Sunday, December 29, 2019
Disneys Americas Theme Park The Third Battle of Bull Run Free Essay Example, 1000 words
The project would employ engineers, architects and laborers. Also, the existing as well as new markets would provide new job opportunities. The project by the Disney Company was to involve participation of historians and thus it was expected to make a significant educational contribution to the American population (Huh, 2001). Another key player in the project was the state and the local government. The Virginia Governor at the time Mr. George Allen supported the Disneys Prince William Co. project. He saw it as a crucial part for the states economic renaissance. It was apparent that the local community would benefit from thousands of job opportunity and the $47 million per year taxes justified the taxpayers burden of the project development. Among the state legislatures, both support and opposition for the project were evident. The Governor also insisted on the need of the improvement of the road transport through construction of and implementation of existing highways. Debates also in the House and Senate focused on the financial matters and this resulted to an incentive package for the project and approval of $160 million for the road construction (Rich, 1994). We will write a custom essay sample on Disney's America's Theme Park: The Third Battle of Bull Run or any topic specifically for you Only $17.96 $11.86/pageorder now Opponents also played a key role. Those that were in opposition focused on the site choice of the plan instead of whether the theme-park should be availed in Virginia. They also responded to the projections of job creation from both Disney and the Governor arguing that unemployment was high in the Northern Virginia related to the rest of the state. Citizens were also warned of the high cost to them as taxpayers for the infrastructure development which will entail the proposed project. Environmentalists also spearheaded the efforts to protect the site from development. They argued that suburban sprawl threatened the rural landscape, and the hilly topography with the influx of roads, malls and condominiums. They also stated that the presence of new roads and increased traffic would result in more noise and air pollution (Meehan, n.d). After Disney announced their project they undertook the effort to win over the state and the local government. Disney also asked the state to bear some of the costs of the new park. The company entered negotiations with the National Park Service at the Manassas Park and agreed to put the height of its buildings to 140 feet so as they would not be visible outside the park. Disney agreed also to develop a special transit bus system that would cater for transportation of 10 percent of employees and 22 percent of the Disney guests.
Saturday, December 21, 2019
The Economic Life Of John Maynard Keynes - 1155 Words
The Economic Life of John Maynard Keynes Morgan State University Julius Sesay Social Science 101.002 Prof. J Mohan October 4, 2016 Abstract According to my studies, Iââ¬â¢m going to talk about John Maynard Keynes and his economic life. He is one of the most recognizable and influential economist of the 20th Century. For my research, I was summarizing about the life-term history of the worldââ¬â¢s brilliant economist, who made economics possible. The paper will be about how his economic life change the world and how is he well-focused on his learnings from his teachers and professors. The way he was well-known as a wealth expert on saving his money. The important facts about his creation on macroeconomics and what Keynesian economics is all about. The whole aspect of Economics and the Holocaust is going to be about what the true legacy of John Maynard Keynes. Even if Iââ¬â¢m not 100 percent correct, as Keynes would always say, ââ¬Å"It is better to be roughly right than precisely wrong.â⬠Keywords: economics, Holocaust, wealth, Jews, Germans, Keynesian, Maus, goals, predecessors, familes, and bonds; etc. John Maynard Keynes was a great inspiration knowledge profession because at critical times which was the 1930ââ¬â¢s, when with the on-stock of the Market Crash, ââ¬Å"The Great Depressionâ⬠, he saw very little correspondence between orthodox theory and the challenges that society faced. He was born on June 3rd, 1883 in Cambridge, England. His Father,Show MoreRelatedBiography of John Maynard Keynes Essay990 Words à |à 4 PagesThroughout the history of economics, there have been many experts and professors whose ideas and theories have fundamentally affected our thoughts and practices, but none has been as influential on this subject as John Maynard Keynes. He was a British economist who revolutionized economic thinking and to this day his work continues to be appreciated and utilized by many into what is known as ââ¬Å"Keynesian Economics.â⬠John Maynard Keynes was an Englishman born in 1883, who went on to become one of theRead MoreKeynesian Theory And Aggregate Demand1499 Words à |à 6 PagesThe great depression in the 1930ââ¬â¢s devastated the economic market, but also produced two of the greatest economists to ever live, John Maynard Keynes and Friedrich August Hayek. Why did the economist John Maynard Keynes advocate for the government to have an active role with influencing the level of economic activity. This is because Keynes believes that this will stimulate the economic activity and bring the country out of economic drought. Keynesââ¬â¢ theory leads to the government influencing the levelRead MoreKeynes : A Very Short Introduction1578 Words à |à 7 Pagesââ¬Å"Keynes: A Very Short Introductionâ⬠Book Report A philosopher, politician, economist, and much more, John Maynard Keynes had a profound impact on early and mid 20th century society, and continues to have a lasting impression on the economic ideologies and theories of today. Nevertheless, outside of the economic world, Keynesââ¬â¢ name remains a perplexing and unfamiliar one. The biography ââ¬Å"Keynes: A Very Short Introductionâ⬠by Robert Skidelsky explores Keynesââ¬â¢ life and how his economic ideas and theoriesRead More John Maynard Keynes Essay examples4182 Words à |à 17 PagesJohn Maynard Keynes John Maynard Keynes was born in 1883 which means he lived around the same time period as the seven creative individuals which Howard Gardner chose to focus on in his book Creating Minds. I chose to look at the life of Maynard Keynes because it is such a fascinating and diverse one. While entailing some of the same features found in the lives of those Gardner focused on, Maynards life includes a lot of differences and adds some interesting twists as well. It can only beRead MoreAnalysis of New Ideas from Dead Economists Essay1261 Words à |à 6 PagesTodd G. Buchholz defines economics as the study of choice. Economists examine the consequences of the choices people make. The creation and evolution of economics over centuries came from the ideas of four economists: Adam Smith, Thomas Malthus, David Ricardo, John Stuart Mill, Karl Marx, Alfred Marshall and John Maynard Keynes. These well respected economists help the theory of economics grow and become what it is today. Economics started with the ideas of Adam Smith. He is credited as the firstRead MoreThe Weimar years were marked by extraordinary and unrivaled economic, political, and social1600 Words à |à 7 PagesThe Weimar years were marked by extraordinary and unrivaled economic, political, and social struggles and crises. Its beginning was marked as being especially difficult in that Germany was wiped out and devastated after four years of the unprecedented warfare of World War I. By 1918 the world had been shocked with over 8.5 million killed on both Allies and Axis sides and many more severely mangled and scarred ââ¬â body, mind and spirit. This is seen as German Soldier, Ernst Simmel, writes, ââ¬Å"when IRead MoreAnimal Spirits : How Human Psychology Drives The Economy1602 Words à |à 7 Pagesresponsible for this crisis which still has effects upon the entire population from all over the world. Professors George A. Akerlof and Robert J. Shiller are two recognized economists who made numerous pieces of research to emphasize the link between Economics and Psychology. In their book Akerlof and Shiller introduce the concept of ââ¬Å"animal spiritsâ⬠and how the worldââ¬â¢s economy is driven by this. According with their view, these ââ¬Å"animal spiritsâ⬠are composed of: confidence, fairness, antisocial behaviourRead MoreThe Change Of The East India Company Monopoly1478 Words à |à 6 Pagesfriendship networks with well-known economist such as, David Ricardo, Jeremy Bethem, James Mill and Thomas Malthus. At the time, he visited Glasgow; he got a chance to sit on the professorial chair of Adam Smith, and this marked an emotional period in his life. Without a doubt, his perspective of England could not go without observation and criticism of his fresh acquaintances, particularly their view on the East India Company monopoly, as well as, the agricultural protection ism of England via the Corn LawsRead MoreClassical Political Economy Of Social Democracy1288 Words à |à 6 Pages John Maynard Keynes Jose Antonio Cova Principles of Economics (Macro) 2013 Professor Sealey September 27,2014 Keynes, one of the bastions of classical political economy of social democracy, was born in 1883 in Cambridge. After studying at Eton and graduating as an economist at Cambridge University, he went to work in the British India Office. Contact with the performance of the Indian economy was the basis of his first work, the money and finance in India, published in 1913 and well knownRead More Milton Friedman Essay1059 Words à |à 5 Pages Milton Friedman Milton Friedman is known as one of the top economists in the world. He has a Ph. D. from Columbia University, won a Noble Memorial Prize in economics and has also been awarded many honorary degrees by other Universities in the United States. As you can tell, Milton Friedman has played a significant part in helping to solve the economy problems of the world. Youve probably heard all about his accomplishments and awards he has received, but what about how Milton Friedman played
Friday, December 13, 2019
Part Five Chapter III Free Essays
string(72) " was unscrewing the cap of a bottle of vodka and pouring out a measure\." III To Gavinââ¬â¢s disappointment, it seemed that he would have to attend Howard Mollisonââ¬â¢s birthday party after all. If Mary, a client of the firm and the widow of his best friend, had asked him to stay for dinner, he would have considered himself more than justified in skipping it â⬠¦ but Mary had not asked him to stay. She had family visiting, and she had been oddly flustered when he had turned up. We will write a custom essay sample on Part Five Chapter III or any similar topic only for you Order Now She doesnââ¬â¢t want them to know, he thought, taking comfort in her self-consciousness as she ushered him towards the door. He drove back to the Smithy, replaying his conversation with Kay in his mind. I thought he was your best friend. Heââ¬â¢s only been dead a few weeks! Yeah, and I was looking after her for Barry, he retorted in his head, which is what heââ¬â¢d have wanted. Neither of us expected this to happen. Barryââ¬â¢s dead. It canââ¬â¢t hurt him now. Alone in the Smithy he looked out a clean suit for the party, because the invitation said ââ¬Ëformalââ¬â¢, and tried to imagine gossipy little Pagford relishing the story of Gavin and Mary. So what? he thought, staggered by his own bravery. Is she supposed to be alone for ever? It happens. I was looking after her. And in spite of his reluctance to attend a party that was sure to be dull and exhausting, he was buoyed inside by a little bubble of excitement and happiness. Up in Hilltop House, Andrew Price was styling his hair with his motherââ¬â¢s blow-drier. He had never looked forward to a disco or a party as much as he had longed for tonight. He, Gaia and Sukhvinder were being paid by Howard to serve food and drinks at the party. Howard had hired him a uniform for the occasion: a white shirt, black trousers and a bow tie. He would be working alongside Gaia, not as potboy but as a waiter. But there was more to his anticipation than this. Gaia had split up with the legendary Marco de Luca. He had found her crying about it in the back yard of the Copper Kettle that afternoon, when he had gone outside for a smoke. ââ¬ËHis loss,ââ¬â¢ Andrew had said, trying to keep the delight out of his voice. And she had sniffed and said, ââ¬ËCheers, Andy.ââ¬â¢ ââ¬ËYou little poofter,ââ¬â¢ said Simon, when Andrew finally turned off the drier. He had been waiting to say it for several minutes, standing on the dark landing, staring through the gap in the door, which was ajar, watching Andrew preen himself in the mirror. Andrew jumped, then laughed. His good humour discomposed Simon. ââ¬ËLook at you,ââ¬â¢ he jeered, as Andrew passed him on the landing in his shirt and bow tie. ââ¬ËWith your dicky-bow. You look a twat.ââ¬â¢ And youââ¬â¢re unemployed, and I did it to you, dickhead. Andrewââ¬â¢s feelings about what he had done to his father changed almost hourly. Sometimes the guilt would bear down on him, tainting everything, but then it would melt away, leaving him glorying in his secret triumph. Tonight, the thought of it gave extra heat to the excitement burning beneath Andrewââ¬â¢s thin white shirt, an additional tingle to the goose-flesh caused by the rush of evening air as he sped, on Simonââ¬â¢s racing bike, down the hill into town. He was excited, full of hope. Gaia was available and vulnerable. Her father lived in Reading. Shirley Mollison was standing in a party dress outside the church hall when he cycled up, tying giant gold helium balloons in the shapes of fives and sixes to the railings. ââ¬ËHello, Andrew,ââ¬â¢ she trilled. ââ¬ËBike away from the entrance, please.ââ¬â¢ He wheeled it along to the corner, passing a brand-new, racing green BMW convertible parked feet away. He walked around the car on his way inside, taking in the luxurious inner fittings. ââ¬ËAnd hereââ¬â¢s Andy!ââ¬â¢ Andrew saw at once that his bossââ¬â¢s good humour and excitement were equal to his own. Howard was striding down the hall, wearing an immense velvet dinner jacket; he resembled a conjuror. There were only five or six other people dotted around: the party would not start for twenty minutes. Blue, white and gold balloons had been fastened up everywhere. There was a massive trestle table largely covered in plates draped with tea-towels, and at the top of the hall a middle-aged DJ setting up his equipment. ââ¬ËGo help Maureen, Andy, will you?ââ¬â¢ She was laying out glasses at one end of the long table, caught gaudily in a stream of light from an overhead lamp. ââ¬ËDonââ¬â¢t you look handsome!ââ¬â¢ she croaked as he approached. She was wearing a scant, stretchy shiny dress that revealed every contour of the bony body to which unexpected little rolls and pads of flesh still clung, exposed by the unforgiving fabric. From somewhere out of sight came a small ââ¬Ëhiââ¬â¢; Gaia was crouching over a box of plates on the floor. ââ¬ËGlasses out of boxes, please, Andy,ââ¬â¢ said Maureen, ââ¬Ëand set them up here, where weââ¬â¢re having the bar.ââ¬â¢ He did as he was told. As he unpacked the box, a woman he had never seen before approached, carrying several bottles of champagne. ââ¬ËThese should go in the fridge, if there is one.ââ¬â¢ She had Howardââ¬â¢s straight nose, Howardââ¬â¢s big blue eyes and Howardââ¬â¢s curly fair hair, but whereas his features were womanish, softened by fat, his daughter ââ¬â she had to be his daughter ââ¬â was unpretty yet striking, with low brows, big eyes and a cleft chin. She was wearing trousers and an open-necked silk shirt. After dumping the bottles onto the table she turned away. Her demeanour, and something about the quality of her clothing, made Andrew sure that she was the owner of the BMW outside. ââ¬ËThatââ¬â¢s Patricia,ââ¬â¢ whispered Gaia in his ear, and his skin tingled again as though she carried an electric charge. ââ¬ËHowardââ¬â¢s daughter.ââ¬â¢ ââ¬ËYeah, I thought so,ââ¬â¢ he said, but he was much more interested to see that Gaia was unscrewing the cap of a bottle of vodka and pouring out a measure. You read "Part Five Chapter III" in category "Essay examples" As he watched, she drank it straight off with a little shudder. She had barely replaced the top when Maureen reappeared beside them with an ice bucket. ââ¬ËBloody old slapper,ââ¬â¢ said Gaia, as Maureen walked away, and Andrew smelt the spirits on her breath. ââ¬ËLook at the state of her.ââ¬â¢ He laughed, turned and stopped abruptly, because Shirley was right beside them, smiling her pussycat smile. ââ¬ËHas Miss Jawanda not arrived yet?ââ¬â¢ she asked. ââ¬ËSheââ¬â¢s on her way, she just texted me,ââ¬â¢ said Gaia. But Shirley did not really care where Sukhvinder was. She had overheard Andrew and Gaiaââ¬â¢s little exchange about Maureen, and it had completely restored the good mood that had been dented by Maureenââ¬â¢s evident delight in her own toilette. It was difficult to satisfactorily puncture self-esteem so obtuse, so deluded, but as Shirley walked away from the teenagers towards the DJ, she planned what she would say to Howard the next time she saw him alone. Iââ¬â¢m afraid the young ones were, well, laughing at Maureen â⬠¦ itââ¬â¢s such a pity she wore that dress â⬠¦ I hate seeing her make a fool of herself. There was plenty to be pleased about, Shirley reminded herself, for she needed a little bolstering tonight. She and Howard and Miles were all going to be on the council together; it would be marvellous, simply marvellous. She checked that the DJ knew that Howardââ¬â¢s favourite song was ââ¬ËThe Green, Green Grass of Homeââ¬â¢, Tom Jonesââ¬â¢ version, and looked around for more little jobs to do: but instead her gaze fell upon the reason that her happiness, tonight, had not quite that perfect quality she had anticipated. Patricia was standing alone, staring up at the Pagford coat of arms on the wall, and making no effort to talk to anybody. Shirley wished that Patricia would wear a skirt sometimes; but at least she had arrived alone. Shirley had been afraid that the BMW might contain another person, and that absence was something gained. You werenââ¬â¢t supposed to dislike your own child; you were supposed to like them no matter what, even if they were not what you wanted, even if they turned out to be the kind of person that you would have crossed the street to avoid had you not been related. Howard took a large view of the whole matter; he even joked about it, in a mild way, beyond Patriciaââ¬â¢s hearing. Shirley could not rise to those heights of detachment. She felt compelled to join Patricia, in the vague, unconscious hope that she might dilute the strangeness she was afraid everyone else would smell by her own exemplary dress and behaviour. ââ¬ËDo you want a drink, darling?ââ¬â¢ ââ¬ËNot yet,ââ¬â¢ said Patricia, still staring up at the Pagford arms. ââ¬ËI had a heavy night last night. Probably still over the limit. We were out drinking with Mellyââ¬â¢s office pals.ââ¬â¢ Shirley smiled vaguely up at the crest above them. ââ¬ËMellyââ¬â¢s fine, thanks for asking,ââ¬â¢ said Patricia. ââ¬ËOh, good,ââ¬â¢ said Shirley. ââ¬ËI liked the invitation,ââ¬â¢ said Patricia. ââ¬ËPat and guest.ââ¬â¢ ââ¬ËIââ¬â¢m sorry, darling, but thatââ¬â¢s just what you put, you know, when people arenââ¬â¢t married ââ¬â ââ¬Ë ââ¬ËAh, thatââ¬â¢s what it says in Debrettââ¬â¢s, does it? Well, Melly didnââ¬â¢t want to come if she wasnââ¬â¢t even named on the invitation, so we had a massive row, and here I am, alone. Result, eh?ââ¬â¢ Patricia stalked away towards the drinks, leaving Shirley a little shaken behind her. Patriciaââ¬â¢s rages had been frightening even as a child. ââ¬ËYouââ¬â¢re late, Miss Jawanda,ââ¬â¢ she called, recovering her composure as a flustered Sukhvinder came hurrying towards her. In Shirleyââ¬â¢s opinion, the girl was demonstrating a kind of insolence turning up at all, after what her mother had said to Howard, here, in this very hall. She watched her hurry to join Andrew and Gaia, and thought that she would tell Howard that they ought to let Sukhvinder go. She was tardy, and there was probably a hygiene issue with the eczema she was hiding under the long-sleeved black T-shirt; Shirley made a mental note to check whether it was contagious, on her favourite medical website. Guests began to arrive promptly at eight oââ¬â¢clock. Howard told Gaia to come and stand beside him and collect coats, because he wanted everyone to see him ordering her around by name, in that little black dress and frilly apron. But there were soon too many coats for her to carry alone, so he summoned Andrew to help. ââ¬ËNick a bottle,ââ¬â¢ Gaia ordered Andrew, as they hung coats three and four deep in the tiny cloakroom, ââ¬Ëand hide it in the kitchen. We can take it in turns to go and have some.ââ¬â¢ ââ¬ËOK,ââ¬â¢ said Andrew, elated. ââ¬ËGavin!ââ¬â¢ cried Howard, as his sonââ¬â¢s partner came through the door alone at half-past eight. ââ¬ËKay not with you, Gavin?ââ¬â¢ asked Shirley swiftly (Maureen was changing into sparkly stilettos behind the trestle table, so there was very little time to steal a march on her). ââ¬ËNo, she couldnââ¬â¢t make it, unfortunately,ââ¬â¢ said Gavin; then, to his horror, he came face to face with Gaia, who was waiting to take his coat. ââ¬ËMum could have made it,ââ¬â¢ said Gaia, in a clear, carrying voice, as she glared at him. ââ¬ËBut Gavinââ¬â¢s dumped her, havenââ¬â¢t you, Gav?ââ¬â¢ Howard clapped Gavin on the shoulder, pretending he had not heard, and boomed, ââ¬ËGreat to see you, go get yourself a drink.ââ¬â¢ Shirleyââ¬â¢s expression remained impassive, but the thrill of the moment did not subside quickly, and she was a little dazed and dreamy, greeting the next few guests. When Maureen tottered over in her awful dress to join the greeting party, Shirley took immense pleasure in telling her quietly: ââ¬ËWeââ¬â¢ve had a very awkward little scene. Very awkward. Gavin and Gaiaââ¬â¢s mother â⬠¦ oh, dear â⬠¦ if weââ¬â¢d known â⬠¦Ã¢â¬â¢ ââ¬ËWhat? Whatââ¬â¢s happened?ââ¬â¢ But Shirley shook her head, savouring the exquisite pleasure of Maureenââ¬â¢s frustrated curiosity, and opened her arms wide as Miles, Samantha and Lexie entered the hall. ââ¬ËHere he is! Parish Councillor Miles Mollison!ââ¬â¢ Samantha watched Shirley hugging Miles as though from a great distance. She had moved so abruptly from happiness and anticipation to shock and disappointment that her thoughts had become white noise, against which she had to fight to take in the exterior world. (Miles had said: ââ¬ËThatââ¬â¢s great! You can come to Dadââ¬â¢s party, you were only just saying ââ¬â ââ¬Ë ââ¬ËYes,ââ¬â¢ she had replied, ââ¬ËI know. It is great, isnââ¬â¢t it?ââ¬â¢ But when he had seen her dressed in the jeans and band T-shirt she had been visualizing herself in for over a week, he had been perplexed. ââ¬ËItââ¬â¢s formal.ââ¬â¢ ââ¬ËMiles, itââ¬â¢s the church hall in Pagford.ââ¬â¢ ââ¬ËI know, but the invitation ââ¬â ââ¬Ë ââ¬ËIââ¬â¢m wearing this.ââ¬â¢) ââ¬ËHello, Sammy,ââ¬â¢ said Howard. ââ¬ËLook at you. You neednââ¬â¢t have dressed up.ââ¬â¢ But his embrace was as lascivious as ever, and he patted her tightly jeaned backside. Samantha gave Shirley a cold tight smile and walked past her towards the drinks. A nasty voice inside her head was asking: but what did you think was going to happen at the concert, anyway? What was the point? What were you after? Nothing. A bit of fun. The dream of strong young arms and laughter, which was to have had some kind of catharsis tonight; her own thin waist encircled again, and the sharp taste of the new, the unexplored; her fantasy had lost wings, it was plummeting back to earth â⬠¦ I only wanted to look. ââ¬ËLooking good, Sammy.ââ¬â¢ ââ¬ËCheers, Pat.ââ¬â¢ She had not met her sister-in-law for over a year. I like you more than anyone else in this family, Pat. Miles had caught up with her; he kissed his sister. ââ¬ËHow are you? Howââ¬â¢s Mel? Isnââ¬â¢t she here?ââ¬â¢ ââ¬ËNo, she didnââ¬â¢t want to come,ââ¬â¢ said Patricia. She was drinking champagne, but from her expression, it might have been vinegar. ââ¬ËThe invitation said Pat and guest are invited â⬠¦ huge bloody row. One up to Mum.ââ¬â¢ ââ¬ËOh, Pat, come on,ââ¬â¢ said Miles, smiling. ââ¬ËOh, Pat, fucking come on what, Miles?ââ¬â¢ A furious delight took hold of Samantha: a pretext to attack. ââ¬ËThatââ¬â¢s a bloody rude way to invite your sisterââ¬â¢s partner and you know it, Miles. Your mother could do with some lessons in manners, if you ask me.ââ¬â¢ He was fatter, surely, than he had been a year ago. She could see his neck bulging over the collar of his shirt. His breath went sour quickly. He had a little trick of bouncing on his toes that he had caught from his father. She experienced a surge of physical disgust and walked away to the end of the trestle table, where Andrew and Sukhvinder were busy filling and handing out glasses. ââ¬ËHave you got any gin?ââ¬â¢ Samantha asked. ââ¬ËGive me a big one.ââ¬â¢ She barely recognized Andrew. He poured her a measure, trying not to look at her breasts, boundlessly exposed in the T-shirt, but it was like trying not to squint in direct sunlight. ââ¬ËDo you know them?ââ¬â¢ Samantha asked, after downing half a glass of gin and tonic. A blush had risen before Andrew could marshal his thoughts. To his horror, she gave a reckless cackle, and said, ââ¬ËThe band. Iââ¬â¢m talking about the band.ââ¬â¢ ââ¬ËYeah, I ââ¬â yeah, Iââ¬â¢ve heard of them. I donââ¬â¢t â⬠¦ not my kind of thing.ââ¬â¢ ââ¬ËIs that right?ââ¬â¢ she said, throwing back the rest of her drink. ââ¬ËIââ¬â¢ll have another one of those, please.ââ¬â¢ She realized who he was: the mousy boy from the delicatessen. His uniform made him look older. Maybe a couple of weeks of lugging pallets up and down the cellar steps had built some muscle. ââ¬ËOh, look,ââ¬â¢ said Samantha, spotting a figure heading away from her into the growing crowd, ââ¬Ëthereââ¬â¢s Gavin. The second most boring man in Pagford. After my husband, obviously.ââ¬â¢ She strode off, pleased with herself, holding her new drink; the gin had hit her where she most needed it, anaesthetizing and stimulating at the same time, and as she walked she thought: he liked my tits; letââ¬â¢s see what he thinks of my arse. Gavin saw Samantha coming and tried to deflect her by joining somebody elseââ¬â¢s conversation, anybodyââ¬â¢s; the nearest person was Howard and he insinuated himself hastily into the group around his host. ââ¬ËI took a risk,ââ¬â¢ Howard was saying to three other men; he was waving a cigar, and a little ash had dribbled down the front of his velvet jacket. ââ¬ËI took a risk and I put in the graft. Simple as that. No magic formula. Nobody handed me ââ¬â oh, hereââ¬â¢s Sammy. Who are those young men, Samantha?ââ¬â¢ While four elderly men stared at the pop group stretched across her breasts, Samantha turned to Gavin. ââ¬ËHi,ââ¬â¢ she said, leaning in and forcing him to kiss her. ââ¬ËKay not here?ââ¬â¢ ââ¬ËNo,ââ¬â¢ said Gavin shortly. ââ¬ËTalking about business, Sammy,ââ¬â¢ said Howard happily, and Samantha thought of her shop, failed and finished. ââ¬ËI was a self-starter,ââ¬â¢ he informed the group, reprising what was clearly an established theme. ââ¬ËThatââ¬â¢s all there is to it. Thatââ¬â¢s all you need. I was a self-starter.ââ¬â¢ Massive and globular, he was like a miniature velvety sun, radiating satisfaction and contentment. His tones were already rounded and mellowed by the brandy in his hand. ââ¬ËI was ready to take a risk ââ¬â couldââ¬â¢ve lost everything.ââ¬â¢ ââ¬ËWell, your mum could have lost everything,ââ¬â¢ Samantha corrected him. ââ¬ËDidnââ¬â¢t Hilda mortgage her house to put up half the deposit on the shop?ââ¬â¢ She saw the tiny flicker in Howardââ¬â¢s eyes, but his smile remained constant. ââ¬ËAll credit to my mother, then,ââ¬â¢ he said, ââ¬Ëfor working and scrimping and saving, and giving her son a start. I multiply what I was given, and I give back to the family ââ¬â pay for your girls to go to St Anneââ¬â¢s ââ¬â what goes round, comes round, eh, Sammy?ââ¬â¢ She expected this from Shirley, but not from Howard. Both of them drained their glasses, and Samantha watched Gavin drift away without trying to stop him. Gavin was wondering whether it would be possible to slip out unnoticed. He was nervous, and the noise was making it worse. A horrible idea had taken possession of him since meeting Gaia at the door. What if Kay had told her daughter everything? What if the girl knew that he was in love with Mary Fairbrother, and told other people? It was the sort of thing that a vengeful sixteen-year-old might do. The very last thing he wanted was for Pagford to know that he was in love with Mary before he had a chance to tell her himself. He had imagined doing it months and months hence, perhaps a year down the line â⬠¦ letting the first anniversary of Barryââ¬â¢s death slip by â⬠¦ and, in the mean time, nurturing the tiny shoots of trust and reliance that were already there, so that the reality of her feelings stole gradually upon her, as they had upon him â⬠¦ ââ¬ËYou havenââ¬â¢t got a drink, Gav!ââ¬â¢ said Miles. ââ¬ËThat situation must be remedied!ââ¬â¢ He led his partner firmly to the drinks table and poured him a beer, talking all the while, and, like Howard, giving off an almost visible glow of happiness and pride. ââ¬ËYou heard I won the seat?ââ¬â¢ Gavin had not, but he did not feel equal to feigning surprise. ââ¬ËYeah. Congratulations.ââ¬â¢ ââ¬ËHowââ¬â¢s Mary?ââ¬â¢ asked Miles expansively; he was a friend to the whole town tonight, because it had elected him. ââ¬ËShe doing OK?ââ¬â¢ ââ¬ËYeah, I think ââ¬â ââ¬Ë ââ¬ËI heard she might be going to Liverpool. Might be for the best.ââ¬â¢ ââ¬ËWhat?ââ¬â¢ said Gavin sharply. ââ¬ËMaureen was saying this morning; apparently, Maryââ¬â¢s sisterââ¬â¢s trying to persuade Mary to go home with the kids. Sheââ¬â¢s still got a lot of family in Liver ââ¬â ââ¬Ë ââ¬ËThis is her home.ââ¬â¢ ââ¬ËI think it was Barry who liked Pagford. Iââ¬â¢m not sure Mary will want to stay without him.ââ¬â¢ Gaia was watching Gavin through a chink in the kitchen door. She was clutching a paper cup containing several fingers of the vodka that Andrew had stolen for her. ââ¬ËHeââ¬â¢s such a bastard,ââ¬â¢ she said. ââ¬ËWeââ¬â¢d still be in Hackney if he hadnââ¬â¢t led Mum on. Sheââ¬â¢s so bloody stupid. I could have told her he wasnââ¬â¢t that interested. He never took her out. He couldnââ¬â¢t wait to leave after theyââ¬â¢d shagged.ââ¬â¢ Andrew, who was piling additional sandwiches on an almost empty platter behind her, could hardly believe that she was using words like shagged. The chimeric Gaia who filled his fantasies was a sexually inventive and adventurous virgin. He did not know what the real Gaia had done, or not done, with Marco de Luca. Her judgement on her mother made it sound as if she knew how men behaved after sex, if they were interested â⬠¦ ââ¬ËDrink something,ââ¬â¢ she told Andrew as he approached the door with the platter, and she held up her own polystyrene cup to his lips, and he drank some of her vodka. Giggling a little, she backed away to let him out and called after him: ââ¬ËMake Sooks come in here and get some!ââ¬â¢ The hall was crowded and noisy. Andrew put the pile of fresh sandwiches on the table, but interest in the food seemed to have waned; Sukhvinder was struggling to keep up with demand at the drinks table, and many people had started pouring their own. ââ¬ËGaia wants you in the kitchen,ââ¬â¢ Andrew told Sukhvinder, and he took over from her. There was no point acting like a bartender; instead, he filled as many glasses as he could find, and left them on the table for people to help themselves. ââ¬ËHi, Peanut!ââ¬â¢ said Lexie Mollison. ââ¬ËCan I have some champagne?ââ¬â¢ They had been at St Thomasââ¬â¢s together, but he had not seen her for a long time. Her accent had changed since she had been at St Anneââ¬â¢s. He hated being called Peanut. ââ¬ËItââ¬â¢s there in front of you,ââ¬â¢ he said, pointing. ââ¬ËLexie, youââ¬â¢re not drinking,ââ¬â¢ snapped Samantha, appearing out of the crowd. ââ¬ËAbsolutely not.ââ¬â¢ ââ¬ËGrandad said ââ¬â ââ¬Ë ââ¬ËI donââ¬â¢t care.ââ¬â¢ ââ¬ËEveryone else ââ¬â ââ¬Ë ââ¬ËI said no!ââ¬â¢ Lexie stomped away. Andrew, glad to see her go, smiled at Samantha, and was surprised when she beamed at him. ââ¬ËDo you talk back to your parents?ââ¬â¢ ââ¬ËYeah,ââ¬â¢ he said, and she laughed. Her breasts really were enormous. ââ¬ËLadies and gentlemen!ââ¬â¢ boomed a voice through the microphone, and everyone stopped talking to listen to Howard. ââ¬ËWanted to say a few words â⬠¦ most of you probably know by now that my son Miles has just been elected to the Parish Council!ââ¬â¢ There was a smattering of applause and Miles raised his drink high above his head to acknowledge it. Andrew was startled to hear Samantha say quite clearly under her breath, ââ¬ËHoo-fucking-ray.ââ¬â¢ Nobody was coming for drinks now. Andrew slipped back into the kitchen. Gaia and Sukhvinder were alone in there, drinking and laughing, and when they saw Andrew they both shouted, ââ¬ËAndy!ââ¬â¢ He laughed too. ââ¬ËAre you both pissed?ââ¬â¢ ââ¬ËYes,ââ¬â¢ said Gaia, and ââ¬Ëno,ââ¬â¢ said Sukhvinder. ââ¬ËShe is, though.ââ¬â¢ ââ¬ËI donââ¬â¢t care,ââ¬â¢ said Gaia. ââ¬ËMollison can sack me if he wants. No point saving up for a ticket to Hackney any more.ââ¬â¢ ââ¬ËHe wonââ¬â¢t sack you,ââ¬â¢ said Andrew, helping himself to some of the vodka. ââ¬ËYouââ¬â¢re his favourite.ââ¬â¢ ââ¬ËYeah,ââ¬â¢ said Gaia. ââ¬ËCreepy old bastard.ââ¬â¢ And the three of them laughed again. Through the glass doors, amplified by the microphone, came Maureenââ¬â¢s croaky voice. ââ¬ËCome on, then, Howard! Come on ââ¬â a duet for your birthday! Go on ââ¬â ladies and gentlemen ââ¬â Howardââ¬â¢s favourite song!ââ¬â¢ The teenagers gazed at each other in tantalized horror. Gaia tripped forward, giggling, and pushed the door open. The first few bars of ââ¬ËThe Green, Green Grass of Homeââ¬â¢ blared out, and then, in Howardââ¬â¢s bass and Maureenââ¬â¢s gravelly alto: The old home town looks the same, As I step down from the train â⬠¦ Gavin was the only one who heard the giggles and snorts, but when he turned around all he saw were the double doors to the kitchen, swinging a little on their hinges. Miles had left to chat with Aubrey and Julia Fawley, who had arrived late, wreathed in polite smiles. Gavin was in the grip of a familiar mixture of dread and anxiety. His brief sunlit haze of freedom and happiness had been overcast by the twin threats of Gaia blabbing what he had said to her mother, and of Mary leaving Pagford for ever. What was he going to do? Down the lane I walk, with my sweet Mary, Hair of gold and lips like cherries â⬠¦ ââ¬ËKay not here?ââ¬â¢ Samantha had arrived, leaning against the table beside him, smirking. ââ¬ËYou already asked me that,ââ¬â¢ said Gavin. ââ¬ËNo.ââ¬â¢ ââ¬ËEverything OK with you two?ââ¬â¢ ââ¬ËIs that really any of your business?ââ¬â¢ It slipped out of him before he could stop it; he was sick of her constant probing and jeering. For once, it was just the two of them; Miles was still busy with the Fawleys. She over-acted being taken aback. Her eyes were bloodshot and her speech was deliberate; for the first time, Gavin felt more dislike than intimidation. ââ¬ËIââ¬â¢m sorry. I was only ââ¬â ââ¬Ë ââ¬ËAsking. Yeah,ââ¬â¢ he said, as Howard and Maureen swayed, arm in arm. ââ¬ËIââ¬â¢d like to see you settled down. You and Kay seemed good together.ââ¬â¢ ââ¬ËYeah, well, I like my freedom,ââ¬â¢ said Gavin. ââ¬ËI donââ¬â¢t know many happily married couples.ââ¬â¢ Samantha had drunk too much to feel the full force of the dig, but she had the impression that one had been made. ââ¬ËMarriages are always a mystery to outsiders,ââ¬â¢ she said carefully. ââ¬ËNobody can ever really know except the two people involved. So you shouldnââ¬â¢t judge, Gavin.ââ¬â¢ ââ¬ËThanks for the insight,ââ¬â¢ he said, and irritated past endurance he set down his empty beer can and headed towards the cloakroom. Samantha watched him leave, sure that she had had the best of the encounter, and turned her attention to her mother-in-law, whom she could see through a gap in the crowd, watching Howard and Maureen sing. Samantha relished Shirleyââ¬â¢s anger, which was expressed in the tightest, coldest smile she had worn all evening. Howard and Maureen had performed together many a time over the years; Howard loved to sing, and Maureen had once performed backing vocals for a local skiffle band. When the song finished, Shirley clapped her hands together once; she might have been summoning a flunkey, and Samantha laughed out loud and moved along to the bar end of the table, which she was disappointed to find unmanned by the boy in the bow tie. Andrew, Gaia and Sukhvinder were still convulsed in the kitchen. They laughed because of Howard and Maureenââ¬â¢s duet, and because they had finished two-thirds of the vodka, but mostly they laughed because they laughed, feeding off each other until they could barely stand. The little window over the sink, propped ajar so that the kitchen did not become too steamy, rattled and clattered, and Fatsââ¬â¢ head appeared through it. ââ¬ËEvening,ââ¬â¢ he said. Evidently he had climbed onto something outside, because, with a noise of scraping and a heavy object falling over, more and more of him emerged through the window until he landed heavily on the draining board, knocking several glasses to the ground, where they shattered. Sukhvinder walked straight out of the kitchen. Andrew knew immediately that he did not want Fats there. Only Gaia seemed unperturbed. Still giggling, she said, ââ¬ËThereââ¬â¢s a door, you know.ââ¬â¢ ââ¬ËNo shit?ââ¬â¢ said Fats. ââ¬ËWhereââ¬â¢s the drink?ââ¬â¢ ââ¬ËThis is ours,ââ¬â¢ said Gaia, cradling the vodka in her arms. ââ¬ËAndy nicked it. Youââ¬â¢ll have to get your own.ââ¬â¢ ââ¬ËNot a problem,ââ¬â¢ said Fats coolly, and he walked through the doors into the hall. ââ¬ËNeed the loo â⬠¦Ã¢â¬â¢ mumbled Gaia, and she stowed the vodka bottle back under the sink, and left the kitchen too. Andrew followed. Sukhvinder had returned to the bar area, Gaia was disappearing into the bathroom, and Fats was leaning against the trestle table with a beer in one hand and a sandwich in the other. ââ¬ËDidnââ¬â¢t think youââ¬â¢d want to come to this,ââ¬â¢ said Andrew. ââ¬ËI was invited, mate,ââ¬â¢ said Fats. ââ¬ËIt was on the invitation. Whole Wall family.ââ¬â¢ ââ¬ËDoes Cubby know youââ¬â¢re here?ââ¬â¢ ââ¬ËDunno,ââ¬â¢ said Fats. ââ¬ËHeââ¬â¢s in hiding. Didnââ¬â¢t get olââ¬â¢ Barryââ¬â¢s seat after all. The whole social fabricââ¬â¢ll collapse now Cubbyââ¬â¢s not holding it together. Fucking hell, thatââ¬â¢s horrible,ââ¬â¢ he added, spitting out a mouthful of sandwich. ââ¬ËWanna fag?ââ¬â¢ The hall was so noisy, and the guests so raucously drunk, that nobody seemed to care where Andrew went any more. When they got outside, they found Patricia Mollison, alone beside her sports car, looking up at the clear starry sky, smoking. ââ¬ËYou can have one of these,ââ¬â¢ she said, offering her packet, ââ¬Ëif you want.ââ¬â¢ After she had lit their cigarettes, she stood at her ease with one hand balled deep in her pocket. There was something about her that Andrew found intimidating; he could not even bring himself to glance at Fats, to gauge his reaction. ââ¬ËIââ¬â¢m Pat,ââ¬â¢ she told them, after a little while. ââ¬ËHoward and Shirleyââ¬â¢s daughter.ââ¬â¢ ââ¬ËHi,ââ¬â¢ said Andrew. â⬠M Andrew.ââ¬â¢ ââ¬ËStuart,ââ¬â¢ said Fats. She did not seem to need to prolong conversation. Andrew felt it as a kind of compliment and tried to emulate her indifference. The silence was broken by footsteps and the sound of muffled girlsââ¬â¢ voices. Gaia was dragging Sukhvinder outside by the hand. She was laughing, and Andrew could tell that the full effect of the vodka was still intensifying inside her. ââ¬ËYou,ââ¬â¢ said Gaia, to Fats, ââ¬Ëare really horrible to Sukhvinder.ââ¬â¢ ââ¬ËStop it,ââ¬â¢ said Sukhvinder, tugging against Gaiaââ¬â¢s hand. ââ¬ËIââ¬â¢m serious ââ¬â let me ââ¬â ââ¬Ë ââ¬ËHe is!ââ¬â¢ said Gaia breathlessly. ââ¬ËYou are! Do you put stuff on her Facebook?ââ¬â¢ ââ¬ËStop it!ââ¬â¢ shouted Sukhvinder. She wrenched herself free and plunged back inside the party. ââ¬ËYou are horrible to her,ââ¬â¢ said Gaia, grabbing onto the railings for support. ââ¬ËCalling her a lesbian and stuff â⬠¦Ã¢â¬â¢ ââ¬ËNothing wrong with being a lesbian,ââ¬â¢ said Patricia, her eyes narrowed through the smoke she was inhaling. ââ¬ËBut then, I would say that.ââ¬â¢ Andrew saw Fats look at Pat sideways. ââ¬ËI never said there was anything wrong with it. Itââ¬â¢s only jokes,ââ¬â¢ he said. Gaia slid down the rails to sit on the chilly pavement, her head in her arms. ââ¬ËYou all right?ââ¬â¢ Andrew asked. If Fats had not been there, he would have sat down too. ââ¬ËPissed,ââ¬â¢ she muttered. ââ¬ËMight do better to stick your fingers down your throat,ââ¬â¢ suggested Patricia, looking down at her dispassionately. ââ¬ËNice car,ââ¬â¢ Fats said, eyeing the BMW. ââ¬ËYeah,ââ¬â¢ said Patricia. ââ¬ËNew. I make double what my brother makes,ââ¬â¢ she said, ââ¬Ëbut Miles is the Christ Child. Miles the Messiah â⬠¦ Parish Councillor Mollison the Second â⬠¦ of Pagford. Do you like Pagford?ââ¬â¢ she asked Fats, while Andrew watched Gaia breathing deeply, her head between her knees. ââ¬ËNo,ââ¬â¢ said Fats. ââ¬ËItââ¬â¢s a shithole.ââ¬â¢ ââ¬ËYeah, well â⬠¦ I couldnââ¬â¢t wait to leave, personally. Did you know Barry Fairbrother?ââ¬â¢ ââ¬ËA bit,ââ¬â¢ said Fats. Something in his voice made Andrew worried. ââ¬ËHe was my reading mentor at St Thomasââ¬â¢s,ââ¬â¢ said Patricia, with her eyes still on the end of the street. ââ¬ËLovely bloke. I would have come back for the funeral, but Melly and I were in Zermatt. Whatââ¬â¢s all this stuff my motherââ¬â¢s been gloating about â⬠¦ this Barryââ¬â¢s Ghost stuff?ââ¬â¢ ââ¬ËSomeone putting stuff on the Parish Council website,ââ¬â¢ said Andrew hastily, afraid of what Fats might say, if he let him. ââ¬ËRumours and stuff.ââ¬â¢ ââ¬ËYeah, my mother would love that,ââ¬â¢ said Patricia. ââ¬ËWonder what the Ghostââ¬â¢ll say next?ââ¬â¢ Fats asked, with a sidelong glance at Andrew. ââ¬ËProbably stop now the electionââ¬â¢s over,ââ¬â¢ muttered Andrew. ââ¬ËOh, I dunno,ââ¬â¢ said Fats. ââ¬ËIf thereââ¬â¢s stuff old Barryââ¬â¢s Ghost is still pissed off about â⬠¦Ã¢â¬â¢ He knew that he was making Andrew anxious and he was glad of it. Andrew was spending all his time at his poxy job these days, and he would soon be moving. Fats did not owe Andrew anything. True authenticity could not exist alongside guilt and obligation. ââ¬ËYou all right down there?ââ¬â¢ Patricia asked Gaia, who nodded, with her face still hidden. ââ¬ËWhat was it, the drink or the duet that made you feel sick?ââ¬â¢ Andrew laughed a little bit, out of politeness and because he wanted to keep the subject away from the Ghost of Barry Fairbrother. ââ¬ËTurned my stomach too,ââ¬â¢ said Patricia. ââ¬ËOld Maureen and my father singing along together. Arm in arm.ââ¬â¢ Patricia took a final fierce drag on her cigarette and threw the end down, grinding it beneath her heel. ââ¬ËI walked in on her blowing him when I was twelve,ââ¬â¢ she said. ââ¬ËAnd he gave me a fiver not to tell my mother.ââ¬â¢ Andrew and Fats stood transfixed, scared even to look at each other. Patricia wiped her face on the back of her hand: she was crying. ââ¬ËShouldnââ¬â¢t have bloody come,ââ¬â¢ she said. ââ¬ËKnew I shouldnââ¬â¢t.ââ¬â¢ She got into the BMW, and the two boys watched, stunned, as she turned on the engine, reversed out of her parking space and drove away into the night. ââ¬ËFuck me,ââ¬â¢ said Fats. ââ¬ËI think I might be sick,ââ¬â¢ whispered Gaia. ââ¬ËMr Mollison wants you back inside ââ¬â for the drinks.ââ¬â¢ Her message delivered, Sukhvinder darted away again. ââ¬ËI canââ¬â¢t,ââ¬â¢ whispered Gaia. Andrew left her there. The din in the hall hit him as he opened the inner doors. The disco was in full swing. He had to move aside to allow Aubrey and Julia Fawley room to leave. Both, with their backs to the party, looked grimly pleased to be going. Samantha Mollison was not dancing, but was leaning up against the trestle table where, so recently, there had been rows and rows of drinks. While Sukhvinder rushed around collecting glasses, Andrew unpacked the last box of clean ones, set them out and filled them. ââ¬ËYour bow tieââ¬â¢s crooked,ââ¬â¢ Samantha told him, and she leaned across the table and straightened it for him. Embarrassed, he ducked into the kitchen as soon as she let go. Between each load of glasses he put in the dishwasher, Andrew took another swig of the vodka he had stolen. He wanted to be drunk like Gaia; he wanted to return to that moment when they had been laughing uncontrollably together, before Fats had appeared. After ten minutes, he checked the drinks table again; Samantha was still propped up against it, glassy-eyed, and there were plenty of fresh-poured drinks left for her to enjoy. Howard was bobbing in the middle of the dance floor, sweat pouring down his face, roaring with laughter at something Maureen had said to him. Andrew wound his way through the crowd and back outside. He could not see where she was at first: then he spotted them. Gaia and Fats were locked together ten yards away from the door, leaning up against the railings, bodies pressed tight against each other, tongues working in each otherââ¬â¢s mouths. ââ¬ËLook, Iââ¬â¢m sorry, but I canââ¬â¢t do it all,ââ¬â¢ said Sukhvinder desperately from behind him. Then she spotted Fats and Gaia and let out something between a yelp and a sob. Andrew walked back into the hall with her, completely numb. In the kitchen, he poured the remainder of the vodka into a glass and downed it in one. Mechanically he filled the sink and set to washing out the glasses that could not fit in the dishwasher. The alcohol was not like dope. It made him feel empty, but also keen to hit someone: Fats, for instance. After a while, he realized that the plastic clock on the kitchen wall had leapt from midnight to one and that people were leaving. He was supposed to find coats. He tried for a while, but then lurched off to the kitchen again, leaving Sukhvinder in charge. Samantha was leaning up against the fridge, on her own, with a glass in her hand. Andrewââ¬â¢s vision was strangely jerky, like a series of stills. Gaia had not come back. She was doubtless long gone with Fats. Samantha was talking to him. She was drunk too. He was not embarrassed by her any more. He suspected that he might be sick quite soon. ââ¬Ë â⬠¦ hate bloody Pagford â⬠¦Ã¢â¬â¢ said Samantha, and, ââ¬Ëbut youââ¬â¢re young enough to get out.ââ¬â¢ ââ¬ËYeah,ââ¬â¢ he said, unable to feel his lips. ââ¬ËAnââ¬â¢ I will. ââ¬ËNigh will.ââ¬â¢ She pushed his hair off his forehead and called him sweet. The image of Gaia with her tongue in Fatsââ¬â¢ mouth threatened to obliterate everything. He could smell Samanthaââ¬â¢s perfume, coming in waves from her hot skin. ââ¬ËThat bandââ¬â¢s shit,ââ¬â¢ he said, pointing at her chest, but he did not think she heard him. Her mouth was chapped and warm, and her breasts were huge, pressed against his chest; her back was as broad as his ââ¬â ââ¬ËWhat the fuck?ââ¬â¢ Andrew was slumped against the draining board and Samantha was being dragged out of the kitchen by a big man with short greying hair. Andrew had a dim idea that something bad had happened, but the strange flickering quality of reality was becoming more and more pronounced, until the only thing to do was to stagger across the room to the bin and throw up again and again and again â⬠¦ ââ¬ËSorry, you canââ¬â¢t come in!ââ¬â¢ he heard Sukhvinder tell someone. ââ¬ËStuff piled up against the door!ââ¬â¢ He tied the bin bag tightly on his own vomit. Sukhvinder helped him clear the kitchen. He needed to throw up twice more, but both times managed to get to the bathroom. It was nearly two oââ¬â¢clock by the time Howard, sweaty but smiling, thanked them and said goodnight. ââ¬ËVery good work,ââ¬â¢ he said. ââ¬ËSee you tomorrow, then. Very good â⬠¦ whereââ¬â¢s Miss Bawden, by the way?ââ¬â¢ Andrew left Sukhvinder to come up with a lie. Out in the street, he unchained Simonââ¬â¢s bicycle and wheeled it away into the darkness. The long cold walk back to Hilltop House cleared his head, but assuaged neither his bitterness nor his misery. Had he ever told Fats that he fancied Gaia? Maybe not, but Fats knew. He knew that Fats knew â⬠¦ were they, perhaps, shagging right now? Iââ¬â¢m moving, anyway, Andrew thought, bent over and shivering as he pushed the bicycle up the hill. So fuck them â⬠¦ Then he thought: Iââ¬â¢d better be moving â⬠¦ Had he just snogged Lexie Mollisonââ¬â¢s mother? Had her husband walked in on them? Had that really happened? He was scared of Miles, but he also wanted to tell Fats about it, to see his face â⬠¦ When he let himself into the house, exhausted, Simonââ¬â¢s voice came out of the darkness from the kitchen. ââ¬ËHave you put my bike in the garage?ââ¬â¢ He was sitting at the kitchen table, eating a bowl of cereal. It was nearly half-past two in the morning. ââ¬ËCouldnââ¬â¢t sleep,ââ¬â¢ said Simon. For once, he was not angry. Ruth was not there, so he did not have to prove himself bigger or smarter than his sons. He seemed weary and small. ââ¬ËThink weââ¬â¢re gonna have to move to Reading, Pizza Face,ââ¬â¢ said Simon. It was almost a term of endearment. Shivering slightly, feeling old and shell-shocked, and immensely guilty, Andrew wanted to give his father something to make up for what he had done. It was time to redress balances and claim Simon as an ally. They were a family. They had to move together. Perhaps it could be better, somewhere else. ââ¬ËIââ¬â¢ve got something for you,ââ¬â¢ he said. ââ¬ËCome through here. Found out how to do it at school â⬠¦Ã¢â¬â¢ And he led the way to the computer. How to cite Part Five Chapter III, Essay examples
Thursday, December 5, 2019
Marriott Transforms Key Finance Processes â⬠MyAssignmenthelp.com
Question: Discuss about the Marriott Transforms Key Finance Processes. Answer: Introduction: Marriott hotel made use of the different technology while offering the services to their business class customers. Moreover, after considering the need of the customer the company introduced meeting rooms and e-conferencing services. Most of the business customer needs a separate meeting room so that they can accomplish their objective of visit effectively. It is suggested to the company to add 86,000 square feet of meeting space that include the ballroom in it (Marriott International, 2016). Considering the data analysis done by the hotel in the case study it has been analyzed that business travellers who are concern about the environment are sizable these days. The company has already developed the prototype green hotels. After considering the case study, it is suggested to the company to form the tie-ups with the suppliers who operate in the environmentally friendly ways. These suppliers offer pads that are made from recycled paper for attendees of the business meetings. Marriott can get the key cards made up of recycled plastic as through this the company can contribute to the conserving environment. The pillow available in the guest room will be made from recycled plastic bottles. In addition, this will reflect that the company is following the obligation of the US environment protection Agency. An iron ore company has signed the contract for fly in and fly out a business customer for three years. FIFO is the method of hiring people in remote areas by flying them temporarily to work site. After analyzing the case study it can be said that Marriott could use different research techniques for identifying the needs of the customers so that the company can offer those facilities and services that can meet the needs. The techniques include focus group, online surveys, and in-room questionnaires. These survey and focus groups help the Hotel in understanding the need so that they can design the facilities according. For instance, considering focus group analysis given in the case study; most of the visitors like rooms from which they can see the beauty of nature. Considering the data, the Marriott can allocate those rooms that provide view towards nature. According to the case study analysis, Marriot could set the central database system with the help of which they can capture the details regarding the visits of the customers. Basically, it includes how long the customers stayed in Hotel, how many times they visited and many others. This helps in understanding the past experience and preference of visitors. In the form of internal data, the company can make use of ERP system in which the managers (finance director, manager, etc.) have to log in and can track the data (Marriott International, Inc. Hospitality, Travel and Leisure, 2018). It is suggested to the company to conduct a meeting with their staff so that they can share the lope holes in facilities as staff interacts with the customer on regular basis. Marriott hotel has built the advanced conference facilities at Perth and Hobart. This helps the onshore and offshore business stakeholders to communicate effectively. The approach of market segmentation refers to a process of dividing a broad customer or business market. Through this approach, the Hotel can identify the target market for the Perth and Hobart cities. Demographic- It includes the customer of different age, income, family size and others. Marriott generally focuses on the Business people or business travelers. Psychographic- These segments include the customers belongs to the different lifestyle, class, values, and interests. Maximum businessmen believe belong to the high class and follow the modern lifestyle. Behavioral- It includes the people having a different perception of the products and services offered by the company. Marriott is known in the market because of its services and business visitor who visit frequently because they find that the company is able to fulfill their requirements. Considering the segmentation approach, the hotel makes use of differentiate targeting in which they focus on business travellers who belong to higher income groups and who believe in class and status according to case study. Strategies to create customer value The hotel can bring the changes in their interiors of the business classrooms according to the client preferences which will make them feel valuable. The hotel can provide them laptop or desktop facility in rooms. Personalise business travellers and can check their frequency of visit in a hotel according to that they can make complementary for their clients considering their preference. References Marriott International (2016) Marriott International to Expand and Improve Offerings to Business Travel Professionals [Online]. Available from: https://news.marriott.com/2016/07/marriott-international-expand-improve-offerings-business-travel-professionals/ [Accessed on 23rd March 2018] Marriott International, Inc. Hospitality, Travel, and Leisure (2018) Marriott Transforms Key Finance Processes [Online]. Available from: https://www.xerox.com/downloads/gbr/en/gdo/casestudies/MarriottInternational-UKEnglish.pdf [Accessed on 23rd March 2018]
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