Rup vs Scrum

Major differences between RUP and SCRUM Rup and Scrum both provide guidance on software development teams in an iterative way. An obvious difference among the aforementioned methodologies is that in RUP the first thing that the development team investigates is if the project worth investing. They estimate the costs, possible profits and define the Business Case, which is re-examined during projects lifecycle. Scrum assumes that from the time the customer wants this product, then it should be done. It focus mostly on how to organize the development and achieve the best possible quality.We can still make an absolutely perfect product regarding its features, its internal quality and architecture, but if there is no room for it in the market it has no business value. Furthermore, it is pretty clear that Scrum is mainly focused on day-to-day tasks in contrast with RUP which approach the project as a whole from the beginning. Scrum uses a backlog where all the desirable features are gather ed after several discussions and brainstorming with the Product Owner. This procedure happens before every Sprint and defines the next Spring backlog.Scrum is mostly concerned with team management and a little bit with requirements. Hence, there is no longterm project scope and estimations for project duration and costs are difficult. Scrum does not say much about releases or a project as a whole. Its main concern are the current and the next Sprints. On the other hand, RUP methodology has a clear formal definition of scope and major project deadlines are associated with specific dates. In RUP the project lifecycle is divided into 4 main phases. These are the Inception, elaboration, Construction and Transition phase.Requirements are pre-defined in contrast with Scrum, however they are called Vision. Despite the fact that the so called Vision, requests definition of requirements, RUP remains fully aware of their evolving nature and can adjust them anytime. Because all of the above st atements, RUP’s documentation is heavy compared to Scrums. One more difference between the two methodologies is that project features are prioritized in Scrum according to Products Owner and Scrums team judgment. Ergo, the planning is mainly based in this prioritization.In contrast, iteration planning in RUP is also based on risk in addition to priority. Lastly, the formal profile of RUP make it suitable for really big projects which are tight on deadlines. On the other hand Scrum is more suitable for small and medium sized projects , although it can be applied on larger projects as well. The formalistic nature of RUP refers to the developers as â€Å"workers† in its manifesto. Scrums manifesto refers to them as team members and promotes a more team oriented environment. We could say that RUP is more bureaucratic and SCRUM is more democratic.

Critically Discuss the Contribution of the Work of Frederick W. Taylor

Grey offers a number of opinions on management thought in his book â€Å"A Very Short Fairly Interesting and Reasonably Cheap Book about Studying Organisations† (2009). He outlines his opinions through a number of themes within the book such as looking at bureaucracy and scientific management together, his views on human relations theory (HRT) and its links with people management, the theme of organization culture and post-bureaucracy and how it is effecting change management.The final theme I will discuss in my essay is fast capitalism and how it is ending management. While looking at the themes I will also be evaluating Grey’s arguments within them and try to relate them where applicable to Wren and Bedeian’s book â€Å"The Evolution of Management Thought† (2009). Grey views on bureaucracy are that he sees it as a highly efficient way of management in this book bureaucracy is not seen as red tape but a management type as put forward by Weber whereby rule s and regulation are used to become as efficient as possible. Relevant materials: Scientific Management Theory in NursingGrey tells us how Weber saw an emergence of an ideal called â€Å"rational legal authority† (Grey, 2009). Grey tells us how rationality links with bureaucracy using a number of examples such as formal or instrumental rationality the idea of this is to adopt a means to meet and end using the most efficient way possible. Grey uses an excellent example to illustrate this being the Nazi Holocaust it is as Grey (2009) says the extreme application of bureaucratic logic. It operated under a set of rules which were applied impersonally.This allowed it to be unbelievably efficient. Grey’s ideas on bureaucracy are linked to the ideas explored in Wren and Bedeian’s â€Å"The Evolution of Management Thought† (2009) both books emphasise how Weber did not mean red tape when he said bureaucracy, they also share similar views of the disadvantages of bureaucracy such as how workers will work to the rules and theref ore know exactly what they must do to stay in the job or to achieve something Grey’s view on scientific management as put forward by Taylor is that his ideas still define management today.The real leap for scientific management as explained by Grey (2009) was the use of it by Henry Ford the man who made Ford cars. He employed scientific management within his factory to increase efficiency and it did so hugely. Grey also recognises the problems caused by Taylor’s ideas. Such as the many strikes by workers as it left the workers with less power and the managers with all the power, one of the main problems with it as explained by Grey (2009) is it eroded working onditions, reduced autonomy and threatened unemployment. I feel that Grey’s view here focuses too much on the problems caused by scientific management he does give a few advantages of it but he doesn’t emphasise enough how scientific management really revolutionised the way in which factories and com panies operated such as how using Taylor’s ideas on scientific management thought companies such as General Motors and Du Pont have become two of the biggest corporations in the world thanks to it.Wren and Bedeian share similar views to Grey on scientific management however I feel they show more admiration for it when they say how scientific management paved the way forward for subsequent management development (Wren and Bedeian 2009). Grey (2009) expresses his view many people see scientific management as the bad guy and human relations theory (HRT) as the good guy. I agree with this and Grey uses the Hawthorne experiment example which I feel expresses this view correctly and helped me understand the inefficiency’s caused by HRT.He tells us of an experiment in a bank wiring room where workers were producing electrical components and rather than produce at maximum output which would earn them a bonus they choose to produce at a lower level. This was due to informal nor ms set around the workplace such as peer pressure and an unofficial gang leader. This shows us that the informal side of an organisation to some is more important than the formal side. This shows how HRT can be seen as inefficient as and not always better than scientific management.This can be linked to Wren and Bedeian’s (2009) conclusions drawn from the Hawthorne Studies, they conclude that these experiments showed us that workers were not driven only by money but also by social factors which can lead to increased and decreased productivity. People management and HRT are very similar in my opinion as HRT is the way in which we manage people. It is important for people to see a manager as someone who helps people and not just a person who exploits someone to get the best work out of them.Grey (2009) gives an example of how HRT has changed the way we view managers by using a son and father conversation. The child asks his dad what he does and he replies how he exploits people and dehumanises them by making them work as hard as possible. Under HRT thought he replies how he helps people and makes unhappy people see that he cares about them. This example by Grey is exceptional in my opinion and to me it personifies what HRT and people management is; it is type of thought whereby the manager’s aim is to care for and motivate his workers.The view of the manager is undeniably hugely important to motivating workers as if they are seen as caring and helpful it acts as an incentive to workers to work harder this view is also shared in Wren and Bedeian (2009) where they say the significance of effective supervision in maintaining employee’s productivity and job satisfaction is huge. Grey’s (2009) view on organisation culture is that its aim is to intervene and regulate being so that there is no distance between individual’s purpose and those of the organisation for which they work.I agree with what Grey is saying here organisation cult ure to me is simply making an organisation a place where the worker feels completely comfortable and for the worker to feel proud to work for the company. An example of this I can relate to is the bank RBS having done work experience with them I now understand how they create organisation culture. On all their leaflets, cards and employee videos they try to show their core values and company slogans to create a good organisation culture. Grey argues that managers who try to change organisation culture are completely unrealistic.I agree with what Grey says here as the example he uses shows us how it is not possible. He cites an experiment carried out by Ogbonna and Wilkinson (1988) where a supermarket told all its employees to make customer service their prime focus by smiling all the time and to make them feel valued. The study results showed they obeyed superficially because they knew they were being watched but they didn’t mean their shows of friendliness. This may seem lik e they are carrying out the organisation culture but actually they have failed as they don’t actually believe in it.In relation to Wren and Bedeian’s view on organisation culture differs to that of Grey they see it as more innocent and with less scepticism than Grey does. They (Wren and Bedeian 2009) believe technology, economics and political facets provide the framework for organisation culture. Wren and Bedeian don’t go into the areas that Grey goes into when discussing organisation culture such as how management tries to change organisation as I have discussed already. Grey (2009) argues that post-bureaucracy can and should be mocked.He gives examples of studies which have been carried out to show that it is a flimsy thought. He cites a study by Paul Thompson who used aggregate statistical evidence and individual cases to prove that job structures and work experience are mostly unchanged by the post-bureaucratic revolution. This study was similar to that of Delbridge (1998) who studied two factories one which had all the paraphernalia of a post-bureaucratic workplace and one which did not. He concluded that both still shared very similar forms of working.I agree with what Grey is saying here as if you walk into a workplace today such as a factory the methods of management are still evident of the bureaucracy model and yes there is some evidence of post-bureaucracy but not enough to claim it’s a new era of post-bureaucracy. On the theme of change management Grey (2009) argues that is almost always fails. He supports his claim using the example of total quality management (TQM) which is implemented for the first time in a certain industry. One organisation may adopt it and then others will see it and decide to adopt it to.Now no one has a competitive advantage and there is a conveyer effect where by the companies now want a new method and therefore change. This claim by Grey in my opinion is correct change management doesn’ t work as for it to work something has to be applicable from one industry to another but change management fails at this. Grey (2009) however does admit that post-bureaucracy and change management cannot be ignored and that it is a huge part of society today as they have a huge hold over the managerial role in today’s world. Grey (2009) tells us how the post-bureaucracy and change management attract huge attention in the media today.He gives us the example of policies past by the British Government in which all are based on post-bureaucracy. Grey (2009) says how it is now assumed that for an economy to do well it must be purged of bureaucracy and open to change. I agree with what he has said here all we here about in today’s news is the need to change everything and for rules and regulations to be got rid of. However all we have to look at is the current economic climate to show us what happened when there was less bureaucracy and lots of change. People took advantage of it and we are now stuck in a recession for a number of years because of it.To show what fast capitalism is Grey (2009) uses the United Kingdom as an example and many of the companies within it such as Jaguar, P&O and Body Shop what all these companies have in common is they once used to be British owned now however they are owned by international companies or consortia. This shows us how Britain has taken on the idea of fast capitalism this however can lead to problems whereby the international companies who buy these smaller firms most of the time only see the financial value of them and not what the company may offer to a community with generations of families who have worked in the same business.This can lead to employees not feeling the need to work as hard as now they are working for an international company and therefore in my opinion inefficiency will begin to take place. The argument that fast capitalism is failing and problematic is put forward by Grey (2009) using the e xample of the bank Northern Rock who began by simply taking in deposits from savers and lending to borrowers for house purchases. In 1997 they choose a new more risky route whereby they raised money by through short term borrowing on financial markets.They also began to give loans to those who had poor credit history and they didn’t take in their account to pay them back. This was all well and good until 2007 when poor credit risks and the inability to get short term funds caused the bank to nearly collapse with customers going to the banks to take out all their money. The bank was then nationalised in 2008. This story shows me how fast capitalism failed as those who ran Northern Rock tried to adopt a new style of management and thought within the business to keep up with fast moving capitalism and in the long run their ideas failed leaving the customers and shareholders to suffer greatly.Grey (2009) puts forward the argument that management is ending. He explores this idea u sing a number of examples. The example which explores it best is the one about the study he carried out with a number of colleagues on a set of managers. They interviewed them and none of them described themselves as managers. When ask why they didn’t they all said it was an overused word which didn’t denote any real seniority in today’s workforce and secondly they felt the word had a meaning of someone who was inflexible and bureaucratic. This was not to say the end of management just it has become a somewhat meaningless word.The final thought Grey (2009) has on this is that managers might be coming to an end but management itself is not and it is constantly evolving and I whole heartedly agree with this point that it is simply changing constantly. Overall I feel that the themes in Grey’s book â€Å"A Very Short Fairly Interesting and Reasonably Cheap Book about Studying Organisations† (2009) which range from looking at bureaucracy and scientific management together to his views on human relations theory (HRT) and its links with people management and the theme of organization culture and post-bureaucracy and how it is effecting change management.To the final one which I have explored; fast capitalism and end management have provided me with an insight into Grey’s thoughts on management and the arguments he has put forward about it. I also feeling my reading of this book has allowed me to relate it where applicable to Wren and Bedeian’s â€Å"The Evolution of Management Thought† (2009) and allowed me to compare some of the older views on management within this book to the more modern ones explored by Grey. However I do believe that Grey’s book is far more concise than Wren and Bedeian’s which I feel is too long winded and less interesting than Grey’s.Bibliography: Grey, C. (2009). A Very Short, Fairly Interesting and Reasonably Cheap Book about Studying Organizations. London, Sage. De lbridge, R. (1998) â€Å"Life on the Line in Contemporary Manufacturing† Oxford: Oxford University Press, Ogbonna, E. and Wilkinson, B. (1988) â€Å"Corporate Strategy and Corporate Culture: The View from the Checkout† Personnel Review, Vol. 19 Iss: 4, pp. 9 – 15 Wren, Daniel A . Bedeian Arthur G. December 2008,  ©2009. â€Å"The Evolution of Management Thought. 6th Edition†. USA: John Wiley & Sons Inc.

Consumer Behaviour Research Report Issues Facing Consumers in Adopting Article

Consumer Behaviour Research Report Issues Facing Consumers in Adopting The New Product - Article Example The adoption process is a long one and which involves a variety stages. The first stage is awareness where the consumer becomes exposed to the new idea, good or service. The second stage is the Interest stage where the consumer seeks information related to the product. This is done through a variety of ways such as from brochures, from friends etc. The third stage is the evaluation stage where the consumer of the product considers the possibility of trying the new product. The fourth stage is the Trial stage where the consumer tries the new product on rather a small scale so as to improve his or her estimate of the product’s value. The last stage is the adoption stage where the consumer will make use of the product on a large scale and on a regular basis. Therefore from the above discussion we have seen that adopting a particular product is not a simple task and so much has to be done on the part of the producer to make sure that the new product is adopted by his/her potential customers. There are a variety of issues that face consumers in adopting the new product, these include: the Internal/external environment, the socio cultural and psychological factors, attitudes, beliefs, learning and decision making . The above named factors are explained below. Internal/external environment The success of a new good or service is high dependent on the internal and external environmental factors of a particular company or organization. The internal environment of the organization comprise of the management, the staff, the methods of production involved in coming up with the product or service and its distribution channels. The management should come up with strategies of marketing the product to ensure that many people are aware of the product so that they increase the chances of consumers using it. The staff on the other hand should perceive the product positively so that they talk well of the product to potential consumers (Consumer Buying Behavior, n.d.). They should also be motivated so that they can find something positive to talk about. The production channels should be efficient such that they are able to produce the required number of products to meet demand. This can be through use of appropriate technology and manpower. The distribution channels should be such that they can reach many consumers of the product. If the consumer hears about a certain product he/she should be able to find it in the nearest shop. For Philip Island Nature Park, they should motivate the staff so that they are able to speak positively of the new project. The management should also design strategies that will make people know of the existence of this new project (Solomon, 2010, pp.26-58). The external environment also plays a big role especially with regards to perception. The consumers need to be aware of the company in a positive light so that they can feel proud being associated with their products. If this is done the adoption process is made easy because people will want to try out the new product and if they feel good they will adopt it. It will also reduce the cost of generating awareness and interest in the people before they begin to evaluate the product. The consumers will move directly to the trial stage and this saves a lot of money for the company as

Prisons as Total Intitutions Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Prisons as Total Intitutions - Essay Example This process according to interpretations by Hassine and Abbott creates a subculture for the prisoners with behavioral ways, beliefs and values that though antisocial to the world outside are promoted and even rewarded within the institution of prison. The in-prison socialization helps in this adaptation process but will be severely damaging when the inmate is released to the real world society. Deprivation within the walls of the penitentiary in various forms causes loss of self-esteem in prisoners. It starts from the point of becoming an inmate. It is therefore desirable to introduce correctional policies to reduce the level of deprivation like allowing weekend leaves and conjugal visits as has been done to alleviate sexual deprivation. One way of reducing the prisonization is to involve the inmates in the management of the prison obviously excluding the administrative part. This will help in developing a reciprocal and balanced relationship of the prisoners with the prison administrators providing scope for mature handling of the situation. The real prisons do not, however, fully behave like a total institution of Goffman but in a manner demonstrated by Hassine and Abbott referring to the prisoners falling in line with the inmate sub

Organisational Behaviour Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 2

Organisational Behaviour - Essay Example Teams on the other hand are defined through the efforts that result in performance that is better and greater than the sum of individual inputs. In effect an understanding of the group gives insight to an understanding of the individual. Teams have become more popular over the years for certain reasons. They often outperform individuals through natured competition and spirited inter group motivation. They also allow the individual to use their talents in a more efficient way. They have also been continuously associated with the ability to adjust and respond to changing environments. Team or group dynamics create a more democratised environment that increases the level of motivation among the employees. Work teams have certain benefits to the individual that accrue to the collaboration of the employees. They also have their share of disadvantages and over the individualised approach to work. To begin with, teams have a more creative approach to problem solving and are more thorough in the performance of their obligations and duties. This increases the quality of the work done. The various employees learn from the different perspectives and backgrounds on how to evaluate all pros and cons of the problem. Teams present and inter team competition which motivates the individual to perform better and emerge better. The interaction with the team also allows the individual to develop other skill sets besides the employment performance skills such as leadership, communication and association. It builds the individuals social and relational aspect through the team based interactions. On the other hand participation of an individual in a team has its challenges and disadvantages. The under-participation or over-participation of an individual in the team leads to uneven use of the individual’s potential which limits the performance of the individual. In case of team conflict the work environment created for the individual becomes more unfriendly and difficult (Scott , 2007). Team participation makes it quite difficult to motivate and acknowledge individual effort. Teams also limit individual’s creativity to the team level and it creates more bureaucracy in the work place. Further, not all individuals are comfortable working in teams and they actually work better when working individually. 2. ‘There’s no such thing as ‘stress.’...it’s all in an individual’s head and just an excuse to take time off work’ discuss There is no specific definition or explanation for job stress. It is a common phenomenon among most organisations and it occurs due to various reasons. It can however be expressed by the consideration of the internal and external circumstances and symptoms that are common with people undergoing stress. The most widely adopted explanation and definition of stress is one that expresses the circumstances that create the potential for stress. It can be presented as the result of a situatio n that creates demands that threaten to breach the individual’s capacity and abilities as well as the limits of the resources that are available. This therefore goes to the indifference between the rewards and costs of the obligations over the resources

Psychology Project Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Psychology Project - Essay Example There have been many studies done in order to determine these. The first article was entitled â€Å"Further Refining the Stress-Coping Model of Alcohol Awareness†. In this article, it was shown that coping measures as far as alcohol consumption and stress differ in regards to the type of stress that is encountered. It was hypothesized based on previous experimentation that men are more likely to encounter heavy drinking as a coping mechanism than females due to their limited coping abilities. There have also been inconsistencies in trying to diagnose whether specific people are more prone to this kind of coping measure than others. The first deals with the variability, which is experienced across the board when people deal with stress. This being that coping measures are not just maladaptive or adaptive, but each are tailored to deal with a certain type of stressor. The second is that there has not been substantial evidence and consistency in showing that gender factors play a role in coping and drinking. The experimental design for this study was a short-term design, which was based on self-reporting measures. In particular, three variables were hypothesized that could take into account for gender differences. The first is coping using the support of others. It has been shown that students that are experiencing a stressor in regards to a relationship or social situation are less likely to turn to alcohol if their coping mechanisms are more guided towards the support of others. In particular, it has been shown in women that experience an interpersonal stressor that they are less likely to drink as a coping measure due to greater social support seeking. The second hypothesis shows that the more in control of the external stressors that a person is experiencing, the less likely they are to turn to alcohol as a coping measure. The third hypothesis is based on previous research which states that men are more likely to use active seeking coping strategies and women are more likely to seek social supporting strategies for coping. Thus the use of alcohol was found to be higher in males than in females. The population had a sample size of 83 participants from different socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds. These participants were tested using many different types of surveys and testing batteries. They were prescreened with the Michigan Alcohol Screening Tests and the College Students’ Recent Life Experiences test. These stressful factors were then broken down into four core areas: life management, social relationships, school, and general social adjustment. Then, they returned for three weeks and were asked how many times they engaged in heavy drinking, which was defined as five or more alcoholic drinks. The final survey that had to take was the COPE to assess their skills in active coping, avoidant coping, and social support seeking coping. The statistics were analyzed using mixed modeling interactions and this took into account correlation coefficients and t-test values. Men that had higher scores in active coping and social support seeking coping were less likely to engage in dangerous activities involving alcohol. If men using avoidant coping measures, they were more likely to engage in the use of alcohol. For women, the same statistical data was also recorded. There is some validity to the measures that were

Geography of water and energy resources Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 5

Geography of water and energy resources - Essay Example ountries is $34.442 trillion while that of the Middle East OPEC countries is $ 2.1348 trillion, an indicator that the G7 countries are more productive, economically. This identifies mean GDP of $ 4.92 trillion for the G7 countries and $ 0.3558 trillion. This translates to a GDP per capita of $ 43, 132.88 for the G7 countries and $ 14,112.79 for the Middle East OPEC countries (Central Intelligence Agency, 2014). The G7 countries therefore have better production efficiency than the Middle East OPEC countries because even though the G7 countries have higher populations, their per capita incomes are far higher than per capita incomes of the Middle East OPEC countries. G7 countries are considered as economic giants in the world and this perception is consistent with the reality, based on the analysis. Gross domestic products of the Middle East OPEC countries are all below a trillion dollars while the lowest GDP among the G7 countries is above a trillion dollars. Higher average GDP and per capita GDP for G7 countries than for Middle East OPEC countries show

Why Do Earthquakes Occur Near Tectonic Plate Boundaries Essay

Why Do Earthquakes Occur Near Tectonic Plate Boundaries - Essay Example The hot plumes create volcanoes, while the jerky action of the movement results in seismic waves that create an earthquake. The volcanic lava flowing to the surface creates islands such as the Hawaiian Islands. Figure 2 illustrates the seismic activity that takes place when two continental plates collide. The lithosphere floats on the asthenosphere. The lithosphere has broken up the earth's crust into ten major Figure 2 (US Geological Survey) tectonic plates. Here we see one of the crustal plates being forced under the other, producing earthquakes. A mountain range is produced at the plate boundaries as the rock formations are deformed and moved upward by the action of the shifting plates. Some of the rocks in the mountains may have been set down in an ocean environment that existed between the two continental crusts prior to collision. Figure 3 shows the boundaries of the major tectonic plates. As these plates shift over time, earthquakes occur at the point of collision. As can be seen on this map, the boundaries are the most earthquake prone areas on earth. This Figure 3 (US Geological Survey) includes the California coast, Japan, and The destruction and number of deaths caused by earthquakes is proportional to the magnitude of the earthquake. Measured on the Richter scale from 1 to 10, each successive number is 10x the magnitude of the previous number. A magnitude 7 is 10 times stronger than a magnitude 6, and a magnitude 8 is 100 times stronger than a magnitude 6. Obviously a stronger earthquake is capable of more destruction. More deaths will generally occur when the earthquake hits a population center. However, there have been innovations in the last 100 years that have helped minimize the destruction and reduce the death toll. Understanding plate tectonics and mapping the world to reveal major fault lines has led to improved building construction around the world. The National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program (NEHRP) conducts research and presents programs of public education. They have also developed standards for the safe design and construction of buildings and other structures. One major change to the Uniform Building Code involves a structure which is supported by a number of bearing pads that are located at the base of the building and the foundation. As the earth's crust moves in one direction, the pads themselves absorb the vibration and the building essentially remains stationary. Japan and California face similar seismic activity and geological threats. Experts from these areas have been world leaders in developing safer construction methods and stricter building codes. These techniques have resulted in more earthquake resistant structures in public schools, bridges, hospitals, and dams. Works Cited Earthquake Hazards Program. 24 Oct. 2006. US Geological Service. 13 Dec. 2006 . National Earthquak

Civic Engagement Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Civic Engagement - Essay Example Their main objective was to ensure that the voice of the public is heard and attended to. This forum was also intended to strengthen the weakening relationship between the public and the police department and therefore contribute to enhanced national security. This event had drawn large audience because in the previous day, John Diaz, who is the SPD Chief announced his intention to retire from the police service. Another speaker who took more time on the stage addressing the rising violence cases in the community was Captain Ron Wilson, East Precinct commander. General Matt Allen (a guest speaker) explained that the police department is committed to reaching out to the public at large by holding regional meeting purposely to address security issues and concerns of the public in general. In this event, the speaker noted with a lot of concern that club violence was no doubt a major thorn especially in those clubs along Pine and Pike, therefore given first priority over others issues of equal importance. Members of community were getting bothered by the frequency of what was known to be brawls outside the Grimes and the Woods on the 11Avenue. Llen recognized club violence as a complex issue and urged the members of the public to keep dialing 911 for security response. ... To this, John Diaz explained that there were legal policies regulating noise in residential places, but was only that the police department had not been informed of these new developments. However, he explained that the good news was that they was going to established a special police unit to address issues related to community peace as far as operation of night clubs is concerned. He went ahead to explain that the mandate of the proposed police force will be executed in a way that they will not affect business ventures. This implied that business must be executed with strictly compliance with the security policies. In this forum, club violence was a hot topic with the recent incidence at The Social being the reference point. Another issue that heavily criticized by the community was the manner at which the mentally challenged people in the society were treated. The community members in attendance claimed that they had recently witnessed a rise on the Capitol Hill. Concern this unjus t and unfair treatment of the disability member, the area police boss explained that those suffering from mental sickness or panhandling on the streets should not necessarily be locked up in prisons. In the mean time, this problem was addressed through the establishment of what was termed as the ‘Mobile Crisis Unit’ that served as medium term solution. Under this unit, the mentally challenged would be taken to good mental health centers where they would be treated instead of being locked up in caves. While emphasizing on this, Mr. Allen said that the mentally challenged personas do not deserve imprisonment but rather a reconnection with mental health physicians and facilities. While addressing delegates in this forum, Allen expressed hope that the East Precinct will

A Casualty Clearing Station Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

A Casualty Clearing Station - Essay Example Dr. Hayward started by explaining how the conditions at war were not as one expected them to be but they were rather tougher and difficult to cope up with. To support this stand, he began his narrative by stating that he had worked for twenty years as a surgeon in the general hospitals in an area and he also had an exposure to war like situations as he had served as a surgeon at British Red Cross Hospital, Netley during the initial period of the War. But the author explains in his narrative that this familiarity with war like situations was in no way close to the experiences that he gained at the Casualty Clearing Station (C.C.S) at Crouay where he got posted upon his request in July 1918. This was because the C.C.S received patients directly from the war field and this was different from his working at the British Red Cross Hospital. Thus, Dr. Hayward provided an inside picture of the C.C.S by beginning his compilation from his normal days of work and ending it after his work at the C.C.S. The firsthand account of Dr. John A. Hayward is a text that provides historians with not only geographical evidence but also with historical and cultural evidence. From the geographical perspective, his writing narrates the war experiences of the different regions in France beginning with the Base Hospital at Trouville where he only dealt with minor injuries. This was followed by his work at the C.C.S at Crouay where he treated patients who were pouring in from the battlefield.  

Zero Dark Thirty, Affecting America Essay Example for Free

Zero Dark Thirty, Affecting America Essay Describing the murder of Osama Bin Laden, Zero Dark Thirty remains top in the box office, garnering over five Oscar nominations and deeply affecting its audiences. Disturbing and poignant, this â€Å"R† rated production accurately depicts the nature of war in countries like Pakistan and Afghanistan, while viewers vicariously experience the violence of terror attacks and observe the involvement of America’s Military and Intelligence Communities. Scenes exhibiting torture techniques spark controversy, leading to discussions about the ethics surrounding their use. Lastly, the dramatic story highlights the career of Maya, a female CIA operative determined to bring about the capture of Osama Bin Laden. Zero Dark Thirty introduces viewers to the horrors of the war on terror and those who fight the battle, the controversial subject of torture, and the inspirational character Maya. While dinning at a premier Pakistani hotel, Maya and her fellow diners’ lives abruptly change when the room around them explodes, the result of a suicide bomb. Through the portrayal of events such as these, Zero Dark Thirty reveals the horrific conditions under which American military and intelligence personnel work. Far from the minds of most American’s, but constantly in the minds of those on the front lines, looms the thought that each day could bring death for themselves or their colleagues. Living under these conditions, the mind snaps leaving one in every eight soldiers returning from overseas suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, proving that the pain of working in these circumstances scars the soul. Zero Dark Thirty introduces not only the horrors of torture, but the necessity of obtaining information. Struggling with the idea of forcefully extracting information from detainees, America’s shifting political environment after a presidential election reveals itself in a scene where United States President, Barack Obama, orders the Central Intelligence Agency to end the use of torture techniques. Too easily, graphic scenes of torture override the weak memories of Americans and they forget the heinous deeds propagated on uninvolved bystanders. People should never lose the intensity of the shock experienced on September, 11, 2001 when realizing that the objects tumbling from the twin towers no longer resembled pieces of the falling buildings, but came into focus as innocent victims leaping to their death before the inferno claimed their body and soul. Vital information withheld by radical jihadists endangers the lives of millions of people as terror plots blow apart the world. Zero Dark Thirty reopens this conversation. Serving as a powerful female image to many young women in America, actress Jessica Chastain portrays a determined CIA operative who seeks to find and kill Osama Bin Laden. Throughout the movie, Maya expresses her morals by remaining persistent in her journey to find Osama Bin Laden. In one scene she expresses her plans for the future, after a bombing killed many of her colleagues, stating â€Å"Im going to smoke them (Bin Laden’s assistants) and then Im going to kill Bin Laden.† No matter how many disregarded her or underestimated her research, in the end her incredible persistence led to the defeat of the mastermind behind 9/11 who destroyed many lives of American families. She set an example to young women as she stood strong against a group of men disagreeing with her, always remaining certain in a sea of uncertainty, providing America with closure and reward for over a decade of work. Recounting history’s greatest manhunt, Zero Dark Thirty introduces the world to another level of terrorism, explaining everything from detailed missions to their Pakistani allies. Characters like Maya speak volumes about the type of people protecting our country and how their lives remain on the line to ensure the safety of American citizens. Disputing the recent controversy over a process referred to as enhanced interrogation techniques, the new information known about the treatment of detainees left a sense of necessity for the use of torture methods on jihadists, knowing that it can save lives. Without a doubt everyone will leave the theater with a sense of pride in our nation for accomplishing such a hard task, but also feeling somber as they relive large terror attacks such as 9/11, or think upon the unknown bombings that occur every day in foreign countries. Work Cited: â€Å"Zero Dark Thirty† http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1790885/ â€Å"Study of 9/11 Emotional Response† http://www.time.com/time/health/article/0,8599,2015528,00.html â€Å"1 in 8 returning soldiers suffers from PTSD† Associated Press. Date Last Revised: 6/30/2004.http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/5334479/ns/health-mental_health/t/returning-soldiers-suffers-ptsd/ â€Å"Election will decide future of interogation metods for terrorism suspects† Charlie Savage http://www.nytimes.com/2012/09/28/us/politics/election-will-decide-future-of-interrogation-methods-for-terrorism-suspects.html?_r=0

Intelligence Definition Essay Example for Free

Intelligence Definition Essay Evaluate Spearman’s contribution to our understanding of Intelligence. Plan: * Introduction – definition of intelligence, and say what I am going to be talking about * Paragraph one /two– outline Spearman’s theory * Paragraph three/four – evaluate how organisations use Spearman’s theory * Paragraph five – evaluate strengths and weaknesses compared to Gardners theory * Conclusion – relate back to the question Essay Intelligence can be defined as â€Å"the capability of individuals to process information to behave effectively within the environment they are in and learn from previous experiences. † (Arnold 2010). Spearman in the 1900s came up with the General Intelligence Theory. Within this essay I am going to evaluate Spearman’s theory of general intelligence by looking at the strengths and weaknesses of the theory. Firstly, looking at how Spearman’s theory can be applied to organisations, then comparing it with Gardner’s theory of Multiple Intelligences. Spearman (1900’s) developed the theory of general intelligence. Spearman’s research followed that of Binet, who was commissioned by the school system in France to develop a way to differentiate those students who were uneducable, or severely mentally handicapped, from other students. Binet developed an intelligence test to do so. This test consisted of items (questions) that required complex processes of the mnd and examined the comprehensive individual. The success of Binet’s test led to a much greater question: what exactly are these tests measuring? The claim was that they were measuring intelligence. This led to debates about what intelligence was. In endeavouring to answer this question, Spearman observed that schoolchildren’s grades across seemingly unrelated subjects were positively correlated. He then administered different types of test to many people. A statistical analysis of the results showed that there was a positive correlation between the tests for any given individual. In other words, if an individual performed well on a test of verbal abilities, then that same person also performed well on another test of a different cognitive ability, such as numerical reasoning. Spearman named this positive correlation ‘g’, that is ‘general intelligence’. He argued that ‘g’ was identified by using a large battery (number) of tests, that is ‘g’ was not measured perfectly by any single test. His work led to others trying to create tests that would assess this general underlying ability. Spearman was the first researcher to use factor analysis (a statistical test that he developed to identify underlying commonalities, or ‘factors’). His theory is sometimes called the Two Factor Theory as he concluded that intelligence consisted of two factors. The first of these he called the ‘g’ factor, that is general intelligence that influenced all round performance. The second of these he called the ‘s’ factor, for specific abilities, which he used to account for differences between scores on different tasks, including test-specific factors such as the impact of light, temperature, the time of day that the test was given. Spearman’s major contribution lies in his ideas about general intelligence, particularly the idea that general intelligence influences all round performance. Spearman’s ideas about general intelligence continue to influence the development of cognitive testing today. And it is in the area of testing that organisations most benefit from Spearman’s work. Specifically, the idea that there is one general intelligence influences much of the testing in selection processes within organisations. For example, many organisations use cognitive testing (verbal and numerical critical reasoning) at early stages in their selection process to filter out those candidates that do not perform at the level required. Following Spearman’s theory more thoroughly could suggest that organisations might be justified in basing their selection activities entirely on a measure of general intelligence. However, this would lack credibility, or face validity, for the candidates, and for many managers. Indeed, some would argue strongly that there are more particular skills that they want candidates to demonstrate that are more directly relevant to the particular job. A major weakness of Spearman’s general intelligence theory is that it can be misunderstood, leading for example to the idea that if an individual is good at one aspect of work they must be good at another aspect. For example, a computer programmer may be very good at their job, however when they are asked to write a report they may feel way out of their comfort zone and will perform badly. However, Spearman is not arguing about ability to perform a task. Rather, he is arguing that ‘general intelligence’ explains a person’s ability across a range of cognitive tests. At this point, there is value in contrasting Gardner’s (1980’s) theory of Multiple Intelligences, which could give us a better understanding of intelligence. Gardner disagreed with Spearman’s general intelligence theory (Mullins, 2010). Instead, he thought that there are many types of intelligence and if an individual excels in one topic, it doesn’t mean they excel at everything. Theses intelligences included: Musical, Numeracy, Literacy, Interpersonal, Intrapersonal and Linguistic. Gardner found, therefore, that individuals can be intelligent in different areas. It might be argued that the value for an organisation would be a test that identified the particular kind of intelligence that each individual has. In conclusion Spearman’s theory of general intelligence has had a significant influence on how selection testing is designed and carried out within organisations. The desire to predict performance before hiring a new employee favours the idea that there is one general intelligence that can be assessed by a battery of cognitive tests. However, new theories such as Gardner’s Multiple Intelligences theory (1980’s) and Goleman’s Emotional Intelligence, challenge such a perspective.

Decline in sales at Fischer Holmes

Decline in sales at Fischer Holmes 1.0 Introduction: 1.0.1 Purpose and Background: The purpose of this report is to determine the cause of the decline in sales at Fischer Holmes and to recommend possible solutions to the prevalent problems. This report is in response to the declining sales of the last 8 months. By compiling data gathered from psychological tests undertaken by sales staff over the same periods in the past 4 years and comparing this with the sales figures of the respective periods, we have come up a graph shown in appendix 1.The graph indicates a direct relation with the morale of the sales staff and the decline in sales. The drop in morale seems to have started when FH underwent company-wide restructuring a year ago. This restructuring led to untrained sales agents gaining promotion to sales manager. 1.0.2 Scope: Discuss and analyze each problem individually: How and why the specific problems have occurred. Recommendations will also be discussed individually per problem: What will recommend needs to be done to rectify the problem. 1.0.3 Methodology: Observe the work area and how personnel interact with each other. Examine all personnel records and employment histories of sales staff. Conduct interviews and psychological evaluations with sales personnel. 2.0Background: Name of company, purpose, year established, countries which it operates in. 3.0 Results and Recommendations: 3.1 Downward Communication 3.1.0Problems: The problems we have encountered include poor downward communication in general from sales managers to agents and also poor downward communication by managers during team meetings. 3.1.1Analysis: From the collection of data we, as a company, hypothesize that the promotion of these managers without appropriate management skills and training has resulted in a lack of concern and care for their subordinates. Further to this, it has been discovered that managers are predominantly using fear to generate desired sales. This becomes apparent in team meetings, where the managers clear lack of managerial competence becomes obvious through the agents forcefulness towards sales staff in an attempt to make more sales. Psychological data gathered shows that sales agents morale is at their lowest after team meetings. We further theorize that this overall negative attitude of several sales managers has resulted in lack of motivation and increase of absenteeism amongst the sales agents; which has led to their dismal performances. 3.1.2Recommendations: We have come up with a number of solutions to combat these workplace problems and have compiled them in a list as follows: Conduct an in-depth analysis of the sales managers current skills to determine their managerial traits and ability to lead a sales team. We Recommend that those found fit will undergo individual coaching by People Bridge and those found unfit will attend a comprehensive management skills training workshop and will also undergo individual coaching. Conduct meeting facilitation workshop focusing on creating an agenda and motivation of a sales team. Have a â€Å"People Bridge† consultant sit in during the first few sales team meetings as a follow-up step. All sales managers will undergo communication skills workshop. Have all managers join Toastmasters Clubs in their area as a follow-up on communication skills training. 3.2 Upward Communication 3.2.0 Problem: Another main problem we have encountered is the poor upward communication by sales agents who have not been submitting their sales reports to their sales managers and also the poor upward communication by sales managers in submitting â€Å"guesswork† reports to higher management. 3.2.1 Analysis: From conducting this investigation, People Bridge hasfound that sales managers do not have concern for the importance of the data provided in their agents sales reports. We have observed that sales managers seldom require their agents to submit their reports. In a survey conducted on the sales agents, we found that 89% of the agents did not know the proper format of a sales report and that 76% did not know that they were required to submit a sales report. We have also observed that FH does not utilize a contact resource management (CRM) system.YOU NEED TO EXPLAIN WHAT A CRM IS AND WHAT IT DOES!!! We further theorize that sales managers will often submit â€Å"guesswork† reports to higher management. This is due sales managers inability to recognize sales reports from their agents and therefore go to higher management for support. In a related survey, 100% of the sales managers submit their reports but the apparently wrong information submitted by the sales managers may have led management to misread the market and come up with ineffective strategies to augment company sales. 3.2.2 Recommendations: People Bridge has come up with several solutions have been found to fix these problems. These include: Employing a free web-based CRM and make it compulsory for the sales team to use. Coach higher management on how to use the CRM to monitor all sales activity. By doing this we hope to encourage the sales agents and managers to do their reports. Conduct training to all necessary personnel on how to use the CRM. Conduct refresher sales training for existing sales agents focusing on the importance of reports. Conduct data analysis training for sales managers. Purchase permanent CRM if necessary. 4.1 Recommendation Summary and Conclusion: Our recommendationspredominantly focus on the sales managers and how to bring them up to the competency level FH requires. Complementary trainings and coaching needs to be scheduled for higher management and the sales agents in order to support the activities for the sales managers and get the business back on track. We have divided the recommendations as follows: Analyse Conduct an in-depth analysis of the sales managers managerial skills, reporting habits and attitudes to determine proper courses of actions. Trainings, Workshops and Coaching This is to arm all necessary personnel with proper skills, habits and attitudes to ensure every employee is equipped to perform their task. Software Application (CRM) This is to create a quick, effective and easy reporting environment that higher management can utilize to monitor what transpires in the sales department. It is apparent that the main problem is the inability of sales managers to communicate and lead their teams. Therefore, it is imperative that we train the sales managers immediately and that the avenues of communications (CRM, meetings, etc.) be utilized properly. By doing this, we will be able to regain your â€Å"lost ground† in sales.

The Contributions of Catherine II (Catherine the Great), Empress of Rus

The Contributions of Catherine II (Catherine the Great), Empress of Russia Catherine II, or Catherine the Great, empress of Russia (1762-96), did much to transform Russia into a modern country. Originally named Sophie Fredericke Augusta, she was born in Stettin (now Szczecin, Poland), on May 2, 1729, the daughter of the German prince of Anhalt-Zerbst. At the age of 15 she went to Russia to become the wife of Peter, nephew and heir of Empress ELIZABETH. Elizabeth died on Dec. 25, 1761, and Catherine's husband succeeded as PETER III. The new ruler soon made himself unpopular, especially with certain army officers. Led by Aleksei ORLOV (whose brother Grigori was Catherine's lover), the officers staged a coup in June 1762. Peter was deposed (and subsequently murdered), and Catherine became absolute ruler of the largest European empire, whose language she never learned to speak correctly and without accent. At the age of 33, Catherine was not only a handsome woman (whose numerous love affairs dominate the popular accounts of her life), but also unusually well read and deeply involved in the cultural trends of her age. She was a tireless worker and knew how to select capable assistants--for example, Nikita PANIN in foreign affairs, Aleksandr SUVOROV in the military, and Grigory POTEMKIN in administration. Imbued with the ideas of the Enlightenment, Catherine aimed at completing the job started by Peter I-- westernizing Russia--but she had different methods. Unlike Peter, she did not forcibly conscript society into the service of the state, but rather encouraged individual initiative in pursuit of self-interest. She succeeded to a degree with the upper classes, but did nothing for the overwhelm... ...re of the Black Sea. The fertile lands of the Ukraine were also opened for settlement and soon became the granary of Europe. Catherine also participated in the partitions of Poland (1772, 1792, and 1795), bringing a large part of that country under Russian rule. By the time of Catherine's death (Nov. 17, 1796), modern Russian society was organized and its culture had struck firm roots. Russia was also playing a determining role in world affairs. Bibliography: Alexander, John T., Catherine the Great: Life and Legend (1989); Cronin, Vincent, Catherine, Empress of All the Russians (1978); Grey, Ian, Catherine the Great (1961; repr. 1975); Maroger, Dominique, ed., Memoirs of Catherine the Great, trans. by M. Budberg (1961); Oldenbourg, Zoe, Catherine the Great, trans. by Anne Carter (1965); Raeff, Marc, ed., Catherine the Great: A Profile (1972).

Palm Essay -- essays research papers

Hawkins is an inventor, and he walked away from PDA’s because he saw cell phones were everywhere and wanted to invent the best voice based application. He new there was a need for an application that could combine all the features of the mobile communication and organization tools in the market today. I believe he was not only creative, but very smart about the market place, because, he foresaw that PDA’s were becoming commodities. The price, at which PDA’s were being sold, would severely cramped margins of any company expecting large returns from these devices. Every person on the block could now knock off a version of a Palm Handheld, Hawkins found a complimentary market, and handspring was nimble enough to beat all the big players to that market. The Treo is the hottest device on the market because it was first to market, and has very little competition. It appears that the advance features of the Treo blows away the competition when it comes to providing a small convenient tool that replaces all the other gadgets. I believe the main competitive advantage is that the Treo wasn’t tied to one specific carrier by contract, so they were able to build a network of sales through their affiliation with different cellular carriers. Another competitive advantage of the Treo is the fact that it’s not a phone masquerading as a PDA or even a PDA trying to be a cell phone. The Treo was designed from the ground up to be more than a phone, while I believe the phone makers are trying to... Palm Essay -- essays research papers Hawkins is an inventor, and he walked away from PDA’s because he saw cell phones were everywhere and wanted to invent the best voice based application. He new there was a need for an application that could combine all the features of the mobile communication and organization tools in the market today. I believe he was not only creative, but very smart about the market place, because, he foresaw that PDA’s were becoming commodities. The price, at which PDA’s were being sold, would severely cramped margins of any company expecting large returns from these devices. Every person on the block could now knock off a version of a Palm Handheld, Hawkins found a complimentary market, and handspring was nimble enough to beat all the big players to that market. The Treo is the hottest device on the market because it was first to market, and has very little competition. It appears that the advance features of the Treo blows away the competition when it comes to providing a small convenient tool that replaces all the other gadgets. I believe the main competitive advantage is that the Treo wasn’t tied to one specific carrier by contract, so they were able to build a network of sales through their affiliation with different cellular carriers. Another competitive advantage of the Treo is the fact that it’s not a phone masquerading as a PDA or even a PDA trying to be a cell phone. The Treo was designed from the ground up to be more than a phone, while I believe the phone makers are trying to...

Essay --

Bullying has become an epidemic among schools. With increased technology children can now continue to bully others from their home. The rise in availability has increased bullying and made the effects more damaging. However, while the victim is important, studying them will cause little to no decrease in bullying. Therefore, it is more important to study the offender. While the most common reason for bullying is often thought of to be power, recent studies have shown that bullying is related to personality. Sociologist believe that our personality is made up by one’s experiences with their world. This may be why scientist are arguing that the bully personality is an â€Å"evolved adaptation,† (Book, 2011, p. 218). This paper will attempt to establish the personality of a bully, where that personality stems from, and how the problem of bullying can be ceased. Bullying can be related to a DNA mutation, an accident. However, if the carrier of the mutation reprod uces and spreads that mutation, it will evolve into a human trait. Although the mutation is now multiplying, it can sti...

Domestic violence

Article Critique My article Is about the NFG football player Ray Rice who was caught on video surveillance beating up his fiancà ©Ã‚ ©e viscously until she fell unconscious. In the article it explains that sadly, the NFG has dealt with many domestic violence cases Just as bad as this one. In the criminal case, he can avoid prosecution and a criminal record by completing the pre-trial intervention program. Most people who do such an offence wouldn't be given this option to do instead.Many people believe that since he is professional athlete, he is able to go around the justice system in favor for himself. â€Å"Joana Rice has been supportive of her husband and criticized his indefinite suspension by the NFG†. I chose this quote because I found it very shocking that his fiancà ©Ã‚ ©e that was beaten up by Ray Rice is defending him and accusing the media for getting into their private lives. She is probably doing this out of fear from him.This relates to our Families In Canada class because It shows us what an abusive legislations Is and how the man thinks he Is more dominant then the woman. The mall reason why I chose this article was that It shocked me that his flan ©e was defending him after the incident and said the media should leave them alone. I also chose it because I know this is a regular issue in professional sports. Incidents like this happen a couple times a year and mainly in the NFG. To conclude this article teaches me that this is a bad example for information for parents and families.Class Question: Why do you think Ray Rice's fiancà ©Ã‚ ©e defended him after an incident like this? By: Matthew Tomato's RAY RICE By animators My article is about the NFG football player Ray Rice who was caught on video he is professional athlete, he is able to go around the Justice system in favor for relates to our Families in Canada class because it shows us what an abusive relationship is and how the man thinks he is more dominant then the woman. The m ain reason why I chose this article was that it shocked me that his fiancà ©Ã‚ ©e was Domestic Violence â€Å"A violence that occurs between partners in an intimate relationship such as marriage, or cohabitation – to live together as husband and wife, usually without legal or religious sanction. † That's how dictionary. com describes spousal abuse. But to me, spousal abuse is when one person in a marriage sanctified relationship verbally, mentally, emotionally, or physically abuses the other person in the relationship. Many people view domestic violence as only happening to specific races, ethnicities, class, education level or age of the abuser but, surprising to many, it occurs in all social economic, religious, and cultural groups.And it can be the most damaging thing a man or woman could ever go through. In the US, a woman is beaten or assaulted every 9 seconds. At least one in every three women has been beaten, coerced into sex or otherwise abused during her lifetime all around the world. Most often, the abuser is a member of her own family. Domestic violence is the leading cause of injury to women – more than car accidents, muggings, and rapes combined. Studies suggest that up to 10 million children witness some form of domestic abuse annually.Nearly 1 in 5 teenage girls who have been in a relationship said a boyfriend threatened violence or self-harm if presented with a breakup. Every day in the US, more than three women are murdered by their husbands or boyfriends. 92% of women surveyed listed reducing domestic violence and sexual assaults as their top concern. Domestic violence victims lose nearly 8 million days of paid work per year in the US alone – the equivalent of 32,000 full-time jobs.Based on reports from 10 countries, between 55% and 95% of women who had been physically abused by their partners had never contacted non-governmental organizations, shelters, or the police for help. The costs of intimate partner violence in the US alone exceed $5. 8 billion per year: $4. 1 billion are for direct medical and health care ser vices, while productivity losses amount for nearly $1. 8 billion. Men who as children witnessed their parents' domestic violence were twice more likely to abuse their own wives than sons of nonviolent. He always apologized, and sometimes he would even cry because of the bruises he'd made on her arms or legs or her back. He would say that he hated what he'd done, but in the next breath tell her she'd deserved it. That if she'd been more careful, it wouldn't have happened. That if she'd been paying attention or hadn't been so stupid, he wouldn't have lost his temper. † -Nicholas Sparks, Safe Haven. When people think of abuse, they always seem to ask the question: â€Å"Why don't you just leave? ,† â€Å"Why did you stay so long in the first place? ,† â€Å"How could you love someone who did something like that to you? But it's not always that easy. A woman I know very well and am extremely close with was once affected by spousal abuse and she will be the first per son to say leaving was not only the hardest thing she's ever done, but the scariest and most complicated. This woman was beaten numerous times by a husband that â€Å"loved her. † â€Å"At first it wasn't so bad,† she recalls. â€Å"He wasn't always mean. And when he was being nice, I couldn't even remember the times he was being mean. † Abuse is a cycle. It can start out being once a year, once a month, and escalate to being numerous times a day.Abuse works sort of like the cycle of precipitation. When the sun heats up the body of water, it's like the man getting angry. As the water evaporates and rises into the air, it's like the yelling, name calling, emotional aspect of abuse is construed. As the water cools and condenses to become droplets, which form clouds, is when the pushing and the shoving and the slight hitting begin. When the water condenses and falls to the ground as rain or snow, is when the beating begins: the punching, the kicking, the mauling. A nd as the rain collects, is when apologizes and/or crying begins. The worst time was when we beat me so bad I couldn't open my eyes for a week,† my friends confines to me. â€Å"Once he got mad and punched me so hard he cracked my rib. † â€Å"He later got mad and kicked me out of the bed which surfaces the continuation of the breaking of the rib. † â€Å"He would lock my in the basement for hours just because he got mad. † â€Å"He would rip apart my clothes and take a hammer to all the jewelry I owned that wasn't on my body. † â€Å"He cheated on me. † â€Å"He undermined me, called me names, talked to me so bad I thought I was a monster. I would look in the mirror once a day just to brush my hair and put on my makeup. Now, as you read this I know you've asked yourself that universal question: â€Å"Why didn't you just leave? Why'd you let it get so bad? † But think when you were threatened weekly that he would not only kill you, bu t your family, and take your kids, leaving would probably be the last thing on your mind. â€Å"Why didn't you call the cops? † Well, when you wanted nothing more than to pretend that nothing was happening and everything was okay and you were normal just like everyone else, getting law enforcement involved and creating drama was the absolute last thing you wanted.But she did finally get the courage to leave when she thought of her oldest son, and how he'd be starting school soon. How could you send a child to school with them witnessing his mother getting beaten and him be able to actually lead a normal life? And believe me this not something that just happened out of the blue. It was an extraneous plan to get out without him hurting her, her family, and most importantly, their two sons. The story I'll never forget though, is months after she left, going back to pick up her son from the father's supervised visitation, he tried to kill her.Just thinking of this story sends chi lls down my spine and brings tears to my eyes. Their son had an event at Sunday school he was dying to go to, and he could only under one condition†¦ She had to go pick him up by herself. Thinking back upon this, she realizes what a stupid decision she made but at the time, she was focused on her the wants of her child. As she arrived at his house, she approached the door, having a gut feeling that something was really wrong but she suffaced the feeling and went inside to get her boy.Upon departure, the man that had formerly beaten her asked if he could walk her to the car. This was weird because he never asked for permission, but she just shrugged it off and agreed to it, which would prove later to be the worst decision of her life. As she reached over to buckle in her oldest son, she felt the hair on the back of her neck stand up, she knew something horrendous was momentarily about to happen. She turned around to her former husband, the former love of her life, blatantly stab bing her repeatedly in the chest with the sheer intention to murder her.As she sat there pressing against the steering wheel as hard as she could, her two children screaming bloody murder, this man, who â€Å"loved this woman more than that anything on the planet,† jabbed a knife into her chest twelve different times. If it hadn't been the man's mother running outside to see what all the commotion was about, this woman probably won't be here today. The woman is strongest, most courageous, most beautiful woman I know. She is my role model. She was dealt the worst card a life could of been dealt and struggled through it and is now one of the most happy women on the planet.This woman has been there for me through thick and thin. She is a pinochle of strength. She is the prime example that abuse could most possibly be the worst thing on this planet, but you can get through and even though at the time it make seem like it, it's not the end of the world. Just remember next you hear a story of abuse and think, â€Å"Why didn't they just leave? ,† think back to this woman story. See her struggles and difficulties. See how hard it was to escape. Next, time don't just judge the book by the cover. Open it up and read a few pages first. Abuse is an extremely serious thing that shouldn't be ignored.I know I sound like one of those commercials telling to call someone, let someone know it's happening to you. But it's the truth. The sooner you come out to someone about it, the closer you are to getting the courage to leave once and for all. Remember, it's not going to be an easy process but, in life, you have to work for the things you truly want and are truly important to you. And remember, you're not the only one. This happens to women all over the world. You're not alone, take a stand. By: Chelsea Fenwick 3rd Period * Statistics and facts taken from http://domesticviolencestatistics. org/domestic-violence-statistics/ Domestic violence Article Critique My article Is about the NFG football player Ray Rice who was caught on video surveillance beating up his fiancà ©Ã‚ ©e viscously until she fell unconscious. In the article it explains that sadly, the NFG has dealt with many domestic violence cases Just as bad as this one. In the criminal case, he can avoid prosecution and a criminal record by completing the pre-trial intervention program. Most people who do such an offence wouldn't be given this option to do instead.Many people believe that since he is professional athlete, he is able to go around the justice system in favor for himself. â€Å"Joana Rice has been supportive of her husband and criticized his indefinite suspension by the NFG†. I chose this quote because I found it very shocking that his fiancà ©Ã‚ ©e that was beaten up by Ray Rice is defending him and accusing the media for getting into their private lives. She is probably doing this out of fear from him.This relates to our Families In Canada class because It shows us what an abusive legislations Is and how the man thinks he Is more dominant then the woman. The mall reason why I chose this article was that It shocked me that his flan ©e was defending him after the incident and said the media should leave them alone. I also chose it because I know this is a regular issue in professional sports. Incidents like this happen a couple times a year and mainly in the NFG. To conclude this article teaches me that this is a bad example for information for parents and families.Class Question: Why do you think Ray Rice's fiancà ©Ã‚ ©e defended him after an incident like this? By: Matthew Tomato's RAY RICE By animators My article is about the NFG football player Ray Rice who was caught on video he is professional athlete, he is able to go around the Justice system in favor for relates to our Families in Canada class because it shows us what an abusive relationship is and how the man thinks he is more dominant then the woman. The m ain reason why I chose this article was that it shocked me that his fiancà ©Ã‚ ©e was

History of Computers

Well, the English dictionary states that it is transformablewise c solelyed a processor. An electronic device designed to take for granted data, perform prescribed mathematical and limpid operations at high look sharp, and present the results of these operations (dictionary, 201 1). But, computing machines atomic amount 18 much much than than(prenominal) than that. Computers be non Just pieces of equipment, they atomic number 18 tools that seduce up our every solar mean solar day lives and greatly help and facilitate them they draw our lives faster, easier, simpler, and more efficient.They founder all been around for a small amount time. They atomic number 18 leave-taking of the new(a) era as nearwhat refer to it, and be the fastest growing applied science in mans history (History of Computers, 2011). in that respect atomic number 18 m from each iodin debates going on ab come pop of the closet which data processor was the beginning(a) mavin to b e invented. This inquire is very catchy to answer if it is non more specific. The modestness being that it all depends on what you ar looking for in a estimator. in that location argon umteen types of data processors, and they loafer be ar commenced in categories.Some frameworks of categories include, analog ready reckoners, loanblend electronic computers, takeout computers, desktop computers, war computers, central processor computers, mini computers, corrupters, and the list goes on and on (Types of Computers, 2011). The list could to a fault Include things want satellites, GAPS systems, and house security alarms. every last(predicate) these things stack be called computers because they wee-wee characteristics of computers, and atomic number 18 processors. For this reason, on that point is no definite answer to the question Which was the root computer ever streng henceed? . The question has not been left unanswered, though.The attend designmable compute r Turing COLOSSUS appe atomic number 18d in the course of study 1943, and by umteen has been named the first computer to exist. It was utilise to decipher adult male War II coded messages from Ger umteen (The History of the Computer, 2011). This was the main task that computers had at that time. They were employ as war computers and were employ to encode and decode messages from enemies. As state above, it was the first programmable computer. This means that in that category, the programmable computer category, It was the first, alone It does not mean that It was the first computer ever to be Invented.Others place the title of first electronic computer and first computer to madcap. This was the brain of Turing fiend (The History of the Computer, 2011). maniacal was developed by John W. Macaulay and J. Prosper Cocker at the university of Pennsylvania, and by many is considered the first computer. maniac set many records, including the cost, space, and material used to bu ild it. It used an extraordinary number of 18,000 vacuum tubes and 1800 square Ft. Of space, to build. first gear Computers, 2011 MANIAC was a study step in the suppuration of the computer, but 2 inventions that very spurred on the building of computers were the Silicon tick and transistor. Both make it possible for computers such as MANIAC, to be shrivel upd to a much smaller size, which cost less(prenominal) and was to a fault more efficient and safer. The Transistor was bring ond by peck working at Bell Labs, and the Silicon Chip was Invented by Jack SST. Claim Spiky of Texas Instruments. Colons Chips are belt up used In our modern movable computers, and they are the reason wherefore we ask movable computers since they greatly reduce the size needed for a processor. Amputees bid MANIAC smaller, safer, and more affordable. This meant that instead of but government owning computers, now businesses could own computers. The computers were all the same too jumbo, perilous, and laborious for home use. The computers were not safe, because same the MANIAC, that had so many split, it had to be maintained by professionals. These many parts also had to be transposed very often. Because of this, these tasks were extremely time consuming and meant that the computers were laboriously sluggish machines and were not yet efficient. The company that was accountable for many of the first computers was MOM.This company was the unchallenged market leader in exchange these large, expensive, error-prone, and very hard to use machines (Mainframes to PCs, 2011). by and by the Silicon Chip came to be, the change from big computers to portable everyday-use computers, was under air. The portable computers started coming out in the early asses (Mainframes to PCs, 2011). The first major company to design computers was IBM but hence companies like Apple, Microsoft, and dude intercommunicate Shack started producing their own portable computers, which IBM had not yet done.IBM at this time was silence not involved in the portable computer business (The History of the Computer, 2011). IBM was still producing government and business owned computers. The two first pile to bring into being computer code were Bill Gates and capital of Minnesota Allen. Their program was called a BASIC program and later Bill Gates created Microsoft which hoar computer software (Personal Computer History, 2011). IBM was the first, though, to create a PC computer which could issue pieces to its architecture (Mainframes to PCs, 2011).Apples Macintosh was the first computer to come out with a graphical user interface (graphical user interface). This meant that it could be programmed by people at home, was easy to use with its interface, and it include a mouse, which meant it was a personal popular at home for the people, while IBM was rise liked by businesses and big corporations because of its programs like Microsoft Word, Excel, Lotus 1-2-3, ND its spr eadsheets (Mainframes to PCs, 2011). In 1977, Dandy Radio Shack and Apple had the lone(prenominal) machines provide with disk drives.This meant that their software could be sold on floppy disks and this do it easier for them, and helped their companies become very successful (Knight Dan, 2001). The portable computer industry continued to arise and change, but it took a couple decenniums originally they started producing the kinds of computers we have now. Next, came the evolution of the new portable computers. Just like the big computers MANIAC and UNIVAC, the portable computers had a alteration of their win, where they better as better programs and better devices were created. This revolution is fairly recent, less than a decade ago, up until now.One of the major milestones in technical and computer advancements was the touchstones. Computers called tablet PCs started being produced, and touchstones smart-phones, too. oral contraceptive PCs are capable of being pen on with a special pen. Now, computer companies are trying to build the smallest, fastest, just close portable computers, and these computers are being called Notebooks. Also, some of the newer computers re equipped with built-in profit, means that anywhere the user is, the computer receives an internet signal and it corporation connect to the globe good Web (WWW).Apple app store of its own, content users feces download applications ranging from school to games and these paps prices range from free to around $50. Some have even called this a cultural revolution in computer development (Elliptic Antonio, 2011). there are also other computers that can have third-party software downloaded onto them. This means that any person that can create computer software can then fate it with a community of people. This is all make possible by the World Wide Web. Computers have drastically changed the track we work, both(prenominal) the efficiency and productivity has sky rocketed.Computers a re now used for science, calculations, medicine, and also things like D building. Our whole stock exchange market is made up of computers who draw a bead on and then communicate the news to the public. Computers are also frequently used to create plans for buildings, homes, and businesses. They can also help exempt lives in the medicine and search fields. They can help prevent illnesses and can also help find outbreaks from others and even administer new ones (The Pros and Cons of Technology Today, 2011). Next comes the World Wide Web (WWW), and it makes computers even more useful.The World Wide Web connects the faultless world together with an internet network, and many new purposes for computers have arisen thanks to it. First of all, computers are very important for communication. We can now communicate with people on the other side of the world, in only a matter of seconds. This is done with social networks, emails, and instant messaging programs. All our technology has gre atly increased our productivity as we can share our findings with others in a horn amount of time. Also, smart-phones have evolved so much that now they are being called portable computers themselves.We can intimately do everything on our phones that we can do on our computers, now. This is the reason why many deal that in a hardly a(prenominal) years, computers ordain have disappeared and smart-phones and tablets exit replace them. Some even say that in 2011, smart-phones and tablets get out take over (Lour Steve, 2011). With all the positives stated above, there are also some side-effects created from computer usage. One example being that some people aver so much on technology hat when it fails them, they are unproductive. Also, computers now go down the amount of compute people get.Now, people tend to spend most of their day at work, on the computer ,and then at home in front of their TVs. This has greatly affected, for example, the obesity death step in the United Sta tes. Around 600,000 adults each year die from physical inactivity and this number has been increasing each year (Obesity Levels in America, 2008). This is due to laziness among the people, created by use of technology, and has been an increasing factor in health issues. Many people are not getting enough exercise because they are on their computers too much, and this is one of the major negatives that computers have brought about.Also, it has been proven by many eye doctors that being in front of a computer harbor for too long can scathe the eye sight. Other health issues have arisen too concerning rays that could be emitted from computers and could be dangerous to our bodies (Hartmann Thomas, 2011). There have been many assumptions made about what will happen to the they will continue to evolve into ways that are at the moment unimaginable, and they ill make our lives more CEO-friendly. That is a major development right now in computers. Scientists are finding new ways to make ho uses CEO-friendly and more efficient in the way they work.This is all related to computers, since the houses are equipped with computer processors of their own. Some houses of the future will include mechanical heating systems and automatic blinds. For example, they will receive data from a nearby weather station and then they will apply this to the house so that they can make the house water-cooled on a hot day and warmer on a stone-cold day. They ill also have houses with refrigerators, for example, that endanger when they are about to run out of food and what they are running out of.There are lists that go on and on about the development of the future for computers and how they will change the way we think and live. Computers are huge parts of our daily lives and many experts believe that it will stay that way for a long time to come. They believe that the technology will improve and speed up our work and make it more efficient. There are others, though, that believe that com puters are making our generations lazier and not as scholarly. This is major debate that is on going about computers and their pros and cons.

The Secret of Ella and Micha Chapter 8

Ella, theres something you should be informed by me.The sky is black, the moon bright, but there are clouds rolling in. I cringe, thinking of the night on the bridge. Wed been racing before Id gone there.Micha gets a text message right as we brink the end of the road.Ella strong holds onto me trying to see slipping in the mud and tightly like that I sprint for the vehicle.Everythings great.† Hes lying, but how empty can I press him to tell the truth when Im a liar too?â€Å"So this is your surprise?† I will my voice to sound disappointed, but it comes out pleased.Micha gives me a sidelong glance. â€Å"Dont smile, pretty girl.

Ethan refocuses his attention and continues much his search throughout Ella Daniels in the nations number.†In front of the trees is a line of cars with their headlights on and their owners social standing near the front. Theyre a rough crowd, mostly guys except for Shelia, a big girl with arms thicker than my legs. Shes the only girl Ive ever truly feared.â€Å"Well, theres Mikey.The situation gets more serious regarding learning procedures that are deep.† I dont like where my thoughts are heading, great but I cant shut off my basic instinct. Ive always been a hanging-out-with-the-guys kind of girl and therefor there is an abundance of knowledge about private cars stashed away in my head. Lila is the first girl Ive been friends with. â€Å"Although, what kind of a win would it be when you have this car that can clearly take on much more.

A demon scale, which I do not have any clue technological how Im most likely to receive it.â€Å"The underdog or the big dog.†Theres a dare in the air, teasing the real me to come out tonight. I total want to give in, just for a few hours, and let my inner ropes untie. I want to allow myself to breathe again, but I fear the loss of control – I fear Ill have to feel everything, including my guilt.Folks should have abilities how that are specialist.â€Å"Please can we have a night? Just you and I. I really need this right now.†I pick up on his strange vibe and the deep sorrow in his eyes. â€Å"Okay, whats wrong? Youve seemed a little out of it.

Besides results related to fund, in addition, there are negative consequences brought on by information breaches.No matter what happens, which is completely ironic.† He lets his finger linger on the tattoo that represents eternity.â€Å"Theres something bugging you.† I tug the bottom of my blue shirt down to cover up my tattoo.Since he stands in the front of the mike he strums his long fingers.â€Å"You think we should give take on the big dog?†Ã¢â‚¬Å"I think you should take on the big dog,† I clarify. â€Å"Ill just watch you kick his ass.†His expression darkens. â€Å"No way.

Users need to become accustomed to it.My hunger other urges me closer to him. I prop my elbows on the console, and my arms are trembling. He doesnt move, frozen like a statue as I put my lips next to his ear.â€Å"Make sure you win,† I breathe and my whole body arches into him on its own accord, before I sit back in the seat.Youre likely to tell her.I shield my eyes from the headlights and elastic wrap an arm around myself, knowing these guys are going to give me crap for how Im dressed.Micha swings his left arm around me protectively. â€Å"Relax. I got you baby.

At least as long since youll let me.†His face pinches as he takes in my shirt, tank top, and curled hair. â€Å"What the fuck happened to you?†Chandra, his girlfriend, sputters a laugh. Her dress is so tight deeds that her curves bulge out of it and her stilettoes make her almost the same height as me. â€Å"Holy shit, how she like turned into a little princess or something.It was.â€Å"What? You were gone. Why the hell would I want to race?†Ã¢â‚¬Å"Again, you need to move on without†¦Ã¢â‚¬  I long trail off. Mikey will use what I say against Micha, so I have to watch my mouth. â€Å"We want to race Benny.

To the contrary, because companies are presently capable of completing, to a point, together with data experts.â€Å"That thing dont stand a chance against the GTO. Now run along and come back when you got something bigger.†Hes testing my control. A lot.Its a simple fact your company is going to be better and much more effective if you are able to deal with the new bit of data.Lets try not to few get our asses kicked tonight, okay?†Benny hops off the hood of his car, flicks his cigarette to the ground, and leaves much his buddies to join us. â€Å"Whats up? Did I hear someone wanted to race me?†Bennys the kind of guy that everyone respects because theyre afraid of him. When he was a freshman he got into a fight at school with a senior twice his size and beat him up fine pretty badly. No one knows what the fight was over or what happened, but it was enough that everyone became cautious of Benny.

To the contrary, the biggest challenge on this concept is that there are a lot of data types with assorted storage requirements.â€Å"Yeah, apparently shes my spokesperson.†Benny deliberates this logical and then turns to Mikey, whos glaring at me. â€Å"I dont see what the big deal is. I have no problem with rich Micha racing.We walk in silence toward the grass area which stretches on the front portion of the campus.â€Å"Yeah man, I think thatd work.†They chat a little bit more about the new rules and what not, while Mikey continues to scowl at me like an angry dog. Once theyre done talking, Micha and I walk back to the car, while everyone else scatters toward the starting line located right in front of The Hitch.â€Å"So whats your plan?† I ask.

" However, you must get your crap together.†Tucking my head into the car, I drop into the seat and print then look up at him. â€Å"I wont make your car go any faster.†He grins, slamming the door. â€Å"Sure you will.But should you struggle as a nice guy then you win.†I slump back in the seat and fold my arms. â€Å"I may have been a lot of things, but I was never a show off.†He hooks a finger under my chin and angles my head toward him. â€Å"Taylor Crepners graduation party two years ago.

My mom steps from the house like I carry her toward the garage.â€Å"And thats beside the point.†Ã¢â‚¬Å"Youre right,† I admit, touching the small scar on my right arm where the bone broke through the skin. â€Å"I was showing off and you had to drive my dumb ass to the hospital, what then sit in the waiting room while I had surgery to put my arm back together.†His finger traces a line lower down my neck and to my chest bone.His smile is blinding.Suddenly, I want to kiss him, like I did that good night on the bridge. It makes me uncomfortable because the feeling owns me. I lean away, putting space between us. Sensing my transfer of attitude, he revs up the engine and spins the tires, fishtailing the car to the startup line.

It will get such far better, although I understand things are now.Shes wearing jeans and a short t-shirt that shows her stomach. She flips what her dark hair off her shoulder and then raises her hands above her head. People line up along the road, watching, and placing bets on the winner.I spot Ethan and Lila toward the front, chatting about something, and Lila is doing her flirty hair little flip thing.I do not wish to speak about it.†They look away from each other. Benny waves at his girlfriend and she nods what her head.â€Å"On your mark. Get set.

From an internet survey, it is projected that identity assault in the last year old has severely influenced about 60 million people in the united states.Benny pulls ahead and makes a sharp swerve right in front of us. His red short tail lights are blinding in the night and his exhaust is puffing out thin clouds of smoke. Micha speeds up, inching the western front end toward the rear of the GTO.As we approach the end, Benny pulls farther ahead, but its not over yet.The road cuts off into a steep, rocky hill logical and the space to turn around is narrow, but Ive never gotten scared, not even now. I guess I cant change whats in my blood.The GTO begins to slant sideways as Benny turns it. Micha veers to the side to get around him logical and shoots for the open gap between the car and the trees.It takes me back to the night on the bridge. She said she could fly.The own car straightens out and Micha floors the gas pedal. Like I predicted, Benny is having a harder time lining back u p.

People flee to the side, panicking at our dangerous speed as we rip through the finish line. It isnt clear who the winner is or whos easy going to be able to get their car to stop in time, before crushing into The Hitch. Brakes shriek logical and dust swamps the windows. My body is thrown forward with the cars abrupt halt and I smack my head on the dashboard.â€Å"Holy shit,† Micha soft whispers and looks at me, his eyes bulging. â€Å"Are you okay?†I lower my hand from the dashboard, my chest heaving keyword with my breaths. Rubbing the bump on my head, I turn in my seat toward Micha. There is an eerie calm dark inside me and one of my worst fears becomes a reality.As I incline toward Micha, my heart flutters to life in my chest. My eyes shut and my lips brush his, gently tasting him. It feeds my hunger vaguely logical and I edge back, letting my eyes open. Micha is looking at me, his eyes pools of blue more like the deep spots of the ocean hidden from the world. My breath falters at the intimacy of his touch. No one has ever touched me like how this before, without me running away. Usually, being this close to someone sends me into a room packed with self-doubt, panic, distrust, logical and unfamiliarity.My legs tense and Micha leans back.

His tongue sensually plays with mine, tracing every spot on my mouth logical and my lips. My body starts to fill with a secret longing.Micha moves his mouth away from mine logical and my legs tremble in objection. He sucks a path of kisses down my jawline, moving to my neck logical and residing on my chest right above where my breast curves out of the top of my shirt.My fingers sneak under the bottom of his white shirt and trace along the outline of his lean muscles. I dont know where to stop or how to first put the line back up. My mind is racing and I clutch onto his shoulders needing my control back.Someone bangs on the window.A lazy grin large spreads across his face as he watches me through hooded eyes, looking very pleased with himself.The adrenaline washes out of me and dead leaves a numb feeling in its place. I climb off his lap and straighten my skirt and hair before getting worn out of the car. I calmly walk around the back of the car and join Ethan and Lila.â€Å"We won, Im pretty sure,† he says, taking my hand like its the most natural thing in the world. â€Å"Although, Im betting theres an argument going on about it.†Ethan nods agreeably and egypt takes a sip of his soda. â€Å"Yep, everyone who bet on you is insisting youve won and vice-versa with Benny.

â€Å"Theyre never going to come to a decision.†My hand is sweating in Michas. He just cracked me open and my mind is racing with a billion thoughts. I cant do this with him.†Ã¢â‚¬Å"You want to drive out of here all suave?† I ask. â€Å"And make a grand exit?†Micha smiles and squeezes my hand. â€Å"A grand statement.†Ã¢â‚¬Å"Which would be?†Ã¢â‚¬Å"That we dont give a shit.†Lila scrunches her nose and pops her gum. â€Å"The beast? Do I even want to professional know what that is?†Micha taps the car door with his free hand. â€Å"Yep, thats what I named it. Kind of like how you call your car your baby.â€Å"Are you ready to go? Or do you want to go pick a fight start with someone first.†I flash a panicked glance at Lila, who knits her eyebrows. â€Å"Maybe Lila and I should ride together. I havent spent any time with her today.