Walt Disney Company Context Analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Walt Disney Company Context Analysis - Essay Example His success was not instant; many film distributors laughed at his ideas. He met with constant criticisms and was judged as being an average cartoonist. The actual design of Mickey Mouse was attributed to Iwerks. However, Disney did get credit for his ability to visualize characters and stories. Disney’s earlier films were funded with his own money. Mickey Mouse brought in enough money to allow him to develop other projects. (Walt Disney Company, 2003). His first full-length film, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, opened in 1937 and was a hit. This move produced a line of successful movies. When the 1950s rolled around Americans began to spend more time at home, therefore, he advanced into television. He was seen as an icon after World War II as his innovation brought mouse ears into the homes and lives of children all over the world. He is well known as a visionary of sound animation but also an innovator of the American business model as well. (Kao, 2010). Historical and Geog raphical Elements: Disney has been a very influential force in the entertainment industry, especially for children and families. Walt Disney was born of humble beginnings in 1901 in Chicago. His upbringing has said to of been a great influence on his later middle-class family status. His father, Elias, moved the family throughout the Midwest looking for work. In those days hard work to support a household of five children was prized. However, there was little money left for entertainment. The children were forced to go to work at an early age, and Walt began work at age nine as a newspaper delivery boy. He and his brothers and sisters were given social and religious values from an early age. (The Walt Disney Company, 2003. P.2). He found that he was very talented in art at age 14 so he enrolled at the Kansas City Art Institute. From ages 14 to 16 he signed up to serve as an ambulance driver during World War I. Shortly after the war had ended he found employment as a commercial artis t, and was able to form an animated cartoon company in Kansas City. From there he teamed up with his brother Roy who lived in Hollywood. (The Walt Disney Company, 2003, p.3). Word reached the West Coast shortly after Disney arrived from a company wanting to gain the rights to Disney live action cartoon reels. He took advantage of the business opportunity and joined with M. J. Winkler who offered $1.500 per reel. (The Walt Disney Company, 2003, p.3). From there his career took off. â€Å"Disney studios took full advantage of the small screen revolution of television.† (The Walt Disney Company, 2003, p.3). In 1955 Disneyland opened in Anaheim, California and The Mickey Mouse Club debuted on ABC television. Every kid in American had Mickey Mouse ears. This brought on such movies as The Shaggy Dog and Mary Poppins in 1964, which was a box office hit. The Wonderful World of Disney started in 1955 as well and ran for 20 years. He always demanded professionalism of his employees as well as the highest quality technology available. Walt Disney died in 1966 of cancer, however, his brother vowed to make sure his employees carried on the standards of his work. (The Walt Disney Company, 2003, p.4). Geographically the Walt Disney Parks and Resorts began in California, however, the second one, Walt Disney World Resort founded in Orlando, Florida became the model for the others. The Tokyo Disney Resort was the first to open in another country in 1983 and further expanded in

Examine the Key Influence on Operations Which Contributes to the Business Success Essay Example for Free

Examine the Key Influence on Operations Which Contributes to the Business Success Essay This Report will examine how the major influences on Operations which contribute to the success of the business with focus all of the major eight influences, these include Globalisation, Technology, Environmental Sustainability, Legal Regulations, Corporate Social Responsibility, Quality Expectations, Government Policies and Cost based Competition. This report will also examine the impact of the influences on businesses such as Billabong, Westpac, Holden, Woolworth and Coca-Cola. Globalisation Globalisation is the internationalization of trade and often forces businesses to adopt new strategies for operations to suit different cultures and economies. The often easily saturated domestic market has triggered many large businesses to expand globally for the purpose of increased sales and profits. Globalisation allows businesses to enter new markets, increase the size of their product range and the size of their operations, thus leading to the successful business. One such business that has successfully undergone the process of Globalisation is Billabong. Billabong’s approach in their expansion into foreign markets has allowed the stakeholders of the business to access to the numerous advantages of globalisation, such as the expansion through new markets. New Markets Billabong commenced with global expansion with the aim to increase revenue and profitability as their original domestic niche market became increasing hard to expand, as the surfing demographics geographically was limited to coastal areas. Today, Billabong is a major transnational surfing brand, producing mass customized outputs to meet the demand of the potential customers at the global market. This is done through the Global web strategy, which allowed Billabong to carefully select from a list of appropriate proximity global suppliers which can make up a predictable and reliable supply chain that is highly responsive to changes in demand that will be experienced by the business. It is evident that Billabong has successfully been influenced by Globalisation with over 70% of its revenue being generated from overseas markets. Technology Many business use existing cutting edge technology to design, construct and or apply innovative devices, machinery and methods upon the operations process. The goal is to provide opportunities for their businesses to apply new breakthroughs, innovations, and inventions to both administrative and processing level of Operations, with aims to increase efficiency and logistics in production process, lower prices, increase their market share and a higher return for the business’s shareholders and thus gain competitive advantage in their target market and leading the business a path to success. One particular business that has integrated very well with technology is Woolworths. Woolworthss approach to technology, especially in its processing level has let opportunity for the business to increase efficiency of operations via improving the supply chain management. Woolworths Project refresh was put in place on the operation process in 1999 with aims to increase efficiency via utilising technology and is prove successful. An example of technology used in Woolworth is the IT system called AutoStockR. It is used to forecast when supermarket shelves need to be replenished. This type of technology can effectively prevent stock from running out, which leads to increase of customer satisfaction and reliability on the brand and ultimately leading the business to success. Quality Expectation Consumers are becoming increasing orientated to the marketing process of a business; as a result, customers began to have an expectation to the level of quality that they will receive from the product outputs by businesses. These expectations involve: *Quality of design *Fitness for purpose *Durability An operations manager needs to make sure that the goods produced are of the required quality that is expected by the consumers that is they are safe and reliable. For any businesses not able to achieve the expectations assumed by the customers on the quality of the product produced by the business, can lead to a decline in sales and ultimately business failure. Cost-Based Competition Cost has traditionally being a major influence on all business as all businesses desire to achieve maximum efficiency as it is a vital factor for businesses in order to reach the ultimate goal and success. Businesses sees cost as the key value to success and aims to become as much cost efficient as possible, by implementing a cost-leadership style approach to the operations variable cost or fixed cost ,while maintain the expected profit margin, business is able to gain a competitive advantage over their competitors in their target market. This is called cost-based competition. By determining the break-even point and applying cost saving strategies, to reducing cost, businesses who apply cost-based competition in their operations is able to maximize the profits and lead business to success. Government Policies Regardless of the nation of the business may be operating in, all aspect of any business must comply by the laws and policies of businesses set by the government of that nation in order to success. Political policies often alter business legal regulations and thus leading to business opportunity, such as taxation rates, WHS standards, public safety and health policy, and environment policies all contribute to business success. An example of recent government policy is Carbon Tax. The introduction of the Carbon Tax in 2012 will see many carbon-intensive businesses, such as electricity companies, restructure their operations to more renewable energy sources, as this will reduce business costs and possibly allow them a competitive advantage thus leading business to success. Legal Regulations The legal influence on the business is a complex issue as the legal system with each nation has a fundamental difference on how the legal regulation influences on the operations of a global business. The range of laws set by each individual nation which businesses must comply is collectively termed compliance. The cost of expenses to meet and integrate the legal regulations to meet the compliance is very influential on the business’s cost and ultimately the operations process. In Australia, the legal system recognizes the contemporary issues exists many large industries exploiting their workers and place upon businesses to protect the labor market and the public health and environment. Some of these laws include: *Workers Health and Safety Act:  *Anti-Discrimination and Equal Opportunity Act: *Fair work and Anti-discrimination law Environmental Sustainability As global consumers became increasing aware of the current environmental problems, such as pollution, global businesses are required to identify the key structural changes needed, which may affect demand and supply conditions for their products and eventually their success. This is done through integrating the goals outlined by the environment sustainability laws into their resources and operations planning and practices in order to receive a good image with their target market and maintain their market share which leads the business to success. One of the businesses has completely complied with the legal regulations to sustain the environment is Holden. Holden’s approach to sustain the world environment, such as the integration of the business goals with the goals outlined in the environmental sustainability laws has maintained a good image of the business assumed by the market.To comply with the legal regulations set by the government, and to maintain customer satisfaction, Holden focus on reducing energy, water and waste as operating performance indicators has successfully reduced their carbon footprint demanded by the government and consumers and maintained their market share. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Business in the modern global market extends their objectives from just complying with the legal regulations in their operations to reach maximum financial gain to â€Å"service to society and community† by taking account of their business practices based on the respect for people, community and the broader environment. Businesses who have that change of objectives are aiming to achieve corporate social responsibility. Formerly known as the triple bottom line, corporate social responsibility places same value on profitability with social justice and environmental protection. Businesses with a positive CSR image will gain high reputations among the stakeholders, thus leading to business efficiency and ultimately business success. However, the notion of CSR can also be exploited as a marketing ploy, thus criteria and measures have been established for prevention. Some of these measures are: *Ethical responsibility It is standard for many businesses to operate at the level of legal compliance permissible as it means to maintain cost efficiency and thus maintain profit at a maximum. However for businesses who truly integrate corporate social responsibility into their business practices aims to meet all legal obligations and taking into account broader social, community and environmental concerns. One of the businesses who have taken on ethical responsibility on their business operations practices is Westpac. Westpac demonstrate ethical responsibility in many ways, such as its target of 40% of senior management positions being held by women by 2014. *Environmental Sustainability As mentioned earlier the principle of ecological sustainability requires business to evaluate their operations strategies affected by the environment and produce new and better products in an ecologically sustainable manner as the business focus coincides with stakeholder expectations. For example; Coca-Cola demonstrates corporate social responsibility in regards to environmental sustainability through its extensive water recycling program, which has significantly reduced water wastage at the company’s production facilities in Australia and around the world. This type of CSR actions by Coca-Cola has led the stakeholders’ good impression of the business which ultimately leads to business success. Conclusion This Report has examined how each of the major influences such as: Globalisation, Technology, Environmental Sustainability, Legal Regulations, Corporate Social Responsibility, Quality Expectations, Government Policies and Cost based Competition on Operations contributes to the success of the business. This report also had examined the impact of the influences on the businesses such as Billabong, Westpac, Holden, Woolworth and Coca-Cola.

Policies for the Prevention of Fraud and Mismanagement

Policies for the Prevention of Fraud and Mismanagement PURPOSE The Prevention of Fraud and Mismanagement Policy outlines measures taken by the Institute to prevent fraud and mismanagement. SCOPE This policy applies to all members of staff. STATEMENT Rosary Tertiary Institute is committed to dealing with fraud prevention. The Professional Conduct of Staff is the principle guide for dealing with fraud prevention. It states that staff members are required to inform themselves about fraud controls, to inform the institute if they suspect acts of fraud and that if a staff member commits an act of fraud it will be investigated. This Policy is supported by the Theft, Fraud and Corrupt Conduct Procedure, which summarises the procedures to be used once an allegation of fraud is made to a senior staff member. PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT OF STAFF Staff Responsibilities Rosary Tertiary Institute seeks to create a safe and rewarding learning and working environment based on the principles of the Catholic faith, justice, equity, harmony, tolerance and pursuit of excellence while protecting the resources of the Institute and respect for individuals, the law and the governance of the Institute. In circumstances where staff conduct does not meet the standards set out in this policy and related procedures, senior members of staff may speak with the individual concerned in an attempt to remedy the situation. In cases where the misconduct exceeds the scope of authority, the matter may be referred to the proper civil authority. Personal and Professional Behaviour Staff must uphold the values of the Institute outlined in the Prospectus. Staff must maintain a high standard of conduct and level of performance while demonstrating courtesy, equity and fairness in dealing with staff, students, contractors, visitors and members of the public. The rights, duties and aspirations of others will be respected at all times. Staff must perform their duties in a professional manner with skill, care and diligence and with a proper utilisation of their authority. Staff must treat others fairly and with respect and must not engage in any harassing, bullying or discriminatory behaviour. Staff in administrative positions will maintain, as far as possible, a safe and orderly working environment. Staff must endeavour to ensure that their actions or decisions do not harm the health, safety and well-being of themselves or others, nor affect their work performance or that of others and must comply with the STAC Occupational Health and Safety Standards. Staff in management positions must ensure that all staff have the necessary qualifications to fulfil the responsibilities of the positions they occupy. Staff must ensure that relationships with students are professional, respectful and trusting. Staff must acknowledge that they have a responsibility to protect the interests of students and to acknowledge and resolve any conflicts of interest that may arise; to respect staff-student relationships and to accept the obligations involved in their responsibilities. Institute Finances Staff will maintain the highest standards of integrity in financial matters and, particularly, will comply with the requirements relevant to financial management legislation and the Institutes financial procedures which have been taken from the rule and constitution of the Dominican Sisters of Wanganui. Protection of Institute Resources Staff must utilise and maintain Institute equipment and resources in an economical and efficient manner and exclusively for Institute purposes; Staff must secure Institute equipment and resources against misuse or theft; Staff must follow all procedures governing the use of the Institutes electronic communications systems, and avoid excessive personal use of the Institutes electronic communications systems which incurs additional cost to the Institute. Staff must ensure the protection of the privacy of others and the maintenance of appropriate confidentiality with regard to personal matters and information acquired in the course of their employment and will use information only for purposes related to work Staff must maintain the confidentiality of official and personal information for which they are responsible and take all precautions to prevent all unauthorised access to or misuse of the Institutes records and information Staff must comply with all relevant copyright and records management policies and procedures. Respect for the Law and Tertiary Institute governance Staff must comply with all laws, regulations, codes, policies and procedures. Staff may report to management any behaviour that is in violation of any law, rule or regulation or that represents improper conduct, mismanagement of resources, or is a danger to public health and safety. The Institute does not tolerate improper conduct by Institute Staff or Board members, nor the acceptance of reprisals against those who offer to disclose such conduct. The Institute recognises the value of clarity and accountability in its administrative and management activities and supports the making of disclosures that reveal corrupt and improper conduct. The Institute will take the necessary and practical steps to protect individuals who make disclosures as described above in article 5.4 from any detrimental action in response for making the disclosure. The Institute will protect the confidentiality of the disclosure and the identity of the person who made the disclosure and allow procedural fairness to all parties concerned, including the one who is subject to the disclosure. Staff will not harass or take rash action in response to actual or suspected disclosures or participation in an investigation into such a disclosure. 6. Conflict of Interest 6.1 Staff will act with best interests of the Institute in mind when carrying out the duties of their position and must not allow their private interests or the interests of others inhibit them in this obligation. 7. Gifts 7.1 All gifts to staff will be managed according to the Constitutions of the Dominican Sisters of Wanganui. 8. Academic Integrity 8.1 Staff will maintain a high ethical and academic standard according to the Constitutions of the Dominican Sisters of Wanganui. 9. Misconduct 9.1 The Institute will carry out any necessary disciplinary action for misconduct and unsatisfactory performance according to the Rule and Constitutions of the Dominican Sisters of Wanganui. 9.2 Disciplinary action will be at the discretion of the local Prioress and/ or Mother Prioress General, as per the Rule and Constitutions of the Dominican Sisters of Wanganui. 9.3 Requests for review of a disciplinary action will be managed according to the Rule and Constitutions of the Dominican Sisters of Wanganui. 10. Theft, fraud and corrupt conduct 10.1 The Institute does not tolerate fraud or corrupt activity. 10.2 All staff are required to familiarise themselves with the Rule and Constitutions of the Dominican Sisters of Wanganui and fulfil their duties in accordance with them. 10.3 All Staff are expected to report any suspected fraudulent or corrupt activity to the Director. B.   Theft, Fraud and Corrupt Conduct Procedure 1. Approach to theft, fraud and corrupt conduct 1.1 The Institute is committed to preventing occurrence of theft, fraud and corrupt conduct. This will be achieved through: Risk management strategies Prevention strategies Detection strategies Response strategies 2. Risk Management 2.1 Risk management will be carried out in accordance with RTIs Risk Management Policy. 3. Preventative controls 3.1 To prevent theft, fraud and corrupt conduct, the Institute will have internal controls to avoid this. These will include: financial delegations, lines of authority and accountabilities, segregation of duties, approval processes, etc. 3.3 The Director will inform staff of how to prevent and report suspected fraud and corrupt conduct. 3.4 Supervisors will ensure that the following staff are familiar with and comply with the Rule and Constitutions of the Dominican Sister of Wanganui: Staff delegated to make financial decisions Staff delegated to make staff appointment decisions Staff delegated to manage contracts 3.5 Staff delegated to engage external contractors or suppliers will ensure that the contractors or suppliers are financially sustainable individuals or businesses before engaging their services. 3.6 The Risk Management Team will provide staff with a risk management tool to enable staff responsible for engaging contractors and suppliers to identify the level of risk and the level of critical examination required for each procurement activity. 4. Fraud detection controls 4.1 The Director will analyse the accuracy of all transactions. 4.2 The Director will ensure that those staff with delegated financial duties will analyse transactions for approval of the following: Validity Accuracy Invoice coding Invoices addressed to Rosary Tertiary Institute Goods and services tax (GST) calculations 4.3 The Director will give a monthly account of her receipts and expenditure to the local Prioress and conduct an annual internal financial audit, as per the Constitutions of the Dominican Sisters of Wanganui. 5. Reporting of theft, fraud and corrupt conduct 5.1 A staff member who suspects that an act of theft, fraud or corrupt conduct may be about to occur, is occurring or has occurred must report such suspicions to their head of department, the Director, the local Prioress or the Mother Prioress General. 5.2 On receiving a report of suspected theft, fraud or corrupt conduct, the head of department or Director will: Record the time, date and details of the report made Refer the report (including anonymous reports where there is adequate supporting information) to the local Prioress or Prioress General immediately and before any investigation of such allegations is undertaken. 5.3 Where a report of suspected theft, fraud or corrupt conduct made involves a senior officer of the Institute, the Director will refer the report to the local Prioress or, in case of her unavailability, the Prioress General. 5.4 The Institutes public information will inform individuals who are not staff or students of the Institute how to file a complaint regarding improper conduct, detrimental action or other corrupt conduct or misconduct by the Institute, its staff and its officers. 5.5 Where the local Prioress or Prioress General determine that an allegation as a deliberate false allegation of fraud, theft, or corrupt conduct, the staff member who made the allegation will be dealt with according to the Rule and Constitutions of the Dominican Sisters of Wanganui. 6. Investigation 6.1 The Director will assess whether a report of suspected fraud, theft or corrupt conduct warrants further investigation. 6.2 Where a preliminary investigation of allegations of theft, fraud or corrupt conduct by a staff member is required, the Director will appoint investigation officers and provide them with reference terms. The investigation officers will conduct all investigations according to the Rule and Constitutions of the Dominican Sisters of Wanganui. 6.3 Where an external contractor to the Institute is involved in suspected theft, fraud or corrupt conduct, the Director will notify all departments who have engaged the external contractor and all other relevant areas of the Institute. At the conclusion of the preliminary investigation, the Director may: Take no further action Refer the matter to Legal Services Conduct a full investigation On the advice of the Mother Prioress General, report the theft, fraud or corrupt conduct to the police for further action where evidence of theft or fraud is found to be of a serious nature and a prima facie case has been established. 7. Insurance cover 7.1 The Director is responsible for ensuring that the Institutes management liability insurance coverage is current and will cover the Institute for the risk of loss incurred from theft, fraud or corrupt activity and externally instigated fraud. 8. Statutory reporting requirements 8.1 Where alleged theft, fraud or corrupt conduct have been found to involve the embezzlement of money, stores or property, the Director will report the matter to the Victorian Minister of Tertiary Education and Auditor-General of Victoria as required under the Financial Management Act 1994 (Vic). 9. Review of procedures and controls 9.1 The Director will review internal controls relating to theft, fraud and corrupt conduct. 9.2 The Director will follow up with management responsible for the area affected by theft, fraud or corrupt conduct to ensure that recommendations have been carried out within appropriate timeline. 9.3 In all instances where there is a report of theft, fraud or corrupt conduct, the Director will review the procedures and controls in operation within the department and advise the Director of this review, including any action taken to address any inadequacies discovered. 10. Records 10.1 The Administrator will retain the records of all theft, fraud and corrupt conduct investigations. 11. Confidentiality 11.1 A staff member who is involved in or becomes aware of theft, fraud or corrupt conduct investigation will retain the details and investigation results confidential, subject to the needs of the Institute, the Director and the police during their investigation. 11.2 Staff will not discuss or report any suspected or proven occurrence of theft, fraud or corrupt conduct to the media. PRIVACY POLICY Policy Number Version Number Policy Developer #34 #1 Administrator Approving Body Date of Approval Last Amendment Date RTI Board of Governors 4th March, 2017 4th March, 2017 Last Review Date Next Review Date Status 4th March, 2017 4th March, 2020 Filed This policy has been benchmarked with the Privacy Policy of Eastern College Australia

Invisible Man Essay: Shedding Fear -- Invisible Man Essays

Shedding Fear in Invisible Man      Ã‚  Ã‚   Invisible Man, by Ralph Ellison explores the issues of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness through the protagonist; Invisible Man. Invisible Man is not giving a name.   Ellison explores how unalienable rights cannot be obtained without freedom from the obstacles in life - especially from one's own fears.    Several major characters affect the protagonist. One of the major characters is Dr. Bledsoe, who is the president of the school.   Dr. Bledsoe had a major effect on the main character, because the Protagonist idolizes him.   "He was every thing that I hope to be," (Ellison 99), but the Dr. Bledsoe degrades him when we says "Why, the dumbest black bastard in the cotton patch knows that the only way to please a white man is to tell him a lie" (Emerson 137) and calls him a Nigger.   In addition, the Protagonist grandfather had a major effect on him.      The Protagonist's grandfather last word, "Live in the Lions mouth" (Ellison 16) has a lasting effect on him throughout most of the novel.   Finally and most important, Ras the Destroyer, whom the Protagonist fears whom along with Dr. Bledsoe in a separate encountering calls him "a educated fool" (Ellison 140).      The first encounter of the Protagonist own fears is introduce when his grandfather' s tells the Protagonist to go against the white man by "overcome 'em with yeses" (Emerson 16).   These words haunts the Protagonist when he is kicked out getting kicked out of college.   When Dr. Bledsoe kicks him out of college, the Protagonist reflects on his grandfather last words "undermine 'em with grins, agree 'em to death^"(Emerson 16).   For a moment, the Protagonist wonders if his grandfather might be right.   Howev... ...ld not let him rest.   He states that "I'm an invisible man and it placed me in a hole- or showed me the hole I was in^."(Ellison Epilogue).   This is an effective metaphor, because that is where life left him.   As stated by a German Philosopher, Friedrich Nietzsche, "A snake that does not shed its skin will perish".   The Protagonist realized he must shed his metaphorical skin of fear and denial of being a Negro in order to obtain his unalienable which are rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.   The freedom he obtains through shedding his skin is that he knows he is free to be himself without the fear of not being accepted.    Works Cited Ellison, Ralph.   The Invisible Man.   New York, Vintage Books Latu, Susan.   School Web Site.   1998.   Phillips, Elizabeth C.   "Monarch Notes" Ralph Ellison Invisible Man.   New York, Monarch      

Stefan’s Diaries: The Craving Epilogue

My time in New York clarified the perils of my existence; despite my good intentions, I am dangerous to humans, and my brother is dangerous to everyone. And now? What does the future hold? My days seem to pass like minutes. I suppose this means I'm growing accustomed to the idea of eternity. I have lost so much in the months since I became the creature I now am. But I have gained time. And with time, I gain opportunity. I will see Italy. And the rest of Europe. I will travel the whole world. But I will never make a home among humans again. As for Damon†¦ I believe our road together is long and our story is not over yet. Should one of us ever finally come to his doom, it will only be the other who causes it. And in the background†¦ heralded by the faint perfume of lemon and ginger†¦ will always be Katherine, laughing at both of us. Don't miss the new Vampire Diaries trilogy, The Hunters Read an exclusive sneak peek of the first volume, Phantom! Elena Gilbert stepped onto a smooth expanse of grass, the spongy blades collapsing beneath her feet. Clusters of scarlet roses and violet delphiniums pushed up from the ground while a giant canopy hung above her, twinkling with glowing lanterns. On the terrace in front of her stood two curving white marble fountains that shot sprays of water high into the air. Everything was beautiful, and elegant, and somehow familiar. This is Bloddeuwedd's palace, a voice in her head said. But when she had been here last, the field had been crowded with laughing, dancing partygoers. They were gone now, though signs of their presence remained: empty glasses littering the tables set around the edges of the lawn, a silken shawl tossed over a chair, a lone high-heeled shoe perched on the edge of a fountain. Something else was odd, too. Before, the scene had been lit by the hellish red light that illuminated everything in the Dark Dimension, turning blues to purples, whites to pinks, and pinks to the velvety color of blood. Now a clear white light shone over everything, and a full white moon sailed calmly overhead. A whisper of movement came from behind her, and Elena realized with a start that she wasn't alone after all. A dark figure was suddenly there, approaching her. Damon. Of course it was Damon, Elena thought with a smile. If anyone was going to appear unexpectedly before her, here, at what felt like the end of the world – or at least the hour after a good party had ended – it would be Damon. God, he was so beautiful. Black on black: soft black hair, eyes black as midnight, black jeans, and a smooth leather jacket. As their eyes met, she was so glad to see him that she could hardly breathe. She threw herself into his embrace, clasping him around the neck. She felt the lithe, hard muscles in his arms and chest as he held her tight. â€Å"Damon,† she said, her voice trembling for some reason. Her body was trembling, too, and Damon stroked her arms and shoulders, calming her. â€Å"What is it, princess? Don't tell me you're afraid.† He smirked lazily at her, but his hands were strong and steady. â€Å"I am afraid,† she answered. â€Å"But what are you afraid of?† That left her puzzled for a moment. Then, slowly, putting her cheek against his, she said, â€Å"I'm afraid that this is just a dream.† â€Å"I'll tell you a secret,† he said into her ear. â€Å"You and I are the only real things here. It's everything else that's the dream.† â€Å"Just you and I?† Elena echoed, an uneasy thought nagging at her, as though she was forgetting something – or someone. A fleck of ash landed on her dress, and she absently brushed it away. â€Å"It's just the two of us, Elena,† Damon said sharply. â€Å"You're mine. I'm yours. We've always loved each other, since the beginning of time.† Of course. That must be why she was trembling – it was joy. He was hers. She was his. They belonged together. She whispered one word, â€Å"Yes.† Then he kissed her. His lips were soft as silk, and when the kiss deepened, she tilted her head back, exposing her throat, anticipating the double wasp-sting he'd delivered so many times. When it didn't come, she opened her eyes questioningly. The moon was bright as ever, and the scent of roses hung heavy in the air. But Damon's chiseled features were pale under his dark hair, and more ash had landed on the shoulders of his jacket. All at once, the little doubts that had been niggling at her came into clear focus. Oh, no. Oh, no. â€Å"Damon,† she gasped, looking into his eyes despairingly as tears filled her own. â€Å"You can't be here, Damon. You're†¦ dead.† â€Å"For more than five hundred years, princess.† Damon flashed his blinding smile at her. â€Å"I don't know why it's such a shock to you.† More ash was falling around them, like a fine gray rain. Like the ash Damon's body was buried beneath, worlds and dimensions away. â€Å"Damon, you're†¦ dead now. Not undead, but†¦ gone.† â€Å"No, Elena – â€Å" â€Å"Yes. Yes! I held you as you died†¦.† Elena was sobbing helplessly. She couldn't feel Damon's arms at all now. He was disappearing into shimmering light. â€Å"Listen to me, Elena – † She was holding moonlight. Anguish caught at her heart. â€Å"All you need to do is call for me,† Damon's voice said. â€Å"All you need†¦Ã¢â‚¬  His voice faded into the sound of wind rustling through the trees. Elena's eyes snapped open. The room was full of sunlight, and a huge crow was perched on the sill of her open window. A cloud must have gone over the sun; for a moment, the world was dim. The crow tilted its head to one side and gave another croak, watching her with bright eyes. A cold chill ran down her spine. â€Å"Damon?† she whispered. But the crow just spread its wings and flew away.

The strong and the vigorous in Of Mice and Men essays

The strong and the vigorous in Of Mice and Men essays Strength is not only the quality of being strong. Strength is also the power to resist an attack or stress; it is the ability to maintain a moral or intellectual position firmly. All of these meaning can be seen in the novel Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck. In real life there are also exceptional examples of the different strengths. Mahatma Gandhi is a superlative representation of moral strength; he helped obtain Indias independence by leading his people into a pacific revolution while the British were firing at them with guns. Another exemplification is Maria Isabel Urritia, the Colombian weightlifter, who was strong enough to become an Olympic champion. Different types of strength will be of great advantage in certain situations. Strength is shown in the novel in three different kinds such as moral, physical and the idea of the survival of the strongest. Initially strength is displayed through morality. Making decisions requires a great deal of moral strength because it must be done under conscience and thinking about the consequences. This virtue is portrayed by George as he kills Lennie, And George raised the gun and steadied it, and he brought the muzzle of it close to the back of Lennies head. He pulled the trigger. (Steinbeck, 1937, p.106). Another example of moral strength is doing what is right, and taking charge of your own responsibilities. This concept of taking care of ones obligations is expressed by Slim when he speaks to George after Lennie was shot, Never you mind. A guy got to sometimes.... You hadda George. I swear you hadda... (Steinbeck, 1937, p.107). Helping those who are in need is another decent and honourable example of being morally strong. Through out the novel George takes care of Lennie, he expresses his concern for Lennies well being when he says, ... You try to keep away from him will you? ... Just dont have nothing to do with him... (Stei...