Tuesday, August 25, 2020
Free Native Son Essays: Bigger :: Native Son Essays
Local Son: Bigger à In his most well known novel, Native Sun, Richard Wright effectively creates three significant subjects: Racism, savagery as an individual need, and social bad form. He has caught the incredible feelings and enduring, the disappointments and desires, the eagerness and agitation, of all the Greater Thomas' in this grippingly sensational novel. à à â â â Wright shows to us, through Bigger Thomas, how terrible things were for the dark race. He tells how Bigger was brought up in an oneâ ªroom loft, living with his family and rodents. The lease was exceptionally high, and his mom was scarcely ready to pay it. Greater's instruction like most blacks around then , didn't surpass the eighth grade. Without the assistance of the Relief Agency, Bigger and his family might not have had the option to keep up any longer monetarily. Greater had no cash, with the exception of the extra change his mom gives him, so he would typically simply hang out at the pool corridor, which was operating at a profit region, or southside. à à â â â Bigger used to pull little employments with his companions, however every one of them counting Bigger needed to pull off a difficult task, by looting Blum's store. They were apprehensive however, of getting captured for burglarizing a white man. They realize the police couldn't care less about blacks, and would most likely blame them for a lot more wrongdoings. Fortunately for Bigger, however, the Relief Agency found him an occupation with the Daltons. At the point when Bigger went to the Daltons house for the first time, he brought his firearm, since it caused him to feel equivalent to the white individuals. à à â â â When Bigger got to the Daltons house, he didn't realize whether to enter the house by the front or secondary passage. He searches for a route to the back, and understands the main route in is through the front entryway. As he rang the doorbell, he felt extremely upset. Furthermore, when he began conversing with Mr. Dalton, Mr. Dalton gets some information about his past violations, which made Bigger feel compelled. At that point Mary Dalton strolled in and inquired as to whether he was in a association, in the event that he thought about socialism, and afterward still more inquiries, until her father at last requested that her leave the room. Greater was anxious about the possibility that that this little imp would get him to lose his employment. At that point he met Peggy, a servant, Who asks Bigger every one of these inquiries, similar to he could get what Free Native Son Essays: Bigger :: Native Son Essays Local Son: Bigger à In his most well known novel, Native Sun, Richard Wright effectively creates three significant subjects: Racism, brutality as an individual need, and social bad form. He has caught the incredible feelings and enduring, the dissatisfactions and desires, the fretfulness and madness, of all the Greater Thomas' in this grippingly emotional novel. à à â â â Wright shows to us, through Bigger Thomas, how awful things were for the dark race. He tells how Bigger was brought up in an oneâ ªroom loft, living with his family and rodents. The lease was exceptionally high, and his mom was scarcely ready to pay it. Greater's instruction like most blacks around then , didn't surpass the eighth grade. Without the assistance of the Relief Agency, Bigger and his family might not have had the option to keep up any longer monetarily. Greater had no cash, with the exception of the extra change his mom gives him, so he would typically simply hang out at the pool corridor, which was operating at a profit region, or southside. à à â â â Bigger used to pull little employments with his companions, yet every one of them counting Bigger needed to pull off a difficult task, by burglarizing Blum's store. They were apprehensive however, of getting captured for burglarizing a white man. They realize the police couldn't care less about blacks, and would presumably blame them for a lot more violations. Fortunately for Bigger, however, the Relief Agency found him a vocation with the Daltons. At the point when Bigger went to the Daltons house for the first time, he brought his weapon, since it caused him to feel equivalent to the white individuals. à à â â â When Bigger got to the Daltons house, he didn't realize whether to enter the house by the front or indirect access. He searches for a path to the back, and understands the main path in is through the front entryway. As he rang the doorbell, he felt exceptionally upset. Also, when he began conversing with Mr. Dalton, Mr. Dalton gets some information about his past wrongdoings, which made Bigger feel forced. At that point Mary Dalton strolled in and inquired as to whether he was in a association, in the event that he thought about socialism, and afterward still more inquiries, until her father at long last requested that her leave the room. Greater was worried about the possibility that that this little whelp would get him to lose his employment. At that point he met Peggy, a house cleaner, Who asks Bigger every one of these inquiries, similar to he could get what
Saturday, August 22, 2020
Teaching English as a second language Essay Example for Free
Training English as a subsequent language Essay Language is supposed to be a framework in which the blend of sounds structure words and the mix of words structure sentences for a portrayal of information is controlled by an arrangement of rules. Also, these guidelines are applied in the development of words and sentences. One of the essential standards of learning a subsequent language is to utilize it as quickly as time permits in our regular day to day existence exercises. This is clarified to the student and the educator puts forth attempt to make sure that the language is found out, regardless of the numerous obstruction marvels all the while. Nigeria is a multilingual and multi-social nation. It has been assessed that more than 400 indigenous dialects exist in the nation. This variety of dialects in Nigeria was aggravated with the approach of the pilgrim experts who presented and embedded the English language in Nigeria. It has become some portion of the framework to the degree that rather than the continous battle required to satisfy up with the guideline set by the local speakers , a Nigerian assortment has developed. It is presently viewed as a Nigerian language. The English Language in Nigeria appreciates a renowned status, having a high premium put on it as the national Lingua franca, It is the Language of organization, exchange, trade and industry, between ethnic relationship. It is the language of incorporation and guidance in schools or more all the language of national Unity just as universal correspondence. Aside from working as the language of combination here in Nigeria, Yate (1992) has seen that ââ¬Ë of progressively eminent significance is the expansion in the universal and innovative capacity of English Language as the prevailing language of the Cyber cafã ©, and the most utilized language in the web. It is additionally an elitist language. We presently live in an ICT globalized world in which English is the vehicle of cooperation among people and countries. As indicated by Babajide 2002: ââ¬Å"For any country especially in the third world to be significant and get the most extreme profit by the open doors that have large amounts of each territory of human need, for individual progression and national turn of events, English is a ââ¬Ësine qua nonââ¬â¢. He further expressed that upâ till now the nation is as yet confronted with the situation of choosing an indigenous language that will encourage national solidarity. As the discussion proceeds, Prof. Afolayan bring s out the significant spot of English when he said that ââ¬Å"It is unreasonable for anyone in Nigeria today to imagine that National solidarity can be fashioned in the nation without plan of action to the use of the English Languageâ⬠¦Ã¢â¬ ¦. It has been simply the language of political element and furthermore the language of its politico-monetary unification and organization. Further more the way that it is presently working as the language of Nigerian Nationalis m can't be denied.â⬠Multilingualism and English in Nigeria The main Nigerian National song of praise recognizes the presence of indigenous dialects ââ¬Ëthough clan and tongue may contrast in fraternity we standâ⬠. Nigeria is a run of the mill multi-lingual nation in which minority dialects which are a lot of live one next to the other with the significant dialects. The nation isn't just the mixture of African socio-political and etymological real factors yet in addition the gathering purpose of different and merged perspectives on minority dialects and language approach. Multilingualism is a sociolinguistic phenonmenon that emerges because of language contact. It is a circumstance wherein at least two dialects work inside a similar setting. Factors, for example, political extension, conjugal relations, financial exchanges, social affiliation, instructive procurement and strict alliance realize multilingualism. Every one of these components support the socio-political scene of Nigeria today despite the fact that the blend of political and monetary exchange or abuse initially brought the individuals alluded to as Nigerians today in contact with the English individuals. The happening to English colonialist in the eighteenth Century realized ââ¬Å"Linguistic imperialismâ⬠a circumstance in which ââ¬Å" the psyches and lives of the speakers of a language are commanded by another dialect to where they accept that they can and should utilize just the outside lanugauge with regards to exchanges managing the propelled parts of life, for example, education,philosophy, literature,government and the organization of justice.â⬠So inspite of the way that English is remote, it has become a language that has assisted with welding together the numerous individuals that establish Nigeria.
Sunday, August 2, 2020
Boston Pops
Boston Pops Thanks to the organizational prowess of the Tau Beta Pi (engineering honor society) social chair and a generous invitation from a biochemical engineer, I went to the Boston Pops last Thursday night. Happy 125th anniversary to the Boston Symphony Orchestra (BSO)! This is how lovely Symphony Hall looks when it is not so yucky outside. Heres the beautiful ceiling of Symphony Hall. We sat at the same table as lovebirds Thomas 05 and Shannon Optimus Prime 05 remember their engagement party last January? That tall man in the middle is none other than John Williams! He has composed scores for scores of major motion pictures, including the Star Wars trilogy, the Indiana Jones films, the Harry Potter films, and Memoirs of a Geisha. The paragraph in the program that listed other films for which he has composed was approximately 35 lines long. Heres what they performed: A Postcard to Boston (A Hymn to New England) Three Pieces from Star Wars (Main Title Anakins Theme Imperial March) Selections from Harry Potter (Hedwigs Theme Aunt Marges Waltz Harrys Wondrous World) Jims New Life, from Empire of the Sun Suite from Memoirs of a Geisha (Sayuris Theme The Chairmans Waltz Brush on Silk) Flight to Neverland, from Hook Monsters Beauties, Heroes (King Kong Jaws Casablanca An Affair to Remember Robin Hood Superman) Theme from Cinema Paradiso Tribute to Three Legendary Composers (Theme from Star Trek the Motion Picture Theme from Laura Theme from The Magnificient Seven) The Olympic Spirit On the Esplanade (along the banks of the Boston side of the Charles River) is the Hatch Shell where the Boston Pops perform every 4th of July.
Saturday, May 23, 2020
The Bible By John Description - 865 Words
Love in the Bible by John description, can be directed from person to person or from a person to things in a blink of an eye. When a strong person or thing is drawn to your liking, this feeling is love this means you enjoy and take pleasure in those things you love. Love towards persons is more complex. The same with things, loving persons may mean simply enjoying them and taking pleasure in their presents, their looks, achievements, etc. But there is another aspect of love that is very important in the Bible. The important aspect of love for persons who are not attractive or poor or productive. In this case, love is not how much good you see in a person, but how deeply attached to your inner feelings to helping your be all they can be.â⬠¦show more contentâ⬠¦However, those who read deeper into the Bible will find more than just the stereotype that I have already explained. The God of the Bible has many moods. The Bible has stories of murder, warfare, etc. in which the ones do ing the acts are treated as good people that have done heroic deeds. What are we supposed to make of these situations? Can they still have good values and be applied to our daily lives to hopefully improve them? Let us take some examples from the Bible and examine them, while keeping the previous questions in mind. First, I would like to examine a story almost everyone is familiar with. This is the story of the Great Flood. When I think of this story, the first response I have is the thought of ââ¬Å"divine destructionâ⬠, or destruction caused by God. As we know, the amount of destruction in the Great Flood was overwhelming. The entire earth was flooded, killing everyone except Noah, his family, and a male and female of every animal. Is this story, God is the character doing the ââ¬Å"killingâ⬠. Of course, it is portrayed as a good deed, which is should be. In the long run, it was good for the world. Letââ¬â¢s look at how the Bible describes love, and then we will see a few ways in which God is the essence of love. ââ¬Å"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with
Sunday, May 10, 2020
The Impact of Media on Teens - Free Essay Example
Sample details Pages: 4 Words: 1233 Downloads: 2 Date added: 2019/04/10 Category Society Essay Level High school Tags: Social Media Essay Did you like this example? In 1997, Six Degree was documented to be the first media site. Now there are over a million social media sites available for those in the United States and out. Social media has its development. Social media has become a hefty part of a childs life due to the advancement of technology. If a child continues to partake in high dosage of social media, he/she will be affected socially and cognitively. Before we discuss the positive and negative effects, lets do some math. 3 Billion People Are Now Using Internet, 93% Of Teens Are Active Users (60%-70% Daily), 75% Of Teens Own A Cellphone, 22% Of Teens Check Their Site More Than 10 Times A Day, 24% Teen Have Hack into Someones Account, 13% Teens Have Posted or Sent Nudes. Donââ¬â¢t waste time! Our writers will create an original "The Impact of Media on Teens" essay for you Create order Online web-based life has increased shocking overall development and fame which has prompted drawing in consideration from assortment of analysts internationally. In spite of the fact that with time all ages have come to grasp the progressions informal organization has realized, youngsters and youthful grown-ups are the most fan clients of these destinations. As indicated by different research thinks about in the field of online interpersonal organizations, it has been uncovered that these destinations are affecting the lives of the young extraordinarily. When utilizing these destinations, for example, Twitter, Facebook or MySpace, there are both positive and negative impacts on the young. While on one hand interpersonal organization locales appears to unite individuals and associated then again it makes social separation with respect to BBC News report. As the young will in general spend numerous hours on these locales, they once in a while have eye to eye connection. Agreeing different investigations, researchers assessment confirmed that social disconnection can prompt a large group of passionate, mental, physical and mental issues which incorporate nervousness, gloom and substantial protestations among numerous others. Other contrary impacts of person to person communication different individuals proposed included empowering poor spelling and syntax, presenting underage to online predators, permitting spread of falsehood that is seen as actuality, diminishing profitability as the individuals who should work invest energy in the locales to visit, give an ideal stage to digital harassing and giving subtleties that expansion dangers of data fraud. Numerous guardians stress over how introduction to innovation may influence babies formatively. We realize our preschoolers are getting new social and psychological aptitudes at a shocking pace, and we dont need hours spent stuck to an iPad to obstruct that. In any case, puberty is a similarly imperative time of fast improvement, and excessively few of us are focusing on how our adolescents utilization of innovation substantially more extreme and closer than a 3-year-old playing with parents iPhone is influencing them. If a child is constancy engaged in technology, he/she is ruining their cognitive and social development. Technology can ruin a child cognitively because the child or children arent entertained by educational information. Nine times out of ten a child is participating in non-educational activities such as using social media or playing violent video games. If a child is constantly exposed to non-educational activities, he/ she will not receive the correct amount of knowledge in order to develop in life. The more time a child spends on social media the less time they spend reading a book, learning new vocabulary, doing homework, or even learning a new concept. Teenagers spend over 80% of their time on social media, thats also including their time at school. How can a child learn and develop their knowledge cognitively if theyre not paying attention to the information given? One may ask how investing all that energy in the web-based social networking destinations may positively affect them. Indeed, online networking helps the young and some other users refresh with what is going on around the globe, enable the youngsters to remain associated and interface with each other regardless of the possibility that they are numerous miles away. This fortifies their relationship regardless of the possibility that they completed school and moved to various areas they remain associated and refresh each other. Likewise, online networking has given a stage whereby the young can make gatherings and pages in view of their regular teaching and wind up building associations and open doors for their professions by refreshing different points to talk about. While on one hand informal organization destinations appears to unite individuals and associated then again it makes social separation as to BBC News report. As teens tend to spend numerous hours on these websites, they occasionally have eye to eye communication. Spending too much time on these sites can be dangerous as frequently because of political occasions the world over express and savage symbolism get appeared on the exchange strings. Frequently it is extremely hard to direct such substance because of its viral nature. This may negatively affect the psyches of the kids, driving them to have a twisted perspective of the world. Concurring different examinations, researchers assessment discovered that social separation can prompt a large group of passionate, mental, physical and mental issues which incorporate tension, despondency and substantial objections among numerous others. The present young people are presented to pictures and statuses that depict flawlessness. Online life locales, for example, Facebook and Instagram tend to feature admired body-types through pictures that have been cosmetically adjusted, and accordingly set implausible and unattainable magnificence principles for youthful kids whose bodies are experiencing wild change. Other contrary impacts of informal communication different individuals recommended included empowering poor spelling and linguistic use, presenting underage to online predators, permitting spread of falsehood that is seen as actuality, diminishing profitability as the individuals who should work invest energy in the destinations to talk, give an ideal stage to digital tormenting and giving subtle elements that expansion dangers of wholesale fraud. Kids investing excessive energy online may consider a virtual connection substitute for a genuine one. Creating social aptitudes encourages young people to set up and look after companionships. Because of the way that youngsters and kids invest a ton of energy connecting over online networking locales and applications, a considerable lot of them are setting up social collaboration aptitudes that dont really apply to the disconnected world. While, obviously, online networking can sustain and fortify existing connections, its indispensable that youngsters likewise figure out how to have significant, up close and personal trades with individuals. Being socially secluded is a noteworthy hazard factor for both wretchedness and suicide. With young people presently investing more energy on the web and less time collaborating with individuals in reality, they hazard attempting to create compelling social aptitudes as well as inclining themselves to psychological well-being issues. Mental specialists caution that web-based social networking destinations can have passionate ramifications for kids who are as of now experiencing low confidence or certainty. Such youngsters may judge their prosperity by the quantity of companions they have on the Facebook or if they are incorporated into a gathering of individuals. This may prompt further diminishing of their certainty. By investing more energy online, they frequently disregard the significance and the fitting conduct identified with eye to eye contact. Hence, the arrangement of relational aptitudes that are fundamental for the accomplishment in the genuine may not grow legitimately. In conclusion, social media can have either a positive or negative impact on youth and young adults, it all just depends on how you use it, how much you use it and what youre using it for.
Wednesday, May 6, 2020
The Twilight Saga 2 New Moon Chapter 4 WAKING UP Free Essays
string(30) " pulled out my Calculus book\." TIME PASSES. EVEN WHEN IT SEEMS IMPOSSIBLE. EVEN when each tick of the second hand aches like the pulse of blood behind a bruise. We will write a custom essay sample on The Twilight Saga 2: New Moon Chapter 4 WAKING UP or any similar topic only for you Order Now It passes unevenly, in strange lurches and dragging lulls, but pass it does. Even for me. CHARLIEââ¬â¢S FIST CAME DOWN ON THE TABLE. ââ¬Å"THATââ¬â¢S IT, Bella! Iââ¬â¢m sending you home.â⬠I looked up from my cereal, which I was pondering rather than eating, and stared at Charlie in shock. I hadnââ¬â¢t been following the conversationactually, I hadnââ¬â¢t been aware that we were having a conversationand I wasnââ¬â¢t sure what he meant. ââ¬Å"I am home,â⬠I mumbled, confused. ââ¬Å"Iââ¬â¢m sending you to Renee, to Jacksonville,â⬠he clarified. Charlie watched with exasperation as I slowly grasped the meaning of his words. ââ¬Å"What did I do?â⬠I felt my face crumple. It was so unfair. My behavior had been above reproach for the past four months. After that first week, which neither of us ever mentioned, I hadnââ¬â¢t missed a day of school or work. My grades were perfect. I never broke curfewI never went anywhere from which to break curfew in the first place. I only very rarely served leftovers. Charlie was scowling. ââ¬Å"You didnââ¬â¢t do anything. Thatââ¬â¢s the problem. You never do anything.â⬠ââ¬Å"You want me to get into trouble?â⬠I wondered, my eyebrows pulling together in mystification. I made an effort to pay attention. It wasnââ¬â¢t easy. I was so used to tuning everything out, my ears felt stopped up. ââ¬Å"Trouble would be better than this this moping around all the time!â⬠That stung a bit. Iââ¬â¢d been careful to avoid all forms of moroseness, moping included. ââ¬Å"I am not moping around.â⬠ââ¬Å"Wrong word,â⬠he grudgingly conceded. ââ¬Å"Moping would be betterthat would be doing something. Youââ¬â¢re just lifeless, Bella. I think thatââ¬â¢s the word I want.â⬠This accusation struck home. I sighed and tried to put some animation into my response. ââ¬Å"Iââ¬â¢m sorry, Dad.â⬠My apology sounded a little flat, even to me. Iââ¬â¢d thought Iââ¬â¢d been fooling him. Keeping Charlie from suffering was the whole point of all this effort. How depressing to think that the effort had been wasted. ââ¬Å"I donââ¬â¢t want you to apologize.â⬠I sighed. ââ¬Å"Then tell me what you do want me to do.â⬠ââ¬Å"Bella,â⬠he hesitated, scrutinizing my reaction to his next words. ââ¬Å"Honey, youââ¬â¢re not the first person to go through this kind of thing, you know.â⬠ââ¬Å"I know that.â⬠My accompanying grimace was limp and unimpressive. ââ¬Å"Listen, honey. I think thatthat maybe you need some help.â⬠ââ¬Å"Help?â⬠He paused, searching for the words again. ââ¬Å"When your mother left,â⬠he began, frowning, ââ¬Å"and took you with her.â⬠He inhaled deeply. ââ¬Å"Well, that was a really bad time for me.â⬠ââ¬Å"I know, Dad,â⬠I mumbled. ââ¬Å"But I handled it,â⬠he pointed out. ââ¬Å"Honey, youââ¬â¢re not handling it. I waited, I hoped it would get better.â⬠He stared at me and I looked down quickly. ââ¬Å"I think we both know itââ¬â¢s not getting better.â⬠ââ¬Å"Iââ¬â¢mfine.â⬠He ignored me. ââ¬Å"Maybe, well, maybe if you talked to someone about it. A professional.â⬠ââ¬Å"You want me to see a shrink?â⬠My voice was a shade sharper as I realized what he was getting at. ââ¬Å"Maybe it would help.â⬠ââ¬Å"And maybe it wouldnââ¬â¢t help one little bit.â⬠I didnââ¬â¢t know much about psychoanalysis, but I was pretty sure that it didnââ¬â¢t work unless the subject was relatively honest. Sure, I could tell the truthif I wanted to spend the rest of my life in a padded cell. He examined my obstinate expression, and switched to another line of attack. ââ¬Å"Itââ¬â¢s beyond me, Bella. Maybe your motherâ⬠ââ¬Å"Look,â⬠I said in a flat voice. ââ¬Å"Iââ¬â¢ll go out tonight, if you want. Iââ¬â¢ll call Jess or Angela.â⬠ââ¬Å"Thatââ¬â¢s not what I want,â⬠he argued, frustrated. ââ¬Å"I donââ¬â¢t think I can live through seeing you try harder. Iââ¬â¢ve never seen anyone trying so hard. It hurts to watch.â⬠I pretended to be dense, looking down at the table. ââ¬Å"I donââ¬â¢t understand, Dad. First youââ¬â¢re mad because Iââ¬â¢m not doing anything, and then you say you donââ¬â¢t want me to go out.â⬠ââ¬Å"I want you to be happyno, not even that much. I just want you not to be miserable. I think youââ¬â¢ll have a better chance if you get out of Forks.â⬠My eyes flashed up with the first small spark of feeling Iââ¬â¢d had in too long to contemplate. ââ¬Å"Iââ¬â¢m not leaving,â⬠I said. ââ¬Å"Why not?â⬠he demanded. ââ¬Å"Iââ¬â¢m in my last semester of schoolit would screw everything up.â⬠ââ¬Å"Youââ¬â¢re a good studentyouââ¬â¢ll figure it out.â⬠ââ¬Å"I donââ¬â¢t want to crowd Mom and Phil.â⬠ââ¬Å"Your motherââ¬â¢s been dying to have you back.â⬠ââ¬Å"Florida is too hot.â⬠His fist came down on the table again. ââ¬Å"We both know whatââ¬â¢s really going on here, Bella, and itââ¬â¢s not good for you.â⬠He took a deep breath. ââ¬Å"Itââ¬â¢s been months. No calls, no letters, no contact. You canââ¬â¢t keep waitingforhim.â⬠I glowered at him. The heat almost, but not quite, reached my face. It had been a long time since Iââ¬â¢d blushed with any emotion. This whole subject was utterly forbidden, as he was well aware. ââ¬Å"Iââ¬â¢m not waiting for anything. I donââ¬â¢t expect anything,â⬠I said in a low monotone. ââ¬Å"Bella,â⬠Charlie began, his voice thick. ââ¬Å"I have to get to school,â⬠I interrupted, standing up and yanking my untouched breakfast from the table. I dumped my bowl in the sink without pausing to wash it out. I couldnââ¬â¢t deal with any more conversation. ââ¬Å"Iââ¬â¢ll make plans with Jessica,â⬠I called over my shoulder as I strapped on my school bag, not meeting his eyes. ââ¬Å"Maybe I wonââ¬â¢t be home for dinner. Weââ¬â¢ll go to Port Angeles and watch a movie.â⬠I was out the front door before he could react. In my haste to get away from Charlie, I ended up being one of the first ones to school. The plus side was that I got a really good parking spot. The downside was that I had free time on my hands, and I tried to avoid free time at all costs. Quickly, before I could start thinking about Charlieââ¬â¢s accusations, I pulled out my Calculus book. You read "The Twilight Saga 2: New Moon Chapter 4 WAKING UP" in category "Essay examples" I flipped it open to the section we should be starting today, and tried to make sense of it. Reading math was even worse than listening to it, but I was getting better at it. In the last several months, Iââ¬â¢d spent ten times the amount of time on Calculus than Iââ¬â¢d ever spent on math before. As a result, I was managing to keep in the range of a low A. I knew Mr. Varner felt my improvement was all due to his superior teaching methods. And if that made him happy, I wasnââ¬â¢t going to burst his bubble. I forced myself to keep at it until the parking lot was full, and I ended up rushing to English. We were working on Animal Farm, an easy subject matter. I didnââ¬â¢t mind communism; it was a welcome change from the exhausting romances that made up most of the curriculum. I settled into my seat, pleased by the distraction of Mr. Bertyââ¬â¢s lecture. Time moved easily while I was in school. The bell rang all too soon. I started repacking my bag. ââ¬Å"Bella?â⬠I recognized Mikeââ¬â¢s voice, and I knew what his next words would be before he said them. ââ¬Å"Are you working tomorrow?â⬠I looked up. He was leaning across the aisle with an anxious expression. Every Friday he asked me the same question. Never mind that I hadnââ¬â¢t taken so much as a sick day. Well, with one exception, months ago. But he had no reason to look at me with such concern. I was a model employee. ââ¬Å"Tomorrow is Saturday, isnââ¬â¢t it?â⬠I said. Having just had it pointed out to me by Charlie, I realized how lifeless my voice really sounded. ââ¬Å"Yeah, it is,â⬠he agreed. ââ¬Å"See you in Spanish.â⬠He waved once before turning his back. He didnââ¬â¢t bother walking me to class anymore. I trudged off to Calculus with a grim expression. This was the class where I sat next to Jessica. It had been weeks, maybe months, since Jess had even greeted me when I passed her in the hall. I knew I had offended her with my antisocial behavior, and she was sulking. It wasnââ¬â¢t going to be easy to talk to her nowespecially to ask her to do me a favor. I weighed my options carefully as I loitered outside the classroom, procrastinating. I wasnââ¬â¢t about to face Charlie again without some kind of social interaction to report. I knew I couldnââ¬â¢t lie, though the thought of driving to Port Angeles and back alonebeing sure my odometer reflected the correct mileage, just in case he checkedwas very tempting. Jessicaââ¬â¢s mom was the biggest gossip in town, and Charlie was bound to run into Mrs. Stanley sooner rather than later. When he did, he would no doubt mention the trip. Lying was out. With a sigh, I shoved the door open. Mr. Varner gave me a dark lookheââ¬â¢d already started the lecture. I hurried to my seat. Jessica didnââ¬â¢t look up as I sat next to her. I was glad that I had fifty minutes to mentally prepare myself. This class flew by even faster than English. A small part of that speed was due to my goody-goody preparation this morning in the truckbut mostly it stemmed from the fact that time always sped up when I was looking forward to something unpleasant. I grimaced when Mr. Varner dismissed the class five minutes early. He smiled like he was being nice. ââ¬Å"Jess?â⬠My nose wrinkled as I cringed, waiting for her to turn on me. She twisted in her seat to face me, eyeing me incredulously. ââ¬Å"Are you talking to me, Bella?â⬠ââ¬Å"Of course.â⬠I widened my eyes to suggest innocence. ââ¬Å"What? Do you need help with Calculus?â⬠Her tone was a tad sour. ââ¬Å"No.â⬠I shook my head. ââ¬Å"Actually, I wanted to know if you would go to the movies with me tonight? I really need a girlsââ¬â¢ night out.â⬠The words sounded stiff, like badly delivered lines, and she looked suspicious. ââ¬Å"Why are you asking me?â⬠she asked, still unfriendly. ââ¬Å"Youââ¬â¢re the first person I think of when I want girl time.â⬠I smiled, and I hoped the smile looked genuine. It was probably true. She was at least the first person I thought of when I wanted to avoid Charlie. It amounted to the same thing. She seemed a little mollified. ââ¬Å"Well, I donââ¬â¢t know.â⬠ââ¬Å"Do you have plans?â⬠ââ¬Å"No I guess I can go with you. What do you want to see?â⬠ââ¬Å"Iââ¬â¢m not sure whatââ¬â¢s playing,â⬠I hedged. This was the tricky part. I racked my brain for a cluehadnââ¬â¢t I heard someone talk about a movie recently? Seen a poster? ââ¬Å"How about that one with the female president?â⬠She looked at me oddly. ââ¬Å"Bella, that oneââ¬â¢s been out of the theater forever.â⬠ââ¬Å"Oh.â⬠I frowned. ââ¬Å"Is there anything youââ¬â¢d like to see?â⬠Jessicaââ¬â¢s natural bubbliness started to leak out in spite of herself as she thought out loud. ââ¬Å"Well, thereââ¬â¢s that new romantic comedy thatââ¬â¢s getting great reviews. I want to see that one. And my dad just saw Dead End and he really liked it.â⬠I grasped at the promising title. ââ¬Å"Whatââ¬â¢s that one about?â⬠ââ¬Å"Zombies or something. He said it was the scariest thing heââ¬â¢d seen in years.â⬠ââ¬Å"That sounds perfect.â⬠Iââ¬â¢d rather deal with real zombies than watch a romance. ââ¬Å"Okay.â⬠She seemed surprised by my response. I tried to remember if I liked scary movies, but I wasnââ¬â¢t sure. ââ¬Å"Do you want me to pick you up after school?â⬠she offered. ââ¬Å"Sure.â⬠Jessica smiled at me with tentative friendliness before she left. My answering smile was just a little late, but I thought that she saw it. The rest of the day passed quickly, my thoughts focused on planning for tonight. I knew from experience that once I got Jessica talking, I would be able to get away with a few mumbled responses at the appropriate moments. Only minimal interaction would be required. The thick haze that blurred my days now was sometimes confusing. I was surprised when I found myself in my room, not clearly remembering the drive home from school or even opening the front door. But that didnââ¬â¢t matter. Losing track of time was the most I asked from life. I didnââ¬â¢t fight the haze as I turned to my closet. The numbness was more essential in some places than in others. I barely registered what I was looking at as I slid the door aside to reveal the pile of rubbish on the left side of my closet, under the clothes I never wore. My eyes did not stray toward the black garbage bag that held my present from that last birthday, did not see the shape of the stereo where it strained against the black plastic; I didnââ¬â¢t think of the bloody mess my nails had been when Iââ¬â¢d finished clawing it out of the dashboard. I yanked the old purse I rarely used off the nail it hung from, and shoved the door shut. Just then I heard a horn honking. I swiftly traded my wallet from my schoolbag into the purse. I was in a hurry, as if rushing would somehow make the night pass more quickly. I glanced at myself in the hall mirror before I opened the door, arranging my features carefully into a smile and trying to hold them there. ââ¬Å"Thanks for coming with me tonight,â⬠I told Jess as I climbed into the passenger seat, trying to infuse my tone with gratitude. It had been a while since Iââ¬â¢d really thought about what I was saying to anyone besides Charlie. Jess was harder. I wasnââ¬â¢t sure which were the right emotions to fake. ââ¬Å"Sure. So, what brought this on?â⬠Jess wondered as she drove down my street. ââ¬Å"Brought what on?â⬠ââ¬Å"Why did you suddenly decide to go out?â⬠It sounded like she changed her question halfway through. I shrugged. ââ¬Å"Just needed a change.â⬠I recognized the song on the radio then, and quickly reached for the dial. ââ¬Å"Do you mind?â⬠I asked. ââ¬Å"No, go ahead.â⬠I scanned through the stations until I found one that was harmless. I peeked at Jessââ¬â¢s expression as the new music filled the car. Her eyes squinted. ââ¬Å"Since when do you listen to rap?â⬠ââ¬Å"I donââ¬â¢t know,â⬠I said. ââ¬Å"A while.â⬠ââ¬Å"You like this?â⬠she asked doubtfully. ââ¬Å"Sure.â⬠It would be much too hard to interact with Jessica normally if I had to work to tune out the music, too. I nodded my head, hoping I was in time with the beat. ââ¬Å"Okayâ⬠She stared out the windshield with wide eyes. ââ¬Å"So whatââ¬â¢s up with you and Mike these days?â⬠I asked quickly. ââ¬Å"You see him more than I do.â⬠The question hadnââ¬â¢t started her talking like Iââ¬â¢d hoped it would. ââ¬Å"Itââ¬â¢s hard to talk at work,â⬠I mumbled, and then I tried again. ââ¬Å"Have you been out with anyone lately?â⬠ââ¬Å"Not really. I go out with Conner sometimes. I went out with Eric two weeks ago.â⬠She rolled her eyes, and I sensed a long story. I clutched at the opportunity. ââ¬Å"Eric Yorkie? Who asked who?â⬠She groaned, getting more animated. ââ¬Å"He did, of course! I couldnââ¬â¢t think of a nice way to say no.â⬠ââ¬Å"Where did he take you?â⬠I demanded, knowing she would interpret my eagerness as interest. ââ¬Å"Tell me all about it.â⬠She launched into her tale, and I settled into my seat, more comfortable now. I paid strict attention, murmuring in sympathy and gasping in horror as called for. When she was finished with her Eric story, she continued into a Conner comparison without any prodding. The movie was playing early, so Jess thought we should hit the twilight showing and eat later. I was happy to go along with whatever she wanted; after all, I was getting what I wantedCharlie off my back. I kept Jess talking through the previews, so I could ignore them more easily. But I got nervous when the movie started. A young couple was walking along a beach, swinging hands and discussing their mutual affection with gooey falseness. I resisted the urge to cover my ears and start humming. I had not bargained for a romance. ââ¬Å"I thought we picked the zombie movie,â⬠I hissed to Jessica. ââ¬Å"This is the zombie movie.â⬠ââ¬Å"Then why isnââ¬â¢t anyone getting eaten?â⬠I asked desperately. She looked at me with wide eyes that were almost alarmed. ââ¬Å"Iââ¬â¢m sure that partââ¬â¢s coming,â⬠she whispered. ââ¬Å"Iââ¬â¢m getting popcorn. Do you want any?â⬠ââ¬Å"No, thanks.â⬠Someone shushed us from behind. I took my time at the concession counter, watching the clock and debating what percentage of a ninety-minute movie could be spent on romantic exposition. I decided ten minutes was more than enough, but I paused just inside the theater doors to be sure. I could hear horrified screams blaring from the speakers, so I knew Iââ¬â¢d waited long enough. ââ¬Å"You missed everything,â⬠Jess murmured when I slid back into my seat. ââ¬Å"Almost everyone is a zombie now.â⬠ââ¬Å"Long line.â⬠I offered her some popcorn. She took a handful. The rest of the movie was comprised of gruesome zombie attacks and endless screaming from the handful of people left alive, their numbers dwindling quickly. I would have thought there was nothing in that to disturb me. But I felt uneasy, and I wasnââ¬â¢t sure why at first. It wasnââ¬â¢t until almost the very end, as I watched a haggard zombie shambling after the last shrieking survivor, that I realized what the problem was. The scene kept cutting between the horrified face of the heroine, and the dead, emotionless face of her pursuer, back and forth as it closed the distance. And I realized which one resembled me the most. I stood up. ââ¬Å"Where are you going? Thereââ¬â¢s, like, two minutes left,â⬠Jess hissed. ââ¬Å"I need a drink,â⬠I muttered as I raced for the exit. I sat down on the bench outside the theater door and tried very hard not to think of the irony. But it was ironic, all things considered, that, in the end, I would wind up as a zombie. I hadnââ¬â¢t seen that one coming. Not that I hadnââ¬â¢t dreamed of becoming a mythical monster oncejust never a grotesque, animated corpse. I shook my head to dislodge that train of thought, feeling panicky. I couldnââ¬â¢t afford to think about what Iââ¬â¢d once dreamed of. It was depressing to realize that I wasnââ¬â¢t the heroine anymore, that my story was over. Jessica came out of the theater doors and hesitated, probably wondering where the best place was to search for me. When she saw me, she looked relieved, but only for a moment. Then she looked irritated. ââ¬Å"Was the movie too scary for you?â⬠she wondered. ââ¬Å"Yeah,â⬠I agreed. ââ¬Å"I guess Iââ¬â¢m just a coward.â⬠ââ¬Å"Thatââ¬â¢s funny.â⬠She frowned. ââ¬Å"I didnââ¬â¢t think you were scaredI was screaming all the time, but I didnââ¬â¢t hear you scream once. So I didnââ¬â¢t know why you left.â⬠I shrugged. ââ¬Å"Just scared.â⬠She relaxed a little. ââ¬Å"That was the scariest movie I think Iââ¬â¢ve ever seen. Iââ¬â¢ll bet weââ¬â¢re going to have nightmares tonight.â⬠ââ¬Å"No doubt about that,â⬠I said, trying to keep my voice normal. It was inevitable that I would have nightmares, but they wouldnââ¬â¢t be about zombies. Her eyes flashed to my face and away. Maybe I hadnââ¬â¢t succeeded with the normal voice. ââ¬Å"Where do you want to eat?â⬠Jess asked. ââ¬Å"I donââ¬â¢t care.â⬠ââ¬Å"Okay.â⬠Jess started talking about the male lead in the movie as we walked. I nodded as she gushed over his hotness, unable to remember seeing a non-zombie man at all. I didnââ¬â¢t watch where Jessica was leading me. I was only vaguely aware that it was dark and quieter now. It took me longer than it should have to realize why it was quiet. Jessica had stopped babbling. I looked at her apologetically, hoping I hadnââ¬â¢t hurt her feelings. Jessica wasnââ¬â¢t looking at me. Her face was tense; she stared straight ahead and walked fast. As I watched, her eyes darted quickly to the right, across the road, and back again. I glanced around myself for the first time. We were on a short stretch of unlit sidewalk. The little shops lining the street were all locked up for the night, windows black. Half a block ahead, the streetlights started up again, and I could see, farther down, the bright golden arches of the McDonaldââ¬â¢s she was heading for. Across the street there was one open business. The windows were covered from inside and there were neon signs, advertisements for different brands of beer, glowing in front of them. The biggest sign, in brilliant green, was the name of the barOne-Eyed Peteââ¬â¢s. I wondered if there was some pirate theme not visible from outside. The metal door was propped open; it was dimly lit inside, and the low murmur of many voices and the sound of ice clinking in glasses floated across the street. Lounging against the wall beside the door were four men. I glanced back at Jessica. Her eyes were fixed on the path ahead and she moved briskly. She didnââ¬â¢t look frightenedjust wary, trying to not attract attention to herself. I paused without thinking, looking back at the four men with a strong sense of dj vu. This was a different road, a different night, but the scene was so much the same. One of them was even short and dark. As I stopped and turned toward them, that one looked up in interest. I stared back at him, frozen on the sidewalk. ââ¬Å"Bella?â⬠Jess whispered. ââ¬Å"What are you doing?â⬠I shook my head, not sure myself. ââ¬Å"I think I know themâ⬠I muttered. What was I doing? I should be running from this memory as fast as I could, blocking the image of the four lounging men from my mind, protecting myself with the numbness I couldnââ¬â¢t function without. Why was I stepping, dazed, into the street? It seemed too coincidental that I should be in Port Angeles with Jessica, on a dark street even. My eyes focused on the short one, trying to match the features to my memory of the man who had threatened me that night almost a year ago. I wondered if there was any way I would recognize the man, if it was really him. That particular part of that particular evening was just a blur. My body remembered it better than my mind did; the tension in my legs as I tried to decide whether to run or to stand my ground, the dryness in my throat as I struggled to build a decent scream, the tight stretch of skin across my knuckles as I clenched my hands into fists, the chills on the back of my neck when the dark-haired man called me ââ¬Å"sugar.â⬠There was an indefinite, implied kind of menace to these men that had nothing to do with that other night. It sprung from the fact that they were strangers, and it was dark here, and they outnumbered usnothing more specific than that. But it was enough that Jessicaââ¬â¢s voice cracked in panic as she called after me. ââ¬Å"Bella, come on!â⬠I ignored her, walking slowly forward without ever making the conscious decision to move my feet. I didnââ¬â¢t understand why, but the nebulous threat the men presented drew me toward them. It was a senseless impulse, but I hadnââ¬â¢t felt any kind of impulse in so long I followed it. Something unfamiliar beat through my veins. Adrenaline, I realized, long absent from my system, drumming my pulse faster and fighting against the lack of sensation. It was strangewhy the adrenaline when there was no fear? It was almost as if it were an echo of the last time Iââ¬â¢d stood like this, on a dark street in Port Angeles with strangers. I saw no reason for fear. I couldnââ¬â¢t imagine anything in the world that there was left to be afraid of, not physically at least. One of the few advantages of losing everything. I was halfway across the street when Jess caught up to me and grabbed my arm. ââ¬Å"Bella! You canââ¬â¢t go in a bar!â⬠she hissed. ââ¬Å"Iââ¬â¢m not going in,â⬠I said absently, shaking her hand off. ââ¬Å"I just want to see somethingâ⬠ââ¬Å"Are you crazy?â⬠she whispered. ââ¬Å"Are you suicidal?â⬠That question caught my attention, and my eyes focused on her. ââ¬Å"No, Iââ¬â¢m not.â⬠My voice sounded defensive, but it was true. I wasnââ¬â¢t suicidal. Even in the beginning, when death unquestionably would have been a relief, I didnââ¬â¢t consider it. I owed too much to Charlie. I felt too responsible for Renee. I had to think of them. And Iââ¬â¢d made a promise not to do anything stupid or reckless. For all those reasons, I was still breathing. Remembering that promise. I felt a twinge of guilt. but what I was doing fight now didnââ¬â¢t really count. It wasnââ¬â¢t like I was taking a blade to my wrists. Jessââ¬â¢s eyes were round, her mouth hung open. Her question about suicide had been rhetorical, I realized too late. ââ¬Å"Go eat,â⬠I encouraged her, waving toward the fast food. I didnââ¬â¢t like the way she looked at me. ââ¬Å"Iââ¬â¢ll catch up in a minute.â⬠I turned away from her, back to the men who were watching us with amused, curious eyes. ââ¬Å"Bella, stop this right now!â⬠My muscles locked into place, froze me where I stood. Because it wasnââ¬â¢t Jessicaââ¬â¢s voice that rebuked me now. It was a furious voice, a familiar voice, a beautiful voicesoft like velvet even though it was irate. It was his voiceI was exceptionally careful not to think his nameand I was surprised that the sound of it did not knock me to my knees, did not curl me onto the pavement in a torture of loss. But there was no pain, none at all. In the instant that I heard his voice, everything was very clear. Like my head had suddenly surfaced out of some dark pool. I was more aware of everythingsight, sound, the feel of the cold air that I hadnââ¬â¢t noticed was blowing sharply against my face, the smells coming from the open bar door. I looked around myself in shock. ââ¬Å"Go back to Jessica,â⬠the lovely voice ordered, still angry. ââ¬Å"You promisednothing stupid.â⬠I was alone. Jessica stood a few feet from me, staring at me with frightened eyes. Against the wall, the strangers watched, confused, wondering what I was doing, standing there motionless in the middle of the street. I shook my head, trying to understand. I knew he wasnââ¬â¢t there, and yet, he felt improbably close, close for the first time since since the end. The anger in his voice was concern, the same anger that was once very familiarsomething I hadnââ¬â¢t heard in what felt like a lifetime. ââ¬Å"Keep your promise.â⬠The voice was slipping away, as if the volume was being turned down on a radio. I began to suspect that I was having some kind of hallucination. Triggered, no doubt, by the memorythe deja vu, the strange familiarity of the situation. I ran through the possibilities quickly in my head. Option one: I was crazy. That was the laymanââ¬â¢s term for people who heard voices in their heads. Possible. Option two: My subconscious mind was giving me what it thought I wanted. This was wish fulfillmenta momentary relief from pain by embracing the incorrect idea that he cared whether I lived or died. Projecting what he would have said if A) he were here, and B) he would be in any way bothered by something bad happening to me. Probable. I could see no option three, so I hoped it was the second option and this was just my subconscious running amuck, rather than something I would need to be hospitalized for. My reaction was hardly sane, thoughI was grateful. The sound of his voice was something that Iââ¬â¢d feared I was losing, and so, more than anything else, I felt overwhelming gratitude that my unconscious mind had held onto that sound better than my conscious one had. I was not allowed to think of him. That was something I tried to be very strict about. Of course I slipped; I was only human. But I was getting better, and so the pain was something I could avoid for days at a time now. The tradeoff was the never-ending numbness. Between pain and nothing, Iââ¬â¢d chosen nothing. I waited for the pain now. I was not numbmy senses felt unusually intense after so many months of the hazebut the normal pain held off. The only ache was the disappointment that his voice was fading. There was a second of choice. The wise thing would be to run away from this potentially destructiveand certainly mentally unstabledevelopment. It would be stupid to encourage hallucinations. But his voice was fading. I took another step forward, testing. ââ¬Å"Bella, turn around,â⬠he growled. I sighed in relief. The anger was what I wanted to hearfalse, fabricated evidence that he cared, a dubious gift from my subconscious. Very few seconds had passed while I sorted this all out. My little audience watched, curious. It probably looked like I was just dithering over whether or not I was going to approach them. How could they guess that I was standing there enjoying an unexpected moment of insanity? ââ¬Å"Hi,â⬠one of the men called, his tone both confident and a bit sarcastic. He was fair-skinned and fair-haired, and he stood with the assurance of someone who thought of himself as quite good-looking. I couldnââ¬â¢t tell whether he was or not. I was prejudiced. The voice in my head answered with an exquisite snarl. I smiled, and the confident man seemed to take that as encouragement. ââ¬Å"Can I help you with something? You look lost.â⬠He grinned and winked. I stepped carefully over the gutter, running with water that was black in the darkness. ââ¬Å"No. Iââ¬â¢m not lost.â⬠Now that I was closerand my eyes felt oddly in focusI analyzed the short, dark manââ¬â¢s face. It was not familiar in any way. I suffered a curious sensation of disappointment that this was not the terrible man who had tried to hurt me almost a year ago. The voice in my head was quiet now. The short man noticed my stare. ââ¬Å"Can I buy you a drink?â⬠he offered, nervous, seeming flattered that Iââ¬â¢d singled him out to stare at. ââ¬Å"Iââ¬â¢m too young,â⬠I answered automatically. He was baffledwondering why I had approached them. I felt compelled to explain. ââ¬Å"From across the street, you looked like someone I knew. Sorry, my mistake.â⬠The threat that had pulled me across the street had evaporated. These were not the dangerous men I remembered. They were probably nice guys. Safe. I lost interest. ââ¬Å"Thatââ¬â¢s okay,â⬠the confident blonde said. ââ¬Å"Stay and hang out with us.â⬠ââ¬Å"Thanks, but I canââ¬â¢t.â⬠Jessica was hesitating in the middle of the street, her eyes wide with outrage and betrayal. ââ¬Å"Oh, just a few minutes.â⬠I shook my head, and turned to rejoin Jessica. ââ¬Å"Letââ¬â¢s go eat,â⬠I suggested, barely glancing at her. Though I appeared to be, for the moment, freed of the zombie abstraction, I was just as distant. My mind was preoccupied. The safe, numb deadness did not come back, and I got more anxious with every minute that passed without its return. ââ¬Å"What were you thinking?â⬠Jessica snapped. ââ¬Å"You donââ¬â¢t know themthey could have been psychopaths!â⬠I shrugged, wishing she would let it go. ââ¬Å"I just thought I knew the one guy.â⬠ââ¬Å"You are so odd, Bella Swan. I feel like I donââ¬â¢t know who you are.â⬠ââ¬Å"Sorry.â⬠I didnââ¬â¢t know what else to say to that. We walked to McDonaldââ¬â¢s in silence. Iââ¬â¢d bet that she was wishing weââ¬â¢d taken her car instead of walking the short distance from the theater, so that she could use the drive-through. She was just as anxious now for this evening to be over as I had been from the beginning. I tried to start a conversation a few times while we ate, but Jessica was not cooperative. I must have really offended her. When we go back in the car, she tuned the stereo back to her favorite station and turned the volume too loud to allow easy conversation. I didnââ¬â¢t have to struggle as hard as usual to ignore the music. Even though my mind, for once, was not carefully numb and empty, I had too much to think about to hear the lyrics. I waited for the numbness to return, or the pain. Because the pain must be coming. Iââ¬â¢d broken my personal rules. Instead of shying away from the memories, Iââ¬â¢d walked forward and greeted them. Iââ¬â¢d heard his voice, so clearly, in my head. That was going to cost me, I was sure of it. Especially if I couldnââ¬â¢t reclaim the haze to protect myself. I felt too alert, and that frightened me. But relief was still the strongest emotion in my bodyrelief that came from the very core of my being. As much as I struggled not to think of him, I did not struggle to forget. I worriedlate in the night, when the exhaustion of sleep deprivation broke down my defensesthat it was all slipping away. That my mind was a sieve, and I would someday not be able to remember the precise color of his eyes, the feel of his cool skin, or the texture of his voice. I could not think of them, but I must remember them. Because there was just one thing that I had to believe to be able to liveI had to know that he existed. That was all. Everything else I could endure. So long as he existed. Thatââ¬â¢s why I was more trapped in Forks than I ever had been before, why Iââ¬â¢d fought with Charlie when he suggested a change. Honestly, it shouldnââ¬â¢t matter; no one was ever coming back here. But if I were to go to Jacksonville, or anywhere else bright and unfamiliar, how could I be sure he was real? In a place where I could never imagine him, the conviction might fade and that I could not live through. Forbidden to remember, terrified to forget; it was a hard line to walk. I was surprised when Jessica stopped the car in front of my house. The ride had not taken long, but, short as it seemed, I wouldnââ¬â¢t have thought that Jessica could go that long without speaking. ââ¬Å"Thanks for going out with me, Jess,â⬠I said as I opened my door. ââ¬Å"That wasfun.â⬠I hoped that fun was the appropriate word. ââ¬Å"Sure,â⬠she muttered. ââ¬Å"Iââ¬â¢m sorry about after the movie.â⬠ââ¬Å"Whatever, Bella.â⬠She glared out the windshield instead of looking at me. She seemed to be growing angrier rather than getting over it. ââ¬Å"See you Monday?â⬠ââ¬Å"Yeah. Bye.â⬠I gave up and shut the door. She drove away, still without looking at me. Iââ¬â¢d forgotten her by the time I was inside. Charlie was waiting for me in the middle of the hall, his arms folded tight over his chest with his hands balled into fists. ââ¬Å"Hey, Dad,â⬠I said absentmindedly as I ducked around Charlie, heading for the stairs. Iââ¬â¢d been thinking about him for too long, and I wanted to be upstairs before it caught up with me. ââ¬Å"Where have you been?â⬠Charlie demanded. I looked at my dad, surprised. ââ¬Å"I went to a movie in Port Angeles with Jessica. Like I told you this morning.â⬠ââ¬Å"Humph,â⬠he grunted. ââ¬Å"Is that okay?â⬠He studied my face, his eyes widening as if he saw something unexpected. ââ¬Å"Yeah, thatââ¬â¢s fine. Did you havefun?â⬠ââ¬Å"Sure,â⬠I said. ââ¬Å"We watched zombies eat people. It was great.â⬠His eyes narrowed. ââ¬Å"ââ¬ËNight, Dad.â⬠He let me pass. I hurried to my room. I lay in my bed a few minutes later, resigned as the pain finally made its appearance. It was a crippling thing, this sensation that a huge hole had been punched through my chest, excising my most vital organs and leaving ragged, unhealed gashes around the edges that continued to throb and bleed despite the passage of time. Rationally, I knew my lungs must still be intact, yet I gasped for air and my head spun like my efforts yielded me nothing. My heart must have been beating, too, but I couldnââ¬â¢t hear the sound of my pulse in my ears; my hands felt blue with cold. I curled inward, hugging my ribs to hold myself together. I scrambled for my numbness, my denial, but it evaded me. And yet, I found I could survive. I was alert, I felt the painthe aching loss that radiated out from my chest, sending wracking waves of hurt through my limbs and headbut it was manageable. I could live through it. It didnââ¬â¢t feel like the pain had weakened over time, rather that Iââ¬â¢d grown strong enough to bear it. Whatever it was that had happened tonightand whether it was the zombies, the adrenaline, or the hallucinations that were responsibleit had woken me up. For the first time in a long time, I didnââ¬â¢t know what to expect in the morning. How to cite The Twilight Saga 2: New Moon Chapter 4 WAKING UP, Essay examples
Thursday, April 30, 2020
Physics Geosynchronous Orbits Geosynchronous Orbits + Geostationary Or
Physics Geosynchronous Orbits Geosynchronous Orbits + Geostationary Orbits Webster's dictionary defines a Geostationary orbit as of, relating to, or being a satellite that travels above Earth's equator from west to east at an altitude of approximately 35,900 kilometers (22,300 miles) and at a speed matching that of Earth's rotation, thus remaining stationary in relation to Earth. 2. Of, relating to, or being the orbit of such a satellite. In plain English, a satellite matches the earth's rotation making it seemingly hover over one spot of the globe enabling coverage of half the earth's surface. Three such satellites, appropriately spaced longitudinally, have worldwide coverage except for relatively small areas over the poles. Three main classes are typically placed into a GSO: Communications, missile early warning, and navigational satellites. The uses are unlimited ranging from commercial use to weather forecasts! The GSO originated in the mid-1970's. The U.S. Air Force des igned a two-stage interim upper stage (later renamed inertial upper stage, or IUS) to carry satellites weighing as much as 5,000 pounds (2,300 kg) from the shuttle to Geostationary orbit, and a three-stage version for boosting NASA' s space probes from the shuttle into interplanetary trajectories. IUS development problems, however, prompted NASA in the early 1980' s to design a widebody version of the Centaur upper stage to replace the three-stage IUS. In its first use (1983) aboard the shuttle, the IUS's second-stage nozzle burned through and left the first Tracking and Data Relay Satellite (TDRS-1) in a useless orbit. Ground controllers were able to use the satellite's onboard thrusters to put it in the proper Geostationary orbit over a period of weeks, but the IUS was grounded until the nozzle problem was resolved. Because the IUS was too large and expensive for most satellites going to Geostationary orbit, McDonnell Douglas developed the payload assist module, a special cradle w ith a turntable to spin and then release satellites. A small rocket motor and the satellite's own rockets then boost it into Geostationary orbit.
Saturday, March 21, 2020
The 4 Market Position and an Example of a Product Essay Example
The 4 Market Position and an Example of a Product Essay Example The 4 Market Position and an Example of a Product Paper The 4 Market Position and an Example of a Product Paper Market Leader A market leader is a brand, product, or a firm that has the largest percentage of total sales in terms of revenue (the market share) of a market. A market leader often dominates all his competitors in areas such as: customer loyalty, distribution coverage, image, perceived value, price, profit, and promotional spending. To be the leader in the market, the company needs to be innovative, agile, revolutionary, obsessive and supportive. Market leader objectives are to continue expanding their total market by finding more new consumers to purchase their product, creating new uses for the current product which they are selling, and to encourage more usage among the current consumers. A market leader should always be equipped with a defense strategy that will help defend against any new threats that might threaten their position as a market leader. Also, another objective to achieve is to keep increase their market share of their product. An example of market leaders are: Coco-Cola (soft drinks), McDonaldââ¬â¢s (fast food), Caterpillar (large construction equipment), Kodak (photographic film), Wal-Mart (retailing), and Boeing (aircraft). Market Challenger Market challengers are runner-up companies that aggressively attack competitors to get more market share. A market challengerââ¬â¢s strategic objective is to topple down the current market leader and to take over its place. A market challenger will always strive to attack the current market leader, or other firms that matches its own size, or smaller and local regional competitors in hope to be the leader in the product or service which they are offering. In essence the challenger has three strategic alternatives that are available to the company: (a) a direct or head-on attack using either cost/price/value for money as the key strategic variable; (b) an indirect or flanking approach using product differentiation or promotional activities as a way to win consumerââ¬â¢s preference and loyalty; and (c) a by-pass strategy based upon radical innovation through which the challenger seeks to change existing purchasing behavior in favor of a new solution to basic consumer needs. Such examples are like Adidas attempting to beat Nike or Burger King attempting to challenge McDonaldââ¬â¢s position as the market leader. Market Follower Market follower are firms that attempt to use strategies to seek stable market shares and to gain profits by following competitorsââ¬â¢ product offers, prices, and also marketing programs. Market followers attempt to create a similar to product that is innovative to be sold at a cheaper price comparing to the company who has that similar product. A market follower has many advantages also. A market follower can learn from the market leaderââ¬â¢s experience and copy or improve on the leaderââ¬â¢s product and programs, normally with much lesser investment compared with the market leader. One such example would be the recent new colors for the Sonyââ¬â¢s Vaio Laptops. Once Sony releases their new color design, Dell later would follow in it and would have their personalized laptop colors which could be chosen when purchasing a laptop from Dell. Niche Market A niche market is often portrait as a focused, targetable portion of a market. By definition, then, a business that focuses on a niche market is addressing the need for a product or service that is not being addressed by the mainstream providers. Niche market can be thought as a narrowly defined group of potential customers. For instance, instead of offering cleaning services, a business might establish a niche market by specializing in blind cleaning services. Why should you bother to establish a niche market? Because of the great advantage of being alone there; other small businesses may not be aware of your particular niche market, and large businesses wont want to bother with it. The trick to capitalizing on a niche market is to find or develop a market niche that has customers who are accessible, that is growing fast enough, and that is not owned by one established vendor already. Niche marketââ¬â¢s strategies are often targeted towards smaller markets that large companies wonââ¬â¢t bother entering. To remain in business, niche marketers would need to create niches, then expand it and finally protecting them or copyright them. The only risk of a niche market is when a larger firm notices the niche market profit and attempt to enter the market with larger resources and capital. Apple iPod The product that I will talk about will be Appleââ¬â¢s iPod. First, I will list down what are the available products, and then I will discuss about their marketing strategy are they using and at now. The reason for choosing iPod, it is because of their current position in the market now and I have knowledge about it since I owned one. Appleââ¬â¢s iPod is one of the top products in the areas of portable media players. It has managed to stay at the top because of their unique software and design that keep consumers wanting it. Their uniqueness is in Appleââ¬â¢s iTunes software in which it is able to transfer music to the iPod devices. As a jukebox application, iTunes is able to store a music library on the users computer and which can either play, burn and rip music from a CD. Itââ¬â¢s also to a lot of files like a PDA. Such files such as photos, videos, games, contact information, E-Mail messages, Web bookmarks, and calendars to iPod models that support those features. Apple focused its development on the iPods unique user interface and its user-friendly interface of use, rather than on technical capability. As of September 2007, the iPod had sold more than 110 million units worldwide making it the best-selling digital audio player series in history. Now lets talk about the iPod. Its doing really well. Theyre rather strong. Teehee. Weve sold over 110m to date and youll notice the place where the sales curve is strongest is during the holiday season today were going to refresh or replace EVERY single product in this lineup to get ready for this holiday season. Currently the iPod has a few selections in line. Currently are on sale, are the iPod shuffle, iPod nano, iPod classic and the brand new iPod touch. The iPod shuffle is a digital audio player that is designed and marketed by the company Apple Inc. The purpose for this model is to create a budget model for Apples iPod family. It was announced at the Macworld Conference Expo on January 11, 2005, using the tagline life is random. This model is a new design as instead of storing data on a hard disk, it has been changed to the first iPod to use a flash memory. The current second generation model weighs at only about 15 grams (or 0. 55 ounces). It was introduced in September 2006 along with the revamped fifth generation iPod classic and second generation iPod nano. Later in 2007, as a preparation for the Christmas holidays of 2007, Apple launched a new color which is red. Now currently, the iPod shuffle has nine colors which are: All nine colors of the second-generation iPod shuffle. The bottom rows are the original colors; the top rows are the refreshed colors. Silver units have been available throughout the life of the second-generation shuffle. The iPod nano is one the four portable media player that is designed and marketed by the company Apple Inc. The iPod nano is designed to be as a midrange model in for Apples iPod family. The first generation of this version was introduced in 2005. It also uses flash memory, just like the iPod shuffle. However, this comes with a miniaturized version of the display screen and has click wheel found on the iPod classic. The model has been updated twice since its introduction. This above version is the 3rd generation iPod nano. This nano was announced in a 4 GB version coming only in silver, and an 8 GB version coming in silver, turquoise, mint green, black and Product Red. Recently, Apple has launched the new pink color. The battery now lasts for approx. 24 hours on audio playback and approx. hours on video playback. Steve Job, Co-founder, CEO of Apple Inc. , showing off the new iPod Nano Its incredibly tiny, this is the new nano, and itââ¬â¢s incredibly thin. Its REALLY nice. Huge applause. Let me show you some bigger pictures of it comes in beautiful colors. So whats the video like? New nano: larger 2-inch screen, its going to look the same as it did on the iPod vi deo, its the same QVGA resolution. Weve achieved this with a screen with the highest pixel density weve ever shipped. The iPod classic is a portable media player that is marketed by the company Apple Inc. This model is the flagship model for Apples iPod family. To this date, there have been six generations of the iPod classic. There was also a spin-off called the iPod photo which was later then re-integrated into the main classic line. All the generations of the iPod classic uses a 1. 8-inch hard drive for storage. The word classic retronym was introduced with the introduction of the sixth-generation iPod classic on September 5, 2007. Prior to this, the iPod classics were simply just referred to as iPods. Steve Jobs, Co-founder, CEO of Apple Inc. showing off the new iPod Classic. A little video for everyone, thats what we set out to do with the new nano. We hope you love it as much as we do That brings us to the iPod. The iPod its got a its got a funny name. Its got a funny name. Its time to give it a name: were calling it the iPod Classic because its the original iPod. Ha! Side-by-side view of 6th and 5th generation iPods, respectively, showing interface differences The iPod touch i s both a portable media player and a Wi-Fi mobile platform designed and marketed by the company Apple Inc. The product was officially launched on September 5, 2007 through an event called The Beat Goes On. The iPod touch adds the graphical user interfaces Cover Flow and Multi-Touch to the iPod line and is now available at 8, 16 or 32 GB of flash memory. It also includes Apples Safari web browser and it is the first iPod enabling wireless access to the iTunes Store. Beginning of June 2008, the iPod touch will also have now access to the App Store. The App Store is an upcoming application for the iPhone and iPod touch that is created by Apple Inc. This allows users to browse and purchase applications that were developed for the iPhone SDK The iPod touch has the same multi-0touch interface the iPhone has. Adding new to it is a physical home button off the touch screen. The home screen has a list of buttons for the available applications. All iPod touch models have included with this standard applications: Music, Videos, and Photos (which is collectively duplicating the standard functions of the iPod Classic), iTunes (which providing access to the iTunes Music Store), Safari, YouTube, Calendar, Contacts, Clock, Calculator, and Settings. Later models have been added with Mail (allows to access POP/IMAP/SMTP e-mail), Maps, Stocks, Notes, and Weather, which could also be added to the earlier models with the purchase of a software upgrade. Direct links to web sites can be added to the home screen by the user. Steve Jobs, Co-founder, CEO of Apple Inc. , demonstrating the iPod Touch Let me go ahead and show you the new iPod touch. Again, slide to unlock. Here we are lets go into music. The icons look really strange and sparse on that huge screen. Its freaking us out! Appleââ¬â¢s iPod sales have been increasing over the steady flow of years. Since October 2004, the iPod has been dominating United States digital music player sales. Apple has manage to gain over 90% of the market for hard drive-based players and over 70% of the market for all types of players. During the year, from January 2004 to January 2005, the high rate of sales of Apple iPod caused the U. S. market share to increase from 31% to 65% and in July 2005, this market share was measured at 74%. In January of 2007 the iPod market share finally reached 72. 7% according to Bloomberg Online. With such sales, it is obvious that Appleââ¬â¢s iPod has become a market leader in portable music players in the United States. If Apple iPod wants to remain as market leader, they would have to continue maintaining their pleasing customers with quick response to any troubleshooting problems, making sure that their products have no problem in a product and even after launch, making sure that the products are quickly dealt with. Appleââ¬â¢s iPods are considered a product innovative. This is because so far no one has managed to fully copy the iPods functions. What makes it such a special product? It is because of their software system. Appleââ¬â¢s software is one of the hardest software to be able to modify. Also Apple has created their own jukebox application where users are able to sync songs, photos and videos unto their iPods. This application is the only way an iPod can receive it songs. Thus by doing that, Apple has managed to not only create own portable media players but also a specialized digital media player application for their iPods only. As Apple is not the first of creator of portable media devices, they have rose up to be the first in the United States because of a visionary leader; Steven Jobs. Apple iPods are called consumer products. Consumer products are products or services that are brought by final consumers for personal consumption. Marketers usually classify these products and services further basing on how consumers go about in buying them. What makes iPods so widely acceptable? It is because of their design and style of the product. This is called Product Style and Design where the style can be eye-catching to a consumer and the design is more of a skin deep concept where this is the very heart of the product. Apple has also decided to co-branding with Nike. Co-branding is the practice of using the established brand names of two different companies on the same product. Co-branding has many advantages. When the two products combine, they create a broader consumer appeal and also greater brand equity. In conclusion of this, Apple has managed to become the market leader in portable media players through various ways. Ways such as being a product innovative, having a visionary leader like Steven Jobs and co-branding with brands such as Nike.
Wednesday, March 4, 2020
10 Career Lessons You Should Learn in Your 20s
10 Career Lessons You Should Learn in Your 20s Every hiring manager is looking for something different- a unique combination of experience and skills. But there are also a few universal skills and values you should always work to keep sharp. Everyone, no matter what place on the job hierarchy, should check in once in a while toà dig deep andà ask yourselfà if youââ¬â¢re working at the top of your personal game.Here are 10 of the top lessons working in the current landscape should teach you. Learn them now, and use them to keep your skills sharp and updated.1. Networking MattersYou may hate social media- and hate small talk even more- but social networks are proven to be a crucial factor in professional success. Put some time and effort into broadening yours. Stand by the proverbial water cooler, even if you hate it. And cultivate as wide and diverse a network as you can.2. Keep LearningThe second you decide youââ¬â¢re done learning, or know enough, is probably the second you become obsolete in your industry and in tod ayââ¬â¢s economy. Donââ¬â¢t be left behind. Be the old dog that learns new tricks, acquires new skills, reads up on all the current trends. Even if it werenââ¬â¢t important for success, your life will still be richer for it.3. Failure is ProductiveDonââ¬â¢t give up next time you fail. Think of each failure as an opportunity, or a beginning. What can you learn or improve for next time. What can you try differently? Build up the dusting-yourself-off muscle.4. Teamwork is DreamworkMost potential bosses are going to want you to demonstrate that you can be a team player. Make sure to build the ability to manage others, to delegate, and to build positive working relationships with your colleagues that help you all do your best work and achieve your loftiest goals.5. Organizationà is KeyYou wonââ¬â¢t get very far if your desk is buried under a pile of messy papers and your time management skills are nonexistent. Start working on prioritizing, systematizing, and setting you rself up to get things done in a timely and tidy fashion. Demonstrate that you can meet deadlines without sacrificing the quality of your work.6. Practice Awareness/AcumenThis is something you can beef up anytime, and might just prove invaluable. Learn what makes a company or industry tick, what works and doesnââ¬â¢t. What are the newest trends, the deepest seated problems? If you can show that you really get what a company is trying to do and achieve, then youââ¬â¢re halfway to getting hired.7. Cultivate IntegrityDonââ¬â¢t be petty or dishonest. Be fair and responsible in all of your dealings and activities. This is seen as a sign of maturity, self-confidence, and trustworthiness and thatââ¬â¢s worth a lot in the hiring process.8. Problem SolveYouââ¬â¢ll need this skill throughout your life, not just on the job. But do find a way to demonstrate to hirers that you can attack a problem, find a solution, and get it done. Prove that you can go the extra distance, every t ime.9. Be AwareDiversity is a hugely important issue in the workplace. You should be as sensitive as possible and as aware as possible of other people and other cultures- and be prepared to demonstrate this in your job search. No excuses for ignorance or intolerance.10. Be Open to Trying New ThingsMake sure you have a willingness to try things different ways, to work alone or on a team, to work remotely, work in an office, to work on multiple things at once. Adaptability is a valuable skill that will serve you both on the job and in your life.
Monday, February 17, 2020
Organisational Behaivior Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3500 words
Organisational Behaivior - Assignment Example However, all this changed after 2002, as Luxborough Chiltern increased in size and acquired more employees and projects. The lack of documentation suggests that no formal change management process was implemented and changes made were reactionary and not enacted with the participation of those undertaking tasks. The effects of the absence of a change management programme led to the gradual attrition of skilled labour for a variety of reasons. Certain policies were discontinued without prior consultation or regard to the employees it may affect. Actions such as these, had the effect of invalidating the organisational motto of "Transparency and Fairness for All" as the emphasis was placed on a certain category of employees. This pattern was followed in the reward system with bonuses which excluded a significant portion of the workforce. No consultation were held with regards to salary review, and as a result highly skilled employees have left the organisation as they believe their contribution and qualifications are not adequately recognised and rewarded. Immense pressure was being placed on meeting targets, and this pressure made it difficult for employees to be flexible and meet other commitments for fear of disappointing their respective teams. The list is endless; however the main underlying theme with the problems facing Luxborough Chiltern is that of a lack of communication between the managerial levels and the operational levels. Too many assumptions and judgements are being made which are having an adverse impact on the quantity and quality of the work produced. This lack of communication has been responsible for the resistance to change in this organisation, which has manifested as poor retention rates. If this is not addressed with urgency, Luxborough Chiltern will face a decline as it loses its value - which is its workforce. The recommendations for this situation have to start at the basic level, which is the 8 step change management model, which will form the basis for other additional programmes to rectify this situation. The onus is on the management of Luxborough Chiltern to acknowledge their contribution to this problem, and to recognise that the solutions lie in listening to and involving their workforce. Introduction Following Luxborough Chiltern's (LC) successful amalgamation of several organisations, the organisation has become one of the largest planning consultancies in the country. LC has grown from being a medium sized employer to being one that employs several hundred people. However, it as been an observation that this growth is having a negative effect on LCs retention rate, which is a cause for concern. If our retention rate continues on this downward spiral, this organisation could face serious threats to its reputation, as it would have lost its most valuable resource and the knowledge and expertise entwined within its employees. The problem with the retention rate has really been highlighted by the situation facing the Scarlett team which is now the smallest team in the organisation, and it is also the team that is experiencing a high rate of resignations. The manager for the Scarlett team is new to the organisation and has different
Monday, February 3, 2020
Development of database security Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words
Development of database security - Essay Example The database security is concerned with the unauthorized access or misuse of the authorized user which leads to the leakage of personal or potential information. A database is said to be a reliable data storage source if it does not compromise on confidentiality (data security), integrity (the correctness of data) and availability. The integrity of data is dependent on the data gathering and storing process, moreover, if the database could be accessed by unauthorized users can influence the correctness of data. Therefore, it can be stated that the database security is one of the critical factors to be achieved in developing a dependable database. There are many techniques could be utilized for developing a secured database (Kayarkar, n.d) includes the access control (implementing data access rights to the users), database monitoring (to review the actions performed on the database), authentication (identifying the accurate user) and encryption (data encoding). Moreover, the data can be made secure by the application security and database integrity controls. The Elmasri and Navathe in 2004 a methodology have been introduced for developing a database design. The database designing methodology has following three (3) main phases include the Conceptual database design, Logical database design, and Physical database design. As the objective of this document s to present a review of the database security concerns for avoiding illegal access, therefore, the document limits the discussion to the logical database design phase.
Sunday, January 26, 2020
What Are The Factors Affecting The Employee Motivation Business Essay
What Are The Factors Affecting The Employee Motivation Business Essay This chapter gives general information and theories about motivation. The need to increase productivity and efficiency in the work place of any organization has led to increasing academic interest in the area of motivation over the years. The business environment is becoming more and more competitive all the time and managers feel pressured to find new ways to motivate their employees in order to keep them committed to the company and give their full performance. Writers have been keenly interested in knowing what factors are responsible for stimulating the ability to work. Many different theories and methods of employee motivation that range from monetary incentives to increased involvement and empowerment have come out over the years and some of these theories are introduced in this thesis. Background of the study Motivation relates to a range of psychological processes that guide an individual toward a goal and cause that person to keep pursuing that goal. Motivation often is described in terms of direction (the choice of one activity over another), intensity (how hard an employee tries) and persistence (how long an employee continues with a behavior, even in the face of obstacles or adverse circumstances). Motivated employees work harder, produce higher quality and greater quantities of work, are more likely to engage in organizational citizenship behaviors, and are less likely to leave the organization in search of more fulfilling opportunities. Moreover, highly motivated employees strive to produce at the highest possible level and exert greater effort than employees who are not motivated (Schultz Bagraim, Potgieter, Viedge, and Werner ( 2003:53). Employees need a range of motivators in order to remain engaged in their work. In response to this demand, employers are looking at how to sati sfy their employees on both an extrinsic, financial level as well as an intrinsic, psychological level. There are plenty of motivational theories emphasizing what it is that motivates people, two of these theories included in this thesis, were Maslows need hierarchy and Hertzbergs two factor theory. Moreover, Maslow (1970) offered his need hierarchy according to which human beings have their needs arranged in a hierarchy such that they are motivated to seek satisfaction of the lower levels of need first. Once that level of need is satisfied it is no longer a motivator, and the person is motivated by the next level up the hierarchy. Referring to figure 1, the basic needs such as shelter, food and warmth are at the bottom level of Maslows hierarchy, which then progresses through physical well-being, social acceptance, self-esteem, to self-actualization (realizing ones own potential). http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lwnr5m6L4u1qmjqdio1_500.jpg Figure : Maslows hierarchy of needs The first four levels are: Physiological: hunger, thirst, bodily comforts, shelter; Safety and security: out of danger; Belongingness and Love: affiliate with others, be accepted; Self-esteem: to achieve, be competent, gain approval and recognition. According to Maslow (1970), an individual is ready to act upon the growth needs if and only if the deficiency needs are met. Maslows initial conceptualization included only one growth need self-actualization. Self-actualized people are characterized by: Being problem-focused; Incorporating an ongoing freshness of appreciation of life; A concern about personal growth; and The ability to have peak experiences. Maslow and Lowery (1998) later differentiated the growth need of self-actualization, specifically identifying two of the first growth needs as part of the more general level of self-actualization and one beyond the general level that focused on growth beyond that oriented towards self. These needs are: Cognitive: to know, to understand, and explore; Aesthetic: symmetry, order, and beauty; Self-actualization: to find self-fulfillment and realize ones potential; and Self-transcendence: to connect to something beyond the ego or to help others find self-fulfillment and realize their potential. Maslows basic position is that as one becomes more self-actualized and self-transcendent, one becomes more wise (develops wisdom) and automatically knows what to do in a wide variety of situations. Daniels (2001) suggested that Maslows ultimate conclusion that the highest levels of self-actualization are transcendent in their nature may be one of his most important contributions to the study of human behavior and motivation. A second well-known theory in this category is Hertzbergs two-factor theory. According to Herzberg (1959), work motivation is dependent on hygiene factors (salary, prestige) and motivators (achievement, responsibility). A person is motivated if both kinds of needs are satisfied. Herzberg (1987) declared that real motivation is only reached when a person experiences self-growth, which can only be satisfied through work enrichment. http://mathehu.files.wordpress.com/2010/04/herzberg_2.jpg?w=550h=418 Figure : Herzbergà ´s Two Factor Theory Herzbergs two-factor theory of job-satisfaction is not new, as a matter of fact; it dates back to 1959 and is the outgrowth of a research study project on job attitudes conducted by (Herzberg, Mausner Snyderman, 1969). Herzberg (1959) addresses the problem of job satisfaction in terms of those factors which cause satisfaction (motivators) and those which cause dissatisfaction (hygienes). Factors which bring about job satisfaction are commonly called satisfiers or motivators and were found from the study to be related to the nature of the work itself and the rewards that result from the performance of that work. The most significant of these involve characteristics that promote an individuals needs for self-actualization and self-realization in his work. These factors are essentially linked to job content, which means they are intrinsic to the job itself. Herzberg analyzed and classified the job content factors or satisfying experiences as follows: Satisfiers Achievement Recognition Work itself Responsibility Advancement Growth According to Herzberg (1959), these factors stand out as strong determiners of job satisfaction with three of them, a sense of performing interesting and important work (work itself), job responsibility and advancement being the most important relative to a lasting attitude charge. Achievement more so than recognition, was frequently associated with such long-range factors as responsibility and the nature of the work itself. Robbins, (2003) emphasized that employee recognition consists of personal attention, expressing interest, promotion, pay, approval and appreciation for a job well done. Recognition which produces good feelings about the job does not necessarily have to come from superiors; it may come from subordinates, peers, or customers. It is interesting to note that recognition based on achievement provides a more intense satisfaction than does recognition used solely as a human relations tool divorced from any accomplishment, the latter does not serve as a satisfier. Schult z, et al,(2003) stated that some ways to improve motivation include good remuneration, effective training and skills development, a proper recognition and reward system, and employee growth prospects. Compared with the satisfiers or motivators are the factors which cause low job attitude situations or job dissatisfaction. Such factors were found from the analysis of the study results to be associated primarily with an individuals relationship to the context or environment in which he does his work, These factors are extrinsic to the work itself and are referred to as dissatisfies or hygiene (or maintenance). Dissatisfiers Company policy and administration Supervision Working conditions Interpersonal relations (with peers, subordinates and superiors) Status Job security Salary Personal Life Details on the methods used by Herzberg and his colleagues to reduce and analyze their research data will not be discussed in this paper. The satisfiers and dissatisfiers that have been listed are referred to as first level factors. Bassett-Jones and Lloyd (2005) suggests that the content theorists led by Herzberg, assumed a more complex interaction between both internal and external factors, and explored the circumstances in which individuals respond to different internal and external stimuli. There has been an enormous increase in research into motivation. Many studies have implicated relation between motivation and other behavioral and organizational variable such as workable levers over work motivation such as comparing job satisfaction, job involvement, and organizational commitment (Moynihan Pandey, 2007). They find that managers have varying degrees of influence over these different aspects of work motivation, with greatest influence over job satisfaction and least influence over job involvement. A number of variables are important for work motivation, including public service motivation, advancement opportunities, role clarity, job routineness, and group culture. Testing an explicit and implicit measure of motivation ( Lawrence Jordan, 2009). Summarizing the result of the study they came to the conclusion that the distinction between two types of motives, is real and determined by different developmental histories, activation by different incentives, and prediction of different types of behavior. Langens, Schmalt and Sokolowski (2005) indicated that, recognizing the motive structure of a person can help us get to know which incentives cause positive emotions and influence the striving for a goal, and, on the other hand, we can predict which situations can cause fear and understand how they can be avoided. Schuler and Prochaska (2001), Zimmermann (2008) stressed that along with the cognitive abilities, general achievement motivation can be viewed as the second career relevant trait, important for both academic and career success. Schuler (2000), Frintrup, (2002) stated that abilities and skills are important prerequisites of successful work performance. But when employees lack job-related motivation, these qualities cannot be fully revealed. Then, high achievement motivation, along with intelligence, becomes relevant and plays an especially important role in situations when no external pressure exists and people have to make independent decisions. As previously mentioned there are many motivational theories, studies and findings about employee motivation, but this thesis will be limited to the use of some of these researches and or motivational theories. Research question and sub questions The research question that shall be answered by the present research is as follows: what motivates employee at their workplace? In order to answer this overarching question, several sub-questions shall be considered, namely: What are the factors affecting the employee motivation? How important are incentives for the employee? To what extend does the economy of Curaà §ao motivates or demotivates the employee? What are the personal factors that can motivate an employee to commit to their jobs? How significant are the companys standard and values to the employee? Also the differences in work motivation in different level of education, age groups and nationalities will be studied. This will be possible through analysis of information gathered from employees working at the three local airlines, using the method of a quantitative research. Local airlines count 3 airlines, namely Insel Air, Dutch Antilles Express and Divi Divi Air N.V. A brief introduction of the local airlines will follow. Insel Air is an IOSA (IATA Operational Safety Audit) certified airline, operating 16 international destinations in 11 countries within the Pan-American region. In South America InselAir operates on destinations Caracas, Valencia, Barquisimeto and Las Piedras in Venezuela, Medellin in Colombia and Suriname. Destinations within the USA include Miami, Charlotte and Puerto Rico. Other destinations in the Caribbean are Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao, Kingston, St. Maarten, St. Domingo and Haiti. Destinations Miami, Charlotte, St. Maarten Curacao and Aruba are used as hubs. Insel-Air s international destinations and hub service give it great strength in creating connectivity within the Pan-American region while focusing on safety, on-time performance and great customer service. Insel-Air offers a Comfort Class next to an Economy Class, free on-board food and beverages, first two checked bags for free and seats with a maximum of 34 inch legroom in Comfort Class. Insel-Air operates approximately 46 flights per day with a crew of 165 employees. Dutch Antilles Express has been providing cargo services since April 2005. With two Fokker 100s DAE operates out of the hub Curacao Hato International Airport to numerous locations across the Caribbean and South America. DAE Cargo has adopted the same principles as its on-time and quality passenger services. Parallel to their expanding flight network, DAE is providing effective and quality services to more and more new locations. With the support of 134 employees, DAE carries passengers and cargo to Aruba, Bonaire, St. Maarten, Sto. Domingo, Caracas, Valencia (Venezuela), Bogotà ¡, Cartagena (Colombia), Paramaribo (Suriname) and Panamà ¡ City. Divi Divi Air N.V., is a small efficient airline giving big services with a team 12 employees. Established in 2001 and based on Curaà §ao, with a ticket office in Curaà §ao as well as Bonaire. Divi Divi Air N.V., locally known as e Divi Divi (The Divi Divi) operates about 7 to 9 flights daily between the islands. They can also cater to your specific needs with charters on demand in the region. Divi Divi operates 3 twin-engine aircraft of which two are nine seat Britten-Norman Islanders. Purpose of the study The following are objectives of this research: To investigate the causes of low employee motivation at the workplace. To identify factors that could improve the level of motivation of employees at the workplace. To suggest strategies that could improve the quality of work-life of their workplace. There are many factors that motivate people intrinsically. The motivational factor of these matters is based on humanà ´s urge to fulfill certain needs. Not all of them can be applied in work motivation, but the ones that are executable for this purpose are introduced next. The inner motivation factors include; acceptance, the need for approval; curiosity, the need to learn; honor, the need to be loyal to the traditional values of ones clan/ethnic group; idealism, the need for social justice; independence, the need for individuality; order, the need for organized, stable, predictable environments; power, the need for influence of will; saving, the need to collect; social contact, the need for friends (peer relationships); status, the need for social standing/importance; tranquility, the need to be safe; and vengeance, the need to strike back/to win. Reiss (2004) said that these basic desires give people inner work motivation when they seek to fulfill some of these needs. Limitations and delimitations The limitation is being considered in relation to the natural explanation to which the researcher has limited the study and the active choices to limit the study area. This study is limited to existing theories and models, and their influence and limitation on motivation of the employee. The focus will be on independent variables that the airlines and or their employee in one or another way can influence, with exception of the external factors which one cannot control directly but monitor, delimitated in local airlines. Variables that will be used are personal needs, organizational structure and external factors. Of the individual factors, the most important factors will be chosen. For organizational factors it will be limited to study the organizational culture and the incentives, the external factors, the economy will be touched. Approximately 100 employees will be studied in different education levels, age groups and nationalities. Setup of the thesis In chapter 2, a motivation factors model is presented and explained. In this part, the definition of work motivation, factors that influences the work motivation, and different work motivation theories used in the thesis are discussed. Further, different work-related behaviors are introduced and some general information. Chapter 3, the methodology used is explained e.g. the research method, procedures, instruments and representativeness is presented. Chapter 4 and Chapter 5 à ¢Ã¢â ¬Ã ¦Ã ¢Ã¢â ¬Ã ¦Ã ¢Ã¢â ¬Ã ¦.. On the last page(s), a reference list of the journals used in this thesis is included.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)