THE GENOMEPROJECT

A The Human Genome Project (HGP) is a co-ordinated international research programme, which aims
to identify and locate all human genes by determining the entire sequence of the human genome
within the next ten years. Although there are indisputable benefits to this research, it is fraught with
difficult ethical, legal and social issues. In July 1997, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and
Cultural Organization (UNESCO) hoped to establish some boundaries within which the project would
operate by stating that all research should “fully respect human dignity, freedom and human rights, as
well as the prohibition of all forms of discrimination based on genetic characteristics".

B Whether in favour of the project or not, there is no doubt it has already had astounding effects. Ten
percent completed already, the comparatively simple collection of data is already leading to major
advances in technology, including robotics, automation, and new methods of identifying and mapping
genes, to allow large-scale sequencing. The storing and analysing of the vast amounts of data
generated by the project are also a consideration, requiring the development of sophisticated new
software. Yet what the project offers now is almost inconsequential in the face of its potential
applications. The information could revolutionise future biological research, particularly in the fields of
medicine, gene testing, gene cloning and biotechnology. Mapping the human genome will lead us to
understand the underlying causes of genetic diseases such as cystic fibrosis, Huntington’s disease,
sickle cell anaemia and many forms of cancer. From drugs to new limbs, many currently accepted
medical practices could be a thing of the past.

C Although the potential benefits of sequencing the human genome are immense, there is also scope
for misuse of information and a threat to personal privacy. New guidelines have to be fixed, and
UNESCO has supported the informed consent of individuals, highlighting the importance of educating
both the public and medical professionals on issues relating to the Human Genome Project. It entirely
supports the right of an individual to decide whether or not to be informed of information relating to
their genetic profile. It also states that any benefits from advances in genetic science should be made
available to everyone.

D These principles represent what most people consider to be appropriate, yet they paint a simplistic
view of a complex problem. The US Department of Energy and the National Institutes of Health have so
far allocated between 3% and 5% of their total budget for the Human Genome Project to the
investigation of Ethical, Legal and Social Issues (ELSI). Studies are currently concentrated in two main
areas: privacy and confidentiality of genetic information, and the development of education in genome
science and ELSI. Other issues raised by the project include fairness in the use of genetic information,
genetic testing, reproductive issues, clinical issues, commercialisation issues and finally, philosophical
implications.

E Genetic testing also raises reproductive issues concerning the use of genetic information in decision-
making. As a society, we should consider the acceptability of testing unborn infants. Is abortion on the
basis of genetic disorder acceptable? If so, how severe must the 'disorder' be in order to justify
terminating the pregnancy? In some countries, sex discrimination in family planning is already a
problem, and it is possible that this practice may expand in the future to include unborn infants with
'undesirable' genes. If children with genes that may cause disease in adulthood are tested, at what age
should they be told the results? In a survey of its members, the UK Genetic Interest Group (GIG) said
that prenatal testing for late-onset conditions should not be carried out unless the mother agrees to
terminate the pregnancy, since, if born, the infant has not given consent to be tested.

F The results of the Human Genome Project will affect us all, either directly or indirectly. One of the
main threats is that it has the potential to provide us with consequences that have not yet been
considered. Without time to think about what is ethically sound, this may lead to considerable
difficulties. It is generally held that advances that will prevent human suffering are worthwhile,
whereas those that will not are questionable. It can be argued that the advancement of our knowledge
concerning the human genome is progressing faster than our ability to regulate its impact. It is clear
that widespread education is needed, so that people can formulate and voice opinions on what is
ethically and socially acceptable, and so that policy and legislation may be brought into place to
govern practices that concern the human genome.

G Finally, conceptual and philosophical issues raise questions regarding human responsibility, as
opposed to concepts of genetic 'fates' and beliefs concerning disease and death. Genetic engineering is
particularly controversial. Does anyone have the right to 'play God'? As researchers locate genes
associated with cognitive abilities and behaviour, will we be tempted to 'improve' our children? Some
people argue that genetic enhancement is simply another form of selective breeding, which is present
in nature. However, human genetic engineering cannot be developed without some degree of
experimentation on humans. The possibility of germ-line therapy, where changes are made to the
genomes of future generations is especially debatable. This may in some respects be beneficial. For
example, it will improve the success rate of gene therapy by allowing scientists to remove a defective
gene by altering just one cell. However, this kind of treatment could have unpredictable effects that
would change the lives of all subsequent generations. Since the individuals are unborn, their consent
cannot be obtained. Theoretically, it would be possible to take control of our own evolution and create
'superhumans'. According to some scientists, genetic enhancement is an irresistible reality that is only
twenty years away.

CITY BY THE SEA

A. Lapped on all sides by water, it’s hardly surprising that the country’s largest city is a giant aquatic
playpen, with its two harbours, a gulf full of islands, a rugged coast and the highest density per head of
pleasure boats in the world. By ferry, boat or water taxi, some 48 islands make for a perfect cruise.
Some offer homes for commuters and weekend retreaters. Others are only for native birds, flora and
fauna, or for lifestylers seeking a bygone era. Then there is the volcano island of Rangitoto, with a
cone so perfectly round it looks the same wherever you are.

B. Waiheke, a short ferry ride from Auckland, is a popular choice for those who prefer island living.
Auckland’s long and sunny, sometimes humid, but mostly balmy days are at their summer best between
January and April. This time of year brings Auckland dwellers outdoors to savour this lifestyle built on a
nautical backdrop but underlined by artistic and sporting endeavours. The city is home to well over a
million, including the world’s largest Polynesian population and an increasing swell of Asians. It is a
colourful tapestry of culture, cuisine and a sophisticated manner befitting a grown-up metropolis. A
free evening concert of fireworks and orchestra is an annual event in the Auckland Domain, below the
majestic Auckland Museum. It draws a sea of picnickers, complete with chilly bins full of food and fine
local wine. In winter, brisk weather is no deterrent to the thousands who swamp Eden Park to watch an
invigorating game of rugby. No matter what time of year, Auckland always has an event or festival to
celebrate.

C. Little wonder that more and more well-heeled and sometimes very famous folk fall for the city’s
charm. They glide in on floating palaces, treating Auckland as a newfound southern Riviera. That they
should have discovered the city and its pleasures is largely due to Team New Zealand bringing two
defences of the prestigious international America’s Cup yacht race to the Hauraki Gulf. The Cup
defence sparked a citywide spruce-up and the creation of a swank new Viaduct Harbour village,
teeming with classy restaurants, boutiques, bars, hotels and apartments. Suburbs of Auckland are
never far from beaches as golden sand and bath-like waters in the sheltered harbourside draw the
barbecue brigade and families.

D. The North Shore, the community north of the Harbour Bridge, is well worth exploring. Ferries ply
the harbour between downtown Auckland and Devonport, a sweet village that offers main street
browsing and al fresco cafe lattes in the sun. Mt Victoria and North Head, with their war remnant
defence bunkers, rise up behind the village. They’re perfect places for children to scramble and
explore. Picturesque swimming beaches hug the shores that stretch to the north-east below.

E. The needle-shaped Sky Tower rises from the bustling commercial centre. The tower houses a casino,
and madcap sky jumpers plunge over its side past diners eating in the revolving restaurant. Far below,
motorways slither under and over each other in such a sprawl that one section is simply known as
“spaghetti junction’. From the gourmet and trendy shopping strip of Ponsonby on the city fringe, to
fashion-conscious Newmarket, upmarket Parnell and Remuera, from smart suburban malls to the
Pacific Island markets in colourful Otara to the south, the sprawling city is an ever-changing mosaic.

F. It is a place where, half an hour from the centre, you can fish for snapper, tramp in a national park,
or play golf on some of the most picturesque and challenging courses in the world. Its backyard brims
with treats. There’s a beautiful garden smothered in scented roses. Another is planted by scent for the
blind. You can drive up a volcano called One Tree Hill, fill up on culture and history at galleries and
museums or land yourself in a virtual Antarctic at Kelly Tarlton’s Antarctic Encounter and Underwater
World. But for a relaxing reward, nothing beats the rolling landscape carpeted in vineyards on the
city’s outskirts, where a taste or three of some of the country’s premier wines is a pleasant way to end
the day.
READING PRACTICE 4 TEXT

Passenger Ferry Timetable

City Harbour Ferry Terminal to Marine Island Resort
Ferry Terminal 102 Wharf Street
Monday-Friday Service Saturday Service Sundays and Public Holidays
05:20 am* 06:30 am 07:00 am
05:50 am 07:00 am 08:15 am
06:30 am 08:15 am 09:00am*
07:15 am 09:00am* 10:00 am
08:15 am 10:00 am 11:00 am*
09.00 am* 11:00 am* 12:00 pm
10:00 am 12:00 pm 1:00 pm*
11:00 am* 1:00 pm* 2:00 pm
12:00 pm 2:00 pm 3:00 pm*
1:00 pm* 3:00 pm* 4:00 pm
2:00 pm 4:00 pm 5:00 pm*
3:00 pm* 5:00 pm* 6:00 pm
4:00 pm 6:00 pm 7:30 pm
5:00 pm 7:30 pm 9:30 pm
5:30 pm 9:30 pm  
6:30 pm 11:45 pm  
7:15 pm    
8:45 pm    
10:15 pm    
11:45 pm    
* sails via Taylor Peninsula. Leaves Taylor Peninsula approx 10 minutes after City Harbour departure
time.

Passenger Ferry Timetable

Marine Island Resort to City Harbour Ferry Terminal 
Island Wharf - 12 Quay Road
Monday-Friday Service Saturday Service Sundays and Public Holidays
06:05 am* 07:20 am 08:00 am
06:40 am 08:00 am 09:00 am
07:20 am 09:00 am 10:00 am*
08:00 am 10:00 am* 11:00 am
09:00 am 11:00 am 12:00 pm*
10:00 am* 12:00 pm* 1:00 pm
11:00 am 1:00 pm 2:00 pm*
12:00 pm* 2:00 pm* 3:00 pm
1:00 pm 3:00 pm 4:00 pm*
2:00 pm* 4:00 pm* 5:00 pm
3:00 pm 5:00 pm 6:00 pm*
4:00 pm* 6:00 pm* 6:45 pm
4:45 pm 6:45 pm 8:15 pm
5:35 pm 8:15 pm 10:15 pm
6:15 pm 10:15 pm  
7:15 pm 12:30 am  
8:00 pm    
9:30 pm    
11:00 pm    
12:30 am    
* sails via Taylor Peninsula. Leaves Taylor Peninsula approx 15 minutes after Marine Island departure
time.

Ferry Prices
Return
Adult $25.50
Senior Citizen $15.20
Child (under 14 years of age) $14.25
One Way
Adult $14.50
Senior Citizen $8.90
Child (under 14 years of age) $8.50
Service Information
 

Travel time between City Harbour and Marine Island is approximately 45 minutes. Routes via Taylor
Peninsula take approximately 60 minutes.

All itineraries are subject to change or cancellation at the ferry operator’s discretion (for example,
for reasons related to weather or sea conditions and/or operational interference).

Prices and departure times may be changed without notice.

All travel and use of services is subject to Terms and Conditions of Sale and Carriage and Carriage of
Freight. Detailed information regarding these conditions is available from our ticket offices.

Ticket payment can be made by credit card or cash payment only. Payment by cheque is not
available.

Accommodation Guide for Marine Island

Budget Accommodation (less than $30 per person per night)

Ocean View Camping Resort
Enjoy the unspoilt beauty of our natural environment. Join us on our late night hikes through local
bush and learn more about our native animals. Repeat winners of the Eco-friendly Tourism Award and
winners last year of the MarineIsland Hospitality Award.
Tent pitches only (no electrically powered sites) - $12 per person per night/$10 per  person per night
for bookings over 4 nights.

MarineIslandVillagePark
We are the closest campsite to the ferry terminal, just 5-10 minutes walk along the picturesque ocean
views walkway. Swimming pool and hot pools onsite which are complementary for use by our guests.
Tent pitches - $14 per person per night. Discounts available for bookings of one week or more.
Caravan/motorhome sites - $25 per night (based on two people) Extra charge of $5 per night for
additional campers. Small and medium sized dogs allowed of bookings made in advance.

Backpacker Haven
Come enjoy the beauty of MarineIsland in the company of travellers from all over the world. Pick up
service from the ferry port available by arrangement (we are located 2 minutes from Ocean View
Camping Resort).  Free BBQ party on Friday evenings.
Dormitory beds (shared room of 8) - $18 per night per person
Private twin room - $25 per night per person)

Mid-range Accommodation ($30-50 dollars per night)

Marine Paradise Bed & Breakfast 
A friendly welcome is given to visitors by husband and wife Jayne and Brendon Sawyer. Babysitting
service available by arrangement. Our central location means highlights of the island are easily
accessible by bicycle or taxi for longer trips.
$35 per night per person (based on two people sharing a room, continental breakfast (rolls, jams,
cereal, tea, coffee and orange juice) included.

Value Inn
Luxury at discount prices! Our award-winning inn welcomes you – voted best value for money in the
National Tourism Awards two years running! Situated on the south-coast of the island – an ideal
location for surfing and wind-surfing enthusiasts – 5 mins from the beach!
Single room $45 per night.  Double room (two people sharing) $30 per night per person.
Family room (up to 4 people) $30 per night per person.  Breakfast is not included, but available for an
additional charge from inn restaurant. All rooms include tea/coffee making facilities and small kitchen
area.
Top-End Accommodation
Marine Island Hotel
Come and enjoy our secluded paradise! Guests can enjoy access to the beautiful beaches reserved for
MarineIsland Guests only (2 minutes walk away only!).  Situated in the north-east tip the island enjoy
tranquility, fine cuisine and excellent views. Luxury transport service for guest arriving at the ferry
terminal.
Single room, $125 per night. Double room $170* per night. All rooms en-suite (own toilet and shower
facility). Marine Island Suite $280* per night.

Price based on two people sharing.  Discounts are available for pre-booking online.

University Graduates’ Careers Conference

September 23-27th

Dear students,

Your final year examination results will be available from August 15th and it is now time to be thinking
ahead to what you will be doing once your studies are complete.  The university careers conference is
designed to assist you in making these crucial decisions and all final year students from the city’s three
universities are invited to attend. Industry predictions for the year ahead are positive, with a predicted
rise of 15% in graduate work vacancies.

The conference will be held at the North City Campus and will be attended by over 500 exhibitors in
the following areas:

1. Business and Commerce

2. Healthcare & Social work
3. Teaching
4. Computing & Information Technology
5. Post-graduate study opportunities

A. Business & Commerce

Over 1/3 of the universities graduates this year have completed a degree in this field. There will be
over 20 graduate recruitment companies attending the conference along with 30 corporate
organizations who will be recruiting students direct into their Graduate Training programmes. Details
of positions available under Graduate Training Schemes are found in this month’s Student Gazette, the
starting salary for most positions is £23,000 per annum (higher than the national average starting salary
of $21,500 for graduates entering employment). Last year over 85% of our business graduates obtained
what they considered to be ‘challenging and appropriate’ positions within 6 months of graduation.

B. Health and Social Work

Representatives from both the public and private sector will attend the seminar. Please note that
there will also be information available regarding Government funding and grants for applicable areas
post-graduate of study.
C. Teaching
The university is proud to announce that over 300 newly qualified teachers are expected to graduate at
the end of this semester. Representatives of a number of schools nationwide will be attending the
seminar along with ‘Academic Relief’ and ‘Teacher Teachers’ two of the countries largest recruitment
agencies for relief teaching and permanent positions in education. Quality Academic Staff which
specializes in placing teachers in short-term international will also be in attendance which may be of
interest to graduates wishing to experience some time overseas.

D. Computing and Information Technology

Last year more than 90% of IT and Computing graduates reported that they secured a position within 6
months of graduation (our highest success rate). Over 50% of exhibitors in this field this year will also
be presenting opportunities to work abroad; however, whether wishing to seek employment here or
overseas, the conference should present a large number of opportunities as this is the most heavily
represented area at this year’s conference.

E. Post-Graduate Studies
Last year 8% of our graduates from their first degree went on to study a post-graduate programme here
at the university.  The majority of further study information booths will be devoted to internal
opportunities at the university; however, extensive information regarding courses in other institutions
can be found in the Career’s Guidance Department on the Redhill Rd Campus.

Graduates’ Newsletter
Edition 204

Do you have what it takes?

Recent reports from graduate employers has shown that one of the biggest complaints companies
experience with workers direct out of university is lack of ‘soft skills’.  This refers to the ability to
problem solve, get along with colleagues, communicating with others and verbal reasoning.

Industry research indicates that while graduates may excel in technical or academic areas of
knowledge, certain companies have reservations about employing university graduates in ‘real-life
roles’ due to these issues in the work place – particularly if students possess a purely academic
background. It is important for new employees to remember that working as part of a team and gaining
the respect of not only superiors but also peers is vital to career success. Happily, due to our highly
popular work experience programme, many of our students have the advantage of having experienced
the workplace environment – an attribute many competitors for those lucrative positions may be
without.

Do you feel you need to develop your skills further?

A two day workshop running on Wednesday and Thursday of the last week of the semester can help
you!  The programme is being led by one of the country’s leading career development trainers Steve
Brighthall of Progress Solutions.  The seminar is restricted to 50 places and an enrollment fee of £15
applies for students currently studying at the university (£25 for non-enrolled students).

Seminar Details
The programme is structured as follows
Tutorial 1  - Making an Impact with your curriculum vitae
Tutorial 2 – Make the most of your positive attributes during an interview
Tutorial 3 – How to achieve success in the workplace

Workshop 1 – Logical thinking

Workshop 2 – Team-building
Workshop 3 – Problem solving

To enroll, please register at reception in the Careers Guidance Centre.

Take steps to help yourself achieve success.

Sec 3

The Face of Modern Man?

A. In response to the emergence of the ‘metro-sexual’ male, in other words, an urban, sophisticated
man who is fashionable, well-groomed and unashamedly committed to ensuring his appearance is the
best it can be, a whole new industry has developed. According to research conducted on behalf of a
leading health and beauty retailer in the UK, the market for male cosmetics and related products has
grown by 800% since the year 2000 and is expected to continue to increase significantly. The male
grooming products market has become the fastest growing sector within the beauty and cosmetics
industry, currently equivalent to around 1.5 billion pounds per annum.

B. Over the last decade, a large number of brands and companies catering for enhancement of the
male image have been successfully established, such operations ranging from male-only spas,
boutiques, personal hygiene products, hair and skin care ranges, and male magazines with a strong
leaning towards men’s fashion. Jamie Cawley, proprietor of a successful chain of London-based male
grooming boutiques, holds that his company’s success in this highly competitive market can be
attributed to the ‘exclusivity’ tactics they have employed, in that their products and services are
clearly defined as male-orientated and distinctly separate to feminine products offered by other
organisations. However, market analyst, Kim Sawyer, believes that future growth in the market can
also be achieved through sale of unisex products marketed to both genders, this strategy becoming
increasingly easy to implement as men’s interest in appearance and grooming has become more of a
social norm.

C. Traditionalists such as journalist Jim Howard contend that the turn-around in male attitudes which
has led to the success of the industry would have been inconceivable a decade ago, given the
conventional male role, psyche and obligation to exude masculinity; however, behavioural scientist
Professor Ruth Chesterton argues that the metro-sexual man of today is in fact a modern incarnation of
the ‘dandy’ of the late eighteenth and early nineteenth century. British dandies of that period, who
were often of middle class backgrounds but imitated aristocratic lifestyles, were devoted to cultivation
of their physical appearance, development of a refined demeanour and hedonistic pursuits. In France,
she adds, dandyism, in contrast, was also strongly linked to political ideology and embraced by youths
wishing to clearly define themselves from members of the working class revolutionary social groups of
the period.

D. Over recent decades, according to sociologist Ben Cameron, gender roles for both sexes have
become less defined. According to research, he says, achievement of status and success have become
less important in younger generations of men, as has the need to repress emotions. Cameron defines
the traditional masculine role within western societies – hegemonic masculinity – as an expectation
that males demonstrate physical strength and fitness, be decisive, self-assured, rational, successful
and in control. Meeting this list of criteria and avoiding situations of demonstrating weakness, being
overly emotional or in any way ‘inferior’, he says, has placed a great deal of pressure on many
members of the male population. So restrictive can society’s pressure to behave in a ‘masculine’
fashion on males be, Professor Chesterton states that in many situations men may respond in a way
they deem acceptable to society, given their perceived gender role, rather than giving what they may
actually consider to be the best and most objective response.

E. Jim Howard says that learning and acquiring gender identity makes up a huge component of a child’s
socialisation and that a child who exhibits non-standard behavioural characteristics often encounters
social and self image difficulties due to the adverse reactions of their peers. According to Kim Sawyer,
media images and messages also add to pressures associated with the male image, stating that even in
these modern and changing times, hegemonic masculinity is often idolised and portrayed as the
definitive male persona.

F. Whilst male stereotypes and ideals vary from culture to culture, according to Professor Chesterton,
a universal trait in stereotypical male behaviour is an increased likelihood to take risks than is
generally found in female behaviour patterns. For this reason, she attributes such behaviour to the
influence of genetic predisposition as opposed to socially learned behaviour. Men, she says, are three
times more likely to die due to accident than females, a strong indication she says of their greater
willingness to involve themselves in precarious situations. Ben Cameron also says that an attitude of
invincibility is more dominant in males and is a predominant factor in the trend for fewer medical
check ups in males and late diagnosis of chronic and terminal illness than in their more cautious and
vigilant female counterparts. 

G. Jamie Cawley, however, remains optimistic that the metro-sexual culture will continue and that
what society accepts as the face of masculinity will continue to change. He attributes this to a male
revolt against the strict confines of gender roles, adding that such changes of attitudes have led and
will continue to lead to establishment of greater equality between the sexes.
READING 5

Term-time Weekday Schedule for City University Gym

Semesters 1&2
Mondays & Wednesdays
Activity/Sport Time Location Teacher
Abdominal strengthening (1-2-3) 07.45 - 8.15 Main Gym Joanna
Gym Circuit (2) 12.00 - 13.00 Main Gym Steve
Five a side football (1-2-3) 12.00 - 13.00 Indoor Sports Hall Karl
Aerobics (1-2-3) 17.30 - 18.30 Recreation Hall Kerry
Yoga (1-2-3) 18.00 - 19.30 Indoor Sports Hall Denise
Pilates (1-2-3) 18.00 - 19.00 Power Room Helen
Running Club  18.30 - 19.30 Meet in Main Gym Steve
(1-2-3)
Karate (n/a) 19.30 - 21.30 Recreation Hall Private club members
only
Tuesdays & Thursdays
Activity/Sport Time Location Teacher
Morning Stretching (1-2-3) 07.45 - 8.15 Main Gym Denise
Circuit Training (3) 9.00 - 10.00 Sports Field Max
Badminton (1-2-3) 12.00 - 1.00 Recreation Hall Jenny
Aerobics (2) 17.30 - 18.30 Recreation Hall Kerry
Gymnastics (2) 18.00 - 19.30 Main Gym Bethany
Tae Kwon Do (1-2-3) 18.00 - 19.00 Power Room Peter
Kick-boxing (3) 18.30 - 19.30 Indoor Sports Hall Pat
Fencing (n/a) 19.00 - 21.30 Recreation Hall Private club members
only
Fridays
Activity/Sport Time Location Teacher
Thighs & Hips Toning (1-2-3) 07.45 - 8.15 Main Gym Joanna
Basketball (1-2-3) 12.00 - 13.00 Recreation Hall Simon
Table Tennis (1-2-3) 12.00 - 1.00 Indoor Sports Hall John
Yoga (3) 17.45 - 18.30 Recreation Hall Eric
Water Aerobics (1-2-3) 18.00 - 19.30 Swimming Pool Kathy
Street Hip Hop (1-2-3) 18.00 - 19.00 Indoor Sports Hall Peter
Salsa (1-2) 18.00 - 19.00 Recreation Hall Christina
Salsa (3) 19.30 - 20.30 Recreation Hall Christina
 
 N.B. 1 = Beginners, 2 = Intermediate, 3 = Advanced, 1-2-3 = all levels welcome.

For information on university run classes call reception (01782) 566 973.  For information on private
clubs call Simon (01782 589 254).

Information regarding classes during semester breaks will be available by February 24th.

Information regarding classes in Semester 3 will be available by September 22nd.

Coming Soon – New Movies at Star Cinema for Next Month

A E
Blakewater – November 4th Tina and Bree– November 14th
Horror meets sci-fi! Fans of both genres will be These characters are so realistic, it is sometimes
delighted by this intelligent and unique creation – easy to forget they are technically generated! 
is this really the fate of generations to come? The Following the story of two first year university
believable and enthralling plot is enhanced by students leaving their home town for the first time
excellent special effects and tremendous acting. and settling into life on the university campus. 
Almost certainly a contender for nomination for a Many genuinely funny moments that will bring
number of awards this year. back fond memories of university days. 
B F
The Adventures of Genie – November 7th Unimaginable– November 15th
This animated adventure is the sequel to last Set 200 years in the future, this sci-fi offerings
summer’s hit A Canine Tale.  The story continues fails to bring anything new to the cinema screen
to follow the travels of Genie the spaniel and the that has not already been presented in several
other creatures he meets on his journey. Excellent other films of this genre. For true science-fiction
graphics and lots of laughs for all members of the fanatics only!
family. A variety of stars provide voices for their
animal characters.
C G
Between Two Points – November 10th Family Planet– November 21st
James Burgen’s real-life account of his journey Starring Jack Mason and Sue Caterham. An
across Antarctica reaches the cinema.  This enjoyable remake of the 1960s hit The Jamesons,
documentary-style motion picture is an education this is great family entertainment with elements
in itself and highlights the importance of that should appeal to all age groups. Overall a
environmental protection. light-hearted look at family life with underlying
messages of importance for us all.
D H
The Strangest Summer – November 14th Bastion Creek– November 23rd
Tim Brown and Jennifer Nelson once again team Not yet reviewed
up in the roles of a couple destined for romance.
Set in the 1960s, the film gives us a light-hearted
and nostalgic trip back in time.  An excellent
supporting cast and sound-track will no doubt
make this one of the month’s more popular
offerings.

Dressed for work

For some people, especially when starting in a new job, the decision of how to dress can be a difficult
one. Dress too casually, and your colleagues and employer can get the impression that you are not
taking the role seriously and your future prospects within the company can rapidly narrow. Dress too
formally and colleagues may take this as a sign that you have too high an opinion of your role, that you
are not relaxed and won’t be much fun to work with.

If possible, always check the dress code after you have been offered a position. In fact, when attending
interviews, take the opportunity to see what others around are wearing. However, there are some
useful tips to help you get started.

The rules for men are generally quite simple – in an office based environment, dark trousers, shoes and
a simple shirt are generally acceptable. On the first day, you can wear a tie but be alert to the people
around you. If you are the only one wearing a tie, you might want to reconsider on your second day.
Take a suit jacket in case the workplace is formal, but you may not want to wear it.

For women, the situation can be a little more complicated. In some companies, a sleeveless top may
be considered acceptable and in others it may lead to suggestions that you are under-dressed. Again, a
good indicator is to look at what other people in the same office and in similar positions wear and
adjust accordingly.

One thing to bear in mind is that, at least in America and Europe, there has been a shift away from
casual attire in the office to more formal business attire. Larger corporate businesses are instituting
new and more stringent dress codes, even going so far as to mandate employee uniforms for
management.
Here are some more tips:

 Colour plays a big part in professional image. Traditional career colours are navy (trustworthy),
gray (conservative) and black (chic). Be careful with loud colours or prints – not to say that you
shouldn’t wear them, just be sure that they are not going to get you any unwanted attention.
 Larger, hanging jewellery should generally be avoided.  Opt for stud earrings or single
bracelets, rather than pendulous earrings or stacks of bangles.
 Good hygiene is also important in office attire. Clean and tidy hair, clean and trimmed or
manicured nails, even scuff-free shoes are important.
 Be careful with designer labels. Small, discrete logos on well fitted clothing or accessories
looks fine, but heavily logoed clothing and accessories look out of place at work. Choose well-
made items that are free from obvious designer labels for the most professional look.
  

 Training and development

 Traditionally, training and development was instigated as a direct result of identifying a
weakness or area that requires improvement, largely because of information gathered from
staff appraisals. However, in more recent years, the concept of training as a tool for positive
growth, expansion and development has become far more common.
 The potential for employees to upskill with training is used as a way of retaining staff who may
have otherwise looked for opportunities with other companies. Learning new skills that can be
applied in the workplace tends to make employees feel more motivated and more highly valued
within the company. There is also an element of training involved when a company expands
and diversifies. Not wishing to employ new staff, many companies now opt to train existing
staff in new areas rather than advertise externally.
 However, perhaps the most pressing need for training has come about due to changing
technologies in the workplace. Some 50 years back, a secretary may have required some typing
training at the commencement of their employment and this was sufficient for them right up to
the point of retirement. These days, knowledge of word processing software and other
peripherals such as handheld devices and conference calling equipment all need to be learned
and regularly updated. For many companies, it is essential for staff to remain abreast of
changes in technology as this may prove to be a point of comparison with other companies,
with the significant risk of losing business. 
 There are a number of common areas that staff may require training in. There is, as previously
mentioned, a technological imperative to training, but there are also other factors to be
considered. Customer service training, for example, is prioritised in the majority of industries,
as increased competition in today's global marketplace makes it critical that employees
understand and meet the needs of customers. Also related to global workplace, training in
understanding and working in ethnically diverse companies has also become a common form of
training. These training seminars focus on how people have different perspectives and views,
and include techniques to value diversity, thus offering a significant advantage to the
company.
 With increasingly tight government regulations in place to protect employees, health and
safety training has also become a significant part of any training and development programme.
Risk management, correct procedures and basic first aid, especially in industries with heavy
equipment or dangerous working environment is becoming increasingly important. 
Training and development, as previously mentioned, is significant in the retention of key staff
as it leads to increased job satisfaction and morale among employees. This in turn leads to a
general feeling of motivation among staff, and the feeling that the company is interested in
their wellbeing and development. There are, of course, improvements in efficiency, but also in
innovation and employee support of the company. The image of the company also benefits, as
better trained staff reflect well on the employer.

The Evolution of Language

A. Language everywhere changes over time; it has to. A central reason that necessitates
modification is to allow for developments in our world to be expressed.  For example, the
technological revolution alone has been responsible for the addition of a plethora of words to our
vocabulary: hard drive, software, modem to name just a few. The Japanese writing script
katakana, which was originally introduced in the 9th century as a means by which Buddhist monks
could correctly interpret Chinese pronunciations, is now most commonly used to embrace foreign
words for which there is no original Japanese character; pizza or hamburger for example. Likewise
the western world’s exposure to and familiarity with foreign cultures now means that words such
as sushi, nam bread and kebab, for example, are used by diners on a regular basis.
 B. However, expansion of our vocabulary is just one element involved in how and why language
evolves. Given the variation of dialects or regional accents present in most language systems, it
is clear that an individual’s interpretation of what is actually correct and commonly used will
vary quite dramatically, since this perception is based upon a combination of factors including
the age, educational level and region of the country a person is from. As we go about our daily
lives and interact with others from different backgrounds and experiences, the language we
hear is often taken on board and incorporated into the way in which we communicate
ourselves.  Many phrases with American origins are now common place in British English for
example, due to the frequency with which they are heard on television and in the movies.

 C. Changes in language are often driven by the young and many such changes are commonly
considered by older people to be a disintegration of standards rather than an evolution and an
improvement. Let’s consider an Americanism commonly used by youngsters in all parts of the
English speaking world. Used as an alternative to “Tom said…” it is now commonplace to hear
“Tom goes, the pay rise was unacceptable.” or, “Tom was all, the pay rise was
unacceptable.”; much to the horror of many traditionalists. However, this modification could
also be considered to be adding to and not detracting from our ability to communicate
effectively. To illustrate, let’s consider the original phrase “Tom said”; it is used solely to show
the listener that we are reporting the words of Tom, while the modern variation, “Tom goes”
has literally the same meaning. However, if the speaker chooses instead to use the latter
phrase, “Tom was all”, they are also able to convey the message that Tom had an emotional
reaction to the situation they are reporting, therefore a much more effective method of
communicating information has been created, some may say. However, should the now
commonly used texting abbreviations such as ‘gr8t’ (great) and ‘l8r’ (later) become permanent
replacements of the original words, it is likely that even the most liberal amongst us would be
horrified.
 D. Variations on language are usually more readily accepted into informal language prior to
them being absorbed for use in formal writing. Examples of words that we now commonly use,
but were once considered incorrect, are 'pea' and ‘hopefully’. Let’s take pea; it derived from
the word ‘pease’, which being an uncountable noun has the same form regardless of whether
one or more pease were being spoken about. However, this was commonly overlooked and
misunderstood, and through error the singular form of the vegetable became ’pea’. More
recently ‘hopefully’ was considered by many to be an inappropriate alternative to ‘I hope’; at
best only accepted in informal use. The word hopefully is now fully acceptable in both informal
speech and formal writing.
 E. Some people believe that traditional usages of language are always more superior and
refined than modern variations even when the reasons behind the rule were dubious in the first
place. For example, it was once seriously frowned upon to split an infinitive in a sentence and
even today it is considered grammatically incorrect to do so. To demonstrate, let’s consider
the following sentence: ‘The examiner asked me to quietly leave the room’; this was
considered incorrect as the word ‘quietly’ splits the infinitive of the verb ‘to leave’. The
origins of this rule hail back to the 17th century when scholars believed that the English
language should be adapted to follow the rules of Latin; then considered the perfect language.
Since splitting infinitives in Latin is impossible, it was decided that splitting infinitives in
English, even though possible, was not acceptable. Given that initial motivations behind the
rule were questionable and the clarity of meaning of the sentence is not compromised in the
‘incorrect’ form, it could be argued that this grammar rule is a prime example of an
unnecessary sanction which is likely to be abandoned in the future.
 F. As language evolves, changes in grammar structures which would result in confusion of the
actual meaning of the sentences are unlikely; however, the meanings of words are often
modified or altered beyond recognition by different generations and can be easily
misinterpreted by other social groups. Take, for example, the modern version of the word
‘bad’ meaning ‘great’ when used in contemporary slang. Many slang words remain dated in the
era in which they are developed, for example words like ‘to beef’, meaning to complain
(introduced in the 1920’s) are not only dated but may not even be understood in a modern
context, while others such as ‘guy’ become absorbed into mainstream language. Who knows
what future generations will add to the ever changing environment of communication?
Reading 6

Travelling around the country with bus passes

Travel Rider pass

The Travel Rider pass is valid for one month from the day it is
purchased and allows travel on any NorWest and Metro Link bus
within the city. Photo identification is required to purchase a
Travel Rider pass. Prices are £42 for adults, £30 for students and
pensioners. Passes can be purchased from any of our branches.
Please note that replacement passes can only be issued from the
main office in Queen Street.

Flexi-Pass

Flexi-Pass allows travel between cities with an hours-based pass that can be topped up just like a pre
paid phone card. With freedom to explore the national network of InterCity Coachlines , you can set
your own itinerary and travel around the country, when and where you want. The more hours you buy,
the cheaper each trip becomes and you can even use Flexi-Pass on the cross-channel ferry.  You have
three months to use the hours you purchase, so you don't have to pack too much travelling into a short
time frame. The flexi-pass can be purchased from any of our branch offices.

Prices:

Up to 15 hours - £52
16 to 20 hours - £64
21 to 25 hours - £72

NOTE: No concessions are available on tickets.

Destination Pass

The Destination Pass offers a range of 12 "hop on and off" fixed itinerary passes, based on the most
popular touring routes throughout the country. The Destination Pass includes coach and ferry travel, as
well as the additional options to sail on Brentwood Lake, all in the one pass. The destination Pass is
available through travel agents worldwide or can be purchased through our website.  When you’re
ready to travel, simply call us or log in online to book one of the 12 individual journeys. You can amend
your travel plans up to two hours prior to departure without penalty. All trips must be taken within 6
months.

Prices:
4 trips - £115
8 trips - £215
12 trips - £390
Student and group (5 people or more) discounts are available. Contact us for more details.

Gaston Community College evening classes

This semester, the following classes will be available.

Minimum
-
Times and Duratio
Class Description maximu Fee
days n
m class
sizes
Mondays
An English language class to help new arrivals to the
and
English for country learn better English. The course looks at
Thursdays 5 - 12 6 weeks £45
beginners using English in everyday situations, such as
at 7 p.m.
shopping, going to the doctors or getting a haircut.
to 8 p.m.
Tuesdays
This class is ideally suited for students who have a and Fridays
Intermediat
basic knowledge of Spanish or who completed the at 7.30 5-18 8 weeks £55
e Spanish
Beginner’s Spanish class held last semester p.m. to
8.30 p.m.
No idea how to use a computer? Then this class if for Wednesday
Using your you! It covers the basics of surfing the internet, s at 6.30
2-8 4 weeks £25
computer sending and receiving emails, typing and p.m. to
understanding files and folders. 7.15 p.m.
Back by popular demand and once again run by local
Thursdays
Beginners artist Ted Heath, this class gives you an opportunity
from 7.30
watercolour to show your more creative side. 4-12 8 weeks £40
p.m. to
painting NB: you will need to provide your own paper, paint
8.30 p.m.
and brushes
Tuesdays 7
For all those who have completed public speaking or p.m. to 8
Better presentation skills courses, or who have some p.m. and
public experience and wish to brush up on their skills. Wednesday 2-8 4 weeks £30
speaking Practise connecting with your audience and s at 7.30
communicating your message with full effectiveness. p.m. to
8.30 p.m.
Successful Many courses focus on presenting yourself well at an Mondays 4-10 5 weeks £35
interview interview, but this course will help you become a and Fridays
techniques better interviewer - ideal for those perhaps run a at 7.30
small business and would like to be sure they are p.m. to
recruiting the right person. We will cover 8.30 p.m.
 preparation, body language and good interview
questions.
£35
Learn to cook Thai food the fun way with a native,
Tuesdays +
experienced chef. A hands-on and demonstration
Authentic from 7.00 £55
course covering exciting dishes from all regions of 4-10 8 weeks
Thai cooking p.m. to food
Thailand. Aspects of Thai culture will be covered and
8.30 p.m. cost
all recipes and ingredients supplied.
s
Learn to play both classical and popular techniques.
Please bring your own guitar, and a music stand and Wednesday
Beginners floor step if you have one. You will need to buy a s from 7.30
2-6 5 weeks £20
guitar textbook. Even if you’ve never played a note before, p.m. to
you should be able to play a tune by the end of the 8.30 p.m.
course.
A fun & practical workshop just for digital camera Mondays 7
users. Learn how to use the main functions of your p.m. to 8
camera. Lots of practice with portraits, action shots, p.m. and
Digital
night scenes & landscapes. Learn different ways to Wednesday 4-10 6 weeks £40
photos
transfer your photos on to the computer – emailing, s at 7.30
printing, resizing photos, changing colour or p.m. to
contrast, convert colour to black & white. 8.30 p.m.

ESITO dress code

The personal appearance of office workers and employees who have regular contact with the public is
laid out in the company dress code. In brief, the code requires all employees to observe the following:

 Clean, pressed, properly fitting business casual attire is appropriate.

 Hair should be clean, combed and neatly arranged. Long hair is acceptable if it is tied back.
 Moustaches and beards should be neatly trimmed.
 Good personal hygiene must be maintained.
 Use perfume or cologne in small quantities or not at all (some people are allergic to various
scents).

The personal appearance of employees who do not regularly meet the public is to be decided by the
requirements of safety, comfort and supervisor approval. Even so, because all employees are a
representative of the company, they should be as neat and business-like as working conditions permit.
The following are some examples of inappropriate dress at all times:

 Faded and/or tattered/torn jeans; t-shirts displaying advertising or writing

 Faded overalls, cotton/fleece pants and jogging suits, shorts, tank tops or recreational attire
 Clothing revealing bare backs, midriffs or shoulders; or any revealing clothing.

Casual Fridays: The Company has designated Fridays as casual days. Some clothing is still considered
inappropriate even on casual days. Employees are requested to use good sense in this regard.
Bad weather days: The Company understands that inclement weather conditions can require different
attire for the day. Use good judgment when dressing for weather conditions. NOTE: This only impacts
on employees working in the yard.

The supervisor is responsible for evaluating the dress and appearance of employees under his or her
supervision. If an employee is not dressed appropriately, the supervisor should take the following
steps:

On the first occasion, a documented verbal warning should be given to the employee, and the
department's dress and appearance standards should be reviewed. If the supervisor deems it necessary,
the employee may be sent home to change into appropriate clothing.

On the second occasion, the employee must be sent home to change clothes immediately as well as
given a written warning. Further violations may result in discipline up to and including discharge.

  
  

Benefits and amendment to benefits for Glyph Interactive employees

Pension scheme

All employees are automatically included in our pension scheme, although there is an ‘opt out’ policy
for employees with private pension plans. The pension scheme is no longer non-contributory, with
employees now being asked to pay 25% of the annual payment. Government contributions will amount
to an additional 25%, with Glyph Interactive continuing to support employees by covering the remaining
50%. Once an employee has contributed to the scheme for a minimum of 20 years, payments will be
made monthly from the age of 65. Employees who do not reach the twenty year mark will be paid pro
rata (that is, an employee who has worked only ten years will receive only 50% of that received by an
employee with twenty years experience).

Medical insurance

Due to rising costs, we can no longer support offering medical insurance to retiring employees.
Standard cover still applies to all active employees, with one important addition. The immediate family
(spouse and children) of the employee can also be covered for the same benefits and services. This will
attract an additional payment depending on the current health of those wishing to be covered, but will
be well below the cost of seeking insurance with a private company.

Access to company vehicles

All staff with a legitimate need to travel will have access to one of the company vehicles. Please note
that this is to be used for company purposes only, and must be applied for in writing at least two days
before the vehicle is needed. For urgent and unexpected requirements, please consult your manager.
The only exception to this is for sales staff, who have already been issued their own vehicles.

Communication
All members of staff have a laptop which is issued on the first day of employment. This will now be
supplemented by the addition of a Smartphone. Please note, however, that all calls and
communications using the Smartphone should be for company purposes only unless in an emergency.
Training events will be posted in the next few weeks to help you get to grips with the new phone.

Working from home

We are now in the second year of the trial of some employees working from home for at least a part of
the week. Despite some earlier difficulties, the scheme has proven successful and will now be offered
as an option for all staff (although final approval must be given by your manager).

The Eiffel Tower

High above the city of Paris the Eiffel Tower looks over the thousands of tourists that visit her each
day.  One of the greatest sites in Paris, the Eiffel Tower was erected in 1889 for the great Paris
Exposition.

Alexandre Gustave Eiffel, who also designed the Statue of Liberty, put his design forward amongst 700
other designs and Eiffel’s design was chosen collectively without any further thought.  The decision was
made to build this radical creation and two years later it was completed. Eiffel had originally decided
to build the tower in Barcelona, for the Universal Exposition of 1888, but organizers and planners in
Barcelona thought it was a bizarre and expensive construction, which did not fit into the design of the
city.

After the design and build of the Eiffel Tower was confirmed for Paris, a petition was signed by over
300 names to fight against the building of this project.  These names included Parisian architects,
engineers and famous citizens of Paris. Eiffel was heavily castigated for his design and was accused of
designing something for its appearance and artistic appeal with no regard to engineering; opponents to
the building claimed that the design did not have sufficient stability to withstand the high winds its
height would be exposed to. But Eiffel and his team of ex bridge builders understood the importance of
wind forces, and the shape of the tower was largely decided by mathematical calculation involving
wind resistance. 

French painters, sculptures and writers did not see the beauty in the tower and referred to it as useless
and monstrous.  However, the Eiffel tower was admired by many notable people (Rousseau was
particularly impressed) and construction began in 1887 and was soon completed by the end of 1889. In
1909 it was almost demolished because of the expiration of its 20 year lease but was saved due to its
antennae used for telegraphy at the time. With such a difficult beginning to the Tower, it is now
internationally recognized and is a symbol of Paris completely accepted and valued by its French
Citizens.     

It took 300 workers and 15,000 pieces of iron to complete this massive landmark which now stands at
320 metres tall.  With three different levels, the third and highest level offers panoramic views of the
city of Paris and sits 276 metres above the ground.  Today all three levels of the Eiffel Tower are
observatory platforms.  The first level offers a souvenir kiosk, gallery and restaurant.  The second level
offers telescopes, shops and another restaurant with even more spectacular views, the third offers a
gallery featuring the history of the Eiffel Tower, a wax reproduction of Gustave Eiffel and his original
office restoration.  Although stairs are still available, lifts commonly take passengers to all three of
these levels.

On a clear day you can see as far as 67 kilometres across Paris.  More than 200, 000, 000 people have
visited the Tower since its completion in 1889 making it one of the most visited monuments in Europe.

Every seven years, the Eiffel Tower is repainted with 50 to 60 tonnes of paint to protect its framework
from rust.  So that the Eiffel Tower appears the same colour at each level when viewing it from the
ground up, the Tower is painted in three different shades of the same colour.  The bottom painted with
the darkest brown and the lightest at the top of the tower.  At the time of its completion The Eiffel
Tower was the world’s tallest structure until New York’s Chrysler building was completed in 1930.

Today more than five hundred people operate the day to day running of the Eiffel Tower. Each and
every day the Eiffel Towers 335 spotlights and 20,000 bulbs create a glistening affect and at night the
Eiffel Tower lights up the city of Paris and is a sight not to be missed by anyone.    The Tower lights up
every evening from sunset to 1am, coupled with the light house on the top that sends out its light
beams during the same hours.  As recognisable as a night time picture of the Tower is, rulings made in
the early 1990s actually made copyrighted the illuminated image. Unless it is taken as part of a wider
panoramic view, the image is protected under French law. The argument is that the arrangements and
display of the lighting constitutes an original visual creation, much as a major work of art, and thus
should be entitled to the same degree of protection. The ruling was and remains highly controversial,
with concerns that an innocent tourist taking a photograph of the tower at night is potentially
breaching copyright.
Practice test 7 – Reading

Sec 1

Masley Pets sale

Come and see Eric and the team at Masley Pets to get a bargain! All pets are currently on sale with up
to 20% off*!

*excludes fish

Our knowledgeable staff will be able to advise you on which pet would suit your requirements best and
how to keep your pet fit and healthy. Kane is our resident fish expert and Laura will tell you all you
need to know about any of our four legged friends!

We currently have the following in stock:

Pet Breed Quantity Price

Cocker Spaniels 3 £700
Dogs German Shepherd 1 £750
Poodle 3 £650
Persian 2 £500
Cats Siamese 1 £450
Moggie 2 £90
Angel Fish 40 + £30
Fish Firemouth 12 £20
Goldfish 20 £8
Budgie OUT OF STOCK £25
Canary 6 £25
Birds
Finch 12 £22
Lovebird 4 £28
Mouse 5 £7
Guinea pigs 2 £20
Small animals
Hamsters 1 £7.50
Rats 3 £8.50

We also have a wide range of accessories in stock.

  

Tarner’s auction house

Entering the auction:

Inspecting the vehicles is free, but to enter the auction room you need to purchase a buyer ID card.
This card has a unique number to identify you during the bidding process. As part of the payment, you
will also receive an auction listing, detailing vehicles coming up for auction (number of previous
owners, year of manufacture etc) and approximate auction times.

Inspecting a vehicle:

Before the auction starts, you will have time to look over the vehicle and, if required, have a mechanic
perform a brief check. You are not allowed to test drive the vehicle. If you are interested in the
vehicle, you will need to take a note of the lot number (a unique number assigned to each item in the
auction). The lot number and approximate timing of when that car will be auctioned should be stuck to
the front windscreen, as well as being in the auction listing.

Bidding at the auction:

NOTE: The time a vehicle will be auctioned is estimated – please ensure you are in the auction area at
least 15 minutes beforehand in case the vehicle you are interested is called early.

The bidding for a vehicle will begin once the vehicle has been brought into the auction room and the
auctioneer has given a brief description of the lot. Anyone wishing to place a bid will need to have
their buyer ID card clearly displayed so the auctioneer can determine who is making the bid.
Remember that standard auction rules apply in that if you are successful in your bidding you are legally
required to purchase the vehicle.  You must be over 20 to bid in a Tarner’s auction.

Collecting your newly purchased vehicle:

If you win the bid, go to the Collections desk to make payment. Credit cards and cash are accepted –
sorry, no cheques. Once payment has been completed, you can take the vehicle away or arrange for
collection at a later date. Remember that vehicles are sold as seen and once the last bid is final.

Rights and responsibilities:

Tarner’s take no responsibility for the state of the vehicle, and any warranties are a private matter
between the seller and the buyer. Our only obligation is to check that all outstanding finance has been
paid on the vehicle.

Additional information:

 The general public and trade purchases are welcome

 We suggest you have a clear idea of what you are willing to spend before the auction to avoid
disappointment
  Tarner’s deals solely in cars. Please do not bring any other type of vehicle for auction.

Selling at auction:

If you are bringing a vehicle to sell, we strongly suggest that you contact us before bringing the
vehicle. Although this is not mandatory, we cannot guarantee that we can auction all vehicles brought
without advance notice. All vehicles must be at the auction house a minimum of 4 hours before the
auction begins and a listing fee for each vehicle must be paid regardless of whether the vehicle sells.
Vehicles should be presented in a tidy fashion or will not be accepted for auction. All registration
papers will need to be handed to the auction house before the auction begins.

Sellers may set a reserve price beneath which the vehicle will not be sold. The reserve must within
reasonable market value. Payment for successful sales will be transferred within three working days of
the auction.

Contact us for information on pricing.

Workplace harassment

If you believe that you are being subjected to undue pressure from a colleague or manager, there are
clear guidelines you can follow to find a resolution.
How do I know if I am being harassed?
The person causing the issue...

 is being verbally hostile – making unfair comments or criticising you or your work unduly or in
an excessively public manner.
 is withholding resources without clear explanation (‘resources’ can refer to information,
training or equipment so you can’t complete your job properly).
 encourages co-workers to contribute to the harassment.

What should I do if I feel I am being harassed?

 Keep records
Every time you feel you are being harassed, make a note of it – where, when, who was
responsible, potential witnesses etc. This is invaluable evidence in a harassment case if you
decide to take action.
 Talk to your manager

Assuming this is not the person concerned, you should report the situation to your manager. 
Remember that you are entitled to confidentiality and in the majority of cases the issue can be
resolved without compromising this. If the problem is with your manager, you can approach
senior management in writing with the issue.

 Avoid directly responding to the harassment

As soon as you retaliate against the person harassing you, the company is unable to successfully
support your case. If you feel that the situation has become intolerable and you cannot work
with the person concerned, you need to discuss the matter immediately with your manager.
  Don’t feel that you would better off if you left 
The company prides itself on providing a welcoming, positive atmosphere for staff. If someone
is acting in a manner which means this is not possible, we need to know! Remember that if you
quit, the person concerned will more than likely repeat the behaviour with the next member of
staff, but with additional confidence in having been successful in intimidating other staff. 

DK Building supplies
Rules and regulations
Clothing and equipment
All members of staff working on the site are required to wear their personal protection
equipment at all times. This includes a high visibility vest and strong shoes with steel
reinforced toes.  When entering the factories, hard hats and safety glasses must also be worn.
Visitors
Visitors are NOT to walk unattended around the site; they must be escorted by an employee at
all times. Visitors must also sign the Visitor Register in reception before being allowed onto the
site. Note that friends or family or employees should be encouraged to wait outside the site.
The visitor section is reserved for deliveries, customers or staff from our other branches.

Car parking

Employees can use the staff car park off Quay Street. An access card is needed to enter this car
park (access cards are available for all employees from the reception). Parking is not permitted
in front of the reception area, or near the loading docks. Any staff cars found in these areas
will be towed at the owner’s expense.
Break areas
There are designated areas for taking breaks. Employees are not to remain in or around the
factories when on the break. All food should be consumed in one of the three break rooms,
although bottled drinks are acceptable in the work area. Smoking is permitted in marked areas
only. Due to the flammable nature of the materials in the factories, anyone found smoking
outside the designated areas will be disciplined.

The Loch Ness Monster

In the Scottish Highlands there, is believed to be a monster living in the waters of Loch Ness. The
waters of Loch Ness are one mile wide and 24 miles long, the largest body of freshwater in the United
Kingdom. To many sceptics, this monster is only a modern day myth, but to others who claim they have
seen it, the monster exists and still lurks in the waters of Loch Ness today.

Throughout Scotland, research has been done at several lakes but Loch Ness is the icon for monsters
– Nessie, as the monster is affectionately named, being the most popular of them all.  Both
professionals and amateurs flock to this lake with their cameras in the hope of capturing a brief
glimpse of Nessie and possibly solving the mystery of the Loch Ness monster.

The very first sighting of Nessie was as far back as 565 AD.  It is believed that she ate a local farmer
and then dived back into the waters, with no accounts of being seen again for over 100 years.
However, since the turn of the 20th century, several other people have claimed to see her.  Some
people believe that old Scottish myths about water creatures such as Kelpies and water horses have
contributed to the idea of this wondrous monster lurking beneath.

2007 brought about the most recent sighting of Nessie.  A tourist named Gordon Holmes from Yorkshire
visited the Loch Ness waters and claimed he not only saw her, but had captured her on video.  He
attested that she was jet black, about 15 metres long and was travelling in a very straight line at about
6 miles per hour. Despite this supposed evidence, controversy still reigns and opinion is clearly divided
about its existence. The video footage has been discredited amid accusations of tampering, whilst
others claim that the image caught by Holmes could be nothing more than a tree trunk or even one of
the otters that inhabit the loch.

Some scientists believe that the Loch Ness monster could be a mirage or a psychological phenomenon
in as much as sometimes we see what we want to see.  Of course those who have seen her beg to
differ, but many experiments have been conducted to arrive at theories to explain what it is that
people could be witnessing.  It has been suggested that Nessie could be related to a prehistoric animal
known as a Plesiosaur, an animal that measured up to ten metres in length and is otherwise thought to
be extinct, although this theory is unsupported by any data.  One scientist in particular has been
researching the lake itself to find out more about its history.  It seems that for such a large animal to
live in this lake it would require a vast food source, but for such an amount of fish to survive there
would need to be plenty of microscopic animals called zooplankton.  The only way to find out how
much of this there is in the water is to measure the amount of algae.  Algae needs light to survive so by
measuring just how deep the daylight can penetrate the lake scientists can then start to work out what
kind of population can be sustained.  Despite results that suggest that the fish population was too
small, the conclusions drawn were inconclusive.

In the 1900s, a ten year observational study was carried out, recording an average of 20 sightings of
Nessie per year.  The phenomenon exploded in second half of the century, when photos were publicly
released of a ‘flipper’. Submarines were sent into the Loch Ness to try to discover more about this
creature (and now are actually run as tourist attractions).  Another theory behind why Nessie rose to
the top of the waters where she was more likely to be seen, was that disruption from nearby road
works in the 1930s forced her to move to higher levels due to the amount of vibration felt in the
water.  Another argument centres on the geographical placement of the Loch, which sits on the Great
Glen fault line formed over 400 million years ago. Some scientists have claimed that seismic activity in
the lake could cause disturbances on its surface and people could be mistaking this for Nessie.  
Up until today, there is no convincing proof to suggest that the monster is real, which, given the
preponderance of digital cameras, webcams trained on the loch and other technological advances in
recording equipment, suggests that the myth of Nessie may be just that – a myth.

Nonetheless, accommodation all over the Scottish Highlands offers tours of the lake itself so tourists
can try to catch their own glimpse of Nessie. In 2007, it was estimated that related tourism brought in
an estimated £6 million to the region, thanks in part to the attention of the film industry.
Reading 8

A. For sale: iPod classic 160 GB. In very good condition without protective rubber case.
Headphones are gone but otherwise in perfect working order. Has 6 games. Looking for £150
but willing to accept offers.

B. 34 inch flat screen LCD television for sale. Small scratch on the top but the screen is OK. Have
to sell because I am leaving the country, so will consider any offer.

C. Playstation 3 games (6 different games). Brand new, in box with manuals. Unwanted gift. All
reasonable offers considered.

D. For sale - complete dining room set (6 chairs and table). In reasonable condition although may
need repainting. Table can fold for storage. Buyer will need to collect. £250 (price is non-
negotiable)

E. Zanussi Fridge Freezer. 1.6 metres tall. Four years old. Motor still works but door is not sealing
closed (will need new seal). Free to anyone willing to collect.

F. Wanted: cheap laptop computer. Doesn’t need to be in very good condition so long as it works.
Needed for word processing and surfing the internet, but not much more. Willing to pay up to
£200 for the right machine. Must have all cables and accessories, as well as a carry bag.

G. Boat trailer needed. Must be able to take small boat (2 metres long).  Must be in good
condition with no rust or damage. Will pay up to £250 depending on size. I can collect from
anywhere in the country.

H. I am looking for any antique figurines from the Lladro collection. Will pay a good price for any
authentic pieces in good condition. We will come to you to evaluate any piece that you are
interested in selling, but please send a photograph of the figurine first.

Great Barrier Island water taxis

Wharf to wharf at a time that suits you - 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days of the year. Great
Barrier water taxis can take you from the main harbour to any of the local marinas for a set fee using
our on-demand service – you call us and tell us when you want to leave and where you want to go, and
we’ll be there. Our fleet of safe, high speed and comfortable Water Taxis are driven by professional
skippers who have years of local experience.

Fishing charter
Unlike road taxis, we can deliver you to more than just your final destination – we service the Hauraki
Gulf so can drop you on one of the secret, secluded beaches or perfect fishing spots. Catch your own
fish for dinner!  The clean and sparkling blue waters in the local area are abundant with sea life, and
our knowledgeable skippers can guarantee you won’t return empty handed. Fishing charters are aboard
our high speed boat, comfortable for a maximum of 4 people. A half-day fishing charter costs $275,
which includes fuel and skipper.

Harbour tours

We also offer the best in harbour tours, taking you from the Great Barrier wharf to all the places of
interest. Get perfect views of the city, as well as the harbour bridge, before setting off to the see the
internationally famous Dorin Cliffs. From here we sail to Westhaven Marina, one of the largest marinas
in the southern hemisphere and home to a wide range of pleasure boats of all shapes and sizes. Then
on to Golden Sands beach before returning to the wharf via the Marble, a stunning rock formation that
can’t be seen without a boat. The whole trip takes two hours, with an option to stop at Golden Sands
beach and catch the next water taxi back to the wharf. The harbour tour costs $45 per person and
includes tea, coffee and light snacks.

Grievance procedures

A good contract that clearly lays out the terms and conditions of employment is essential in reducing
frictions and grievances in the workplaces. However, there are times when despite the most
comprehensive contract, disagreements can arise between employer and employee. A key element in
reducing the impact of such problems is often the establishment of a formal grievance procedure - a
standardized set of procedures to follow when someone has a complaint or a grievance. This needs to
be clearly laid out at the outset of any working relationship.

For grievance procedures to be effective, both the employer and the employee should see them as
positive, a method of facilitating the open discussion of areas that could possibly cause ill feeling.
When managed poorly, grievance procedures, even when only laid out in a contract and not actually
being used, can create a feeling amongst employees that the employer is not offering support, but is
instead protecting their interests through legal means. Even further, some employees are hesitant to
use the grievance process out of fear of recrimination. Some studies have shown that employees who
raise grievances tend to have lower performance evaluations, promotion rates, and work attendance
afterwards. This suggests that some employers may retaliate against employees who raise complaints.
It is vital that a company's grievance procedures include steps to prevent a backlash against those who
choose to use them.

From the manager’s side, when an employee raises a grievance, it can be perceived as lack of
managerial capability, causing the manager to overreact at the perceived suggestion that they have
done something unfair or unethical to require the grievance at all.

There are two key factors in establishing a workable grievance procedure. The first is the concept of a
progression of levels at which a given complaint may be handled. Typically this begins with a step that
provides for rapid and informal addressing of a complaint by those immediately involved, with appeals
to successively higher levels of management or other representatives possible in the event that lower-
level resolution doesn't work. The second factor is the availability of an alternative procedure, to be
used if several successive attempts at negotiation have failed. Typically this will be mediation –
negotiation with a third party - or arbitration – the introduction of a neutral party to preside over
discussions.
Many grievances can be resolved quickly by correcting a misunderstanding, or with a simple
negotiation. In this case the grievance procedure saves time, money, and the relationship between the
parties. Having the issue handled by those immediately involved is a benefit as well, as they know
more about the problem at hand than do people at higher levels.

However, a given grievance may involve a more difficult issue, or one or more of the parties may
refuse to settle with a simple negotiation. The availability of appeals to a higher level not only
provides an end to what might otherwise become frustrating and obstinate refusal to compromise, but
often serves to remind a given representative at any level that reasonableness at this stage will
eliminate the need for review of his or her actions by someone higher up. By limiting the time allotted
to each step of the grievance process, neither party can stall the process indefinitely.

In the event that the parties have discussed the matter internally at all levels provided in the
procedure and are still unable to come to satisfactory solution, it is important that the mediator or
arbitrator select has been agreed upon by both parties. The arbitrator or mediator should be familiar
with the industry concerned, and should have access to a set of standards against which the
reasonableness of proposals made in grievance negotiations can be measured. Previous arbitrators'
decisions (generally known as "awards") are indexed and published, meaning that the intermediary has
access to previous cases in order to make as informed a decision as possible.

Job advertising

It can be useful to think of a job advertisement as a function of advertising. The job is your product;
the readers of the job advert are your potential customers. Job adverts and recruitment processes
should follow the traditional AIDA selling format: Attention, Interest, Desire and Action. This means
that good job advertisements must first attract attention (from appropriate job-seekers); attract
relevant interest (by establishing relevance in the minds of the ideal candidates); create desire (to
pursue what looks like a great opportunity), and finally provide a clear instruction for the next action
or response.

Unfortunately for those recruiting, these simple steps are often lost in the process of writing, designing
and placing a job advertisement. A quick glance on a Sunday morning through almost any of the main
broadsheet newspapers will demonstrate perhaps the most common mistake – the layout of the advert.
Too many different font styles, logos or other graphics and layouts can be distracting, slowing the
reader; smaller font styles, when combined with the generally low quality paper found in newspapers,
mean that some people can’t actually read the message at all. The same is true of using upper case
letters lettering, a feature some mistakenly believe will make the reader keener to read what is
written. The key to successful job advertising is to follow the ‘less is more’ approach. Keep your text
to a minimum and, unless necessary, avoid too much technical depth. Keep enough space around the
text to attract attention to it. Giving text some space is a very powerful way of attracting the eye, and
also a way of ensuring the advert is written – and therefore can be read – efficiently.

Obscure headlines that do not clearly communicate the nature of the position can also make many
potential viable candidates give up and move to the next job advert. It is far more effective to use one
simple headline, and make the job advert headline relevant and clear. Normally the logical headline is
the job title itself - this is after all what people will be looking for. If the job title does not implicitly
describe the job function, then use a subheading to do so. Better still, if you find yourself writing a job
advert for a truly obscure job title which does not convey what the job function is, consider changing
the job title.

Another common error is trying to make your advertisement stand out by using irregular box sizes, or
even half page or full page advertisements. The problem here is largely one of expectation – people
become familiar with the general layout of the job advertisements and subconsciously dismiss shapes
and sizes that do not conform to what has become accepted as ‘standard’.

A useful point to keep in mind is that you are recruiting a person to do a job, so focus on attracting the
person. It is common for many job adverts to aim solely on the job itself, with no specific direction
towards the person. Refer to the reader as ‘you’ and use the second person (‘you’, ‘your’ and ‘yours’
etc) in the description of the requirements and expectations of the candidate and the job role. This
helps people to visualise themselves in the role.

Sleep

A. Like many things about your body, scientists and medical professionals still have a lot to learn
about the process of sleep. One earlier misconception that has now been revised is that the
body completely slows down during sleep; it is now clear that the body’s major organs and
regulatory systems continue to work actively – the lungs, heart and stomach for example.
Another important part of the body also operates at night – the glands and lymph nodes, which
strengthen the immune system. This is commonly why the body’s natural immunity is weakened
with insufficient sleep.

B. In some cases, certain systems actually become more active while we sleep. Hormones
required for muscle development and growth, for instance, as well as the growth of new nerve
cells. In the brain, activity of the pathways needed for learning and memory is increased.

C. Another common myth about sleep is that the body requires less sleep the older we get. Whilst
it is true that babies need 16 hours compared to 9 hours and 8 hours respectively for teenagers
and adults, this doesn’t mean that older people need less sleep. However, what is true if that
for a number of different factors, they often get less sleep or find their sleep less refreshing.
That’s because as people age, they spend less time in the deep, restful stages of sleep and are
more easily awakened. Older people are also more likely to have medical conditions that affect
their sleep, such as insomnia, sleep apnoea and heart problems.

D. Getting a good sleep is not just a matter of your head hitting the pillow at night and waking up
in the morning. Your sleep goes in cycles throughout the night, moving back and forth between
deep restorative sleep and more alert stages with dreaming. As the night progresses, you spend
more time in a lighter dream sleep.

E. Sleep patterns can be broken down into two separate and distinct stages – REM and NREM
sleep. REM (Rapid Eye Movement ) sleep is when you dream. You usually have 3 to 5 periods of
REM sleep each night, lasting from 5 minutes to over an hour, during which time your body’s
activities increase. Breathing becomes fast, shallow and uneven, with an increase in brain
activity, heartbeat and blood pressure. Although your major muscles generally don’t move,
fingers and toes may twitch and body temperature changes and you may sweat or shiver.
F. Research has concluded that this sleep is most important for your brain. It is when it is most
active, processing emotions and memories and relieving stress. The areas used for learning and
developing more skills are activated. In fact, the brain waves measured during REM sleep are
similar to those measured when awake.

G. NREM (Non-Rapid Eye Movement ) sleep is dreamless sleep. NREM sleep consists of four stages
of deeper and deeper sleep. As you move through the stages, you become more relaxed, less
aware of what is happening around you and more difficult to wake. Your body’s activity will
also decrease as you move through the NREM stages, acting in the opposite manner to REM
sleep. Stage 1 of NREM sleep is when you are falling to sleep. This period generally lasts
between 5 and 10 minutes, during which time you can be woken easily. During stage 2, you are
in a light sleep – the in-between stage before your fall into a deep sleep. It lasts about 20
minutes. In stage 3, deep sleep begins, paving the way for stage 4, in which you are difficult to
awake and unaware of anything around you. This is when sleep walking and talking can occur.
This is the most important stage for your body. Your brain has slowed right down and is
recovering. Blood flow is redirected from your brain to your large muscles allowing them to
mend any damage from your day at work. People woken quickly from stage 4 sleep often feel a
sense of disorientation, which is why it is helpful to use an alarm clock with an ascending ring.

H. About an hour and a half into your sleep cycle you will go from deep Stage 4 sleep back into
light Stage 2 sleep, then into REM sleep, before the cycle begins again. About 75% of your sleep
is NREM sleep. If you sleep for eight hours, about six of them will be NREM sleep. As the night
progresses, you spend more time in dream sleep and lighter sleep.

I. When you constantly get less sleep (even 1 hour less) than you need each night, it is called
sleep debt. You may pay for it in daytime drowsiness, trouble concentrating, moodiness, lower
productivity and increased risk of falls and accidents.  Although a daytime nap cannot replace a
good night’s sleep, it can help make up for some of the harm done as a result of sleep debt.
But avoid taking a nap after 3 pm as late naps may stop you getting to sleep at night. And avoid
napping for longer than 30 minutes as longer naps will make it harder to wake up and get back
into the swing of things. 
Reading 9

Thorn Brook Forest Express

Jump on board the Thorn Brook Rain Forest Express train and have a family adventure on a narrow
gauge railway into the Whean Ranges, were you can see glow worms and amazing rainforests before
relaxing with a picnic near the Huia Dam. Travelling on a miniature train, you get to travel over
wooden bridges, through numerous tunnels, view ancient forest and look out over the Corille Harbour.
Prices*1

Adults £10.00  
Children (6 - 15 years) £5.00    
Infants (0-5  years) FREE
Senior citizens £5.00    
Group bookings (the whole train)*2 Please contact us for pricing

*1 Prices entitle the passenger to one return ride on the Thorn Brook Rain Forest Express. Prices and
timetable may change without prior notice.
*2 Conditions for group bookings:

 Minimum group is 7 or more people. We require a deposit (the balance will then be payable on
the day of your trip).
 Your booking will not be confirmed until we have received your deposit.
 Your deposit must be received within 10 days of making the booking
 If you cancel more than 8 days prior to your booking, we will refund your deposit in full. After
that time, no refund will be given although we may be able to reschedule for another day.
 If the trip is cancelled due to weather or operational reasons, we will refund your deposit in
full

General information

Method of payment is either cash or cheque. Sorry, we have no credit card facilities. Please report no
later than 15 minutes before departure

Please note: booking is essential. To avoid disappointment, please book at least 2 weeks in advance.

IMPORTANT NOTE: The train line passes through two tunnels, one of which is 0.7km long. The lights are
dimmed to enable passengers to view the glow worms. Please be aware of this if you suffer
Nyctophobia (fear of the dark), or are claustrophobic (have a fear of confined spaces).

 
 The Appliance Store sale!

From March 1st to March 8th, The Appliance Store will be having its third annual clearance sale. Prices
will be slashed to as much as 50% of normal retail price. Household brands going for crazy prices!

The sale begins at 8.00 a.m. on March 1st. The first 100 customers through the door will have a further
20% discounted from their purchase, so we recommend you get here earlier to avoid disappointment.

Computers

Desktop computers will be on sale, with reductions of up to 50% on all major brands. Laptops will also
be heavily reduced – pick one up for less than £200 including carry case and wireless mouse! Computer
accessories will also be on sale, with keyboards, monitors and other accessories also heavily
discounted.

Our knowledgeable and friendly staff are on hand to advise you about the best computer for your
needs. We even have our free 20 minute training sessions to get you started using your new computer,
so even if you are a first time computer owner, we have something for you!

All PC Technology computers come with a standard 12 month guarantee (24 months for any model over
£1000) to give you peace of mind when buying your new machine.

Kitchen appliances

Fridges, freezers, microwaves, and toasters will all be on sale, with combination packages (buy two
kitchen items for a bigger discount) making this our greatest sale yet! Even the stainless steel
appliances are hugely reduced to make way for new stock.

Televisions

Flat screen LCD and plasma televisions are also reduced, with some brands as much as 30% off! We
have a limited stock on televisions, so come early to secure a bargain! We have the new Panasonic
Viera II with internal DVD player for the lowest price in town.

Rainbow Recruitment

Savings running low? Need some extra cash for a holiday or special occasion? Need to pay a few bills
but not looking for permanent work? Let us find you a temporary job to fill in the gap. Rainbow
Recruitment is looking for temps for wide variety of positions starting immediately, with excellent
rates and flexible terms. We have contracts from one week to one year in many different industries,
and offer a guaranteed payment every week!
Current positions available:

Fruit pickers / packers

Fit and energetic people required to pick and pack a variety of fruit. Weekly contract and the
possibility to earn over £400 a week (depending on how fast you work). You will need your own
transport to reach the workplace, but all other equipment (ladders, storage bins etc) will be provided.
Training will be given if required.

Labourer

2 people required for a 6 week contract on a building site in Stevenson Industrial estate. No experience
needed as any relevant training will be given. General duties include keeping the area clear, removing
debris and other unwanted material off site and unloading building materials. A licence to drive a
forklift truck is essential.

Relief teacher

Teacher required immediately to cover sick leave absences. The candidate must be fully qualified with
at least two years teaching experience in high schools. Will be required to cover geography and English
language classes. Initial contract is for two weeks but possibility of further work if mutually
acceptable.

Web designer

Website designer with graphic design training needed for a one month contract starting in two weeks.
Must be able to work independently; would suit someone who has a home office as attendance in the
company only required for occasional meetings.

Accountant

Junior accountant required for busy company with two branch offices. This initial contract is for 3
months but likely to be extended. Suitable candidate will have qualifications and experience in the
field. Tasks will include supporting the accounts department, overseeing staff payroll and maintaining
inventory records. Applicant will need to work alternately in both branches.

Care giver

Caring, sensitive person required to care for elderly lady in her own home. Live in position, five days
on three days off. Light duties, cooking and cleaning, as well as some company. No qualifications
required but some experience would help.

 
Holiday Entitlement

 All employees are entitled to a minimum of 5.6 weeks paid annual leave (28 days for someone
working five days a week).
 Part-time workers are entitled to the same level of holiday pro rata (so 5.6 times your usual
working week, e.g. 22.4 days for someone working four days a week)
 You start building up holiday as soon as you start work
 The company has the right to refuse holiday applications on unless 6 weeks’ notice is given in
writing.
 You get paid your normal pay for your holiday
 Holidays may not be exchanged for payment, unless you will no longer be working for the
company
 Public holidays are included in your minimum entitlement
 You continue to be entitled to your holiday leave in addition to any maternity (or paternity)
leave. See below for maternity/paternity leave.
 Holidays can be accumulated over multiple years to a maximum of 8 weeks. Any additional
holiday beyond this must be taken or lost; no payment will be made for holiday time an
employee does not take
 In the event of a public holiday falling on a Saturday or Sunday, the holiday will be taken on
the following Monday

Compassionate leave

In the event of a death or serious illness or emergency involving a 'dependant' in the family, employees
are also entitled to compassionate leave. A dependant could be your husband, wife, partner, child,
parent, or anyone living in your household as a member of the family. A dependant may also be anyone
who reasonably relies on you for help in an emergency, for example an elderly neighbour living alone
who falls and breaks a leg and you are the closest on hand.
You are allowed 'reasonable' time off to deal with the emergency and make any arrangements that are
needed. There's no limit to the number of times you can take time off for dependants. However, if the
company feels that this is being abused, an investigation may be instigated.
Note that payment for compassionate leave is discretionary, and in most cases the company will
continue to pay normal wages, but this should first be confirmed in writing with your manager or
supervisor.

Maternity and paternity leave

Statutory Maternity Leave is for 52 weeks, although mothers-to-be are only entitled to receive
Maternity pay for the first 38 weeks of the leave. To claim maternity leave, you must satisfy the
following requirements:

 notify the company in writing 28 days before the commencement of the leave
 have been employed continuously by the company at least 26 weeks before the baby is due
 leave can only be taken 11 weeks before the week your baby is due

If you are a father-to-be or you will be responsible with the mother for bringing up a child, you could
have the right to paternity leave and pay, providing you meet the following requirements:

 You must be taking the time off to support the mother or carer for the baby and intend to be
fully involved in their upbringing.
 Have been employed continuously by the company at least 26 weeks before the baby is due
 The leave is taken on or after the day the baby is born
 Paternity leave has to finish within 56 days of the baby being born.
  

 Flight of the honeybee

 Honeybees are characterised by their ability to produce liquefied sugar (honey) and a
propensity to construct colonial nests using wax, two tasks that necessitate a significant level
of social integration among members.  As a result, they maintain strict divisions of labour,
based on sex, with all males functioning as drones to fertilize and care for the eggs, and all
females, with the exception of the single fertile queen, responsible for fetching nectar for the
colony’s progeny.  In addition, honeybees have devised a sophisticated system of
communication to relay important information from member to member.

 Perhaps the most intriguing feature of honeybee communication is a series of flight moves only
performed by a female worker bee that has returned to the nest with nectar and needs to tell
the rest of her colony that she has discovered food supplies and where they can be found.  This
so-called honeybee dance was first interpreted by German zoologist Karl von Frisch in the early
1970s.  To facilitate observation, von Frisch and his students built several glass walled hives
and marked a collection of worker bees, or foragers, with paint.  He then trained those
foragers to find nectar at designated sources at various distances from the hives, and when the
bees returned he carefully recorded their movements, the angle and direction of their flight,
and any additional visual cues offered to the colony.  What von Frisch discovered was that each
aspect of the dance indicated certain details about the location of the nectar reserves and
recruited others to return to the site.

 The first piece of information conveyed by dancing bees is the distance of the field to the hive,
and they do this in one of three ways.   If it is less than 50 meters from the colony’s nest the
bee will fly around in narrow circles, and then suddenly fly in the opposite direction.  She will
repeat this pattern, which von Frisch’s team called the round dance, until she has recruited
several other workers to return with her to the field.  When the distance is greater than 50
meters, but less than 150 meters, she will perform a sickle dance, a crescent shaped flight
course.  If the field is farther than 150 meters, the forager will act out a waggle dance in which
she will run straight ahead briefly before returning to her original position in a semi-circular
movement.  Then, she will run forward again and return from the opposite side.  The length of
the forward run coincides with the distance of the food supplies; for example, a 2.5 second run
indicates that the nectar was found about 2500 meters way.

 Recruits also need to know the direction in which they should fly to arrive at the appropriate
foraging location, and this information is communicated via the bee’s angular orientation to
the hive.  It, however, is not a direct connection to the position of the food supplies from the
hive, but its location relative to the sun.  Therefore if the food is situated directly opposite
from the sun, the bee will fly a straight run vertically downward; if it is in the same direction
as the sun, it will fly directly upward from the colony nest.  A position 60 degrees to the right
of the sun will prompt the bee to fly downwards at a 60 degrees angle toward the right of the
nest.  Moreover, because the sun is in constant motion throughout the day, the bee’s
orientation will shift depending on the time at which the dance is performed.  Sceptics of von
Frisch’s findings, however, claim that visual cues are not enough to provide all the clues
necessary to convey the location of a food resource.  Several scientists, among them Adrian
Wenner, believe that the dance is only one component of honeybee communications; odour is
the second key element.  Using robotic bees to perform the same dances, Wenner was unable
 to attract new recruits to the foraging activities; however, when he added a bit of nectar to
the robot, workers quickly followed.  He also discovered that the odour must be representative
of the actual flowers containing the food source; otherwise the bees will arrive at the site, but
not know which ones will be profitable.

The Appliance Store sale!

From March 1st to March 8th, The Appliance Store will be having its third annual clearance sale. Prices
will be slashed to as much as 50% of normal retail price. Household brands going for crazy prices!

The sale begins at 8.00 a.m. on March 1st. The first 100 customers through the door will have a further
20% discounted from their purchase, so we recommend you get here earlier to avoid disappointment.

Computers

Desktop computers will be on sale, with reductions of up to 50% on all major brands. Laptops will also
be heavily reduced – pick one up for less than £200 including carry case and wireless mouse! Computer
accessories will also be on sale, with keyboards, monitors and other accessories also heavily
discounted.

Our knowledgeable and friendly staff are on hand to advise you about the best computer for your
needs. We even have our free 20 minute training sessions to get you started using your new computer,
so even if you are a first time computer owner, we have something for you!

All PC Technology computers come with a standard 12 month guarantee (24 months for any model over
£1000) to give you peace of mind when buying your new machine.

Kitchen appliances

Fridges, freezers, microwaves, and toasters will all be on sale, with combination packages (buy two
kitchen items for a bigger discount) making this our greatest sale yet! Even the stainless steel
appliances are hugely reduced to make way for new stock.

Televisions

Flat screen LCD and plasma televisions are also reduced, with some brands as much as 30% off! We
have a limited stock on televisions, so come early to secure a bargain! We have the new Panasonic
Viera II with internal DVD player for the lowest price in town.
Reading 10

Party in the Park

A. The 6th Annual ‘Party in the Park’ will be held on the 22nd of July at the usual venue (New
Lynn Park). This year we are pleased to announce a number of new features, as well as the all
the traditional stalls, music and games that have made the Party in the Park such a success in
previous years.

B. Live music will be provided on two stages throughout the day, with over 20 different bands.
Festival favourites ‘Leaning Out’ will return again, as well as Irish dancing troupe the Emerald
Slippers.  New acts this year are Screener, recently returned from a hugely successful tour of
Europe, and Spider Slice, one of our home grown bands that have enjoyed great critical success
over the last year.

C. There will be the traditional handicraft stalls, where you can watch local craftsman and artists
at work as well as chance to purchase some of their unique products. Come and see the John
Henry, a local artist who will draw pictures of portraits on request. There will also be a stall
run by The Woodman, a local favourite who will again have wooden products on sale as well as
short workshops on wood crafting for all those enthusiastic amateurs.

D. There will be plenty of food and drink stalls, ranging from sandwiches and coffee right through
to ice creams served in pineapple halves and freshly squeezed exotic fruit juices. And of
course, there will be plenty of opportunities to sample the products before you buy!

E. Due to the success of the event in previous years, we have added additional parking space this
year. There will be two different car parks; the first, just off Turner Street, is allocated to
people running stalls on the day, and a car park for the general public on Judd Road. We also
have an overflow car park on Smith Lane, just a 10 minute walk from the event. The event is
free to enter, but there is a charge of £1.50 for parking (please note that this must be paid in
cash at the gate).

F. Hopefully the weather will be good, but the event will proceed regardless so make sure you
bring some wet weather gear if it looks like rain on the day. 

G. Please remember that this is an alcohol-free event. Anyone drinking alcohol within the park
grounds will be asked to leave by security. We also ask smokers to use only the designated
areas and to put all cigarette ends in the bins provided

 
Westgate Gym

Opening hours:
6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday to Friday. 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. weekends.
Facilities

 Sauna
 Exercise bicycles
 Boxing equipment
 Free weights
 Stations to work on individual muscle areas
 Hot showers

Classes

Awesome Abs
This class focuses on your abdominal muscles, giving an intense workout to get you in the best possible
shape. Class sizes up to 12 with a private trainer.
Duration: 20 minutes 
Days: Mondays and Wednesdays at 11 a.m.

Kick class
Get fit with this popular martial arts influenced class. You’ll kick, jab and punch your way to better
health whilst actively reducing your level of stress! Class sizes of up to 20.
Duration: 30 minutes 
Days: Tuesdays at 4 p.m. and Thursdays at 7 p.m.

X-Ride
Get on the highway to health in this addictive indoor ride. Our exercise bicycles are a great way to
calorie burn your way to better fitness. The X-Ride class will take you through all levels of difficulty,
with simulated uphill, downhill, street and mountain levels. We have 24 bicycles, so it’s a first come,
first served class. Be here early to avoid disappointment!
Duration: 1 hour
Days: Mondays and Wednesdays at 5 p.m. Fridays at 4 p.m.

Pilates
Increase your flexibility with our Pilates class. Designed for beginners, this class requires no previous
experience in a Pilates class. With groups no bigger than 6 people to one trainer, you can be sure of
getting a personal experience.
Duration: 45 minutes
Days: Wednesdays and Thursdays at 1 p.m.

Flex
Perfect for people trying to lose weight without trying to build too much muscle, this class will help
you get in good shape without heavy lifting, as well as giving you a good workout. Maximum 18 per
class.
Duration: 45 minutes
Days: Mondays only 4 p.m.

Energiser
The ideal choice for people keen to have a little extra energy in their daily lives, the ENERGISER class
will help you feel refreshed and ready to go!. Over 6 weeks, this class will help build your energy and
stamina, giving you some simple techniques that you can do at home or in the office to maintain your
level of energy and fitness. Group sizes of up to 14.
Duration: 30 minutes
Days: Saturdays at 10 a.m. and Sundays 11 a.m.

Sculpt
This class is for those looking to build muscles and strength. You will show how to use different weights
to target specific sets of muscles to build an all-over definition. NOTE: some experience of weight
lifting is recommended before enrolling in this class. Maximum 8 people per class.
Duration: 40 minutes
Days: Mondays at 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. , Tuesdays at 4 p.m. and Fridays 7 a.m. and 5 p.m.

To all staff

This year we will be continuing our investment in training, and expanding the courses and conferences
available. The following training sessions / days will be offered throughout the year. It is essential that
you register your interest in any of the optional training days with your Department Head, line manager
or supervisor as soon as possible.

Course
Health and Safety in the workplace level 1
Details This course will take 2 hours a day over four days to complete. It is a
mandatory requirement for all staff and covers the basic aspects of creating,
maintaining and working in a safe environment. A government issued
National Certificate will be awarded to all employees that complete this
course.
Open to All employees
Allocation Mandatory for all employees that have not already completed the course
Location In company
Time 25th -28th January

Course
Health and Safety in the workplace level 2
Details This course will take 2 hours a day over four days to complete. Attendance is
optional but Completion of Health and Safety in the workplace level 1 is
required before attendance. As with the Level 1 course, a government issued
National Certificate will be awarded to all employees that complete this
course.
Open to All employees
Allocation Maximum 24 places
Location In company
Time 14th -18th February

Course
Fork lift licence
Details Half day course that leads to a level 1 forklift licence. All attendees must
have a current driving licence. Attendance at two additional sessions will be
required (to be scheduled)
Open to Warehousing staff only
Allocation Maximum 8 places
Location Crown Fork Hoist Training, Alderman Street
Time 22nd April

Course
Conference : Motivating staff
Details 3 day conference with guest speakers from different areas of business.
Delegates will be required to stay overnight for two nights. All conference
fees and accommodation will be covered with an allowance for meals.
Partners can be taken but will incur an additional cost.
Open to Department Managers only
Allocation Maximum 12 places
Location Landsdowne Hotel  (2 nights’ accommodation provided)
Time 2nd June – 5th June

Course
Trax database system
Details: A half day course focussing on how to use the new customer management
database.
Open to All secretarial staff
Allocation Mandatory for all secretarial staff
Location In company
Time 16th July

Induction programmes

Every organisation, large or small, should have a well-considered programme to introduce new
employees to the company and help them build a degree of familiarity with their new workplace. This
is referred to as an ‘induction’ programme and includes two specific aspects - , orientation, which
focuses on getting the new employer familiar with the office environment, and socialisation which
covers the establishment of building working relationships with their new colleagues.
However, designing an appropriate and cost-effective induction package can often be a huge
challenge. A delicate balance has to be struck between providing all the information that new
employees need (and are able to assimilate) without the employee being diverted from the essential
process of integrating into their new environment.

The purpose of induction is to ensure the effective integration of staff into the organisation and
research has shown that induction programmes increase staff retention. In order to provide a good
induction programme, the following elements need to be considered:
  Physical orientation – pointing out where the facilities are
 Organisational orientation – showing how the new arrival how they fit in the organisation’s
strategy and goals
 Health and safety information
 Details of the organisation itself – history, products / services, culture and values
 A clear outline of the job/role requirements and an explanation of the terms and conditions of
employment  (although this could arguably have already been covered in the interview process)

It is a common misconception that only new employees need an induction to the company. In fact, it
has been proven that a specifically tailored induction can be of great value to current and former
employees, such as those returning from long-term absence or maternity/paternity leave, senior
appointments, or recently promoted staff. Tailor-made programmes should also be available for
contractors brought in for a specific purpose.

The dangers of not having an induction programme were identified in a Harvard study, which found
that new employees did not really understand the organisation itself or their role in it, in turn leading
to

 poor integration into the team

 low morale, particularly for the new employee
 loss of productivity
 failure to work to their highest potential

In extreme cases, the new employee leaves, either through resignation or dismissal.

The question of who should be involved in the creation and delivery of an induction programme is often
left until to the Human Resources department, yet this has proven to lead to a generic ‘one size fits
all’ type of induction, which has far less value than a more personalised approach. There will be slight
variations between companies depending on size and variety of products or services, but the ideal
approach seems to be an integrated induction requiring input from a number of areas within the
company.

Typically, the inductee’s future manager or supervisor will oversee the explanation of departmental
organisation, the requirements of the job, the purpose and operation of any probationary period and
other internal processes. Human Resources would cover those aspects typically referred to as
‘housekeeping’ – this would include ensuring all contact details, payment details etc had been recorded
accurately.  Explaining legal health and safety issues could also be covered by the HR department,
although (if one has been appointed) this would ideally be the Safety Officer’s role.

Many inductions make the common error of getting the manager or supervisor to provide an escorted
tour of the department and introduce fellow workers, yet it has been found to be more beneficial for
team building to actually nominate a colleague with roughly equal status in the company. These people
also have been found best to give day-to-day guidance in local procedures for the first couple of weeks,
as it creates a mentor-like arrangement giving the new employee someone to ask questions without
having to repeatedly report to the manager.

Having given an explanation of the department’s role in the country, the direct manager should ideally
then invite a senior manager to give an overview of the organisation, its history, products and services,
quality system and culture. This allows the new employee to see the company as having a sense of
horizontal integration.
  

Hot Air Ballooning

The birth of the hot air balloon is largely contributed to the efforts of two French brothers, Joseph and
Etienne Montgolfier, who employed the fact that hot air was lighter than cool air and using this,
managed to lift a small silk balloon 32 metres into the air.  The brothers went on to elevate a balloon
into the air ten thousand metres before it started to descend and then exploded.  Arguably limited
success, but their work came to the eye of the French Science Academy as the discovery of the
properties of hot air balloons helped scientists to study and weather patterns and the atmosphere.

It was not until some considerable time later that a balloon was launched that was capable of carrying
passengers. Initial flights were trialled by animals, but after the success of these voyages, two
passengers, Jean Francois Pilatre and Francois Laurent d’Arlendes, were sent up in a balloon which
travelled across Paris for 29 minutes.  The men fuelled the fire in the centre of their wicker basket to
keep the balloon elevated and the trip across Paris was a great success. 

The discovery of hydrogen-fuelled flights led to the death in 1785 of Pilatre, a tragedy
which caused a downfall in the popularity of hot air ballooning but an increase in the
popularity of hydrogen.  Hot air ballooning lost further ground when alternate modes of
air travel were introduced, but in the 1950s, ballooning experienced something of a
revival as a leisure activity and sport. Today there are balloons of all shapes and sizes,
with many unique designs.

In 1987, British entrepreneur Richard Branson crossed the Atlantic in a balloon named Virgin Atlantic
Flyer. At the time, this balloon was the largest ever constructed at 65 thousand cubic metres, but four
years later, he and Per Lindstrand from Sweden flew nearly 8000 kilometres from Japan to Northern
Canada in their balloon the Virgin Pacific Flyer, which was nearly 10 thousand cubic metres bigger at
just under 75 thousand cubic metres. To date, this is the holds the record for the largest balloon ever
created as well as being the longest flight in a hot air balloon ever made. The Pacific Flyerwas
designed to fly in the trans-oceanic jet streams and recorded the highest ground speed for a manned
balloon at 394 kilometres per hour.

There are now a wide variety of designs and equipment available, from baskets with room for two
people right up to 35 or more, separated compartments and specially designed flame resistant fabrics,
but the basic parts of the balloon have remained relatively unchanged. There is a basket, commonly
made of wicker, inside which are stored the propane fuel tanks. Immediately above the basket and
partly wrapped around by the skirt are the burners, attached on suspension wires. The balloon itself is
made of strips of fabric called gores which run from the skirt to the top of the balloon; they are further
broken into individual panels. This section of the craft is referred to as the envelope. At the top of the
envelope is a self closing flap that allows hot air to escape at a controlled rate to slow ascents or cause
the balloon to descend. This is named the parachute valve, and is controlled by the vent line – the
cable that runs the length of the envelope and hangs just above the basket so the pilot can open and
close the parachute valve.

At the mercy of prevailing wind currents, piloting a balloon takes a huge amount of skill but the
controls used are fairly straight forward.  To lift a balloon the pilot moves the control which releases
propane.  The pilot can control the speed of the balloon by increasing or decreasing the flow of
propane gas, but they cannot control horizontal direction. As a result, balloons are often followed by
the ground crew, who may have to pick up the pilot, passengers and balloon from any number of
landing sites.  A pilot who wants to fly a hot air balloon must have his commercial pilot’s licence to fly
and must have at least 35 hours of flight instruction. There are no official safety requirements for
passengers onboard, but they should know whom they’re flying with and what qualifications they may
have.   For safety reasons, hot air balloons don’t fly in the rain because the heat in the balloon can
cause water to boil on top of the balloon and destroy the fabric.

One of the largest hot air balloon organisations is the Balloon Federation of America. Founded in 1961,
the BFA attracts those who share a fascination with ballooning (or ‘Lighter Than Air’ flight). With an
active discussion forum, meetings and displays all around the USA and beyond, the BFA runs on a
number of guiding principles, primarily that the future of ballooning is directly related to the safety of
enthusiasts. They run a number of training courses, from a novice who is interested in getting a basic
licence to pilot achievement courses. They even boast of a balloon simulator, which although will not
directly lead to a pilot’s license, it can give participants a degree of the sensation enjoyed by
professional balloon pilots.
Reading 11

Post Office Information Leaflet for Home Owners

Moving house or relocating your business? Need to redirect your mail to your new address? Read the
important information that follows.

How does mail redirection work?

Redirection is a cost-effective way of ensuring that you continue receiving your mail when you move
home or business. Redirection of mail is flexible - you can arrange for your post to follow you even if
the move is temporary, or if you are moving to an overseas address.

 Service available for periods of 1, 3, 6 or 12 months. The service can be renewed up to a

maximum of two years.
 Redirect to any UK or overseas address

Preventing identity fraud

The Home Office Identity Fraud Steering Committee recommends that to reduce the risk of
identity fraud when you move, use Royal Mail's redirection service to direct your mail from
your old address to your new one for at least a year.

How can I arrange for my mail to be redirected?

There are four ways to apply and pay for a redirection:

 By post
 By phone
 In person at the Post Office
 Online

Householders, you can now set up a redirection of mail online if your debit/credit card is registered at
the address you are moving from. This method of application is quick and easy and the process
typically takes around five minutes to complete. Once you have submitted your application, please
allow up to five working days for the Redirection to come into effect. (Please note that it is not
currently possible to arrange a business redirection online).

Costs

Personal customers (costs quoted are per surname – Overseas

Business
Length of other individual living in the same residence with address
customers
Redirection different family names must apply separately) (Airmail)
12 month £38.99 £77.99 £110.00
6 months £25.96 £51.97 £73.45
3 months £16.82 £25.96 £47.75
1 month £7.64 £15.47 £21.85
Is there any mail that cannot be redirected?
Yes, the following types of mail cannot be redirected:

 Mail for people or organisations that weren’t occupying or conducting business from the old
address.
 Mail addressed to boarding houses, hotels, colleges or other multi-occupied premises.
 Personal mail from a business address to a private address.
 Mail from one PO Box® to another in the same delivery office.
 International mail – any item bigger than standard letter size (over 25mm thickness and over
100g) that clearly contains goods, cannot be redirected abroad
 Mail from abroad to a UK address.
 Carrier mail (E.g. parcels being delivered by a private parcel delivery company).

Seabridge Classical music festival - 40 performers for $40 

Friday 2nd, Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th September

 Be in Seabridge/Newton as they come alive with the sounds of classical music.

 Six fantastic venues situated in and around Seabridge in Seabridge Town, Scenic Falls and
across the water at neighbouring Newton.
 Performers from the USA, Canada, Australia and the UK performing on rotation at all venues. 
 This year's special guest performers are the String Trio ‘Osmond’ from New York City
(performing at Townhall and the Newton Arms only).
 Three days of music, over 150 hours of quality classical pieces. 
 Plus lots of free street music Saturday and Sunday andclassical music quartet on the Steam
Train in Newton.

A festival badge entitles you to discounted ferries between Seabridge and Newton, and unlimited
use of a free shuttle bus around the venues between Scenic Falls and Seabridge.
The complementary shuttle buses are in operation during the following times:                        

 * Friday 6pm - 1am           

 * Saturday 12 noon - 1am      
 * Sunday 12 noon - midnight

The shuttles follow a regular route, calling in at the venues at these approximate times every hour:

00 Seabridge Resort
05 Townhall
10 Maritime Building
15 Cruza Bar
25 Scenic Falls Resort office /reception
30 Seabridge Resort
 35 Townhall
40 Maritime Building
45 Cruza Bar
50 Scenic Falls Resort office /reception

Please note: If you use any other taxi service you will have to pay. Note: The Sailor’s Arms is our 6th
venue and is situated across the peninsula in Newton village – Newton village is accessible by ferry
only. Ferry prices are discounted to $10 return for festival badge holders (a saving of $6.50 per return
crossing).
Ferries depart from both Seabridge and Newton every half an hour: 

  Final ferry Seabridge Final ferry Newton

FRIDAY 11.30pm midnight
SATURDAY 11.30pm midnight
SUNDAY 7.30pm 7.00pm

Venue Information:

Seabridge Resort
Seabridge resort is situated on the seafront approximately 5 minutes’ walk from the centre of town.
The resort has 35 split-level hotel rooms (kitchen facilities and lounge downstairs, bedrooms and
bathroom upstairs). The resort has a restaurant, indoor swimming pool and fitness room on-site.
Festival events are held in its large conference facility.

Townhall
The town hall is the oldest building in Seabridge and is the largest of the festival venues. It is situated
in the heart of the village and is within easy walking distance of Seabridge’s wide variety of shops,
restaurants and cafes.

Maritime Building
The Maritime Building was constructed in the 1800s as the head office and passenger service centre for
the local region’s main shipping company. Today, the building is used as a conference and events
centre only. The maritime building is conveniently situated next to the main ferry jetty in Seabridge
for visitors wishing to take the trip over to Newton, just two minutes’ walk from the passenger
embarkation point.

Cruza Bar
Cruza bar is a popular night-time venue for locals and visitors to Seabridge. During the festival,
performances will also be held during the daytime. Cruza bar does not provide accommodation, but
served lunches and evening meals in the Cruza cafe located right next to the main bar area.

Scenic Falls resort

Scenic Falls resort, as the name suggests, in located right next to the beautiful Scenic Falls themselves,
around 10 minutes drive from Seabridge village centre. Performances will be held in the main
bar/restaurant area and bistro food will be served during the festival (the main restaurant will be
closed). The resort offers motel room accommodation, camper van sites and unpowered tent sites.

The Sailor’s Arms

The Sailor’s Arms is the oldest licensed establishment in the district and has lots of historic appeal. The
building is a listed building and provides 26 rooms for its guests. The hotel serves breakfast daily in the
Pavillion restaurant and a l a carte dining in the evening. Bar snacks are available throughout the day.
Festival events will be held in a marquee which is erected in the beautiful grounds of the hotel.
  

Getting along in the workplace - basic guidelines

Don’t escalate problems up to your manager. 

Of course you must keep your manager informed if delays, mistakes or problems occur, but don’t just
present the problem - also offer a solution. This approach ensures that your manager is able to see that
you are able to problem solve and that you can be very useful in helping them with their workload.
Mistakes happen and things do not always go to plan in a work situation. If this occurs, don’t
automatically try to blame others. It is much better to look for an opportunity to take responsibility for
the issue at hand and how to make the situation better, even if it is not directly your fault.  Arrange a
face to face discussion with your manager to explain the situation and take full responsibility.   Keep
the communication to your manager short and do not provide excuses but do offer solutions and ways
in which the same mistake can be avoided in the future.

Use face to face meetings or the telephone to communicate bad news or criticism.

Never communicate negative opinions or bad news using e-mail or voicemail.  It is worthwhile to spend
the time picking up the phone or setting up a face to face meeting.   However, using email to
communicate good news or praise for a job well done is a great idea as these kinds of messages can
then be easily forwarded to other parties to spread the positive information and sense of achievement.
If you receive an e-mail with negative opinions from another person, or if you are copied on an e-mail
debate where negative opinions are shared, never "reply to all" to continue the discussion.  It is much
more productive for personal relationships to call the person directly and arrange to set up a face to
face meeting for the parties involved.

Make sure that you re-direct credit and thanks to others who deserve it.

When a project is completed, send an e-mail to all the people who were involved and helped to
achieve success – make sure that you include all relevant management in the email. General content of
the email should include an announcement that the project was completed successfully and include
particular thanks to the people who made it happen. This is a useful strategy to get management to
see you as a leader and to build relationships with your colleagues.

Take time for social interaction in the workplace

While of course you must demonstrate ability and competency in the workplace, do not underestimate
the importance of being able to get along socially with your colleagues and managers. Having people
alongside you who see you in a positive light and support you personally is vital to success and
happiness in your job. You can be the most competent person in the office but are unlikely to get
ahead if managers do not like you or feel you create friction within the team. You can encourage good
relations by making time for social events – drinks or meals after work to welcome new colleagues,
stopping for a short break to celebrate someone’s birthday, the birth of a child, success at passing a
qualification at night school. From time to time you could even surprise your co-workers with a food
treat. Put out snacks on your desk and invite co-workers and managers to stop by and have a quick
break. Small kindnesses can go a long way!
  

Choosing a career

A. Considering personal interests

Surveys show that to achieve job satisfaction, enjoying what you do is more important than earning a
large salary. High interest levels and motivation are likely to lead to success in the workplace and
promotion opportunities in the future. Generally, the more interested we are in something, the better
we are at doing it. Are you unsure where your interests really lie? Many young people have no idea
what career path they may wish to follow, if this is the case, you might decide to consult a career
development professional (a career counsellor or career development facilitator). A career
development professional is able to help you carry out a self assessment using various tools to help you
decide which working may suit you. He or she is then able to show you how all these combined
factors add up to helping you in choosing a career.

B. Utilising existing skills

Existing skills may be in place from previous careers, voluntary work, hobbies or participation in club
activities. Can any pastimes or leisure pursuits that you already enjoy translate into a career? For
example, a creative person who enjoys working with their hands may suit a career in crafts or
carpentry. A person who is interested in spending their spare time using computers and is
knowledgeable about technology may be suited to a career in information technology. If you are short
on existing skills and are having difficulty securing a job, perhaps a suitable option could be to take on
some voluntary work in a field you are interested in to make your C.V. more interesting to prospective
employers.

C. Work-related values

Most of us like to feel that we are making a contribution to the world in the way that we live our lives,
and it is important that our values match expectations of what we must do in the workplace. Some
people gain satisfaction through helping others and may choose a career in a social context, working
with the elderly, children or the disadvantaged, for example. If you are expected to perform certain
tasks or support business tactics that you disagree with, frustration and dissatisfaction are likely to
occur. When considering a job, evaluate whether the company’s ethics match your own – would you
feel comfortable working for a cigarette manufacturer, for example?

D. Personality

Different careers may tend to attract certain personalities. Various personality tests exist which can
help us understand what kind of character we have; some organisations ask potential employees to
complete personality tests at the interview stage to gauge how well they may fit into a company
culture.  Many careers such as customer service require successful employees to have strong social
skills, while some people who are more reserved may feel happier working in a role that requires lower
levels of social interaction - working with data or accounts, for example.

E. Lifestyle preferences
The career you choose must be in sync with the lifestyle you wish to lead for long-term happiness and
satisfaction. For example, a high powered career in business is likely to mean that the individual will
need to be based in, or travel to a major city. Hours are likely to be long and added travel times can
be even more tiring. Farmers may choose their career path due to an underlying love of the
countryside and nature. Some people may select a career with the long term outcomes and benefits in
mind. For instance a young doctor is usually required to work extremely long hours in the first few
years of the career, but may be prepared to accept this over the shorter term as they can expect to
reap the benefits of a very comfortable salary and reduction in work load in later years of their
professional life.

The realcost of drugs

A. On the television, via email, in newspapers and magazines – in almost every form of media you will
find advertising and promotion for pharmaceutical drugs. However, unless they are subsidised at a
government level, many of these drugs can be extremely expensive and prices are rising quickly.
Americans alone now spend a staggering $200 billion a year on prescription drugs, and that figure is
growing at a rate of approximately 12 percent a year. According to Medical Administrator Susan Miller,
prescription drugs are the fastest-growing portion of the overall health care bill in the United States.
Ms Miller explains that the increase in spending on pharmaceuticals reflects, in almost equal parts, the
fact that society is taking significantly more prescription drugs than previous generations, that those
pharmaceuticals are more likely to be expensive new ones rather than older, cheaper ones, and that
the prices of the most heavily prescribed drugs are routinely increased by industry, sometimes as often
as several times a year.

B. Pharmaceutical company Chairman Simon Bell defends the high price of prescription drugs as
inevitable in the light of research and development costs being enormous, and the high costs
justifiable, since innovative medicines are vital as they lengthen life, improve quality of life and
counteract the need for more expensive health care. But why, opponents of the pharmaceutical
corporate argue, do prices of the more popular drugs need to be increased by so much and so often?
Before its patent ran out, for example, the price of Schering-Plough’s top-selling allergy pill, Claritin,
was raised thirteen times over five years, for a cumulative increase of more than 50 percent—over four
times the rate of general inflation. Spokeswoman for one of the corporates accused of over-pricing,
Lynne Bennett, explains that high prices and regular price hikes on the more popular products is not a
sign of greed, but an opportunity to bring in higher revenue which can then be utilised for research and
development of treatments for less common ailments and conditions.

C. Janet Abbotts, a prominent social services specialist believes that covering the cost of prescription
drugs is no longer a problem of the ‘poor’ alone. The shape of healthcare provision in America - who is
now paying for what - has inevitably changed as a result of economic recession, and the current
situation now means that an even higher proportion of the population may struggle to obtain the
pharmaceuticals they need. Abbotts believes that in times of economic difficulty, health insurance
provision by employers will inevitably shrink. As one of the means of tightening overall corporate
budgets, Janet says that there has been a definite trend towards employers requiring their staff to pay
more towards the costs of healthcare themselves. In fact, Abbotts says, many businesses are going as
far as dropping health benefits for workers altogether. Since prescription drug costs are rising so
quickly, the current payers of the overall medical insurance bill – employers, are particularly eager to
shift such costs to individuals. The result is that even where medical insurance bills are part of the
employment contract, more and more companies are moving towards clauses where individuals have to
pay a greater fraction of their drug bills themselves.

D. Many observers believe that the sector of society most often adversely affected by higher
pharmaceutical prices are retired people with no, or restricted, earning potential and an often
increased need for medical intervention. Naturally, the elderly tend to need more prescription drugs
than younger people—mainly for chronic conditions like arthritis, diabetes, high blood pressure, and
elevated cholesterol which are more prevalent in old age. Medical improvements and developments
have actually widened the gulf between this group’s needs for and actual access to the
pharmaceuticals required says Peter Stantham, founder of Age Today, a leading charity supporting the
elderly.

E. He explained that when Medicare was introduced in the USA in 1965, people in general took far
fewer prescription drugs and that the pharmaceuticals they did take were cheap – senior citizens at
that time could generally afford to buy whatever they were prescribed, without the need for payment
by an insurance company. How times have changed, says Stantham. Currently research estimates that
only approximately half to two thirds of America’s elderly have supplementary insurance that partly
covers prescription drugs, and for future generations it is anticipated that percentage will drop even
more significantly, as employers and insurers move away from providing the comprehensive cover
enjoyed by previous generations. Stantham references one study which was conducted as far back as
2001 in the U.S. which disclosed that nearly one in four senior citizens reported that they deliberately
skipped some doses of their medication or did not even take prescriptions given to them by doctors to
pharmacies for pick up at all because of the cost.

F. Susan Miller, objects most strongly to a pharmaceutical industry pricing practice that she believes
actively disadvantages the elderly and other groups who have the greatest need for pharmaceutical
products but can least afford them. The practice means that Medicare recipients without
supplementary insurance (this group being most highly represented by the elderly and the poor) pay
much more for pharmaceuticals than favoured customers, such as large HMOs (health maintenance
organisations which provide medical healthcare coverage) or the Veterans Affairs (VA) system (which
provides medical healthcare coverage for ex-military personnel). Because such concerns purchase in
bulk, Miller explains, they are able to bargain for significant discounts or rebates. On the other hand,
people without insurance have no bargaining power and so they pay the highest prices. 
Reading 12

Highbury Mall

Level Name Info Opening and closing

Monday to Saturday 8:00 am to 7:00
Derek Smith Electrical goods, computer
1 pm 
Electrical accessories, digital cameras.
Sundays 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Ladies clothing, hats, handbags Monday to Friday 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
1 Pam’s Designs
and cosmetics Sat and Sunday 10:00am to 4:00pm
Car accessories, tools, Monday to Saturday  9:00 to 5:00
1 Superquik Auto
hardware (closed Sunday)
Monday to Friday 9:00 am to 7:00 pm
2 Marbacks CDs, DVDs, concert tickets
Sat and Sunday 10:00am to 2:00pm
Monday to Saturday 9:00 am to 6:00
Hair styling, salon, beauty
2 Get Ahead pm 
treatments
Sundays 10:00 am to 3:00 pm
Hobbies and crafts, models,
2 Craft World Every day 10:00am to 4:00pm
toys
Jewellery, watches, belts, Monday to Friday 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
3 Michael Hall
handbags and accessories Sat and Sunday 10:00am to 4:00pm
Monday to Saturday 8:00 am to 6:00
Stationery, paper goods,
3 Pepper Pot pm 
stamps
Sundays 10:00 am to 3:00 pm

DVD Supreme

Welcome to DVD Supreme! Please read the terms and conditions of this agreement before signing.

New members
As a new member, your first four DVD rentals are half price (note: this does not include new releases).
You will need to present your membership card every time you rent a movie. Other people can also use
your card to rent films, but they will need to know your four digit pin number.

Returns
All DVDs must be returned before 6 pm on the due date. DVDs returned after this time will incur a fine
of 50% of the rental fee for the first 24 hours, then the full daily rental fee if it is later than 24 hours.
Rental types
Our DVD are sorted into three groups – the new releases which can be rented overnight for $8. Recent
releases cost the same but can be kept for three nights. Older films are marked ‘Weekly’ and can be
rented for $5 for 7 nights.

Special offers
You can rent two new releases for $12, three recent releases for $10 or 5 weekly titles for $10. All
films must still be returned at the same time as normal rental prices. 
Care of the DVDs

Condition of DVDs
All DVDs must be returned in the condition they are rented. Lost, scratched or otherwise damaged
DVDs will be charged at replacement cost and may also lead to your membership being cancelled.

Holiday Homes Online Ltd - Technical Support Officer

Job title: Technical Support Officer (email us for a full job description)
Salary: Highly competitive (dependent on qualification type and grade)
About Holiday Homes Online Limited. 

Established in 1999, we are now the market leader in the UK for tourism bookings online in the holiday
homes market.  Our sister company Hotels and Motels Online Limited takes care of motel and hotel
bookings while we focus on advertisement of self-catering accommodation only. We currently have
over 10,000 holiday homes on our books and this number has increased by approximately 5% per annum
over the last five years. Holiday homes are available nationwide, though the highest proportion of our
accommodation is in the south-west. The majority of holiday homes are privately owned, but must be
available for rental for at least 8 months of each calendar year. We will be launching a new website
and service offering advertising self-catering holiday accommodation in Continental Europe in
December this year.

About the Role

This is a permanent position. You will be given the opportunity to work alongside a team of 20
dedicated professionals based in our UK office. We are committed to the welfare, training and
development of our team members and we offer a structured and on-going training programme which
is conducted here in the UK head office and in the South-west (in the main hub of our accommodation
offerings). We have 3 positions available to appropriate individuals seeking an I.T. support role in the
UK arm of our business. Opportunities for transfer to the European office will be available from next
year. Our customers are mainly professional couples and families from the U.K., France, Demark and
Germany.  Knowledge of either French or German language is essential.

Additional Benefits
Employees have access to our pension and private medical schemes after an initial 6 months of service
with our company. All employees receive lap top and iPhone packages on entry.

Background of Applicants
Applicants are required to be holders of a language degree (French or German) or demonstrate
equivalent spoken and written skills. Applicants will also be required to demonstrate appropriate I.T.
skills at interview.  Applicants must be people focussed with strong communication skills. We require
employees to be able to work well under pressure and to demonstrate strong problem-solving skills.  A
job description can be downloaded from our website. Full training is given and no previous work
experience in our specific industry is required though previous experience in an I.T. related customer
service role is a definite advantage.

Application Information
Applications must be submitted before 12th June.  Successful applicants will be contacted and invited
to interview; interviews are scheduled for between July 5th-12th.  Travel costs to interview will be
reimbursed. Details of two referees must be provided, though these will not be contacted until
candidates have been short-listed at the interview stage.

How to Apply:
Direct to our Human Resources Department       

By email: recruitment@hholtd.com.
By post: Human Resources Manager, Holiday Homes Online Ltd. P.O. Box 908, Basil Parade,
London, EC1 A3AK
Or online through our recruitment agency website: www.itsolutions.comJob reference: 9703

All applicants must include a full CV, a covering letter, a passport photograph and the names and
contact details of two referees. 
Due to the high volume of applicants we receive only successful applicants will be contacted.

Dear Miss Johnson,

I am writing to confirm our offer of contracted employment which will commence on February 18th. It
would be appreciated if you could confirm your acceptance no later than January 9th.

The contract will run for a period of twelve months and a further offer of permanent employment may
be extended thereafter if mutually agreeable. The title of the position is Project Manager – Accounting
Services and you will be responsible for a team of twelve full time staff and four contracted external
consultants; you will be required to report directly to the Chief Executive Officer.

Annual salary will be $85,000 and a company car will be made available for you, with an additional
bonus of $15,000 payable on successful project completion.

We would like to arrange a one-day induction sometime week commencing February 11th as the person
currently employed in the role will be available for hand over of responsibilities. We will also be able
to ensure that you meet all other key members of the team and are able to familiarise yourself with
our premises, policies and procedures. I would appreciate it if you could contact my personal assistant
Sophie James on extension 431 to make suitable arrangements.

I have attached a schedule for the planned induction. Should you have any questions prior to your next
visit to our offices, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Yours sincerely
Brian Robinson.
Human Resource Manager

(see below for induction schedule)

Induction Schedule – Day 1

Time Activity Key personnel Location

8.30am – Signing of employment contract. Induction to the background of Human Room 4.2
9.15am the organisation and organisational chart [roles, responsibilities, Resources
reporting structures]. Introduction to health and safety, building Manager
rules and emergency procedures will be given by the Building
Services Manager. Building
Services
Manager
9.30am – Meeting with Chief Executive Officer and Members of the Board. CEO The Board
11.30am Presentation on key goals and objectives for the coming year to Board of Room
be given by our Marketing Director David Peters. Directors
Marketing
Director
11.30am Coffee break n/a  
12.00pm Meeting with the current Project Manager – opportunity to hand Current Project Project
– over the project, question and answer session, transfer of Manager – Manager’s
1.30pm responsibilities. Accounting office
Services [2nd
floor]
1.30pm Lunch – an informal buffet lunch will be available in the main All members of Main staff
– staff room. This gives new staff members the opportunity to the room
2.30pm meet other members of the company from different organisation
departments.
2.30pm An introduction to the computer systems, software used by the Information Project
– Accounting services team. Lap top, iPhone etc will be set up by Technology Manager’s
3.15pm I.T. staff. Manager office
[2nd
floor]
3.30pm Meeting with Financial Services team. An overview of tasks Financial Meeting
– achieved to date; opportunity for the Project Manager to meet services team Room 3
5.00pm the team and present ideas for future developments in the
project.
5.00pm Finish n/a  
 

Additional information:

Building access: The building is open from 7.30am to 5.30pm with unrestricted access. Outside these
hours members of staff can enter and exit using access control cards; use of the building at weekends
requires special approval. These are issued during induction by the Human Resources Manager. For
security reasons, should cards be lost, they must be reported immediately to the Building Services
Manager.

Car park: Management level staff are allocated car parking spaces which are located below the offices
levels in the basement. Access to the carpark is restricted, entry is allowed by keypad entry code. The
car park is fully secure and monitored by CCTV.

Onsite facilities: The building has a gymnasium on the 2nd floor which is shared with other companies
within the building. The gymnasium is open from 7am to 8pm Monday to Friday but is closed at the
weekends. On the ground floor is a public cafe; however, employees of companies based in the
building are allocated a discount card. These cards are available from the Building Services Manager.

The nature of addiction

A. Many people would perhaps, at least as an immediate response, not consider themselves to be
‘addicts’, yet a closer look into aspects of lifestyle and mental attitude often reveal a far
different picture. The main problem at present is that the traditional definition of the word
has become blurred and the lines between addiction and interest are far harder to identify. In
the past, the label ‘addict’ was generally applied to those with an insatiable appetite for
certain substances that were traditional known to be harmful, illegal or both: psychoactive
drugs, alcohol and nicotine, for example.  More recently, however, we find that there is a
multitude of potential addictions. Gambling, food, work, shopping – all of which are potential
areas where addiction can lurk.

B. To try to define the subject of addiction (and in many cases the subsequent course of
treatment to best combat it), psychologists now commonly referred to three distinct
categories. The first is related to those forms of addictions that are perhaps not life-
threatening or particularly dangerous, and are often labelled in an almost tongue-in-cheek
manner, such as the consumption of chocolate possibly leading to the creation of a
‘chocoholic’. This category is referred to as soft addiction and is generally related only to a
potential loss of productivity; in the workplace, an employee who is addicted to social
networking sites is likely to be a less useful member of staff.

C. Substance addiction, however, is a completely different category, and focuses on ingestion of a

drug (either natural or synthetic) to temporarily alter the chemical constitution of the brain. It
is a combination of physical and psychological dependency on substances that have known
health dangers, and the knock-on problem that users in an addicted state will often go to great
lengths to acquire these substances, hence leading to the very strong connection between drug
abuse and crime.

D. Finally there is behavioural addiction, which is regarded as ‘a compulsion to engage in some

specific activity, despite harmful consequences’ and is a relatively recent entrant to the field.
This is where the ‘soft’ addictions taken go beyond a safe limit and can become dangerous.
Overeating, especially on sweetened foods, is one of the more common behavioural addictions,
potentially leading to morbid obesity and associated health risks. Also included in this grouping
 are concerns like excessive gambling, and for many the combination of the availability and
anonymity of the internet, as well as a plethora of online gambling sites, has led to a vast
increase in this form of addiction.

E. However, the point at which a soft addiction becomes a behavioural addiction is both hard to
define and cause for significant controversy. A child who comes home after school and plays on
the internet for three hours is considered by some to be suffering from a behavioural addiction;
to others, this is just a modern form of leisure time and just as valid as reading a book or
playing outside. Another point of friction among people involved in studying and treating
sufferers  is that some of the issues covered by the umbrella term ‘addiction’ are actually
mislabelled, and they belong more to a different category altogether and should be referred to
as ‘Impulse control disorders’.

F. The correct course of action when attempting to overcome an addiction varies greatly between
the type of addiction it is, but also varies considerably among the medical community. Take
substance addiction, for example. The traditional approach has been to remove the source –
that is, remove the availability of the drug – but this is now no longer concerned the best long
term approach. The old idea of incarcerating the addict away from any drugs proved faulty as
this did not prevent relapses when back in society. There is now an increasing tendency to
consider not only the mechanical nature of addiction, but the psychological source. Often,
extreme addictions – both substance based and behavioural – stem from a psychological root
such as stress, guilt, depression and rejection, and it is for this reason that counselling and
open discussion are having more successful long-term results. 

G. For non-professionals with people in their lives who are suffering from some form of addiction,
the importance now is in focussing on supporting their recovery, not enabling their
dependence. Judgemental attitudes or helping to conceal addiction have been shown not only
to perpetuate the problem, but in many cases actually exacerbate it.

 
Reading

Broadband & home phone

Our great value home phone and broadband packs give you a home phone and a standard calling plan
together with one of our broadband plans. Choose from any of these great packs below, with the
flexibility to change between plans when you need to.

Monthly allowance The Lite Plan The Standard Plan The Mega Plan
Data allowed (in
20 45 80
gigabytes)
Free calling time on 5 hours of local calls 10 hours of local calls 20 hours of local calls
your landline 2 hours international 5 hours international 5 hours international
Price $45 $75 $99

For new subscribers:

Once you have selected the plan that you think will suit your needs best, call us on (0800) 134 – 342.
We will then arrange for a technician to come to your property and install the equipment you need.
There is no fee for the technician but there is a one off charge of $49 for the equipment.

For current subscribers who are upgrading:

If you already have one of our plans and would like to upgrade to a higher plan, just call us on (0800)
134 – 342. Note that there is an administration fee of $15 to change plans. We will not need to send a
technician to your property to upgrade your plan.

Early cancellation:

Although you will be charged monthly, there is an early disconnection fee if you do not wish to
complete a full 12 month period. The fee will depend on how many months are remaining in the first
year.

The Ultimate Pack - Mobile phone, internet and home phone bundle

We are currently running a special offer where you can get your home and mobile phone calls, as well
as the Standard Plan internet, all for one low price of $129. This allows unlimited national calling on
both your mobile and home phone, as well as the data allowance of 45GB per month. International
calls also have a 20% discount compared to our normal plans.

 
The Local Market Newsletter – your guide to markets in your area

Titirangi Village MarketThe third Sunday of the month (9am – 2pm). The Titirangi Village Market is
held in the town hall. There will be live music from 10am to 1pm, as well as a wide range of jewellery,
clothing, crafts, plants, coffee & snacks. Parking is free and admission is by donation, with all money
going to charity.

Bakers Market (Valley Rd)Open air market held from 11am to 3pm every Saturday (weather
depending). Call (09) 342 3242 if it’s raining to check the market is going ahead. This is a real
connoisseurs market, with homemade bread, pastries, cheese, wine & confectionery. Fresh coffee and
snacks are also available. Free entry but parking costs $5.

Glendene Farmers Market Note that this as now permanently moved to a new venue, and will be held
in the Glendene Community centre every Saturday and Sunday from 7am to noon. Fresh and organic
fruit, vegetables and flowers, breads & pastries, preserves - great coffee and live music. Free parking
and entry.

Oratia Music and Book fairHeld on the first Saturday of the month at 569 West Coast Rd. A wide range
or rare and unusual books and records, with collectors coming from all parts of the country and beyond
to browse around and grab a bargain. There is a $10 entry fee, but this includes a free drink. Please
note that parking is limited so try and come with friends if you can!

Kumeu Country Market This is held at the Showgrounds from 8am until 4pm. Come out to beautiful
Kumeu to stock up on fresh produce, meats, fish, cheeses, gourmet sweets, honey, chutneys, gourmet
foods, flowers, art, crafts, jewellery, clothing, live entertainment and much more! Live music all day,
as well as face painting and other activities for the kids, loads of parking and free admission. Markets
are held about once a month so visit their website for details of the next market.

Avondale Markets, Avondale RacecourseEvery Sunday morning 9am to midday. Fruit & vegetables,
produce, local and international food, as well as clothing, books, gifts and other products. Free entry
and parking.

Whitecliffe International Job Expo - Take the first steps to a new life overseas!

This July, meet employers and get all the information you need to move and work overseas at the
Whitecliffe International Job Expo. Meet visa specialists who can help you get your paperwork in order
to work in any of our four overseas locations, and relocation specialists that can help you organise the
journey and your accommodation overseas.
The Whitecliffe International Job Expo is for you if:

 You have the skills and experience requested by the employers - to see the jobs being
recruited for, and to ensure there's something for you, see the jobs page on our website
at http://whitecliffeoverseas.expo
 You are ready to experience something new and can be available with three months notice or
less
 You're an experienced, skilled professional with a few years of work experience under your belt
- many of our jobs are not suitable for students or recent graduates
  You don't want to stare at a computer screen, trying to ask your questions to a website - come
and enjoy face to face access to leading overseas and local employers
 You want to meet a range of experts who can help navigate your journey overseas - everything
from visa specialists to relocation companies
 You want to listen to a programme of expert-led seminars which will provide you with insight
and plenty of hints and tips - including advice about all-important visa processes
 You want to be in good company - we welcomed over 30,000 visitors to last year’s Expo
 You want to find everything you need to make the move overseas – all under one roof

Who’s going to be there?

We’re one of the world’s leading organisers of migration events, which we’ve been putting together for
well over a decade to help people achieve their dreams of working overseas. This year’s Expo runs from
16th to the 18th March. We will have representatives from a wide range of industries, looking for short
and long term contracts. Here’s a rundown of just a few of the companies and the positions they are
looking to fill.

Galaxy Pharmaceuticals
Established over 60 years and with offices in the USA, Singapore and Australia, Galaxy is looking for
skilled and motivated sales people to generate and follow up on sales leads. There is a base salary and
excellent commission bonuses. Accommodation and vehicle will be provided, as well as return flights
after 12 months.

HydroTech
Based in Australia and New Zealand, the company is focussed on renewable energy sources and is
looking for technicians and IT professionals to develop and maintain systems. Full training will be
provided, and the employment package includes medical insurance. Payment rates vary depending on
the contract length agreed to, with the best rates being awarded to candidates who can commit to a
minimum of two years.

Distance couriers
Based in Australia, Distance Couriers is looking for well seasoned drivers to take heavy goods vehicles
between states. The cargo is time sensitive so will mean being on the road for up to a week at a time.
Successful applicants must have a suitable licence and must have had a minimum of 10 years
experience.

Telex
Telecommunications is a rapidly expanding industry, and Telex is looking for a large number of staff to
fill a range of positions from IT support people to maintenance crews, to complete a project in
Adelaide, Australia. The contract length is 6 months only, after which a cash bonus will be paid, as well
as a return flight.

 
DataReco team building weekend

Dear all,

As your line manager has no doubt informed some of you by now, our annual team building weekend is
coming up very soon, so here are some details about the weekend.

Friday 9th April

We have booked a bus to collect us all from in front of Head Office. Please make sure that you are
there in plenty of time as we will be leaving at 9am sharp. For those who normally work from home,
secure parking will be available for your vehicle over the weekend in the company car park.

The bus will then take us to the hotel, where rooms will be allocated and employees put into teams.
From 11am to 3 pm, there will be a range of seminars and presentations from various members of the
company, including in a prize giving event from the Chairman. Attendance at all presentations is
compulsory so you will all be expected to get involved and ask questions if appropriate.

There will be a formal dinner served at 8pm, after which there will be speeches from department
heads and some special guests from our supplier companies. The evening is expected to conclude
around 10pm.

Saturday 10th April

Groups will meet for breakfast at 8am before being divided into their teams. We will then all be taken
to the local nature reserve for a 6 kilometre hike through the forest. The weather is unpredictable so
ensure you have waterproof clothing and sturdy shoes. The aim of the hike is to be the first the team
to cross the finish line. Prizes will be awarded for the first three teams to cross the finish line.

After lunch, we will all get back on the bus to travel to the Pacific Palms Resort Spa, where the
afternoon can be spent relaxing in the facilities. There is a heated outdoor pool, massage and
aromatherapy rooms, as well as a dining area and a bar. However, although there are manicure
services available on site, this is not included in our package and will have to be paid for separately if
anyone would like to avail themselves.
By 5pm, we will be back at the hotel, where we are very excited to announce an evening presentation
by Tony Rollins, a motivation speaker who has come from the USA. I’m sure many of you have heard of
Tony Rollins, but if not then you can expect an uplifting and positive evening.

Sunday 11th April

The morning will be spent doing ‘trust’ exercises, where will be talking about personal hopes and aims
within the company in the coming 12 months. We encourage all employees to think ahead about this as
everyone will be required to contribute to the group discussion.

We will then be returned to Head Office by bus, and can expect to be there at around 2pm. However,
if someone is meeting you then be aware that times are approximate.

As a final note, I would like to draw attention to the team building weekend last year, where
participation was minimal and there some people even left early. Please note that this weekend is a
part of your working contract and as such the same rules as in the workplace apply regarding
punctuality and attendance. We will be monitoring throughout the weekend to ensure that all members
are present and actively involved in all parts of the programme. Remember that this weekend,
although having a very serious point, should also be a chance for you to relax and get to know your
colleagues better, so please come with a positive attitude.
   
  

Weakness of the school system

A. By attempting to fit in as much as possible, the school day is continually being added to. In
many ways, this would appear to be a good idea, as our knowledge and understanding of the
world is always growing and it would seem logical to incorporate this into schools. The reality,
however, has some decided drawbacks. There is a growing feeling amongst many that the
modern school curriculum, in an effort to teach as many varied subjects as possible, is actually
teaching students less. It seems that by constantly adding to what should be taught in the
classroom, the classes are less focused, not offering the deeper learning that institutions
perhaps should.

B. With classes sometimes only 30 minutes long, the overwhelming amount of information
teachers are required to present often only gives students time to learn facts, not to think in
any great detail about what they are being presented with. The problem is that students are
not getting the opportunity to absorb what they are being taught as the curriculum expands in
order to keep what has already been taught and supplement it with everything new that comes
along. The weaknesses of such a system are clear – well informed though such students may be,
there is the risk of an increasing number of graduates who have no real creative or intellectual
ability. By denying students the opportunity to sit and think their way through problems, or
even consider their own opinion, some schools are not always providing a truly educational
atmosphere. There are, of course, certain aspects of education which need to be taught by
simply inputting the information. Basic mathematics, for example. But there are many other
subjects which could be best learned by having an opportunity to think and discuss what is
being taught. Literature, writing and the social sciences are good examples of subjects which
cannot be considered as ‘covered’ by a mass of information without the opportunity to discuss,
debate or consider meaning or implications. There are also important social skills to be learned
during such periods of open discussion, skills which are not addressed by an endless flow of
teacher-centred information.

C. Teachers themselves have also voiced concerns about the amount of information they are
required to impress upon their students. There is a feeling in many educational establishments
that students are no longer being educated, but taught how to pass tests. In a world where
academic success is too often measured by examination results, this is a serious concern. If
there is too much information to simply be memorised and not enough time to truly assimilate
it, what happens to students who fail to meet the grade? By current standards, they are
failures, yet they may have great potential in areas not covered by the test and there are many
students who, despite clear intellectual ability, simply do not perform well in tests. Again, the
problem is one of focus, as education authorities are looking at the outcome of schooling
rather than the content presented in the class.
D. It is here that many teachers feel the situation could be addressed at a local level. By giving
more discretion to teachers, school courses could be tailored to suit the students rather than
tailoring students to meet ever-expanding course requirements. In addition, by running a
curriculum that gives options rather than defines an entire course, considerably more freedom
would be possible. As it is, progression through most primary and secondary schools is
regimented, and there is little room for students to identify and develop their own skills and
strengths. If material could be chosen on the basis of its merits rather than simply because it
has been put in the curriculum, then what is selected may be taught to a depth that would
serve some purpose. There is, of course, a counter-argument, which claims that such open
guidelines could lead to vast differences in standards between schools. What one teacher may
see as essential for a student’s education, another may see as irrelevant, and this will result in
students with widely different educational strengths.

E. With such a high-pressure learning environment, there are also a number of social aspects to
schooling which need to be considered. The increased student workload cannot be covered in
the classroom alone for the simple reason that there is not enough time in the average school
week, and much of this extra workload has been pushed into the realm of homework. At its
best, homework should be the opportunity to look in greater detail at what has been studied.
In other words, to actually think about it and its relevance. The reality, however, is often very
different. Concerned parents and overextended students are finding that homework is taking
an increasingly large part of a student’s evening, cutting into time many feel should be spent
as part of a child’s social education. Other social pressures have compounded the situation, as
many of the areas of educating a young child which should be the responsibility of the parents
have ill-advisedly become the school’s responsibility. Drug awareness and health issues, for
example, are occupying an increasingly large part of the school day.

F. Many people believe that we should be teaching less, but teaching it better, and it is here that
they think a solution can be found. Yet the process of rewriting a curriculum to incorporate
only that which is essential but can be well learned would take far longer than most
educational authorities have, and would be considered by many to be a ‘regressive’ step.
Changes in the curriculum have largely been motivated by changes in the nature of
employment, as job mobility demands that people know something about considerably more
areas than were traditionally necessary. A little about a lot allows for the job mobility which
has become so common. No matter what the final verdict may be, one thing is for sure –
change will be slow, and not always for the best.