The ocean at the end of the lane

There are several characters in the novel The Ocean at the End of the Lane. The characters in the book The Ocean at the End of the Lane are Little Hempstead and an UN-named protagonist. The UN-named protagonist is a seven years old boy and is the character that tells the story, on a first person point of view. † I was seven years old, no longer a little child, but I was wetting myself with fear, like a baby, and there was nothing I could do about it, while Ursula Monotone hung in the air above me and watched, dispassionately† (Caiman 75).The second main character is Little Hempstead; she is a twelve ears old girl and is the one who â€Å"invited† The UN-named protagonist to this magical world. For instance she is the one who brought the protagonist to the Hempstead farm and that is where he got the magic worm stuck to his feet. One can see how the principal characters of this novel are the UN-named protagonist and Little. Throughout Neil Gasman's book there has bee n a few settings revealed. Two settings that are in the novel are Sussex, England and the Hempstead Farm. One of the settings is Ileitis's farm because almost the entire volume takes place there.For instance it is where the climax occurred and where most of the symbolic events happened. The main setting is Sussex, England that is where the story takes place. â€Å"l drove along winding Sussex country roads I only half remembered† (Caiman 13). In this quote the character is forty-three years old and is going back to his homeland because the entire story is technically a flashback. To conclude one can see how the main settings are Sussex and the Hempstead Farm. Many element of figurative language have been demonstrated to the readers in this novel. Figurative examples in the story are personification and metaphor.Personification was used in the book because when Little and the protagonist were against the supernatural they gave human characteristics to the weather. â€Å"The g round hit my stomach, and the wind knocked out of me†(Caiman 125). Many metaphors where used throughout the book mostly when Little and the protagonist were fighting with Ursula. â€Å"She was the storm, she was the lighting she was the adult world with all it power and all it's secrets† (Caiman 76). Conclusively the readers can see how some element f figurative language in the book are metaphors and personification.The book has had many symbols presented to us. Symbols proven to the readers during the book were the pond and the Hempstead Farm. The Hempstead farm is one of the symbols because it represents the magical world and how this entire book revolves around it. For instance Ursula Monotone, she is the main conflict in the novel and she was originally being held in the Hempstead farm. Until the protagonist came and she was able to get inside him. Finally the main symbol is the pond, the pond is what permits tie to stay alive as she sacrificed herself for the prota gonist the pond gave her power to relive.Little says the pond is really an ocean and the protagonist understands why because at the end it is revealed that the lake is an ocean of all the knowledge in the world and represents knowledge and can do everything. â€Å"And it wasn't a pond. It was an ocean. Little Hemlock's ocean† (Caiman 17). â€Å"L knew that when was in the ocean, and knew everything. I understood it all† (Caiman 1 16). To finalize the audience can see how two significant symbols of this novel are the pond and the Hempstead Farm.

Interrelationship between at least two problems Essay

The economy of a state is very important and connected to many things in the life of each and every person. This paper will show that the economics of California affects the education and the immigrants in California. These three things are connected because both education and many things about immigration need money and money is a part of the economy. One of the things that connects the economy with education is Proposition 13 and government budgets. What connects the economy to immigration issues is their contribution to the economy and also their status as workers in the country. Proposition 13 was a move to limit property taxes by voters in 1978 and increased taxes in other places such as income and sales taxes for schools and other local and state programs. Instead, those who benefited a lot from Proposition 13 was large corporations and businesses. If this is what is happening to schools, then it will have a direct bad effect to the education system. It means that education will be more expensive for people especially in the private schools they are enrolling in. Also, the proposition makes it obvious that the government will lack sources of funds because the properties are not taxed. There are big taxes coming from properties, especially businesses, which is why they have less sources of taxes. This means that there is less revenue for the government. Less revenues means less money given to a lot of things that the government has to fund. This includes the money that the government gives to public schools and community colleges because the government lacks budget especially to make the schools better for the students. The smaller budget also creates another problem because school staff could be laid off, smaller classrooms because of more students coming in, putting schools to closure, and cutting school programs that will help many students such as sports, music, and art programs. Because of this, students will have problems becoming better and focusing on their lessons and the things that they have to learn. If it goes really bad, then it will be no different from the poorly-funded education of less prominent nations. Like other poorer nations, students will have very difficult time to pay attention to the teachers which will make their grades lower and decrease the number of graduates. This means that there will be more students who drop out and become juvenile delinquents. Also, teachers who are talented will be lost because the benefits are not good anymore and because some of them will be laid off. In terms of connecting the problems of California government economic and education system, the lower budget for schools affects the immigrants badly. In California, there are 600,000 ethnic minority colleges who rely on government funding. The budget cuts have resulted in less spending per student in important subjects especially in learning English. Because the government spends less money for them, minorities who rely on community college for their education will fall further behind. This will be bad especially because Latinos are becoming a bigger population and are easily growing to soon become the majority of the state and have the characteristic of being less educated. In the end, a less educated population will also mean that things will go bad for the economy also. Because businesses and the economy relies on a competent and able workforce, they need to have quality people working in businesses, institution and even in the government. It’s bad enough that students learn less from community colleges but it’s even worse that there are students who can’t even go to community colleges because of the lack of funding provided to the schools. The state seems to be even scarier especially because the types of jobs that California needs are skilled and need specialized training in college like in health care, education, technology and construction work. The California economy also has a direct effect on immigrants that isn’t coursed through education. We already know that immigrants contribute to the economy by paying taxes, starting a business, and being a good source of labor for companies and businesses. Because of the current good economy of California, many immigrants, both documented and undocumented, are coming in to get better paying jobs than in their home countries and helping the economy grow. The current economy of the state also helps immigrants have better lives than what they have in their third world nations. The economy also helps the immigrants raise their families either in the United States or in their home countries especially when they send money to them. If the economy of California goes down, then a lot of immigrants will lose jobs and will not be able to support their families. Many immigrants will also not have a better life. It’s very obvious that immigrants are an important aspect of the California economy. The government should take care of them and not shun them. If the immigrants are treated well by the economy, then they will help make the economy more prosperous and it will produce a cycle of improvement in the whole state. All in all, the economy of California will affect both the state of education and the state of the immigrants in a directly proportional way and vice versa. If the economy goes down, the system of education will also go down. If the economy goes down, the effect on the immigrants will be negative. If education goes down, the economy and the plight of immigrants will be worse. If the state of the immigrants become worse, it will affect the economy and the quality of education as well. This means that all of these three factors are linked together and a difference in one will affect the others.

Custom Molds, Inc Essay

Case is about family business (father and son : Tom and Mason Miller), which began producing molds and later added production of plastic parts to main business. Although production is traditionally being focused on quality and design of both molds and plastic parts (mass production/ customization accordingly), total number of order is remained the same, but client’s desires have been shifted. 1). Custom Molds Inc. has faced the following major issues: Although the number of parts orders remained virtually constant, the volume per order for parts has increased significantly during last 3 years. These, has created bottlenecks and has led to late deliveries of parts. Two different processes (fabricating molds/producing plastic parts) take place in a single facility. Above-mentioned processes serve different customer needs. Fabricating molds requires more skill-oriented stuff, more flexible and qualitative process. Competitive advantage for finished molds (fabricating molds process) is based on delivery and low cost, and moreover this process has much more higher margin that for producing plastic parts. Sales mix changing has created excess capacity in mold fabrication. Changing electronics manufactures (Custom Molds`s major clients) strategies has influenced order needs in unexpected way. Difficult to predict â€Å"when?† and â€Å"where?†. 2). The competitive priorities for each of the individual processes are the quality, cost effectiveness and customer responsiveness. The changing nature of the industry was in the tendency of manufacturers to develop strategic partnerships with suppliers. Hence, more and more demand for responsiveness was laid upon suppliers to sustain the competition. In the Custom Molds’ case, as order for multiple molds began declining, the responsiveness of the  individual processes began suffering due to the capacity constrains (bottlenecks) at different stages of operations. This naturally entailed the lost sales to customers. (All the individual processes that are carried out at Custom Molds are shown on the flow diagram in exhibit t# 1). 3). Our team suggestions are: Mold fabrication- to focus on small capacity/ specialized machines, and include more workers in supervising process. Producing of plastic parts- to focus on little number, but large capacity machines with insufficient input (workers). Testing and inspection – to move this area in the centre of facility (to make movement of goods more efficient and to make easier communications between inspecting/testing workers and managers). Office- a) to make order placement more truthful (matching ability of order fulfillment with time promised); b) to identify customers` needs more precisely; c) compare changes and it’s influence on company’s finance (taking into consideration return on income); d) due to the market demand company should make strategic decision and conclude if it is better to concentrate on molds or plastic parts (this is the most appropriate alternative).

Reflective reports Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3500 words

Reflective reports - Essay Example Since that time, I learnt to improve my communication skills through several means. In most of the cases however, my learning in communication happened on the job. This means that different work situations presented different ways in which I had to approach communication. For example there was one time when a 46-year-old female was transported in her bed to the Minor Injury Unit at Western General Hospital in Edinburgh, as the physician requested a lumbar spine X-ray for her after she fell down the stairs. The radiographer and I had difficulty communicating with the patient because she has aphasia, which is defined as a loss of language function and which is a result of injury to the language centres in the brain (Ehrlich and Coakes 2013). Before I started positioning the patient for the lumbar spine X-ray procedure, I asked the nurse who accompanied her about the way that she communicated with the patient. The nurse revealed that the patient was able to read and write and so she wrote what she wanted to say to the patient on a piece of paper and gave it to her so she could read it. Based on this, I brought a piece of paper with me and wrote down what would happen during the procedure as well as some instructions for the patient. I then gave her the piece of paper so she could read what I wrote. The patient read what I gave her and she wrote that she understood what I was trying to tell her and she felt more comfortable after having received this written explanation. As a result of this communication, we successfully carried out the examination. Alder and Carlton (2010) and Watkins (2001) note that good communication and compassionate care also have a great impact on the practitioner. In radiography, good communication with the patient helps him/her understand what the radiographer is expecting from him/her during the procedure, which will

Business Ethics Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 6

Business Ethics - Essay Example One of the ethical issues that emerge occasionally in a business environment is treatment of lost and found properties. This essay seeks to evaluate a case study in which a student finds a lost iPod and is faced with the decision of whether to keep it or not. The essence of this essay is to identify the contentious issues that must be observed while settling a personal dispute. The issue of keeping a lost and found property has garnered a lot of ethical analysis with the controversy arising of whether such a person should be equated with a thief. However, business ethics are grounded on the ability of a person to assess whether an action is good or bad depending on the results of the action. Any action that has a negative effect to another person or to the business is considered wrong and punishable. In such a scenario, the student who found the iPod, their friend and the judicial member all have must use critical decision making approach to arrive to the right course of action. The student who found the iPod has a choice to either keep the gadget it to the legal body of the school. Their friends have a role to advise the student on the ethical course of action to take when they are consulted. The best strategy to make a worthwhile decision is to weigh the effects results of keeping the gadget. In corporate ethics, the best course of action is one that does not hurt any individual in the organizational environment (Hartman, 2008). Handling of lost property in an organization is an ethical issue that can attract a legal action or even punishment. In an organization, if a person finds a lost item, they have a role to find the owner or submit the property to the legal committee of the institution. According to organizational ethics, taking a lost property is a legal issue that is equivalent to stealing. The legal issues that arise from an act of stealing include loss of business trust, lack of transparency and criminal guilt (Hartman, 2008). On religious grounds, if one finds lost property, it is ethical to put an effort to establish the rightful owner, rather than keeping it. In this view, if the student keeps the property, they defy the moral responsibility that is expected in an organization and hence can be accused of stealing. If the student opts to keep the found items and is eventually reported for theft, the student representative in the judicial board members has a role to provide a ruling on the case. To do this, the judicial member would require getting the material facts associated with the dispute. For instance, the cost value of the object, in order to determine whether the gadget was valueless when found. Any valueless object voluntarily abandoned is regarded as trash and if a person who finds it is not guilty of theft (Hartman, 2008). If the item is found to have a value and it is proven that it was abandoned involuntarily, then the student is guilty of stealing for not submitting the iPod to the judicial body. In this scenar io, the student can only defend themselves if there is evidence that he or she submitted the lost item to the legal body and efforts to establish the owner were futile. Other stakeholders in this case would include the friend of student who kept the device as well as the rightful owner The student representative in the legal affairs has several decisions to take in settling the dispute in this case. The first option would be to return

Symbolism often compliments the plot and crimes that may occur. By Essay

Symbolism often compliments the plot and crimes that may occur. By analyzing the use of symbolism in Reservoir Dogs ( the screenplay) what do we learn about crime - Essay Example h symbolic meaning which directly catalyzes more significant comprehension of the content and implications of the complete work as a portrayal of humanity and criminality. The use of uniforms, the application and use of color-coded nicknames by core characters, and the tortuous removal of Marvin Nash’s ear are examples of Tarantino’s use of symbolism to enhance the dimensionality of the work as they reveal key insights into the story dynamic. The most immediate introduction of symbolism within â€Å"Reservoir Dogs† occurs in the introductory scene in which the characters are described as wearing black suits as they sit around the cafà © table. Though subtle, this uniformity of dress is a factor which prevails throughout the vast majority of the later screenplay. This neo-noir style attire, which hearkens back to accepted aspects of the classic cinematic criminal archetype, is applied to the core characters and impacts the overall story significantly. The uniform used by these thieves reveals the tentative cohesiveness of the group and draws a distinction between them and the police in subsequent scenes, effectively setting both groups apart from general society, or as Mr. Pink remarks, â€Å"real people† (Tarantino, p.13). However, this is not the only area in which the symbolic value of the criminal uniform impacts the overall screenplay. A lack of uniform description in scenes which introduce and explain the involvement of individual characters signifies their previous separation and tentative civilian status. Additionally, this definitive division between the thieves and the police intensifies the sense of betrayal which arises from the revelation of Mr. Orange/ Freddy Newendyke’s duplicitous role within the group beginning in scene 25 (Tarantino, p.56). Tarantino continues his incorporation of symbolism in the use of color coded nicknames by core characters in the context of the screenplay which succeeds in achieving several key effects on the story and

The Style of Writing in Consider the Lobster Essay - 5

The Style of Writing in Consider the Lobster - Essay Example This style was rather surprising for most of Wallace’s readers considering they anticipated a showy but also funny style of writing (Wallace 212). Each essay presents the features that follow from the author’s stance on the topic. For instance, some of the qualities of an informal and wide style of writing are transparency and ease. In Wallace’s essays, transparency and ease originate from a language that corresponds to views about the purpose of his core argument (Wallace 51). The Lobster in Wallace’s first essay serves as an exciting shortcut to his mind for his audience. The writer is complacent with the maltreatment of grammar rules and is glad to dedicate over 3,000 words to Kafka’s wit, which is evident through his mildly profane language. At some points, Wallace seems uncertain of the truth and even nervous about it, which Thomas and Turner consider crucial for writing. The essays clearly show inspired by an imposed duty obliged to attempt to convince an audience of an argument that Wallace is not very knowledgeable about or experienced in to comprehend (Thomas and Turner  Ã‚  27).

Neurology Clerkship Instructional eBook - Masters Thesis Project -

Neurology Clerkship Instructional eBook - Masters Project - Literature Review - iPad Simulations - Thesis Example lation, procedure illustration and provision of instantaneous access to different libraries, which provide vital information for clinical illustration. For example, if one can search for the words –clinical, surgery and medicine- on iTunes App Store, it brings more than 500 related apps. This happens in other searches for instance Google Play. This shows that there are many apps that can be used for clinical instruction because they are abundant and provide lots of information for use. However, one problem associated with them is that because of hundreds of results, the search process could be time consuming and a confusing process where a user may find it difficult to get the specific resource that he or she is looking for (Marshall & Flanagan, 2010). Most physicians who are currently in clinical practice were never trained using iPads using apps and widgets. However, they are finding it to be a revolutionary aspect because these resources facilitate pre-operative, intraoperative and postoperative care (Franko & Tirrell 2013). Using apps such as drawMD in explaining surgical operation processes to patients has helped physicians to ease the process because they no longer need to carry the cumbersome pieces of stock drawings of anatomy when explaining those procedures to patients. In this regard therefore, it is clear that apps and widgets can be used to provide clinical instruction to students. The use of apps and widgets in clinical practice has shown that it is possible to use them in clinical instruction. Today many hospitals encourage their physicians to use apps and widgets to aid their clinical practice because they save time, help physicians to handle complex tasks easily and also to include their patients in the care process. For instance, apps such as MIM approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has enabled viewing of many imaging modes such as X ray, computed tomography, ultrasound and magnetic resonance among others when users cannot

Was Ronald Reagan a Good President Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Was Ronald Reagan a Good President - Assignment Example Believing this view is subject to failure to realize the key achievement of the former president. 2. Crime: His address at the International Chiefs of Police did not go well with most people as he claimed that crime was a personal choice as opposed to the view that it was a means to survival for some people. His attitude failed in the realization of the real effect of crime in the society leading to wastage of funds in the fight against crime and drug abuse. 3. Defense: During his tenure at the oval office, Reagan increased the budgetary allocation on defense for a period of six consecutive years. This led to a lot of expenditure on defense leading to wastage of public funds and construction of unnecessary demands. The security challenges that were facing the United States at that time were very real and disastrous if they were to manifest. Massive expenditure in the military was thus the best idea in a bid to ensure the nation.

Cross Cultural Communications and Leadership Management Case Study

Cross Cultural Communications and Leadership Management - Case Study Example This explains the attitude of Hernandez when he tells Van West to take it slow, and that he is in control of the situation; he would be able to solve all the raised grievances. Managers in the Mexican settings use less participative style of management (Morris & Pavett, 1995). Judged from the actions of Hernandez; being out of the workplace as required. Stanford (1992) further argues that though American managers use participative management, Mexican managers are treated as figures of authorities, and Hernandez as a manager does not expect any control from Van west. To deal with Hernandez, Van West has to consider these Mexican settings. However, Hernandez might have used the friendly link between them to act in this particular way. The first thing for Van West to do would be to call Hernandez, and outline his expectations, though he had earlier informed him concerning his management styles. This would help West in reminding Hernandez of his roles, and the expectations in the product ion Department. When this does not work, Van West has to involve his authority as being the overall manager of the subsidiary, and replace Hernandez with a more competent manager. However, he must hold elaborate discussions with other departmental managers to support these strategic actions in streamlining the failing production department. Hofstede (1994), in his cross cultural theory and work related values critically examined how bosses behave, and interact with employees in an organization. Mexicans, according to this study have high scores in Power- Distance, Collectivism and Masculinity, and Uncertainty – Avoidance. Employees from a high power –Distance cultural background have a tendency to maintain professional distance away from their bosses. Bosses are therefore the ultimate decision makers, setting goals in an organization according to the Mexican culture (Hofstede, 1994). Bosses and managers in Mexico retain their local managerial cultural style in being au thoritative, and are viewed as father figures; meaning they are observed with due respect (Shimoni & Begmann, 2006). The ability to have authority in making decisions individually, and being less involved, or being less participatory in the daily factory operations makes these managers to be in less conflict with people on the factory floor. This guarantees these managers both power and authority, with the ability to act on personal decisions without consulting. The management- employee relation in the Mexican culture is a rather fascinating relation, which brings out important family values in Mexican management styles, and working environment. Hofstede (1994) explains the collectivism nature of Mexican culture, which translates to a strong sense of team working, and the need for social harmony. There is need for team based work, and harmonized groups as compared to individualistic competitions. Trompenaars (1994) further elaborates that Mexicans in being high on achievement dimens ion do not have preference in following any universal pattern rules. As managers are less participative, the relationship between employees and managers in Mexico is a vertical one, where managers are viewed as ‘fathers’ to make decisions for their subordinates, who do not participate in the decision making process. De Forest (1994), in his study in management culture in

It is in description Essay Example for Free

It is in description Essay 1.The Salon was extremely important for artists wanting to establish their reputations. How do artists address that same challenge today? For all its pomp and popularity, the manner in which The Salon aids in establishing artists mainly through the same way that people seek to establish themselves in today’s modern times; finding a means to showcase one’s works to as many people as possible. This was answered by The Salon by providing a grounds that had no parallel in popularity, hence reaching multitudes of audiences at any given year. Nowadays, with the absence of such tightly-knit cultural circles such as those in the visual art field, modern technology allows for artists to reach out and display their works for al to see, in an even more convenient way – through the internet. There are websites that host image displays, allowing artists to create a portfolio that is easily accessible and available at any time at their whims. Given time and popularity, one may even venture out into creating one’s own website for the purpose of galleries and whatnot. 2. How did art reflect the periods preoccupation with science? At the time, architecture was already undergoing a transformation due to the influence of neoclassicism. However the biggest reflection of science in art during this period was the introduction of the Industrial Revolution which took place from the 18th century to the 19th century. This reflected in art pieces and such, showing the change taking place not only in art but in the development of mankind in a way where artists are somehow likened to historians, keeping tabs on the development of man 3. How did revolution influence art in the eighteenth century? What revolutions are influencing art today? Art in the 18th century were influenced deeply by the French Revolution as political and structural change we being implemented left and right. These changes found their way into art as well, for the change in society is often reflected in art through means descriptive of change as well. Not only was it the French Revolution that affected art in this way, but the Industrial Revolution as well. Nowadays, art is being greatly influenced by the digital revolution, wherein visual art is created through computers. 4. Neoclassicism was popular in Europe and the United States. (Just take a look at the government buildings in Washington, D. C.) Why was the style so appealing? What did the builders expect the style to express? Why do we think it represents us? Neoclassicism became very popular in the United States as well as in Europe for the fact that it allows one culture to honor their traditions in architecture, paying proper homage to that which had been developed by their forefathers, meanwhile allowing a bit of leeway enough to alter these traditions in manners unoffensive to the past. May of those who sought to incorporate this style in building were able to do so, honoring traditional values and developing current ones. It is deemed to represent us so aptly as it is important for one people to respect and honor and especially remember their heritage. 1. Technology radically changed 19th century architecture. What are some of the changes that modern technology has brought to architecture? How do those changes make our lives easier? How do those changes make our lives easier? How do they sometimes complicate our lives? With the introduction of innovation, most often the perception of man that has endured for so long – often as long as it took since the last revolutionary technology – takes a drastic overhaul; a major if not total restructuring or reinventing of tried and tested theories as well as practices. The art field is no different. With the introduction of modern techniques, from brushes to pens to digital media, art has undergone many transitions from one media to another, and from one technology to the next. Architecture, for example, has made developmental leaps and bounds through time as proved by the wildly varied architectural styles from different periods. Even as we enter the modern age, architecture continually develops to suit the needs of the current societal trends as well as tastes. Modern technology made it possible for new concepts in architecture to arise such as use of materials that treat the air around it, and conveniences such as with durable materials that remain lightweight yet sturdy. Advancements in modern technology have made it convenient to set into stone concepts that would not have been possible before. However, some of these concepts that up until recently had not been possible also allowed the creation of other architectural experiments that serve no true purpose than to prove its possibility, at the cost of practicality. 2. Why were historical styles popular in the 19th century? What did artists and architects hope to achieve by executing those styles in new materials? From the year 1800 until the end of the century in the coming of the year 1900, many architectural styles had grown in fame as well as practitioners, 19th century Victorian architecture in the land of Glasgow, Scotland, for example, is one of the more popular historical architectural styles of the century. It had reached its climax in popularity during 1817 – 1875 and was used to denote a grand sophistication about the structures at the time. It symbolized the boldness as well as the audacity and wealthiness of the people of Glasgow and even now, with the incorporation of the styles, it showcases the grandeur and bravura and pride within one’s self. 3. Baudelaire urged artists to paint the heroism of modern life. How do painters and sculptors address that challenge today? Why do artists still think its important to do? Charles Baudelaire’s concept of â€Å"The Heroism of Modern Life† was one he so boldly ventured forth in doing as presented in Salon of 1846. Nevertheless, there are still quite many artists who see it fit to tackle such sensitive matters in the way Charles Baudelaire did: blatantly painting a picture of despair and misery, all the time extending the factors of hope and mystery. This is deemed important by many artists of today especially in the trying, troubling times that beplague humanity today to show that no matter what adversity we may face, there will always be hope. 4. When photography was first invented, artists claimed it wasnt art because it was a mechanical process. What inventions are available to create visual images that people do not consider to be art? Why do artists still use them? The classification of photography by most visual art purists as a field unfitting of the term art stem from their perception of visual art as something that has to be rendered solely by the hands of the artist. As such they tend to discriminate against photography, wherein the images captured themselves may have long been around to have not been rendered or created by the photographer. However, the fact that photographers are   able to create visually appealing photographs are often the results of their development of various artistic talents; mastery of composition, knowledge of depths, and a keen eye for that which although seemingly mundane may be captured on film in such a way that exudes aesthetically pleasing qualities, hence should be considered art. In the same sense, these artistic purists also look down upon those who are able to create art through means that may be easily reproduced. Art trades such as the use of typography, mosaics, stencils, and the like are easily dismissed as not art or at least a lower form of it. What is often overlooked with these said fields – including photography – is that the conceptualization alone of these images is already an art in itself, let alone the execution and process of putting these said ideas into visual imagery. Thus artists continue to use these as they do not necessarily hamper ones artistry, but rather opens new opportunities to expand the possibilities of visual creation.

Banks and Credit System of Exchange Essay Example for Free

Banks and Credit System of Exchange Essay Definition of Banks—Banks are financial institutions that help people to save and borrow money.In a growing economy, the banks help to create a new pool of money to be ised for other economic activities.They complement the money or cash system of exchange with the system of credit. History of Banking in the Philippines During the pre-colonial period, Filipinos also saved and borrowed money, but usually this was done by families, relatives of tribal leaders.The oldest written relic of our precolonial past is the famous Laguna Copperplate inscriptin (LCI), which contains a record of a debt payment in 900A. D.It proves that we have a longt tradition of honoring our debts in our culture. Modern banking, as we know it, really began with the coming of the Europeans. The first credit organizations were the Obras Pias(pious work), created by the Spanish colonial government starting in the 16th century. It is interesting to know that the early Catholics in the Philippines were taught how to tithe(give 10 percent of income to the church).Thus, thye early church in the Philippines was able to collect a fund od money, and its growth and good works increased tremendously. The first general bank in Southeast Asia was the Banco Espaà ±ol-Filipino (now known as Bank of the Philippine Islands), which opened in 1851.It was given authority to issue bank notes.Soon, other banks were opened.The Catholic Church anf their trustees owned and operated most banks during the Spanish colonial period. During the American period, more banks began operations. In 1906, the government established postal savings banks all over the country to bring banking closer to the people.This Promoted the habit of thrift and savings among low-income groups. Now Americans, Chinese and Filipinos also entered the picture. In 1916 the philippine National Bank was organized. Other banks which followed were the China Banking Corporation and the Philippine Bank of Commerce.Before World War II there were 17 banks in the country. The PNB and Postal banks were owned by the Catholic Church and religious organizations, and two by Filipinos and others. The Japanese m,ilitary occupation in 1941-45 briefly restructed Philippine banking. Only Japanese and their Filipino sympathizers were allowed to operate banks. In 1946, after independence, the otigins of our modern banking system were established. Prewar banks were re-opened and resumed operations. The Central Banking Act was passed in 1948. Today, there are thousands of banks all over the country, and some Filipino banks have opened branches abroad. Tyhe Volume of banking services has also increased, as more and more services are being offered. Among these services are car loans, time deposits, automatic tellers, dreive-in windows, night depository, safe deposit boxes, payroll handling, automatic debits, and many more. KINDS OF BANKS There are different kinds of banks as follows: 1. Rural banks-These are located mostly in the countryside. The government encourages the establishment of these small banks in order to bring asavings and banking closer to people in the provinces. For example, a group may set up a rural bank with P20 million capital outside of metro Manila or cities; but p50 million is needed for a bank in the city. The main reason for rural banks is to help farmers with agricultural loans. In 1994, the Pagsanjan Rural Bank founded by Victor Zaide cabreza and Soledad Benitez Cabreza, won the award fo â€Å"Outstanding Rural Bank in he Philippines† 2. Savings and loan association—These small banks gather savings and invest them in long term securities, such as housing loans. A good example is the Monte de Piedad Bank. 3.Special government banks—The Philippine government established several bnks to handle specific duties involving its financial projects.For example, after the war, the Rehabilitation and Finance Corporation (RFC) was created to receive postwar reconstuction funds ang give financial aid to the war-damaged economy. The RFG eventually beame the Development bank of the Philippines (DBP). The Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) helps the government implement the land reform program. The Philippine Amanah Bank was organized in 1970s to cater for the growing economic needs of Muslim Filpinos. The government may also operate postal banks within selected post iffides around the country. Many small savers and children like to use postal banks because it is closer and more familiar to them. 4.Commercial banks—These make up the biggest banking group, and comprises nearly 50% of the total banking resources in the country. The main function of this type is to supply the circulating capital for the economy in the form of short-term loans.Example are the Philippine National Bank, Metrobank, BPI, FarEast Bank and Trust Company and others. 6.Universal Bank- Also known as a ful-service bank, a universal bank provides more servies than a commercial bank. Banks which have reached a capitalixation of P50 million or more can apply for a universal banking liscence. A universal bank can make more investments and lending.It can act as an investment house, a savings bank etc. It can invest directlyin private companies. Several banks are iniversal banks, starting with the Philipine National Bank, republic Planters Bank, United Cocunot Planters Bank, Allied Bank, PCIB, BPI, Far East Bank and Trust Company, and Metrobank. 6. international banks—As the name says international banks have operations in more than one country. Some Filipino bamks have branches in other countries, e.e. PNB, FEBTC, etc. Similarly, some foreign banks have branches in the Philippines, e.g. Hongkong ang Shanghai Chartered Bank, Citibank, Australia New Zealand, etc. Apart from the private banks, thee are government-owned banks, such as the International Bank for Reconstrucyion and Development (IBRD or World Bank) ased in Washington, D.C.; the Asian Development Bank (ABD) based in Metro Manila; the Bank of International Settkements (BIS) based in Basle, Switzerland. The Uses or Function of Banks The services of banks are: 1.To accept aand guard deposits of money.People go to a bank because they trust that their money will not be stolen inside.ThePhilippine Deposit Insurace Corporation (PDIC) encures each depositor’s money up to a limit. In case the bank closes doen or is robbed, the depositor will still get their money bacl up to a fixed limit. In turn, the bank keeps a written list of the deposit in a savings book, a monthly statement or a certificate . For the right to use the money, the banks pay interest. 2. to lend money. Banks led money to qualified clients. in this way, the bank earns interest and profits. loans are ofdifferent kinds: are short-term. Loans may also be typedaccording to purpose( car loan, housing loan, business loan etc.) This may be a property title, which the bank can get in case the loan is not paid. Next, bigl loans must have a co- signer or one who will guarantee to pay the loan if the borrower defaults 9faiks to pay). 3.To remit and collect money. Banks als transfer or collect money for clients. for example, overseas contract workers can send their remittances to family through a bank to be picked up in Manila by the relative. A businesman can pay for a supply ordered from abroad through a local bank which send the payment to the foreign supplier. Usually, a bank has a correspondent bank abroad in case it does not have branches ther. Banks accept checks, bank dreafts or telegraphic transfers from other banks, according to certain conditions. 4..To perform legal roles like supervising a business, managing a private

Definition Of Purchasing And Procurement

Definition Of Purchasing And Procurement Purchasing is defined as to buy materials of the right quality, in the right quantity form the right source delivered to the right place at the right time at the right price. Procurement is the process of obtaining good or service in any way, including borrowing, leasing and even force or pillage (Lysons et al, 2006). According to John, Chandra, Tim (2008) defined that, procurement includes sourcing and purchasing and coves all of the activities involved in the product/ service sourcing, purchasing and delivery from supplier to the customer. It is a very important activity in manufacturing supply chain as purchased parts and materials account for over 60% of the cost of finished goods (John, Chandra, Tim 2008). For retail companies within the supply chain this percentage can be as high as 90% (John, Chandra, Tim 2008). Gerald, Sam (2007) state that purchase there exists a general tendency of pushing added value towards outsourcing. Although in the majority of companies this tendency causes the share of material costs and external services to increase, purchasing departments are still largely operations as traditional mid-size order department and not as modern procurement management units (Gerald, Sam, 2007). Therefore the potential of optimizing the purchasing system and hence improving the profit margins is often neglected (Gerald, Sam, 2007). Now many companies are precisely in procurement via in the internet that there is still quite deal of potential (Gerald, Sam, 2007). Therefore, as a purchasing or procurement manager should understand than in order to be able to judge the efficiency of industry flow of materials, it is necessary to describe whether the manufacture made-to -order or make-to-stock (Gerald, Sam, 2007). Afterwards manager should plan on industry material requirements. In order to have minimum stocks on hand at maximum disposition, a material requirements planning has to be carried out (Gerald, Sam, 2007). Reason for choice of topic Academic Objectives of the Project This aim of this research is going to discuss, the reason of choosing this title is to determine the career match in module on logistics and supply chain management. For this purpose, this study of purchasing can be approached from several perspectives, such as the process, functions, relationship and link in the supply chain process. 2.0 (c) Purchasing and Sourcing Knowledge Management 2.1 Organizing for Supply Research Purchasing market research has been increasing in recent years many large companies, like IBM, Honda of America, Lucent Technologies and Philips Electronics have introduced corporate commodity teams which are responsible for the worldwide sourcing of strategic parts and materials (Arjan 2005). Supply research is the systematic collection, classification, and analysis of data as the basis for better supplier decisions, so that will influence the procurement of goods and services for the purpose of meeting present and future company requirements in such a way that they contribute to an optimal return .Figure 1 shows that of the data (information) that might be required for effective buying decisions. Ingredients of Effective Buying The studies conducted in supply research include projects under the major research headings of: (1) purchased materials, products, or services (value analysis), (2) commodities, (3) suppliers, and (4) supply processes. Supply research, if approached in an organized manner, also has the potential for generating major improvements in supply decision making. A firm could conduct supply research in one of three ways: (1) full-time research positions, (2) inclusion of research as a part-time responsibility of supply personnel, or (3) cross-functional teams to bring an expanded knowledge base to the research process (Leenders et al, 2006). According to Purchasings [Purchasing Magazine (www.purchasing.com) recent Internet-usage survey researching potential suppliers is the number-one reason buyer log on to the Internet. Chris Golec, vice president of marketing at Supply Base, noticed a similar trend. Manufacturing was looking for reliable third-party information to differentiate supplier based on performance, risk and other business factors, says Golec. According to Arjan (2009) state that, once the buyers has identified a prospective supplier, detailed DB reports, including the supplier evaluation report (SER) and the supplier performance review (SPR). Therefore SER measures the financial stability of a supplier and quantifies the risk of doing business with them (Arjan, 2009). The SPR determine how well a supplier performs in key areas, like quality, tech support and delivery, relative to the industry average (Arjan, 2009). 3.0 (d) World Wide Sourcing 3.1 World Wide Sourcing Defined According to Martin (2007) note that, world-wide purchasing of supplier is response to the globalization process that has had tremendous impact on international business. In order to understand the concept of low-cost country sourcing, the aim of this section is to examine development in purchasing and supply chain management in an international business environment (Martin, 2007). Leontiades (1985) notes that, one of the most important phenomena of the 20th century has been the international expansion of industry. Today, virtually all major firms have a significant and growing presence in business outside their country of origin. According to Leenders et al (2006), in attempting to seize opportunities in the global marketplace, companies are deploying their organizations on global scale. The reasons for sourcing abroad are many and vary with the specific requirement (Leenders et al, 2006). However, the underlying, summary reason for using an international supplier that better value is perceived to be available from that source than from a domestic supplier (Leenders et al, 2006). The first stage, domestic purchasing only, as the name implies, the company on purchases from domestic supplier (Robert J. Trent Robert M. Monczka, 2002). Although the company might have international operation, such as, marketing or sales, the purchasing activities do not encompass country borders (Martin, 2007). The reasons to pure domestic sourcing to pure domestic sourcing are many, but could include lack of scale economics, lack of need resources or lack of competencies need to internationalize purchasing activities (Martin, 2007). Reasons for internationalizing purchasing is a primarily to lowest cost, but could also be due to a lack of domestic suppliers (Trent Monczka, 2003). Marci- economic such as tax rates, increased price levels in the home country market and exchange rates all are play a role. The second stage, international purchasing as needed, is usually reactive rather a proactive initiative in order to cope with market forces (Robert J. Trent Robert M. Monczka, 2002). Therefore this mean that international purchasing is only done sporadically, without any long-team objective. Thus, international purchasing as such is not yet institutionalized (Martin 2007). The third step, international purchasing as part of sourcing strategy, the company is starting to realize the advantages of international purchasing, and is thus recognizing the need for more long-team strategies (Robert J. Trent Robert M. Monczka, 2002). In the four steps, integration and coordination of global sourcing strategies , implies that the company is starting to integrate and coordinate global procurement needs the company worldwide (Robert J. Trent Robert M. Monczka, 2002). In order hand to realize this, the company needs to have implemented enterprise-wide IT systems such as ERPs, and have hired qualified staff with a global mindset, and an organization that enables central coordination (Trent Monczka, 2003). 3.2 Benefits of International Sourcing The benefits of international sourcing are clearly shown on Table 2.0. Benefits of International Sourcing 4.0 Supplier Management and Development According to Kenneth and Brian (2006) note that, supplier development has been to defined as, any activities that a buyer undertakes to improve a suppliers performance or /and capabilities to meet the buyers short or long-team supply needs. This applies not within organizations but between organization as in the purchaser-supplier business relationship and the especially in the area of supplier development (Krause and Ellram, 1997). Effective communication is a critical aspect of successful purchaser-suppler relationship (Carter and Miller, 1989) however Krause and Ellram (1997) also suggest that the performance of supplier can be significantly raised by the buying firm communicating their expectations to supplier in an effective manner. However, achieving transparency can be challenging, especially in a product development context a customer-supplier relationship (Bob, Myfanwy, Roger, 1998). The supplier relationship management from a supply perspective is to bring both sides into an effective working relationship (Leenders et al, 2006) . This will require substantial coordination work inside the purchasers organization to ensure that the people most vitally concerned with a particular suppliers performance are fully involved in the planning and execution of a program leading to the desired long-term relationship (Leenders et al, 2006). Next, supplier development also been defined as any business activity that a buyer undertakes to improve a suppliers performance and/or capabilities to meet the buyers short or long term supply needs (Lysons et al, 2006).There are nine steps in a supplier development programme (refer to Appendix 2). The actual process may differ according to the organization and whether the development is primarily results or process orientated (Lysons et al, 2006). The development function has a Supplier Development Department who are responsible for ensuring that each suppliers co-development performance is assessed accurately, reliably and consistently (Bob, Myfanwy, Roger, 1998). The department uses a performance measurement system as means of ensuring that the relevant data is collected, analysed and recorded and later presented to the supplier (Bob, Myfanwy, Roger, 1998). This is a highly structured attempt to provide clear information to suppliers, and unusual in being applied in development (Bob, Myfanwy, Roger, 1998). 5.0 (b) Supplier Evaluation and Selection 5.1 Evaluating Supplier Performance and the Supplier Selection Decision Perhaps the most powerful risk prevention approach is the development of a rigorous supplier evaluation and selection decision (Robert et al, 2009). Select a set of world class supplier and watch how much the easier life become (Robert et al, 2009). Select a set of poor performers and be prepared to dust off the risk contingency plans (Robert et al, 2009). Nest, the key performance indicators (KPIs) is use to evaluation of supplier performance have been quality, delivery and price. While these are still basic to supplier evaluation, such as e-procurement, JIT (Just-in-Time) and lean manufacturing, integrated supply chains have made the evaluation of supplier relationships and important consideration. The number of KPIs that may be used is almost limitless. The ten supplier evaluation factors are shown in Appendix 3 (Lysons et al, 2006). This decision to place a certain volume of business with a supplier should always on a reasonable set of criteria (Leenders et al, 2006). Besides that, Some of the more important supplier attributes related to those prime criteria mentioned above may include past history, organization and management, technical strength and, financial status, communications, reputation, labour relations, systems, procedural compliance, and location (Leenders et al, 2006).. Obviously, the nature and amount of the purchase will influence the weighting attached to each objective and hence the evidence needed to support the decision (Leenders et al, 2006). 5.2 Buyer-Supplier Relationship Narasimhan and Das (2001) explored that the relationship between purchasing integration and supplier management practices (buyer-supplier relationship development, supply base leveraging, and supplier performance evaluation). Form the comparison of alternative statistical models, they concluded that purchasing integration has a moderator effect on the impact of supplier management practices on manufacturing performance (Michael, 2008). This study suggested that only a combination of externally and internally focused on purchasing initiatives may be able to elevate purchasing into a strategic function. ( Narasimhan and Das 2001, P.607). Purchasing integration, summarizing practices such as purchasing strategy alignment with corporate strategy, involvement in the new product design and process improvement, and focus on corporate value creation, seems to be a prerequisite to capture the value from strategic supplier management and cooperative supplier relationship (Michael, 2008). According to Ian (2005), the relationship between buyer and the supplier changes with the type of contract or commercial arrangement. Assuming the supplier able to deliver the same activities as the buyer but at a lowest cost, the difference in costs translates to a profit margin for the supplier (Ian, 2005). In the outsourcing model the discussed in previous sections, the suppler is no longer required to follow the processes previously owned by the buyer (Ian, 2005). Therefore, the suppler is now free to make modifications to the original process, motivated by profitability. In the governance of the outsourcing, both the supplier and buyer work in an agency environment (Ian, 2005). So the potential contract relationship model addresses the organizational needs of control and flexible (Ian, 2005). Here, the commercial arrangements including joint ventures, multiple supplier, individual and joint-venture spin-offs, consortia and shared service structures re-emphasize the importance of the quality of supplier-buyer relationship (Ian, 2005). 6.0 (a) Supplier Quality Management 6.1 Quality System and Quality Dimensions Robert et al (2008) note that, supplier quality represents the ability to meet or exceed current and future customer (i.e. buyer and eventually end to customer) expectations or requirements within critical performance areas on a consistent basis. There are three parts to this definition: Ability to meet or exceed is means that suppliers satisfy or exceed buyer expectations or requirement each and every time (Robert et al 2008). Inconsistent supplier performance, whether in physical product quality or on-time delivery, is not a characteristic of the quality supplier (Robert et al 2008). Current and future customer expectations or a requirement is meaning that, suppliers must meet or exceed todays demanding requirements while also possessing the ability to anticipate and satisfy future customer requirements (Robert et al 2008). A supplier than can satisfy todays requirement but cannot keep pace with future requirement is not a quality supplier (Robert et al 2008). Within critical performance areas on a consistent basis. Supplier quality does not apply to the physical of a product (Robert et al 2008). Quality suppler satisfy a buyers expectation or requirement in many areas, including product or service conformance, current technology and features, product or service delivery, and total cost management (Robert et al 2008). The multiplicity of customer-designed supplier quality improvement models can confuse many suppliers (Gopal, 1995). A strategic of quality improvement model has to be consistence with the product and process technology (Gopal, 1995). However, as a supplier, who is most knowledgeable about the technology, is in a better position to design the quality improvement model (Gopal, 1995). Therefore most of the customer, have a supplier quality improvement model of their own. The suppliers valuable resource may end up being spent in continuously rearguing and rewriting their procedures to satisfy may never find time to focus on creating a strategic quality improvement model consistent with product or process technology (Gopal, 1995). A quality system typically applies to, and interacts with, all activities pertinent to the quality of a service or product (Lysons et al, 2006). Figure 4 is showing involves all phases, from the initial identification to final satisfaction of requirements and customer expectations. The advantages of a properly documented quality management system such as that required by BS EN 9001:2000, are that it: Ensures all aspects of quality are controlled. Provides objective evidence for determining and correcting the causes of poor quality. Increases customer confidence. Indicates best practice. Ensures consistent, efficient work practices. Gives competitive advantage (Lysons et al, 2006). Quality Loop Supplier quality is a complex term, according to Professor David Garvin of the Harvard Business School, defined that least eight dimensions: Performance. The primary function of the product or service. Features. The bells and whistles. Reliability. The probability of failure within a specified time period. Durability. The life expectancy. Conformance. The meeting of specifications. Serviceability. The maintainability and ease of fixing. Aesthetics. The look, smell, feel, and sound. Perceived quality. The image in the eyes of the customer (Lysons et al, 2006). 6.2 The Benefits of TQM TQM is a practical but strategic approach to running an organization that focuses the need of its client or customers (Edward, 2002). TQM is not a set of slogans, but a deliberate and systematic approach to achieving in appropriate levels of quality in a consistent fashion that meet or exceed the needs and wants of its customer (Edward, 2002). The success of TQM strategic is depends on a genuine commitment to quality to each organizational. The benefits claimed for TQM include: Improved customer or client satisfaction. Enhance productivity. Reduced product led time. Improved customer service and delivery times. Reduced work-in-progress. Reduced waste and inventory with consequential reduced costs. Improved quality of goods and services. Increased flexibility in meeting market demands. Better utilisation of human resources (Lysons et al, 2006). (g) Contract Management The contract management and financial control flow largely in chronological order within overall facilities management process (Brian, Adrian, ). If earlier procedures have been followed carefully, the management of contract should in the sense on their administration- relatively straightforward (Brian, Adrian, ). Sufficient precedents exist for contract administration, largely in context if the monitoring, control and, where necessary, corrective action (Brian, Adrian, ). Contract management has aspects of facilities management that can represent a significant issue for client organization, not least because they are on going to commitments (Brian, Adrian, ). 7.0 (f) Negotiation 7.1 Negotiation Strategy and Practice According to Robert et al (2008) note that, not all purchase requirement will require buyers and seller to conduct a thorough and detailed negotiation. For many items, the competitive bidding process will satisfy on a buyers purchase requirements, as may be this case for items that are low value, are widely available commodities, or have pre-existing standards (Robert et al, 2008). In other hand, according to Richard (2005) also state that, Negotiations are an important part of the purchasing process, because their effective use can help safeguard in the interests of a sports medicine program. Physical trainer should negotiate in the following three categories of purchases. Capital equipment. This is the expensive, durable equipment that often makes up the bulk of the rehabilitation and therapeutic modality inventory for a sports medicine program (Richard, 2005). Medium- priced annual re-buys. These are usually purchases of services that require annual renegotiation (Richard, 2005). For instance salaries, physician consulting fees, ambulance services, and athletic insurance. Lower-cost consumable supplier. These items constituted the bulk of the sport medicine supply budget (Richard, 2005). Although some of the suppliers will have to be reordered throughout the year, careful planning will allow the athletic trainer to place only one major supply orders for entire year (Richard, 2005). This method will strengthen the athletic trainers negotiating position because of the discount normally of associated with quality purchasing (Richard, 2005). Although negotiation on the price of a supply, item of equipment, or service is common, athletic should also consider on other areas in which they can realize cost saving through negotiation (Richard, 2005). Furthermore, the athletic trainer also negotiate the way in which the goods will be supplied, their quality, shipping costs, and support after the purchase (Richard, 2005). The following five elements can be negotiated for purchases in each areas are stated clearly in Table 3. The discussion of some of the elements and considerations that affect the price of an item makes it obvious that negotiation can be a valuable technique to use in reaching an agreement with a supplier on the many variables affecting a specific price (Leenders et al, 2006). Negotiation Strategy Practice Negotiation strategy refers to overall approach used to reach the mutually beneficial agreement with a supplier that holds different points of view from the buyer (Robert et al, 2008). A major part of the strategic planning process involves the application of tactics- the skill or act of employing available means to accomplish to end, objective, or strategy (Robert,). They are included the current set of actions plans and activities adopted to achieve the negotiation objective and strategy (Robert et al, 2008). Strategic negotiation issues involve the broader question regarding who, what, where and how to negotiate (Robert et al, 2008). The situation is to have a well-developed negotiation strategy with appropriate and ethical tactics that support that strategy (Robert et al, 2008). As an analogy, consider a military battle, the best-development strategy will fail unless a commander has the tactics and the resources to implement that strategy in the field (Robert et al, 2008). Negotiation is a complex, fascinating subject which, since it involves people, contains many variables (Peter et al, 2005). This list and the related discussion are meant only to indicate the area and other writes have noted as pertaining to successful negotiation. Those who negotiations are successfully: Plan well Can deal with pressure Understand people well Observe well Can handle confrontation Have sound business judgement Are skill at dealing with risk and asking questions Can handle time effectively (Peter et al, 2005) 9.0 (h) Supply Chain Information Systems for Procurement 9.1 Definition of Information Systems Information supply chain within an enterprise are often more complex, difficult and less systematic than those between with enterprises (Joseph L et al, 2006). Besides that, information system is comprised of interconnected components that process, store, and collect data and distribute information to support, control, decision making and coordination within the organization environment (Leenders et al, 2006). However the information system technology allows the organization to connect with partners or supplier in their supply chain network. According to Joseph L et al, (2006) state that, the intranet is a relatively secure method to move business processes online by providing a common interface and communication environment. Data can be input without concern for where the information resides, thus enabling more complete and timely reporting because organization data is to provide (Joseph L et al, 2006). However manual internal processes, such as sourcing, requisitioning, purchasing, receiving, releasing, and contract management, can be performed online to reduce manual and paper-intensive processes (Joseph L et al, 2006). Information systems can be classified to four types, each can consider to serve the requirements and needs of the organization at different levels of management and across functions (refer to Appendix 6) (Leenders et al, 2006). 9.2 The Benefit of Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) Electronic data interchange (EDI) technology was gives organizations an opportunity to exchange their information and message electronically, instead of with paper documents, and leads to new way of doing business known as electronic (EC) (Syed et al,2000). According to James (1998) EDI is the electronic transfer of document from one computer system exchange to another. The purpose of EDI is to provide accurate external information (James, 1998). EDI takes externally produced and transmitted information and allows the information to be electronically received into the host system (James, 1998). Then, the host system is able to electronically send the information or data to another external computer system (James, 1998). Because of the transaction is free from human intervention, so EDI provides a high level of accuracy for the information being received and transmitted (James, 1998). Besides that, the benefit of EDI is that it can reduces information lead-times, and thus allows the logistics network to be more responsive to customer needs and changing market conditions (James, 1998). It system also reduces the transportation and order processing lead-times (James, 1998). However Syed et al (2000) also defined that, the benefit of EDI include less delay in data handing and labour saving in the areas of data transcription, controls and error investigation and correction. As a result implementation of EDI improves the following: The internal operation of the firm by reducing the process-cycle time, Trading supplier or partner relationship, Responsiveness to customer, and The ability to compete, both domestically and internationally (syed, 2000). According to Paul et al (2000) note that, realizing enormous competitive advantages of EDI, an increasing number of firm have attempted to formulate a viable implementation of strategy. However, a successful EDI implementation strategy should address the following key issues. Trading partner agreement: due to the nature of EDI that inherently promotes inter organizational communication and information transfer, the EDI initiating firm (or a Hub company) may not gain the full benefit of EDI without the support of its to trading partners (Paul et al, 2000) Management support: regardless of the potential EDI benefits, unconvinced management would lack of commitment to EDI investment and would be less inclined to provide adequate financial and personnel resources required for company-wide EDI implementation. It was be more difficult to manage system to EDI programs without senior management commitment (Paul et al, 2000). Performance measurement: to justify EDI investment, a firm should conduct an objective cost-benefit analysis of the proposed EDI program covering its in life cycle. EDI can bring numerous operating of benefit along with some intangible benefit along with some intangible benefit such as higher employee morale, increase competitive advantages, improved customer loyalty, and enhanced trading partnerships (Paul et al, 2000). How the EDI is implemented showing on Figure 5. The sequence is as follows: Firm A creates a purchase order using EDI internal business software. EDI software translates the order to supplier. Firm A sends the 850 purchase order to suppler B over a third-party value added network (VAN) or encrypted in EDIFACT format over the Internet. Supplier B receives the 850 purchase order document and will translate it from EDI to its proprietary format and, typically, company B will send an acknowledgement to firm A (Lysons et al, 2006). EDI Implementation Figure 5: EDI Implementation (Lysons et al, 2006) By implementing EDI, firm can reduce the lead time in receiving parts from their suppliers because buyers and suppliers work together in real-time environment. Therefore, a firm can reduce the lead time in delivering product or goods to customers; delays of delivery can be reduced. 10.0 (i) Performance Measurement and Evaluation As part of a company-focused purchasing and supply chain measurement approach, firms should follow a systematic process to maximize results and achieve vertical and horizontal alignment of the purpose (Robert et al, 2008). As company objectives drive specific strategies such as being the low-cost producer and technology leader (Robert et al, 2008). These company strategies should then drive appropriate and prioritized purchasing and supply chain objectives and strategies (Robert et al, 2008). Apart from that, perhaps the best way to summarize the vast number of separate is by developing performance measurement each category, many separate measures relate to each general category (Robert et al, 2008). Most purchasing and supply chain measures fall into one of the following categories: Revenue Quality Price performance Cost-effectiveness Time/ delivery/ responsiveness Technology or innovation Supplier performance Strategic performance (Robert et al, 2008). However, on compiling the finding into a report with summarised recommendations and supporting reason, the audit should be presented to purchasing senior management (Kenneth et al,2008). When preparing such report, auditor should highlight policies, procedures and personnel where efficiency and effectiveness can be improved, commend good practice and performance, and think beyond simple quantitative measure of performance and consider the full sequences, side-effects and reactions likely to occur with these recommendations are presented (Kenneth et al, 2006) 10.1 Approaches to Performance Measurement Approaches to performance measurement may be grouped under five main headings: Accounting approaches, namely: Profit centres Activity-based costing Standard costing and budgetary control Economic value added (EVA) The purchasing management audit approach Comparative approaches Benchmarking and ratio Integrated benchmarking, such as EFQM and balanced scorecards Management by objectives (MBO) Miscellaneous approaches, such as SERVQUAL and six sigma (Lysons et al, 2006). 10.3 Benefits of Benchmarking The benchmarking is the continuous measuring of product, services processes, activities, and practices against a firms best competitors or those companies recognized as functional or industry leaders (Robert et al, 2008). Formally the benc

Troubles with Tanning Essay examples -- Health, Cancer

People all over the world have always tanned. Over the past decade, artificial tanning has become much more popular, especially with teenage girls and younger women. More tanning salons have been built and there are more tanning companies than ever. Of course, naturally tanning is still just as popular. What some people don't realize are the actual effects of tanning. It can cause many medical problems. Instead of tanning, people should think about the dangers they are putting their body through and why they are even tanning in the first place.   While the sun does have some benefits, too much of it can be disastrous and detrimental to someone's health. Most people know that it is bad for them, but they continue to do it anyways. There are many problems with tanning. For example, it can cause skin cancer, it is detrimental to people's health, it can be expensive, and it can cause the aging process to accelerate. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, tanning can cause many different forms of skin cancer, some of which can be fatal. The two main types of skin cancer are melanoma and non-melanoma. Melanoma is much more dangerous than non-melanoma. If it isn't found early enough, it can be fatal. Non-melanomas are benign. People should be careful if skin cancer is dominant in earlier generation of their family, because the are more likely to inherit it. Skin cancer is caused by overexposure to ultraviolet rays. It causes skin cells to grow abnormally, which then causes melanomas or non-melanomas. It can also cause the immune system to become weak, then it can't help fight off the different cancer cells. If skin cancer is caught, it can be treated. Some symptoms are changes on the surface of the skin, such as size and co... ...gh they may like the way that their skin is tanned now, in the future it could cost them big amounts of money to fix or irreparable damage to their skin. Tanning is not justifiable in the long run. If people take the time to protect their skin, it will be extremely beneficial to them.   Works Cited Gandini, Sara, Philippe Autier, and Mathieu Boniol. "Reviews On Sun Exposure And Artificial Light And Melanoma." Progress In Biophysics & Molecular Biology 107.3 (2011): 362-366. Academic Search Premier. Web. 6 Dec. 2011. "Tanning." U S Food and Drug Administration Home Page. Web. 06 Dec. 2011. "Skin Cancer Treatment (PDQ ®) - National Cancer Institute." Comprehensive Cancer Information - National Cancer Institute. Web. 06 Dec. 2011 Touhig, Sion. 2007. Photograph. San Diego. "Jergens ® Natural Glow Moisturizers." Jergens ® Skincare Products. Web. 07 Dec.

Integrating Students with Exceptionalities Essay -- Education

The delivery of education for students with exceptionalities has evolved from complete segregation to the provision of education within regular classes (Andrews & Lupart, 2000). Integration will be successful if the necessary supports and services are in place within the education system. Regrettably, the public special education system currently in use in Ontario is not meeting the needs of integrating students with exceptionalities in regular class settings. Even now, many educators believe that segregation of students with disabilities is justified and not prejudiced (Valeo, 2009). To abolish segregation from the Ontario public school system there is a definite need for strategies. Although there are challenges, there are numerous methods to promote inclusion through integration of exceptional students to include them in standard curriculum classrooms. One of the challenges that Ontario school professionals face is the amalgamation of regular and special education. This integrated system values, supports individual differences, and works in response to the various strengths, challenges, and experiences of all students. (Andrews & Lupart, 2000). The most debated issue for school professionals and advocates is whether a unified system provides students with better opportunities to learn. The reason for this debate is that school professional question if this type of system will diminish options for exceptional students to receive the individually adapted instruction them (Boscardin, 2005). The goal of inclusion through integration is to make available instructional strategies that effectively produce acceptable educational results for exceptional students, and can be implemented in a manner promoting inclusion. Educators must a... .... (2000). The Inclusive Classroom: Educating Exceptional Children. Scarborough: Nelson Thomson Learning. Boscardin, M. L. (2005). The administrative role in transforming secondary schools to support inclusive evedence based practices (Vol. 33). American Secondary Education. Dixon, S. (2005). Inclusion - Not Segregation or Integration Is Where a Student with Special Needs Belonds. The Journal of Educational Thought, 33-53. Harpell, J. V., & Andrews, J. (2010). Administrative Leadership in the Age of Inclusion: Promoting Best Practices and Teacher Empowerment. The Journal of Educational Thought, 189-210. Tomlinson, C. (2001). How to differentiate instruction in mixed ability classrooms . Alexandria: Association for Supervision and Curriculum. Valeo, A. (2009). Education’s enduring prejudices: disability at the door. Dordrecht: Springer Science+Business Media B.V.

Bruce and Clark Essay -- essays papers

Bruce and Clark To the ordinary citizen of any given suburb, town, or city the names Bruce and Clark do not particularly stand out to be special or significant. If one was to ask an ordinary citizen if he or she had heard of Batman and or Superman, one could bet that those names would be labeled as special and significant. Bruce Wayne and Clark Kent otherwise known as Batman and Superman have lived in America's comic books, movies, cartoons and hearts for well over fifty years. Protecting the streets of Gotham City and Metropolis, these crime fighters have given a great deal to humanity, and although they have many similarities, their childhood and upbringing are quite different. Batman and Superman have basic hero similarities. Costumes, secret identities, and love for cheesecake . . ., ok so not the cheesecake, are obtained by both. Looking a little deeper than surface information, both heroes' parents passed away when they were very young. Batman's parents died by the hand of a petty thief in a robbery turned sour, while Superman's ferternal parents blew up on their home planet Krypton. Another event shared by the soldiers of justice is the fact that both were influenced by their father to become crime fighters. Clark Kent's father asked him to use his powers and gifts for good. Bruce Wayne's father was murdered and Bruce felt guilty for not preventing it, therefore creating Batman to help prevent it from happening to anyone else. In addition to the other similarities both characters are part of the same comic brand name, DC Comics. This allowed the heroes to interact and be on the same team in one particular scenario, Justice League of America was the name of that organization. The Justice league was... ...nstead of being born with powers, revenge gave birth in Bruce's heart and diligent pursuit of expertise haunted his every dream. Therefore, Bruce is a self-made prevention vigilante for Gotham City. Superman and Batman, they serve they same purpose and fight for the same outcome, good over evil. But the only thing similar about Clark Kent and Bruce Wayne's childhood is that they were both young. The fact that people are most influenced when they are young and start to obtain their personalities around the age of five suggests that if different circumstances had derived from either situation that Metropolis would have never had a Superman and Gotham City would be a crime ridden vicinity without the Dark Knight. I am glad that the world has the opportunity to partake in the adventures of these DC Comic hereos. Their stories proves that any can go from zero to hero.

The Biological Importance of Water

The Biological Importance of Water for Living Organisms Water is made up of two elements, 2 positively charged hydrogen molecules and one negatively charged oxygen molecule. Water molecules have uneven charge distribution as one end of the molecule is slightly positive and the other slightly negative, this is called polar. Ionic substances such as sodium chloride dissolve easily in water because the positively and negatively charged ions are separated due to the dipole nature of water. As water is dipolar, the positively charged atoms of one water molecule attracted the negatively charged molecule of another water molecule.This is called hydrogen bonding. The hydrogen bonding between each molecule results in water being liquid at room temperature as it takes a lot of energy to turn it into gas due to its high heat capacity. Hydrogen bonding makes water extremely cohesive. Cohesion is the attraction between molecules of the same type (e. g two water molecules). Water is very cohesive due to the dipolar nature of the molecule. Cohesion helps the water to flow which is important in its transportation and enables substances to be easily dissolved and transported.Waters dipole nature also makes it a good solvent. A lot of substances which take part in biological reactions are ionic, which means they are either made of one positively charged atom or molecule, or one negatively charged atom or molecule. As water is dipole, it means that the positively charged hydrogens will be attracted to the negative atoms or molecules, and the negatively charged oxygen will be attracted to the positively charged atoms or molecules, resulting in ions being totally surrounded by water molecules.In other words, the atoms or molecules will be dissolved by the water. Water is important to living organisms because its molecules can move freely enabling chemical reactions to occur easily in solution. For example, seminal fluid is mostly water which enables fertilisation to occur easily an d allows sperm to swim towards the egg. Hydrophilic substances (water loving substances) such as glucose and amino acids dissolve easily due to the nature of their polarity of their charged groups (-OH for sugars, -NH? and COOH for amino acids). As hydrophilic ubstances such as glucose can dissolve in water, it is beneficial for plants as they take up minerals and substances in solution. Furthermore, oxygen is a component of water which also allows organisms to respire in water. Blood Plasma is the main component of blood. Plasma is made of 90% water which enables blood to carry its essential nutrients such as glucose and amino acids as well as respiratory gasses. As respiratory gasses are able to travel through blood plasma, it allows essential processes to take place such as respiration.The plasma also carries other materials such as platelets which allow clotting, this is helped to be transported by the plasmas composition of 90% water. Waters high specific heat capacity allows i t act as a buffer. This is essential in endothermic organisms that need to maintain a constant body temperature in order to optimise enzyme activity and regulate its metabolism. The large number of hydrogen bonding makes it difficult for the water molecules to evaporate. When water molecules do evaporate, an exothermic reaction takes place which acts as a cooling mechanism.Water is able to remain a liquid over a large span of temperatures which is essential for metabolism and aquatic organisms. It is beneficial for aquatic organisms who are cold blooded as some may not be able to control their body temperature. It is beneficial as there is a minimal temperature fluctuation which keeps organisms body temperature constant. Keeping a constant temperature is important. In order for living organisms such as enzymes to keep functioning at their best, water needs to be kept a constant temperature to keep the enzymes working at their optimum temperature and stop them from denaturing.Further more, water also provides internal support for many living organisms. For example, water fills up in the cells of plants to stop them going flaccid as apposed to their turgid structure. Keeping the cells turgid keeps the plant upright which also benefits the plant when it comes to catching as much light as possible when photosynthesising. Water can also be taken in through the xylem of a plant in a continuous column which is also a benefit for photosynthesis. In addition to that, water also provides internal support for mammals whose fetuses are surrounded in amniotic fluid.This will not only provide protection for the fetus but also allow minerals to pass in and out of the fluid via osmosis. As well as internal support, water also provides external support. Water has a high surface tension which allows some organisms to stay afloat. An example of an organism which uses this to its advantage is a pond skater. They use the high surface tension to walk/glide along the waters surface, as there is a high tension, it prevents it from sinking. Furthermore, a high surface tension allows ice caps to stay afloat which provides insulation for aquatic organisms underneath.Another reason for why ice caps stay afloat is that water is less dense when frozen. This means that the ice caps do not fall through into the water as it is less dense so it remains on the waters surface. Water is also essential for many chemical reactions such as photosynthesis and hydrolysis. In photosynthesis, water is transparent which allows light to penetrate through to the chlorophyll to absorb as much sunlight as it can. It also allows water to absorbed up the xylem in a constant column which also aids photosynthesis.During hydrolysis, water breaks certain polymers which helps to break up salts when they are being dissolved. Water also provides lubrication to bones as it makes up synovial fluids in bone joints and the pleural fluid which surrounds the lungs. Lastly, water also has a significanc e in the food chain. Producers which are mainly made up of water such as lettuce and leaves are relied on to provide water for consumers. Water has a huge biological importance for all living organisms as it is the building blocks to each individual organism. Without water, there may not even be the life forms we see on this earth today.

Night World : Daughters of Darkness Chapter 11

Jade-wait a minutel† Mark said. Jade, of course, didn't wait even a second. But shelost time undoing the bolts on the front door, and Mary-Lynnette could hear the quick tap, tap, tap of somebody running away. Jade threw the door open, darted out onto theporch-and screamed. Mary-Lynnette crowded forward and saw that Jade had put her foot into oneof the holes where the porch was missing a board. Everybody who didn't know the place did that. Butthat wasn't what had made her scream. It was the goat. â€Å"Oh, God,† Mark said. â€Å"Oh, God-who would dothat?† Mary-Lynnette took one look and felt a burning inher chest and arms-a painful, bad feeling. Her lungs seemed to contract and her breath was forced out. Her vision blurred. â€Å"Let's get it inside,† Rowan said. â€Å"Jade, are youall right?† Jade was taking In ragged, whooping breaths. Shesounded the way Mary-Lynnette felt. Mark leaned over to help pull her out of the hole. Rowan and Kestrel were lifting the goat by its legs.Mary-Lynnette was backing into the house, teeth clamped on her already-bitten lip. The taste of copperwas like a blood dot in her mouth. They put the goat on an old-fashioned patternedrug in the entrance to the living room. Jade's whooping breaths turned into gasping sobs. â€Å"That's Ethyl,† Mary-Lynnette said. She felt like sobbing too. She knelt beside Ethyl. The goat was pure white, with a sweet face and a broad forehead. Mary Lynnette reached out to touch one hoof gently. She'dhelped Mrs. B. trim that hoof with pruning shears. â€Å"She's dead,† Kestrel said. â€Å"You can't hurt her.†Mary-Lynnette looked up quickly. Kestrel's face was composed and distant. Shock rippled under MaryLynnette's skin. â€Å"Let's take them out,† Rowan said. â€Å"The hide's ruined already,† Kestrel said. â€Å"Kestrel, please-â€Å" Mary-Lynnette stood. â€Å"Kestrel, shut up!† There was a pause. To Mary-Lynnette's astonishment, the pause went on. Kestrel stayed shut up. Mary-Lynnette and Rowan began to pull the little wooden stakes out of the goat's body. Some were as small as toothpicks. Others were longer than Mary-Lynnette's finger and thicker than a shish kebab skewer, with a dull point at one end.Somebody strong did this, Mary-Lynnette thought. Strong enough to punch splinters of wood throughgoat hide. Over and over again. Ethyl was pierced everywhere. Hundreds of times. She looked like a porcupine. â€Å"There wasn't much bleeding,† Rowan said softly.†That means she was dead when it was done. Andlook here.† She gently touched Ethyl's neck. Thewhite coat was crimson there-just like the deer, Mary-Lynnette thought. â€Å"Somebody either cut her throat or bit it,† Rowansaid. â€Å"So it was probably quick for her and she bledout. Not like †¦Ã¢â‚¬  â€Å"What?† Mary-Lynnette said. Rowan hesitated. She looked up at Jade. Jade sniffled and wiped her nose on Mark's shoulder. Rowan looked back at Mary-Lynnette. â€Å"Not like Uncle Hodge.† She looked back down and carefully loosened another stake, adding it to the pile theywere accumulating. â€Å"You see, they killed Unde Hodge this way, the Elders did. Only he was alivewhen they did it.† For a moment Mary-Lynnette couldn't speak. Thenshe said, â€Å"Why?† Rowan pulled out two more stakes, her face controlled and intent. â€Å"For telling a human about theNight World.† Mary-Lynnette sat back on her heels and lookedat Mark. Mark sat down on the floor, bringing Jade withhim. â€Å"That's why Aunt Opal left the island,† Rowansaid. â€Å"And now somebody's staked Aunt Opal,† Kestrel said. â€Å"And somebody's killed a goat in the same wayUnde Hodge was killed.† â€Å"Butwho?† Mary-Lynnette said. Rowan shook her head. â€Å"Somebody who knowsabout vampires.† Mark's blue eyes looked darker than usual and alittle glazed. â€Å"You were talkingbefore about a vam pire hunter. â€Å"That gets my vote,† Kestrel said. â€Å"Okay, so who around here is a vampire hunter?What's a vampire hunter?† â€Å"That's the problem,† Rowan said. â€Å"I don't knowhow you could tell who is one. I'm not even sure Ibelieve in vampire hunters.† â€Å"They're supposed to be humans who've found out about the Night World,† Jade said, pushing tears outof her eyes with her palms. â€Å"And they can't get otherpeople to believe them-or maybe they don't want other people to know. So they hunt us. You know, trying to kill us one by one. They're supposed toknow as much about the Night World as Night People do.† â€Å"You mean, like knowing how your uncle was executed† Mary-Lynnette said. â€Å"Yes, but that's not much of a secret,† Rowan said.†I mean, you wouldn't have to actually know aboutUncle Hodge to think of it-It's the traditionalmethod of execution among the lamia. There aren't many things besides staking and burning that will killa vampire.† Mary-Lynnette thought about this. It didn't getthem very far. Who would want to kill an old ladyand a goat? â€Å"Rowan? Why did your aunt have goats? I mean, I always thought it was for the milk, but†¦Ã¢â‚¬  â€Å"It was for the blood, I'm sure,† Rowan saidcalmly. â€Å"If she looked as old as you said, she probablycouldn't get out into the woods to hunt.† Mary-Lynnette looked at the goat again, trying tofind other dues, trying to be a good observer detached, methodical. When her eyes got to Ethyl's muzzle, she blinked and leaned forward. â€Å"I-there's something in her mouth.† â€Å"Please tell me you're joking,† Mark said. Mary-Lynnette just waved a hand at him. â€Å"Ican't-I need something to†¦hang on a sec.† Sheran into the kitchen and opened a drawer. She snagged a richly decorated sterling silver knife and ran back to the living room. â€Å"Okay,† she grunted as she pried Ethyl's teeth farther open. There wassomething in there-something like a flower, but black. She worked it out with her fingers. â€Å"Silence of the Goats,† Mark muttered. Mary-Lynnette ignored him, turning the disintegrating thing over in her hands. â€Å"It looks like aniris-but it's spray-painted black.† Jade and Rowan exchanged grim glances. â€Å"Wellthis has somethingto do with the Night World,† Rowan said. â€Å"If we weren't sure of that before, weare now. Black flowers are the symbols of the Night World.† Mary-Lynnette put the sodden iris down. â€Å"Symbols, like †¦ ?† â€Å"We wear them to identify ourselves to each other.You know, on rings or pins or clothes or things like that. Each species has its own kind of flower, andthen there are other flowers that mean you belongto a certain dub or family. Witches use black dahlias, werewolves use black foxglove; made vampires use black roses †¦Ã¢â‚¬  â€Å"And there's a chain of dubs called the Black Iris,†Kestrel said, coming to stand by the others. â€Å"I know because Ash belongs to one.† â€Å"Ash†¦ † Jade said, staring at Kestrel with widegreen eyes. Mary-Lynnette sat frozen. Something was tugginginsistently at the corner of her consciousness. Some thing about a black design†¦. â€Å"Oh, God,† she said. â€Å"Oh, God-I know somebody who wears a ring with a black flower on it.† Everyone looked at her. â€Å"Who?† Mark said, at the same time as Rowansaid it. Mary-Lynnette didn't know which of them looked more surprised. Mary-Lynnette struggled with herself for a minute. â€Å"It's Jeremy Lovett,† she said finally. Not toosteadily. Mark made a face. â€Å"That oddball. He lives by himself in a trailer in the woods, and last summer †¦Ã¢â‚¬  Mark's voice died out. His jaw dropped, and when he spoke again, it was more slowly. â€Å"And last sum mer they found a body right out near there.† â€Å"Can you tell?† Mary-Lynnette asked Rowan qui etly. â€Å"If somebody's a Night Person?† â€Å"Well †¦Ã¢â‚¬  Rowan looked dismayed. â€Å"Well-not for sure. If somebody was experienced at shielding their mind †¦Well, we might be able to startle them into revealing something. But otherwise, no. Notfor certain. â€Å" Mark leaned back. â€Å"Oh, terrific. Well, I think Jeremy would make a great Night Person. Actually, so would Vic Kimble and Todd Akers.† â€Å"Todd,† Jade said. â€Å"Now, wait a minute.† Shepicked up one of the toothpicks that had been em bedded in the goat and stared at it. Rowan was looking at Mary-Lynnette. â€Å"No matterwhat, we should go and see your friend Jeremy. He'll probably turn out to be completely innocent-sometimes a human gets hold of one of our rings or pins, and then things get reallyconfusing. Especially if they wander into one of our dubs†¦.† Mary-Lynnette wasn't so sure. She had a terrible, terrible sick feeling. The way Jeremy kept to himself, the way he always seemed to be an outsider atschool–even his untamed good looks and his easy way of moving †¦ No, it all seemed to lead to one conclusion. She had solved the mystery of Jeremy Lovett at last, and it wasnot a happy ending. Kestrel said â€Å"Okay, fine; we can go check this Jeremy guy out. But what about Ash?† â€Å"What about Ash?† Rowan said. The last stake wasout. She gently turned one side of the rug over the body of the goat, like a shroud. â€Å"Well, don't you see? It's his dub flower. Somaybe somebody from his dub did it.† â€Å"Urn, I know I'm starting to sound like a brokenrecord,† Mark said. â€Å"But I don't know what you're talking about. Who's Ash?† The three sisters looked at him. Mary-Lynnette looked away. After so many missed opportunities, it was going to sound extremely peculiar when she casually mentioned that, oh, yes, she'd met Ash. Twice. But she didn't have a choice anymore. She had to tell. â€Å"He's our brother,† Kestrel was saying. â€Å"He's crazy,† Jade said. â€Å"He's the only one from our family who migh.know that we're here in Briar Creek,† Rowan said. â€Å"He found megiving a letter to Crane Linden to smuggle off the island. But Idon't think he noticedAunt Opal's address on it. He's not much good at noticing things that aren't about him.† â€Å"You can say that again,† Jade said. â€Å"All Ashthinksabout is Ash. He's completely self-centered.† â€Å"All he does is chase girls and party,† Kestrel said,with one of those smiles that made Mary-Lynnette wonder if she really disapproved. â€Å"And hunt.† ‘He doesn't like humans,†Jade said. â€Å"If he didn't like chasing human girls and playing with them, he'd probably be planning towipe out all the humans and take over the world.† â€Å"Sounds like a great guy,† Mark said. â€Å"Well, he's sort of conservative,† Rowan said. ‘Politically, I mean. Personally, he's–â€Å" â€Å"Loose,† Kestrel suggested, eyebrows up. â€Å"To put it mildly,† Jade agreed. â€Å"There's only onething he wants when he goes after human girls besides their cars, I mean.† Mary-Lynnette's heart was pounding. With every second that passed it was getting harder to speak up. And every time she took a breath, somebody else started talking. 0†³So, wait you think he did all this stuff?† Mark asked. â€Å"I wouldn't put it past him,† Kestrel said. Jade nodded vigorously. â€Å"But his own aunt ,†Mark said. â€Å"He'd do it if he thought the honor of the familywas involved,† Kestrel said. â€Å"Yes, well, there's one problem with all that,† Rowan said tightly. â€Å"Ash isn't here. He's in California.† â€Å"No, he's not,† Ash said casually, from the back ofthe living room.