George Clinton - Fourth U. S. Vice President

George Clinton - Fourth U. S. Vice President George Clinton (July 26, 1739 - April 20, 1812) served from 1805 to 1812 as the fourth vice president in the administrations of both Thomas Jefferson and James Madison. As Vice President, he set up the precedent of not bringing focus to himself and instead simply presiding over the Senate.   Early Years George Clinton was born on July 26, 1739, in Little Britain, New York, a little more than seventy miles north of New York City. The son of farmer and local politician Charles Clinton and Elizabeth Denniston, not much is known of his early educational years although he was privately tutored until he joined his father to fight in the French and Indian War.   Clinton rose through the ranks to become a lieutenant during the French and Indian War. After the War, he returned to New York to study law with a well-known attorney named William Smith. By 1764 he was a practicing attorney and the following year he was named the district attorney.   In 1770, Clinton married Cornelia Tappan. She was a relative of the wealthy Livingston clan who were wealthy landowners in the Hudson Valley that were distinctly anti-British as the colonies moved closer to open rebellion. In 1770, Clinton cemented his leadership in this clan with his defense of a member of the Sons of Liberty who had been arrested by the royalists in charge of the New York assembly for seditious libel.   Revolutionary War Leader Clinton was nominated to represent New York at the Second Continental Congress which was held in 1775. However, in his own words, he was not a fan of legislative service. He was not known as an individual who spoke up. He soon decided to leave the Congress and join the war effort as a Brigadier General in the New York Militia. He helped stop the British from gaining control of the Hudson River and was recognized as a hero. He was then named a Brigadier General in the Continental Army.   Governor of New York In 1777, Clinton ran against his old wealthy ally Edward Livingston to be Governor of New York. His win showed that the power of the old wealthy families was dissolving with the ongoing revolutionary war. Even though he left his military post to become the states governor, this did not stop him from returning to military service when the British tried to help reinforce the entrenched General John Burgoyne. His leadership meant that the British were unable to send help and Burgoyne eventually had to surrender at Saratoga.   Clinton served as Governor from 1777-1795 and again from 1801-1805. While he was extremely important in helping with the war effort by coordinating New York forces and sending money to support the war effort, he still always kept a New York first attitude. In fact, when it was announced that a tariff was to be considered that would greatly impact New Yorks finances, Clinton realized that a strong national government was not in his states best interests. Because of this new understanding, Clinton was strongly opposed to the new Constitution that would replace the Articles of Confederation.   However, Clinton soon saw the writing on the wall that the new Constitution would be approved. His hopes shifted from opposing ratification to becoming the new Vice President under George Washington in the hopes of adding amendments that would limit the reach of the national government. He was opposed by the Federalists who saw through this plan including Alexander Hamilton and James Madison who worked to have John Adams elected as Vice President instead.   Vice Presidential Candidate From Day One Clinton did run in that first election, but was defeated for the vice presidency by John Adams. It is important to remember that at this time the vice presidency was determined by a separate vote from the President so running mates did not matter.   In 1792, Clinton ran again, this time with the support of his former foes including Madison and Thomas Jefferson. They were unhappy with Adams nationalist ways. However, Adams once again carried the vote. Nonetheless, Clinton received enough votes to be considered a future viable candidate.   In 1800, Thomas Jefferson approached Clinton to be his vice-presidential candidate which he agreed to. However, Jefferson eventually went with Aaron Burr. Clinton never fully trusted Burr and this distrust was proven when Burr would not agree to allow Jefferson to be named President when their electoral votes were tied in the election. Jefferson was named president in the House of Representatives. To prevent Burr from re-entering New York politics, Clinton was once again elected Governor of New York in 1801.   Ineffectual Vice President In 1804, Jefferson replaced Burr with Clinton. After his election, Clinton soon found himself left out of any important decisions. He stayed away from the social atmosphere of Washington. In the end, his primary job was to preside over the Senate, which he was not very effective at either.   In 1808, it became obvious that the Democratic-Republicans would choose James Madison as their candidate for the presidency. However, Clinton felt it was his right be chosen as the next presidential candidate for the party. However, the party felt different and instead named him to be Vice President under Madison instead. Despite this, he and his supporters continued to behave as if they were running for the presidency and made claims against Madisons fitness for office. In the end, the party stuck with Madison who won the presidency. He opposed Madison from that point on, including breaking the tie against the recharter of the National Bank in defiance of the president.   Death While in Office Clinton died while in office as Madisons Vice President on April 20, 1812. He was the first individual to lie in state in the US Capitol. He was then buried at the Congressional Cemetery. Members of Congress also wore black armbands for thirty days after this death.   Legacy Clinton was a revolutionary war hero who was immensely popular and important in early New York politics. He served as the Vice President for two presidents. However, the fact that he was not consulted and did not truly affect any national politics while serving in this position helped set a precedent for an ineffectual Vice President.   Learn More George Clinton, 4th Vice President (1805-1812), US Senate BiographyKaminski, John P.  Ã‚  George Clinton: Yeoman Politician of the New Republic.  New York State Commission on the Bicentennial of the United States Constitution, University of WisconsinMadison Center for the Study of the American Constitution (Rowman Littlefield, 1993).

College Essay Online

College Essay Online College Essay Online Sure, there are many students who post their college essay online. There are many sites that sell custom written college essays. However, you should be aware thatcollege essay writing posted online is not custom written by its essence because numerous students have access to the same essay. Imagine the situation when your tutor receives five identical essays. It is not enough to say that your tutor will be very surprised. You will get an F. Are you ready to get an F? If you are not, you should either spend some time writing college essay yourself or you are welcome to order custom college essay writing at our site. Free college essays can be used as samples, as the starting point for your own writing. Free essays cannot reply your homework. Free College Essays What are the advantages of ordering custom college essay writing service at .com? First, you receive custom written college essay that is free of plagiarism and meets all of your requirements. Second, you can request free plagiarism report and claim unlimited number of revisions. Third, you can always ask the writer to rewrite your college essay and proofread it for mistakes. Fourth, you can communicate with writer and ask for help. Finally, custom college essays are free of plagiarism and are not posted online. Thus, you receive college essay that is written especially for you and is not resold to other students Free Essays Free essays are not a solution to your academic challenges. Free essays do not answer an essay question set by your tutor. Free essays are usually poorly written and do not meet academic level requirements. Free essays are accessible by other students. College essay online help is customized and your assignment is accomplished from scratch. Do not hesitate to place an order on our site! All of your rights are protected! We do not ask you to provide any private information and we guarantee full refunds in the case of late delivery. If you have any questions or would like to learn more about our writing services, you are welcome to contact us. College essay online help is an effective way to get your assignment done professionally and prior to deadline. We guarantee adequate support and timely feedback. We guarantee originality and unlimited revisions. We value your choice and guarantee qualitative assistance! We can help you to make your academic experience more enjoyable. Read also: History Thesis Write a Term Paper Non-Plagiarized Term Papers University Research Proposal Argumentative Research Paper Topics

Research Paper on a selected Multinational Company and it's foreign Essay

Research Paper on a selected Multinational Company and it's foreign Direct Investment - Essay Example The companies making direct investments have ample control and influence over the company in which the investment is made. Countries foster open economies in order to utilize the resource of skilled workforce and explore growth prospects by attracting foreign investors, so FDI becomes an obvious choice for developing countries for economic growth and development (Gilroy, Gries, & Naudà ©, 2004, p. 50-55). According to International Monetary Fund (IMF), FDI facilitates companies to make investments with the expectation of establishing lasting relationships with the target countries. FDI was considered to be one of the major drivers of continuous growth and globalization, before the financial crisis. However, as revealed by UNCTAD in the World Investment Report of 2009, about 85 percent of the Transnational Corporations got affected by financial crisis in 2008-09. USA tops the list of FDI inflow, but many other countries have joined this list (Breitfeld, 2010, p. 1). Nowadays, we stay in one global country. This is said because there are trade and commerce taking place among all the countries. People staying in any country can make use products of different countries. From this very concept the term global marketing has come up. Now, when we say that the world has become one market, we can also say that the economies of individual countries also affect the global economy, especially the international trade. There is a lot of capital involved in international trade and commerce. Products and services costing billions of money are traded everyday among nations in the world market. So the price of currency exchange and fluctuations also significantly affect the profit and income of the marketers (Baker, Epstein, & Pollin, 1998, p. 117-120). Multinational corporations (MNCs) and FDI are complex expression that illustrates two separate but correlated concept. The MNCs or multinational enterprises (MNEs) manage their production, organization, and deliver

Presentation Essentials Mary Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Presentation Essentials Mary - Essay Example In every country, there are laws that govern the relationship between employees and employers including reporting mechanisms and channels. This paper seeks to compare the rights of employees and responsibilities of employers in the United States and Europe in relation to Mary’s case study. In the United States, employees are subjected to things like, benefits, breaks, vacations, leaves, pay, and safety. These elements stabilize employees in any given company. The employment law in the United States requires that employees be given equal opportunities without any form of discrimination. This makes employees feel protected and safe in the workplace. Employees also enjoy freedom of expression. This ensures that the opinions and ideas are considered so as to keep the company activities moving smoothly and fairly (David, 2010). Employees and employers are obligated to one another to uphold each other’s rights. The responsibilities and rights of employers and employees respec tively relate to such things as the provision of employment terms and conditions, health and safety, rights to minimum wage, and equal opportunities. ... These bodies also set number of hours that employees are expected to work in a week. The form of relationship existing between employers and employees in United States is that of master to servant, employees are obligated to recognize their employer’s authority. However, employers also have the responsibility to protect their employees and treat them fairly as dictated by employment. Some of the obligations that both employers and employees are expected to observe towards each other include: regard and respect, health and safety, working hours and pay, loyalty, and fairness. Therefore employees should feel respected, honored and valued by their employers. On the other hand, employers are expecting their employees to work and perform their duties as stipulated in the terms and conditions of the job description. On the other hand, Europe has labor laws and regulations that determine the rights of employees and responsibilities of employers in the European countries. The European employment law governs employment in terms of working conditions, health and safety, and consulting and informing employees. The rights of employees and responsibilities of employers are very important in the European nations. They uphold laws of minimum wage, disability, pensions, work opportunities, medical insurance, and retirements. This is similar to the United States which plays a significant part in the process of hiring. Some employment specific laws that are common to Europe and the United States include the following: Anti-discrimination Working time and employment contract Equal treatment of all employees at workplace Protection of personal data Informing and consulting employees Social security and right to pension Fixed, part, and posted workers Parental leave and

Rate of cooling Essay Example for Free

Rate of cooling Essay The problem for this experiment is to investigate the rate of cooling in three different types of cups. They will be used as typical coffee cups for commercial purposes. The cups a polystyrene cup, a paper cup and a plastic cup. Water has a high specific heat capacity. This makes it a very useful material for storing and carrying heat energy. Its heat capacity is 4200 joules per kilogram per i C (4200J/kg i C). Heat tends to flow away from a hotter object to a cooler surroundings. Heat is mainly lost I conduction, convection, radiation and evaporation. For this experiment I will be only using convection, radiation, evaporation because conduction is mainly in solids. Convection Convection mainly occurs in gasses and liquids gases and liquids are very poor conductors so convection is usually dominant process. When convection cant occur, the heat transfer by conduction is very slow. Convection only occurs when the more energetic particles move from hotter region to a cooler region and take their heat energy with them. Convection doesnt happen in solids because there are no particles movement. Radiation Radiation travels through anything transparent. Heat radiation is given out by anything warm or hot. The amount of it that is absorbed or released depends on the colour and texture of the material. Heat radiation is also called infra-red radiation. It consists purely of electromagnetic waves of a certain frequency. All objects continually absorb and release heat radiation. The hotter the object the more heat radiation it release. Dark surfaces absorb more heat radiation than bright surfaces. Silver surfaces reflect nearly all heat radiation falling on them. Evaporation Evaporation is when water vanishes without boiling it to change into gas. This is because some liquid molecules move faster than others and the ones close to the surface may escape and form a gas. Variables These are things that may change during an experiment The independent variable: These are things that I will decide to change e. g. the material of the cup, replacing equipment. The dependent variable: This is the measurement that is effected by the independent variable e. g. the rate of cooling. The control variable: These are the things that I will try to keep the same so I can make sure that its a fair test e. g. volume of water, room temperature, size of the cups etc. Hypothesis I predict that the polystyrene cup would cool down the slowest because it has thick walls and when you go to restaurants and ask for a hot drink they give it in polystyrene cup. I think the paper cup will cool down the quickest because its made out of paper and paper has thin walls and it absorbs water.

The Liability of Tobacco Makers Essay -- Argumentative Persuasive Essa

The Liability of Tobacco Makers Cigarettes have an affect on almost everyone, even if a person does not smoke. A man name Charles Green was affected by cigarettes, even though he never smoked a cigarette in his life. Green is 39 years old, and he used to be a very athletic person. That is, until he began working for a company full of smokers. Green worked behind a desk in an office building where everyone around him smoked. He was shoved in a little cubicle where smoke was thick in the air from his coworkers. After a time, Charles needed medication to help control his asthma from all of the smoke in his lungs. When he began to complain about the smoke, he was told to â€Å"Live with it.† When Charles decided to sue the company and the tobacco industry, he was awarded $60,000 for worker’s compensation. Green was not the only worker to sue tobacco companies, and he will not be the last (We’re Fighting). Is it right that people are allowed to put tobacco companies at fault for illness due to smoking? Each year there are hundreds of court cases in the United States against tobacco companies just like Charles Green’s case. Long term smokers and nonsmokers like Green are suing large tobacco companies for injuries from smoking. They feel that tobacco companies should be punished for making a product that millions of people use everyday. Although studies show that smoking cigarettes may cause cancer, tobacco companies claim that there is not a direct link. If the tobacco companies start losing the court cases, the price of cigarettes will increase. This increase is designed to keep people from buying cigarettes because of the high prices (Olsson). Even though tobacco companies have only lost one case, the link between smoking c... ...ere are also warning labels on every product with tobacco in it that is sold in the United States. Although there has only been one case where a tobacco company has ended up paying a settlement, I feel that as more people get cancer, more people will find new ways to sue. Works Cited â€Å"Highlights of the Tobacco Settlement.† 26 June 1997. Facts on File: World News Digest. 30 October 2004 . Olsson, Johan. â€Å"Product Liability in the Tobacco Industry. A Contemporary Issue.† 29 April 1994. Times Square. 2 November 2004 . â€Å"Tobacco Litigation Documents.† 27 September 2004. Galen: Digital Library of UCSF. 29 October 2004 . â€Å"We’re Fighting Big Tobacco.† 2000. JEL Iowa. 30 October 2004 .

Planning marketing activities Essay

Conduct a situation analysis for your organization, or an organization you have researched, by preparing a report with the following sections: Organizational analysis The first component is the expansion of the gaming audience and drawing in new people. The company’s most recent endeavour, the Wii console has been very successful in attracting user who traditionally would not have played video games. Another example of how they have expanded their audience is through the Nintendo DS. They were able to appeal to the female audience through the Nintendo’s game, and were able to appeal to an older audience through the Brain Training game. The second component of the vision is devotion to the entertainment business. This is reflected by the company’s attitude to the collaboration of its employees. The company is a strong advocate of allowing different employee groups, such as engineers and programmers. The result of this collaboration is that groups work on products and no single person takes credit for product. The third aspect of the company’s vision is risk and the encouraging of employees to make creative decisions to c hallenge the notion of what a video game is capable of being. Customer analysis: Identify the major customer segments by preparing the following analysis (for each complete only the section relevant to your organization and add any others you feel are relevant). What does the customer buy from the organization? Demographic characteristics a) Age b) Gender c) Income Where does the customer come from? a) Local b) Regional c) National Psychographic characteristics a) Social class b) Lifestyle c) Values Benefits are sought by the customer a) Safety b) Performance c) Aesthetics d) Social Has the customer purchased the product from the organization before? a) Yes b) No How frequently does the customer buy? a) Daily b) Weekly c) Monthly How much does the customer buy each time? New releases Is the customer loyal to the brand? Yes How does the customer decide which brand to buy? For technology and History Where does the customer prefer to purchase the product or service? Retail Store Competitor analysis: Analyze each major competitor against the following criteria. Name of competit-or Current or potential competit-or Direct or indirect competit-or Product/service offerings Market position/brand image Size, growth and market share Competi- tive advantage Brand image and market position Xbox Current Direct Games 28% connectivity Online games Sony Current Direct Games 33% Resolution State-of-art graphics Apple Current Indirect Tablets & iPhones 3% Integrated w/ mobile Practical & useful Political analysis Filibustercartoons.com state that Nintendo’s previously had strict policy in relation to video game violence and sexual reference. In the early 1990’s Nintendo had a strict no blood policy and refused to publish violent video games. This policy has since been relaxed and video game censorship is now run by independent boards which give games appropriate age rating depending on their content. These include The Pan-European Game Information (PEGI) age rating system. The system was established in 2003 to guide parents in making informed decisions when purchasing video games for their children (Pan European Game Information, 2007). Nintendo still does not publish graphical violent games themselves, but allow third party publishers to release the games on their systems. Economic analysis If a country’s economy is performing well, people will generally have a higher level of disposal income. In order to be successful a high disposal income is not enough there needs to be an interest in the market. Nintendo selling their products at the lower end of the price scale makes their product affordable to large audience including those who do not enjoy a strong disposal income. This is not the case for Sony who products tend to be quite expensive as seen with the â‚ ¬630 price tag on the Playstation 3, which is possibly too expensive for the average person. Nintendo on the other hand, sold the Wii at a more affordable â‚ ¬270 price tag. The same applies for the games for the system. The Wii games range from 45-60 Euro and the PS3 games can cost up to â‚ ¬75. Social analysis Video games have been part of adolescent life world wide now for several years. Many teenagers play video games together both online and at home together. In some cultures especially Japan, video games formed a significant part of young people’s lives. Nintendo is using this to appeal to a wider audience with the Wii and the DS by providing an online community where friends can link up and play games together free of charge anywhere there a Wi-Fi hub. Nintendo is also trying to make video games an activity that an entire family can take part in and for the most part have been  successful. Technological analysis Web Browser for the Nintendo DS: InternetAdSales.com (2006) writes that a Wed browser for Nintendo’s DS was launched in Europe on 6th October 2006. The browser is powered by software from the Opera Company. The device is designed in a similar fashion to a standard DS game cartridge and is available in two versions; one is compatible with the classic Nintendo DS and the other is designed for the smaller DS Lite. The browser utilises the DS’s two screens for navigating the web in addition to providing the touch capabilities unique to the DS. Users may access the Internet via wireless networks at home, at one of Nintendo’s free Wi-Fi Connection Hotspots, or at any public access hotspot. Wii Remote (â€Å"Wiimote†): BBC (2006) states that the remote for Nintendo’s Wii console resembles a television remote control and provides users with the means of interacting with a game environment. It can be utilised to stab like a sword, steer like the steering wheel of a car, and swing like a tennis racket. Nintendo have created this new controller in the hope that it will allow for the broadening of the console’s appeal. The device functions through a three-axis accelerometer, i.e. a motion sensor, which is capable of detecting the angle at which the controller is being held at and how fast it is being moved. It interfaces with the Wii console in a wireless manner via Bluetooth, a short-range wireless technology. This interface is achieved through a senor bar, which is generally mounted on top of the user’s television. Nintendo DS Wireless Technology: Mobile Technology News.com (2007) writes about how the Nintendo DS allows users to interact with games in an unprecedented way via the dual screens and touch screen technology. In addition to this, the wireless technology feature of the DS permits users to experience real-time multiplayer gaming. The Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection service, which is free, allows users to compete against other users from around the world. SWOT analysis: Complete a SWOT analysis using the diagram below Internal analysis STRENGTHS †¢ Strong network of game licensees †¢ Strong global market position †¢ Had strict policy in relation to video game violence and sexual reference †¢ Innovation in Remote in Blu-ray WEAKNESSES †¢ Nintendo’s policy of having a large number of its game titles designed by the company’s own game designers †¢ Wii doesn’t play DVDs/Blu-rays External analysis OPPORTUNITIES †¢ Opening up its software to a wider audience. THREATS †¢ The company claims that the motion-sensitive controller can be copied. †¢ The Wii controller resembles a television remote and has a trigger under the front end. Market analysis: Market definition Market size and growth rate. Nintendo’s contenders in the portable market are the Game Boy and the DS. Over the years, the Game Boy has faced competition from companies such as Sega, Atari, SNK, Bandai, Nokia and now Sony. Even with rival’s machines been technically superior, Nintendo’s handhelds have come out on top time and time again. Nintendo proved with the Game Boy and now the DS that it is not what you have it is how you use it that counts i.e. instead of adding fancy graphics and numbers of additional unnecessary features, Nintendo spent its time securing key franchises such as pokemon and Tetris. They also greatly increased their machines’ battery life. Nintendo’s handhelds  over the years have boasted battery life of up to 15 hours depending on how the machine was used compared to 3 hours or less form Sega’s and Atari’s machines. This was due to the unnecessary battery hogging feature competitors’ machine featured. This has helped Nintendo domin ate the portable market for close to 18 years. Today the Nintendo DS out sells the Sony PSP in all regions. Part B 1. Prepare a report analyzing the marketing activities, policies and procedures of your organization or an organization you have researched. Price The price of games is quite interesting. Nintendo uses a series of pricing strategies throughout the product life. As the product becomes adopted they will begin to reduce the price of competitive parity, and as you reach the end of their life cycle games will be priced promotionally until they hit the bargain bucket. Place The product is distributed in a number of ways. Nintendo manufactures and distribute it to retailers through wholesalers for you. Some very large national accounts will be handled directly because of the huge volumes they buy. Nintendo is available on the street in all major electrical retailers and games, as well as being sold online by known retailers like Amazon.com and play.com, and you can find one or two second-hand bargains on eBay. with.Distribution is ripe for Nintendo and there are few avenues for the market they do not pursue. Promotion When Nintendo launches new products. For example, when the company launched the Nintendo 3DS, a series of special days of release, and even some launch events at midnight. Fans of Nintendo product has a chance to have a go at the new Nintendo system, first buyers get a free box of transportation, and there is always free gifts such as shirts and caps. The launch campaign demonstrates a great effort by Nintendo. For example, over 85% of audience  in the UK saw the Nintendo 3DS called campaign believe his eyes. The campaign itself was emphasize the benefits of 3D experience. The campaign was a mash up of consumers who experience the product and innovative advertising. 2. Analyze the previous marketing activities of the organization and evaluate the effectiveness of each activity. Previous marketing activity Effectiveness Launch of SuperNintendo Highly effective. It put Nintendo in the first positions of videogame console makers Launch of Nintendo 64 Highly effective. The console and its control were considered great innovations. Launch of Nintendo Wii Highly effective. Nintendo Wii was a true innovation in the world of games with its blu-ray technology and the idea of making people move their bodies rather than just their fingers. Launch of Nintendo DS / DS 3D Effective. Nintendo DS was seen by some as a reformulation of the previous GameBoy and therefore not so effective. However, Nintendo DS 3D was considered highly innovative as it allowed the users to enjoy the 3D effects without having to use any other gadgets (i.e: 3D glasses). Intercommunication among Nintendo DS 3D Effective. It allowed different users to connect their videogames and share data as well as interact. 3. Classify the organization’s current marketing strategy as either a cost-leadership, differentiation or focus strategy. Differentiation 4. Explain how this strategy affects the marketing activities the organization will use in the future. Instead of competing for lower prices, Nintendo seems to continuously search for new usages and technologies, in order to maintain its position as a leader and innovator. 5. Analyze the current marketing mix. Marketing mix element Analysis Product Feature Benefit/s Wii Console In two different colors (but it can be customized if wanted) Smaller than its competitors Considered fashionable Wii Remote Blu-ray technology It allows motions and real activity Games No violence or sex-related topics are allowed A wide range of choices Price Prices charged for the organization’s products and services Around AU$190.00 Organization’s prices strategy Nintendo’s strategy is in differentiation, always trying to bring something new for their costumers and therefore, their price strategy conveys with it. Promotion Promotional tools used by the organization Internet, Printed media, Television, Outdoor Media, Promotions and Events, etc. Organization’s promotional strategy Nintendo uses all range of media to promote their products. Placement Type of distribution channel – direct or indirect Mainly indirect, via retailers, shops, department stores, etc.

Night World : Daughters of Darkness Chapter 7

Finding Todd and Vic turned out not to be easy. It was late afternoon by the time Mary-Lynnettewalked into the Briar Creek general store, which sold everything from nails to nylons to canned peas. â€Å"Hi, Bunny. I don't suppose you've seen Todd orVic around?† Bunny Marten looked up from behind the counter. She was pretty, with soft blond hair, a round, dimpled face, and a timid expression. She was in MaryLynnette's class at school. â€Å"Did you check over at theGold Creek Bar?† Mary-Lynnette nodded. â€Å"And at their houses, andat the other store, and at the sheriff's office.† The sheriff's office was also city hall and the public library. â€Å"Well, if they'renot playing pool, they're usuallyplinking.† Plinkingwas shooting atcans for practice. â€Å"Yeah, but where?† Mary-Lynnette said. Bunny shook her head, earrings glinting. â€Å"Yourguess is as good as mine.† She hesitated, staring down at her cuticles, which she was pushing back with a little blunt-pointed wooden stick. â€Å"But, you know, I've heard they go down to Mad Dog Creeksometimes.† Her wide blue eyes lifted to Mary Lynnette's meaningfully. Mad Dog Creek. . . Oh, great. Mary-Lynnette grimaced. â€Å"I know.† Bunny raised her shoulders in a shiver.†I wouldn't go down there. I'd be thinking about that body the whole time.† â€Å"Yeah, me, too. Well, thanks, Bun. See you.† Bunny examined her cuticles critically. â€Å"Good hunting,† she said absently. Mary-Lynnette went out of the store, squinting in the hot, hazy August sunlight. Main Street wasn'tbig. It had a handful of brick and stone buildingsfrom the days when Briar Creek had been a gold rush supply town, and a few modem frame buildings with peeling paint. Todd and Vic weren't in any of them. Well, what now? Mary-Lynnette sighed. There was no road to Mad Dog Creek, only a trail that was constantly blocked by new growth and deadfall. And everyone knew more than plinking went on there. If they're out there, they're probably hunting, she thought. Not to mention drinking, maybe using drugs. Guns and beer. And then there's that body. The body had been found last year around thistime. A man; a hiker, from his backpack. Nobody knew who he was or how he'd died-the corpse wastoo desiccated and chewed by animals to tell. But people talked about ghosts floating around the creek last winter. Mary-Lynnette sighed again and got into her station wagon. The car was ancient, it was rusty, it made alarming sounds when forced to accelerate, but it was hers, andMary-Lynnette did her best to keep it alive. She loved it because there was plenty of room in back to store her telescope. At Briar Creek's only gas station she fished a scrolled fruit knife from under the seat and went to work, prying at the rusty gas cap cover. A little higher up . . . almost, almost . . . now twist †¦ The cover flew open. â€Å"Ever think of going into the safecracking business?† a voice behind her said. â€Å"You've got the touch.† Mary-Lynnette turned. â€Å"Hi, Jeremy.† He smiled-a smile that showed mostly in his eyes,which were dear brown with outrageously darklashes. If I were going to fall for a guy-and I'm not-itwould be for somebody like him.Not for a big blond cat who thinks he can pick his sisters' friends. It was a moot point, anyway-Jeremy didn't goout with girls. He was a loner. â€Å"Want me to look under the hood?† He wiped his hands on a rag. â€Å"No, thanks. I just checked everything last week.† Mary-Lynnette started to pump gas. He picked up a squeegee and a spray bottle and began to wash the windshield. His movements were deft and gentle and his face was utterly solemn. Mary-Lynnette had to swallow a giggle herself, butshe appreciated him not laughing at the pitted glass and corroded windshield wipers. She'd always had an odd feeling of kinship with Jeremy. He was the only person in Briar Creek who seemed even slightlyinterested in astronomy-he'd helped her build a model of the solar system in eighth grade, and ofcourse he'd watched last year's lunar eclipse with her. His parents had died in Medford when he was justa baby, and his uncle brought him to Briar Creek in a Fleetwood trailer. The uncle was strange-alwayswandering off to dowse for gold in the Klamath wil derness. One day he didn't come back. After that, Jeremy lived alone in the . trailer in the woods. He did odd jobs and worked at the gas station to make money. And if his clothes weren't as nice assome of the other kids', he didn't care-or he didn't let it show. The handle of the gas hose clicked in MaryLynnette's hand. She realized she had been daydreaming. â€Å"Anything else?† Jeremy said. The windshieldwas dean. â€Å"No †¦ well, actually, yes. You haven't, um, seenTodd Akers or Vic Kimble today, have you?† Jeremy paused in the middle of taking her twentydollar bill. â€Å"Why?† â€Å"I just wanted to talk to them,† Mary-Lynnettesaid. She could feel heat in her cheeks. Oh, God, hethinks I want to see Todd and Vic socially-and he thinks I'm crazy for askinghim. She hurried to explain. â€Å"It's just that Bunny saidthey might be down by Mad Dog Creek, so I thoughtyou might have seen them, maybe sometime this morning, since you live down around there†¦.† Jeremy shook his head. â€Å"I left at noon, but I didn'thear any gunshots from the creek this morning. Ac tually, I don't think they've been there all summerI keep telling them to stay away.† He said it quietly, without emphasis, but Mary-Lynnette had the sudden feeling that maybe evenTodd and Vic might listen to him. She'd never knownJeremy to get in a fight. But sometimes a look came into his level brown eyes that was ..: almost frightening. As if there was something underneath thatquiet-guy exterior-something primitive and pure and deadly that could do a lot of damage if roused. â€Å"Mary-Lynnette-I know you probably think thisis none of my business, but †¦ well, I think you should stay away from those guys. If you really wantto go find them, let me go with you.† Oh. Mary-Lynnette felt a warm flush of gratitude. She wouldn't take him up on the offer †¦ but it was nice of him to make it. â€Å"Thanks,† she said. â€Å"I'll be fine, but †¦ thanks .† She watched as he went to get her change insidethe station. What must it feel like to be on your own since you were twelve years old? Maybe he neededhelp. Maybe she should ask her dad to offer him some odd jobs around the house. He did them for everyone else. She just had to be careful-she knew Jeremy hated anything that smacked of charity. He brought back the change. â€Å"Here you go. And, Mary-Lynnette †¦Ã¢â‚¬  She looked up. â€Å"If you do find Todd and Vic, be careful.† â€Å"I know.† â€Å"I mean it.† â€Å"I know,† Mary-Lynnette said. She had reached for the change, but he hadn't let go of it. Instead hedid something odd: He opened her curled fingers with one hand while giving her the bills and coins with the other. Then he curled her fingers back over it. In effect, he was holding her hand. The moment of physical contact surprised herand touched her. She found herself looking at his thin brown fingers, at their strong but delicate grip on her hand, at the gold seal ring with the black design that he wore. She was even more surprised when she glanced up at his face again. There was open concern in his eyes-and something like respect. For an instant she had a wild and completely inexplicable impulse to tell him everything. But she could just imagine what he would think. Jeremy was very practical. â€Å"Thanks, Jeremy,† she said, conjuring up a weak smile. â€Å"Take care.† â€Å"Youtake care. There are people who'd miss you if anything happened.† He smiled, but she could feel his worried gaze on her even as she drove away. All right,now what? Well, she'd wasted most of the day looking for Todd and Vic. And now, with the image of Jeremy's level brown eyes in her mind, she wondered if it had been a stupid idea from the beginning. Brown eyes †¦ and what color eyes did the bigblond cat have? Strange, it was hard to remember.She thought that they had looked brown at one point when he was talking about his old-fashioned family. But when he'd said he liked a girl with spirit, she remembered them being a sort of insipid blue. And when that odd knife-glint had flashed in them, hadn't they been icy gray? Oh,who cares?Maybe they were orange. Let's just go home now. Get ready for tonight. How come Nancy Drew always found the people she wanted to interrogate? Why? Why? Why me? Ash was staring at a yellow cedar weeping into a creek. A squirrel too stupid to get out of the sun was staring back at him. On a rock beside him a lizard lifted first one foot, then another. It wasn't fair. It wasn't right. He didn't even believe it. He'd always been lucky. Or at least he'd alwaysmanaged to escape a hairsbreadth away from disaster. But this time the disaster had hit and it was a total annihilation. Everything he was, everything he believed abouthimself †¦ could he lose that in five minutes? For a girl who was probably deranged and certainly more dangerous than all three of his sisters put together? No, he concluded grimly. Absolutely not. Not in five minutes. It only took five seconds. He knew so many girls-nice girls. Witches withmysterious smiles, vampires with delicious curves, shapeshifters with cute furry tails. Even human girls with fancy sports cars who never seemed to mind when he nibbled their necks. Why couldn't it have been one of them? Well, it wasn't. And there was no point in wondering about the injustice of it. The question was, what was he going todo about it? Just sit back and let fate ride over him like an eighteen-wheeler? I'm sorryfor your family, Quinn had said to him. And maybe that was the problem. Ash was a victim of his Redfern genes. Redfern never could stay out of trouble; they seemed to tangle with humans at every turn. So was he going to wait for Quinn to come backand then offer that as an excuse? I'm sorry; I can't handle things here after all; I can't even finishthe investigation. If he did that, Quinn would call in the Elders and they would investigate for themselves. Ash felt his expression harden. He narrowed his eyes at the squirrel, which suddenly darted for thetree in a flash of red fur. Beside him, the lizard stopped moving. No, he wasn't just going to wait for fate to finish him off. He'd do what he could to salvage the situa tion-and the family honor. He'd do it tonight. â€Å"We'll do it tonight,† Rowan said. â€Å"After it's fully dark, before the moon rises. We'll move her to the forest.† Kestrel smiled magnanimously. She'd wonthe argument. â€Å"We'll have to be careful,† Jade said. â€Å"That thingI heard outside last night-it wasn't an animal. I think it was one of us.† â€Å"There aren't any other Night People aroundhere,† Rowan said gently. â€Å"That was the whole pointof coming here in the first place.† â€Å"Maybe it was a vampire hunter,† Kestrel said.†Maybe the one that killed Aunt Opal.† â€Å"If avampire hunter killed Aunt Opal,† Rowansaid. â€Å"We don't know that. Tomorrow we should look around town, see if we can at least get an ideawho mighthave done it.† â€Å"And when we find them, we'll take care ofthem,† Jade said fiercely. â€Å"And if the thing you heard in the garden turnsup, we'll take care of it, too,† Kestrel said. She smiled, a hungry smile. Twilight, and Mary-Lynnette was watching thedock. The rest of her family was comfortably, settledin for the night; her father reading a book about World War II, Claudine working conscientiously on a needlepoint project, Mark trying to tune up his oldguitar that had been sitting in the basement for years. He was undoubtedly trying to think of words to rhyme with Jade. Mary-Lynnette's father looked up from his book. â€Å"Going starwatching?† â€Å"Yup. It should be a good night-no moon till aftermidnight. It's the last chance to see some Perseids.† She wasn't exactly lying. It would be a good night, and she could keep an eye out for stragglers from the Perseid meteor storm as she walked to Burdock Farm. â€Å"Okay; just be careful,† her father said. Mary-Lynnette was surprised. He hadn't said anything like that for years. She glanced at Claudine, who jabbed with her needle, lips pursed. â€Å"Maybe Mark should go with you,† Claudine said, without looking up. Oh, God, she thinks I'm unstable, Mary-Lynnette thought. I don't really blame her. â€Å"No, no. I'll be fine. I'll be careful.† She said it too quickly. Mark's eyes narrowed. â€Å"Don't you need any help with your stuff?† â€Å"No, I'll take the car. I'll be. fine. Really.†Mary Lynnette fled to the garage before her family could come up with anything else. She didn't pack her telescope. Instead, she put a shovel in the backseat. She looped the strap of her camera around her neck and stuck a pen flashlight in her pocket. She parked at the foot of her hill. Before she gotthe shovel out, she paused a moment to look dutifully northeast, toward the constellation Perseus. No meteors right this second. All right. Keys inhand, she turned to open the back of the station wagon-and jumped violently. â€Å"Oh, God!† She'd nearly walked into Ash. Mary-Lynnette's pulse was racing and her knees felt weak. From fear, she told herself. And that's all. â€Å"You nearly gave me a heart attack!† she said. â€Å"Doyou always creep up behind people like that?† She expected some smart-ass answer of either the joking-menacing or the hey-baby variety. But Ashjust frowned at her moodily. â€Å"No. What are you doing out here?† Mary-Lynnette's heart skipped several beats. But she heard her own voice answering flatly, â€Å"I'm starwatching. I do it every night. You might want to make a note of that for the thought police.† He looked at her, then at the station wagon. â€Å"Starwatching?† â€Å"Of course. From that hill.† She gestured. Now he was looking at the camera looped around her neck. â€Å"No telescope,† he commented skeptically. â€Å"Or is that what's in the car?† Mary-Lynnette realized she was still holding the keys, ready to open the back of the wagon. â€Å"I didn't bring a telescope tonight.† She went around to the passenger side of the car, unlocked the door, reached in to pull out her binoculars. â€Å"You don't need a telescope to starwatch. You can see plenty with these.† â€Å"Oh, really?† â€Å"Yes,really.†Now, that was a mistake, Mary -Lynnette thought, suddenly grimly amused. Acting as if you don't believe me †¦ just you wait. â€Å"You want to see light from four million yearsago?† she said. Then, without waiting for him to answer: â€Å"Okay. Face east.† She rotated a finger at him. â€Å"Here, take the binoculars. Look at that line of fir trees on the horizon. Now pan up †¦Ã¢â‚¬ She gavehim directions, rapping them out like a drill sergeant. â€Å"Now do you see a bright disk with a kind of smudgeall around it?† â€Å"Um. Yeah.† â€Å"That's Andromeda. Another galaxy.But if you tried to look at it through a telescope, you couldn't seeit all at once. Looking through a telescope is like looking at the sky through a soda straw. That's all the field of view you get.† †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.†All right. Okay. Point taken.† He started to lower the binoculars. â€Å"Look, could we suspend the starwatching for just a minute? I wanted to talk toyou â€Å"Want tosee the center of ourgalaxy?† Mary -Lynnette interrupted. â€Å"Turn south.† She did everything but physically make him turn.She didn't dare touch him. There was so much adrenaline racing through her system already-if shemade contact she might go supercritical and explode. â€Å"Turn,† she said. He shut his eyes briefly, then turned, bringing the binoculars up again. â€Å"You have to look in the constellation Sagittarius.† She rattled off instructions. â€Å"See that? That's where the center of the Milky Way is. Where all the star clouds are.† â€Å"How nice.† â€Å"Yes, it is nice. Okay, now go up and eastyou should be able to find a little dim sort of glow†¦.† â€Å"The pink one?† She gavehim a quick look. â€Å"Yeah, the pink one.Most people don't see that. That's the Trifid Nebula.† â€Å"What are those dark lines in it?† Mary-Lynnette stopped dead. She forgot her drill sergeant manner. She stepped back. She stared at him. She could feel her breath coming quicker. He lowered the binoculars and looked at her. â€Å"Something wrong?† â€Å"They're dark nebulae. Lanes of dust in front of the hot gas. But †¦ you can't see them.† â€Å"I just did.† â€Å"No. No. You can't see those. It's not possible, notwith binoculars. Even if you had nine millimeter pupils †¦Ã¢â‚¬  She pulled the flashlight out of her pocket and trained it full in his face. â€Å"Hey!† He jerked back, eyes squeezing shut, hand over them. â€Å"That hurt!† But Mary-Lynnette had already seen. She couldn't tell what color his eyes were right now, because the colored parts, the irises, were reduced to almost invis ible rings. His eye was all pupil.Like a cat's at maxi mum dilation. Oh, my God †¦the things he must be able tosee. Eighth-magnitude stars, maybe ninth-magnitude stars. Imagine that, seeing a Mag 9 star with yournaked eye. To see colors in the star clouds-hot hy drogen glowing pink, oxygen shining green-blue. To see thousands more stars cluttering the sky .. . â€Å"Quick,† she said urgently. â€Å"How many stars doyouseein the sky right now?† â€Å"I can't seeanything,†he said in a muffled voice, hand still over his eyes. â€Å"I'mblind.† â€Å"No, I meanseriously,†Mary-Lynnette said. And she caught his arm. It was a stupid thing to do. She wasn't thinking. But when she touched his skin, it was like completing a current. Shock swept over her. Ash dropped hishand and looked at her. For just a second they were face-to-face, gazes locked. Something like lightning trembled betweenthem. Then Mary-Lynnette pulled away. I can'ttakeany more of this. Oh, God, why am Ieven standing here talking to him? I've got enough ahead of me tonight. I've got abody to find. â€Å"That's it for the astronomy lesson,† she said, holding out a hand for the binoculars. Her voice was justslightly unsteady. â€Å"I'm going up the hill now.† -240She didn't ask wherehe was going. She didn't care, as long as it was away. He hesitated an instant before giving her the binoculars, and when he did he made sure not to touchher. Fine, Mary-Lynnette thought. We both feel the same. â€Å"Goodbye.† â€Å"Bye,† he said limply. He started to walk away. Stopped, his head lowered. â€Å"What I wanted to say †¦Ã¢â‚¬  â€Å"Well?† Without turning, he said in a flat and perfectly composed voice, â€Å"Stay away from my sisters, okay?† Mary-Lynnette was thunderstruck. So outragedand full of disbelief that she couldn't find words. Then she thought: Wait, maybe he knows they're killers and he's trying to protect me. Like Jeremy. Around the sudden constriction in her throat she managed to say, â€Å"Why?† He shook his drooping head. â€Å"I just don't thinkyou'd be a very good influence on them. They'rekind of impressionable, and I don't want them getting any ideas.† Mary-Lynnette deflated. I should have known, shethought. She said, sweetly and evenly, â€Å"Ash? Get bent and die.†

Factors Affecting the Success of Mega

Factors Affecting the Success of Mega Introduction In the recent past, the popularity of events management and related projects has increased. According to Bladen (2010), the phenomenon involves the application of project management concepts to the administration of events and occasions. In this paper, the author will analyse a number of contemporary issues affecting the management of these undertakings.Advertising We will write a custom critical writing sample on Factors Affecting the Success of Mega-Events specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More To this end, the author will review 6 articles reporting on various issues in this field. A key theme affecting the operations of a manager operating in this field in each of the articles will be identified and critically reviewed. Contemporary Issues in Events Management Media Representation of Volunteers at the Beijing Olympic Games (Charles Richard Bladen) Volunteers play a major role in the management of activities related to many events. Bladen (2010) explores how the media represents volunteers in sports. Bladen analyses this issue from the perspective of the 2008 Beijing Olympics. The major theme in this article is the portrayal of volunteers in mainstream media. According to Bladen (2010), the Chinese and foreign media houses varied in their coverage of assistants involved in the Olympics. The local media portrayed these individuals as the force behind the success of the mega-event. The foreign media, on the other hand, treated volunteers as a ‘front’ for the Chinese government. According to Bladen (2010), Chinese media tended to glorify the parties, while foreign media focused on their shortcomings. The media is a very influential force, especially in gauging the success of managing an event like the Olympics. In some cases, media outlets can distort the outcomes of an event. Such distortions can occur in situations where there are conflicting representations, like in the Olympics Games. Bla den (2010) feels that the reporting of volunteering in sporting events lacks sufficient research. The media pays more attention on the individuals engaged in the sports and the actual games, ignoring the parties that provide their services for free. In future, the media can be harnessed to manage mega-events, such as the Olympics. The success can be achieved by acknowledging the individuals behind the preparation and execution of such activities. Beijing Olympics Games would have been depicted as a success if the conflicting representation of the volunteers did not give rise to extraneous issues, such as politics. Bladen (2010) addresses the problem of differing representation of volunteers in the games by analysing the major issues revolving around their roles. The motives behind the activities of these individuals are established by focusing on their duties and how they are treated by the media.Advertising Looking for critical writing on business economics? Let's see if w e can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The misrepresentation of volunteers in the Olympics Games had negative impacts on Chinese legacy. The misinformation raised questions about China’s sincerity and competencies in managing such events. The Chinese were depicted by the media as friendly and accommodating hosts. However, their government was regarded as ‘Big, Bad China’ (Bladen 2010). The biased reporting in the media cannot be ignored. Such skewed representation extends to the treatment of volunteers by local and international news agencies. As an events manager, the author of this paper feels that the media plays a significant role in the success of events. In addition, the invaluable contribution of volunteers cannot be ignored, irrespective of their skills. However, the coverage of events by the media should be independent from popular themes and attitudes surrounding the culture or politics of the people. The Conceptual isation and Measurement of the Legacy of Mega Sporting Events (Holger Preuss) The legacy of any event significantly influences the management of similar occasions in the future. In their article, Preuss (2007) reviews the nature of the legacies left behind by large scale sporting affairs. The impact of such events is the major theme in this article. Definition of the term legacy, especially in relation to events, is not clear cut. As a result of this, the International Olympic Committee has made efforts to clarify sporting activities and their impacts. The value derived by communities or sports organisations from games, as well as the value of the sporting facilities, constitutes the legacy of sports events. According to Preuss (2007), the effects of any sports undertaking on the community and on other stakeholders can either be positive or negative. They can also be planned or unplanned. The impacts of the event on sporting structures may persist for a long time. As an events manag er, it is important to note that the intended and unintended legacies of a mega sporting undertaking determine the management of the entire undertaking. In addition, the benefits that members of the community derive from the occasion determine its success or failure. Considering the massive investments made in large scale sporting events, the manager should take the lasting legacy very seriously. The impacts are part of the occasion’s return on investment.Advertising We will write a custom critical writing sample on Factors Affecting the Success of Mega-Events specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Gauging the lasting impression of sports is very important in the management of these undertakings in the future. For instance, the manager should determine the extent to which the event benefits members of the society. To this end, those undertakings that have positive impacts on the community should be prioritised. There are several met hods used in measuring the legacy of large scale sporting affairs. They include the benchmark, the top-down, and the bottom-up approaches (Preuss 2007). As an event manager, the author of this paper agrees with Preuss that the bottom-up approach is more comprehensive, effective, and adequate compared to the rest. It is important to determine the structural changes brought about by ‘super-events’ (Preuss 2007). In addition, the manager should gauge the emotional impacts of the occasions, as well as their impacts on the image of the country. For instance, the enhancement of the country’s image as a result of hosting the Olympics is a major aspect of the event’s legacy. In the opinion of this author, the future of such large scale sporting organisations as the FIFA World Cup depends on their legacies in relation to the hosting nation. With regards to the current global economic turmoil, countries are taking the issue of the impacts of events very seriously. A s a manager, this author will strive to enhance the effects of large occasions using the pre-event, event, and post-event legacy framework. Hosting Business Meetings and Special Events in Virtual Worlds: A Fad or the Future? (David M. Pearlman Nicholas A. Gates) The contemporary world is characterised by significant developments in relation to information and technology. Today, technology is emerging as an essential aspect of almost all human undertakings. Events management is one of the areas in the modern world where technology is utilised. The application of technology in managing events is the major theme in this article. Pearlman and Gates (2010) carried out a study to determine virtual reality and its significance to contemporary organisations. The two sought to examine the adoption of this technology in businesses, special parties, and meetings. The viability of virtual reality applications in today’s business world was also analysed. According to Pearlman and Gates ( 2010), the term ‘virtual reality’ is used in reference to computer-simulated environments. The technology is used to ‘imaginarily’ replicate the real world. A number of computer applications are used to generate 3D visual environments that constitute the virtual world.Advertising Looking for critical writing on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Most professionals lack information on virtual reality applications. However, in spite of these inadequacies, the use of this technology in the business world is on the rise. Some of the applications available in the market include WebEx, 3D SL, and ON24 (Pearlman Gates 2010). The most significant contribution of virtual reality to the profession is the development of virtual events. They are gaining popularity because of several factors. Users are becoming used to online platforms. Maturation of virtual technologies and the availability of high bandwidth are some of the other factors enhancing virtual events. Holding virtual conferences and such other undertakings reduces operational costs in the organisation. Such reduced expenditures have increased the popularity of these kinds of meetings and conferences. In spite of the economic benefits associated with this technology, Pearlman and Gates (2010) note that some organisations are reluctant to adopt virtual reality. The study ill ustrates uncertainties about the future of this technology as one of the reasons behind the reluctance. However, considering the advantages associated with virtual events, these doubts are unjustified. Reports of similar undertakings hosted virtually by such organisations as IBM and American Cancer Society highlight the reliability and usefulness of these applications (Pearlman Gates 2010). Global pandemics, such as Influenza, and an increase in travel costs, have led to reduced physical participation in conventions and such other business gatherings. Virtual events have little or no carbon footprint. Such an attribute is important in the contemporary world where people are concerned with global warming. It is important to note that holding large scale events on the virtual platform is a difficult undertaking. In spite of these difficulties, it appears that the growth of these undertakings will increase in the future. Furthermore, simulating mega-events enhances the success of actu al ground occasions. The Effects of Facebook Users’ Arousal and Valence on Intention to go to the Festival: Applying an Extension of the Technology Acceptance Model (Woojin Lee, Lina Xiong, and Clark Hu) The influence of social media platforms on marketing is a force to reckon with in events management. Large groups of people and corporations come together on social media sites. The link between Facebook as a social medium and management of activities is the main theme in the report cited above. Lee, Xiong, and Hu (2012) acknowledge the influence of social media on events marketing in the contemporary world. The sites make it possible to communicate directly with potential event attendees or the target audience. In addition, the gathering of first hand reactions and suggestions regarding events is made easy. Lee et al. (2012) sought to determine whether Facebook users actually respond to events communicated through the social media site or not. Lee et al. (2012) used the tech nology acceptance model (TAM) to assess how arousal and valence influenced the response of Facebook users in relation to events marketed via the site. The theory of reasoned action (TRA) forms the basis of TAM. It explains the construction of behaviours by individuals (Lee et al. 2012). According to Lee et al. (2012), individuals’ reaction to technology is informed by its perceived ease of use and applicability. Using TAM, Lee et al. determined that emotions are a major factor as far as responding to a Facebook marketing event is concerned. The importance of Facebook as a marketing tool is undeniable. For instance, every month, approximately 3.5 million events are advertised on the site (Lee et al. 2012). The sheer volume of users makes the site a prime tool for managers keen on wooing attendees, especially in relation to mega-events. However, ensuring that the users respond to the advertisements is a different matter altogether. Lee et al. (2012) found that users who experie nce high levels of arousal and valence from the advertisement are more likely to access Facebook pages than their counterparts. Such users are also more likely to respond to the events marketed there compared to other individuals. Technology advancements give rise to new marketing options. Organisers adopt the most effective of these alternatives. Understanding the factors influencing these options will ultimately determine the success of marketing. Social media marketing is important in reaching out to those users that are technologically savvy. Facebook is one of the most popular platforms used in relation to this form of marketing. To determine the future responsiveness of these users, managers should focus on the perceived value of this social site. The event page should be easy to navigate. Updating the content on such pages will also enhance the success of future events. The Development of Competitive Advantage through Sustainable Event Management (Stephen Henderson) The artic le by Henderson (2011) revolves around the theme of sustainable event management. Henderson (2011) emphasises the need for organisations and event organisers to meet their projected desires. The managers can achieve this through sustainable application of both human and physical resources. Sustainability implies a form of development that meets the present human needs. The development also makes some compromises to help future generations meet their own needs. The definition of sustainable events encompasses several issues. In a broad sense, the definition brings together both the process and the outcome or product of the event. The two aspects imply undertakings organised to meet sustainable standards to enhance the benefits accrued to the audience (Henderson 2011). To this end, a sustainable event should be beneficial to the people and the planet as a whole. In addition, it should meet the interests of the investors. Public and private sector occasions differ in relation to sustai nable management. The former are more concerned with the public welfare. Organisers of such undertakings strive to help the people and to safeguard the environment. On the other hand, management of private sector events mainly focuses on profit generation at the expense of the people and the planet (Henderson 2011). Sustainable coordination of activities may be compromised when competitive advantage is sought. However, cost leadership and focus and differentiation strategies can be used to enhance sustainability without negatively affecting the profitability aspect of these investments. Differentiation and focus approach is people oriented. The event organiser focuses on the delivery of unique utility to the audience. Both approaches enhance profits since the consumers are drawn to the event by the qualities they desire. As such, they are likely to contribute generously to support the process. Conflicts are likely to occur between sustainable management and cost leadership, especial ly with regards to the creation of competitive advantage. It is noted that most of the strategies used in lowering costs disregard the sustainability aspect of the event. For instance, generation of green energy to support the activities associated with Olympics may be costly compared to the use of fossil energy. Such an event addresses the issue of sustainability, but negatively impacts on profitability. To realise sustainability, future event organisers should try to combine the various competitive elements of management. An event geared towards differentiation and focus is more likely to achieve the sustainability target. The same is not guaranteed when a competitiveness strategy is adopted. Sustainability is an important element in contemporary business management. Managers should realise the importance of upholding sustainability in their undertakings. Sustainability-oriented societies will most likely respond to sustainable events, irrespective of the price they are required t o pay to enjoy such undertakings. Relationship Marketing of Services: Growing Interest, Emerging Perspectives (Berry 1995) Berry (1995) addresses the theme of relationship marketing of services in the context of events management. The author views the concept as a collection of activities involved in the attraction, maintenance, and enhancement of client relationships. It is noted that most mega-events are products of multiple services organisations. As such, the importance of relationship marketing in this field is irrefutable. The analysis of Contact Theatre relationships and marketing of services by Berry (1995) brings to light some essential aspects of relationship marketing. The interaction between the theatre and the various stakeholders reveals the framework adopted by this organisation in promoting its services. Berry (1995) regards the nature of interactions as a vital element in the success of the theatre. The success is especially determined by the response to the convent ions and other gatherings held. Contact Theatre nurtures relationships with various individuals involved in the running of the business. They include, among others, teachers and youthful workers. The interactions with local, national, and international arts organisations highlight this connection. The link between arts directors and members of staff, for example, indicates internal relationships. According to Berry (1995), marketing differs depending on the nature of relationships exhibited in an organisation. The differences are inevitable since the roles of the individuals or groups in the interaction also differ. For instance, the marketing of internal engagements should focus on attracting and developing qualified employees (Berry 1995). Internal employees and the audience are the most important stakeholders with regards to the activities carried out at Contact Theatre. As such, internal marketing is essential since the services produced involve performance. To this end, the emp loyees are the performers (Berry 1995). Collaboration with the audience is the only means through which the theatre can achieve its objectives. The success of Contact Theatre is measured using the status of the relationships it has with stakeholders and the response of the audience. The more people respond to artistic events, the more the success of the managers. Contact Theatre is a non-profit organisation. In the opinion of this author, management in this entity differs significantly with the coordination of activities in private commercial organisations. The objectives of the latter involve the establishment of relationships geared towards the generation of revenue. On the contrary, Contact Theatre focuses on sustainable relationships with the society and other stakeholders. The internal and external stakeholders regard their relationship with Contact Theatre positively. The former regard this engagement as an open undertaking, leading to high levels of satisfaction and mutual in terest. The external stakeholders view their interaction with the theatre as representative of all groups. References Berry, L 1995, ‘Relationship marketing of services: growing interest, emerging perspectives’, Journal of the Academy of Marketing Science, vol. 23. no. 4, pp. 243-245. Bladen, C 2010, ‘Media representation of volunteers at the Beijing Olympic Games’, Sport in Society, vol. 13. no. 5, pp. 728-796. Henderson, S 2011, ‘The development of competitive advantage through sustainable event management’, Worldwide Hospitality and Tourism Themes, vol. 3. no. 3, pp. 245-257. Lee, W, Xiong, L Hu, C 2012, ‘The effect of Facebook users’ arousal and valence on intention to go to the festival: applying an extension of the technology acceptance model’, International Journal of Hospitality Management, vol. 31. no. 1, pp. 819-827. Pearlman, D Gates, N 2010, ‘Hosting business meetings and special events in virtual worlds: a fad or the future?’, Journal of Convention Event Tourism, vol. 11. no. 1, pp. 247-265. Preuss, H 2007, ‘The conceptualisation and measurement of mega sport event legacies’, Journal of Sport Tourism, vol. 12. nos. 3-4, pp. 207-227.

Basics of the Central Business District

Basics of the Central Business District The CBD or Central Business District is the  focal point of a city. It is the commercial, office, retail, and cultural center of the city and usually is the center point for transportation networks. The History of the CBD The CBD developed as the market square in ancient cities. On market days, farmers, merchants, and consumers would gather in the center of the city to exchange, buy, and sell goods. This ancient market is the forerunner to the CBD. As cities grew and developed, CBDs became a fixed location where retail and commerce took place. The CBD is typically at or near the oldest part of the city and is often near a major transportation route that provided the site for the citys location, such as a river, railroad, or highway. Over time, the CBD developed into a center of finance and control or government as well as office space. In the early 1900s, European and American cities had CBDs that featured primarily retail and commercial cores. In the mid-20th century, the CBD expanded to include office space and commercial businesses while retail took a back seat. The growth of the skyscraper occurred in CBDs, making them more and more dense. The Modern CBD By the beginning of the 21st century, the CBD had become a diverse region of the metropolitan area and included residential, retail, commercial, universities, entertainment, government, financial institutions, medical centers, and culture. The experts of the city are often located at workplaces or institutions in the CBD- lawyers, doctors, academics, government officials and bureaucrats, entertainers, directors, and financiers. In recent decades, the combination of gentrification (residential expansion) and development of shopping malls as entertainment centers have given the CBD new life. One can now find, in addition to housing, mega-malls, theaters, museums, and stadiums. San Diegos Horton Plaza is an example of redeveloping the downtown as an entertainment and shopping district. Pedestrian malls are also common today in CBDs in an effort to make the CBD a 24 hour a day destination for not only those who work in the CBD but also to bring in people to live and to play in the CBD. Without entertainment and cultural opportunities, the CBD is often far more populated during the day than at night, as relatively few workers live in the CBD and most commute. The Peak Land Value Intersection The CBD is home to the Peak Land Value Intersection in the city. The Peak Land Value Intersection is the intersection with the most valuable real estate in the city. This intersection is the core of the CBD and thus the core of the metropolitan area. One would not typically find a vacant lot at the Peak Land Value Intersection but instead one would typically find one of the citys tallest and most valuable skyscrapers. The CBD is often the center of a metropolitan areas transportation system. Public transit, as well as highways, converge on the CBD, making it very accessible to those who live throughout the metropolitan area. On the other hand, the convergence of road networks in the CBD often creates overwhelming traffic jams as commuters from the suburbs attempt to converge on the CBD in the morning and return home at the end of the workday. Edge Cities In recent decades, edge cities have begun to develop as suburban CBDs in major metropolitan areas. In some instances, these edge cities have become a larger magnet to the metropolitan area than the original CBD. Defining the CBD There are no boundaries to the CBD. The CBD is essentially about perception. It is usually the postcard image one has of a particular city. There have been various attempts at delineating the boundaries of the CBD but, for the most part, one can visually or instinctively know when the CBD starts and ends as it is the core and contains a plethora of tall buildings, high density, a lack of parking, transportation nodes, a large number of pedestrians on the street and generally just a lot of activity during the daytime. The bottom line is that the CBD is what people think of when they think of a citys downtown area.

ORGANISATION AND BEHAVIOURS Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4750 words

ORGANISATION AND BEHAVIOURS - Essay Example There are different types of organisational structure, however the three main types are: (1) Functional / Market; (2) Product and Market; and (3) Matrix. The functional/market type of organisational structure is basically categorised under the traditional style of management (Droege 2011). Per definition, it is a kind of structure wherein people are arranged according to the role they perform in the organisation (Brooks 2003). This type of structure is highly hierarchical and bureaucratic because distinctly classifying and separating the job from one to another creates a kind of structure that can be described as top-down authority management. In a functional organisational structure, people are arranged in departments which operate based on certain rules, policies, and standard operating process. Order and discipline are highly valued in this kind of organisation which normally results to a reporting system that usually follows a strictly entwined chain-of-command. However, the grow ing competition that exists in the business arena compels most organisations to expand and adjust to the changing needs of the business. With this circumstance, the purpose of the functional/market structure does not do companies any more justice as this kind of structure usually works well in small scale organisations. Hence, another organisational structure comes into operation and this is the product and market structure. Unlike the functional structure, product and market structure is more diversified and enhanced in terms of providing a quality and speedy decision-making (Droege 2011). Decision-making becomes more efficient and prompt in this organisational structure because the people who work within a certain product, customer, or geographic location are grouped together based on their capabilities, knowledge, and expertise. Compared to the functional structure, the product and market structure does not follow a strict top-down system of reporting, thus lessens pressure and i ncreases work performance. However, one major problem with product and market organisational structure, which is minimised in the functional structure, is that the interest of a particular group can be put ahead of the goals of the entire organisation. Another problem here, which is also not an issue with functional structure, is the fact that creating different groups for different products, costumers, or locations can possibly lead to unnecessary expenses due to duplication of resources. The matrix organisational structure, on the other hand, is perceived to be the most effective kind of management system, specifically for large organisations (Droege 2011). It is basically the combination of the functional and product, or more structures. The matrix structure considers what the organisation requires in order to get the best of both worlds. Unlike the first two structures, the matrix is considered to be the most intricate organisational structure but most effective if properly pull ed off. Not like the product and market structure wherein duplication of resources is an issue, a matrix structure can facilitate sharing of highly specialised employees and equipment. For instance, an employee who is an expert in a particular field can divide his/her time between one project and another. Also, because of this