people to see everywhere they go. There are so many media sights nowadays such as Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook, as well as new magazines, commercials and other media publications made every day that allow people to connect to current events and new trends. Although today’s media has the potentialRead MoreThe Between Media And Body Image1348 Words   |  6 Pagesconstructed by the society and by the media. But women are affected that kind of construction. Mass media give narrow definition about the standard of beauty. Delis noticed this massage everywhere, especially in the media, â€Å"I am so affected by Glamour magazine and Vogue and all that; I’m looking at all these beautiful women. They’re thin. I want to be just as beautiful. I want to be just as thin. Because that is what guys like† (Hesse-Biber, Sharlene Nagy 12). The media representation of the thin idealRead MoreEssay about The Media’s Effect on Adolescent Bodies 1725 Words   |  7 PagesThe Media’s Effect on Adolescent Bodies The stringent standard Barbie-doll proportions of body image and what is considered beautiful in today’s media has resulted in devastating effects on adolescent women. The images displayed of women who have long beautiful legs, thin waist lines and smooth flawless skin are very hard to ignore. Throughout history the female body has been on display as a selling tool to coerce people into buying that new fancy car or the latest new appliance that can makeRead MoreAnalysis Of The Article Objectification Of Women s Media 996 Words   |  4 PagesRachel Kullick SOA 375 Media and Education March 21, 2016 Women= Objects in Ads What does a naked woman have to do in a men’s cologne advertisement? Well the adver-tisement companies think that sex sells. When women is objectified, they are being degraded of their character as a human. These days young women especially, they are being objectified to sell goods and services using their looks and not their knowledge. In the article â€Å"Objectification of Women in Entertainment Media† by Jon Barber, explainsRead MoreDoes Advertising Affect Self-Image1116 Words   |  5 Pagesa writer from the Media Awareness Network, marketers are held responsible for systematically creating anxiety, promoting envy, and fostering feelings of inadequacy and insecurity to sell us their products. While these marketers believe that advertising only mirrors societys values and alerts them to new products and bargains, they are either oblivious to their detrimental effects on society, specifically the teenage and female markets, or are ignorant to the truth. The Media A wareness NetworkRead MoreEssay on Sexualization in The Media1082 Words   |  5 PagesWith the media becoming the main source from which the current society gets their daily information concerning products, news stories, and entertainment, it is wise to think critically about the messages they are conveying to us. These corporations spend large sums of money every day in order to grasp our attention. The question as to whether or not they have their customer’s best interest in mind arises and leaves the public no answer but to look to the advertisements they have produced. ConsiderRead MoreMedia s Representation Of Body Image1532 Words   |  7 Pagesof the media on all aspect of society has spread like wildfire especially in the United States. One specific influence by the media is body image, large number of young women and girls look up to people in the media and are influenced by the way they look. Now days you’re appraised on your attractiveness, the way you loo k, the way you dress, and especially how thin you are. The media’s representation of body image has contributed to the social trend of an unhealthy lifestyle. Women and young girlsRead MoreTeenage Girls and Body Image Essay1291 Words   |  6 PagesTeenage girls are at an impressionable time in their lives. Mass Media is a key idea in one of the factors of socialization that become important to teenagers. Teenagers look to the media for a sense of entertainment. Whether it is movies, magazines, or even some aspects of social media, teenagers get a lot of influence from the media’s message. The problem with this is the media has a specific way of doing things and can be negative to a susceptible teenage girl. Media’s way of portraying a womanRead MoreThe Influence Of Media Reporting On Society s Perception Of Beauty1730 Words   |  7 Pagesis wonderful, so eat the damn red velvet cupcake† ( 2010, page number). It is evident that over the last decade the media has created an image that is unrealistic and unattainable for teenage girls. As such, based upon a macro perspective, the societal roles, status and expectations of young women have been impacted negatively. This paper will analyze how the combination of media reporting, socioeconomics and sociocultural factors contribute to the development of eating disorders as well as how

Culture Analysis Jamaica. Jamaica - 1394 Words

The country that I chose to conduct a culture analysis on is Jamaica. Jamaica is a third world country located in North America and the 3rd largest island in the Caribbean Sea. There is a 2.5 million population, which equally divided between urban and rural areas. The country runs approximately 146 miles long and varies between 21- 52 miles wide. The climate is tropical and its main tourist attraction is their beautiful beaches. The capital of Jamaica is Kingston, which has a population of more than 645,000. Kingston is the chief port of Jamaica and is along the southeastern coast of the island. It is covered by the â€Å"Blue Mountains†, which is thickly covered which tree ferns. The Blue Mountains experiences an average of 200 inches of rain annually, resulting in topsoil erosion and an abundance of streams. Peasants nurture coffee, usually grown on large plantations, in the valleys of the mountains. It is amongst the most expensive coffees in the world and is exported mainl y to Japan. The official language of Jamaica is English, but those who stay in rural areas speak patois. Patois is a creole dialect with West African, Spanish, and French elements. The language today reflects the history of the country and its interaction with diverse mixture of cultures from many ethnic, and social backgrounds. The local language is a reflection of a history of contact with variety of speakers, but the official language remains to be standard English (Pryce, 1997). However many JamaicansShow MoreRelatedClaude Mckay, a Dialectical Analysis Essay1443 Words   |  6 PagesClaude McKay amp; Dialectical Analysis In Claude McKay’s, â€Å"Old England† and â€Å"Quashie to Buccra† McKay uses dialect as a way to give poems multiple meanings. What may be seen as a simplistic or naà ¯ve poem about Jamaican life may actually be full of double meanings that only a select audience would be able to identify. In his poem’s, McKay ultimately gives Negros who work under white colonists the underlying message of black resistance by revolution. Perhaps what makes this interpretation soRead MoreComparison Between Jamaica and India1742 Words   |  7 PagesRunning head: JAMAICA INDIA: A COMPARISON Jamaica India: A Comparison Abstract The paper provides a comparative analysis of Jamaica and India. Several important aspects of each countrys culture and history are examined. The paper assesses the risk and the advantage of conducting business with countries with histories of imperial rule and civil struggle. After providing a brief, yet comprehensive view of each country, the paper ultimately concludes that any business conducted with any countryRead MoreBuying Solar Powered Lanterns On The Beautiful Tropical Island Nation Of Jamaica1382 Words   |  6 PagesFor the Business Opportunity Analysis Paper, I am trying to sell solar powered lanterns on the beautiful tropical island nation of Jamaica. It is located South of Cuba and West of Haiti in the Caribbean islands. Jamaica may have some economic, cultural, and political issues that can hurt business, but I have quite a few strategies and tricks up my sleeve to overcome those problems that will make my business prosper. In fact, I think the reason why Jamaica would be a great place to sell the productRead MoreGuidelines for Caring for Populations Assessment and Diagnosis1542 Words   |  6 PagesEvery community assessment involves a process of collecting and analyzing data and then interpreting the data to form valid conclusions. This analysis can include demographic and epidemiological data as well as other types of data. This paper contains a community assessment of Jamaica Queens, one of forty-two different neighborhoods in New York City. Jamaica Queens is a diverse community within the county of Queens, and was the neighborhood of the authors employment and near the authors residence/ Read MoreThe Prevalence Of The Human Papilloma Virus ( Hpv )1576 Words   |  7 Pagesmuch needed preventative measures against its primary root of the cause—HPV. The case study featured, will use Jamaica as a backdrop for their predicament with HPV. In Jamaica, HPV is the second largest root cause of mortality and the second most common cancer (Jamaica Human Papillomavirus, 2013). Dr. Maung Aung, a medical epidemiologist at the Western Regional Health Authority of Jamaica. After having lived there his whole life and working out in the community, it was from his personal experienceRead MoreThe Interpretive Design For High School Students Essay1682 Words   |  7 Pagesthis central phenomenon in question could not be carried out as a case study because it does not address a unique situation occurring in both countries. It is not an ethnographic study, although it takes into account countries that have dissimilar cultures; this research will not attempt to give any sociocultural nor philosophical interpretations and explanations of the data collected. A basic interpretive study focuses on how individuals interpret their experiences; create thei r worlds, and the meaningsRead MoreEssay on Short Story Analysis of Girl by Jamaica Kincaid873 Words   |  4 PagesShort story analysis of Girl by Jamaica Kincaid Have you ever wished that someone had given you a guide on how live the right way? Jamaica Kincaid does just that in  her short story, Girl. The narrative  is presented as a set of life instructions to a girl by her mother to live properly in Antigua in the 1980’s. While the setting of the story is not expressly stated by the author in the narrative, the reader is able to understand the culture for which  Girl  was written. Jamaica Kincaid seems to beRead MoreAnalysis Of The Poem War 1504 Words   |  7 Pagesbridge to a unified nation† (Sheridan 63). In Marley’s 1976 song â€Å"War†, he is addressing the current conflict between the different conflicting political parties in Jamaica and focuses on ways to eliminate any disputes between the different ideologies. This song is also one that truly reflects the political turmoil among races in Jamaica. Until the philosophy which hold one race superior And another Inferior Is finally. And permanently Discredited And abandoned Everywhere is war -Me say war. That untilRead More A Struggling Economy: Jamaica and U.S. Relations Essay4504 Words   |  19 PagesA Struggling Economy: Jamaica and U.S. Relations Introduction: In â€Å"Jamaica : a guide to the people, politics, and culture† Marcel Bayer asserts that almost every country in the Caribbean since colonialism has been affected, in one way or another, by the rule of the United States. According to Bayer, the United States’ influence on the Caribbean has been perpetuated by four American interests: 1) the encouragement of trade, 2) the protection of U.S. investments, 3)the formation of alliancesRead MoreWorld Cultures : North And South America And Europe2266 Words   |  10 PagesNoah Weisman 10 May 2016 World Cultures 1: North and South America and Europe Project 2; Investigating Another Region An Analysis of Jamaica If I would visit anywhere in the world, it would probably be the proud and independent island nation of Jamaica. The island-nation of Jamaica is the third largest island of the â€Å"Greater Antilles,† a collection of larger islands in the Caribbean Sea, which is a specific section of the North Atlantic Ocean of the Western Hemisphere, specifically off the

Antibiotic Sensitivity Lab free essay sample

Why is it an important feature of antimicrobial agents? Selective toxicity is the ability of a chemical or drug to kill a microorganism without harming its host. Selective toxicity is important to microbial agents because it enables these agents to inhibit or kill a microorganism by interacting with microbial functions or structures different from those of the host thereby showing little or no effect to the host. B. What are broad and narrow spectrum antimicrobials? What are the pros and cons of each? Broad spectrum antimicrobials are drugs that are effective against a wide variety of both gram positive and gram negative bacteria. Narrow spectrum antimicrobials are effective only against gram negative bacteria. Pros and cons of each: Narrow spectrum microbial is normally better to use because they cause less damage to the bodys normal flora. They are less likely to cause drugs resistant strains of microorganisms because they are specific in nature and are less likely to cause super infection by opportunistic microorganisms like yeast infections. We will write a custom essay sample on Antibiotic Sensitivity Lab or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page The main disadvantages are that Narrow spectrum microbial sometimes is more prone to allergic reaction to the host. Broad spectrum antimicrobials on the other hand also have their own advantages in that they are able to deal with more than one kind of bacteria and as such one does not have to use drugs indiscriminately reducing chances of allergic reactions and drug toxicity. The main disadvantage is that they cause more harm to the bodys normal flora. C. What is direct selection? Direct selection is the selection of antibiotic-resistant normal floras in an individual whenever this individual is given an antibiotic. This process is normally accelerated significantly by either improper use or the overuse of antibiotics. D. What is the difference between an antibiotic and an antimicrobial chemical? Antibiotics are substances that are produced as metabolic products of one Microorganism which are able to inhibit or kill other microorganisms. Antimicrobial chemicals are chemicals that are synthesized in a laboratory and can be used therapeutically on microorganisms. E. What is the mode of action for each of the following: a. acitracin: works by inhibiting peptidoglycan synthesis in actively dividing bacteria which normally results in osmotic lysis. b. nystatin: exerts its antifungal activity by binding to ergosterol found in fungal cell membranes. Binding to ergosterol causes the formation of pores in the membrane. Potassium and other cellular constituents leak from the pores causing cell death. c. tetracycline: exert their bacteriostatic effect by inhibiting protein synthesis in bacteria. This antibiotic prevents transfer-RNA (tRNA) molecules from binding to the 30S subunit of bacterial ribosomes. . ciprofloxin: Contains agents that inhibit one or more enzymes in the DNA synthesis pathway F. Describe three mechanisms by which microbes might become resistant to the action of an antimicrobial drug? Microbes may become resistant by producing enzymes that will detoxify or inactivate the antibiotic such as penicillinase and other beta-lactamases. Microbes may also alter the target site in the bacterium to reduce or block binding of the antibiotic in the process producing a slightly altered ribosomal subunit that still functions but to which the drug cant bind. Microbes may also prevent the transport of the antimicrobial agent into the bacterium thereby producing an altered cytoplasmic membrane or outer membrane. G. Why do you think neglecting to finish a prescribed course of antibiotics might contribute to the rise of antibiotic resistance? If you dont finish the medication, all the bacteria causing the infection may not be killed. Then, the infection could come back in that same place or even show up somewhere else. When the bacteria are undertreated, some of them may have enough time to have these mistakes occur in their DNA. Then, when they multiply, you get a bunch of bacteria that no longer respond to the antibiotics. H. What is a tube dilution test? How is it used to determine susceptibility? Tube dilution test is one of the tests that can be used to tell which antimicrobial agent is most likely to combat a specific pathogen. This test is conducted by preparing a series of culture tubes where each tube contains a liquid medium and a different concentration of an antimicrobial agent. These tubes are then inoculated with the test organism and then incubated. After the incubation they are examined for growth.

Process and Location Strategy

Process design entails making decisions on the overall process method for changing the raw materials into finished goods. The decisions comprise the selection of a process, the technology used, layout of facilities and process flow analysis.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Process and Location Strategy specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The decisions made at the process design helps in analysing the conversion of raw materials into finished products (Askar, C. 2007). Location is a key-decision of any large investment made in building machinery and plant. An improper location of a plant can lead to a loss and waste of investment made in machinery and plant. Process-focused strategy also known as job-shop production is characterized by, production of one or few amount or quantities of products, as per the customer’s specification, within a prefixed cost and time. Their unique features are high variety of produ cts and low volume. The examples of process-focused include; Machine shop, Hospitals, and Banks (Askar, C. 2007). Repetitive-focused strategy, also known as Mass Production entails production of assemblies, or parts, using a continuous process. The strategy is characterized by large volume of production. The machines get arranged in a product layout, or line. Also, all the outputs follow one path; this is due to product and process standardization. Examples of repetitive-focused strategy include; clothes dryer, fast food, and truck (Askar, C. 2007). Product-focused strategy also known as Continuous Production entails facilities arranged in a sequence of production operations i.e. from the first operations to the final product. The devices, such as material handling devices and conveyors allow products to follow a sequence of operation. The examples of product-focused strategy include: production of soft drinks, bulbs manufacturing, and paper production (Askar, C. 2007). Mass Customi zation also known as Batch Production gets applied when the jobs are passed into functional departments in batches, or masses, and each batch holds its own routing. Mass customization is characterized by the production of few products at normal intervals, thus leading to stocking of products to wait for marketing. In the batch production strategy, the other types of strategies become so flexible that the difference between them becomes minimal, making volume issues and variety less important. Location of facilities for operations is a continuing decision making process which involves long-term assurance about the geographical static factors that affect an organization. It is a crucial strategic level decision-making for any organization. It mainly deals with the organization’s main operations should be based.Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Choosing a proper location is one of key-decisions that an organization has to make when deciding to set up the plant or machinery. This can be attributed to the fact that an improper location can lead to losses and wastes of organization’s investment made on machinery and a plant. Hence, location of machinery and a plant can be based on various factors; an organization’s expansion plan and policy, the varying sources of raw materials and the diversification of products (Hurreeram, D. K. 2004). The organization’s location strategy should match with and be a part of the organization’s expansion plan and policy. Hence, if an organization is striving to become a leader in what it does then it must establish its machineries and plant in regions that are consistent with its policies and plan. The organization should also set the machineries and plant in areas close to the raw materials in order to maximize on returns. Diversification of products expands the organization’s operati ons by adding products, markets, services, or level of production to the present production line. Diversification allows an organization to enter into different businesses other than its current operation. Hence, the location of the different lines of production matters because it increases the organizations returns ( Heizer, J. Render B. 2001) Conclusion Process design entails the process of changing raw materials into finished goods. The main purpose of location strategy is to come up with an optimal location whose result would be of assistance to the organization. References Heizer, J., Render, B. (2001). Principles of Operations Management. National Library of Australia. Retrieved from https://trove.nla.gov.au/work/7299479 Askar, C. (2007) Process strategies. Web. Hurreeram, D. K. (2004). Location Strategy. Web.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Process and Location Strategy specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More This essay on Process and Location Strategy was written and submitted by user Hayley 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.

Recruitment Process of Nuvista Pharma Ltd Essay Example

Recruitment Process of Nuvista Pharma Ltd Essay Example Recruitment Process of Nuvista Pharma Ltd Essay Recruitment Process of Nuvista Pharma Ltd Essay Executive Summery Effective recruitment, selection and retention are critical to organizational success. They enable companies to have high performing employees who are satisfied with their jobs, thus contributing positively to the organization. On the contrary, in-effective recruitment methodology, selection and retention would result in mismatches which can have negative consequences for an organization. A misfit who is not in tune with organization’s philosophies and goals can reduce output, productivity, customer satisfaction, relationship and over all quality of work. Training a wrong hire can also be expensive. Effective recruitment is therefore not only the first step towards organizational excellence, but important cost control mechanisms as well. INTRODUCTION The human resources are the most important assets of an organization. The success or failure of an organization is largely dependent on the caliber of the people working therein. Without positive and creative contributions from people, organizations cannot progress and prosper. In order to achieve the goals or the activities of an organization, therefore, they need to recruit people with requisite skills, qualifications and experience. While doing so, they have to keep the present as well as the future requirements of the organization in mind. Recruitment is distinct from Employment and Selection. Once the required number and kind of human resources are determined, the management has to find the places where the required human resources are available and also find the means of attracting them towards the organization before selecting suitable candidates for jobs. All this process is generally known as recruitment. Some people use the term â€Å"Recruitment† for employment. These two are not one and the same. Recruitment is only one of the steps in the entire employment process. Some others use the term recruitment for selection. These are not the same either. Technically speaking, the function of recruitment precedes the selection function and it includes only finding, developing the sources of prospective employees and attracting them to apply for jobs in an organization, whereas the selection is the process of finding out the most suitable candidate to the job out of the candidates attracted (i. e. , recruited). Background of the Company The pharmaceutical market of Bangladesh very much dynamic and competitive and is comparable to those of developed countries. It is a matter of great pleasure that this sector successfully fulfils major portion of local demand of pharmaceutical products and at the same time it is moving forward to explore the international market for chemicals and pharmaceuticals products. The contribution of pharmaceuticals companies in Bangladesh to the national economy is encouraging. The investment in this sector is increasing which speaks about the potentiality in this sector. This sector satisfies the demand of the local market and also goes for export to explore the international market. Nuvista Pharma is one of the well-known performer in Pharmaceticul Industry in Bangladesh. Organon (Bangladesh) Limited has been operating in Bangladesh since 1964. Until 30 June 2006, it was a subsidiary of Organon International, a renowned global bio-pharmaceutical company, concentrating on gynecology, anesthesia, fertility and neuroscience. On 1 July 2006, Organon International divested its entire stake in Organon (Bangladesh) Ltd. o local management. Subsequently the name of the Company was changed to Nuvista Pharma Limited in December 2006. Nuvista Pharma Ltd. markets a specialized range of products, comprising mainly hormones and steroids. It manufactures tablets, capsule and injections at its own manufacturing facilities in Tongi, Gazipur, and also imports finished medicines from Organon International. The company in every other respect remains the same. It contin ues to import world renowned and trusted Organon brands for the benefit of millions of people in Bangladesh. Nuvista Pharma Limited also continues to source the highest quality APIs from The Netherlands, other European sources, Japan and the USA to ensure the highest quality of its manufactured medicines. Through the commitment to women’s health care, it has contributed significantly to three areas of vital importance: Contraception, Fertility and Menopause. It has some of the most innovative prescription medicines for Anesthesia, Male Hormone Therapy and Corticosteroids, products that contribute to the health of people and their quality of life. In Bangladesh, Nuvista Pharma Limited is the market leader in: Commercial Segment of   Contraception Plain Corticosteroids Synthetic Oxytocin Progestogens Anabolic Steroids Anti Spasmodics Haemostatics Fertility Anesthesia Hormone Therapy (both Female Male) Nuvista Pharma Ltd. employs modern technologies in its production and quality control facilities to meet international and local standards and regulations. The Company produces a specialized range of specialized world-class products, mainly hormones and steroids. A Quality System of global standards is maintained with the assistance of international consultants. Development is a continuous process at Nuvista Pharma Ltd. New equipment and machinery are regularly purchased to increase capacity and improve quality. In 2005, a new 4-storied, state of the art, Quality Assurance and Quality Control building was constructed. In 2007 the tablet facility was upgraded to further strengthen the cGMP status. Major projects are currently in hand to significantly develop and improve the overall manufacturing facilities of the Company. Recruitment Selection: Recruitment is defined as, â€Å"a process to discover the sources of manpower to meet the requirements of the staffing schedule and to employ effective measures for attracting that manpower in adequate numbers to facilitate effective selection of an efficient workforce. † Edwin B. Flippo defined recruitment as â€Å"the process of searching for prospective employees and stimulating them to apply for jobs in the organization. † Recruitment is a ‘linking function’-joining together those with jobs to fill and those seeking jobs. It is a ‘joining process’ in that it tries to bring together job seekers and employer with a view to encourage the former to apply for a job with the latter. In order to attract people for the jobs, the organization must communicate the position in such a way that job seekers respond. To be cost effective, the recruitment process should attract qualified applicants and provide enough information for unqualified persons to self-select themselves out. Thus, the recruitment process begins when new recruits are sought and ends when their applications are submitted. The result is a pool of applicants from which new employees are selected. Selection is the process of choosing from a group of applicants those individuals best suited for a particular position. Most managers recognize that employee selection is one of their most difficult, and most important, business decisions. This process involves making a judgment -not about the applicant, but about the fit between the applicant and the job by considering knowledge, skills and abilities and other characteristics required to perform the job Selection procedures are not carried out through standard pattern and steps in this. Process can vary from organization to organization some steps performed and considered important by one organization can be skipped by other organization Recruitment and Selection Process in Nuvista Pharma Ltd. Recruitment and Selection Policy: Recruitment and selection decisions significantly affect the Company’s ability to meet its business planning needs and strategic objectives. It is important to invest time and energy into recruiting high caliber staff. The process is two-way; not only are appointment committee members assessing the best person for the position but applicants are also deciding whether the Company is an organization they wish to work in. The costs of a poor selection decision are substantial and often extend over many years. The Company is committed to a systematic approach to recruitment and selection in order to attract, select and appoint the best staff through a fair and merit based process. Senior managers are accountable for ensuring compliance with the Company’s recruitment and selection policy and processes. It is essential that all staff involved in these processes be given the opportunity to become fully familiar with them. This will maximize their effectiveness and ensure that the Company recruits quality staff on a consistent basis. It will also ensure that recruitment and selection practices reflect our Equal Employment Opportunity Policy and the framework of relevant employment legislation. Company’s recruitment and selection process is the best way to achieve success in the business world. According to Dr. Stuart Greenfield, contributor to the American Society for Public Administration, implementing more effective processes to recruit candidates and select the best and the brightest will improve one’s ability to meet one’s organization’s human resource needs. Scope This policy and procedure applies to continuing appointments and normally to fixed term appointments in excess of one year, but may be appropriate in other circumstances. Purpose To ensure a consistent, fair and merit based approach in accordance with Equal Opportunity Policy and relevant employment legislation To meet or exceed business planning needs and strategic objectives To maximize the effectiveness of the University’s recruitment and selection practices. Recruitment Process The recruitment process in Nuvista Pharma involves identifying the vacancies, preparing the job description and person specification, advertising, managing the response, short-listing, arranging interviews, conductin g interviews, decision making, convey the decision and appointment action. This means that a lot of time and resources have to be invested before the right candidate is selected. This Process starts with the Job analysis. After Job analysis, they find out the job description that they search from Job incumbent A job description must be returned with the ‘Approval to fill vacancy’ form. Posts will not be advertised without a Job Description. The purpose of job descriptions is to provide clarity as to the scope, purpose, content that the post covers and the range of competence required to be able to fulfils the post. They go through the Job advertisement, CV collection, Initial Scrutiny, Interview Calling and short listing the Candidates. Job Advertisement: For job advertisement they specially consider the pre sated format of web advertisement. They take the service of Job websites like www. bdjobs. com www. prothomalo-jobs. com. In case of paper advertisement, they only go for it when they hire Sales Representative for their all depose in all districts. From Job advertisement they get huge responses from the required candidate. They collect the CV from this website and through mail. CV Collection: The recruitment process includes a written test to judge particular skills of a candidate. A lot can be judged about the candidate from his CV. A proper presentation of his CV in an organized and refined manner speaks a lot about the individual. His mindset and attitude can be judged according to his CV. After collecting the CV they take a scruitining process in CV evolution. Better, experienced and candidates with specific skills and attributes are short listed initially for the interview. Interview Call: Next come to the interview, which is an important and crucial part of the recruitment process. They call the interview via phone. This is also a Telephonic Interview. The HR Department calls the candidate for interview from the pre selected CV’s. From the Telephonic Interview, they also make a judgment. For interview they select an Interview committee for take interview properly. Concerns like the location of the interview, the time table, the structure of the question strategy, style of taking the interview are decided beforehand so that nothing is left out and all the issues are properly addressed. Short List: After a successful Interview session, they make a Short List of successful Candidates from which they call the candidates for further selection process. Selection Process Selecting a suitable candidate can be the biggest challenge for any organization. The success of a organization largely depends on its staff. Selection of  the right candidate builds the foundation of any organizations success and helps in reducing turnovers. Though there is no fool proof selection procedure that will ensure low turnover and high profits, Nuvista Pharma Ltd generally follows the following steps – Viva: This is generally the starting point of any employee selection process. Pre selected applicants are called for the Viva. The Interview team consisting the HR Dept Representative, Department Head, and others managers are taking the Viva of pre selected successful candidates from interview. Final Viva: It helps them in obtaining more information about the prospective employee. It also helps them in interacting with the candidate and judging his communication abilities, his ease of handling pressure etc. The HR Directors Specific Department Heads taking the final viva of the successful candidate. After successful completion of Final Viva, the successful candidate finally selects by the company for further process. Application Form A candidate who passes the final viva and is found to be eligible for the job is asked to fill in a formal application form. Such a form is designed in a way that it records the personal as well professional details of the prospective employee. Checking References Most application forms include a section that requires prospective candidates to put down names of a few references. References can be classified into former employer, former customers, business references, reputable persons. Such references are contacted to get a feedback on the person in question including his behavior, skills, conduct etc. Credit Checks Nuvista checks the financial condition of a prospective employee. If a person faces the burden of  heavy loan or debt, it would want to know that. Physical Examination If all goes well, then at this stage, a physical examination is conducted to make sure that the candidate enjoys sound health and does not suffer from any serious ailment. Job Offer A candidate who clears all the steps is finally considered right for a particular job and is presented with the job offer. An applicant can be dropped at any given stage if considered unfit for the job. Only after successfully clearing all the hurdles, an applicant can enjoy the feeling of being selected for a particular job in Nuvista Phrama Ltd. Conclusion Workforce planning is vital if a business is to meet its future demands for staff. It allows a business time to train existing staff to take on new responsibilities and to recruit new staff to fill vacancies or to meet skill shortages. Successful businesses realize one of their most important assets is their workforce. Developing a strong, capable employee roster requires a recruitment and selection process that identifies strong candidates both inside and outside the company.

The Sinking of the RMS Titanic (1912)

The Sinking of the RMS Titanic (1912) The world was shocked when the Titanic  hit an iceberg at 11:40 p.m. on April 14, 1912, and sunk just a few hours later at 2:20 am on April 15, 1912. The unsinkable ship RMS  Titanic sank on its maiden voyage, losing at least 1,517 lives (some accounts say even more), making it one of the deadliest maritime disasters in history. After the Titanic had sunk, safety regulations were increased to make ships safer, including ensuring enough lifeboats to carry all on board and making ships staff their radios 24 hours a day. Building the Unsinkable Titanic The RMS Titanic was the second of three huge, exceptionally luxurious ships built by White Star Line. It took nearly three years to build the ​Titanic, beginning on March 31, 1909, in Belfast, Northern Ireland. When completed, the Titanic was the largest movable object ever made. It was 882 1/2 feet long, 92 1/2 feet wide, 175 feet high, and displaced 66,000 tons of water. (That is almost as long as eight Statue of Liberty placed horizontally in a line!) After conducting sea trials on April 2, 1912, the Titanic left later that same day for Southampton, England to enlist her crew and to be loaded with supplies. Titanics Journey Begins On the morning of April 10, 1912, 914 passengers boarded the Titanic. At noon, the ship left port and headed for Cherbourg, France, where it made a quick stop before heading to Queenstown (now called Cobh) in Ireland. At these stops, a handful of people got off, and a few hundred boarded the Titanic. By the time the Titanic left Queenstown at 1:30 p.m. on April 11, 1912, heading for New York, she was carrying over 2,200 people, both passengers, and crew. Warnings of Ice The first two days across the Atlantic, April 12-13, 1912, went smoothly. The crew worked hard, and the passengers enjoyed their luxurious surroundings. Sunday, April 14, 1912, also started out relatively uneventful, but later became deadly. Throughout the day on April 14, the Titanic received a number of wireless messages from other ships warning about icebergs along their path. However, for various reasons, not all of these warnings made it to the bridge. Captain Edward J. Smith, unaware of how serious the warnings had become, retired to his room for the night at 9:20 p.m. At that time, the lookouts had been told to be a bit more diligent in their observations, but the Titanic was still steaming full speed ahead. Hitting the Iceberg The evening was cold and clear, but the moon was not bright. That, coupled with the fact that the lookouts did not have access to binoculars, meant that the lookouts spotted the iceberg only when it was directly in front of the Titanic. At 11:40 p.m., the lookouts rang the bell to issue a warning and used a phone to call the bridge. First Officer Murdoch ordered, hard a-starboard (sharp left turn). He also ordered the engine room to put the engines in reverse. The Titanic did bank left, but it wasnt quite enough. Thirty-seven seconds after the lookouts warned the bridge, the Titanics starboard (right) side scraped along the iceberg below the water line. Many passengers had already gone to sleep and thus were unaware that there had been a serious accident. Even passengers that were still awake felt little as the Titanic hit the iceberg. Captain Smith, however, knew that something was very wrong and went back to the bridge. After taking a survey of the ship, Captain Smith realized that the ship was taking on a lot of water. Although the ship was built to continue floating if three of its 16 bulkheads had filled with water, six were already filling fast. Upon the realization that the Titanic was sinking, Captain Smith ordered the lifeboats to be uncovered (12:05 a.m.) and for the wireless operators on board to begin sending distress calls (12:10 a.m.). The Titanic Sinks At first, many of the passengers did not comprehend the severity of the situation. It was a cold night, and the Titanic still seemed like a safe place, so many people were not ready to get into the lifeboats when the first one launched at 12:45 a.m. As it became increasingly obvious that the Titanic was sinking, the rush to get on a lifeboat became desperate. Women and children were to board the lifeboats first; however, early on, some men also were allowed to get into the lifeboats. To the horror of everyone on board, there were not enough lifeboats to save everyone. During the design process, it had been decided to place only 16 standard lifeboats and four collapsible lifeboats on the Titanic because any more would have cluttered the deck. If the 20 lifeboats that were on the Titanic had been properly filled, which they were not, 1,178 could have been saved (i.e. just over half of those on board). Once the last lifeboat was lowered at 2:05 a.m. on April 15, 1912, those remaining on board the Titanic reacted in different ways. Some grabbed any object that might float (like deck chairs), threw the object overboard, and then jumped in after it. Others stayed on board because they were stuck within the ship or had determined to die with dignity. The water was freezing, so anyone stuck in the water for more than a couple of minutes froze to death. At 2:18 a.m. on April 15, 1915, the Titanic snapped in half and then fully sank two minutes later. Rescue Although several ships received the Titanics distress calls and changed their course to help, it was the Carpathia that was the first to arrive, seen by survivors in the lifeboats around 3:30 a.m. The first survivor stepped aboard the Carpathia at 4:10 a.m., and for the next four hours, the rest of the survivors boarded the Carpathia. Once all the survivors were on board, the Carpathia headed to New York, arriving on the evening of April 18, 1912. In all, a total of 705 people were rescued while 1,517 perished.

Modeling the Exchange Rate and Balance of Payments Essay

Modeling the Exchange Rate and Balance of Payments - Essay Example Many countries use financial institutions, central banks, to invest in several monetary and financial systems and other resources in their quest to predict exchange rate and determine international trade as well as a balance of payment. Several theories have been forwarded to determine the value of exchange rate and balance of payments, and in this summary, we will discuss the determinants of a balance of trade, the IS-LM-BP approach and the monetary approach in relation to the two (Melvin and Norrbin, 225). The elasticity approach to the balance of trade explains that the economic behavior involves satisfaction of the unlimited wants with limited resources. One effect of this is that consumers and business firms end up substituting the expensive good for the more affordable ones as prices change to stretch their budgets as far as they can. Relative prices normally change relative to demand and supply for individual goods. Such changes may be caused by an alteration in tastes, the method of production, government taxes, or subsidies amongst other possible causes. If the changes concern the prices of goods at home relative to the foreign goods, the international trade patterns may actually be altered. The elasticity approach to the balance of trade involves the way changing of relative prices of the domestic and foreign goods will affect and possibly change the balance of trade. Furthermore, it provides an analysis of how the issue of devaluation affects the balance of trade in relation t o the elasticity of supply and demand for foreign exchange and foreign goods in the concerned market (Melvin and Norrbin 226). The devaluation of a country’s currency domestically normally raises the price of foreign goods in relation to the domestic goods within that country.

Restaurant Evaluation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Restaurant Evaluation - Essay Example The thesis statement for this paper is to evaluate the pros and cons of Nora’s Cuisine based on, three criteria, which include, variety of the appetizers, pastas, and salads offered by the restaurant, location of the restaurant, and the total cost that must not exceed $20 per person. The first criterion to evaluate Nora’s Cuisine is that food choices should include a variety of appetizers, salads, and pastas.   The cuisine is doing very well in this regard. Some of the main appetizers, which the cuisine offers to the customers, include Gamberoni Fritti, Calamari Fritti, Italian Wings, Mozzarella Sticks, and Bruschetta al Pomodoro. A bad point regarding the cuisine is that it falls short of meal at times. The managers need to take every step to make every appetizer available to the customers whenever the customers come within the mealtimes. The cuisine specializes in making delicious pastas, such as, Melrose pesto, Fettuccine Carbonara, Cheese Ravioli, and Rigatoni Special. Diners can use the facility to take their leftovers with them. Salads are full of calories and are very delicious indeed. The cuisine also specializes in preparing antipasto, fruit salad, and crisp lettuce topped with mozzarella, olives, blue cheese, and tomatoes. With the order of tw o hamburgers or sandwiches, the cuisine provides a full plate of French fries and a soft drink without any charges. That is really a good thing and the customers like it a lot. The second criterion to evaluate Nora’s Cuisine is the location of the cuisine. The cuisine is just 5 kilometers away from my place. People can also go to the cuisine using public transport. A bad point regarding location is the small parking area for the people who have their own vehicles. The third criterion to evaluate Nora’s Cuisine is the price of food. I set the limit of maximum $20 per person. The prices at Nora’s Cuisine fall below the limit. The prices are not high and low income people can also afford to go to Nora’s

Design-ICT Modelling CW Essay Example for Free

Design-ICT Modelling CW Essay I have completed my analysis of the current system; therefore I will be interviewing, observing and identifying the user requirements. In addition, the success criteria have been successfully accomplished. These steps will help me with the design of my new system before it is implemented: Worksheets: Most of the system will be based around worksheets. Here is a list of the ones that I will produce. * Main Menu This will be the menu giving access to all the worksheets stored in the system. * Ordering- This worksheet will be the most frequently used one because it is where customers choose the halls, the decorators, caterers, music artists, venues, bars. They want to buy as well as give their personal details and available budget. This worksheet will also give the individual costs of each item available for purchase and allow calculations to be made by the spreadsheet based on the products that are chosen. * Venues This will display details of all the different venues available that are available in different areas in London * Decorators- This will display details of all the different decorating companies available with the different designs available and at the different prices. * Caterers This will display details of all the different caterers company available with what food types are available. * Music Artist- This will display details of the different music artist available and the types of music they play and how much they will charge. * Drinks (Bar)- This will display details of all the different the drink the bar sells and how much they will cost. Graphs and charts: The new system will be used to display the results of the calculations it makes in an easy-to-read format. This is why graphs and charts will need to be made. They will be used to show the number of bookings in every month and the amount spent on refurbishing the venues and the bars. These will be used to give the profits made by the business every month so they know how they are progressing as a business. Macros: The macros will be used to navigate between different worksheets can be done faster if buttons are formed within every worksheet. These buttons will be the names of every worksheet so the user can click on the name of the worksheet to open it up instantly without having to open up a list of all worksheets as they will already be listed. Algorithms: Many calculations need to be made by the spreadsheet and this is only possible when formulae are programmed into cells. Formulae are needed because without them, the staff would need to make every calculation themselves which would take a lot of time. Therefore, formulae are the solution to this problem as they work out the calculations. Testing: Once the new spreadsheet system has been made and everyone is pleased with the worksheets, graphs, macros and formulae created, I will need to test my new system in order to check whether it accomplishes all the success criteria given. User documentation: When the new spreadsheet system has been implemented, successfully tested and I am sure that it works, I will need to create a user guide that will make it easier for the staff at JJ party planners to use the new system. The user guide will include instructions on how to program certain cells with formulae for making calculations and how to select items and change them according to a given budget. It will also come with a technical guide to help with troubleshooting in case the users face technical difficulties with the system. Evaluation: The last thing I will do will be to evaluate the system by checking how it works according to my specifications. Inputs These are the inputs that need to be put into the system for it to work: * Customers name, date of birth, address and contact number * Venue, decorator, caterer and music artist wanted , budget * Date of booking Processes The system should be able to produce the outputs by carrying out the following processes: * Search for the Venue, decorator, caterer and music artist available * Calculate total prices and recalculate when the booking is changed * Increasing the quantity of the Venue, decorator, caterer and music artist available * Collecting information and calculating the profits based on the number of sales and costs. Outputs The system should be able toproduce a number of outputs from this information: * An invoice for every sale which the company keeps. This invoice should give the name of the customer, the customers contact number or address and the bookings made and total price of the booking sold as well as the date of the sale. * A receipt after a booking is made to give to the customer. * Graphs showing profit made at different times so my client is aware of how the business is progressing. * Reports showing models that have been newly bought venues or contract with new decorator, caterer and music artists

Impact of Music of the Harlem Renaissance Upon the Artists of Today Ess

Impact of Music of the Harlem Renaissance Upon the Artists of Today   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Musicians during the Harlem Renaissance created a style and movement that simply took Americans by storm. Musicians such as Duke Ellington and Louis Armstrong have inspired others all over the country. The Renaissance itself was not only an observation of life for African Americans, but it also showed Americans that they have a place in society. All of the musicians, writers, and artists shared a common purpose. This purpose was to create art that reflected the Afro American community. Through this era, African Americans provided themselves with their cultural roots and a promise for a better future. Music in this era was the beginning. It was the beginning of new life for musicians and African Americans.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  All types of music require musicians. In the H.R (Harlem Renaissance), there were many who contributed to this new style of music known as jazz. These musicians all have their own style and form. Each of these styles has in some way influenced the evolution of jazz. Louis â€Å"Sachmo† Armstrong is recognized as the most famous trumpet player of this time. His â€Å"hot bop† style was heard in places like the Cotton Club and the Apollo Theatre. Everyone from all over the country would come to see him. Armstrong recorded such works as I’m in the Mood for Love, and You Rascal you (http://library.thinkquest.org/26656/english/music.html). Another famous person during this era was Coleman Hawkins, a saxophone player. Hawkins is recognized as the first great saxophonists of Jazz. His most famous work was a piece named Body and Soul (http://library.thinkquest.org†¦). Hawkins has also recorded with artists such as Thelonious Monk and Duke Ellingt on. Other people such as Bessie Smith, Josephine Baker, Duke Ellington, and â€Å"Dizzie† Gillespie have also made many contributions to the development of Jazz.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  By the end of World War I, Black Americans were facing their lowest point in history since slavery. Most of the blacks migrated to the northern states such as New York and Chicago. It was in New York where the â€Å"Harlem Renaissance† was born. This movement with jazz was used to rid of the restraints held against African Americans. One of the main reasons that jazz was so popular was that it allowed the performer to create the rhythm. With This in Mind performers realized that there could no... ...ty statement, some of the feelings and expressions that were used during the beginning of the era have diffused. With this jazz has become weaker, but well known. Jazz will always continue to have character. Jazz will always be art. Jazz will always have a story to tell.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Though Jazz has changed, the background behind it still inspires those today. Even though each artist has their particular style or expression, they all can agree that music is art. They can all agree that Music is emotions and feelings. Through the years, just as all things do, Jazz and Bebop have grown and flourished across America and the World. All in all Jazz for African Americans opened the doors in America, jazz alone opened doors and ears all across the Earth. Sources cited Http://www.acns.nwu.edu/jazz/styles/bebop.html: Net Zero. 6-2-02 Http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Forum/4722/jazz.html: Net Zero. 6-2-02 Http://www.kennyg.com/biography.html: Net Zero 6-2-02 Http://library.thinkquest.org/26656/english/music.html: Net Zero. 6-2-02 Wintz, Cary D. The Harlem Renaissance. Houston Texas: Rice University Press, 1988 Http://www.wshs.fcps.k12.va.us/projects/im98/im981/jaz.htm: Net Zero 6-2-02

The Twilight Saga 2: New Moon Chapter 10 THE MEADOW

JACOB DIDN'T CALL. The first time I called, Billy answered and told me that Jacob was still in bed. I got nosy, checking to make sure that Billy had taken him to a doctor. Billy said he had, but, for some reason I couldn't nail down, I didn't really believe him. I called again, several times a day, for the next two days, but no one was ever there. Saturday, I decided to go see him, invitation be damned. But the little red house was empty. This frightened mewas Jacob so sick that he'd needed to go to the hospital? I stopped by the hospital on the way back home, but the nurse at the front desk told me neither Jacob or Billy had been in. I made Charlie call Harry Clearwater as soon as he got home from work. I waited, anxious, while Charlie chatted with his old friend; the conversation seemed to go on forever without Jacob even being mentioned. It seemed that Harry had been in the hospital . . some kind of tests for his heart. Charlie's forehead got all pinched together, but Harry joked with him, blowing it off, until Charlie was laughing again. Only then did Charlie ask about Jacob, and now his side of the conversation didn't give me much to work with, just a lot of hmms and yeahs. I drummed my fingers against the counter beside him until he put a hand over mine to stop me. Finally, Charlie hung up the phone and turned to me. â€Å"Harry says there's been some trouble with the phone lines, and that's why you haven't been able to get through. Billy took Jake to the doc down there, and it looks like he has mono. He's real tired, and Billy said no visitors,† he reported. â€Å"No visitors?† I demanded in disbelief. Charlie raised one eyebrow. â€Å"Now don't you go making a pest of yourself, Bells. Billy knows what's best for Jake. He'll be up and around soon enough. Be patient.† I didn't push it. Charlie was too worried about Harry. That was clearly the more important issueit wouldn't be right to bug him with my lesser concerns. Instead, I went straight upstairs and turned on my computer. I found a medical site online and typed â€Å"mononucleosis† into the search box. All I knew about mono was that you were supposed to get it from kissing, which was clearly not the case with Jake. I read through the symptoms quicklythe fever he definitely had, but what about the rest of it? No horrible sore throat, no exhaustion, no headaches, at least not before he'd gone home from the movie; he'd said he felt â€Å"fit as a fiddle.† Did it really come on so fast? The article made it sound like the sore stuff showed up first. I glared at the computer screen and wondered why, exactly, I was doing this. Why did I feel so so suspicious, like I didn't believe Billy's story? Why would Billy lie to Harry? I was being silly, probably. I was just worried, and, to be honest, I was afraid of not being allowed to see Jacobthat made me nervous. I skimmed through the rest of the article, looking for more information. I stopped when I got to the part about how mono could last more than a month. A month? My mouth fell open. But Billy couldn't enforce the no-visitors thing that long. Of course not. Jake would go crazy stuck in bed that long without anyone to talk to. What was Billy afraid of, anyway? The article said that a person with mono needed to avoid physical activity, but there was nothing about visitors. The disease wasn't very infectious. I'd give Billy a week, I decided, before I got pushy. A week was generous. A week was long. By Wednesday, I was sure I wasn't going to live till Saturday. When I'd decided to leave Billy and Jacob alone for a week, I hadn't really believed that Jacob would go along with Billy's rule. Every day when I got home from school, I ran to the phone to check for messages. There never were any. I cheated three times by trying to call him, but the phone lines still weren't working. I was in the house much too much, and much too alone. Without Jacob, and my adrenaline and my distractions, everything I'd been repressing started creeping up on me. The dreams got hard again. I could no longer see the end coming. Just the horrible nothingnesshalf the time in the forest, half the time in the empty fern sea where the white house no longer existed. Sometimes Sam Uley was there in the forest, watching me again. I paid him no attentionthere was no comfort in his presence; it made me feel no less alone. It didn't stop me from screaming myself awake, night after night. The hole in my chest was worse than ever. I'd thought that I'd been getting it under control, but I found myself hunched over, day after day, clutching my sides together and gasping for air. I wasn't handling alone well. I was relieved beyond measure the morning I woke upscreaming, of courseand remembered that it was Saturday. Today I could call Jacob. And if the phone lines still weren't working, then I was going to La Push. One way or another, today would be better than the last lonely week. I dialed, and then waited without high expectations. It caught me off guard when Billy answered on the second ring. â€Å"Hello?† â€Å"Oh, hey, the phone is working again! Hi, Billy. It's Bella. I was just calling to see how Jacob is doing. Is he up for visitors yet? I was thinking about dropping by† â€Å"I'm sorry, Bella,† Billy interrupted, and I wondered if he were watching TV; he sounded distracted. â€Å"He's not in.† â€Å"Oh.† It took me a second. â€Å"So he's feeling better then?† â€Å"Yeah,† Billy hesitated for an instant too long. â€Å"Turns out it wasn't mono after all. Just some other virus.† â€Å"Oh. So where is he?† â€Å"He's giving some friends a ride up to Port AngelesI think they were going to catch a double feature or something. He's gone for the whole day.† â€Å"Well, that's a relief. I've been so worried. I'm glad he felt good enough to get out.† My voice sounded horribly phony as I babbled on. Jacob was better, but not well enough to call me. He was out with friends. I was sitting home, missing him more every hour. I was lonely, worried, bored perforatedand now also desolate as I realized that the week apart had not had the same effect on him. â€Å"Is there anything in particular you wanted?† Billy asked politely. â€Å"No, not really.† â€Å"Well, I'll tell him that you called,† Billy promised. â€Å"Bye, Bella.† â€Å"Bye,† I replied, but he'd already hung up. I stood for a moment with the phone still in my hand. Jacob must have changed his mind, just like I'd feared. He was going to take my advice and not waste any more time on someone who couldn't return his feelings. I felt the blood run out of my face. â€Å"Something wrong?† Charlie asked as he came down the stairs. â€Å"No,† I lied, hanging up the phone. â€Å"Billy says Jacob is feeling better. It wasn't mono. So that's good.† â€Å"Is he coming here, or are you going there?† Charlie asked absentmindedly as he started poking through the fridge. â€Å"Neither,† I admitted. â€Å"He's going out with some other friends.† The tone of my voice finally caught Charlie's attention. He looked up at me with sudden alarm, his hands frozen around a package of cheese slices. â€Å"Isn't it a little early for lunch?† I asked as lightly as I could manage, trying to distract him. â€Å"No, I'm just packing something to take out to the river† â€Å"Oh, fishing today?† â€Å"Well, Harry called and it's not raining.† He was creating a stack of food on the counter as he spoke. Suddenly he looked up again as if he'd just realized something. â€Å"Say, did you want me to stay with you, since Jake's out?† â€Å"That's okay, Dad,† I said, working to sound indifferent. â€Å"The fish bite better when the weather's nice.† He stared at me, indecision clear on his face. I knew that he was worrying, afraid to leave me alone, in case I got â€Å"mopey† again. â€Å"Seriously, Dad. I think I'll call Jessica,† I fibbed quickly. I'd rather be alone than have him watching me all day. â€Å"We have a Calculus test to study for. I could use her help.† That part was true. But I'd have to make do without it. â€Å"That's a good idea. You've been spending so much time with Jacob, your other friends are going to think you've forgotten them.† I smiled and nodded as if I cared what my other friends thought. Charlie started to turn, but then spun back with a worried expression. â€Å"Hey, you'll study here or at Jess's, right?† â€Å"Sure, where else?† â€Å"Well, it's just that I want you to be careful to stay out of the woods, like I told you before.† It took me a minute to understand, distracted as I was. â€Å"More bear trouble?† Charlie nodded, frowning. â€Å"We've got a missing hikerthe rangers found his camp early this morning, but no sign of him. There were some really big animal prints of course those could have come later, smelling the food Anyway, they're setting traps for it now.† â€Å"Oh,† I said vaguely. I wasn't really listening to his warnings; I was much more upset by the situation with Jacob than by the possibility of being eaten by a bear. I was glad that Charlie was in a hurry. He didn't wait for me to call Jessica, so I didn't have to put on that charade. I went through the motions of gathering my school-books on the kitchen table to pack them in my bag; that was probably too much, and if he hadn't been eager to hit the holes, it might have made him suspicious. I was so busy looking busy that the ferociously empty day ahead didn't really crash down on me until after I'd watched him drive away. It only took about two minutes of staring at the silent kitchen phone to decide that I wasn't staying home today. I considered my options. I wasn't going to call Jessica. As far as I could tell, Jessica had crossed over to the dark side. I could drive to La Push and get my motorcyclean appealing thought but for one minor problem: who was going to drive me to the emergency room if I needed it afterward? Or I already had our map and compass in the truck. I was pretty sure I understood the process well enough by now that I wouldn't get lost. Maybe I could eliminate two lines today, putting us ahead of schedule for whenever Jacob decided to honor me with his presence again. I refused to think about how long that might be. Or if it was going to be never. I felt a brief twinge of guilt as I realized how Charlie would feel about this, but I ignored it. I just couldn't stay in the house again today. A few minutes later I was on the familiar dirt road that led to nowhere in particular. I had the windows rolled down and I drove as fast as was healthy for my truck, trying to enjoy the wind against my face. It was cloudy, but almost drya very nice day, for Forks. Getting started took me longer than it would have taken Jacob. After I parked in the usual spot, I had to spend a good fifteen minutes studying the little needle on the compass face and the markings on the now worn map. When I was reasonably certain that I was following the right line of the web, I set off into the woods. The forest was full of life today, all the little creatures enjoying the momentary dryness. Somehow, though, even with the birds chirping and cawing, the insects buzzing noisily around my head, and the occasional scurry of the field mice through the shrubs, the forest seemed creepier today; it reminded me of my most recent nightmare. I knew it was just because I was alone, missing Jacob's carefree whistle and the sound of another pair of feet squishing across the damp ground. The sense of unease grew stronger the deeper I got into the trees. Breathing started to get more difficultnot because of exertion, but because I was having trouble with the stupid hole in my chest again. I kept my arms tight around my torso and tried to banish the ache from my thoughts. I almost turned around, but I hated to waste the effort I'd already expended. The rhythm of my footsteps started to numb my mind and my pain as I trudged on. My breathing evened out eventually, and I was glad I hadn't quit. I was getting better at this bushwhacking thing; I could tell I was faster. I didn't realize quite how much more efficiently I was moving. I thought I'd covered maybe four miles, and I wasn't even starting to look around for it yet. And then, with an abruptness that disoriented me, I stepped through a low arch made by two vine maplespushing past the chest-high fernsinto the meadow. It was the same place, of that I was instantly sure. I'd never seen another clearing so symmetrical. It was as perfectly round as if someone had intentionally created the flawless circle, tearing out the trees but leaving no evidence of that violence in the waving grass. To the east, I could hear the stream bubbling quietly. The place wasn't nearly so stunning without the sunlight, but it was still very beautiful and serene. It was the wrong season for wildflowers; the ground was thick with tall grass that swayed in the light breeze like ripples across a lake. It was the same place but it didn't hold what I had been searching for. The disappointment was nearly as instantaneous as the recognition. I sank down right where I was, kneeling there at the edge of the clearing, beginning to gasp. What was the point of going any farther? Nothing lingered here. Nothing more than the memories that I could have called back whenever I wanted to, if I was ever willing to endure the corresponding painthe pain that had me now, had me cold. There was nothing special about this place without him. I wasn't exactly sure what I'd hoped to feel here, but the meadow was empty of atmosphere, empty of everything, just like everywhere else. Just like my nightmares. My head swirled dizzily. At least I'd come alone. I felt a rush of thankfulness as I realized that. If I'd discovered the meadow with Jacob well, there was no way I could have disguised the abyss I was plunging into now. How could I have explained the way I was fracturing into pieces, the way I had to curl into a ball to keep the empty hole from tearing me apart? It was so much better that I didn't have an audience. And I wouldn't have to explain to anyone why I was in such a hurry to leave, either. Jacob would have assumed, after going to so much trouble to locate the stupid place, I would want to spend more than a few seconds here. But I was already trying to find the strength to get to my feet again, forcing myself out of the ball so that I could escape. There was too much pain in this empty place to bearI would crawl away if I had to. How lucky that I was alone! Alone. I repeated the word with grim satisfaction as I wrenched myself to my feet despite the pain. At precisely that moment, a figure stepped out from the trees to the north, some thirty paces away. A dizzying array of emotions shot through me in a second. The first was surprise; I was far from any trail here, and I didn't expect company. Then, as my eyes focused on the motionless figure, seeing the utter stillness, the pallid skin, a rush of piercing hope rocked through me. I suppressed it viciously, fighting against the equally sharp lash of agony as my eyes continued to the face beneath the black hair, the face that wasn't the one I wanted to see. Next was fear; this was not the face I grieved for, but it was close enough for me to know that the man facing me was no stray hiker. And finally, in the end, recognition. â€Å"Laurent!† I cried in surprised pleasure. It was an irrational response. I probably should have stopped at fear. Laurent had been one of James's coven when we'd first met. He hadn't been involved with the hunt that followedthe hunt where I was the quarrybut that was only because he was afraid; I was protected by a bigger coven than his own. It would have been different if that wasn't the casehe'd had no compunctions, at the time, against making a meal of me. Of course, he must have changed, because he'd gone to Alaska to live with the other civilized coven there, the other family that refused to drink human blood for ethical reasons. The other family like but I couldn't let myself think the name. Yes, fear would have made more sense, but all I felt was an overwhelming satisfaction. The meadow was a magic place again. A darker magic than I'd expected, to be sure, but magic all the same. Here was the connection I'd sought. The proof, however remote, thatsomewhere in the same world where I lived he did exist. It was impossible how exactly the same Laurent looked. I suppose it was very silly and human to expect some kind of change in the last year. But there was something I couldn't quite put my finger on it. â€Å"Bella?† he asked, looking more astonished than I felt. â€Å"You remember.† I smiled. It was ridiculous that I should be so elated because a vampire knew my name. He grinned. â€Å"I didn't expect to see you here.† He strolled toward me, his expression bemused. â€Å"Isn't it the other way around? I do live here. I thought you'd gone to Alaska.† He stopped about ten paces away, cocking his head to the side. His face was the most beautiful face I'd seen in what felt like an eternity. I studied his features with a strangely greedy sense of release. Here was someone I didn't have to pretend forsomeone who already knew everything I could never say. â€Å"You're right,† he agreed. â€Å"I did go to Alaska. Still, I didn't expect When I found the Cullen place empty, I thought they'd moved on.† â€Å"Oh.† I bit my lip as the name set the raw edges of my wound throbbing. It took me a second to compose myself. Laurent waited with curious eyes. â€Å"They did move on,† I finally managed to tell him. â€Å"Hmm,† he murmured. â€Å"I'm surprised they left you behind. Weren't you sort of a pet of theirs?† His eyes were innocent of any intended offense. I smiled wryly. â€Å"Something like that.† â€Å"Hmm,† he said, thoughtful again. At that precise moment, I realized why he looked the sametoo much the same. After Carlisle told us that Laurent had stayed with Tanya's family, I'd begun to picture him, on the rare occasions that I thought of him at all, with the same golden eyes that the CullensI forced the name out, wincinghad. That all good vampires had. I took an involuntary step back, and his curious, dark red eyes followed the movement. â€Å"Do they visit often?† he asked, still casual, but his weight shifted toward me. â€Å"Lie,† the beautiful velvet voice whispered anxiously from my memory. I started at the sound of his voice, but it should not have surprised me. Was I nor in the worst danger imaginable? The motorcycle was safe as kittens next to this. I did what the voice said to do. â€Å"Now and again.† I tried to make my voice light, relaxed. â€Å"The time seems longer to me, I imagine. You know how they get distracted† I was beginning to babble. I had to work to shut myself up. â€Å"Hmm,† he said again. â€Å"The house smelled like it had been vacant for a while† â€Å"You must lie better than that, Bella,† the voice urged. I tried. â€Å"I'll have to mention to Carlisle that you stopped by. He'll be sorry they missed your visit.† I pretended to deliberate for a second. â€Å"But I probably shouldn't mention it to Edward, I suppose† I barely managed to say his name, and it twisted my expression on the way out, ruining my bluff â€Å"he has such a temper well, I'm sure you remember. He's still touchy about the whole James thing.† I rolled my eyes and waved one hand dismissively, like it was all ancient history, but there was an edge of hysteria to my voice. I wondered if he would recognize what it was. â€Å"Is he really?† Laurent asked pleasantly skeptically. I kept my reply short, so that my voice wouldn't betray my panic. â€Å"Mm-hmm.† Laurent took a casual step to the side, gazing around at the little meadow. I didn't miss that the step brought him closer to me. In my head, the voice responded with a low snarl. â€Å"So how are things working out in Denali? Carlisle said you were staying with Tanya?† My voice was too high. The question made him pause. â€Å"I like Tanya very much,† he mused. â€Å"And her sister Irina even more I've never stayed in one place for so long before, and I enjoy the advantages, the novelty of it. But, the restrictions are difficult I'm surprised that any of them can keep it up for long.† He smiled at me conspiratorially. â€Å"Sometimes I cheat.† I couldn't swallow. My foot started to ease back, but I froze when his red eyes flickered down to catch the movement. â€Å"Oh,† I said in a faint voice. â€Å"Jasper has problems with that, too.† â€Å"Don't move,† the voice whispered. I tried to do what he instructed. It was hard; the instinct to take flight was nearly uncontrollable. â€Å"Really?† Laurent seemed interested. â€Å"Is that why they left?† â€Å"No,† I answered honestly. â€Å"Jasper is more careful at home.† â€Å"Yes,† Laurent agreed. â€Å"I am, too.† The step forward he took now was quite deliberate. â€Å"Did Victoria ever find you?† I asked, breathless, desperate to distract him. It was the first question that popped into my head, and I regretted it as soon as the words were spoken. Victoriawho had hunted me with James, and then disappearedwas not someone I wanted to think of at this particular moment. But the question did stop him. â€Å"Yes,† he said, hesitating on that step. â€Å"I actually came here as a favor to her.† He made a face. â€Å"She won't be happy about this.† â€Å"About what?† I said eagerly, inviting him to continue. He was glaring into the trees, away from me. I took advantage of his diversion, taking a furtive step back. He looked back at me and smiledthe expression made him look like a black-haired angel. â€Å"About me killing you,† he answered in a seductive purr. I staggered back another step. The frantic growling in my head made it hard to hear. â€Å"She wanted to save that part for herself,† he went on blithely. â€Å"She's sort of put out with you, Bella.† â€Å"Me?† I squeaked. He shook his head and chuckled. â€Å"I know, it seems a little backward to me, too. But James was her mate, and your Edward killed him.† Even here, on the point of death, his name tore against my unhealed wounds like a serrated edge. Laurent was oblivious to my reaction. â€Å"She thought it more appropriate to kill you than Edwardfair turnabout, mate for mate. She asked me to get the lay of the land for her, so to speak. I didn't imagine you would be so easy to get to. So maybe her plan was flawedapparently it wouldn't be the revenge she imagined, since you must not mean very much to him if he left you here unprotected.† Another blow, another tear through my chest. Laurent's weight shifted slightly, and I stumbled another step back. He frowned. â€Å"I suppose she'll be angry, all the same.† â€Å"Then why not wait for her?† I choked out. A mischievous grin rearranged his features. â€Å"Well, you've caught me at a bad time, Bella. I didn't come to this place on Victoria's missionI was hunting. I'm quite thirsty, and you do smell simply mouthwatering.† Laurent looked at me with approval, as if he meant it as a compliment. â€Å"Threaten him,† the beautiful delusion ordered, his voice distorted with dread. â€Å"He'll know it was you,† I whispered obediently. â€Å"You won't get away with this.† â€Å"And why not?† Laurent's smile widened. He gazed around the small opening in the trees. â€Å"The scent will wash away with the next rain. No one will find your bodyyou'll simply go missing, like so many, many other humans. There's no reason for Edward to think of me, if he cares enough to investigate. This is nothing personal, let me assure you, Bella. Just thirst.† â€Å"Beg,† my hallucination begged. â€Å"Please,† I gasped. Laurent shook his head, his face kind. â€Å"Look at it this way, Bella. You're very lucky I was the one to find you.† â€Å"Am I?† I mouthed, faltering another step back. Laurent followed, lithe and graceful. â€Å"Yes,† he assured me. â€Å"I'll be very quick. You won't feel a thing, I promise. Oh, I'll lie to Victoria about that later, naturally, just to placate her. But if you knew what she had planned for you, Bella† He shook his head with a slow movement, almost as if in disgust. â€Å"I swear you'd be thanking me for this.† I stared at him in horror. He sniffed at the breeze that blew threads of my hair in his direction. â€Å"Mouthwatering,† he repeated, inhaling deeply. I tensed for the spring, my eyes squinting as I cringed away, and the sound of Edward's furious roar echoed distantly in the back of my head. His name burst through all the walls I'd built to contain it. Edward, Edward, Edward. I was going to die. It shouldn't matter if I thought of him now. Edward, I love you. Through my narrowed eyes, I watched as Laurent paused in the act of inhaling and whipped his head abruptly to the left. I was afraid to look away from him, to follow his glance, though he hardly needed a distraction or any other trick to overpower me. I was too amazed to feel relief when he started slowly backing away from me. â€Å"I don't believe it,† he said, his voice so low that I barely heard it. I had to look then. My eyes scanned the meadow, searching for the interruption that had extended my life by a few seconds. At first I saw nothing, and my gaze flickered back to Laurent. He was retreating more quickly now, his eyes boring into the forest. Then I saw it; a huge black shape eased out of the trees, quiet as a shadow, and stalked deliberately toward the vampire. It was enormousas tall as a horse, but thicker, much more muscular. The long muzzle grimaced, revealing a line of dagger-like incisors. A grisly snarl rolled out from between the teeth, rumbling across the clearing like a prolonged crack of thunder. The bear. Only, it wasn't a bear at all. Still, this gigantic black monster had to be the creature causing all the alarm. From a distance, anyone would assume it was a bear. What else could be so vast, so powerfully built? I wished I were lucky enough to see it from a distance. Instead, it padded silently through the grass a mere ten feet from where I stood. â€Å"Don't move an inch,† Edward's voice whispered. I stared at the monstrous creature, my mind boggling as I tried to put a name to it. There was a distinctly canine cast to the shape of it, the way it moved. I could only think of one possibility, locked in horror as I was. Yet I'd never imagined that a wolf could get so big. Another growl rumbled in its throat, and I shuddered away from the sound. Laurent was backing toward the edge of the trees, and, under the freezing terror, confusion swept through me. Why was Laurent retreating? Granted, the wolf was monstrous in size, but it was just an animal. What reason would a vampire have for fearing an animal? And Laurent was afraid. His eyes were wide with horror, just like mine. As if in answer to my question, suddenly the mammoth wolf was not alone. Flanking it on either side, another two gigantic beasts prowled silently into the meadow. One was a deep gray, the other brown, neither one quite as tall as the first. The gray wolf came through the trees only a few feet from me, its eyes locked on Laurent. Before I could even react, two more wolves followed, lined up in a V, like geese flying south. Which meant that the rusty brown monster that shrugged through the brush last was close enough for me to touch. I gave an involuntary gasp and jumped backwhich was the stupidest thing I could have done. I froze again, waiting for the wolves to turn on me, the much weaker of the available prey. I wished briefly that Laurent would get on with it and crush the wolf packit should be so simple for him. I guessed that, between the two choices before me, being eaten by wolves was almost certainly the worse option. The wolf closest to me, the reddish brown one, turned its head slightly at the sound of my gasp. The wolf's eyes were dark, nearly black. It gazed at me for a fraction of a second, the deep eyes seeming too intelligent for a wild animal. As it stared at me, I suddenly thought of Jacobagain, with gratitude. At least I'd come here alone, to this fairytale meadow filled with dark monsters. At least Jacob wasn't going to die, too. At least I wouldn't have his death on my hands. Then another low growl from the leader caused the russet wolf to whip his head around, back toward Laurent. Laurent was staring at the pack of monster wolves with unconcealed shock and fear. The first I could understand. But I was stunned when, without warning, he spun and disappeared into the trees. He ran away. The wolves were after him in a second, sprinting across the open grass with a few powerful bounds, snarling and snapping so loudly that my hands flew up instinctively to cover my ears. The sound faded with surprising swiftness once they disappeared into the woods. And then I was alone again. My knees buckled under me, and I fell onto my hands, sobs building in my throat. I knew I needed to leave, and leave now. How long would the wolves chase Laurent before they doubled back for me? Or would Laurent turn on them? Would he be the one that came looking? I couldn't move at first, though; my arms and legs were shaking, and I didn't know how to get back to my feet. My mind couldn't move past the fear, the horror or the confusion. I didn't understand what I'd just witnessed. A vampire should not have run from overgrown dogs like that. What good would their teeth be against his granite skin? And the wolves should have given Laurent a wide berth. Even if their extraordinary size had taught them to fear nothing, it still made no sense that they would pursue him. I doubted his icy marble skin would smell anything like food. Why would they pass up something warmblooded and weak like me to chase after Laurent? I couldn't make it add up. A cold breeze whipped through the meadow, swaying the grass like something was moving through it. I scrambled to my feet, backing away even though the wind brushed harmlessly past me. Stumbling in panic, I turned and ran headlong into the trees. The next few hours were agony. It took me three times as long to escape the trees as it had to get to the meadow. At first I paid no attention to where I was headed, focused only on what I was running from By the time I collected myself enough to remember the compass, I was deep in the unfamiliar and menacing forest. My hands were shaking so violently that I had to set the compass on the muddy ground to be able to read it. Every few minutes I would stop to put the compass dowr and check that I was still heading northwest, hearingwhen the sounds weren't hidden behind the frantic squelching of my footstepsthe quiet whisper of unseen things moving in the leaves. The call of a jaybird made me leap back and fall into a thick stand of young spruce, scraping up my arms and tangling my hair with sap. The sudden rush of a squirrel up a hemlock made me scream so loud it hurt my own ears. At last there was a break in the trees ahead. I came out onto the empty road a mile or so south of where I'd left the truck. Exhausted as I was, I jogged up the lane until I found it. By the time I pulled myself into the cab, I was sobbing again. I fiercely shoved down both stiff locks before I dug my keys out of my pocket. The roar of the engine was comforting and sane. It helped me control the tears as I sped as fast as my truck would allow toward the main highway. I was calmer, but still a mess when I got home. Charlie's cruiser was in the drivewayI hadn't realized how late it was. The sky was already dusky. â€Å"Bella?† Charlie asked when I slammed the front door behind me and hastily turned the locks. â€Å"Yeah, it's me.† My voice was unsteady. â€Å"Where have you been?† he thundered, appearing through the kitchen doorway with an ominous expression. I hesitated. He'd probably called the Stanleys. I'd better stick to the truth. â€Å"I was hiking,† I admitted. His eyes were tight. â€Å"What happened to going to Jessica's?† â€Å"I didn't feel like Calculus today.† Charlie folded his arms across his chest. â€Å"I thought I asked you to stay out of the forest.† â€Å"Yeah, I know. Don't worry, I won't do it again.† I shuddered. Charlie seemed to really look at me for the first time. I remembered that I had spent some time on the forest floor today; I must be a mess. â€Å"What happened?† Charlie demanded. Again, I decided that the truth, or part of it anyway, was the best option. I was too shaken to pretend that I'd spent an uneventful day with the flora and fauna. â€Å"I saw the bear.† I tried to say it calmly, but my voice was high and shaky. â€Å"It's not a bear, thoughit's some kind of wolf. And there are five of them. A big black one, and gray, and reddish-brown† Charlie's eyes grew round with horror. He strode quickly to me and grabbed the tops of my arms. â€Å"Are you okay?† My head bobbed in a weak nod. â€Å"Tell me what happened.† â€Å"They didn't pay any attention to me. But aftet they were gone, I ran away and I fell down a lot.† He let go of my shoulders and wrapped his arms around me. For a long moment, he didn't say anything. â€Å"Wolves,† he murmured. â€Å"What?† â€Å"The rangers said the tracks were wrong for a bearbut wolves just don't get that big† â€Å"These were huge.† â€Å"How many did you say you saw?† â€Å"Five.† Charlie shook his head, frowning with anxiety, He finally spoke in a tone that allowed no argument. â€Å"No morehiking.† â€Å"No problem,† I promised fervently. Charlie called the station to report what I'd seen. I fudged a little bit about where exactly I'd seen the wolvesclaiming I'd been on the trail that led to the north. I didn't want my dad to know how deep I'd gone into the forest against his wishes, and, more importantly, I didn't want anyone wandering near where Laurent might be searching for me. The thought of it made me feel sick. â€Å"Are you hungry?† he asked me when he hung up the phone. I shook my head, though I must have been starving. I hadn't eaten all day. â€Å"Just tired,† I told him. I turned for the stairs. â€Å"Hey,† Charlie said, his voice suddenly suspicious again. â€Å"Didn't you say Jacob was gone for the day?† â€Å"That's what Billy said,† I told him, confused by his question. He studied my expression for a minute, and seemed satisfied with what he saw there. â€Å"Huh.† â€Å"Why?† I demanded. It sounded like he was implying that I'd been lying to him this morning. About something besides studying with Jessica. â€Å"Well, it's just that when I went to pick up Harry, I saw Jacob out in front of the store down there with some of his friends. I waved hi, but he well, I guess I don't know if he saw me. I think maybe he was arguing with his friends. He looked strange, like he was upset about something. And different. It's like you can watch that kid growing! He gets bigger every time I see him.† â€Å"Billy said Jake and his friends were going up to Port Angeles to see some movies. They were probably just waiting for someone to meet them.† â€Å"Oh.† Charlie nodded and headed for the kitchen. I stood in the hall, thinking about Jacob arguing with his friends. I wondered if he had confronted Embry about the situation with Sam. Maybe that was the reason he'd ditched me todayif it meant he could sort things out with Embry, I was glad he had. I paused to check the locks again before I went to my room. It was a silly thing to do. What difference would a lock make to any of the monsters I'd seen this afternoon? I assumed the handle alone would stymie the wolves, not having opposable thumbs. And if Laurent came here Or Victoria. I lay down on my bed, but I was shaking too hard to hope for sleep. I curled into a cramped ball under my quilt, and faced the horrifying facts. There was nothing I could do. There were no precautions I could take. There was no place I could hide. There was no one who could help me. I realized, with a nauseous roll of my stomach, that the situation was worse than even that. Because all those facts applied to Charlie, too. My father, sleeping one room away from me, was just a hairsbreadth off the heart of the target that was centered on me. My scent would lead them here, whether I was here or not. The tremors rocked me until my teeth chattered. To calm myself, I fantasized the impossible: I imagined the big wolves catching up to Laurent in the woods and massacring the indestructible immortal the way they would any normal person. Despite the absurdity of such a vision, the idea comforted me. If the wolves got him, then he couldn't tell Victoria I was here all alone. If he didn't return, maybe she'd think the Cullens were still protecting me. If only the wolves could win such a fight My good vampires were never coming back; how soothing it was to imagine that the other kind could also disappear. I squeezed my eyes tight together and waited for unconsciousnessalmost eager for my nightmare to start. Better that than the pale, beautiful face that smiled at me now from behind my lids. In my imagination, Victoria's eyes were black with thirst, bright with anticipation, and her lips curled back from her gleaming teeth in pleasure. Her red hair was brilliant as fire; it blew chaotically around her wild face. Laurent's words repeated in my head. If you knew what she had planned for you I pressed my fist against my mouth to keep from screaming.

Post Katrina Business Recovery Essay

CDFIs   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Stand for community development financial institutions. These are unique financial institution in that they provide funding to the low-income bracket that is otherwise ignored by the mainstream financial institutions. They are privately owned by the local community and have an aim to make profit. However, their emphasis on profit making is subject to benefits to local community. They provide funds for rebuilding businesses and housing especially in disaster hit areas. CDFIs include community development banks, community development trade unions, community development loans funds micro enterprises funds, community development venture funds, and community development corporation-based lenders and investors (www.cdfiorg,2007)   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   CDFIs are quite useful in helping people who have lost investments in disasters rebuild. Small businesses that were destroyed by Hurricane Katrina in the Gulf Coast could get funding to rebuild from CDFIs. CDFIs form a channel for the disinvested people to make new investments or rebuild their old investments. They can also offer advice and financial know-how to the borrowers and assist them stabilize and repay the loans. Finally, they offer other banking services that the low-income community requires (Mascarenhas, Prianjalo, 2006). CDFIs are most effective because they do not require the traditional securities from borrowers and have flexible rules of engagement with clients to help both parties achieve their objectives. The low collateral makes funds easily accessible to the community members rebuilding their business from the disaster. The private sector can come in to invest in CDFIs and provide additional capital. This gives the CDFI greater coverage and flexibility. The CDFIs will bridge the gap between the un-banked disaster victims and the traditional banking system. Tax credits   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Tax credits provide a taxpayer a tax savings and in effect raise the personal of business income. Tax credits unlike tax deduction reduce the tax payable rather than the taxable income. The federal or state governments apply them to encourage a certain investment program and to achieve an overall social goal. They integrate social awareness in business investment decisions in the private sector. (Laws, Forrest, 2007). In the Katrina recovery program, tax credits would be useful in encouraging investment the Gulf Coast. The Coast became hostile to investment due to the hurricane damage and the resultant poverty levels. Such tax credits would also be useful when extended to disinvested people trying to restart their business in that region. They do not have to pay full taxes while their businesses are struggling to regain profitability. The tax credits can be based on and expense such as wage bill to boost employment and the society achieves a double bottom line. Such tax credits are also effective when they actually make the disaster-hit area more appealing to investor over other investment destinations (Seck, Kathyrn 2007). Tax credits may help businesses break even stay afloat in a harsh business environment. Tax credits also ensure enough cash is available to run operations. Guaranteed loans and bonds   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   They are loans provided by the private sector to borrowers whose businesses were affected or destroyed by a disaster for which the federal or state government provides partial guarantee in case of default. These loans target small businesses that fit in within a certain criteria provided when such a program is set up. The amount loaned out must also be in tandem with the number of employees. These loans are effective if the interest rates charged are reasonable to enhance accessibility by the borrowers. These loans provide necessary cash to run operations of the businesses (www.doa.louisiana.gov.2006) Business improvement districts   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   This is an initiative taken by business taken by business people and property owners within a given urban area to payout extra taxes or fees in return for specified services within that area. The fees are paid to a local authority, which in turns provides the services such services may include: additional security, enhanced clean-ups, or public lighting. The private sector group involved demands the services that transform the target area in to an attractive destination either for investment or for consumptions. One of the advantages is that BIDs direct private sector enthusiasm to improve on the business environment. They also enable the private sector to make their own priorities in the public services they need. The private sector also directly benefits from the contracts to provide such services. BIDs also ensure constant cash flow contributed by all beneficiaries from which the services are provided. Contributions are mandatory to all. (Stokes, R. 2006)   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   On the other hand BIDs may impose excessive fees that may not be unanimous to all but the majority may push through their figure. BIDs may also benefit the members unevenly in spite of ratio of contribution made. BIDs provide such services as refurbishment of disaster urban area. The local business community and property owners will with local authority to join rehabilitate the damage infrastructure. They will also be in involved in lighting up the public areas and provision of social services. The BIDs will also enhance security in the recovery period finally they will regain their market segment through aggressive sales promotion both locally and nationwide.( Mitchell, Jerry, 1999.)   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   BIDs required professional management that is able to evaluate various ideas and provide a systematic way of achieving them. The management should be accountable to all members providing as report of low the funds have been utilized. BIDs on formation should provide a clear appraisal methodology to check on whether the laid down goals are met. Tax investment financial district   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   This is a local authority initiative that involves identifying of a particular area in a city and enhancing private sector investment in that area through channeling of tax increment to fund the initiative. The city issue bonds to raise funds for providing incentives in the specified district. Such incentives could be road network on institution or a toxic waste removal. These incentives rebuild the district appeal to investors and the property prices go up. The higher property prices expand the taxable property income and consequently, the property taxes. The authority then channels the tax increment caused by the redevelopment in to a special fund, which bay the bonds. The city sets the boundaries for district and uses the taxable income of the plan as the base. TIFs runs for a specified period after which the tax freeze is lifted and property owners can profit from the redevelopment. (Michael, Joel, 2006) TIFs are advantageous in that they promote investment in area where the private sector had shunned and was disinvesting. They ensure balanced growth through out the city without some parts lagging for behind. Tax revenues are also not diverted from other areas of the city to promote investment in a particular district. However TIFs may lead to displacement of low-income earners by the rich one the district is improved the poor are pushed to poorer areas of the city.( Tyler, Norm, 2007)   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   TIFs will finance such development as: restoration public infrastructure, utilities, rehabilitation parks and side walks, lighting up of the districts and provision of parking facilities in the disaster-hit towns of the gulf coast. When these services are provided, the private sector will find the cities to be more appealing to private sector. However, the authorities need to carry out a detailed study in the viability of the program and in setting up the boundaries of the district. Public expenditure should go to project that would stimulate private sector growth raise property prices taxes. (Eathington, Liesl, and David Swenson, 2002)   References:   Seck, Kathyrn, 2007. Landrieu Introduces Gulf Coast Small Business Recovery Package. US Senate Committee on Small Businesses & Entrepreneurship. Retrieved On 11/30/07 from http://sbc.senate.gov/record.cfm?id=269054 Coalition of CDFI, 2007. What are CFDIs? Retrieved On 11/30/07 from http://64.233.169.104/search?q=cache:OraXP0FLmrkJ:www.cdfi.org/whatare.asp+CDFI&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=4&gl=ke Prinjali, Mascarenhas, 2006. Groups Investing In Katrina-Torn Gulf Region. Washington DC. Retrieved On 11/30/07 from http://www.socialinvest.org/news/releases/pressrelease.cfm?id=55 Laws, Forrest, 2007. Baucus: Permanent Disaster Fund, Tax Credits To Ease Budget Crunch. Farm press. Retrieved On 11/30/07 from http://deltafarmpress.com/farmbill/070914-Tax-Package/ Louisiana Office of Community Development; Disaster Recovery Unit, 2006. Long Term Recovery Loan Guarantee Program: Proposed Guidelines. Retrieved On 11/30/07 from http://www.doa.louisiana.gov/cdbg/dr/ed/Proposed-LTRLP-Guidelines-06_11_27.pdf Mitchell, Jerry, 1999. Business Improvement Districts and Innovative Security Delivery. Retrieved On 11/30/07 from http://www.businessofgovernment.org/pdfs/Mitchell.pdf Tyler, Norm, 2007. Tax Increment Financing. Downtown Revitalization. . Retrieved On 11/30/07 from http://www.emich.edu/public/geo/557book/d232.tif.html Eathington, Liesl, and David Swenson, 2002. Do Tax Increment Finance Districts in Iowa Spur Regional Economic and Demographic Growth? Department of Economics. Iowa State University. Retrieved On 11/30/07 from http://www.econ.iastate.edu/research/webpapers/paper_4094_N0138.pdf Stokes, R. 2006. Business Improvement Districts and Inner City Revitalization: The Case Of Philadelphia’s Frankford Special Services District. International Journal of Public Administration, Volume 29, Issue 1 – 3 January 2006. Michael, Joel, 2006. Tax Increment Financing. Minnesota House of Representatives. Retrieved On 11/30/07 from http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/hrd/issinfo/sstif.htm