Succubus Revealed Chapter 8

It was hard to believe that in only a couple of days I'd gone from doubting my transfer was real to suddenly signing on to be in a Las Vegas stage production. Things happened so fast that it was easy to get swept along, and Bastien and Phoebe's gleeful encouragement just made things happen that much more quickly. Shape-shifting took care of my clothing problem, and Bastien soon left us, allegedly to go get a drink and try his hand at the blackjack table. Once he left the theatre, though, Phoebe leaned over to me conspiratorially and whispered, â€Å"Here's a wager for you. How much do you want to bet he comes back with a glow?† I laughed and whispered back, â€Å"I won't take that bet. Are you sure you haven't worked with him before?† Admittedly, an incubus looking to get laid wasn't that far of a stretch, but I liked how adeptly Phoebe was able to pick up on my old friend's personality quirks. â€Å"Nah,† she said with a smile. â€Å"I've just known his type.† Other dancers began trickling in. Phoebe introduced us as they arrived, and most were friendly and excited to have someone new in the group. They weren't yet at their full number needed for the show, so everyone was anxious for that to happen. I brought them one step closer, though it surprised me they were still short. From my experiences, there were always groups of girls lined up to try to make it in show business. Phoebe confirmed as much. â€Å"Oh, yeah, tons have tried out. And you should have seen them at the beginning, when they first did the open casting. Matthias is just really selective, that's all. Cornelia – the head choreographer – is just as bad.† â€Å"And yet he took me on a five-minute audition,† I pointed out. Phoebe grinned. â€Å"Sweetie, he just knows talent when he sees it. Besides, he's in charge of this gig. If he says you're in, you're in.† Matthias wasn't the only one running the show, of course. Along with the dancers came other management and staff, like the aforementioned Cornelia. Everyone had a part to play. The rehearsal was fast-paced and aggressive – but also lots of fun. Phoebe hadn't been joking. The other dancers were good – really good. It had been a very long time since I'd danced with any sort of group, even longer since I was with one of such caliber. I was used to being the standout at anything dance related, and it was a surprise – a good one – to find myself surrounded by so many equals. I had to work to keep up with them on the first day, and even if I didn't walk out as an instant star, I left confident that I'd held my own. Before I could go, one of the show's costumers asked to take my measurements backstage. Phoebe told me she'd go hunt down Bastien and meet me at the casino's central bar. The seamstress appeared with her tape measure, and I made a mental note of my height for future shape-shifting. Matthias came by, carrying his notes, and paused when he saw us. â€Å"You did really well today,† he told me. â€Å"It's like you've been with us from the first day.† â€Å"Hardly,† I said. â€Å"I've still got a lot to learn. Especially in the fourth song. The steps are deceptively simple . . . but there's a certain attitude you've got to hold to pull them off. No, maybe not attitude. Grace? Vibe? I can't explain it, but the simplicity's what makes it so genius. It seems like such a basic pattern, but how it's executed is what truly brings out the beauty.† I was thinking aloud, just sort of rambling, and realized that I sounded kind of ridiculous. â€Å"Sorry. That probably doesn't make any sense.† â€Å"No, no.† Matthias stared at me wonderingly. â€Å"That's exactly it. That's how I intended it. I was inspired by watching classical ballet, how all the moves are amplified by the emotion put into the routines. Cornelia said it was crazy to try to think that deep for a show like this, but it just felt right.† â€Å"It's beautiful,† I said honestly. â€Å"I can absolutely see where you were going with it. Reminds me of something from La Bayadre.† â€Å"You know La Bayadre?† he asked, wide-eyed. â€Å"Of course,† I said. â€Å"It's a classic. Who doesn't?† â€Å"You'd be surprised.† I realized then that the seamstress had left, having achieved her goal. Matthias was still regarding me in amazement. Now that they weren't focused on the clipboard, I was able to see how blue his eyes were. They were like the sky on a clear, crisp day. â€Å"Are you busy tonight?† he asked a few moments later. â€Å"Would you . . . would you like to go get dinner? Or even just a drink? I'd love to talk dance more with you.† For a succubus, I could be surprisingly na?ve sometimes. Because for half an instant, I almost accepted. I was so keyed up after the rehearsal and so excited to talk more about the show that I actually briefly thought that was all he wanted to go out for. Now, I don't mean to imply that his motives were totally base either. He wasn't using this as a ruse to simply get me into bed. But he also wasn't treating this as a meeting of colleagues. Bottom line: he liked me. I'd peaked his interest, and he wanted to go out on a date. Normally, that wouldn't have been a problem . . . except, there was something I sincerely liked about him. He was cute, and I found his passion for his work endearing. I loved how he kept getting wrapped up in it, totally consumed and distracted like – Seth. And there was the problem. This guy was the choreographer version of Seth. A one-night fling with some sleazy guy who meant nothing wasn't cheating in the eyes of our relationship. But for me to go out with a guy I liked, that I found intriguing and attractive in the same way I found Seth . . . well. That was wrong, especially since Matthias was obviously interested in me. It was a strange situation to be in, one I hadn't expected. â€Å"Oh, that would be great, but my friends and I already have plans,† I told him. â€Å"We're trying to make the most of my trip since it's so short.† â€Å"Oh.† His face fell a little, then brightened. â€Å"But you'll be back for tomorrow's rehearsal, right? It'd be great if you were able to get in the steps one more time before you left town. You know, give you something to practice.† â€Å"Sure,† I said. â€Å"That'd be great.† The rest of the evening went by in a blur of activity. Phoebe joined Bastien and me in a whirlwind tour of Vegas highlights, which included a lot of casino and club hopping. Phoebe and I both donned skimpy, glamorous dresses, playing up our succubus sex appeal to its maximum. We draped ourselves on Bastien's arms, and he swaggered around even more than usual, smug with the envy he got over showing us off. After hours of this, I was ready for some downtime. Phoebe and Bastien had a quick consultation and decided that if we hurried we could make the late performance of a magic show they knew. â€Å"Magic?† I asked, more than a little tipsy from vodka gimlets. â€Å"Don't we live a magic show?† â€Å"Damn near,† said Bastien. He was ostensibly still being gallant in offering me his arm, but it was unclear who was really holding whom up. â€Å"There's something special about this show, I've heard.† There was a mischievous glint in his eyes. The three of us made our way to a modest, off-Strip hotel I'd never heard of. It still had alcohol and slot machines in its casino, which was probably all that mattered to most of its customers. Bastien bought us tickets to see The Great Jambini, and we hurried into the small theater – which was about half-full – just as the lights went down. A mediocre comedian did the warm-up act, and soon the star attraction himself came out. He had graying hair and a bright purple silk turban, along with a sequined cape that could have come straight from the wardrobe department at Sparkles. He kept tripping over its hem, which led to my first observation: he was totally drunk. A second observation soon followed, once I realized there were more immortal signatures in here than just mine, Phoebe's, and Bastien's. The Great Jambini was an imp. He started off with some standard card tricks, receiving half-hearted applause from the audience. These were followed by juggling, which I found remarkable simply because of the concentration it required from someone so obviously intoxicated. He didn't miss a move. I think the other members of the audience shared my opinion because their applause warmed up. Inspired by this, Jambini then made a great show of setting his juggling pins on fire. This brought the applause to a standstill, and some of the people in the front rows shifted uneasily. â€Å"Is that a good idea?† I murmured to my friends. â€Å"It never is,† remarked Phoebe. â€Å"What do you mean nev – â€Å" Within thirty seconds after lighting the pins, Jambini had begun juggling . . . and promptly set his cape on fire. People gasped and screamed as he flung it off him onto the stage. Considering its cheap material, I was kind of surprised the cape hadn't ignited faster. He stomped on it until the flames were out, and I saw a few stagehands on the periphery ready with fire extinguishers, just in case. Once the cape was a black, smoldering mess, he lifted it up. A dove emerged from underneath it, flying up into the air, much to the awe and delight of the spectators. â€Å"It was part of the show,† I breathed, equally impressed. â€Å"Yup,† said Phoebe. Jambini reached for the dove, which just barely slipped past him. It circled around the room, then swooped low into the audience. Along the way, it sideswiped a woman whose hair was elaborately French braided. The dove's foot got tangled in her hair, and it soon became trapped, beating its wings frantically to escape as she leaped up and began screaming. â€Å"Was that part of the show?† I asked. â€Å"No,† said Phoebe in awe. â€Å"But it really should be.† Within seconds, the stagehands were out in the audience, where they were able to remove and confine the dove. They escorted the woman off as well, heads bent low as they murmured apologies. The Great Jambini made a flourish-filled bow, much to the delight of the crowd. Everyone loves a wacky mishap. He performed a few scarf tricks, most of which went off without a hitch, and then came to stand in the center of the stage, face grave. â€Å"For my next trick, I need a volunteer.† His eyes fell on our corner. â€Å"A lovely volunteer.† â€Å"Oh, he noticed us,† said Phoebe, with a sigh. She raised her hand, along with others in the audience. When I did nothing, she elbowed me until I raised my hand as well. After a great show of examining all the volunteers, Jambini strode up to our table and extended his hand to me. Bastien and Phoebe whistled and cheered, urging me up. I was a little nervous about being set on fire or attacked by birds, but it was hard for me to refuse an audience. I accepted Jambini's hand and let him lead me up to the stage, while thunderous applause rang out around us. â€Å"Just shape-shift into any outfit that comes to mind,† he muttered in my ear, his breath heavy with the scent of gin. Once we were on center stage, he took the microphone and kicked into showman mode. â€Å"Now, my lovely assistant here . . . what is your name, lovely assistant?† I leaned toward the microphone. â€Å"Georgina.† â€Å"Georgina. What a lovely name. And so, lovely Georgina, all you have to do is allow yourself to be receptive to the awe-inspiring, truly mystical powers of my magic. If you do, wondrous transformations will occur.† I nodded in agreement, and more cheering ensued. Jambini walked over to his prop table and returned with a curtain attached to a hoop and a handle. When he held it up by the handle, the curtain hung down in a way that created an enclosed cylinder, completely concealing the person inside. I obligingly stepped forward, letting the folds of fabric hide me while Jambini gave a â€Å"magical countdown.† In those brief seconds, I shape-shifted my sparkly cocktail dress to the first thing that came to mind: my green foil elf dress. Jambini whipped the curtain away dramatically, revealing me in my new attire. People gasped and clapped with delight, and I gave a bow almost as showy as his. Encouraged by the response, Jambini declared, â€Å"One more time.† I stepped back into the curtained enclosure and changed this time into black jeans, a silver-sequined top, and a woman's tuxedo jacket. When he pulled back the curtain, the applause faltered a little bit before increasing to a frenzy. I'd seen these types of tricks performed before among those not gifted with shape-shifting, and usually performers simply shifted between loose dresses, items easy to get on and off. My choice of clothing kind of defied the logic of those familiar with how the trick worked. But, hey. This was magic, right? â€Å"Show-off,† Bastien told me when I returned to my seat. â€Å"Hey,† I whispered back, watching Jambini attempt to swallow a knife. He'd gotten about a third of the way there before he started coughing. With a shrug, he finally gave up and simply bowed to delayed applause. â€Å"These people deserve something for their money.† Jambini – or Jamie, as I later learned he was really named – was much more appreciative of my performance. My group met up with him in the hotel's drab bar after the show. â€Å"Switching to pants was genius,† he told me, knocking back a glass of gin. I had a sneaking suspicion that the show's actual performance was the longest he went without a drink on a given day. â€Å"People are going to be scratching their heads over that one for days.† â€Å"Maybe too much,† warned Bastien. â€Å"You'll make mortals suspicious.† I shrugged, unconcerned. â€Å"This is Vegas, baby. No one'll question it. Besides, weirder things happen all the time.† Jamie was nodding along eagerly. â€Å"And that tacky holiday dress too? That was great. Really god-awful. You know, if you're moving here, I could totally hook you up with a job as my assistant.† He chuckled. â€Å"People would probably get more out of seeing you than my tricks.† â€Å"That wouldn't surprise me in the least,† said Bastien, straight-faced. â€Å"Well, thanks,† I said, â€Å"but I think I've got more jobs than I need. Phoebe already set me up with something.† â€Å"Poacher,† said Jamie. The other succubus laughed as she stirred cherries around in her cocktail. â€Å"Hey, I can't help it if I – â€Å" A familiar aura spread through the room, and Phoebe fell silent. We all turned as one, watching as Luis entered the bar. Even mortals, who couldn't feel him like we could, paused and watched him stride through the room. There was just something that powerful and compelling about his dark presence. â€Å"Boss man,† said Jamie, holding up his glass in a mock toast. â€Å"You just missed my amazing performance.† â€Å"I've seen your shows before,† said Luis, sitting down and beckoning the bartender over. â€Å"I don't think I really missed anything.† â€Å"Georgina was his ‘lovely assistant,' † teased Phoebe. â€Å"Oh?† Luis paused to place his order and then turned toward me. â€Å"Pray tell, what did you do to wow them? Set some scarves on fire?† â€Å"Just some run-of-the-mill shape-shifting,† I said modestly. Jamie started in on his second gin glass. He'd ordered two when we sat down. I guess he didn't want to risk waiting the extra few minutes it would take to pour another. â€Å"That trick is always best with succubi. Even with a plant and a prepped costume, it never goes off quite as well. I used to have this girl who worked with me when I lived in Raleigh, and she did okay, but you could tell people knew how the whole get-up worked.† Alcohol was buzzing through me pleasantly, and I'd slowed down my consumption so as not to lose my head. Somewhere in that warm haze, Jamie's words tickled a memory. â€Å"Raleigh . . . when were you in Raleigh?† â€Å"I moved from there a few years ago. I was there about . . . oh, I don't know.† He took a sip of gin, perhaps to help his math skills. â€Å"Not that long. Twenty years. I did some good soul brokering, but really, my talents were better appreciated here, you know?† â€Å"When you were there, did you know a vampire named Milton?† I asked. Remembering my conversation with Hugh while I was in the middle of a cheap Vegas bar was weird – but no weirder than hearing Raleigh mentioned twice this week. â€Å"Milton?† Jamie's eyebrows rose, and some of his good humor dimmed. â€Å"Yeah, I know him. Scary son of a bitch. Looks like – â€Å" â€Å"Nosferatu?† I suggested. Jamie nodded solemnly. â€Å"How anyone as blatantly vampire as him got by as a covert operative is beyond me.† Phoebe frowned. â€Å"Did you say ‘covert operative'?† The waiter appeared then with Luis's drink. Luis motioned for him to stay and glanced around at the rest of us. â€Å"Refills? Another gimlet or cosmo? Jamie? You're drinking Tanqueray, right?† Jamie looked offended. â€Å"Beefeater.† Luis rolled his eyes. â€Å"That's ridiculous and disgusting. Bring him some Tanqueray.† â€Å"No!† exclaimed Jamie. â€Å"Beefeater. I'm a purist.† â€Å"You have no discrimination,† countered Luis. He looked back at the confused waiter. â€Å"Bring one of each. We'll have a taste test.† The waiter looked relieved and hurried off before someone else contradicted the orders. â€Å"It's a waste of time,† said Jamie. â€Å"No offense, boss man. You'll see.† Luis was unmoved. â€Å"Beefeater's for peasants.† â€Å"Jamie,† I tried, â€Å"about Milton – â€Å" â€Å"Peasants!† I don't think Luis could've insulted Jamie more if he'd called his mother names. â€Å"Beefeater is a refined drink, for a refined palate. You know I have infinite respect for you, but clearly, despite your years of worldly experience . . . well . . .† Jamie drunkenly groped for an eloquent way to finish his speech. â€Å"You're wrong.† Luis laughed, something I couldn't help but think Jerome most definitely wouldn't have done if one of his subordinates said he was wrong. â€Å"We'll see, my friend. It's a complex matter really, coming down to an analysis of both base ingredients and the distillation process.† â€Å"Jamie – † I attempted again. â€Å"That,† declared Jamie, â€Å"we can both agree on. And Beefeater is vastly superior in both.† â€Å"Give it up, Fleur,† Bastien told me in a low voice, eyes twinkling. â€Å"You can't compete with gin. Better luck tomorrow.† I started to protest, but further listening to Luis and Jamie's debate told me Bastien was right. Jamie was so fixated on defending his gin's honor that I doubt he would've even remembered me asking about Milton. â€Å"Will he be sober tomorrow?† I asked skeptically. â€Å"No,† said Phoebe. â€Å"But he's usually a little less drunk during the first half of the day.† The gin arrived, and Luis and Jamie became totally consumed with conducting â€Å"scientific† examinations on it, involving scent and surface tension. I didn't really see how the latter made that much of a difference in a taste test, but they seemed to think it was a pretty serious matter. â€Å"Dear God,† I murmured, amazed. Bastien finished off his cocktail. â€Å"When things turn serious, it's time for me to leave. What do you say, ladies? Would you like to go search out the clubs for some companionship ?† â€Å"I've got an early day tomorrow,† Phoebe said with regret. â€Å"I should probably just go home now. But you'll be at practice tomorrow, right?† â€Å"I guess so,† I said. â€Å"I told Matthias I would.† Despite ostensibly being involved in liquor analysis, Luis glanced over at the sound of the company manager's name. â€Å"Oh? Did you arrange the introduction?† I nodded. â€Å"Phoebe got me signed on.† Luis looked pleased. â€Å"Excellent. Are you happy with it?† The question surprised me, but then I remembered his earlier comment upon my arrival, about how he wanted happy employees. â€Å"I think so. I think it'll be a lot of fun.† â€Å"Good. And what did you think of Matthias?† That one was really a surprise. â€Å"I thought he was nice. Do you know him?† â€Å"Only by reputation,† said Luis. I was about to use the interruption to ask Jamie about Milton again, but before I could, Luis effortlessly slipped back to gin science, effectively blocking me from the imp's attention. Tomorrow, I decided. â€Å"You know,† said Phoebe slyly. â€Å"I could help you find Matthias if you wanted to see him tonight.† Even afloat on vodka gimlets, I still knew the right and wrong surrounding any sort of casual romance with Matthias. If I was going to hook up with anyone while I was here, it wasn't going to be anybody I would ever consider seriously. I flashed her and Bastien my best saucy succubus smile. â€Å"Nah, too tame. I'm not here to settle down yet. Let's find something wilder and do this Vegas weekend right.† Bastien whooped with joy and caught hold of my hand. As he led me away, telling me about â€Å"this perfect dance club,† I caught sight of Luis's face. He was nodding at Jamie, still seemingly interested in their debate . . . but there was something about the satisfied, knowing smile on Luis's lips that made me think it wasn't just the gin he was so happy about.

Gas-filled Liposomes Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Gas-filled Liposomes - Essay Example In medicine, MRI is an invaluable tool for soft tissue assessment as it analyses the absorption and transmission of high frequency radio waves absorbed by water in high magnetic fields to derive cross-sectional images of soft tissue (Alexander et al, 1996; Maresca et al, 1998). The use of GFLs as components of tracer materials may enhance the use of this technology in medical diagnostics (Klibanov, 1999). A recently developed method of GFL preparation (Vangala et al, 2007) involves the homogenization of 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero3-phosphorocholine (DPPC) or 1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphorocholine DSPC in aqueous medium below their transition temperatures to effect a stable GFL formation. Biophysical assessment indicated that the initial vesicle size was 10microm, which increased to approximately 12 microm for DPPC and 23 microm for DSPC containing vesicles in 7 days at 25C. The addition of cholesterol 1: 0.5 or 1:1 to the DPPC lipid homogenate produced significant increases in vesicle size as well as enhanced stability compared to DPPC alone (Liu et al, 2000). Surface charge induction was implemented by the addition of stearylamine at a molar ratio of 0.125 or 0.25. The surfactant did not appear to be incorporated into the bilayer. Microscopic analyses demonstrated that spherical structures ranging from 1-8 microm were produced by this method. When used as cardiographic contrast agents in cardiac assessment in experimental animals, GFL performed with greater sensitivity than aqueous liposomes (Mohammed et al, 2004; Unger et al, 1992, 1993). 2-Aim and Objective The objective of this research is to prepare Gas-filled liposomes (GFL) and to characterize their biophysical properties. The goal is to prepare liposomes that are gas-filled (air) using experimental lipid components and to assess their stability and biophysical properties. This assessment may facilitate the use of GFL for both medicinal purposes in MRI and in environmental studies such as novel methods for oil recovery. 3-Materials Sigma-Aldrich (Poole, Dorset, UK) 1,2-dimysteroyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphorocholine DMPC(C14) 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphorocholone DPPC (C16) 1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphorylcholine DSPC (C18) methyl cellulose cholesterol stearylamine phosphate buffered saline tablets Lipid Products (Nutfield, Surrey, UK) egg-phosphatidylcholine (PC) double-distilled water 4-Methods Gas-filled liposome preparation: GFL will be prepared using a modified method first developed by Unger (1999). This method involves the following steps: 1. 50 mg of DSPC or other lipid added to 5ml of doubly-distilled water in a 50ml beaker to hydrate the lipid. Cholesterol or stearylamine should be added if these components are to be included in the vesicle preparation. 2. Mixture is homogenized for 4 minutes below the phase transition temperature of the lipid using a high speed homogeniser (Ultra -Turrax T8). 3. A gas (air) filled lipid layer will form above the aqueous layer following homogenization: this constitutes the GFL fraction. 4. Varying GFL concentrations will be prepared by mixing varying volumes

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Organisations Design - Approaches and Applications - Essay Example What attracts job seekers to want to join Google is the one of a kind working environment at the company. Google employees have coined a phrase to explain their modes of work – Googley. As reported by the NBC news, the company has also been rated by fortune magazine as the best American company to work for (Larson, 2011). The interesting thing about Google is that it has an organization structure that is flat as opposed to the traditional hierarchical system. One would expect that such a structure would prove counterproductive but Google has clearly proved management experts otherwise. Google is a company that embraces a work ethic that is anything but conventional. According to an NBC reporter, the employees at Google are â€Å"way too happy.† When doing an interview with the human resource personnel, the reporter posses a rhetoric question, â€Å"these people are too happy†¦.seriously, can’t I see a frown here? (Larson, 2010)† It is hard to have a frown as an employee of Google. The company offers the workers such a friendly working environment by providing them with all the luxuries they will need at no extra cost. For instance, the employees have access to a physician right at the office incase they fall sick, there is a gym at the office, they have chefs that fix them five star meals free of charge, they have luxury lounges and even beds to rest if they need to take a nap†¦the list is endless. This is arguably the epitome of mixing business with pleasure but contrary to what one would expect, it has worked to continue to make Google one of the most profitable companies Google’s structure seems to answer to the contingency theory. The contingency theory states that there is no blanket solution to management of a company. It is thought wise to allow different organizations to develop their own different structures that will work for them in their different environments (Sibbet,

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Analyse three types of economic systems illustrating the problems and advantages associated with them - Essay Example The main types of economic systems that have been in use all over the globe are traditional, command and market economic systems. Another type of economic system is the mixed economy that is a blend of pure command and pure market economies. This paper will discuss the traditional, command and market economic systems. The paper will evaluate the problems and advantages that are associated with each of the economic systems discussed. This form of economy is shaped by traditions of the people or societies who practice it. The good and services produced follow certain long-established patterns (McCorkle, & National Council on Economic Education, 2011). Moreover, the manner in which the goods and services are exchanged also follows certain traditions. These forms of economic are rarely dynamic and hence are very predictable. The interests of the community precede personal interests. In most cases, people are expected to come together and work as a community. Personal ownership of property is rare, and if present it is controlled by certain obligations that favor the community over the individual (McCorkle, & National Council on Economic Education, 2011). In the modern world, most countries have stopped using this form of economy. However, it is still evident in communities such as the Australian aborigines who live in the Amazon. This system of economy is mainly based on agricultural activities such as fishing, hunting, and gathering. In most cases, barter trade is used. Such economies have a characteristic of being able to meet the daily needs, but they show little economic progression. An Economic decision must follow the tradition of the community practicing this form of economic system. In this form of economy, distribution of resources is open since it follows customs and traditions that are known by all the people. Production of goods and services is easy since each and everyone understands the role they have to play in

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Contemporary Issues In Business And Management - Essay Example Recently, major proportion of the population shares their personal information through online. Data like medical records, credit card purchases and other important materials are recorded in several significant powerful databases. A contemporary issue can be defined as the issue that has a specific relevance to the present time. It can lead to several management problems and challenges, such as ethical issues, corporate and social responsibility issues that can affect the business performance of the organization (Rosenfield, 2006, p.43). The leading firms around the globe are trying to capitalize on the opportunities that have been established and reformed due to globalization and advanced modern information technology. Now-a-days, the business organizations are trying to bring innovation in their business process in order to achieve competitive advantages within the competitive global market. Facebook is the largest global social networking site. Over 500 million global people are co nnected with each other through this social networking site. ... However, the study will reveal Facebook’s several contemporary issues associated with the business ethics and social responsibility management. Analysis of Several Contemporary Issues The organization argues that there is no wrong in the social media promotional strategy. According to the organization, they already have recommended on their site to check in security settings before liking any page or status. The Facebook users are aware of the Facebook advertising activities (Mullerat, 2011, p.149). Since the year 2004, the organization has made numerous controversial moves related to privacy. The study will discuss and analyze several trends and prominent privacy incidents that have occurred over the organization’s lifetime. Permissive Defaults The organization used to select certain default privacy settings for the new initial sign ups. These settings are generally customizable, but several users of Facebook never bother to adjust the privacy settings. At the initial stages, the website has default privacy settings. At that point of time only college students were allowed to register as the website users. The organization has been able to increase its customer base in global market by implementing several unique business strategies (Poynter, 2010, p.253). A complaint was raised against Facebook that the organization is trying to sell the personal information and data of its users to other marketing organizations against money. The Advertising Standards authority has disclosed a code of advertising that has included the social responsibility clause. It aims to restrict the advertisers not to break the spirit of the rules. Initially, the organizations around the globe were posting free advertisements.

Children's Learning and Development Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Children's Learning and Development - Essay Example The three main theories are behaviorism theory, constructivism theory and socio-cultural theory. Behaviorism theory states that knowledge exists and learners should discover it. . Constructivism theory states that knowledge can be created in the mind of a child while socio-cultural theory states that knowledge is created and transferred when children interact with members of the society. The society, the state as well as individual members of the societies understand the importance of developing and nurturing the capabilities of a child to develop into a responsible and productive adult in the coming years. There are various ways of promoting learning and development of children. First, according to Blake et al (21), children learn and develop when they feel sense of containment, worth and love. They also need to be inspired, encouraged and challenged to stretch beyond their capabilities to be able learn and develop. As a result, they develop positive attitude towards learning. Secondly, children and young people need a role model who they are able to observe and emulate. This will show them a path to follow as they develop into adults. Thirdly, they need opportunities to practice and internalize different ways of being and behaving. The opportunities can be availed in form of well thought of role-plays, music, acting (drama) and group work. The opportunities enabled them to learn and understand themselves and their personalities as they interact with various members of the society. Therefore, children should receive enjoyable and challenging experiences during their learning and devel opment. Fourthly, the individuality of every child should be recognised and nurtured at all developmental stages. This assures that the children's individual needs as well as interests and abilities are taken into solemn considerations. Fifth, the children should be assisted to identify their talents and hobbies. This is because talents and hobbies make them enthusiastic and the levels of their self-esteem grow. Furthermore, talents and hobbies help children develop passions early in life. This is done by listening to the voices of children when they talk about their interests and likes in life as well as paying attention to the environment where the child learns and develops. Sixthly, children should be praised for every good thing they do. This reinforces positive behavior in their learning environment. It is important to note and understand that children enjoy growing and developing in a stimulating environment. Stimulating environment presents a platform for challenging activiti es and experiences for growing and developing children. If every aspect of a child is taken into consideration, the child would exhibit progress in his or her learning and development endeavors. Seventh, it is important to ensure that children are safe and healthy. Children should be kept away from hazards that can devastate or disempower them in the environment in which they live. Children should be fed with balanced diets. In addition, children should be taught how to keep themselves healthy. They need to learn to wash their hands regularly and brush their teeth after main meals. Whichever the approach utilized

Home work Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Home work - Coursework Example The social system has also separated the two groups to give the insurgence of the Whites who are in high class places while the blacks exists in the middle and lower class part of the society. In addition, ethnic segregation has further increased instances of racism as the society is divided into places where blacks and whites can live. Q3. Ethnic diversity also has benefits. One known benefit is multiculturalism. When different ethnic groups manage to live in one area, they manage to share with each other their culture. Some groups are able to appreciate and adopt the other groups culture hence leading to exchange of cultural information, for instance, pertaining the likes of eating habits, clothing, music and others. Another benefit of ethnic diversity in various cities is that it helps in scaling down the issue of racism. Q.4 Los Angeles is populated with Hispanics, Blacks, whites and Asians. Whites majorly exist in high class areas of Los Angeles like Hollywood and century city, Sherman Oaks. In Monterey Park, there is a large concentration of Asians. Hispanics take a large population as they are spread throughout Los Angeles, but more so to the East side. On the East side too, there is a mixture of whites, blacks, Asians and Hispanics. The diversity exists due to social stratification. The minority groups like the Hispanics and Asians are more concentrated in middle and lower class zones. Whites are more concentrated in areas of the rich as they belong to the high class people in the society. Q8. In looking at the statistics found in the table above, it is evident that ethnicity plays a role. For example, whites are located in areas of high per capita earning compared to other ethnic groups. In addition, whites have fewer families with people living below the poverty line as compared to Blacks, Hispanics and Asians. Hence ethnicity majorly influenced the distribution of the