Ladies and gentleman Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Ladies and gentleman - Essay Example From the scripts of Castiglione, a universal person is nature’s goal set for every human being. It is only natural to become a well-rounded person. What this universality does to the person is that he/she form his opinion, makes him judgments and decides from a plethora of theories and ideas and incorporates almost every possible angle of the problem under the discussion. Leonardo Da Vinci was one such person, in fact he is also regarded as the prophet of the renaissance god. For he was a master of many fields of life, and he always preached the interconnectedness of things. (2) Create a â€Å"survey† based on the identified characteristics and â€Å"poll† at least ten people to find out whether or not the characteristics are relevant for a â€Å"gentleman† or â€Å"lady† of today. I agree with the characteristics of ladies and gents explained in the Book of Courtier. For instance, in the book a person of high etiquettes is considered to possess the necessary fashion sense (Raleigh, 1997). I agree with the book as it shows the spirit of a gentleman, men and women don’t have to absolutely have to agree with each and everything. For instance, kissing the hand of the lady was considered gentle back when the book was written, these days if someone does that in a club where everyone is dancing to trance music, it would certainly feel odd. The spirit of renaissance should not be taken in letter only, the spirit is more important than the words. Castiglione gave a general idea of what are proper manners in general back in his time plus the roles vary according to regions and cultures, even throughout Europe, the acceptable manners of a gentleman and a lady vary (Burke, 1995). For instance in the book, Sir Fredrick talks about Persia and how women should be at the court. Lord Gaspar thinks that the rules that apply to men are also applicable to women but Lord Julian disagrees. The nature of

Personal Development Portfolio (Reflective Account) Essay

Personal Development Portfolio (Reflective Account) - Essay Example The actual process of writing the thesis took many twists and turns and there were long hours spent in accessing databases of stock exchanges and finding the reliable ones from the respectable ones; deciding on the methodology to be used, deciding the structure of the document and how information would be presented and so on. At the end of the thesis, I found that more than just a thesis, I was much richer as I had learnt the elements of conducting good research, how to structure the document, how to remain focussed and write so that the words represented my thoughts and analysis and how to conduct analysis of researched data. This document relates my experience as a researcher, learner and a student and my dissertation experience. The journey into conducting research for the thesis led me through various paths such as the very nature of equities, stock exchanges, bonds and debt instruments, share price indices, bourses, credit rating companies and other entities. I am glad to say that other than the 70 odd pages of the thesis, I also learn about many things such as how stock are evaluated, what is the nature of credit rating companies and more so, the intense efforts put in by these companies when they take up a debt instrument for rating. Prior to the thesis, I had very little idea of the methodology use behind rating. But now it is evident that rating agencies conduct very deep research into many aspects of a company such as its history, the nature of the market, history of the promoters, market sentiments and drivers and also variables that act on a debt instrument. The research taken up the teams in rating agencies cover many cross functional areas such as finance, accounts, economics and management and the research can take more than 2 months before a rating is given. When c company or its financial product is rated, it does not end at that as the rating is under regular

Flexible Learning Essay Example for Free

Flexible Learning Essay Education is a broadly debated topic, now there is a new concept emerging, ’flexible learning’. This essay will discuss what is understood by this term and how it could affect the way of the future in education. Furthermore it will discuss how flexible learning has engaged technology and how it has made education more accessible and equitable. Next it will demonstrate how individual students have benefited through the use of technology with flexible learning, and how students are able to be the central focus of their own education. Technology brings with it many advantages for the future of education, however not without some setbacks, this essay will also discuss these. This essay will argue that because of the increasing accessibility and improvements in technology, flexible learning should be the way of the future in education. Flexible learning is quickly becoming the way of the future for education, as it engages and implements the use of sophisticated technology. According to George and Luke (cited in Andrews Ferman 2001) flexible learning is a multi-directional approach to learning using different methods of delivery. On the other hand, Nunan (cited in Andrews Ferman 2001, p. 2) considers that ‘flexible delivery is often taken to mean the same thing as increasing flexibility in learning’. Summarising Harmes (2010) explains flexible learning engages technology, allowing the use of the internet, e-mail, and other digital interactive technology. It also allows the student to freely access online lectures and study material and more importantly it enables teachers to position the student as the central focus of the learning experience. This can be seen at universities including the relatively new University of Queensland campus at Ipswich who are using technology to promote flexible learning. It was in fact the purpose built with this in mind; and included computer rooms, a self-directed learning centre and even wireless laptops (AndrewsFerman 2001). Another example of flexible learning is discussed by Huijser, Bedford and Bull (2008) who describe the Tertiary Preparation Program (TPP); this is a course which is accessed online and on-campus. TPP students can engage in online lectures, Wimba classrooms and forums, study material can also be submitted online and feedback returned to student, again online. Using technology students have engaged in flexible learning all over Australia, including international students. Furthermore TPP is currently funded by the government making it free; this allows students to prepare for higher study prior to investment. The outcome of this should be a higher intake of fee paying students, which in turn should lead to increased government funding for universities. Flexible learning through technology has made education more accessible and therefore equitable. Harmes (2010) discusses how the internet has increased the number of students to able to study degrees through online study material and lectures. As a result of technological advances the world has become a â€Å"global village â€Å"and students can participate in a global classroom. Worldwide opportunities using technology and flexible learning should be funded locally (Zhao 2009). Ultimately this will enable there to be proximity through distance, and will allow students to study anytime and anywhere, thus making education more equitable explains Harmes (2010). There are students from as far away as remote Western Australia studying through the University of Southern Queensland (USQ). They are able to access all the lectures and tutorials online, and USQ plans to offer many more academic programs online by 2012 (The Chronicle 2009). ‘Technology is the tool used to provide a facility for a teacher facilitated, learner centred environment’ (Bonanno, 2005). It is only through the many improvements and advances in technology that education has been so accessible and with it flexible learning has been implemented. Flexible learning has made education more accessible because, study is teacher facilitated and enables the student to be positioned as the central focus of education. According to Harmes there are many benefits of flexible learning, students are able to access their study any time they like, and this means that they are able to co-ordinate study around work and family life. The flexibility that technology provides has enabled students to study at their own pace (Andrews Ferman, 2001). Additionally students have a sense of freedom with their study, slotting it in whenever they please. Knowles (cited in Choy and Delahaye 2002) researched how adult learners are more likely to be motivated and experienced in life, and that they are ready to embrace learning with deeper appreciation and understanding. Knowles (1973) continues by discussing how this self-driven learning is assisted through flexible delivery and how students benefit from a mature independent approach to education with the option for teacher help when needed. As a result of this Bonanno suggests that with good self-discipline and time management students are able to have freedom and access to study anytime and place, thus enabling many styles of learning. Technology has increased the flexibility that students have, thus allowing greater access to education. Despite the fact that education has embraced technology, there are still some problems which must be resolved. According to Ralston (1999) it appears that although many have embraced technology for learning, there are still many who are either too afraid to or do not have the skills and confidence to do so. Furthermore he suggests that that those who do not attempt to engage technology will be severely disadvantaged, because the twenty-first century is the age of technology. Andrews and Ferman (2000) noted on their study of the University of Queensland, -Ipswich campus that many students found the course material limited, that there was a lack of structure, and there were also a significant number of technical difficulties. Additionally Bonanno (2005) discusses some of the disadvantages of technology and states that the learner can easily lose motivation partly due to a lack of classroom spirit and teacher facilitated learning. Technology can be out of date or difficult to understand and often it can be confusing and sometimes it can just be that there is no technical support available. Bonanno’s (2005) comments that many problems occurring are learner related and that in order to be successful the learner must be self-motivated and have a reasonable degree of self-competency. She also comments that the facilitator or teacher must be motivated as well and be able to produce engaging study material for the student to work with; they must also be able to direct, listen and support students. Despite some complications, changes in technology help to make sure education is more accessible and equitable. Universities are able to capture larger numbers of students enabling more funding from the government. Students are able to be in control of their own education pathway and are able to be flexible about when and where they choose to study. Students can also choose to study gregariously in online classrooms and even traditional classrooms. Problematic areas will in time be improved as technology upgrades on a daily basis; including faster internet options. With this evolving technology people’s knowledge and experience will increase and in time student numbers and study options will grow. It is realistic that flexible learning will be and indeed should be the way of the future in education and that there will be a worldwide classroom. References Andrews, T Ferman, T 2001, ‘The flexible learning experience – how good is it really? ’ in L Richardson J Lidstone (eds), Flexible learning for a flexible society, pp. 39-45. Proceedings of ASET-HERDSA 2000 Conference, Toowoomba, Qld, 2-5 July 2000. ASET and HERDSA http://www. aset. org. au/confs/aset-herdsa2000/procs/andrews-t. html. Bonanno, K 2005, Online learning : the good the bad and the ugly, Proceedings of the XIX Biennial Conference Meeting the Challenge, Australian School Library Association, Zillmere, QLD, pp. 1-7 Choy, SC Delahaye, BL 2002, Andragogy in vocational education and training: learners perspective, Proceedings of the Fifth Annual Conference, Australian Vocational Education and Training Research Association (AVETRA), Melbourne, VIC University of Southern Queensland 2009, University offers online options to its students, The Chronicle, 10 Jul, p. 41. Collis, B Moonen, J 2002, Flexible learning in a digital world: experiences and expectations, Kogan Page, London, UK, pp. 8-10,17,26-27. Harmes, M 2011,TPP7120 Studying to succeed ,Appendix 3’Flexible and Blended Learning’, University of Southern Queensland,Toowoomba,viewed 25 September 2011,http://usqstudydesk. usq. au/ Huijser, H, Bedford, T Bull, D 2008, OpenCourseWare global access and the right to education: real access or marketing ploy? , International Review of Research in Open and Distance Learning, vol. 9, no. 1, pp. 1-13. Ralston, P 1999, Education for IT equity, The Australian, 12 Jan, p. 44. Zhao, Y 2009, Catching up or leading the way: American education in the age of globalization, ASCD, Alexandria, VA, pp. 98-113.

ABSOLUT Vodka: SWOT, BCG Matrix and Strategy Analysis

ABSOLUT Vodka: SWOT, BCG Matrix and Strategy Analysis Executive Summary Pernod Ricard acquired ABSOLUT vodka from the Swedish government in October 2008. With considerable 13.45% CAGR growth in vodka segment among the spirit market, vodka is the place to concentrate resources. The strategies are aimed to create demand from consumers (pull strategy) and encourage outlets to sell ABSOLUT vodka products (push strategy) by utilising customer relationship management (CRM) and below the line event marketing. The proposed plan has objectives of increasing volume sales growth rate to 16 18% year-on-year with constant sale price, maintaining and attempting to increase gross profit margin above 50% and net profit margin above 20% and reach 2.92% market share within spirit market by 2010 through creating competitive advantage from entering a comprehensive CRM and below the line marketing programme that no other vodka brands in Australia have done before. Plan is recommended to be executed on January 2009 or as soon as Pernod Ricard Pacific has total control of ABSOLUT vodka. The ABSOLUT launch event should commence during the first quarter of 2009 with series of advertising schemes and customer base building happening throughout the year. Major events are scheduled towards the end of the year. Total marketing expenses budget for 2009 is AU$6.5mil. Company Background Pernod Ricard holds the most prestigious brand portfolios in the sector: ABSOLUT Vodka, Ricard pastis, Ballantines, Chivas Regal, The Glenlivet Single Malt, Jamesons Irish Whiskey, Martell Cognac, Havana Club Rum, Beefeater Gin, Kahlà ºa and Malibu liqueurs, Mumm and Perrier-Jouà «t champagnes, as well as Jacobs Creek and Montana wines. During the middle of this year, Pernod Ricard announced â‚ ¬5.626 billion takeover of VS Group from the Swedish government. In addition, during October 2008, Pernod Ricard will pay Maxxium a fee of â‚ ¬59 million to terminate Maxxiums worldwide distribution right of ABSOLUT Vodka. ABSOLUT is anticipated to fit perfectly with Pernod Ricards strategy and further enhances the strength of its premium brands portfolio. It will however have to put an end to a distribution agreement for Russian vodkas Stolichnaya. Pernod Ricards performance in Australia and New Zealand reported limited full-year growth, with a recovery in first half of 2008 following the slowdown caused by the strong price increases. Nevertheless, it seems like the consumer continues to reward herself or himself even in less good times. (Pernod Ricard Press Release, 2008). With ABSOLUT as an upcoming flagship brand in this extremely lucrative vodka market, this is an opportunity for Pernod Ricard to utilise the strong distribution network, the worldwide collection of brand management skills and decentralised corporate structure to produce profits and enhance brand equity for the corporation. Current product marketing situation Product ABSOLUT Vodka is the premium vodka with natural flavour receiving from winter wheat and pure water. ABSOLUT is produced through a continuous distillation providing drinkers with a smooth and rich grain character. Differentiating from others, ABSOLUT Vodka is a product of creativeness and strict labour. Based on the concept of bottled at source, ABSOLUT offers the consistent taste when being enjoyed all over the world. Every drop of ABSOLUT is produced in Ahus, southern Sweden where provides premium materials. The winter wheat which grows naturally from surrounding fields has been proven to be the best materials for vodka since centuries. No fertilizer, pesticide would be allowed. The water taken from deep wells is unreachable by pollution and impurities. The revolutionary distilling method called continuous process which distils ABSOLUT Vodka hundreds of times gives it to the point of perfection. The unique taste and superior quality of ABSOLUT Vodka directs to drinkers who look for top-class quality product. Not limit to improving quality, ABSOLUT Vodka also have a wide range of flavors which satisfy various tastes. All the ingredients and flavourings are completely from nature, no sugar is added to any of them. ABSOLUT Vodka broaden up to 12 types, namely ABSOLUT Vodka, ABSOLUT Peppar, ABSOLUT Citron, ABSOLUT Kurant, ABSOLUT Mandrin, ABSOLUT Vanilla, ABSOLUT Raspberri, ABSOLUT Apeach, ABSOLUT Ruby Red, ABSOLUT Pears, ABSOLUT 100, ABSOLUT Mango. This innovation not only favours different of drinkers styles but also excites them with a wide range of choices from nature. Besides the diversification, ABSOLUT Vodka delivers messages of arts when enjoying. With the traditional bottle shape which is similar to the medicine bottles in Sweden for 250 years ago, ABSOLUT Vodka sends a historical, cultural value to consumers. All the inspiration shown unrestrictedly on the bottle makes it become an ad itself. The brand value of clarity, simplicity and perfection are visible on the bottle. With ABSOLUT Vodka, the consumers not only simply drink vodka but also enjoy value of culture and arts. Product Analysis ABSOLUT vodka is a product that compliments social functions. Its unique taste, quality, style, popularity and associated icons provide a distinct product positioning. Vodka of a premium grade falls into shopping goods with lots of comparisons between the brands. Competition for shelf space position in the liquor shop is intense. ABSOLUTs strong brand has long been associated with creative print media advertising. This has also established a strong relationship with media, public, and customer groups such as young designers through submit your ABSOLUT ad campaign. Market Analysis Consumer Expenditure and Lifestyle The nominal amount of consumer expenditure on alcoholic beverages and tobacco has always been on an increasing trend. The forecast from 2005 figure onwards to 2015 shows a compound annual growth rate of 13.3% per 5 years. In 2005, Australia was the 23rd largest alcohol consumption nation in the world. In todays alcoholic beverages market, the two most popular drinks are wine and flavoured alcoholic beverages (FABs). The high growth of alcoholic beverages consumption has been largely accounted for by these two drinks with on-trade FABs growth resulted 164.5% and off trade of 146.08% growth being the main market driver. The increase is a result of increasing rate of consumption by young females. According to Euromonitor International, typical Australians like to go out during the weekends with friends to pubs, bars and clubs, especially among the young adults that has not yet started a family. In addition, as the population is experiencing lesser birth rates, people now have more time, greater disposable income and the will to go out and socialise. In addition, to the consumer market, business market such as cafes and bars market is also projected to have a strong growth in terms of number of outlets. It has also been noted by Euromonitor International that higher-end outlets are attracting stronger growth of visitors and will continue into the forecast years, accounting for the higher value growth over transaction growth. It is also noted that This projected growth hinges on the assumption that the Australian economy will continue to remain resilient, allowing consumers to enjoy higher purchasing power to support their expenditure. Alcoholic Beverages Market Size and Trend The board of spirits sales comprises of quite a range of products with mixed results. Most of the segments experienced decline and thus are forecasted with a constant decline. The interesting segment is Tequila with CAGR over 2002 2007 of around 2% per year but the most interesting segment is Vodka with an astounding 13.45% CAGR over the same period. Vodka volume sales are mainly being driven by rising numbers of consumers switching to white spirit (Euromonitor International, 2008). The whiskey segment is becoming increasingly competitive with heavy mass market advertising campaigns of US and Scotch whiskey brands such as Jim Bean and Johnny Walkers. All in all, alcoholic beverages forecast sales growth remains strongly driven by vodka and liqueurs through increase in popularity among younger drinkers and women. On the distribution channel aspect, on-trade volume sales growth will be significantly larger than off-trade volume growth, reflecting the trend of younger consumers drinking at pubs and bars informs of cocktails and pre-mixed bottled drinks. In the flavoured vodka segment, the volume sales rose 5% in 2003 to 7% in 2007 with ABSOLUT flavoured vodka being the leader in this segment. Competitive situation Competition for the spirits market comprises of more than 100 brands in Australian domestic market. The top ten brands have market share of about 51% and ABSOLUT Vodka ranked 11th in the Australian domestic market with 1.7% market share in 2006. The market is very fragmented in this industry with a bulk of market share being held by both international and local businesses bringing ABSOLUT to face with many competitors in the market. However, in 2006, there are three distinctive competitors that between them that hold 25% of the Australian spirits market. ABOSOLUT vodkas position in the spirit market is at a premium grade due to a relatively higher price. Its number one competing vodka brand, Smirnoff, is cheaper in cost thus has a price advantage and makes a more favourable brand for the business market (on-trade). Other competitors are mainly whiskey brands such as Jim Beam and Johnnie Walker. Distribution situation In general, ABSOLUT Vodka distributes to bars, clubs (on-trade) and other liquor shops (off-trade). It is generally accepted that consumers often attend the clubs on Friday and Saturday night or special events like parties such as dance, hip hop, techno parties etc. Therefore, access to ABSOLUT is very easy for consumers. In addition, ABSOLUT also distributes to liquor shops around Australia. Although it is true that most of consumers attend clubs every week, another group of consumers are still likely to consume at their homes so this channel still make the volume of sales to the company. The newest channel is on an internet which has no boundaries. There are many websites which sell and provide information on ABSOLUT products, for instance, http://www.absolut.com. Normally online prices are relatively cheaper than bars, clubs and liquor shops. However for the online channel, consumers need to order in bulk or sufficient quantities in order to receive free services such as a free delivery or discount promotions, otherwise they will be charged for delivery fee, making the purchase unattractive. Technological advancing like internet helps to expand the distribution channel for ABSOLUT. It is much easier than the past for consumers whom live in the rural areas or far away from bars, clubs and liquor shops that offer ABSOLUT. As a result of this, regional will not be an obstacle anymore. Macro-environment situation Economic Structure Demographic Income As a strong economy with low unemployment, personal disposable income in Australia has increased substantially over 1990-2005 periods. Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) stated that the averages growth in employees wages between 2004 and 2005 was 4.8%. The minimum wage in Australia in 2005 was $484 a week which is around $12.75 per hour. However, Australians are forecast to have a little rise in disposable income in 2015 than they did in 1990 with 77% of gross income in 2015 compared to 75% in 1990 in current term. This would be an increase of just over 38% in current term. Disposable income as a percentage of gross income in 2005 was 76.6% Age Structure According to the Euromonitor International from national statistics and U.N. on 2 June 2006 stated that The median age of the Australian population has increased significantly over the 1990 2005 period, from 32.1 in 1990 to 36.6 in 2005. This increase will continue into the future with an estimated median age of almost 40 in 2015. The death rate per 1,000 inhabitants has decreased, from 7 in 1990 to 6.7 in 2005 and is expected to continue falling into the future as people most probably will live longer due to better medical care and healthier lifestyles. The age groups between 0 and 19 are all expected to decrease or stay close to the same level, as birth rates in Australia are relatively lower. Technological Due to technological change from the past, Australian consumers can also order alcohol online which include free delivery if order exceeds minimum quantity requirement. The technological advances lead to a growing industry of alcohol. Political/Legal Under The Alcohol Beverages Advertising Code (ABAC), advertisements for alcohol beverages must present a balanced and responsible approach to alcohol consumption and must not have a strong or evident appeal to children or adolescents. The Complaints Adjudication Panel will assess any complaints about alcohol advertisements to ensure unbiased interpretation of the code and independent adjudication on any complaint. Complaints regarding content of alcohol advertisements considered offensive may be directed to the Advertising Standards Boards national office in Canberra. Key aspects of the Liquor Licensing Act The Licences to sell alcohol are only granted to applicants who can demonstrate to the Liquor Gambling Commissioner that: they have the knowledge, skills and experience to handle the sale of liquor in an appropriate manner liquor will not be sold or consumed in a manner that is likely to adversely affect the amenity of the locality or is otherwise against the public interest they are a fit and proper person to be licensed the premises are suitable to be licensed for the purpose sought and all necessary approvals, including development and building approvals, have been obtained A person who sells liquor without being licensed to do so under the Liquor Licensing Act is guilty of an offence and is liable to a penalty of $20 000. To sell is broadly defined and includes barter and situations such as: an offer of a free bottle of whisky if a person buys a camera a community group which charges an entrance fee to an event and then provides alcohol (in this case a limited licence is required) Socio-culture Australia traditionally has quite high level of alcohol consumption compared to other countries, but perhaps due to an ageing population and intense campaigning by federal and state government, levels are falling. As well as people often consume alcohol in the parties and festivals. This implied that alcohol consumption habit has become Australians culture. SWOT analysis Strengths Market leader in flavoured vodka segment Offering 12 different flavoured vodka Unique tastes with superior quality World class reputation Prestigious and easily recognisable brand with long history Established brand communication and positioning Attractive packaging makes ABSOLUT and ideal product for display Strong company-owned distribution network in the region Distinctive Image of ABSOLUT make consumers looks in trend Online bottle shop, which reduce regional boundaries High social value Weaknesses Most of clubs show ABSOLUT Vodka in the front of bar but when the consumers order ABSOLUT Vodka, sometimes they use the other cheaper vodkas to make drinks for consumers. This problem affects ABSOLUT Vodkas sale volume. Premium brand may impact on buying decision for low-income consumers Usage occasion of vodka, much like any other alcoholic drinks, usually happeneds at night and in private premises Limited access to other corporate owned bars and clubs Off-trade sales happens at selected premises in accordance to the law Mainly appeal to younger generations Opportunities Vodka is experiencing the strongest growth in consumption The number of pubs and bars continually increasing Australia is attracting numerous international students from asia region Most of them have already tried ABSOLUT in their countries. Therefore, they tend to consume ABSOLUT as their first preference, while they are in Australia. This is because ABSOLUT have established brand positioning in their minds Increasing alcohol consumption and greater experimentation by female consumers Alcohol and tobacco consumption is expected to increase in Australia by 15.5% from 2005 2010 Vodka recorded the fastest growth of 10% in volume and 13% in current value terms in 2007 with a CAGR of 13.45% over the period. Bitters consumers are switching to consume white spirits such as vodka due to a plan to ban high alcohol content drink shots from pubs in Sydney. On-trade sales will be the key distribution channel in the future due to increasing trends of younger generations and females going out to bars and clubs Threats Competitor expanding into flavoured vodka segment Significant risks for industry Alcohol abuse Climate impacting and other emissions into the air and water have some impact on the environment, from agriculture where the raw material are produced Increases in alcohol duties and regulations with increased concerns over the health affects of alcohol government legislation to prevent this could hit sales potential Increasing wine consumption in Australia which is one of many subsitute products of vodka, whist beer remains the main drink consumed at pubs. National Alcohol Strategy 2006-2009 aim to reduce alcohol consumption and raise issues concerning the following which could slow the alcohol industry growth rate: Intoxication Public safety and amenity Health impacts Cultural place and availability Objectives Financial objectives Increase volume sales growth rate to 16 18% year-on-year with constant sale price Maintain and attempt to increase gross profit margin above 50% and net profit margin above 20% Marketing objectives Increase consumer demand for ABSOLUT vodka via creating an ABSOLUT culture Increase on-trade sales for ABSOLUT vodka Increase market share to 2.92% by 2010 and become the top 7 selling spirit brand in Australia. Target Market From the above data and analysis, we have identified 2 target markets, a target consumer market and a target business market. Consumer market For the consumer market, we have selected the target market for ABSOLUT Vodka as follows: Age: 18 30 Gender: Male and Female Income: High income, approximately AU$80,000 per year or above. Marital Status: Single Lifestyle Interests: Socialistic, Music, Fashion and Arts Location: Sydney and Melbourne The above target market is the largest market segment of consumers that consumes ABSOLUT vodka. This target market would tend to consume vodka at bars and clubs in the form of pre-mixed bottled drinks, cocktails and shots. Lifestyle of this segment from the market data, given their high income background and marital status, will tend to be to socialise among friends, at an increasing rate. Their individual interests can be associated self expression tools such as music, fashion and arts icon. With the mentioned lifestyle and interests, this segment will tend to search for premium products that do not offer just the product, but a favourable experience associated from the purchase of the product, i.e. value seeking customers. The majority of the consumers that matches the target market profile tend to live in the large cities, our target cities will be the cities Sydney (Phase 1) and Melbourne (Phase 2). The needs and wants of this target market are to socialise and self express through their lifestyle and interests. Business Market The target market for ABSOLUT vodka in the business market will correspond to bar and clubs that appeal to the target consumers. The increasing number of bars and clubs correspond to an increasing opportunity to increase outlets in which ABSOLUT should capture. Target market for ABSOLUT vodka is as follows: Location: CBD of Sydney e.g. Darling Habour and George Street; and Melbourne Size: Bars 200 at least people capacity and above Clubs 1,000 people capacity and above Grade: Premium The bars and clubs belonged to this segment tend to be located within the CBD of the major cities. Their day to day operation would be of a busy nature on the weekend with long and exclusive guest lists. In addition, these clubs tend to be targeting high-end consumers with similar target market to our brand and consequently will have to be of a premium nature to satisfy such market. The needs and wants of this target market is to profit maximise and maintain the quality perceived in the views of their target market. ABSOLUT Strategy BCG Matrix Analyses Based on the BCG model, ABSOLUT is a question mark due to high growth vodka market in Australia which is 13.45% compounded annually from 2002 to 2007 (Source: Euromonitor) where as ABSOLUT is the second place leader after Smirnoff with a market share around 14.77% in 2006 within top 8 vodka brands (Source: Euromonitor), and a 1.7% market share within the Spirit Market. This BU has a potential to become a star. Our strategies will combine efforts to push it to be a star by using combination of marketing strategies. As a result of this, we expect to see a dramatic rise in sales and profit for ABSOLUT vodka. However, a large marketing budget must be applied to achieve marketing objects. Proposal In todays competitive environment, differentiation and loyalty creation is the key to success in which we base our strategies on. The values placed on our products by consumers segment being the experience and the value placed by business segment being profit maximisation matched with our strategies. Corresponding to our marketing objectives, in order to increase market share and turn ABSOLUT to a star, a market penetration strategy targeting consumers and business customers will be employed to create ABSOLUT culture via on-trade sales promotions (below the line). The objective of this strategy is to increase the wants of consumers to consume ABSOLUT and the wants of bars and clubs to sell ABSOLUT. This in return will reflect into increase in financial returns. Marketing Model With intention to persuade customers, our marketing communication will be based on conveying our intention of delivering values through creating events of an ABSOLUT experience. As ABSOLUT vodka is a shopping good, constant communications with target markets must be maintained. The print media channel, although more expensive, it is where our strengths lie. With our distinct advertisement skills as demonstrated in the past with great success, such as ABSOLUT ads, we should utilise this marketing channel and improve the ads to include experience marketing together with product marketing. We will establish a customer database via on-sight registration (CRM) at the events door and on the Australian website which is to be created. The database of information will allow rooms for direct advertisement of ABSOLUT events or news of new product development launch events to the customers either through email or mobile phones, given their consent. The ABSOLUT Australia website will act as a channel for all our target markets to interact with the Company and among themselves through web boards and notices. In addition, the benefits of this model also compliment our viral marketing strategy by utilising the word of mouth channel. These channels of communication above are very effective in creating emotional appeal which will complement our differentiation strategies. The event strategies will act and a short-term promotion tool to create fads. This will also create brand loyalty which will reflect favourably in the long-term. Consumer groups, continuous communications with the customers and securing relationships with the outlets will in the long-term, decrease supply lease cost and increase sales. Customer database is something that has not been created in the past and with this information, many future plans can be developed for long-term beneficiaries. Marketing model highlights our proposed strategies with each strategies integrated to provide a comprehensive and up-to-date consumer database. The consumer database to be created will be one of the key information sources for future developments and as ABSOLUT is a new brand to Pernod Ricard, database about the seller and user of ABSOLUT must be acquired. The model consists of two main approaches; pulls strategies and pushes strategies and is based around creating competitive advantages by offering greater values to both individual and business customers from event marketing. It is a positioning strategy away from competitors into the zone that no other vodka brands in Australia have done before. ABSOLUT Positioning Contemporary and Cosmopolitan: ABSOLUT continually improve brand and product so ABSOLUT product will not be out of date or unfashionable. Artistic: ABSOLUT always design and create the art bottles to respond the customer who need to consume unique experience. Creative brand: ABSOLUT always provide the best and new way to customer. ABSOLUTE Vodka: Finally all positioning from above will be included in our product that provides the greatest value and experience to our customer. Pull Strategies Pull strategies aim to create demand from consumers by heavily focusing on CRM and below the line marketing. CRM plans include direct marketing to consumers via email and mobile phone. ABSOLUTs strength in print media will also be continued as it has been proven to be an effective communication channel. Product and promotion strategies will be continuously utilised, ABSOLUT events are the tools for viral marketing. Viral marketing is backed up by CRM strategy in attempt to reduce post-purchase dissonance. Feedbacks from customers are then recorded into database for the process to start over again on a different occasion, improving effectiveness. Product Strategies Educate consumers about ABSOLUT experience ABSOLUT should provide useful information to our target customers such as the flavours that are available and the drinks that they can have from ABSOLUT to generate the ABSOLUT experience to customers; when they go to bar, they can order the drink with their experience that they really want not just try to order something that they have never tried before. This strategy can and should be employed during promotion events that are exclusively hosted by ABSOLUT and on advertisements on various media channels corresponding to our brand communication strategy. We intend to differentiate ABSOLUT vodka apart from our competitors by offering a unique ABSOLUT style social drinking experience which our target customers needs the most. The already famous packaging and advertising footprint only leaves room for experience to be expanded on. The aim of this strategy is to match ABSOLUT positioning and brand personality to those of the consumers. Associate the consumers with style and class while drinking ABSOLUT. Introduce ABSOLUT cocktails ABSOLUT should try to introduce ABSOLUT name to become a familiar name to customers when they want to order drinks. For example, vodka-soda, the result is bartenders may use other vodka brands to serve them but not ABSOLUT vodka. When we promote ABSOLUT cocktail as a first choice of vodka, the customer will remember this word and next time customers will think about our brand priority and say ABSOLUT-soda when they order spirit drink. This strategy is best conducted during exclusive ABSOLUT event to avoid any conflicts with our competitors. Promotion Strategies Launch the events that creates atmosphere / viral marketing ABSOLUT should launch the events and detail the brands positioning and benefits to attract the target consumers. The events are to be held at selected high-end bars and clubs and selected annual music, fashion and arts event. In addition, ABSOLUT should also take benefits from viral marketing in such that customers will communicate other customers about their perceive value such as taste, positioning, experience, thrills and fun that had risen from consuming ABSOLUT products at the event by word of mouth and so on. This strategy is aim to serve the needs and wants of the target market by giving the target market a place to socialise with style and class. Backed with high spending power, these consumers are value seekers and thus this strategy aims to maximise value by not just providing the product, but provide experience and atmosphere that is most appealing and attractive to the target market. Free gifts and VIP customer registration Our company should provide some gifts for customers that come to join our campaign or order our products at club or liquor shop to increase ABSOLUT brand recognition such as t-shirts and caps and to consumer who register in our event or order ABSOLUT products. These products would act as a mobile advertisement for ABSOLUT, complimenting viral marketing strategy. VIP customer registration is to make the events appeal more exclusive. This is a pure marketing tool to attract registration in order to create a customer database for on-going developments. Customers by registering on-site at the event or on-line will receive a notification of the upcoming events with ability to book an entrance on the guest list. Event broadcast through radio advertising / website / magazine ABSOLUT events should attract as much media exposure as possible to achieve brand recognition and increase participation rate of ABSOLUT events. In addition, with limited resources of bars and clubs to advertise, ABSOLUT brand by advertising the event and the venue information will also assist the targeted bars and clubs in advertising their venue. This strategy is aim to increase number of people attending the clubs along with their sales and thus, the sales of ABSOLUT products. Place Strategies ABSOLUT vodka is most readily available at liquor shop and recognised clubs and bars and will be greatly available once the synergies from Pernod Ricards distribution chain starts to become apparent after the acquisition. Below the line marketing e.g. events, will need to be held at the most appropriate time and places. Such places will need to have a high level of positive awareness and upholds the brands image. Initial phase will be to target the city of Sydney and builds on the success to other major cities such as Melbourne. CRM strategy is a direct marketing strategy through mobile phone and email, thus place will not be an issue. Major events are to be held during summer season. Price Strategies In trying to maintain positioning of an exclusive product, together with many available brands in the market

Discuss How Carol Ann Duffy Makes Effective Use Of Metaphor. Essay

Discuss How Carol Ann Duffy Makes Effective Use Of Metaphor. In ‘Valentine’, Carol Ann Duffy uses metaphors to illustrate and attempt to explain the complex subject of love. ‘Valentine’ is a very poignant, meaningful poem which is on a very personal level with C.A.D. It seems as if she is drawing on personal experiences. The general tone of the poem appears to be one of bitterness and resentment. Forceful comments such as, ‘†¦Here..’ and ‘†¦Take it†¦Ã¢â‚¬â„¢ suggest that she still holds hidden anger towards the events from which she is drawing her memories. The main metaphor that she uses is of course an onion. She uses an onion to compare the different aspects of love in a number of ways. In the first instance of C.A.D’s use of an onion she uses it to compare the fact that both an onion and love have many layers. She proposes that this is a huge similarity between the two apparently unrelated objects. Secondly, C.A.D uses the onion’s shape and colour to reflect how life changing love can be. She describes the onion as ‘†¦a moon wrapped in brown paper†¦Ã¢â‚¬â„¢ What she means by this is that love can light up your heart but that it often becomes clouded by other issues and problems- the brown paper symbolizes the ‘barrier’. In another way, the brown paper could symbolize boundaries people sometimes erect because they are scared or cynical. C.A.D. seems to be cynical about love-all throughout the poem she seems to want to escape the clichà ©s and what most people would consider as romance. Perhaps this may be because she has had a bad experience of love which she has then illustrated through words in her poem. Just after this she states ‘†¦it promises light..’ which means that C.A.D is suggesting that sometimes a... ...reak. In the final stanza, C.A.D writes, ‘†¦the air tasted of electricity..’ She is referring to the charged atmosphere caused by adolescent hormones. Obviously the classroom is going to be full of hormones because of all the children. Another reference to the heavily charged atmosphere is, ‘†¦the heavy, sexy sky..’ which just supports the atmosphere being hormonally charged. Carol Ann Duffy’s use of metaphors is very effective and illustrative-it causes readers to form subconscious links between objects which in reality are apparently unrelated. Without the use of metaphors, her poems would be entirely different and I am not sure they would be as flowing or as descriptive. The metaphors are often the basis upon which C.A.D’s descriptions are built. She uses them to great effect by blending and layering metaphors with other adjectives and descriptions.

Presidencial Election Essay -- American Government, Politics

Every four years, the presidential election cycle sparks a renewed interest into American politics. While the candidates debate on what seems like a weekly occurrence, the public itself is in a struggle to find out who best suits their interests. Rhetoric resembling that of Kennedy and Reagan reappears and talk of â€Å"Change† invokes a sense of optimism. However, many fear that the nominees are simply attempting to win over the electorate, and what began as a promise on the campaign trail will evolve into the status quo in Washington. Examining the past can provide insight into the future and provide direction for a political party. I am choosing to compare the positions of four distinct groups: Colorado Democrats, Libertarians, as well as the ’28,’68, and 2008 platforms of the Democratic Party. State Party vs 2008 National Party (Health Care Reform) One of the most intriguing core values of the Colorado Democratic Party is its stance on Healthcare. They believe that the health of its citizens is of the utmost priority. The State party has indicated that the healthcare system â€Å"should be focused proactively on wellness, preventive medicine, public health, and disease prevention, as well as primary care† (CO Democratic Party, 2010). Additionally, the party supports President Obama’s healthcare reform legislation â€Å"as a first step toward a quality universal single-payer health care system, independent of employment† (CO Democratic Party, 2010). On the national level, the Democratic Party platform for 2008 bares a strong resemblance to that of Colorado. President Obama campaigned on the promise of increasing coverage while reducing the cost and social burden. Affordable, quality healthcare for all Americans was a cornerstone of... ...rtion can be defined as a wedge issue: â€Å"policy concerns that may divide the voter bloc of the opposing party† (Liscio et. al. 256). Typically, a pro-choice stance is one that is supported by Democrats, however Libertarians tend to vote Republican and are fiscally conservative. In the past, minority parties have pursued wedge issues to regain control (Liscio et. al 256). During the 1950’s and 1960’s, the Republicans were pushed to the fringe. In 1968, Richard Nixon campaigned on restoring â€Å"law and order†, attracting conservative white Democrats who were unhappy with their party’s position on race (Liscio et. al. 257). In essence, Libertarians are a faction of the Republican party. Every party has a group that branches off and is contradictory, however, they â€Å"have been fairly successful at submerging their differences in order to win office and govern† (Reiter 43).

Hevea brasiliensis:The Rubber Tree :: Botany

Hevea brasiliensis:The Rubber Tree During the Age of Exploration many people were sent out to seek unknown plant species that might serve as raw material, remedy, or ornament. Of all the great feats of that era of botanical discovery, none was more imposing than that of the domestication of rubber. New World inhabitants had shown rubber, which they obtained from several tropical plant species, to early explorers, including Columbus. Since it was an unstable product, it remained for more than three centuries a mere curiosity. Then, in 1839, it was found that through treatment with sulfur and heat (vulcanization), rubber's elastic properties could be made more permanent. (1) Hevea brasiliensis is the source of virtually all the world's rubber production. Cutting the bark of this tree releases the latex which is then collected, preserved, and stabilized. The latex is located in the inner bark of the tree and flows in the vessels of the tree. Latex is thought to be a defense against insect predators for the tree. (1) Hevea brasiliensis was first found in the Amazon basin. The rubber trade became a mainstay of the Brazilian economy, providing at its height almost 40 % of its export revenues. It was not long before the idea was conceived of domesticating rubber. However, Brazil was not the site of the successful commercialization of rubber. Rubber cultivation was, instead, transferred to Southeast Asia. Soon abundant and cheap, rubber was put to thousands of uses. Its reduced cost was an important factor in the emergence of a mass market of automobiles; from two-thirds to three-quarters of the demand for rubber soon came from the makers of tires and tubes for motor vehicles. (1) After tires, latex products, footwear, belts and hoses, and wire cables are the most important uses for rubber. (3) Rubber is harvested in Africa, Central and South America, and in Asia, the latter accounting for greater than 90% of production. There are 11 species of Hevea. Hevea brasiliensis is a member of the Euphorbiaceae family (spurge family). Although not limited to the Euphorbiaceae, latex production is one of its distinguishing characteristics. (7) The plants of the Euphorbiaceae family are mostly monoecious herbs, shrubs, and trees, sometimes succulent and cactus-like, and comprise one of the largest families of plants with about 300 genera and 7,500 species that are further characterized by the frequent occurrence of milky sap. (6) The flowering and pollination of the Hevea brasiliensis tree are also distinguishing characteristics of this plant.

Succubus Blues CHAPTER 14

â€Å"You called us together for biblical porn?† Hugh turned away with disinterest from where the vampires and I huddled around my kitchen table. Barely a bruise showed on him anymore. Putting a cigarette to his lips, the imp produced a lighter from his coat pocket. â€Å"Don't smoke in here,† I warned. â€Å"What do you care? Are you saying you didn't smoke throughout most of the twentieth century?† â€Å"I'm not saying that at all. But I don't do it anymore. Besides, it's bad for Aubrey.† The cat, sitting on one of my counters, paused mid-bath at the sound of her name and eyed him askance. Hugh, glaring back, took a long drag on the cigarette before putting it out on the countertop next to her. She returned to her cleaning, and he paced around the apartment. Beside me, Cody leaned over the table, studying my proffered Bible. â€Å"I don't get how these guys are actually angels. ‘Sons of God' seems like a generic term for humans. I mean, aren't we all supposed to be children of God?† â€Å"Present company excluded, of course,† called Hugh from the living room. Then: â€Å"Jesus Christ! Where'd you get this bookcase? Hiroshima?† â€Å"Theoretically we are,† I agreed, ignoring the imp and answering Cody's question. I'd done a lot of biblical perusal since my earlier discovery today and was growing tired of looking at the book. â€Å"But Warren's right – that term is used throughout to refer to angels. Plus, the women here aren't called ‘daughters of God.' They're called ‘daughters of men.' They're human, their husbands are not.† â€Å"Could just be good old-fashioned sexism.† Peter had finally taken the plunge and shaved his hair off. I did not find the look flattering at all, considering the shape of his head. â€Å"It's not like that'd be a new concept in the Bible.† â€Å"Nah, I think Georgina's right,† said Hugh, returning to us. â€Å"I mean, we know something made angels fall. Lust is as good a reason as any, and it beats the hell out of gluttony or sloth.† â€Å"So what's the point then?† Peter wanted to know. â€Å"How does this relate to the not-just-a-vampire hunter?† â€Å"Here.† I pointed to verse 6:4. â€Å"It says, ‘There were giants in the earth in those days; and also after that, when the sons of God came in unto the daughters of men, and they bare children to them, the same became mighty men which were of old, men of renown.' The key words here are ‘in those days' and ‘also after that.' It's saying angels have fallen for human women more than once. This answers our question about whether angels still fall anymore. They do.† Cody was nodding along with me. â€Å"Which backs up your theory that one is trying to fall right now.† â€Å"It doesn't sound like lust is going to be his catalyst, though,† Hugh noted. â€Å"I think assault and battery will do it first.† â€Å"Unless it's lust for Georgina,† suggested Peter dryly. â€Å"He seems to think you're pretty enough.† Something odd struck me at Hugh's observation. â€Å"Would assault and battery really do it, though? Especially of vampires and imps? It might be frowned upon by the other side, but I'm not convinced taking out evil agents would necessarily warrant an angel turning into a demon.† â€Å"Past evidence suggests the other side isn't exactly†¦ flexible with transgressors,† observed the imp. â€Å"And ours is?† wondered Peter. Cody gave me a sharp look. â€Å"Are you backing out of your own theory?† â€Å"No, no. I'm suddenly reconsidering the falling bit, that's all. The ‘rogue' or ‘renegade' part might be more accurate.† â€Å"But your note did mention angels falling,† Hugh pointed out. â€Å"Surely that's indicative of something? A meaningful clue and not just a bad attempt at humor?† I thought about the note. Yes, Hugh was right. I felt certain the note's content played a role here; I just couldn't yet grasp what it meant. â€Å"Bad humor is par for the course with angels,† Peter reminded us. â€Å"At least if Carter's any indication.† I hesitated a moment, nervous about bringing up my secondary theory. They all seemed to be going along with the angel idea, however, so I figured it was now or never. â€Å"Do you guys think†¦ do you think it's possible Carter might be the one behind all of this?† Three sets of eyes turned on me in astonishment. Hugh spoke first. â€Å"What? Are you crazy? I know you two spar a lot, but Christ, if you think†¦Ã¢â‚¬  â€Å"Carter's one of us,† agreed Cody fiercely. â€Å"I know, I know.† I proceeded to explain the reasoning behind my accusation, citing his weird shadowing of me and subsequent conversation at Erik's. Silence fell. Finally, Peter said, â€Å"All of that is strange. But I still can't buy it. Not Carter.† â€Å"Not Carter,† agreed Hugh. â€Å"Oh, I see. Everyone's quick to implicate me for Duane, but not perfect Carter?† My ire rose at their automatic solidarity, at the idea that Carter would be above reproach. â€Å"Why does he hang out with us then? Have you ever heard of an angel doing anything like that?† â€Å"We're his friends,† said Cody. â€Å"And we're more fun,† added Hugh. â€Å"You can believe that if you want, but not me. Going from pub to pub with a demon and his cronies is the perfect setup for sabotage. He's been spying on us. You're just biased because he's such a good drinking buddy.† â€Å"And don't you think, Georgina,† warned Peter, â€Å"there's just the slightest possibility that you're the one who's biased? I admit, this crazy angel theory makes more and more sense as time goes on, but where'd Carter come from?† â€Å"Yeah,† said Hugh. â€Å"Seems like you just sort of threw him in for no good reason. Everyone knows you two don't get along.† I stared disbelievingly at the three sets of angry eyes. â€Å"I have plenty of good reason. How do you explain him being at Erik's?† The imp shook his head. â€Å"We all know Erik. Carter could have been there for the same reasons you were.† â€Å"What about the things he said?† â€Å"What did he say really?† Peter asked. â€Å"Was he like, ‘Hey Georgina, hope you got my note'? It's all pretty flimsy.† â€Å"Look, I'm not saying I have strong evidence, just that circumstantially – â€Å" â€Å"I need to go,† interjected Cody, standing up. I gave him a cold look. Had I pushed them that far? â€Å"I understand if you don't agree with me, but don't just walk out.† â€Å"No, there's something I've got to do.† Peter rolled his eyes. â€Å"You're not the only one dating now, Georgina. Cody won't admit it, but I think he's got a woman stashed somewhere.† â€Å"A live one?† asked Hugh, impressed. Cody put his coat on. â€Å"You guys don't know anything.† â€Å"Well, be careful,† I warned automatically. The tense mood was suddenly shattered, and no one seemed to be angry with me about suspecting Carter anymore. It was clear, however, that no one believed me about him either. They were dismissing my ideas like one does a child's irrational fears or imaginary friends. The vampires left together, and Hugh followed soon thereafter. I wandered off to bed, still trying to put the pieces into place. The note writer had made a reference to angels falling for beautiful women; that had to be significant. Yet, I just couldn't reconcile it with this bizarre pair of attacks on Duane and Hugh, which had more to do with violence and brutality than beauty or lust. When I got to work the next day, my e-mail inbox revealed a new message from Seth, and I feared some sort of follow-up to his date request from yesterday. Instead, he merely responded to my last message, which had been one in an ongoing conversation about his observations of the Northwest. The message's writing style and voice were as entertaining as ever, and he seemed for all the world not to have minded – or even noticed – my wacky rejection yesterday. I verified this further when I went upstairs to buy coffee. Seth sat in his usual corner, typing away, oblivious to it being Saturday. I paused and said hello, getting a typically distracted response in return. He did not mention asking me to the party, did not seem upset, and indeed apparently didn't care at all about it. I supposed I should have been grateful that he'd recovered so quickly, that he wasn't pining or breaking his heart over me, but my selfishness couldn't help but feel a little disappointed. I wouldn't have minded making a slightly stronger impression on him, one that elicited some regret over my refusal. Doug and Roman, for example, hadn't let one rejection deter them. What a fickle creature I was. Thinking of both of them reminded me I was meeting Roman later to go to Doug's concert. I grew heady at the thought of seeing Roman again, though apprehension tinged the feeling. I didn't like him having this effect on me, and I had thus far demonstrated no aptitude in refusing his advances. We were going to reach a critical point one of these days, and I feared for its outcome. I suspected that when it did come, I would wish Roman had bowed out of my pursuit so easily as Seth seemed to have. Such worries vanished from my mind that evening when I admitted Roman into my apartment. He wore dress clothing all done in elegant shades of blue and silvery gray, every hair and fold perfectly in place. He flashed me one of those devastating smiles, and I made sure my knees didn't start knocking, schoolgirl style. â€Å"You do realize this is a post-grunge, punk rock, ska -type of concert we're going to. Most everyone else will be in jeans and T-shirts. Maybe some leather here and there.† â€Å"Most good dates do end in leather.† His eyes took in the sights of the apartment, lingering briefly on the bookcase. â€Å"But didn't you say this was a late show?† â€Å"Yup. Starts at eleven.† â€Å"That gives us four hours to burn, love. You're going to have to change.† I looked down at my black jeans and red tank top. â€Å"This won't work?† â€Å"That does wonderful things for your legs, I admit, but I think you're going to want a skirt or dress. Something like you wore swing dancing, only maybe†¦ steamier.† â€Å"I'm pretty sure I've never heard the word ‘steamy' applied to any of my wardrobe.† â€Å"I find that hard to believe.† He pointed down my hall. â€Å"Go. The clock is ticking.† Ten minutes later I returned in a clingy, navy dress made of georgette. It had spaghetti straps and an asymmetrical hemline, jagged and ruffled, that rose high on my left leg. I had taken my hair out of its ponytail and now wore it long over my shoulders. Roman looked up from where he'd been having meaningful, eye-to-eye communication with Aubrey. â€Å"Steamy.† He pointed to the King James Bible sitting on my coffee table. It was open, like he'd been perusing. â€Å"I never took you for the churchgoing type.† Both Seth and Warren had made similar jokes. That thing was ruining my reputation. â€Å"Just something I'm researching. It's only been moderately useful.† Roman stood up and stretched. â€Å"Probably because that's one of the worst translations out there.† I remembered the plethora of Bibles. â€Å"Is there a better one you'd recommend?† He shrugged. â€Å"I'm no expert, but you'd probably get more out of one meant for research, not devotional use. Annotated ones. Ones that they use in college classes.† I filed the information away, wondering if the mystery verses might still have more to reveal. For now, I had a date to contend with. We ended up at a small, hidden Mexican restaurant I'd never been to. The waiters spoke Spanish – as did Roman, it turned out – and the food had not been watered down for Americans. When two margaritas appeared on our table, I realized Roman had ordered one for me. â€Å"I don't want to drink tonight.† I recalled how flaky I'd been the last time we went out. He stared at me like I'd just declared I was going to stop breathing for a change. â€Å"You have to be kidding. This place makes the best margaritas north of the Rio Grande.† â€Å"I want to stay sober tonight.† â€Å"One won't kill you. Take it with food, and you won't even notice.† I stayed silent. â€Å"For Christ's sake, Georgina, just try the salt. One taste and you'll be hooked.† I reluctantly ran my tongue around the edge. It triggered a longing to taste tequila that rivaled my succubus urge for sex. Giving in against my better judgment, I took a sip. It was fantastic. The food was too, not surprisingly, and I ended up having two margaritas, instead of just the one. Roman proved to be right about drinking with food, fortunately, and I only felt mildly buzzed. I did not feel out of control and knew I could handle things until the sobering up began. â€Å"Two more hours,† I told him as we left the restaurant. â€Å"Got something else in mind?† â€Å"Sure do.† He inclined his head across the street, and I followed his motion. Miguel's. I racked my brain. â€Å"I've heard of that place†¦ wait, they do salsa dancing there, don't they?† â€Å"Yup. Ever tried it?† â€Å"No.† â€Å"What? I thought you were a dancing queen.† â€Å"I'm not done with swing yet.† Truthfully, I was dying to try salsa. Like Seth Mortensen's books, though, I did not like to burn through too much of a good thing too fast. I still enjoyed swing and wanted to run it into the ground before I switched dances. Long life tended to make one savor things more. â€Å"Well, now you'll just have to multitask.† Taking my hand, he led me across the street. I tried to protest but couldn't really explain my reasoning to him, and so, like the margaritas, I gave in fairly easily. The club was warm and packed with bodies, and the music was to die for. My feet immediately began counting out beats as Roman paid our entrance fee and led me to the dance floor. Just like with swing, he turned out to be an expert at salsa, and I found myself easily catching on after a few practices. I might not have demonstrated much talent for standing my ground against margaritas, but I had been dancing for centuries. The skill was fused into me. Salsa turned out to be a lot sexier than swing. Not that swing wasn't sexy, mind you, but salsa had a dark, sinuous edge about it. One couldn't help but focus on the closeness of the other person's body, the way hips moved together. I now knew what Roman had meant about steamy. After about a half hour, we took a break, and he led us to the bar. † Mojitosnow,† he told me, holding up two fingers for the bartender. â€Å"In keeping with our Latin theme tonight.† â€Å"I can't†¦Ã¢â‚¬  But the mojitos appeared without my counsel and turned out to be pretty damned good. We finished them faster than we should have, so we could get back out on the floor. By the time we had to leave for Doug's concert, post-grunge, punk rock, ska -type music didn't sound so good anymore. I was exhilarated from dancing, hot and sweaty, and I'd gone through another mojito and a tequila chaser. I knew I'd found a new passion in salsa and silently cursed Roman for what would probably become a dancing addiction, even though I had exalted in the movement. His body had moved with a seductive grace, brushing against mine in a way that left me quivering and aching. We stumbled out into the street, holding hands, breathless and laughing. The world spun around me slightly, and I decided it was probably just as well we'd left when we did. My motor controls had stopped operating at normal levels. â€Å"Okay, where'd we park?† â€Å"You've got to be kidding,† I told him, jerking him around the corner where I could see the soft glow of a yellow taxi. â€Å"We have to take a cab.† â€Å"Come on, I'm not that bad.† But he had the wisdom to protest no further, and we caught the taxi up to the brewery in Greenlake. People milled in and out of the building; there had been two other performances before Doug's. As I had feared, our posh dancing clothing looked hopelessly out of place among the rough and tumble ware of the college-aged, but it no longer seemed the big deal it had when Roman picked me up. â€Å"Don't get caught up in fashion games,† he advised as we squeezed our way inside the packed brewery. â€Å"These kids probably think we're old, nark conformists or something, but really, they're just conforming in their own ways. They're conforming to nonconformity.† I scanned for the bookstore crew, hoping they'd secured a table. â€Å"Oh no. You don't wax political when you're drunk, do you?† â€Å"No, no. I just get tired of people always trying to fit a mold, trying to toe some line, regardless if it's right or left. I'm proud to be the best-dressed person in this room. Make your own rules, that's what I say.† I spotted Beth and dragged Roman over to a table on the other side of the room. Other bookstore natives sat with her: Casey, Andy, Bruce – and Seth. My stomach sank. â€Å"Nice dress,† said Bruce. â€Å"We saved you a seat.† Casey indicated a chair. â€Å"I didn't realize you'd have a†¦ friend.† The chair situation held little concern for me. All I could feel were Seth's eyes on me, his face thoughtful but neutral. Flushing, I felt like a complete idiot and wished I could just turn around and leave. After refusing him with my stupid tirade about not dating, here I was, hand in hand, drunk off my ass with Roman. I couldn't even imagine what Seth must think of me now. â€Å"Not a problem,† Roman declared, oblivious to my churning emotions and unfazed by my colleagues' bemused attention. He sat down in the chair, pulling me onto his lap. â€Å"We'll share.† Andy made a bar run, bringing back beers for all of us except Seth who, just like with caffeine, chose to abstain. Roman and I explained where we'd been, lauding salsa as the world's new greatest pastime, thus earning demands from the others that I start up a second wave of dance lessons. Doug's group soon came on stage, and we all cheered appropriately at the sight of Doug-the-assistant-manager turned Doug-the-lead-singer of Nocturnal Admission. Beer kept coming, and while continuing to drink was probably the stupidest thing I could have done, I was beyond the point where I could reasonably stop. Besides, I had too many other things to worry about. Like avoiding eye contact with a thus-far-silent Seth. And savoring the feel of being on top of Roman, his chest against my back and arms around my waist. His chin rested on my shoulder, giving him easy access to whisper in my ear and occasionally run his lips by my neck. The hardness I felt underneath my thighs suggested I wasn't the only one getting something out of this seating arrangement. Doug came to talk to us during a break, covered in sweat but thoroughly ecstatic. He took in the sight of me plastered on Roman. â€Å"You're a little overdressed, aren't you, Kin- caid?† He reconsidered. â€Å"Or under. Hard to say.† â€Å"You're one to talk,† I shot back, finishing my†¦ second†¦ or was it third†¦ beer. Doug wore tight, red vinyl pants; combat boots; and a long, purple velvet jacket left open to expose his chest. A ragged top hat perched jauntily on his head. â€Å"I'm part of the entertainment, babe.† â€Å"So am I, babe.† Some of the others chuckled. Doug's expression turned disapproving, but he said nothing to me, instead making some comment to Beth about the number of people who had turned out for the show. I entered that weird sort of tunnel vision that occurs sometimes with alcohol, where I became so consumed with my own buzzing, swirling perceptions that the conversation and noise around me blurred to an indistinct drone, and faces and colors faded out to an irrelevant background separate from my existence. Indeed, all I really felt was Roman. Every nerve in me was screaming, and I wished the hands he rested on my stomach would slide up to touch my breasts. I could already feel my nipples hardening under the thin fabric and wondered what it'd be like to turn around and ride him like I had Warren†¦ â€Å"Restroom,† I suddenly exclaimed, clambering ungracefully off Roman. It was weird how one's bladder could turn from tolerable to unbearable so quickly. â€Å"Where's the restroom here?† The others looked at me strangely, or so it seemed to me. â€Å"Back there,† pointed Casey, her voice sounding far away despite her close proximity. â€Å"You okay?† â€Å"Yeah.† I pushed a slipping strap up. â€Å"I just need to use the restroom.† And get away from Roman, I silently added, so I can think about things clearly. Not that that last feat would probably be possible in my current state. Roman started to rise, as drunk and fumbling as me. â€Å"I'll go with you – â€Å" â€Å"I will,† offered Doug hastily. â€Å"I need to get back there anyway before the next set.† Taking my arm, he wound us through the people toward a less-populated back hallway. I staggered slightly as we went, and he slowed his pace to help. â€Å"How much have you had to drink?† â€Å"Before or after I got here?† â€Å"Holy shit. You are trashed.† â€Å"You got a problem with it?† â€Å"Hardly. How do you think I spend most of my nights off?† We paused outside the ladies' restroom. â€Å"I bet Seth thinks I'm a lush.† â€Å"Why would he think that?† â€Å"You don't see him drinking. He's such a fucking purist. Him and his stupid no caffeine and no alcohol shit.† Doug's dark eyes flickered in surprise at my language. â€Å"Not all nondrinkers despise drinkers, you know. Besides, Seth's not the one I'm worried about. I'm more concerned about Mr. Happy Hands out there.† I blinked, confused. Then: â€Å"You mean Roman?† â€Å"You've come a long way from refusing to date to practically making out in public.† â€Å"So?† I countered hotly. â€Å"Can't I be with someone? Aren't I entitled to do something for a change that's actually something I want to do, not something I have to do?† My words came out with more bitter truth – and volume – than I intended. â€Å"Of course,† he soothed, â€Å"but you aren't yourself tonight. You're going to do something stupid if you're not careful. Something you'll regret later. You should ask Casey or Beth to take you home – â€Å" â€Å"Oh, you're a piece of work,† I exclaimed. I knew I was being irrational, that I'd never have turned on Doug sober, but I couldn't stop. â€Å"Just because I won't go out with you, just because I choose to fuck Warren or someone else, then you have to step in and try to keep me pure and untouched. If you can't have me, then no one can, is that it?† Doug blanched, and a few passersby stared at us. â€Å"Christ, Georgina, no – â€Å" â€Å"You're such a fucking hypocrite,† I yelled at him. â€Å"You have no right to tell me what to do! No fucking right.† â€Å"I'm not, I – â€Å" I didn't listen to what else he had to say. Turning, I stormed into the ladies' restroom, the only place I could go to escape these men. When I'd finished and gone to wash my hands, I looked up in the mirror. Did I look trashed? My cheeks were pink, some of the waves in my hair a little limper than when I'd started the evening. And I was sweating. Not too trashed, I decided. I could be a lot worse. I felt hesitant to leave the restroom, fearing Doug waited for me. I didn't want to talk to him. Another woman came in with a lit cigarette, and I bummed one off her, smoking it in its entirety while I crouched in a corner to kill time. When I heard the band kick up again, I knew it was safe. I walked out of the restroom and ran straight into Roman. â€Å"Are you okay?† he asked, his hands catching me around the waist to steady me. â€Å"I was worried when you didn't come back.† â€Å"Yeah†¦ I'm fine†¦ er, no, I don't know,† I admitted, leaning into him, wrapping my arms around him. â€Å"I don't know what's going on. I feel so strange.† â€Å"It's all right,† he told me, patting my back. â€Å"Everything's going to be all right. Do you need to leave? Is there anything I can do?† â€Å"I†¦ don't know†¦Ã¢â‚¬  I pulled away slightly, looking up into his eyes. Those blue-green depths were drowning me, and suddenly, I didn't care. I don't know who started it – it could have been either of us – but suddenly we were kissing, there in the middle of the hallway, arms pulling each other tighter, lips and tongues working furiously. The alcohol enhanced my base physical response yet numbed my awareness of succubus energy absorption. It must have still been working in spite of my inability to sense it, however, because Roman abruptly pulled away from me, looking aghast. â€Å"Weird†¦Ã¢â‚¬  He put a hand to his forehead. â€Å"I feel†¦ dizzy all of a sudden.† He hesitated a moment then shook it off, pulling me toward him again. Just like all the others. They never caught on that it was me doing it, me hurting them, so they still came back for more. His pause had been what I needed to gain some tiny sense of clarity in my drunken cloud. What had I done? What had I let myself become tonight? Every interaction with Roman had pushed me past another boundary. First I'd said we wouldn't date. Then I'd confined us to limited dates. Tonight I'd sworn I wouldn't drink, and now I could barely stand up from all the booze. Kissing was another taboo I had just broken. And it would only lead to the inevitable†¦ In my mind's eye, I could see us after sex. Roman would sprawl, pale and exhausted, drained of his life. That energy would crackle through me like an electric current, and he would stare at me, weak and confused, unable to comprehend what he no longer had. Depending on how much I stole from him, he would lose years off his life. Some sloppy succubi had even been known to kill victims by drinking too much life too fast. â€Å"No†¦ no†¦ don't.† I pushed him away, unwilling to see that future realized, but his arm still held me. Looking beyond him, I suddenly caught sight of Seth coming down the hallway. He froze when he saw us, but I was too preoccupied to pay any attention to the writer. I was a hair's breath away from kissing Roman again, from taking him somewhere – anywhere – where we could be alone and naked, where I could do all the things I'd fantasized doing with him. Another kiss†¦ another kiss, and I would not be able to stop. I wanted it too much. I wanted to be with someone I wanted. Just once after all these years. And that was exactly why I couldn't do it. â€Å"Georgina†¦Ã¢â‚¬  began Roman confusedly, hands still on me. â€Å"Please,† I begged, my voice a whisper, â€Å"let me go. Please let me go. You have to let me go.† â€Å"What's wrong? I don't understand.† â€Å"Please let me go,† I repeated. â€Å"Let me go!† The sudden volume of my own voice startled me, giving me a small boost of will to break from his grasp. He reached toward me, saying my name, but I stepped back. I sounded hysterical, like a crazy woman, and Roman was looking at me rightfully so. â€Å"Don't touch me. Don't. Touch. Me!† My anger was more at myself, at my life, than it was at him. A terrible rage and frustration, amplified by alcohol, coursed through me at the universe. The world wasn't fair. It wasn't fair that some people had perfect lives. That beautiful civilizations should fall to dust. That babies should be born with only a handful of breaths. That I should be trapped in this cruel joke of an existence. An eternity of making love without love. â€Å"Georgina†¦Ã¢â‚¬  â€Å"Don't touch me. Ever again. Please,† I whispered hoarsely, and then, I did the only thing left to me. Escape. I ran. I turned from him and ran down the hall, away from Roman, away from Seth, away from the main seating area. I didn't know where I was going, but it would keep me safe. Would keep Roman safe. I might not be able to heal my own pain, but I could prevent any more from coming to him. My poor coordination and desperation made me run into people who responded with varying degrees of politeness to my mania. Was Roman behind me? I didn't know. He'd drunk at least as much as I had; his coordination couldn't be any better. If I could just be alone, I could shape-shift or go invisible and get out of here†¦ I burst through a door, and a wave of cool night air suddenly engulfed me. Gasping, I looked around. I stood in the back parking lot. It was packed with cars, and a few people smoking pot lingered around, most not paying attention to me. The door I'd come through opened, and I turned, expecting Roman. Instead, I saw Seth, looking anxious. â€Å"Stay away from me,† I warned. He held up his hands, palms forward in an appeasing gesture as he approached me slowly. â€Å"Are you okay?† I took two steps back, fumbling for my purse. â€Å"I'm fine. I just have to†¦ have to get away from here†¦ get away from him.† I pulled out my cell phone, intending to call one of the vampires. It slipped from my hands, dodged my attempts to catch it, and hit the asphalt with a sickening crack. â€Å"Oh shit.† Kneeling down, I picked up the phone, looking with dismay at the gibberish on the display. â€Å"Shit,† I repeated. Seth knelt by me. â€Å"What can I do?† I looked up at him, his face swimming in my blurred vision. â€Å"I have to get out of here. I have to get away from him.† â€Å"Okay. Come on. I'll take you home.† Seth took my arm, and I had a faint recollection of being led a few blocks to some dark-colored car. He helped me inside and drove away. Leaning back, I sank into the motion of the drive, letting it pull me under, the backward and forward of inertia, backward and forward, backward and forward†¦ â€Å"Pullover.† â€Å"What?† â€Å"Pull over now!† He complied, and I opened the door, expelling the contents of my stomach onto the street outside. When I had finished, Seth waited a moment before asking, â€Å"Are you okay to keep going?† â€Å"Yeah.† But a few minutes later, I made him pull over and repeated the process. â€Å"This†¦ car ride is killing me,† I gasped once we were on the road again. â€Å"I can't stay in the car. The motion†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Seth's brow furrowed, and he suddenly made a hard right that nearly set me to throwing up inside the car. â€Å"Sorry,† he said. We drove a few more minutes, and I was on the verge of asking him to pull over again when the car stopped. He helped me out, and I looked around, not recognizing the building in front of us. â€Å"Where are we?† â€Å"My place.† He ushered me inside, straight to a bathroom where I promptly knelt and paid homage to the toilet, again releasing more liquid than I had realized was in me. I felt distantly aware of Seth behind me, pulling my hair out of the way. Dimly, I remembered that higher immortals like Jerome and Carter could be affected by alcohol as little or as much as they liked, choosing to sober up at will. Bastards. I don't know how long I knelt there before Seth gently helped me to my feet. â€Å"Can you stand?† â€Å"I think so.† â€Å"It's†¦ uh†¦ in your hair and on your dress. I think you'll want to change.† I looked down at the navy georgette and sighed. â€Å"Steamy.† â€Å"What?† â€Å"Never mind.† I started pulling the straps down so I could get out of the dress. His eyebrows rose, and he hastily turned away. â€Å"What are you doing?† he asked in a forcibly normal voice. â€Å"I need to shower.† Naked, I stumbled over and turned on the water. Seth, still not looking at me, retreated to the door. â€Å"You won't fall or anything?† â€Å"I hope not.† I stepped into the water, gasping at its heat. I leaned against the tiled wall and just let the heavy stream power-wash me, the shock momentarily rousing my wits. Looking up, I saw that Seth was gone, the bathroom door closed. I sighed and shut my eyes, wanting to sink to my knees and pass out. Standing there, I thought again about Roman, about how good it had felt to kiss him. I didn't know what he would think of me now, not after how I'd acted. When I turned off the water and stepped out, the bathroom door opened a crack. â€Å"Georgina? Use these.† A towel and an oversize T-shirt were tossed through before the door closed again. I dried myself off and put on the shirt. It was red and had a picture of Black Sabbath on it. Nice. The activity took its toll, however, and a wave of nausea rolled over me again. â€Å"No,† I moaned, making for the toilet. The door opened. â€Å"Are you okay?† Seth came in and pulled my hair back once more. I waited but nothing came. Finally, I stood uneasily. â€Å"I'm all right. I need to lie down.† He led me out of the bathroom and into a bedroom with an unmade queen-sized bed. I collapsed onto it, pleased to be flat and stationary, even though the room continued to spin. He sat down gingerly on the bed's edge, watching me uncertainly. â€Å"I'm sorry about this,† I told him. â€Å"Sorry you had to†¦ do all this.† â€Å"It's okay.† I closed my eyes. â€Å"Relationships suck. This is why I don't date. You just hurt people.† â€Å"Most good things come with the risk of something bad,† he observed philosophically. I remembered the letter he'd sent me, about the long-term girlfriend he'd neglected for his writing. â€Å"Would you do it again?† I asked. â€Å"Go out with that one girl? Even if you knew things would turn out exactly the same?† A pause. â€Å"Yes.† â€Å"Not me.† â€Å"Not me what?† I opened my eyes and looked up at him. â€Å"I was married once.† It was the kind of drunken admission one made fully aware that it would never have been spoken sober. â€Å"Did you know that?† â€Å"No.† â€Å"No one does.† â€Å"It didn't work out then?† Seth asked when I didn't say anything for a minute. I couldn't help a bitter laugh. Didn't work out? That was an understatement. I had been weak and foolish, giving into the same physical urges that had nearly led me into disaster with Roman. Only with Ariston, I couldn't claim drunkenness for that slip. I had been dead sober, and honestly, I think I'd been planning it for a long time anyway. We both had. He'd come over one day for another visit, only this time we didn't talk much. I think we were past conversation by then. We'd both been restless, pacing and standing, making small talk that neither of us really listened to. My attention was on his physical presence – on his body and the powerful muscles in his arms and legs. The air was so thick with sexual tension it was a wonder we could move at all. I walked to the window, staring at nothing as I listened to him pacing the rest of the house. A moment later he returned, this time standing behind me. His hands suddenly rested on my shoulders, the first deliberate touch he'd ever made. His fingers burned me like a brand, and I shivered, making his hold tighten as he stepped closer to me. â€Å"Letha,† he said in my ear, â€Å"you know†¦ you know I think about you all the time. I think about what it would be like to†¦ be with you.† â€Å"You're with me now.† â€Å"You know that's not what I mean.† He turned me around to face him, and his gaze was like hot oil running over my body, slick and scorching. Trailing his hands up my neck, he cupped my face for a moment. He leaned down and held his mouth a breath away from mine. Then, his tongue darted out and lightly ran over my lips, the barest of caresses. My lips parted, and I leaned forward to take more, but he stepped away with a small smile. One of his hands moved down to my shoulder, to the clasp that held my gown together, and unfastened it. The fabric slid off me, pooling around me on the floor, so I stood naked before him. His eyes blazed, taking in every part. I should have felt embarrassed or shy, but I didn't. I felt wonderful. Desired. Adored. Wanted. Powerful. â€Å"I would do anything, anything at all to have you right now,† he whispered. His hands traveled down my shoulders to the sides of my breasts, to my waist, and then my hips. My mother had always said my hips were too skinny, but under his hands, they felt lush and sexy. â€Å"I would kill for you. I would go to the ends of the earth for you. I would do anything at all that you ask. Anything just to feel your body against mine and your legs wrapped around me.† â€Å"No one's ever said anything like that to me.† I was surprised at how calmly my voice came out. Inside, I was melting. I would hear variations of his promises for the next millennium or so, from a hundred different men, but at the time, the words were fresh and new. Ariston'slips turned up in a rueful smile. † Kyriakosmust say things like that all the time.† There was an arch tone to his voice, reminding me that even though the two men were longtime friends, there had always been a rivalry underscoring that friendship. â€Å"No. He makes love to me with his eyes.† â€Å"I want to use a lot more than my eyes.† In that moment, I suddenly understood the power women had over men. It was surprising and exhilarating. Never mind issues of property and politics; it was in the bedroom that women ruled. With flesh and sheets and sweat. The knowledge filled me, rushing through me with an arousal stronger than any aphrodisiac could produce. I thrived on it, liking this newfound clout. I think it was this revelation that would later make the powers of hell cast me as a succubus. I reached out trembling hands to him and began removing his tunic. He stood still as I undressed him, but every inch of him quivered with heat and longing. His breathing came heavy and fast as I studied his body now, noticing all the ways it was the same as Kyriakos ‘ and all the ways it was different. I moved my fingertips over him, lightly touching the tanned flesh, the well-defined muscles, the nipples. Then my hands moved lower, below his stomach, wrapping around the long, hard length they found there. Ariston emitted a soft groan but did not move toward me yet. He was still waiting for my consent. I raised my eyes from my fondling hands and looked into his face. He really would have done anything for me. That awareness increased my need for him. â€Å"You can do anything you want to me,† I told him finally. I made it sound like a concession, but truthfully, I wanted him to do anything he wanted. My words broke the spell that had been holding us apart. It was like a damn bursting. Like exhaling after holding your breath for too long. A rush. A release. My body nearly tumbled into his, like it had been straining and straining at bindings that had finally been cut. Touching him made me realize we should have been touching long before this. He jerked me into a harsh kiss, jamming his tongue into my mouth as his hands moved under me to grab the backs of my thighs. In one motion, he hoisted me up and pressed my back against the wall. My legs wrapped around his hips, needing him closer to me, and then with one hard thrust, he was inside. I don't know if I was too tight or he was too big – maybe both – but it hurt in a sort of pleasurable way. I let out a surprised cry, but he didn't stop to see if I was okay. The passion had seized him, that animalistic urge locked deep into our blood that ensures the continuation of our species. He focused only on his own pleasure now as he pushed into me, over and over, harder and harder, seeming to thrive on every moan and scream that crossed my lips. I wouldn't have thought I could find release in such rough sex, but I did – more than once. Each time, it came as a great, consuming wave of sensation, starting deep within me and spreading throughout my body, rubbing every nerve, covering every piece of me until I was completely saturated. Then the wave would explode into glittering fragments, leaving me warm and tender and breathless. Like being shattered then remade. It was exquisite. Each of these orgasms seemed to drive him more urgently until his own climax came. This time, I was the one thriving on his release, digging my nails into his back as tightly as I could, holding on to him, bringing the episode to a shuddering, gasping end. And yet, it wasn't the end because in only a little while, he was ready again. He took me to my bed and this time put me on my knees, leaning into me from behind. â€Å"I've heard the old women say this is the best position for conceiving a child,† he whispered. I had only a moment to ponder this before he was in me again, still rough and demanding. I considered his words as he pumped away, that maybe he would be the one who gave me a child after all, not Kyriakos. The realization made me feel strange, eager yet regretful. Aristonfelt no such regret when we lay back on the blankets later in the afternoon, both of us exhausted and spent as warm sun spilled in over us through the window. â€Å"The lack could be in Kyriakos,† he explained. â€Å"Not you. With as many times as I've had you today, you can't help but get pregnant.† He sucked my earlobe and wrapped his arms around me from behind, letting his hands rest on my breasts. â€Å"I've filled you up, Letha.† His voice was low and proprietary, like he'd just gained something more tangible than sex. Suddenly I wondered who really did have the power in the bedroom after all. I lay against him, wondering what I had done and what I wanted to do now. How did one go back to being a wife after being someone else's goddess? I never got to decide, however, because the next thing I heard was Kyriakos calling me from the front of the house, home too early. Ariston and I both sat up, startled. My fingers fumbled as I tried to get the blankets off me, tangling in the fabric. My dress. I needed to find my dress. But it wasn't here, I realized. I'd left it in the other room. Maybe, I thought desperately, I could get to it before Kyriakos found us. Maybe I could move fast enough. But it turned out I couldn't. In the present, all I said to Seth was: â€Å"Yeah. It didn't work out. Not at all. I cheated on him.† â€Å"Oh.† A pause. â€Å"Why?† â€Å"Because I could. It was stupid.† â€Å"That's why you don't date?† â€Å"Everything about that hurt too much. No good justified the bad.† â€Å"You can't know that the next one will turn out badly. Things change.† â€Å"Not for me.† I closed my eyes to hide the tears welling up. â€Å"I'm going to pass out now.† â€Å"Okay.† He might have left or he might have stayed; I didn't know. I simply slept, lost in black, numbing sleep.

Project life cycle Essay

Projects are the way through which work gets done. Whether big, small, simple or complex, projects possess various common characteristics. Firstly, they have a start and an end. They do not run to infinity. Secondly, they are all unique. They may resemble other earlier projects but they are unique in various variables. These variables include their environment, period and resources. Thirdly, they lead to the creating deliverables. Finally, they all have resources assigned to them. The resources may either be part-time, full-time or a combination of the two. Projects are undertaken by all organisations. Their management can be done using a common range of project management procedures. Similar project management procedures can be used irrespective of the project being undertaken. Projects must have a definition and a plan. They should also have procedures for management of risks, quality, status and scope. Despite projects being unique, common lifecycle models are applied in building the deliverables. But most importantly, scalable and common project management processes are applied effectively on all projects. Regardless of whether one is managing a small or large project, various leadership styles are used. It is very important to understand these styles and their effect in order to become a better and more flexible leader. The most common styles are autocratic, bureaucratic, democratic Laissez-faire and people oriented types of leadership. Others include servant, task-oriented, transactional and transformational. In a project environment, one requires flexibility in these leadership styles since the various phases have got their specific demands that may be different from the other phases. General leadership styles and skills Project managers must show two leadership styles: transformational and transactional. He should give guidance to the team by identifying their role and responsibility in the project. He should give inspiration to them in order to finish the project’s tasks. It has been established that people with outstanding leadership skills turn out to be good in management of projects too. This is because they are visionary, motivating and can bring people together. Above all, they have great accomplishments (Bryman, 1986). Project managers must be competent in the project’s technology and generally how to manage a business entity. This will lead to mutual respect and confidence between him and the other members of the team and administration. Management skills as well as business management competence are essential. The project manager must use sound management skills consistent with the organisation’s management style. The project manager must be alert, quick, a good listener, versatile and above all very flexible. He should be able to adjust any current plan to a better one. Being flexible means having a tough willingness in changing plans to acknowledge current realities for the sake of the project’s successful completion. The project manager must be of good ethics and full of energy. He should adjust to working for over forty hours per week. He should also be always available to the various people involved and interact with them. A good project manager must always be interested in details and possess great optimism with a strong belief that it can be done. He should not assume anything he is not sure of. He should always speak his mind and mean it. In addition, he should regard others as allies and not foes. Respect for other people and acknowledgement of good performance is important. He must always see the bigger picture and keep that perspective. Moreover, he should be interested in knowing why things have to be one in a certain way and not the other. Above all, a good project manager must be both a manager and a leader for a project to be completed successfully (Glanz, 2002). A good project manager must also be a good problem solver. He should be able to handle a situation where he is presented with tough choices to make. Problem solving will involve recognition of the problem and acknowledging that endeavouring to solve the problem is worthwhile. This has to be done with a positive attitude. The next step is defining the problem and clearly understanding it. The third step involves generating alternative solutions for the problem. Finally, one must narrow down the alternatives after a thorough examination of each of them, and then decide (Heerkens, 2001). The project manager must foster teamwork among the members. The most important resource in a project is the team. It is about the people one works with. This team can comprise members from various different departments of the organisation or just one department. The recommended project team comprises members drawn from different organisations. The team has the following responsibilities: To understand the work to be accomplished Planning of the activities in detail if need be Completion of the work assigned within the timeframe, budget, and the desired quality Informing the manager about scope changes, risk, issues and quality concerns Proactive communication of status and management of expectations. A team is formed by people who understand their role. They are led by a project manager who is interested in the success of the project. The project manager is vital. He must display a flexible approach in his leadership style (Lewis, 1995). Leadership style and skills through the phases Regardless of the complexity or scope, all projects go through various phases during their lives. There is initiation where output and essential factors of success are defined. The planning phase, whose principal characteristic involves a break down of the project into smaller manageable units. Next is the execution phase where the planned project is carried out. Finally there is exit phase marking the project completion (Visit Ask, 2004). Initiation This is the initial stage of the project where a clear definition of the project’s scope is done alongside the approach to be employed in delivering the required output. This is where the project management team is chosen basing on their experiences and skills. The project leader must be very flexible to allow a change or overhaul of the scope if need arises. His leadership style should be such that it allows contributions of all the team members for the project to run smoothly. This will make use of the various skills, experiences and talents that will go a long way in delivering a high quality output. Planning This stage involves identifying in detail all the tasks and assigning them. It also involves analyzing risk and defining a criterion for successfully completing every deliverable. This is where the definition of the governing process is done. Identification of stakeholders, period of reporting and the channels are agreed. Business Plans are used in this stage. The project manager should be able to assign tasks and responsibilities to the right people basing on their experience, skills and talents. The project leader should be flexible enough not think he is the most knowledgeable and experienced of all the team members. He should do more of coordination since he is good among equals. The governance process of the project should also avoid rigidity to allow free participation of all members of the team. In as much as it is important to adhere to the time schedule, this should not compromise the quality of the output. The team should therefore have an allowance within its stipulated completion of the various tasks. This will involve extending the time for some tasks while reducing it for others. The plans used in the project should also have contingency alternatives to be used in case of failure of the original. This should be done in consultation with other team members and stakeholders and of course the client. Execution and controlling This is where one ensures proper control and execution of project activities. During this phase, the earlier plan is implemented in solving the particulars of the project’s specifications. When developing the product and system, a design that results in a particular set of product requirements is made. Measurement of the convergence is done using prototypes, tests and a review. During the execution stage, a plan for the final testing, producing and support is made by the various groups in the organisation. Some of the tools employed during this phase include Milestones Reviews and Business Plan. This is a very sensitive area that needs proper teamwork. Models and prototypes are developed and tested. There should be flexibility to allow improvement of the prototype. Again, the skills, talents and experience of the team members should be used for the sake of a good quality project output. Closure This is the final stage of the project. The manager ensures the project is completed properly. A formal project review report is written. It involves the client officially accepting the product, comparing the client specifications with those of the product. Other contents include a reward to the team, lessons learned, release of the project’s resources and an official closing notification to the top management. Conclusion Project management is an important aspect of many organisations. It is therefore important that these projects deliver their desired results within the stipulated period of time. This calls for teamwork among the stakeholders, clients and the project team members. Most importantly, the project team needs to work together. The team leader must therefore ensure the team works together harmoniously. He should therefore adopt a flexible style in leadership to accommodate all the skills, talents and experiences of the members. This will ensure that good quality output is delivered at the end of the project.