Succubus Shadows Chapter 3

I worked until closing that night and didn't get home until around ten. To my surprise, I found Roman on the couch eating a bowl of cereal while the cats competed for who could take up the most attention on his lap. Honestly, they seemed to love him more than me lately. It was a betrayal of Caesarean proportions. â€Å"What are you doing here?† I asked, sitting on the armchair opposite him. I noticed then that the last of the party untidiness had been cleaned. Somehow, I suspected mentioning that would result in him never cleaning again. â€Å"I figured you'd be out chasing Jerome's succubus.† Roman stifled a yawn and set the empty bowl on the coffee table. Immediately, both cats sprang off his lap to get to the residual milk. â€Å"I'm on break. Been following her all day, though.† â€Å"And?† My natural curiosity aside, I was uneasy about the idea of Jerome's authority being called into question. The arch-demon might annoy me sometimes, but I had no desire for a new boss. We'd come dangerously close to a leadership change when he'd been summoned, and I hadn't been impressed with any of the candidates. â€Å"And it was incredibly boring. You're much more fun to stalk. She went shopping for most of the day. I didn't even know stores would let you take that much shit into dressing rooms. Then, she picked up a guy at a bar, and, well, you can figure out the rest.† I rather liked the idea of Roman suffering while Simone had sex. â€Å"Figured your voyeuristic tendencies would be into that kind of pornographic display.† He made a face. â€Å"It wasn't good porn. It was like the nasty, kinky porn they keep in the back of the store. The kind of stuff that only really sick people go after.† â€Å"So no clandestine meetings to report to Jerome?† â€Å"Nope.† â€Å"Makes sense, I guess.† I stretched out and put my feet out on the table. With Doug incapacitated, I'd spent a rare day on registers, standing more than I usually did anymore. Unless I was mistaken, Roman's eyes lingered on my legs before returning to my face. â€Å"If she didn't see any immortal action today, she'd have nothing to tell on.† â€Å"Not until tonight, at least.† â€Å"Tonight?† â€Å"How scattered are you? Peter and Cody are having one of their things tonight.† â€Å"Oh, man. I forgot.† Peter loved to throw dinners and get-togethers and seemed unconcerned that I'd just had a major party of my own. As a nocturnal creature, his soirees always took place late at night. â€Å"And Simone's going?† â€Å"Yup. Mei's with her now, and I'll relieve her at Peter's.† â€Å"So you'll be there in spirit, if not in person.† â€Å"Something like that.† He smiled at my joke, and for the first time since he'd returned to town, I saw a genuinely amused sparkle in those teal eyes. It reminded me a bit of the witty, gallant guy I used to date. It also occurred to me that this was a rare non-antagonistic conversation for us. It was almost†¦normal. Misunderstanding my silence, he gave me a wary look. â€Å"You aren't thinking of wussing out, are you? Your day couldn't have been that hard.† I actually had been thinking of wussing out. After yesterday's drama and now my regret over yielding to Maddie, I wasn't sure I was up for my immortal friends' zany hijinks. â€Å"Come on,† Roman said. â€Å"Simone is so boring. And I don't even mean her activities. She's just bland. If you're not there to entertain me, I don't know what I'll do.† â€Å"Are you saying the rest of my friends aren't entertaining?† â€Å"They pale in comparison.† I finally agreed to go. Although, it wouldn't have surprised me if his interest in me making an appearance was just to bum a ride. Nonetheless, I was in a good mood as I headed over to Capitol Hill. It was a little weird having Roman with me and not with me. To continue his spying, he'd gone invisible and without signature. It was like having a ghost in my car. As usual, I was one of the last to arrive. The Three Amigos – Peter, Cody, and Hugh – were there, dressed in their usual attire now, rather than historically accurate costumes. That meant a perfectly coordinated sweater vest and slacks for Peter, jeans and a T-shirt for Cody, and business casual for Hugh. I held the door open a little longer than usual, to facilitate Roman sweeping in after me. From there, I took it on faith that he was hanging out. As soon as he let us in, Peter scurried back to his kitchen without a word. Simone was there too. She sat on the loveseat, long legs perfectly crossed and hands resting on her knees. Her body was slim with respectably sized breasts, clad in a black skirt and silvery silk blouse. Her hair was – unsurprisingly – long and blond. Most succubi seemed to think blond was a sure-fire way to get guys in bed. I considered that attitude a sign of inexperience. I'd been a brunette – albeit one with gold highlights – for a while and never had trouble scoring action. Hugh sat next to her, wearing the flirtatious face that was standard for him when it came to wooing women into bed. Simone regarded him with a polite smile, one she turned on me when I entered. She stood up and held out her hand. Her immortal signature smelled like violets and put me in mind of moonlight and cello music. â€Å"You must be Georgina,† she said. â€Å"Nice to meet you.† She kept that same polite expression, and I could tell it wasn't faked. It also wasn't mischievous or overly charming. Likewise, she bore none of the open hostility succubi had around each other, or even the sugar-coated passive aggressiveness that was also common among us. She was just averagely nice. She was†¦bland. â€Å"You too,† I said. I turned to Cody as I tried to identify the scents coming from the kitchen. â€Å"What's for dinner?† â€Å"Shepherd's pie.† I waited for the joke, but none came. â€Å"That's not Peter's usual style.† He was a great cook but tended to stray toward filet mignon or scallops. Cody nodded. â€Å"He was watching a documentary on the British Isles earlier, and it inspired him.† â€Å"Well, I've got nothing against it,† I said, sitting on the arm of the couch. â€Å"I guess we should just be grateful he didn't decide to make blood pudding.† â€Å"In Australia, they have a variant of shepherd's pie that has potatoes on the top and the bottom,† Simone said out of nowhere. â€Å"They call it potato pie.† Several seconds of silence followed. Her comment wasn't entirely off-topic, but it was just odd – particularly since she didn't deliver it in a smug, know-it-all voice that you found among people who always won at Trivial Pursuit. It was just a statement of fact. It also wasn't very interesting. â€Å"Huh,† I said at last, voice deadpan. â€Å"Good to know the name's accurate. It'll avoid any embarrassing confusion that might occur at dinner. God only knows how many wacky mishaps have happened when people ordered sweetmeats.† Cody choked a little on his beer, but Hugh gave Simone a high-beam smile. â€Å"That's fascinating. Are you a cook?† â€Å"No,† she said. Nothing more. Peter popped back in just then with a vodka gimlet for me. After last night's showdown with Doug, I'd vowed to lay off for a while – like, a few days. I suddenly decided I might need a drink after all. Peter glanced around with a small frown. â€Å"This is it? I'd kind of hoped Jerome might come.† Our boss used to hang out with us quite a bit but had been avoiding social events since his summoning. â€Å"I think he's got some business to take care of,† I said. I honestly had no clue, but I kind of hoped my vague allusion would trigger a reaction in Simone. It didn't. Peter put on a good spread as always, his kitchen table immaculately set, along with cabernet sauvignon to complement the shepherd's pie. I noted that Guinness might be a better pairing, but he ignored me. â€Å"Where are you from?† I asked Simone. â€Å"You're here on vacation, right?† She nodded, delicately lifting her fork. She'd cut her pie into perfect one-inch-sized cubes. It was enough to rival Peter's obsessive compulsion. â€Å"I'm from Charleston,† she said. â€Å"I'll probably stay for a week. Maybe two if my archdemon will let me. Seattle's nice.† â€Å"I've heard Charleston's nice too,† said Hugh. He apparently hadn't given up on getting laid tonight. â€Å"It was founded in 1670,† she said by way of answer. That weird silence followed again. â€Å"Were you there at the time?† I asked. â€Å"No.† We ate without further conversation. At least, we did until dessert arrived and Cody turned his attention to me. â€Å"So, are you going to help me or not?† I'd been pondering how Simone ever managed to score guys and if her use of adjectives expanded beyond â€Å"nice.† Cody's question blindsided me. â€Å"What?† â€Å"With Gabrielle. Remember? Last night?† Right. Bookstore Gabrielle who was only into Goth and vampire guys. â€Å"I didn't promise you I would, did I?† I asked uneasily. There were too many memory gaps from that party. â€Å"No, but if you were a friend, you would. Besides, aren't you some kind of love expert?† â€Å"For myself.† â€Å"And if memory serves,† said Hugh, â€Å"she's not even really good at that.† I shot him a glare. â€Å"You have to give me something,† said Cody. â€Å"I need to see her again†¦need something to talk to her about†¦Ã¢â‚¬  I'd thought his infatuation with Gabrielle had been alcohol induced last night – seriously, was there anything alcohol couldn't be blamed for? – but that look of puppy dog love was still in his eyes. I'd known Cody a few years and had never seen this kind of reaction from him. I'd never seen it from Peter either, but my friends and I had secretly decided long ago that he was just asexual. If vampires had been capable of reproduction, he would have done it amoeba-style. I racked my brain. â€Å"I saw her reading The Seattle Sinner the other day on her break.† â€Å"What's that?† Cody asked. â€Å"It's our local industrial-Goth-fetish-horror-S-angst underground newspaper,† said Peter. We all turned and stared at him. â€Å"So I've heard,† he added hastily. I glanced back at Cody with a shrug. â€Å"It's a start. We've got it in the store.† â€Å"Are you guys done with the boring love stuff?† a voice suddenly asked. â€Å"It's time to get onto the real action.† The new voice made me jump, and then I felt the familiar crystalline aura signaling an angel's presence. Carter materialized in the one empty chair at the table – Peter had set for six, hoping Jerome would show. Seattle's worst dressed angel sat back in the chair, arms crossed over his chest and expression typically sardonic. His jeans and flannel shirt looked like they'd gone through a wood chipper, but the cashmere knit hat resting on his shoulder-length blond hair was pristine. It had been a gift from me, and I couldn't help a smile. Carter's gray eyes glinted with amusement when he noticed me. Hanging out with an angel might be weird in some hellish circles, but it had become pretty standard in our group. We were used to Carter's comings and goings, as well as his cryptic – and often infuriating – remarks. He was the closest Jerome had to a best friend and always had a particular interest in me and my love life. He'd let up a little since the recent debacle with Seth. Carter might be commonplace to us – but not to Simone. Her blue eyes went wide when he appeared, her face completely transforming. She leaned over the table, and unless I was mistaken, her neckline had gotten a little lower since my arrival. She shook Carter's hand. â€Å"I don't think we've met,† she said. â€Å"I'm Simone.† â€Å"Carter,† he replied, eyes still amused. â€Å"Simone's visiting from Charleston,† I said. â€Å"It was founded in 1670.† Carter's smile twitched a little. â€Å"So I've heard.† â€Å"You should visit,† she said. â€Å"I'd love to show you around. It's very nice.† I exchanged astonished looks with Peter, Cody, and Hugh. Simone's bland demeanor hadn't lit up exactly, but she'd suddenly become 2 percent more interesting. She wasn't infatuated with Carter the way Cody was with Gabrielle. She was just trying to bag an angel. Good luck with that, I thought. That was ballsy for any succubus. Certainly angels fell because of love and sex – Jerome was living proof – and I'd even witnessed it once. But Carter? If ever there was a staunchly resistant being, it was him. Except when it came to chain-smoking and hard liquor, of course. Yes, things with Simone had definitely gotten more interesting. â€Å"Sure,† said Carter. â€Å"I bet you could show me all sorts of places off the beaten path.† â€Å"Absolutely,† she replied. â€Å"You know, there's an inn there that George Washington had dinner at once.† I rolled my eyes. I doubted there was any part of Charleston she could show Carter that he didn't know about. Carter had been around to watch cities like Babylon and Troy rise and fall. For all I knew, he'd personally helped take down Sodom and Gomorrah. â€Å"So what kind of action did you have in mind?† I asked Carter. As entertaining as Simone's pathetic flirtation might be, I wasn't sure I was up to American History 101 tonight. â€Å"I am not playing ‘Have You Ever' again.† â€Å"Better,† he said. Out of nowhere, Carter produced Pictionary. And when I say out of nowhere, I meant it. â€Å"No,† said Hugh. â€Å"I spent years perfecting my illegible doctor's signature. I've totally lost any artistic aptitude whatsoever.† â€Å"I love Pictionary,† said Simone. â€Å"I think I have some things to do,† I added. I felt a shove on my shoulder and glanced around in surprise, seeing nothing. Then, I knew. Roman apparently still wanted me to entertain him. I sighed. â€Å"But I can stay for a little while.† â€Å"Great. That settles it,† said Carter. He turned to Peter. â€Å"You got an easel?† Of course Peter did. Why, I had no clue, but after he'd bought a Roomba and a Betamax player, I'd learned not to ask questions. We split into teams: me, Cody, and Hugh against the others. I went first. The card I drew was â€Å"Watergate.† â€Å"Oh, come on,† I said. â€Å"This is ridiculous.† â€Å"Don't whine,† said Carter, his grin annoyingly smug. â€Å"We all take a random chance here.† They started the timer. I drew some remedial waves that immediately got a â€Å"Water!† from Cody. That was promising. Then, I drew what I hoped looked like a wall with a door in it. Apparently, I did too good a job. â€Å"Wall,† said Hugh. â€Å"Door,† said Cody. I added some vertical lines to the door to emphasize the gate aspect. After a moment's thought, I drew a plus sign between the water and wall to show their connection. â€Å"Aqueduct,† said Cody. â€Å"A bridge over troubled water,† guessed Hugh. â€Å"Oh my God,† I groaned. Unsurprisingly, my time ran out before my teammates could figure it out, though not before they guessed â€Å"Hoover Dam† and â€Å"Hans Brinker.† With a groan, I flounced onto the couch. The other team then got a shot at it. â€Å"Watergate,† said Carter right away. Hugh turned on me, face incredulous. â€Å"Why didn't you just draw a gate?† Simone went after me, and I hoped she'd get â€Å"Cuban Missile Crisis† or â€Å"Bohr's Law.† The timer started, and she drew a circle with lines radiating out from it. â€Å"Sun,† said Peter immediately. â€Å"Right!† she said. I glared at Carter. â€Å"You. Are. Cheating.† â€Å"And you're a bad loser,† he replied. We played for another hour, but after my team got â€Å"Oncology,† â€Å"The Devil and Daniel Webster,† and â€Å"War of 1812,† and theirs got â€Å"Heart,† â€Å"Flower,† and â€Å"Smile,† I decided to go home. At the door, I heard a wistful sigh in my ear. â€Å"You're on your own,† I growled to Roman in an undertone. I left amid protests about being a bad sport and considered myself lucky when Carter said they were going to play Jenga next. The drive back to West Seattle was quiet this time of night, and after parking underneath my building, I was happy to see that today's unseasonable heat still hung in the air. Being so close to the water had cooled it slightly, bringing it to a perfect nighttime temperature. On impulse, I walked across the street to the beach, which was actually more like a park: grassy with only a few feet of sand. In Seattle, there were few places that offered much more. Still, I loved the water and the soft sounds of waves against the shore. A light breeze stirred my hair, and those costly glittering lights shone in the distance. I'd moved here partially to get away from Queen Anne and its regular proximity to Seth, but also because the ocean always brought back memories of my mortal youth. Puget Sound was a far cry from the warm Mediterranean waters I'd grown up near, but it soothed something within me nonetheless. That comfort was bittersweet, of course, but it was an unfortunate tendency of mortals and immortals alike to gravitate toward things we knew would cause us pain. The water was enchanting, glittering in both moonlight and street light. I stared off at a lit ferry moving toward Bain-bridge Island, then returned my gaze to the lapping waves before me. They seemed to be choreographed into a dance, an alluring pattern that urged me to join in. I might not be able to draw, but dancing was an art I'd carried from my mortal days. The water beckoned, and I could almost hear the music it danced to. It was intoxicating, filled with warmth and love that promised to ease that constant dull ache in my chest, the ache I'd carried since losing Seth†¦. It wasn't until I was calf-deep in water that I realized what I had done. My high heels were sinking into the sand, and warm day or no, the water was still at a low temperature, its icy touch seeping into my skin. The world, which had before seemed dreamy and hazy, now snapped into sharp relief, no longer an inviting dance that promised comfort and pleasure. Fear sent my heart racing, and I hastily backed up, something that wasn't easy as the sand wrapped around my heels. I finally stepped out of them and reached down, pulling them up from the water and walking back to the shore barefoot. I stared out at the sound a few moments more, startled at how much it now scared me. How far would I have walked in? I didn't know and didn't want to think about it too hard. I turned and hastily headed toward my condo, oblivious to the rough asphalt against my feet. It wasn't until I was safely back in my living room – having locked the door behind me – that I felt some measure of safety. Aubrey walked up to me, sniffing my ankles and then licking the salty water that still clung to them. I'd had one drink almost two hours ago, a drink that had long metabolized out of my system. This had been no buzzed delusion – neither had last night's sleepwalking or near-balcony jump. I sat on my couch, arms wrapped around me. Everything around me seemed a threat. â€Å"Roman?† I asked aloud. â€Å"Are you here?† My only answer was silence. He was still out with Simone and probably wouldn't be back the rest of the night. I was astonished at how suddenly and desperately I wished he were here. My condo seemed lonely and ominous. Water had splashed against my dress, and I changed out of it, swapping it for the soft comfort of pajamas. I decided then that I wouldn't sleep. I'd wait in the living room for Roman. I needed to tell him what had happened. I needed him to guard my sleep. Yet, somewhere around four, my own fatigue overcame me. I stretched out along the couch, both cats curled against me, and gradually lost track of the infomercial on TV. When I woke, it was late morning, and sunlight warmed my skin. Roman was still gone. I hadn't been able to wait him out, but I was still on the couch. For now, that was the best I could hope for.

Bus 610 Week 1

Michael Rush BUS 610 10/27/12 Complete Connect Exercise 1, Chapter 1 (p 13), 1. a. Interval b. Ratio c. Nominal d. Nominal e. Ordinal f. Ratio 2. a. Ratio b. Nominal c. Nominal d. Ratio 3. orangecountyregister. com Nominal- The sales of the Microsoft Surface allow for the measurement of Nominal data. When looking at the tablet market all of the sales are essentially a tally for the version or brand. The article looks at the sales which can be easily compared to other tablets in that market.Ordinal- The concept of ordinal measurement is directly represented in the idea of high school football. In the article it talks about the number one ranked Mission Viejo team. This is directly categorized as an ordinal unit of data. With having a clear ranking in terms of success, the first place team has a measureable gain over teams that would be in the lower rankings. Interval- Interval data can be found throughout the readings when it comes to weather. Weather is a great example of interval da ta.The temperature has a difference between values at a constant size and an easy ranking the temperatures for clear measurement. Additionally a zero does not have significance as in an absence of heat. Ratio- In the paper the Symantec Company was brought up. The article revolved around the earnings in the second quarter. This measurement is one of a ratio due to the fact that a zero value is meaningful. A company has the ability to be at zero and be factual. The data can be compared to different years or other companies. 4. a. Sample b.Population c. Population d. Sample Chapter 1 Practice Test for Part II, Problem #2 (p 20), 2. |Freshmen |Sophomores |Juniors |Seniors | |14 |18 |10 |6 | [pic] Chapter 2 Practice test for Part II, Problem 1 (p 54) 1. a. 30 b. 105 c. 52 d. 0. 190476 or 19% e. $165 f. Minimum= $120 and Maximum =$330 g. [pic] h. [pic]

Effects of Alcohol and Nicotine Use

The Effects of Alcohol and Nicotine Use Tobacco and alcohol use are common addictions amongst Americans. Each of these products are easily accessible at any convenience store and are perceived to be pleasurable activities as a result of their prevalence in American society. Both drugs also have significantly adverse effects on an individual's health and overall well-being. However, tobacco and alcohol consumption are quite different in the nature of the addiction, and the risks each drug pose to one's health. Tobacco has been present even before the establishment of America.In 1492, Christopher Columbus was offered dried tobacco leaves from the Native Americans he encountered. By 1600, tobacco was used for its assumed healing qualities and was often used as currency. Not until 1826 was the pure form of nicotine finally discovered and labeled a dangerous poison. During the 1980's, many lawsuits were filed against tobacco companies because of the harmful effects of their products. Smok ing became politically incorrect and more businesses began to prohibit smoking on their premises.Despite this, cigarette consumption in America is still common. Today, Marlboro is considered one of the most valuable brands of any product in the world, valued at over 30 billion dollars. (NCSU Libraries) Although the supposed health benefits of tobacco have been promoted by both a variety of cultures and corporations alike, the physical effects of nicotine on the body are now indisputable. In as little as ten minutes after consumption, nicotine can raise blood pressure, heart rate, and constrict blood vessels,thus increasing the chance of heart attack and stroke.Habitual use has been linked to cancer of the lung, throat, mouth, esophagus, bladder, cervix, kidney, larynx, and stomach. (Center for Disease Control and Prevention) Even casual use is accompanied by increased coughing, congestion, fatigue, and shortness of breath. Aside from the havoc wrought internally from the frequent us e of tobacco, it also causes negative changes to one's physical appearance. These changes include, but are not limited to, tooth decay, gingivial recession, halitosis, stained fingers, and an unpleasant odor on one's person. University Health Center at the University of Georgia) According to the American Heart Association, in as little as one cigarette, a user may be addicted to nicotine. Nicotine addiction is recognized by the uncontrollable cravings to consume tobacco products. An addict may feel anxious about the next time they are able to use, and may be very irritable until their craving has been satisfied. As a user decreases their use of tobacco, they begin to withdrawal. Indications of withdrawal are different for each individual.A person will generally be cantankerous, and may suffer physical ailments, such as headaches, nausea, and cold like symptoms. Increased appetite, impaired work performance, and depression are additional symptoms linked to nicotine withdrawal. (Natio nal Library of Medicine) Alcohol has been a prevalent substance in human culture since 6400 B. C. According to Dr. William L. Smith, excavated clay jugs dating back to neolithic periods suggest the intentional fermentation of alcohol. Alcohol most likely originated in Middle Eastern regions, and was used primarily for its healing, antiseptic and religious purposes, often as a gift to the divine.Alcohol has always been a part of American culture, as it was first brought over by English settlers. One of the first laws regarding alcohol was passed in early seventeenth century Virginia. The law prohibited public drunkenness, as it was a threat to society. Though, the first alcohol related laws did not prohibit the substance itself. In 1920, National Prohibition took effect, consequently the 18th Amendment of the United States Constitution. However, in 1933, the 21st Amendment repealed the prohibition, legalizing the creation, sale, and consumption of alcohol. WWW2 Webserver) Laws in reg ards to alcohol had to be placed into effect in order to ensure the safety of America's people. Whether or not the alcohol use is routine, the array of symptoms that may be exhibited have the opportunity to be devastating to the user and to the public.In one night of drinking, the intoxicated individual has already put themselves at risk for alcohol poisoning, miscarriage, violence, and death. One of the least tolerated criminal offenses of today is driving while intoxicated (DWI), or driving under the influence (DUI), which is defined by a blood alcohol content level over . 8%. A few sips of an alcoholic beverage can debilitate the driver, causing them to careen in and out of lanes, run red lights, and other dangerous driving practices. Alcohol is also a common factor in regards to risky sexual behaviors. The impaired ability to make responsible decisions increases the chance of accidental pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases. Heavy alcohol use over the lifetime causes ann ihilating physical and psychiatric damage to the body. The user becomes at risk for a variety of health issues, including cirrhosis, dementia, liver disease, and stroke.Long term use also puts the individual at risk for mouth, throat, esophagus, liver, and colon cancer. While the internal damage is taking place, the individual is slowly using their ability to function in society. The daily drunken stupor or hangover prohibits the person from excelling in the work place and in the classroom. Stomach pain, headache, and irritability are common symptoms that hinder the usefulness of the individual. If these characteristics persist, job loss and expulsion will occur. Aside from the regression of skills and potential successes, an alcoholic will induce detriment upon their family and friends. Center for Disease Control and Prevention) Alcoholism is, according to the University of Maryland Medical center, a â€Å"chronic, often progressive disease in which a person craves alcohol and dri nks despite repeated alcohol related problems, like losing a job or a relationship. † The disease is often accompanied by a significantly high tolerance to alcohol, drinking in order to feel â€Å"good† again. An addict may sneak or hide drinks, plan activities around drinking, or drink to escape life's hassles. Family and friends of the victim may notice personality changes, mood swings, and broken promises.The addict may feel troubled by how much they are consuming, and may be quick to defend themselves with confrontations regarding their drinking habits. When an alcoholic is unable to drink as much as need be, they suffer from physical withdrawal symptoms that inhibit them from feeling well. Nausea, sweating, shakiness, and anxiety, are all common signs of alcohol withdrawal. Insomnia, hand tremors, and fatigue are additional symptoms that may be experienced. (University of Maryland Medical Center) Alcohol and tobacco products are commonly used in not only American s ociety, but in cultures around the globe.They have each continued to be advertised as enjoyable experiences, thus their social acceptability. Despite their prevalence and media allure, scientific evidence is irrefutable. Single and habitual use of nicotine and alcohol both affect the body in significantly negative ways. These substances are both linked to a variety of cancers, amongst other health issues. The forgo of these drugs results in mild to severe emotional discomfort. Typical behaviors include depression, irritability and apprehension. In addition, visible cues such as sweating and shakiness are common in withdrawal.Based upon scientific study, alcohol and tobacco use are practices not to be taken lightly. Their toxic effects on the human body are disregarded in American culture, however, it is imperative that every user understands each substance in its entirety. A nicotine addiction is quite different from an alcohol dependency, as nicotine seems to be primarily a physica lly unhealthy habit, and alcohol becomes a lifestyle. Nonetheless, each addiction is completely detrimental to one's health, and all risks should be considered before taking that first sip or smoke.

Operations & Process Mgt Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Operations & Process Mgt - Assignment Example Expected inventory level is the stock held by a business more than its obligation for the lead-time. Firms hold Expected inventory level to guard against â€Å"stock-out† (Shah, 2005:227). Average inventory is utilized to approximate the quantity of inventory that a company naturally has on hand more than a longer time period than just the last period. Since the balance of inventory is computed at then end of the last dealing day of a month, it can vary significantly from the average quantity over a longer period of time, depending upon whether there was an unexpected decline of stock or possibly a big supplier delivery at the ending of the month. â€Å"Average inventory† (702) is also helpful for assessment to revenues. While revenues are naturally accessible in the statement of profits and loss not only for the most recent month, but also for the â€Å"year-to-date† (Bragg, 2011:151), it is helpful to also compute the average stock for the â€Å"year-to-date† (151), and then match the inventory average balance to the revenues of year-to-date in order to see how much stock investment was required to support a specified sales level. The company considers the average costs connected with â€Å"placing, processing and receiving† (Sabri, Gupta & Beitler, 2007:34) a replacement order for any part amounting to  £40. It also estimates the standard cost of holding a particular unit of every component in inventory for an entire year at 6% of the unit cost of the item. An â€Å"alternative inventory policy† (Fu, 2014:46) that denotes the quantity of units of inventories, which should be held to decrease costs is proposed. We can reduce the total annual stockholding costs by recognizing average inventory and decreasing â€Å"safety stock† (Minner, 2000:35). By reducing overall lead time and lead time variability, estimating investment cost and having a clear awareness of real possible investments

Engineering with ethics Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Engineering with ethics - Essay Example My personal guidelines to becoming successful is not to abandon ethics just to get ahead of others but rather to build trust and integrity among my clientele, superior, organization and peers that I may be trusted with more responsibilities and become more successful in the long-run. My field is in engineering and my profession requires me to build things that would make people’s lives better be it bridge, houses, computers, plants or products that people use everyday. Ethics plays a significant part for me not just to do my job well but to ensure that the goodness of the end user of my profession is protected. Without ethics that would guide an engineer like me, people will surely suffer from the product of my work and I in the long term because nobody would avail of my service and worst, I may be meted with criminal liability because of poor work and negligence. I believe that science and technology must be guided by ethics and should be pursued in accordance to it. Science and technology without the guidance of ethics may become bad and used either for less than good purpose or for selfish ends. One has to remember that science and technology is neutral in terms of value. That is, it is neither good nor bad and its value depends entirely on its user on how they intend to use it – either to pursue and develop it to better mankind or to serve some selfish or distorted end. Therefore, I am not inclined to use utilitarian ethics as a guideline in my future career.

'There is no ... way of distinguishing the 'popular' from the 'high' Assignment

'There is no ... way of distinguishing the 'popular' from the 'high'. ... Nor is making such a distinction of importance' (Watso - Assignment Example This change in the social hierarchy of literature has led to the categorical division of literature on the basis of the thematic concerns of a literary piece i.e. poplar literature and high literature. 1.1. High Literature High or elite literature is a term used for the classic pieces of literature that followed the trends and customs of eighteenth century literary style and pattern. Johnson categorizes the works of Jane Eyre, lyric poetry and Puig’s works as high literature (9). 1.2. Popular Literature Newcomb states, ‘popular literature is by definition a product of literate practices, no matter how socially diverse, remote from elite norms or collective they may be’ (12). Hence popular literature is an anti thesis of high or elite literature. However popular literature is derived from high literature i.e. high literature formed the foundation that led to the production of popular literature. As a result it is impossible to distinguish one from the other and hen ce in every piece of popular literature there are strains of high or elite literature. ... 2.1. First Person Narration The novel is depicted in first person narration which provides the readers with a first hand account of all the action taking place in the novel. The narration technique used in this novel is similar to Jane Austen’s depiction of Pride and prejudice. Yet at the same time the author of Rebecca does not divulge the identity of her narrator which is an idea explored in popular literature. 2.2. Marriage Marriage is another idea that the two novels Pride and Prejudice and Rebecca explore. In the former the narrator Elizabeth as well the Jane Austen are observed to be stressing on importance of marriage and security in a woman’s life. On the other hand in Rebecca marriage is not symbolic of security and a necessity for women in fact du Maurier projects women as free and liberated as also observed from the narrator’s reaction to the marriage proposal where she says, ‘Oh but you don't understand! It's just that I, well I’m, not th e person men marry’ (32). 2.3. Liberated Woman The manners in which the characters of Rebecca and the narrator are portrayed are in itself a reflection of high and popular culture. Rebecca’s character is portrayed as a woman who is not only married in money but is also sexually liberated as stated in the novel, ‘Giles went out sailing with Rebecca†¦she had started on him as she had done on Frank†¦she might get hold of one of the workmen on the estate, someone from Kerrith, anyone†¦ she used to have this fellow Favell down to the cottage†¦Ã¢â‚¬â„¢ (174-175). this again is an idea that was explored in popular literature i.e. women having the freedom to do anything they want to. This also illustrates and supports feminism. Yet on the other hand the narrator’s shyness and

Week One Individual Assignment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Week One Individual Assignment - Essay Example the threats, the weaknesses the opportunities and the strengths. In diagnosing opportunities and threats, the manager should reflect on Michael Porter’s model for competitive forces in order to diagnose the competitive forces in the particular industry. These forces are very important since they can affect the business profit potential, growth rate or even survival. The business plan should assess these forces. These are the following: competitors, new entrants, customers, suppliers and substitute goods or services. Since the baby clothing store is a start-up business, the new entrants force is not of particular importance for this stage. From the competitors’ side the business owner should check the rivalry among competitors and more specifically should examine the number of firms there are in the particular industry, the rate of the industry growth and the level of fixed costs. The baby clothing store may face the danger of the customers’ bargaining power since the goods it provides are standard and undifferentiated i.e. the customers can find the same or similar ones to other shops and therefore they may force down the prices or buy more goods or services for the same price. A possible solution here would be to offer excellent customer service but this is going to be developed in strategies. The next step in planning is setting goals. The goals should be realistic, challenging but achievable and they can act as a benchmark so the manager can see if s/he meets his/her targets. The goal should be both strategic and financial. Then, the manager should develop and implement strategies. The strategies should be based on extensive market analysis, examination of opportunities and threats and contingency plans if things do not go as expected. From the three strategies i.e. market penetration, market development and product development strategy, it seems that the

Innovations in Ecommerce Dissertation Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Innovations in Ecommerce - Dissertation Example Thus, realizing the business organizations’ always growing interest in the Internet, many studies and researches regarding business to customers and Internet shopping have been carried out to discover the key attributes or factors that can have influence over customers’ behaviors and decisions while shopping on the Internet. In this scenario, some of the general attributes can comprise the demographic and psychographic characteristics of customers and the quality of products or services. Basically, the e-commerce is the process of carrying out business operations using the Internet. In this scenario, this research will describe the trends of e-commerce. The basic aim of this research is to discuss the role of innovations and latest IT trends in e-commerce and how they affect the retailer and consumer. Introduction Innovations and developments in information technology have always been continued since the emergence of the Internet. In fact, most of the ways companies and people carry out their daily activities and live at the present are determined with the huge web of electronic networks that is commonly known as the Internet (Turban, Leidner, McLean, & Wetherbe, 2005). ). Additionally, the comprehensive availability of the Internet for carrying out business related tasks of the businesses, sellers and buyers is the primary reason behind the development of electronic commerce (or simply e-commerce). Actually, â€Å"electronic commerce is the method of selling and purchasing services and goods and products performed electronically by means of computerized business transactions over the Internet, networks, and other digital technologies† (Laudon & Laudon, 1999, p. 25; Stair & Reynolds, 2003, p. 19). In addition, the term ‘e-commerce’ is commonly used for all the business oper ations that are carried out over the web using a wide variety of tools and software applications that depend on the Internet, such as immediate e-mail, messaging, shopping carts, and web services, UDDI, FTP and EDI, and so many others. Moreover, electronic commerce can be performed between two businesses performing transactions, trading funds, goods, services and data or between a business and a client (Webopedia, 2012; Damanpour & Damanpour, 2001). It is an admitted fact that the Internet has turned out to be a vital part of almost every kind of business. Basically, the simple description of a business is â€Å"any activity or transaction that entails the exchange of products and services with an aim of making money or generating profits. However, if this transaction is carried out over the web it is known as e-commerce. In the past few years, the reality of e-commerce has turned into a full-blown business (Ahuja, 2011; Melissa, 2010; Pozin, 2012). Now people want to shop from hom e by using their computer with a single click and the Internet has made it possible. Now the latest tools and technologies over the Internet have made the life easier. They have provided a lot of benefits to the customers and brought numerous opportunities for the businesses. In this proposal, I am going to analyze the impact of innovations on the business. This basic aim of this research is to show how do innovations in information technologies affect the retailers and customers. Literature Review The innovations and developments in the Internet carry on growing quickly, through which both new and well-established businesses are taking benefits online. In this scenario, e-commerce has emerged as a very attractive and helpful tool. It is an admitted fact that its influences on business economy will be as important as the shift from the agricultural financial

INLAND TRANSPORTATION Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

INLAND TRANSPORTATION - Essay Example Herne Organics will also have a distribution pattern that is determined by the proximity of the respective clients. Shifts for deliveries will be organised around this concept. Lastly, a lot of support will be needed in terms of the trained drivers, efficient mechanics and experience in supply chain management. The latter essay is an examination of the transport options available to a company that specializes in organic vegetables and salads. This business was initially a small one, however, following re-investment and expansion in the sector, the company now focuses on production of organic products. There is a need to look at some of the avenues available to the company in terms of vehicle fleet management. Additionally, financial and operational challenges will be examined with strict adherence to the UK vehicle and operator serve agency’s rules and regulations. Herne Organics has the option of either outsourcing or owning their fleet of vehicles for transportation. If the company chooses to outsource this business function, then it stands to benefit from the great experience that the transporting company will have. Since such experts have worked with so many other businesses, then they are likely to develop solutions that are well suited to this company. (Emp, 2007) If the company chooses to own its fleet of vehicles then they may have to dedicate a lot of finance and time towards running this fleet. By outsourcing, the Kent Limited will be spared from this hustle and bustle. Outsourcing also, transfers some of the risks that arise out of owning one’s fleet. This is usually because of the need to maintain an operational lease. Additionally, vehicles require a lot of maintenance and this eats onto the company’s profits. By outsourcing, the company can eradicate this issue. If the company opts to own its fleet of vehicles, it would have

Analysis Essay for A Clean, Well-Lighted Place by Ernest Hemingway

Analysis for A Clean, Well-Lighted Place by Ernest Hemingway - Essay Example The young waiter represents a person at youth. He is the embodiment of the young person who has the promise of his entire life before him. He demonstrates the impatience of youth with the slowness and infirmities of age. His attitude is seen in his emphatic declaration, â€Å"I have confidence. I am all confidence† (Hemingway, ). He cannot conceive of any shortcoming or sorrow in life except the lack of money. He has no sympathy with the deaf old man’s despair, and ruthlessly tells him, â€Å"You should have killed yourself last week† (Hemingway, ). In the flush of youth and vigor, he is repulsed by the ravages of age: â€Å"An old man is a nasty thing† he says (Hemingway, ). His character is the depiction of youth in all its materialism and callowness. The senior waiter represents the maturity of middle age. As he progresses in age, he is acutely conscious that he is on the way to becoming an old man, like the deaf customer. He exhibits a deep empathy for the old man and says, â€Å"I am of those who like to stay late at the cafà ©, with all those who do not want to go to bed. With all those who need a light for the night† (Hemingway, ). He shares the loneliness of the old man and sympathizes with his despair. He refutes the young waiter’s criticism by asserting that the old man is clean. At the same time, he understands the impatience of the young waiter to get home to his wife. The old customer is poised on the threshold of death. Loneliness, despair, and conflict of the soul torment him. He craves the small comfort of a well-lighted and clean cafà © for a temporary period of security. He represents old age and the coming encounter with death. He is the personification of the transience of human life: â€Å"It was all nothing and a man was nothing too† (Hemingway, ), the senior waiter says. The old man is a symbol of

E-Government in Iraq Research Proposal Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

E-Government in Iraq - Research Proposal Example The main research questions have been depicted hereunder. What is the importance of e-government in Iraq? What are the advantages and drawbacks that face by Iraq through adopting as well as implementing e-government initiative? What are the lessons for Iraq from leading countries on the way of information society? 3. Summary and Outline of the Topic The rapid development of the ICT can be considered as one of the imperative aspects for the countries to build an efficient working environment that can enable their respective government to address various needs and desires of the citizens. With this regard, the implementation of e-government tool is regarded as one of the major potentials that enable the government of various nations to improve and modernise the existing performance of the governmental institutions (Rokhman, 2011). The increasing extent of e-government in the global countries ensures enhancing the quality of life of the citizens for the purpose of assuring greater conve nience to avail various governmental supports. Due to increased level of globalisation, market competition and internationalisation, the governmental institutions tend to foster e-government process in order to boost their efficiency as well as integrate workers, partners and citizens in an effective manner (Wong & et. al., 2011). The broad execution of e-government in the governmental processes involve various ICT tools in order to provide services to the citizens, businesses, workers as well as other non-governmental institutions. Moreover, fostering an effective association with the government as well as the citizens can be considered as one of the major roles of e-government. Therefore, the scope of e-government involves broad assortment of functions to address the needs... The rationale for conducting this research proposal can be understood with reference to the fact that the implementation of e-government is highly important for Iraq to effectively organise and manage broad array of activities that are performed by different governmental institutions of the country. The idea of e-government can provide the country with effective support towards enhancing business or operational performances of the institutions from different disciplines including education, business, military and finance among others. With this regard, it can be stated that the specific aims of the proposed study will be beneficial for Iraq to involve e-government The paper makes a conclusion that the rapid development of the ICT can be considered as one of the imperative aspects for the countries to build an efficient working environment that can enable their respective government to address various needs and desires of the citizens. With this regard, the implementation of e-government tool is regarded as one of the major potentials that enable the government of various nations to improve and modernise the existing performance of the governmental institutions. The increasing extent of e-government in the global countries ensures enhancing the quality of life of the citizens for the purpose of assuring greater convenience to avail various governmental supports. The research concerning the effect of e-government in Iraq can be influenced by certain ethical concerns due to its qualitative nature.

New Burger King Seven Incher Ad Report Essay Example for Free

New Burger King Seven Incher Ad Report Essay Advertising has a big effect on selling products or propagandizes. That’s why; companies and organizations start to increase their advertising expenses. A research made in 1985 indicates that in 1983, companies worldwide spent $19,837,800,000 on advertising. In 1984, $23,429,700,000 was spent and in 1991, about $52 billion was spent on advertising by companies. This shows us that companies understood that advertising is the best way of selling. All of these companies want to make their advertisements effective and memorable, but what makes an advertisement memorable? An illustration, a headline and a copy can make an advertisement incredibly memorable. The first feature, which makes advertisements effective, is an illustration. An illustration has a great effect on advertisements. They can easily make them memorable. First, the size of the illustration is very important for effectiveness of the illustration. The size of the illustration should be between 1/4 and 2/3 of the page such as 66% of top-scoring advertisements. So you can put headline and copy on the blank side of the page. For example, inad, advertisers used 2/3 of the page as an illustration. Secondly, the subject of the illustration is very important to capture customers. Most (36%) of the top scoring ads uses the technique of borrowed interest. For instance,   uses borrowed interest. In headline it says, †, that’s why, advertisers used a woman, which look like a surprised. To conclude, an illustration may make an advertisement such as, very effective with its size and subject, but there are more can make an ad memorable. The second feature that makes an ad memorable is a headline. A headline has a great effect on stopping power. It makes people stop and read the rest of the ad. So people may buy the product. First, the size of the headline is very important to make a headline memorable. It should not be very small or very big. The top scoring ads use commonly half inch or in rare cases less than half-inch headlines. For example, in ad, advertisers used a headline, which is 2. 5 inches. First row of the headline is written bigger than the second row, because advertisers wanted to make both rows in the same width. Second, the length of the headline is as important as the size. If the length of the headline is too long, people may easily forget it or don’t want to read it because it is long. 36% of the top scoring ads uses a headline between 1 and 6 words. So it can be memorable. For instance, advertisers used 5 words in the headline of   It is a basic phrase, which people use in their normal life. So, it is easy to remember. In conclusion, a headline is a basic way to make people remember the ad, but still there is one more thing to talk about. The last feature, which makes an advertisement effective and memorable, is a copy. Actually, copies haven’t a big effect on effectiveness, but after people stops because of the headline and the illustration, the copy becomes important. First property, which makes a copy effective, is its length. About 70% of top scoring ads have copy, which has words between 26 and 100. So people can read it easily and it will not bore them. For example, and has a copy made by 47 words. So it is easy to read and understand. Secondly, the message of the copy is a big effect on ad. Every copy has its own message. Some copies give people information about the technical specifications of the product. Some explains how to use it and some tells how the product will make you happy. The major (33%) part of the top scoring ads’ copies includes information about the usefulness of the product. So the advertisers can easily fool the customers. For instance,   ad’ copy is about effects of the hamburger on the potential consumers. To conclude, even though the copy is not very important at the beginning, it becomes very effective with its length and message. In other words, most of the top scoring ads such as   uses illustrations, which do not fill all of the page and includes the subject of borrowed interest; headlines, which are about half inch and less than 7 words and copies, the lengths are between 26 and 100 words and explains how do the products helps you, to improve their sales. However I am sure all these would change in the future such as entire page illustrations and copies less than 50 words.

Reflective Account Of A Student Placement Within The Community Setting Nursing Essay

Reflective Account Of A Student Placement Within The Community Setting Nursing Essay This assignment will provide a reflective account of a student placement within the community setting. The   reflective   model   Kolbs learning   cycle   (1984) is   often   referred   to   in   describing   experimental   learning   and   can   be   used   in   any   learning   situation.   Reflective practice is important to the development of Mentors as   professionals as   it   enables   us   to   learn   from   our   experiences   of  teaching   and   facilitating   student   learning. Dix and Hughes (2004) recognise that students and learners can benefit from reflective practise. Jasper (2003) also identifies that reflective practise is an essential tool for student nurses to make that very important link between theory and practise. It will also highlight the role of the mentor and look at how the learning outcomes of both the mentor and the student were achieved. According   to   the   Nursing   and   Midwifery   Council   (NMC   2008) the   term  Ã‚   mentor   is   used   to   highlight   the   role   of   a   registered  nurse   who   facilitates learning   and   supervises and   assesses   students   in   the   practice   place.  Ã‚   They   also   identify   the   eight   mandatory   standards   that   must   be  Ã‚   achieved   to   become   a   mentor,   and   within   the   assignment   I   shall   be  Ã‚   referring   to   the Standards   to   Support   Learning   and   Assessment   in  Ã‚   Practice; NMC   standards   for   mentors,   practice   teachers and   teachers,   and  Ã‚   identifying   the   standards   that   mentors require. I   am   a   staff   nurse   working as part of a busy district nursing team   within   the   community setting. I have 5   years   experience as a nurse,   as   I   me ntee   I   will   be   under   the   supervision   of   my   mentor   who   is also   a   staff   nurse   with   over 20 years experience. Who has over   7   years   experience   as a   mentor.    The   student   that   has   been   allocated   to   my   area   of   work   is a   26   year   old   women   who   is at   the   beginning   of   her   2nd   year,   she   has   previously   worked   with   the health   visitor   and   In   a   nursing   home   setting.   Before   starting   her   training   she   worked   as a   carer   in   a   nursing   home   setting   which   has   given   her   confidence   and   personal   experience   outside   her   nurse   training. I   will   be outlining   the   students   journey   whilst   on   their   placement   and   How   I,   with   the   suppo rt   of   my   mentor   provided a   constructive   and   nurturing   learning   environment   for   the   student   to   develop   and   meet   her   learning   outcomes.   To ensure the student has a positive learning experience it is important that the learning environment is supportive for the student and those who work in it . Clarke et al. (2003) makes reference that learning in the clinical environment is very highly valued and this places several demands on clinical areas and staff. The clinic in which I am based has a wealth of mentors and nurses with vast experience. It provides a positive and supportive learning experience to students who are placed with the district nurses. Although the clinic can be unpredictable clinically and tend to have heavy workloads. We have a resource room for students and the staff are always interested in and aware of the students experience whilst on placement.    Our   initial meeting   took   place   on   the   students   first   day   of   the   placement   I   issued her   the   clinics   student   nurse  Ã‚  orientation / resource   pack.   This   provided   her   with   all   the   basic   information  Ã‚   about   the   clinic   and   the   different   members   staff   within   the   team. Also   within   the   pack   was a   copy   of   the   NMC   guide   for   students   of   nursing   (2005) for   her   to   keep   referring   back   to, this   was   to  Ã‚   provide   a   good    introduction   into   the   learning   environment   that   she would   be   in   during   her   placement.   Cahill   (1996)   acknowledges   that   the   single   most   crucial   factor   in   creating   a   positive   learning   environment   is   the   relationship   between  Ã‚   staff   and   the   student   nurses.  Ã‚   She   also   discusses a   common   problem   which   arises   for   students   is   that   they   are   regularly   unable   to   work   with   their   mentor,   so   during   our   initial   meeting   we   discussed   and   planned   her   time table taking   into   account   any   study days she may have.  Ã‚   Kenworthy   and   Nicklin   (2000) comment   that   the   more   comfortable   and  Ã‚   welcome   a   student   feels   within   the   working   environment, the   more    likely   it   is   that  Ã‚   effective   learning   will   take   place   and   the   student   will   become  Ã‚   motivated   to   learn   which   is a   key   factor   in   successful   learning.   During   this   meeting   we   also   outlined   her   learning   needs and   establish   a   learning contract . A   learning   contract   is a   short   agreement   in   writing   between   the   mentor   and   their   student   used   to   ensure   learning   objectives and   module   outcomes are   identified   and   met   throughout   the   placement   (Lowry 1997). Downie and Basford (2003) believe that to identify the learning outcomes at the beginning for the placement is of great benefit to the students. In the learning contract the student outlined she would like to develop skills in the technique of administrating injections. She also expressed an interest in learning the role of a district nurse. It   was   important   for   me   to   know  Ã‚   where   in   her   training   the  Ã‚   student   nurse   was   so   I   could   plan   with   her   effectively   when   supporting   her   in   the   clinical   setting. A   frequently   used   taxonomy  Ã‚   in   nursing   is   the   framework   by   Benner   (2001)   in   which   are  Ã‚   five   levels;   novice, beginner,   competent,   proficient,   and   expert. According   to   Benners   stages   of   clinical   competence   which   shows   the   journey   of   a   novice   to   an   expert   my   student   appeared   to   be   an   advance   beginner   as she shows   understanding   of   the   NMC   code   of   professional   conduct   and has   some previous   work   experience   which   some   st udents   in   the   same   year   on   the   course   may   not   have. Honey and Mumford (1992) explore four different styles of learning which is a variation on kolbs model. It is thought whenever possible, it is essential to allow the students individual style of learning determine your choice of teaching. In seeking to explain kolbs model there are four different styles of learning they describe activists, pragmatists, theorists and reflectors. They also mention that although many people can be a mixture of the 4 styles they primarily had a preference for only one. When establishing the learning style of my student I became aware that she was an activist and also reflector. Preferring to observe and gain understanding of the theory and evidence based practise. Then showing a very hands on and experienced approach it became very apparent she preferred to be practical and experimental once she became comfortable with her surroundings. As outlined in her learnin g contract she was keen to meet her clinical outcome for administrating injections. The NMC standards for mentors (2008) states that students must spend forty percent of their placement with their mentor. This presented a problem as I had a numbers of annual study days which were mandatory and I had to attend. I discussed this with the student and explained other members of staff would oversee her learning outcomes whilst I was attending courses. This would be arranged well in advance so she knew who she would be placed with. She felt this arrangement was suitable as she would be given a chance to work with members of staff with differing experience and skill mix. This would also highlight the diversity in district nursing. I also felt this would enhance her experience within the team making her feel more comfortable with all the members of the team. Beskine (2009) suggests that starting off with a positive approach promotes the students experience as well as the quality of the plac ement. It was found by Pearcey and Elliot (2004) that students who have had negative experiences with their mentor and placements tend to leave the course before qualifying. Spoke placements with members of the multidisciplinary team were also discuss at this point and I gave her a list of recommend contact numbers and details.

Analysis Of Psychological Egoism Philosophy Essay

Analysis Of Psychological Egoism Philosophy Essay Psychological egoism is the empirical doctrine that the determining motive of every voluntary action is a desire for ones own welfare. On this view, even though all actions are regarded as self-interested actions, the egoist readily points out that people usually try to conceal the determining motives for their actions because such concealment is usually in their self-interest. Psychological egoism is a theory about motivation that claims that all of our ultimate desires are self-directed. Whenever we want others to do well (or ill), we have these other-directed desires only instrumentally; we care about others only because we think that the welfare of others will have ramifications for our own welfare. As stated, egoism is a descriptive, not a normative, claim. It aims to characterize what motivates human beings in fact; the theory does not say whether it is good or bad that people are so motivated. Ethical Egoism purports to tell us how to live. As such, it is a consequentiality theory; that is, it maintains that the rightness or wrongness of acts depends on their consequences. More specifically, it says that right actions promote self-interests and wrong actions detract from self-interest. Besides, Ethical egoism claims that it is necessary and sufficient for an action to be morally right that it maximize ones self-interest. It makes claims about what one ought to do, rather than describe what one does do. One of the problems with this position is that it might not be in ones self-interest to have everyone act from the perspective of self-interest. This state of nature would not be desirable (in Hobbes terms, life would be beastly, brutal, and short) and so it might ultimately be in ones self-interest to enter into a contract with others that would place restraints upon self-interested actions. Teleological Theory The  teleological theory  of ethics has broad appeal to many because it explains the rightness or virtue of action in terms of the good realized by it.  The word teleology is derived from the Greek word telos that means ends. In this theory, you would consider the ends, or the outcomes of your decision. Teleology was explored by Plato and Aristotle, by Saint Anselm around 1000 A.D., and later by Immanuel Kant in his Critique of Judgement. It was fundamental to the speculative philosophy of Hegel. Since this theory is concerned about the consequences of the decision, it is also referred to as consequentialist. For example, a moral theory that maintains that the rightness of an action is one which achieves the goal of maximizing happiness counts as a teleological theory. The two main types of theory brought under the rubric of teleological ethics are Utilitarianism and Ethical Egoism. Utilitarianism is clearly the most widely accepted teleological theory. Some however, have accepted another teleological viewethical egoism. Thus, in what follows we state and evaluate ethical egoism and different form of utilitarianism, in that order. Utilitarianism is a moral theory according to which welfare is the fundamental human good. Welfare may be understood as referring to the happiness or well being of individuals. Utilitarianism is most commonly a theory about the rightness of actions; it is the doctrine that, from a range of possibilities, the right action is the action which most increases the welfare of human beings or sentient creatures in general. Of the many moral theories now called Utilitarian, all share this claim that morality ought to be concerned with increasing welfare. The sense of utilitarianism can be started in this way: the rightness or wrongness of an act or moral rule is solely a matter of the nonmoral good produced directly or indirectly in the consequences of that act of rule. Utilitarianism has its historical origins in seventeenth century Britain although its central ideas may be traced back to Plato and ancient Greek discussions of eudaimonia. The most important developers and proponents of utilitarianism are Jeremy Bentham (1748-1832); He first attained attention as a critic of the leading legal theorist in eighteenth century England, Sir William Blackstone. Benthams campaign for social and political reforms in all areas, most notably the criminal law, had its theoretical basis in his utilitarianism, expounded in his Introduction to the Principles of Morals and Legislation, a work written in 1780 but not published until 1789. In it he formulated the principle of utility, which approves of an action in so far as an action has an overall tendency to promote the greatest amount of happiness. In its historical context, utilitarianism aspired to be a movement of social reform. It was closely tied to its political aspirations, promoted a new conception of morality which eschewed references to God and religion, and took morality to be fundamentally an attempt to bring about as much happiness of pleasure, to achieve the greatest good for the greatest number. Utilitarianism is divided into two branches which are Act Utilitarianism and Rule Utilitarianism. The type of utilitarianism outlined to date is termed act utilitarianism. Every single act is judged by its individual consequences and decisions on morality reached. Act utilitarianism is entirely situational and consequences in terms of happiness cannot be applied across situations. Rule utilitarianism removes this tension. The maximising happiness principle is applied not to an individual situation, but rather to that set of circumstances in general and the moral rule is then created. For example it is generally the case that murdering innocents does not maximise happiness for the majority therefore it is immoral on all occasions. Whilst this gets around certain unpalatability with utilitarianism, it does remove the true consequential nature of the system. Judgment on general consequences is not the same as judging the consequences of a specific circumstance. The other main branch of Teleology theory is Egoism. In philosophy, egoism is the theory that ones self is, or should be, the motivation and the goal of ones own action. Egoism has two variants, descriptive or normative. The descriptive (or positive) variant conceives egoism as a  factual  description of human affairs. That is, people are motivated by their own interests and desires, and they cannot be described otherwise. The normative variant proposes that people should be so motivated, regardless of what presently motivates their behaviour. Altruism is the opposite of egoism. The term egoism derives from ego, the Latin term for I in English. Egoism should be distinguished from  egotism, which means a psychological overvaluation of ones own importance, or of ones own activities. The most plausible form of ethical egoism, embraced by such philosophers as Ayn Rand and John Hospers, is called universal or impersonal rule egoism: each person has a moral rule that will be in the agents maximal self-interested over the long haul. For the ethical egoist, one has a duty to follow correct moral rules. And the factor that makes a rule a correct one is that, if followed, it will be in the agents own best interest in the long run. Each person ought to advance his/her own self-interested and that is the sole of foundation of morality. Ethical egoism is sometimes confused with various distinct issues. First, there is individual or personal ethical egoism, which says everyone has a duty to act so as to serve my self-interest. Here, everyone is morally obligated to serve the speakers long-term best interests. Second, there is psychological egoism, roughly, the idea that each person can only do an act that the person takes to maximize his or own self-interested. Psychological egoism is a descriptive thesis about motivation to the effect that we can only act on motives that are in our own self-interest. Psychological egoism is sometimes used as part of an argument for ethical egoism, but the two are distinct theses. Psychological egoism is also called the pleasure principle. It is the most famous descriptive position, claims that each person has but one ultimate aim: her own welfare. Psychological egoism insist that people are capable of desiring the happiness of other only when they taken it to be acting unselfishly and disinterestedly when they take the interests of others to be means to the promotion of their own self-interest.    Furthermore, it allows for weakness of will, since in weakness of will cases I am still aiming at my own welfare; I am weak in that I do not act as I aim. And it allows for aiming at things other than ones welfare, such as helping others, where these things are a means to ones welfare. On the other hand, Ethical egoism is a normative theory that states that our actions ought to be done from the perspective of self-interest. Besides, it also claims that it is necessary and sufficient for an action to be morally right that it maximize ones self-interest. In the strong version, it is held that it is always moral to promote ones own good, and it is never moral not to promote it. In the weak version, it is said that although it is always moral to promote ones own good, it is not necessarily never moral to not. That is, there may be conditions in which the avoidance of personal interest may be a moral action. There are three distinct types of ethical egoism: Personal ethical egoism, Individual ethical egoism and Universal ethical egoism. Personal egoists maintain that they are going to act in their own self-interest and that anything else is irrelevant to them. They actually have no interest in telling other people how to act all, and in this sense, their position is hardly a moral theory at all. () In fact, the only things which they concern in life is to further their own self-interest. Second, Individual Ethical Egoism is a belief that cant be consistent unless it applies to just one person. In other words, this belief is not universalizable. The different between personal egoism, which is hardly an ethical theory at all, and Individual ethical egoism is that latter does make a claim about how other people ought to act. Lastly, the Universal Ethical Egoism. Whereas individual ethical egoism think everyone ought to act in their own self-interest, universal ethical egoists think that each individual ought to act in his or her own self-interest. Each person, universal ethical egoists maintain, ought to be out for himself or herself. Egoism The term egoism is ordinarily used to mean exclusive concern with satisfying ones own desires, getting what one wants. Dictionaries tend to support this. They call egoism, for instance, 1. selfishness; selfà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ interest. 2. conceit (Websters New World Dictionary). The term egotist is often a substitute, although its defined differently, for example, as excessive reference to oneself. The ego is the self. But we should distinguish first between selfishness, selfà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ interest, and interest of the self. They usually mean, respectively, Concern exclusively and for indulging ones desires, consideration based first on what is good for oneself without the exclusion of others, and that which motivates an autonomous person. These will help us appreciate what follows Philosopher opinions about egoism Every individual serves his own private interestà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦The great Saints of history have served their private interest just as the most money grubbing miser has served his interest. The private interest is whatever it is that drives an individual (Friedman, 1976). But whatsoever is the object of any mans Appetite or Desire, that is it which he for his part called Good: and the object of his Hate and Aversion, Evilà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦For these words of Good and Evilà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦are ever used with relation to the person that used them: there being nothing simply and absolutely so; nor any Common Rule of Good and Evil (Hobbes, 1968: 120). Criticisms Egoism is sometimes criticized for attributing too much calculation to spontaneous acts of helping. People who help in emergency situations often report doing so without thinking (Clark and Word 1974). However, it is hard to take such reports literally when the acts involve a precise series of complicated actions that are well-suited to an apparent end. A lifeguard who rescues a struggling swimmer is properly viewed as having a goal and as selecting actions that advance that goal. The fact that she engaged in no ponderous and self-conscious calculation does not show that no means/end reasoning occurred. In any case, actions that really do occur without the mediation of beliefs and desires fall outside the scope of both egoism and altruism. People jerk their legs when their knees are tapped with hammers, but that refutes neither theory. Classical Egoism A more promising ethical egoism states that each person should live so as to achieve his or her rational selfà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ interest. (I have called this classical egoism to indicate its pedigree in Aristotelianism. It is also captured by the term eudaimonist ethics.) Accordingly, as living beings we need a guide to conduct, principles to be used when we cannot assess the merits of each action from the start. As living beings we share with other animals the value of life. But life occurs in individual (living) things. And human living, unlike that of other animals, cannot be pursued automatically. We must learn to do it. And the particular life we can pursue and about which we can exercise choices is our own. By understanding who and what we are, we can identify the standards by which our own life can most likely be advanced properly, made successful, become a happy life. Business Ethics and Egoism Egoism is of concern in the examination of business ethics, both when we use the latter to refer to how people in commercial and business endeavors ought to act, and what kinds of public policy should govern business and industry to whit, capitalism, which arises from a legal system that respects and protects private property rights, and is an economic system that is closely linked to versions of egoism. Adam Smith, the founder of modern economic science, advanced something like a psychological egoist position about human motivation (although arguably Smith was not thoroughgoing in this for example in his Theory of Moral Sentiments he advances a different position). Arguments for Psychological Egoism There are several arguments which are strongly supporting the psychological egoism which is the empirical doctrine that the determining motive of every voluntary action is a desire for ones own welfare. Firstly, the arguments which favor in psychological egoism argues that people are ego and selfish because people always act as what they desire to. This arguments state that people always act according to self-interest and every voluntary action are selfish. For example, a shopkeeper who is being honest and returned the changes that left by the customer after purchasing good is defined as an act which is ego and self interested because the shopkeeper knows that being honest will help the business and maintain the good name of the shop. Thus, psychological egoist said that people are acting what they want due to their desire and also self-interest, therefore, people are ego and selfish. Besides, psychological egoist states that people are ego and selfish because they always act to get the pleasure and satisfactory. This argument indicates that every action of the people is aimed to get a good feel or being satisfied or in simple words, people acted to get the good feeling which may be gained after doing this action. For example, one who participates in the donation of blood do so due to the satisfactory and the good feeling which one may gained by donating his own blood. One might feel that he can help the people who need the blood and hence he feels satisfied by the action of donation of his own blood. Hence, this action which are acted to get the pleasure and satisfactory is pointed out by psychological egoist as the statement of people act are always ego. Apart from that, one of the arguments in favor of psychological egoism indicates that people act is ego because they wanted to gain benefits from their action. This argument argues that peoples actions are done to get benefits such as fame, becomes popular, liked by others and so forth. For instance, from the perspective of the argument, a soldier who saved his comrades life acted bravely to get an award or a reward such as a medal. Arguments favor in psychological egoism also states that those who donates money to the poor, beggar or charity acting generous and donates money to the charities because they are enjoying the feedback from their action as they will get a good fame, becomes more popular and also being liked by the people due to their generous action. As a conclusion, arguments for psychological egoism states that each of the humans voluntary actions are being acted due to their desire to gain satisfactory, benefits and also because of their self-interest. Thus, these arguments agree the view of psychological egoism which states that people are ego because they are acting for their own good. Arguments against Psychological Egoism Many of the arguments oppose the theory of psychological egoism which states that human acts are selfish because people act according to their own desire. These arguments strongly disagree on the view of psychological egoism due to the consideration of several factors and using counter-evidence. Firstly, the arguments against the psychological egoism states that human has genuine benevolence and genuine malevolence. This argument argues that human acts may be due to the capable of genuine benevolence and genuine malevolence which is the kind and the evil that planted in the humans mind or spirit. For example, Mother Teresa who helped a lots of poor, sick, old and also children lent her hand to those needy because of her genuine benevolence, neither because of her own self-interest nor benefits. Hence, the opponents pointed out that the psychological egoism is false because there will be people who act voluntarily upon the genuine benevolence. Besides, opponents of psychological egoism said that self-interest and interest in the welfare of others are not necessarily incompatible. This argument states that people may be acting due to the completely self-interest and welfare of others. For instance, a business man never cheats his clients and customers because he knows that this action is good for businesses. From the point of view of the psychological egoism opponents, the business man does not cheat his clients and customers had take care the welfare of them and the business man did this for the good of his business which is the self-interest. The psychological egoism opponents hence state that people act not only for their self-interest but also may contain the interest in others welfare. Apart from that, the argument against psychological egoism also states that human motives are oversimplified according to the psychological egoism. The opponents of psychological egoism state that one can has many motives when one is doing an action and only one of the motives may be the self-interest or benefits. For example, a father who gave his seat to an old lady on a bus may act so due to multiple reasons. From the perspective of opponents of psychological egoism, he may wanted to be the model to teach his son a lesson on giving a seat or lending a hand to the needy, he may wanted to get the satisfactory or good feeling after helping the old lady, he may also helped the old lady because of compassion and he may thought that it is dangerous for an old lady standing on a moving bus. Among the several reasons that are listed out, there are only one reason states that this father helped the old lady due to his self-interest. Thus, the opponents believe that humans act is not solely due to the egoism but there might be other factors which are taken into the consideration before a human act. As a conclusion, opponents of psychological egoism indicates that human acts are not solely because of self-interest nor benefits but can be causes by other factors such as the genuine benevolence, compatibility of self-interest and others welfare and also multiple of motives. These opponents believe that there will be some human actions which are acted against ego and truly out of a kind heart which is altruism as what have been done by Mother Teresa. Arguments For and Against Ethical Egoism Ethical egoism is the prescriptive doctrine that all persons ought to act from their own self-interest. It differs from psychological egoism, which claims that people can only act in their self-interest. Ethical egoism also differs from rational egoism, which holds merely that it is rational to act in ones self-interest. These doctrines may, though, be combined with ethical egoism. Ethical egoism is divided into three branches which are individual ethical egoism, personal ethical egoism and universal ethical egoism. One of the arguments for ethical egoism is looking out for others are self-defeating. We ought to do what will promote the interests of everyone alike. The interests of everyone will be best promoted if each of us adopts the policy of looking to our own interests exclusively. Therefore, each of us should adopt the policy of looking to our own interests exclusively. The other argument for ethical egoism is the Ann Rands argument. According to Ann Rands argument, we each ought to regard this one life as of supreme importance or ultimate value to us since we each have just one life. Ethical egoism and only ethical egoism allows each individuals life to be of supreme importance or ultimate value to them. Other moral theories all directly or indirectly enjoin altruism. Altruism regards the individual life as something one may be required to sacrifice for the sake of others. So, altruism does not allow each individuals life to be of supreme importance to them. Therefore, we all ought to be Ethical Egoists. The third argument in favour of ethical egoism is egoism can account for ordinary morality. Egoism provides one fundamental principle from which the rest of morality can be derived. However, there is a problem with this argument since other moral theories arguably do an even better job of this. According to Kurt Baiers argument, morality is supposed to help us resolve conflicts of interest. Ethical egoism gives no help in this regard so ethical egoism is not an acceptable morality. The other argument against ethical egoism is the self-contradictory argument. People will often have conflicting duties. For instance, according to ethical egoism, it is in As best-interest to kill B so A has a duty to do so and it is in Bs best interest to avoid being killed so B has a duty (by ethical egoism) to prevent it. It is wrong to prevent someones doing their duty. So ethical egoism entails a contradiction, it is not wrong for A to kill B since it is in As best-interest to kill B but it is wrong for A to kill B. B has a duty to avoid being killed and its wrong for A to prevent B from doing Bs duty. Therefore, ethical egoism is false. Other than that, the third argument against ethical egoism which is Rachels argument discuss that we can justify treating people differently only if we can show that there is some factual difference between them that is relevant to justifying the difference in treatment. Ethical egoism says we should treat others and ourselves differently but there is no factual difference between self and others that justifies this difference in treatment so ethical egoism is unacceptably arbitrary. Rachels comments on this argument shed light on why we should care about others interests. For the very same reason we care about our own because they are in all relevant respects like us.

The Cult of True Womanhood and The Yellow Wallpaper :: Yellow Wallpaper essays

The Cult of True Womanhood and The Yellow Wallpaper Prior to the twentieth century, men assigned and defined women’s roles.   Although all women were effected by men determining women’s behavior, largely middle class women suffered.   Men perpetrated an ideological prison that subjected and silenced women.   This ideology, called the Cult of True Womanhood, legitimized the victimization of women.   The Cult of Domesticity and the Cult of Purity were the central tenets of the Cult of True Womanhood. Laboring under the seeming benevolence of the Cult of Domesticity, women were imprisoned in the home or private sphere, a servant tending to the needs of the family.   Furthermore, the Cult of Purity obliged women to remain virtuous and pure even in marriage, with their comportment continuing to be one of modesty. Religious piety and submission were beliefs that were more peripheral components of the ideology, yet both were borne of and a part of the ideology of True Womanhood. These were the means that men used to i nsure the passivity and docility of women.   Religion would pacify any desires that could cause a deviation from these set standards, while submission implied a vulnerability and dependence on the patriarchal head (Welter 373-377). The medical profession’s godlike attitude in â€Å"The Yellow Wallpaper† demonstrates this arrogance.   The Rest cure that Dr. Weir Mitchell prescribed, which is mentioned in Gilman’s work, reflects men’s disparaging attitudes.   His Rest cure calls for complete rest, coerced feeding and isolation.   Mitchell, a neurosurgeon specializing in women’s nervous ailments, expounded upon his belief for women’s nervous conditions when he said, American woman is, to speak plainly, too often physically unfit for her duties as woman, and is perhaps of all civilized females the least qualified to undertake those weightier tasks which tax so heavily the nervous system of man.   She is not fairly up to what nature asks from her as wife and mother. How will she sustain herself under the pressure of those yet more exacting duties which nowadays she is eager to share with the man? (Mitchell 141) On the other hand, the male sector of society enjoyed mobility.   Men reaped benefits from not only the private domain, but they were also free to leave and enter the public sphere.  Ã‚   They received nurturing from women in the private arena.   The public sphere was where men enjoyed the competition engendered in the market place through which they gained their identity.

Observing a Child at Elementary School Recess Essay -- Observational S

A Child at Elementary School Recess This observation is of a 10 year old male child during his lunch recess at an elementary school located in the South Bay area. The student participates in a day treatment program for children with emotional/social difficulties. The length of this observation was approximately forty five minutes. For the purpose of confidentiality this student will be referred to as John. In the first section of this observational analysis a brief description of the program which John participates in will be given. This will be followed by an analysis of John's activities during the observation. Observation The day treatment program John participates in is located on the campus of a public elementary school, and is supported by a local private mental health agency. In general, children referred to this program experience some form of emotional and/or social deficit. In addition to John, there are nine other students enrolled within the program at present. John currently attends a mainstreaming class three times per week, where he has developed several friendships with his peers. This observation began as the students in the day treatment program were let out for recess following lunch. After leaving the class John ran to the designated play area with another student. The designated play area of the playground where the students of this program are restricted to consists of a "jungle bar" set ; This play structure consists of "monkey bars" with tall vertical poles for sliding down attached at each end, three parallel bars of varying height, and horizontal bars constructed in a ladder fashion for climbing on. Additionally, the designated area includes a tether ball court, and a balancing beam constructed in a "Z" shape. The staff has restricted the students of the program to this area due to these childrens' limited abilities to demonstrate social skills, and in order to better supervise the group during recess activities. However, other children at the school are not restricted from this area and interact freely with the children from the program. After John had arrived at the play area he immediately jumped onto the parallel bars and began to swing back and forth, and launched himself into the air landing awkwardly almost falling down. John preceded to jump up onto the "monkey bars." John climbed abo... ...g with a group of peers on the basketball court can be viewed through the behavioral paradigm of social learning theory. It could be argued that John (being somewhat socially handicapped) viewed the staff in a social context with other children. Furthermore, John observed this social contact as possibly beneficial to him (e.g., a chance to make friends outside of the program). The staff acted as a model of those behaviors appropriate to the situation (i.e., cooperation, helpful, outgoing, etc.), and John molded those behaviors once he was involved with the group. And again, depending on the value John might place on such interactions, this might potentially motivate similar social behavior in the future. In conclusion, it would appear from this brief observation that John is approximately at a normal developmental level according to Erikson. John seems to be attempting to gain mastery of those skills which he has difficulties with (i.e., social interactions and motor skills).To aid him, John is using the staff as a model to determine the appropriate skills needed to meet his goals, and is using external cues such as the staffs praises as a guide of his abilities.

ICT Hardware/Software report Essay

A Diagram to show the Structure of A Computer System A Diagram to show the System for Completing My Logo A Diagram to show the System for Completing My Spreadsheet A Diagram to show the System for Completing My Wage Slip A Diagram to show the System for Completing Mail Merge Storage Device Description Advantages Disadvantages Where did I use this device? How could I have used this device? Hard Disk Primary storage device of a computer. It has a large capacity of up to 1024 GB (160 GB on PC). Large capacity Reliable Durable Fragile Not infallible Not portable I used this device each time I needed to save my work. N/A Floppy Disk A 3. 5 inch disk quadrangular in shape. Obsolete form of data storage. Simple to use Compact Portable Small memory Easily damaged Unreliable N/A To take my data home Flash Drive (USB) A modern form of data storage. It connects via USB. Compact Portable Large memory (up to 2GB) Small-easily lost Not compatible with all computers Fragile To take work home N/A Output Device Description Advantages Disadvantages Where did I use this device? How could I have used this device? Ink Jet Printer These printers use cartridges which contain ink. Produce good quality printouts Fast Cheap to buy Laserjet Printer They print in the same way as photocopiers. Powdered ink, called ‘Toner’, is fused onto paper by heat and pressure. High quality printouts Cost per page low (cheaper than ink-jet or dot matrix printers) Most expensive printer to buy Large Expensive to repair Dot Matrix Printer First printer to be used in homes and schools. Cheap Low operating costs Can create carbon copies Noisy Cannot produce colour documents Very slow N/A I could have printed some of my work off with it. LCD Monitor Liquid crystal displays. Passes light through tiny crystals. Portable. High quality display More expensive than CRT monitors Screen is fragile To view my work N/A CRT Monitor Cathode ray tube. Coating of small phosphor dots glow when hit by electrons i. e. light. Cheap Simple Heavy (not portable therefore) Lower quality display N/A I could have used this to view my work rather than an LCD monitor Graphics Plotter Can produce large printouts e. g. 3†³x10†³ and of a high quality. The images are created by a pen controlled by the computer. High quality printouts Large printouts can be produced Slower than printers More expensive than printers Bad for printing text N/A. To print off large copies of my work. Will have improved quality of logo Input Device Description Advantages Disadvantages Where did I use this device? How could I have used this device? Keyboard It is the commonest and most widely used input device. The keys (buttons) are arranged alphabetically, numerically and there are computer specific keys (function-F1, F2 etc and: delete, page up home etc). Most computers have a keyboard packaged with them Simple to use Special keyboards available Mistakes are easy to make Keyboards are unsuitable for making graphs Handicapped people find them hard to use. All the way through the course every time I needed to enter data N/A Mouse Most common input device alongside the keyboard. Has 2-5 buttons. There are two types available: optical and roller; optical has a motion sensor under the mouse, and the roller operates with a ball. Perfect for desktop computers Simple to use Supplied with PC Need an even surface near the PC Overuse can lead to RSI (repetitive strain injury) Any time I needed to select a file, used for navigating the internet and programs Scanner Scanners convert physical data (text, image etc) into digital data. This allows the image to be edited. The most used scanner is the flatbed scanner which is used at home school etc. Higher quality than handheld scanners. Images can be edited/enhanced once digitised Very accurate and high quality Images can take up large amounts of memory The digital image loses some quality in the scanning process N/A I could have made my wage slip by hand and scanned it in Magnetic Stripe Reader A device which reads magnetic tape. Commonly used by bank machines and for security in buildings (acts as a key) Simple to operate Quick and easy to use Smudges on the magnetic stripe make it unable for the card to be read N/A N/A. Software Description Advantages Disadvantages Where did I use this program? How could I have used this program? Word Processing The method of creating documents on a computer. Also used to describe advanced shorthand techniques. Easy to edit Simple to correct mistakes Not all word processors allow the same formatting e. g. notepad doesn’t allow you to add images but Word does When I was mail merging, entering employee data and creating my wage slip N/A Spreadsheet Data is entered in rows and columns like a table. This is ideal for numerical data/registers etc, calculations can be carried out with ease. Formulae are easy to enter Cleary presented data Can use up a lot of memory Can be complicated at times When I entered the data for the employees N/A Database A collection of data. Files are fixed or variable length. Requires little memory Easy to get the hang of For it to work correctly you’ll need to design the files yourself. When mail merging. N/A Graphics There are programs used to create digital images e. g. Bryce 2 Dimensions of image can be altered (2D/3D) Many editing tools Takes time to create high quality graphics Can get complicated N/A To create my logo Internet Software Software on the internet e.g. search engines Simple to use Access to vast amounts of data Free to use Can be slow Filtering through the data can be very time consuming When I needed some help with the task To create my logo N/A Publishing General purpose software. Ideal for producing menus. Leaflets etc. Simple to operate Many tools Mistakes are hard to correct at times Files can take up a lot of memory N/A To design my logo Bespoke Software Programs that are tailor made to fit the customer’s needs. Customer gets exactly what they want More expensive to create Self maintained N/A Could have designed my own program to create a database.