Disadvantage of Bilingualism Essay

I have to admit that bilingualism has several advantages. Nonetheless, tackling this issue, the lingual conditions in which children are raised to be able to speak two languages equally well should be also taken into consideration. Many linguists underline that while introducing the second language to learner, his/her exposure to a given linguistic system is crucial. Thusly, parents striving for teaching their children a secod language/a non-native language often rely on commercial language materials such as books, videos, television programs, etc. Nevertheless, researchers (Kendall King and Lyn Fogle, Georgetown University) have found that live, human interaction such as reading or talking to a child is more effective than presentation of recored sounds (e.g., in television) and, therefore, the best method for fostering both first and second language development. What is more, Other studies have found that, for older children, being read aloud to in the second language increases second language vocabulary much more than watching television in that language (patterson, 2002). I would like to concentrate now on this parent-child communication and its effect on language abilities of minors. There is some evidence that infants can hear even in the womb. After their birth, as they are growing, they try to imitate the ‘noises’ they hear. According to Deborah D.K. Ruuskanen, Professor of English Linguistics at the University of Vaasa in Finland, and mother of three bilingual children, it is significant to expose babies to native-speaker sounds, in order to facilitate them acquisition, and eventually execution, of native-speaker/that sounds. Generally, there is no problem when children are raised bilingual in families where the parents are completely bilingual themselves, that is to say, they use two native languages (each parent speaks separate mother-tongue) or they speak the non-native language exceptionally well. In other cases/Otherwise, introducing a second language to children since their infancy is not advisable. It is not only because babies might learn parents’ mispronunciation or faulty accent, but also because it might confuse them unnecessarily. The parents who are not comfortable or fluent in second language should be dissuaded from doing that so as not to affect harmfully their children’s linguistic abilities.

Survey: ask 5 drivers about their knowledge

What would you consider are outside and inside distractions while driving? Brian: inside is cellphone, radio, food, conversations, and kids. The outside distractions are, an accident on the road, construction, and any thing that catches interest. Ben: outside would be weather, advertisements, nice cars. Inside would be passengers, radio or phones or anything that involves music, also changing car settings like heat and AC. Meg: cell phone, conversations, food, makeup.Out side there are ads, other people, and the weather. Alexandra: In: cell phone, kids, dogs, food, Out: ads, other drivers, pedestrians, and animals Henry: outside there is advertisements, cars, really nice cars, homeless people, working people, running women, but inside there is the radio, heat, the dials, and passengers. Question #2: What would you do when approaching a traffic light that is flashing amber? Brian: slow down, and proceed with caution. Ben: slow down, proceed with cation and be alter for things out of t he ordinary or onstruction.Meg: proceed with caution. Alexandra:slow down as much as possible, and proceed with caution. Henry: slow down, look around for any dangers, and continue with caution If one does not slow down, they may cause an accident with others that have, proceeding with caution is best advised, due to possible risks that may lay ahead. Question #3: When driving on a highway at 80 km/h the safe following distance is _. When would you increase this distance? Brian: two car lengths, at least.The space should be increased when the weather onditions are abnormal Ben: I would stay 3 seconds behind the car I front of my and increase that distance if I see anything a head that could be problematic like a merge lane, accident, construction Meg: three seconds approximately, but if the weather is bad, construction, or if there is traffic the space is increased. Alexandra: three seconds when the weather allows such. The time should be increased during rain, snow, ice and fog. He nry: 3-4 seconds, but increased when roads are slippery and/or wet, there is fog, and when it is snowing.If the following distance is not increased on highways when required, an accident may occur. The driver is putting him/her self in danger by not considering the adverse weather conditions, construction, and accidents. Question #4: What would you say are things that other drivers do that annoy you? Brian: tailgating, driving with your high beams on, texting, wearing headphones, not shoulder checking, and no signal usage. Ben: my number one most annoying thing that other cars do is not signal. Meg: when people cut me ott, or when they dont signal.It also bugs me when they're to busy talking on their blue tooth to pay attention to what is happening around them. Alexandra: not signalling and cutting me off really gets me angry. Henry: women thinking that they can apply makeup while driving, tailgating, texting and not signalling, I believe that in order from most dangerous to least d angerous, these annoying actions are as listed: not signalling 2 texting 3 cutting off 4 tailgating 5 high beams 6 not shoulder-checking 7 talking on phone/blue tooth 8 make up

Truancy in the Schools of the United Kingdom Essay

Truancy in the Schools of the United Kingdom - Essay Example The third chapter describes the various measures and strategies adopted by the Labour Government for combating truancy. In this regard, several initiatives taken by the authorities like penalizing parents of truants, establishment of truancy patrols, enhancing fines against parents and offering several incentives for attending school were described. The fourth chapter examines the results of such endeavours. Gradually, parents were convinced that attendance and higher levels of attainment were correlated (Education war on truancy, 2007) and this led to a decline in absenteeism. In this context, the decline of truancy in Cedar Mount High, Plant Hill Arts College and Manchester Academy were cited (The sad truth about truancy, 2007). Truancy has been described as the absence of students from school without a valid reason (Stoll. P, 1990). The duration of non - attendance varies from a single class to many weeks (Atkinson M, Halsey K, Wilkin A & Kinder K, 2000). Several reasons exist for such truant behaviour and bravado, depression, retention by the parents in order to supervise younger children at home, etc, are some of the usual reasons. Parentally approved absence from school p... P, 1990). The duration of non - attendance varies from a single class to many weeks (Atkinson M, Halsey K, Wilkin A & Kinder K, 2000). Several reasons exist for such truant behaviour and bravado, depression, retention by the parents in order to supervise younger children at home, etc, are some of the usual reasons. Parentally approved absence from school poses a major quandary and endures despite the instructions of the 1996 Education Act that such absence could be sanctioned only by the school authorities. Moreover, several of the some of the seemingly credible reasons given by parents to account for the absence of their children from school are dubious (OFSTED, 2001). It has been observed that forty thousand students abstain from school each day without proper authorization (Audit Commission, 1999). Since 1997, the Labour Government has been repeatedly emphasizing the importance of education, because the nations' future is largely dependent on the effectiveness of education.These initiatives have borne fruit and superlative results have been obtained by the schools in terms of student results and increased proficiency of the teaching staff (At a glance, n.d.). Investment on its own is incapable of ensuring an education of a high standard. The requirement is to combine reform with investment. Some of the reforms that have been implemented, in order to achieve this objective, are specialist schools, literacy and numeracy strategies, superior vocational education and the right to adult skills training (At a glance, n.d.). Despite these successes, the fact remains that quite some children have been deprived of a proper education due to the existence of incompetent schools.Although, inner city area

There are signs that the current economic situation is improving Essay

There are signs that the current economic situation is improving - Essay Example HRM is also entrusted with the tasks of ensuring that a suitable working environment is developed in organisations. Moreover, it also ensures that a harmonious and a better relationship is developed amid employees and management of organisations. The role of HRM can be viewed to get affected due to influences with respect to internal along with external environment. In this regard, the internal factors include organisational culture and climate. Organisational culture is based on various factors including values, beliefs along with ethnicity of employees. Organisational climate depends on leadership styles, communication and human resource (HR) policies. On the other hand, external factors comprise economic conditions, demographics and labour market conditions. Economic conditions entail availability of financial resources or materials and demand along with supply of products and/or services. Labour market implies the availability of labour forces to be recruited. Demographics state the features of the workforces to be recruited which include education level, marital status and age. In this context, the economic conditions are determined as the major element affecting the aspect of HRM in maintaining the performance of business organisations. This can be owing to the reason that the economic conditions pose several threats to certain significant factors that include employment rate and productivity (Pearson Canada Inc., 2013). It can be apparently observed that the global economy has been under economic recession from the period 2009, affecting business operations on a global context. However, the commencement of the year 2011 has been identified to reveal signs of improvement in the global economic conditions with increased demand and sales of products and/or services. Additionally, the rate of employment has declined by a certain extent. Moreover, there are certain other factors depicting the reviving conditions of the global economic conditions that include profit margin, increased factory productions and better job opportunities (Pearson Canada Inc., 2013). In this respect, the essay intends to discuss about the impact of improving economic conditions imposed on the policies along with other strategic aspects of HRM within organisations. Review of Literature Improving Economic Situations According to Monica (2012), the economic conditions have been observed to improve by a certain extent in a slow and a steady manner after the recession period. It can be viewed in this similar concern that the spending of consumers in the worldwide market segments have increased by a substantial amount due to greater flow of money in the economy. Additionally, operations of business organisations have increased on a global context with better trading activities and sales of products and/or services. Monica (2012) noted that flow of investments has augmented with the rise of the trends of globalisation. Moreover, the rate of inflation is also seemed to reduce in most of the countries, improving the purchasing power of customers at large (Monica, 2012). In this similar context, Jochnick (2013) stated that balanced economic policies have assisted countries in improving their respective economic conditi

Evaluate the effect of mergers in businessin the last ten years Essay

Evaluate the effect of mergers in businessin the last ten years - Essay Example The strength of this trend is shown by the fact that the total dollar value of the mergers in 1997 was about 50 percent higher than those in 1996, itself a record year. Companies are combining to create new entities on a scale larger than anything before, reflecting a growing belief among Government regulators, and many business executives, that big business is not necessarily bad†( LESLIE WAYNE WAVE OF MERGERS IS RECASTING FACE OF BUSINESS IN U.S. Top of Form Most of the mergers in the United States have involved domestic corporations. But there have also been an increasing number of deals between American and overseas companies. And a similar wave of mergers is taking place abroad, with European and Asian companies seeking dominant roles in the global economy â€Å"The EC Merger Regulation and the U.S. Clayton Act, as interpreted and applied, clearly recognize that mergers that place a firm in a position where it can raise price without a sufficient threat from an existing challenger, assuming there are significant barriers to entry, can be anti-competitive. Indeed, the U.S. has been slightly more inclined in recent years to challenge mergers because they "tend to create a monopoly" and therefore produce anti-consumer and anti-competitive unilateral effects than was the case previously†. (Robert Pitofsky(1)Chairman, Federal Trade Commission http://www.ftc.gov/speeches/pitofsky/pitintermergers.shtm) . Mergers and acquisitions are fundamentally dynamic events that may involve significant changes in the business focus of the consolidating institutions. Indeed, when some companies in an industry merge, others come under pressure to do the same to remain competitive. When two companies merged together, their monopoly, their market shar e and the competitive capacity will increase. This will be a headache for the other companies in the same line. They will also think in terms of merging

The Zacarias Moussaoui Indictment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

The Zacarias Moussaoui Indictment - Essay Example A watershed moment in world history, the morning of September 11th 2001 will forever be engrained in the American national psyche. From a political, social and economic perspective, the hijackings of 9/11 were unparalleled in scope and sheer devastation. In a fascinating article entitled â€Å"Measuring the Effects of the September 11 Attack on New York City†, it was estimated that the direct cost of the attack stood at between $33 billion and $36 billion to the city of New York (Bram, Orr & Rappaport 2002). In addition to the direct economic costs associated with terrorism and the threat of further terrorism, 9/11 also had important political ramifications. The USA Patriot Act of 2001 (a contrived acronym meaning Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism) was established in the aftermath of September 11th to protect Americans from the threat of future terror on American soil. Controversial from the outset, th e Patriot Act represented a serious departure from established legal norms and prior American jurisprudence with respect to privacy legislation. The United States also wanted culpability for the attacks and sought out anyone, anywhere in the world, whom they could link to this disastrous attack (Chaliland 2007). While all of the hijackers that morning perished in the attacks, one alleged plotter, Zacarias Moussaoui, was arrested and faced criminal charges due to his links to the attacks of 9/11. Accordingly, Moussaoui was charged with conspiring to kill American citizens during the attacks of September 11th and was sentenced to life imprisonment. What did his indictment entail? As the alleged replacement for the 20th hijacker, during Zacarias Moussaoui’s conspiracy trial he initially faced the death penalty and was subject to capital punishment for his alleged crimes. Charged with conspiring with the alleged 9/11

Sports Corruption in Ghana Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3250 words

Sports Corruption in Ghana - Essay Example The 2010 report of the World Bank regarding corruption in Ghana claimed that as many as 95 percent of the total health resources in the country end up going in the hands of the private individuals. In addition, the public only benefits from only 5 percent of the total spending of the government on the health sector (National Development Planning Commission (Ghana) & International Monetary Fund, pp. 14-19). The people of the country are suffering greatly due to the poor living standards and austerity measures in the country but they fail to realize that they are sitting on mineral resources of gold, oil, timber, diamond, bauxite, manganese, sliver, limestone, and others worth trillions of dollars (Rosner & Shropshire, pp. 88-89). In short, Ghana is one of those countries in Africa which have great potential due to the location, history and demographics, however, they country is far from realizing its potential due to the rising corruption in the country. It was on September 29, 2011 t hat Ghana Anti Corruption Coalition admitted the fact that Sports Corruption is eating away the credibility of Ghana football and if serious actions are not taken in the near future then the officials may be left with nothing to save (Nicholls, Daniel, Bacarese & Hatchard, pp. 342-345). The following few lines will attempt to lay down a framework by discussing the importance of sports in everyday life and the theoretical impact of corruption on sports. The damage which corruption does to the sport, its dignity, and perception is the most ruthless out of all (Levy & Wong, 359-362). Men and Women turn to sports so that they could seek escape from the tiring and mechanistic day-to-day activities. Sports are an alternative to... The paper tells that sports serve an important purpose of inducing and inhabiting healthy lifestyles in the hearts and minds of the children and the adults. Educational institutions, parents, experts, researchers and academicians and others encourage sports for students because it helps them steer the children away from unhealthy activities. The time available to students can be classified into two categories, one that is spent on healthy and productive activities, and other being the one spent on unhealthy and nonproductive activities. Nonproductive activities would include watching TV, sitting idle, excessive eating, excessive internet browsing, chatting and cell phone use, and use of drugs, parties, and others. However, productive use of the leisure time includes activities such as completing the homework, studying, engaging in sports, physical exercises, workouts and others. Research indicate that when children engage in sports, they are crowding out the possible time that could have been allocated to unhealthy leisure time activities and at the same time, they are getting physical and mental exercise which is always crucial to the performance of the mind and the body. The problem occurs when talented, confident, and hardworking players do not get a chance to be the part of the national teams or they fail to get exposure that they think they deserve. Players work extremely hard throughout their life to represent their country, city of region in sports tournaments. Usually they end up comprising their studies, friendships, families and others in order to focus more on their sports career.

Its on Shunsuke Nakamure the Japanese soccer player Research Paper

Its on Shunsuke Nakamure the Japanese soccer player - Research Paper Example other popular soccer players such as David Beckam and Wyne Rooney among others, who have constantly appeared on leading print and electronic media as a result of behaving poorly in the scrutiny of the public eye. Beckam and Rooney have in the past attracted multiple sex scandals, which have continued to portray them in a negative manner even though they are soccer celebrities (Fukasawa 2010 p 13). Probably, this has not been the case with Nakamura due to the fact that he is a dedicated family man, who spends his free time with his family. This he accomplishes by accompanying them in nature walks in parks around the city, failure to which he would participate in bowling activities with his personal friends (Fukasawa 2010 p 16). Drinking of alcohol is considered by many as a major tool for socializing and meeting new friends as well as spending leisure time. However, the soccer guru does not subscribe to this school of thought. Despite the fact that he has the means and access to numerous pubs, it has been observed that he does not participate in drinking activities (Geddes 2009). Instead of doing so, he takes his time away from work to enjoy his hobbies which include and not limited to; playing computer games, watching Japanese movies more so because he is not well skilled in listening or conversing in English. He also plays guitar as well as listening to music and it has also been observed that he is a fan of Kung-fu and horse riding (Fukasawa 2010 p 22). Concentration on these activities can be credited for the player’s lack of media attention outside the football pitch and has also enabled him to remain one of the most respected football stars. It is also necessary to note that Nakamura is always keen on observing healthy diet, in order to maintain his health as well as body shape. He perceives eating of fish, chips and drinking as bad behavior for professional footballers, one that according to him cannot be tolerated and is not popular in his country. He

Elimination of Television Jerry Mander Essay Example for Free

Elimination of Television Jerry Mander Essay Four Arguments for the Elimination of Television Jerry Mander thinks that with television â€Å"there is ideology in the technology itself. † The four claims in this particular article are that: (1) television itself had come to define the people who use it, (2) the forms by which it is used, (3) its influence on people, (4) as well as the other significant outcomes that may later come from its use. He argued that television is a medium or a means through which people derive, process, and build ideas from. He used parallelism in his challenge or rebuttal argument when he likened television to the army. The army’s mandate is to fight wars that necessitate fighting, killing, defeating and winning over the enemy. It does not follow that the generals chosen to lead the army are the kind born to fight and kill, the same way that television was not conceived to breed the kind of people who watch it. In the concept of the automobiles, he used the climatic word order in his narrative argument. He enumerated the consequences of the invention of the automobile, the need for gas, oil to source it, refineries to process the oil, stations to pump gas into the car. Mander used emotive language in his causal argument to emphasize the change cars brought to people, like when â€Å"they evolved into car people †¦. Cars replaced human feet. † Television like the automobile triggers a lot of reaction from its existence and subsequent use. Advertisements are made on television because consumers watch TV, manufacturers make big sales because their products are advertised, and the line goes on. This argument is related to Mander’s take on Advertising. The evaluative argument on the comparison of television to advertising used a balanced sentence with equal and parallel ideas, when Mander wrote that advertising was â€Å"designed to persuade and dominate by interfering in people’s thinking patterns. † Television for its part has a strong influence on people to take a side of an issue, or to change their minds on others. In his concluding argument he takes the strong position of getting rid of television quickly if ours is to be restored to a sensible and rational and free-thinking society basis the above reasons. Reference Mander, Jerry. (1978). Four Arguments for the Elimination of Television. Harper Perennial.

Japanese American internment of 1942 Essay Example for Free

Japanese American internment of 1942 Essay The Japanese American internment which took place during the second world war referred to the relocation and confinement of over 100,000 people who were Japanese Americans or nationals of Japan. These people were taken to housing facilities which were commonly known as the war relocation camps. This internment was carried out selectively in the United States with most of those who were interned being individuals who were living in the west coast of the country. This operation of forceful internment of the Japanese American people was carried out during the reign of the then president of United States Franklin Roosevelt. He authorized this operation using the executive order 9066 which gave the military leaders power to change military areas to exclusion places where all individuals living in them had to be removed. Using this order, the military declared that individuals who were Japanese or who had ancestry connection with the Japanese were to be excluded especially in the pacific coast. This included those who were living in Oregon, Washington and in California. This order however exempted the individuals who were living in the internment camps (McClellan, pp 23). Why were Japanese Americans interned during World War II? During the Second World War, the Japanese had formed an alliance with the Nazi’s of Germany thus posing great security risk to the United States. War panic thus broke especially after the Japanese attacked and bombed the Pearl Harbor. During this period also, there were so many Japanese and Japanese Americans who had settled in America following unsustainable population growth in Japan. Some of these Japanese and Japanese Americans had joined the American army thus pledging allegiance to the United States. However, due to the fact that Japan was an enemy, there was panic that the Japanese Americans who were serving in the American army could aid the enemies. Confining them was thus necessary to ensure that there were no cases of treason thus defeat of the United States and its alliances during the war against the Nazis (Kelly, Para 4). One of the major reasons which led to the Japanese American intern was the Pearl Harbor attack which took place in 1941. This made the United States to believe that the Japanese had prepared to fully attack the west coast. This believes intensified after the attack of shelling in 1942 which was a submarine belonging to the oil refinery of California. Japanese military conquest in most of Asia during that time also made United States to conclude that Japanese were unstoppable and that they could attack the country. Since most of the Japanese Americans were living in the west coast, they were considered a security risk thus there was a need to confine them to the internment camps. The fear of the attack thus led to the ultimate internment of the Japanese American people during the Second World War (Japan-101. com, Para 6). Another reason which led to the internment of the Japanese American people during the Second World War was due to what was referred to as the magic codes of the Japanese. During this period, the united states were unable to break the Japanese naval codes which were vital in enabling Americans obtain information regarding the Japanese ciphers. Military advisors argued that in case the Japanese naval decided to change those codes, America would not be able to break them again especially due to the language barriers which existed. The United States argued that by confining and prosecuting some of the Japanese Americans, these people could reveal some of the information regarding the Japanese ciphers. The effort of Americans to break the codes was generally referred to as â€Å"magic†. Breaking these codes was vital because battle of midway which Americans had won was attributed to the successful breaking of the Japanese codes (McClellan, pp 45). Some of the Japanese Americans were acting as spies for the Japanese naval which made the confinement of the Japanese Americans necessary. The spy ring which was a Japanese spying group increased the apprehension of the Americans concerning their security. The Nihau incident was one example of treason and espionage. This incident occurred after the attack of the Pearl Harbor. During this attack, two Japanese Americans were reported to have freed a Japanese pilot who had been captured and they also helped him in attacking the native Hawaiians who were living in that area. Such incidences led to the internment of the Japanese Americans as they were assisting the enemies of the country thus posing greater risks to the security of United States. Some of the Japanese American population was disloyal to the government of United States and this was a major threat to the Americans especially during the war period. To ensure that all the spies were not in any contact with the Japanese naval, internment was hence the means thus it was carried out (Japan-101. com, Para 8). The issue of interment revolved around prejudice and fear which American people had against the Japanese Americans. A report which suggested that espionage by the Japanese Americans had led to the Pearl Harbor attack only served to increase the prejudice which was already held by the American people. After this report California newspapers also endorsed this move of mass evacuation thus making the operation more successful. The then American politicians also openly supported this move thus making it more successful. The sentiments that the Americans held against the Japanese Americans thus aided in the internment operation. Other non military reasons which led to the internment of the Japanese Americans especially from the west coast included the competition which these people had brought to that area especially in the agricultural sector. During this period, the white farmers did not like the farmers who were Japanese Americans though this was mostly triggered by self interests. The Japanese Americans had brought high competition in this region especially in farming and as such, the white farmers thought that internment was a good avenue of ensuring that the Japanese were permanently removed from this area thus reducing competition in the farming sector. This was however not based on racial discrimination but the threat the Japanese were posing on white farmers (Japan-101. com, Para 11). It is also argued xenophobia also contributed greatly to the Japanese American interment. During the Second World War, Japan had gained considerable power while the United States had become weaker in military terms. By the fact that Japan had formed alliances with Germany and Italy, and the subsequent recession of the United States power, this threatened the superiority of the United States. Need to remain in control led America to declare the exclusion laws for all the persons who were being viewed as enemy aliens thus reducing any possibility of the Nazis winning. By concentration the Japanese Americans and interning the soldiers and others who were being regarded as enemy aliens, this reduced the purported threat of collapse of the superpower or attack by the Japanese. This also was meant to ensure that the Japanese never got to know the military operations of the Americans (Campbell, Para 3). Reasons which contributed to the Japanese American internment included racial prejudices which were widely held by the Americans against the Japanese and also flaws in the then constitution and the administrators. Today most people argue that the correct name for this operation could have been confinement rather than internment since this operation was not meant to punish the people but to ensure that no acts of treason were being carried out. However, this was a violation of human rights and the United States after the Second World War closed all the internment camps and most of the survivors were compensated. Also, in 1988, the then president of the United States apologized on behalf of the country to Japanese Americans who had gone through the internment (Kelly, Para 9). Conclusion The Japanese American internment continues to raise many questions about its validity and legality especially because most of the intermitted persons were innocent and not â€Å"alien enemies†. Although the government of the United States justifies its acts owing to the security threats which the Japanese were posing to it, these claims have been refuted saying that the threats were not real and that their magnitudes were highly magnified. Despite the flaws of the Japanese American internment of the Second World War, this period forms an important part of the American and the Japanese history. Work Cited: Campbell, Jason J. : Xenophobia and the Internment of Japanese-Americans. (2009). Retrieved on 27th March 2009 from, http://blogcritics. org/archives/2009/03/03/072730. php. Japan-101. com: Japanese American Internment Removal of Japanese and Japanese Americans during WW II. Retrieved on 27th March 2009 from, http://www. japan-101. com/history/japanese_american_internment. htm. Kelly, Martin: Japanese-American Internment at Manzanar during World War II. Retrieved on 27th March 2009 from, http://americanhistory. about. com/cs/worldwarii/a/internment. htm. McClellan, Jim R. : Changing Interpretations of Americas Past: Changing Interpretations of Americas Past, Volume 2. (1999). Published by McGraw-Hill. ISBN 0072285060

Research on the Defence of Diminished Responsibility

Research on the Defence of Diminished Responsibility Research Proposal Provocation, diminished responsibility and the reasonable (wo)man; the implications of the Law Reform Commission’s recommendations. Introduction The crime of murder is one defined by the common law as the intention to unlawfully kill another human being with malice afore thought. Currently, in England and Wales the legal system does not differentiate between different ‘types’ of murder, such as first and second degree.[1] There are however, defences available to defendants, which could enable either an acquittal (some general defences), or a conviction of some lesser offence (specific defences). Under the Homicide Act 1957 an individual can plead the defences of provocation, diminished responsibility or claim that he or she was involved in a suicide pact. If such defences are successful, this will have the result of bringing a charge of murder down to one of manslaughter and thus, termed ‘voluntary manslaughter’. The first of the two defences have developed a considerable amount of case law and many of these decisions have related to abusive relationships where the abused has killed the alleged abuse r. The law relating to the defence of provocation has held that an individual must have been provoked (by either words or actions), resulting in a total loss of self control,[2] and that a reasonable person in the same situation would have acted in the same manner. The first two aspects of the defence have been referred to as the ‘subjective’ elements and the third part as ‘objective’. The so-called objective element has become more and more subjective in nature. In R v Camplin, Lord Diplock acknowledged that the test was not ‘wholly objective’[3] and in the case of R v Smith (Morgan James)[4] it was asserted that the characteristics of the defendant should be attributed to the ‘reasonable person’ and this includes not only characteristics that had bearing on the actual provocation, but also on the ability of an individual to maintain his or her self control. In context of the so-called ‘battered wife’ cases, the judiciary have also applied this principle.[5] The specific defences outlined above are justified on the basis that in some circumstances, the law should recognise that there are reasons as to why an individual should not be convicted of the more serious offence of murder and thus, subject to a mandatory life sentence. The issue with the provocation defence relating to an individual who has suffered long-term abuse, is that such individuals will not always be able to rely on it as there may be some aspect of pre-meditation. The law has also recognised that such individuals suffering from some ‘abnormality of mind’ may not be fully responsible for his or her conduct and therefore should be convicted of manslaughter instead of murder. The effect of abuse on an individual’s mental state can in certain circumstances, amount to an ‘abnormality of mind’ and thus satisfy the defence of diminished responsibility.[6] The purpose of the proposed research is to examine the current state of the law and look at the way in which abused women are dealt with when charged with murder. In line with the Law Commission’s proposals to reform the law of homicide, the research will also examine the extent to which the proposed change in the law will impact on this area. It is submitted that the current state of the law is not adequate in dealing with such individuals and it remains to be answered as to whether the proposals will make any real difference. The Law Commission’s Consultation Paper proposes to maintain the defence of diminished responsibility and comments that there are no grounds for abolishing the defence based upon arguments that it gender discriminatory. The paper comments at one point: â€Å"Was the abnormality of mental functioning really a substantial cause of the defendant’s conduct if other factors were at work? Or, were the other factors, jealousy, anger, a desire to dominate or punish, the real or predominant explanation, with the abnormality of mind being a minor background factor of inadequate moral significance to affect the verdict?†[7] The research will examine the defence of provocation and the so-called objective element in order to determine how this fits with the nature of a long term build up of abuse suffered by some women. Is there a true ‘loss of control’ in such circumstances and is it appropriate to attribute the full characteristics of such people to the reasonable (wo)man? Furthermore, by also enabling such individuals to plead the defence of diminished responsibility, as the above quote would seem to suggest, is the law simply ‘categorising’ these people to as their conduct is not viewed quite as seriously as a person who commits murder? Thus, the term ‘abnormality of mind’ is not one used in psychiatric terminology and the courts have been left to establish exactly what the phrase means on a case-by-case basis. It seems doubtful as to whether this is a sufficient approach for the law to take. Objectives Analyse the current law relating to the defences of provocation and diminished responsibility and establish how these apply to women in long-term abusive relationships. Present the justifications for the defences and apply them in context of the proposed research theme. Establish the proposed reforms in the area. Critically analyse the proposed reforms in line with the research topic in order to determine whether they are sufficient. Value of the Research Add to the current academic debate in this field. Establish the appropriateness of the Law Commission’s reforms. Personal interest to the researcher. Theoretical research based on literature search and critical analysis. Sources: Domestic legislation, cases in domestic and international jurisdictions Books and periodical articles. Law Commission Reports. Statistics from the Home Office (relating to domestic violence/fatal offences from domestic relationships). Preliminary Plan (Chapters) Abstract Introduction and overview of the topic Analysis of the existing law on provocation/diminished responsibility Analysis of the Law Commission’s proposals for reform Conclusion (including any further suggestions for the direction the law should take for the future). Essential Reading: (As well as the most current academic text books on the subject) Legislation: Homicide Act 1957 Family Law Act 1996 – see Part IV relating to domestic violence provisions Protection From Harassment Act 1997 See also the Law Reform’s paper: The Law Commission Consultation Paper No 177, A New Homicide Act For England And Wales? At http://www.lawcom.gov.uk/docs/cp177_web.pdf Cases: Jersey v Holley [2005] UKPC 23 R v Mohammed [2005] EWCA Crim 180 R v Ahluwalia (1992) 4 All.E.R 889 R v Bedder (1954) 2All.E.R. 801 DPP v Camplin (1978) A.C. 705 R v Duffy [1949] 1 All.E.R 932 R v Newell (1980) 71 Cr.App.R. 331 R v Roberts [1990] Crim.L.R 122 R v Thornton (No.2) (1996) 2 All.E.R 1023 R v Richens (1993) 4 All.E.R 877 R v Humphreys (1995) 4 All E.R 1008 R v Morhall (1995) 3 All E.R 659 R v Luc Thiet Thuan (1996) 2 All E.R 1033 R v Smith (Morgan James) (2000) 4 All. E.R. 289 R v Keaveney (2004) LTL 22.04.04 Extempore – unreported – find it on Lawtel Journals: Toczek, ‘The action of the reasonable man’, (1996) N.L.J. 146, 835 Toczek, ‘Self-control and the Reasonable Man’ (2000) NLJ 150, 1222 Oliver, ‘Provocation and non-violent homosexual advances’ (1999) J.Crim.L. 63(6) 586-592 Thomas, ‘Sentencing: manslaughter – manslaughter by reason of provocation – manslaughter of spouse of partner’ (2003) Crim.L.R. June 414-417 Neal Bagaric, ‘Provocation: the ongoing subservience of principle to tradition’, (2003) J.Crim.L 67(3) 237-256 Gardner, ‘The mark of responsibility’ (2003) O.J.L.S 23(2) 157-171 {N.B – Some psychology literature may be relevant on this topic – search the online journals for killing stemming from domestic violence. Further research will also be needed to obtain further literature – search www.ingenta.com and your university library should be able to order any articles of relevance that they do not have on site/access to online journal. Also search for any recent reviews of the Law Commission’s proposals You may also need to add to this proposal and include a timescale and any further information you wish to add – such as the length of the research (this is obviously information not available)} 1 Footnotes [1] However, see the proposals of the Law Reform Commission: [2] See R v Duffy (1949) 1 All.E.R 932 [3] (1978) AC 705 [4] [2000] 4 All. E.R. 289 [5] See R v Keaveney [2004] EWCA Crim 1091 [6] R v Thornton (No.2) [1996] 2 All.E.R 1023 [7] The Law Commission Consultation Paper No 177, A New Homicide Act For England And Wales? At http://www.lawcom.gov.uk/docs/cp177_web.pdf

Second Earl Of Rochester Essay -- essays research papers

The satirists shared a talent for making other individuals feel uncomfortable, particularly by making them aware of their own moral inadequacies. They used irony, derision, and wit to attack human vice or folly. One method the satirist utilized to catch their readers' attention, while also making them feel uncomfortable, was to describe those things that were deemed inappropriate to discuss openly in society. The classical example of a topic that was discussed behind closed doors, yet the satirist used freely, was sex. Mention of such things as sex can always bring a giggle, excite feelings of hidden passion, or make one's cheeks rosy from embarrassment. John Wilmot, Second Earl of Rochester, and Jonathan Swift, were two satirist that were noted for using perverse language and graphic depictions to elicit desired emotions from their readers and to wage their attacks on human folly. To understand Rochester's use of sex in his work, one must understand his distaste for reason. This can be seen in his poem, A Satyr Against Mankind, when he comments: "Women and Men of wit, are dang'rous tools, and ever fatal to admiring fools." Rochester viewed reason as a vice rather than an admirable trait in man. When man followed a course of action that was advised by reason he turned into a coward who often betrayed his ideals, his family, and his friends. Rochester believed that to enjoy true happiness one must follow a course dictated by passion. Unlike reason, the passions do not betray one's senses and ideals. According to Rochester, the passions define who an individual is because the passions encompass one's emotions and desires. Reason cannot fully comprehend such a thing. Rochester highlights this belief in his poem's with tales of lust and sexual innuendoes. He uses perverse language and topics not only to mock those that believe reason is the human faculty that can bring about self-satisfaction, but also to describe to his readers that sensual pleasure is the highest pleasure because sensual pleasure is derived from passion, not reason. Rochester's poems rarely discuss love in the traditional sense; rather, he discusses it in a bodily context. Naturally, this would bring about the ire in any moralist. His poems make reference to ancient figures that draw on images of mass orgies and debauchery. He often uses language that elicits images of human... ...llivers Travels not only excite the attention of the reader but they also leave the reader with a very pessimistic impression of the modern world. If Gulliver had left a description of a pile of soil instead of his urination procedure, the reader would perhaps view his work as boring, but not as comedic or repulsive. The tales would have lost their derogatory tone, their satirical edge, and their comedic nature had Swift not used such images. Such images and language are a unique element of satirical writing. Satirist wanted to attack the vices of the community and impress an image on their readers. They, however, could not accomplish this through bland social commentary. Every literary style has certain tools to capture its audiences. The romantics used fruitful language and supernatural images. The realist used images and words that photographed how life really was. The satirist used wit, irony, sarcasm, as well as crude images and language. If they failed to use these tools then their attacks were not heeded and their words were not remembered. Rochester and Swift did not fail to use their satirical qualities and their impression on the literary world remains to this day.

Animal Testing Essay -- essays research papers fc

Animal Testing   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  More and more animals are being taken form their natural habitats and tested on every year. Researchers, scientists, and companies just trying to make new products are using animals to further their experiments. If animal testing continues to happen at this rate then their will be no animals left to use for food, study, or even for simple amusement. When the animals are being taken form their natural environments it harms the natural food chain and other ways of life. When people abusing the animal’s rights they make the animals suffer and decrease their overall population. Many people are trying to find ways to end this hurting of nature. Some people find different ways like using computer simulations and other new sources. Many animals are dying everyday from humans testing on them. These animals have been tested on for research, drug use, and to test company products. Testing on animals leads to more diseases occurring. There are many groups assembling to stop the scientists and researchers from hurting the animals. Some people try and argue the reasons for why animals are being abused. Some say that it is for science and to expand our knowledge.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  There are many new forms of diseases being found everyday. A major cause of these new diseases is testing on animals. Many scientists and researchers find that new forms of diseases or showing up from exposing new substances to animals.(Hart, Snyder pg#1+) Research at the Barrow Neurological institute in Phoenix has shown that injecting cancer cells into beagle puppy’s brains has caused a new, different form of cancer. (Hart, Snyder pg#1+)Another way diseases are spreading is the fact that people in Korea are eating dogs and passing different diseases between spaces. Many people that are not testing on live animals are contracting diseases too. (Texley pg#1+) Some students in an Alabama school caught a slightly different case of the flu from dissecting dead frogs in biology class.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Many groups have been formed to stop animals from being abused and tested on for selfish reasons. Animals are being tortured and killed for some companies to test their products. (Motavalli pg#3+) Many people in there groups are going to law schools in America that offer animal rights law. Animal righ... ... this is aloud to continue. People will keep trying and finding ways to save the animals and still further science. I feel that animal’s rights should not be violated for the sake of science. I feel life should not be traded off for simple research. Works Cited â€Å"A Big First Step in Reducing Animal Testing.† NIH News Release. December 28, 1999. SIRS. January 5, 2005.www.sirs.com. Balcombe, Jonathan. â€Å"Anything but Routine.† Good Medicine. Autumn 2003. SIRS.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  January 14, 2005. www.sirs.com. Balcombe, Jonathan. â€Å"Stress and Substance Abuse.† Good Medicine. Spring 2003. SIRS.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  January 14, 2005. www.sirs.com. Hart, Bill and Kerry Fehr-Snyder. â€Å"Almost Human.† Arizona Republic. December 10, 2000. SIRS. January 14, 2005. www.sirs.com. Morrison, Adrian R. â€Å"What’s Wrong with Animal Rights.† American School Board   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Journal. January 1992. SIRS. January 14, 2005. www.sirs.com. Motavalli, Jim. â€Å"Rights from Wrong.† E Magazine. March-April 2003. SIRS. January 14, 2005. www.sirs.com. Texley, Julian A. â€Å"Doing Without Dissection.† American School Board Journal. January 1992. SIRS. January 14, 2005. www.sirs.com.

Customer Satisfaction in E-Commerce

In Proceedings of the 17th IEE UK Teletraffic Symposium, Dublin, Ireland, May 16-18, 2001 QUANTIFYING CUSTOMER SATISFACTION WITH E-COMMERCE WEBSITES Hubert Graja and Jennifer McManis1 Abstract E-commerce is an increasingly significant part of the global economy. Users of E-commerce Web sites often have high expectations for the quality of service, and if those expectations are not met, the next site is only a click away. A number of performance problems have been observed for E-commerce Web sites, and much work has gone into characterising the performance of Web servers and Internet applications.However, the customers of E-commerce Web sites are less well studied. In this work, we discuss a way of assessing satisfaction for different customer types with a Web site according to various different parameters. Individual measures may be scaled for simple comparison, and combined to give an overall satisfaction rating. This methodology is applied to three Irish E-Commerce Web sites. 1) In troduction The World Wide Web is one of the most important Internet services, and has been largely responsible for the phenomenal growth of the Internet in recent years.An increasingly popular and important Web-based activity is ECommerce, in which various types of financial transactions are carried out or facilitated using the Web. It is widely expected that E-Commerce activity will continue to grow and that it will be a significant component of the global economy in the near future. A number of performance problems in E-Commerce systems have been observed, mainly due to heavier-thananticipated loads and the consequent inability to satisfy customer requirements. This has resulted in a lot of work attempting to characterise the performance of Web servers and Internet applications e. . [1]? [4]. However the customers of these E-Commerce systems are less well studied. Some surveys show considerable dissatisfaction with current E-Commerce and Web servers; for example, it has been repor ted that as many as 60% of users typically cannot find the information they are looking for in a Web site, even though the information is present [5]. In an area such as ECommerce, customers demand a high quality of the service they receive, since it is easy to move away to another site if they perceive the current one to be unsatisfactory. An important issue in designing E-Commerce systems is to characterise the ustomer's requirements for satisfactory service. Parameters which affect a customer's satisfaction with an E-Commerce system include the response time, number of clicks needed to find what they want, amount of information they are required to give, and predictability of the service received. This leads to the idea of customer classification, where customers in the same class would value parameters in a similar fashion. Customer classification may be performed either based on how they judge their satisfaction with an E-Commerce system, or on some other way (e. . large/medium /small budget; type/speed of Internet connection the customer has to the server; frequent/previous/new customer). Here we briefly present a methodology for measuring the satisfaction of customer classes. This methodology is applied to a test case consisting of three Irish E-Commerce Web sites in the telecommunications sector. We are able to demonstrate different levels of customer satisfaction among the Web sites, and also different levels of satisfaction with various parameters for each individual Web site. 2) MethodologyIn our methodology, we identify customer classes reflecting groups of customers with different behavioural characteristics, and Web site parameters relating to features of the Web site which will potentially affect customer satisfaction. We then seek to measure customer satisfaction with the various parameters in a consistent and quantifiable way. This methodology is summarised below; a more detailed discussion of the methodology may be found in [6]. 2. 1) Customer Classification Customers may be classified in various ways, such as their behaviour or according to how they measure satisfaction with a Web site.However this classification is made, a representation of the customer class must then be made. This representation has two components: first, customer behaviour; and second, customer satisfaction measures 1 Performance Engineering Laboratory http://www. eeng. dcu. ie/~pel School of Electronic Engineering, Dublin City University, Dublin 9, Ireland [email  protected] dcu. ie, [email  protected] dcu. ie for various Web site parameters. We define customer behaviour in terms of the interaction with the Web site. A trace behaviour is defined as the series of clicks and other information that the customer exchanges with the site.Typically, behaviour for a customer class is defined as one or more traces. For a customer class, a weighting may be associated with the traces indicating how likely it is for the customer to perform that particular trace behaviour. That is, some behaviour may be exhibited more frequently by a user in a class, and this behaviour should be given higher weighting. 2. 2) Customer Satisfaction Measures The factors which might affect customer satisfaction with a Web site are contained in a parameter list.It is important that for each parameter in the list satisfaction should be quantifiable. Some quantification measures are easily defined. For instance, if the parameter is the number of clicks, the quantification may be defined as an integer value. Other parameters may have more subjective quantifications. For instance, how does one quantify the â€Å"quality† of information available at a Web site? In order to compare the satisfaction measured for different parameters, the quantifications must be mapped to a fixed scale. For instance, all measures could be mapped to a scale of 0 to 10.This mapping is what allows us to represent customer valuation of the same parameters. For instance, some cu stomers will tolerate delay better than others. This may lead to one customer mapping a download time of 5 seconds to 10 and another mapping a download time of 5 seconds to 0. Studies such as [7] indicate that this mapping can be complex and context dependent. 2. 3) Analysis of Customer Satisfaction for a Web Site Using the above, for each trace it is possible to associate a satisfaction value with every parameter.The trace weightings may then be used to arrive at a weighted average of the satisfaction values associated with the parameters. This gives a measure of how satisfied a given class of customers is with a given parameter. Finally a weighting of parameters can be defined, allowing for an overall satisfaction measure of a class for the Web site. By varying this weighting, we can study how different parameters affect customer satisfaction. 3) Test Results The most difficult part of this exercise is in relating customer trace behaviour to the satisfaction vector. How parameter satisfaction is measured nd how it is mapped onto a fixed scale must be addressed on a case-by-case basis, although experience using the methodology may lead to the definition of some standard cases. Also, since multiple executions of the same trace may lead to different values, some statistical analysis may be required. We have applied our methodology to three Irish E-Commerce Web sites in the telecommunications sector (designated here as Web sites A, B, and C). 3. 1) Customer Classification Customers for the three Web sites we examined have been divided into two distinct classes: Private and Business.Traces are associated with searching for specific information that the customers might be interested in. Six customer tasks are identified in Table 1 and for each Web site a trace is devised to perform the task. For the sake of convenience, we call all traces associated with a given task by the same name, even though the trace is obviously specific to the Web site. Data services is sp lit into T4a and T4b because Web site B provided different pages depending on whether the customer was private or business.Trace T1 T2 T3 T4a T4b T5 T6 Task Where to buy a phone Coverage Tariffs WAP Data Services Data Services for Business Roaming List Business Tariffs Table 1: Tasks The Private and Business customer classes are defined as a collection of the above tasks, and an associated weighting is given which is indicative of the relative likelihood of customers of a given class seeking to perform that task. Trace weightings for the Private and Business classes are given in Table 2. The interpretation is that for a group of Private users roughly half might want to know where to buy a phone, 30% might want to know about tariffs, 10% ight want to know about coverage and 10% might want to know about WAP services. The Business users exhibit different behaviour with 30% wanting to know about coverage, 30% being interested in the roaming list, 20% being interested in data services an d 20% being interested in business tariffs. Customer Class Private Trace T1 T2 T3 T4a T2 T4a, T4b T5 T6 Trace Weighting 0. 5 0. 1 0. 3 0. 1 0. 3 0. 2 0. 3 0. 2 Business Table 2: Trace weightings for different customer classes 3. 2) Satisfaction Measures Three parameters were identified: Complexity, Time, and Quality.Complexity was measured as the number of clicks to reach the destination. Time was measures as total download time in seconds. Quality was a subjective measure of the quality of the information contained in the site (could the information be found, and how easy was it to find? ). Quality was measured using a small-scale user survey where the users were asked to examine the end page for each task and rate their satisfaction with the information they found there on a scale of 0-100%. A scale of 0-10 (with 0 being worst and 10 best) was chosen for a uniform comparison of satisfaction values.The measured satisfaction values were mapped onto the 0-10 scale as follows: Complex ity: Time: Quality: 10(20-(n-1)/10), where n is the number of clicks 10(10-t/60), where t is the trace download time in seconds x/10, where x is the average value of user satisfaction with the quality of the page For Quality a straightforward linear mapping was applied. More complex mappings were employed for Complexity and Time, and are shown in Figure 1. Examining the Time mapping we see that 60 seconds is regarded as an unacceptable download time, and even 30 seconds leads to a fairly poor rating.Similarly, for Complexity, 10 clicks is regarded as unacceptable, and even 5 clicks is fairly poor. Note that we have chosen one among many possible mappings. It is up to the tester to decide how to choose a mapping that best reflects customer preferences. Also note that, in this case, all customers use the same mappings, and thus are seen to perceive the parameters in a similar fashion. It is an easy extension to attach different scale mappings to different customer classes or to differ ent traces. Figure 1: mapping time and complexity measures to a 0-10 scale 3. ) Satisfaction Measurement for Web Sites Once the satisfaction measures are determined, it remains to test the Web sites and compare results. Data was gathered using the Web Performance Trainer 2. 1 tool [8] to execute each of the traces on the Web site in question. This was necessary solely to take time data, and was carried out on a weekday. The other two satisfaction values can be determined by an examination of the Web sites. Tables 3, 4, and 5 summarise the satisfaction measures for the three Web sites respectively. Web Site A Customer Class Trace Complexity rawSatisfaction Measures Time raw 37. 6 34. 0 34. 7 28. 6 34. 7 46. 9 28. 6 38. 7 scaled 2. 4 2. 7 2. 6 3. 3 2. 6 2. 6 1. 7 3. 3 2. 3 2. 4 Quality raw 80 72 67 68 61 69 66 64 scaled 8. 0 7. 2 6. 7 6. 8 7. 5 6. 1 6. 9 6. 6 6. 4 6. 5 scaled 4. 1 3. 0 4. 1 4. 1 3. 8 4. 1 3. 0 4. 1 4. 1 3. 8 Private Business T1 T3 T2 T4a weighted avg. T2 T5 T4a T6 wei ghted avg. 4 5 4 4 4 5 4 4 Table 3: Customer Satisfaction for Web Site A Web Site B Customer Class Trace Complexity raw scaled 4. 1 7. 4 5. 5 5. 5 5. 4 5. 5 4. 1 4. 1 7. 4 5. 2 Satisfaction Measures Time raw 16. 7 11. 2 17. 1 13. 9 17. 1 14. 39. 7 12. 3 scaled 5. 3 6. 5 5. 2 5. 9 5. 7 5. 2 5. 7 2. 2 6. 2 4. 9 Quality scaled 8. 6 7. 6 7. 6 7. 4 8. 1 7. 3 7. 5 6. 4 7. 6 7. 2 raw 86 76 76 74 73 75 64 76 Private Business T1 T3 T2 T4a weighted avg. T2 T5 T4b T6 weighted avg. 4 2 3 3 3 4 4 2 Table 4: Customer Satisfaction for Web Site B Web Site C Customer Class Trace Satisfaction Measures Complexity Time raw scaled 4. 1 5. 5 7. 4 5. 5 5. 0 7. 4 7. 4 5. 5 7. 4 7. 0 raw 14. 0 13. 0 11. 1 12. 4 11. 1 10. 2 12. 4 10. 9 scaled 5. 8 6. 1 6. 5 6. 2 6. 0 6. 5 6. 8 6. 2 6. 6 6. 5 Quality scaled 8. 1 6. 8 6. 8 5. 8 7. 4 6. 1 5. 3 6. 5. 3 5. 7 raw 81 68 68 58 61 53 60 53 Private Business T1 T3 T2 T4a weighted avg. T2 T5 T4a T6 weighted avg. 4 3 2 3 2 2 3 2 Table 5: Customer Satisfaction for Web Sit e C The overall satisfaction measures are summarised in Table 6. Some interesting conclusions can be drawn from these measures. Firstly, for all Web sites and all parameters, there was a variation in satisfaction levels between the customer classes. Thus, not all users find the Web sites equally good. This is most noticeable for the Quality parameter: Private users rated Quality higher than Business users in all cases.If Business customers are considered valuable, this gap is not desirable. There is also a large difference in satisfaction ratings for the Time parameter of Web site B, again favouring Private customers over Business customers. Secondly, for all users and all measures, there are a range of values across the Web sites. For instance, the Time satisfaction for Business users varies from 6. 5 for Web site C down to 2. 4 for Web site A. This indicates that Web site C might have an edge in attracting Business customers. Finally, for a given user class and Web site, different satisfaction levels are observed.For example, Private users of Web site A have a Time satisfaction value of 2. 6 and a Quality satisfaction value of 7. 5. The exact interpretation of this is difficult, since the different parameter satisfaction values are dependent on the mapping of the raw data, which of necessity, differs for each parameter. However, it does perhaps indicate a favouring of form over efficiency. Customer Class Satisfaction Customer Web Site Class Web site A Private Web site B Web site C Web site A Business Web site B Web site C Satisfaction Measures Complexity Time Quality 3. 8 5. 4 5. 0 3. 8 5. 2 7. 0 2. 6 5. 7 6. 2. 4 4. 9 6. 5 7. 5 8. 1 7. 4 6. 5 7. 2 5. 7 Table 6: Customer Class Satisfaction for Web sites A, B, and C Finally, an overall assessment of customer satisfaction may be found by weighting the various parameters. Table 7 displays the overall satisfaction results under several different weighting schemes: Weighting 1 gives all parameters equal weighting ; Weighting 2 gives Time and Complexity equal weighting and Quality zero weighting; Weighting 3 considers Time only (zero weighting for Quality and Complexity). These weightings reflect possible values the tester places on the various parameters.We can see that for all the weightings, Business users have a clear order of preference, ranking Web site C highest, then Web site B, and finally Web site A. The order of preference for Private users varies according to the weighting used, although Web site A is worst under all three weightings. Customer Class Satisfaction Customer Web Site Class Web site A Private Web site B Web site C Web site A Business Web site B Web site C Satisfaction Measures Weighting 1 Weighting 2 Weighting 3 4. 6 6. 4 6. 1 4. 2 5. 8 6. 4 3. 2 5. 6 5. 5 3. 1 5. 1 6. 8 2. 6 5. 7 6. 0 2. 4 4. 9 6. 5 Table 7: Customer satisfaction with a Web site ) Conclusions Modelling customer satisfaction with Web and E-commerce sites is not as well studied as Web server modelling, but determining whether and how the customers of these sites are satisfied with their interactions is becoming increasingly important as the Web matures. We have proposed a methodology for estimating how satisfied defined classes of customers are with a Web site. Our approach recognises that customer satisfaction is a complex issue and includes factors which are not easily measured. We have applied our methodology to the study of three Irish E-Commerce Web sites.These sites were chosen for representative purposes only and the results do not necessarily generalise to other Web sites. Choices for the tester include not only what customer categories and what Web site parameters to examine, but also how to interpret the measured data such as download time. The flexibility of the methodology means that it will be necessary for the tester to carefully consider all of their options. The next step is to investigate whether ‘generic’ categories of users can be defined, and/or wh ether they care about ‘generic’ Web site parameters (e. . it seems download time will always be a factor in user satisfaction). Given a specific Web site, we will explore methods for mapping these generic user types and satisfaction parameters into the site's content. If an analysis of the resulting satisfaction measures shows that there is a disparity in the satisfaction of different user types, we will study how the Web site designer or administrator should take this into account, and whether their reaction can be determined dynamically while the user is interacting with the site.References 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. Nakamura et al, `ENMA: the WWW Server Performance Measurement System via Packet Monitoring', INET99. Cottrell et al, `Tutorial on Internet Monitoring and PingER at SLAC' available from http://www. slac. stanford. edu/comp/net/wan-mon/tutorial. html Kalidindi and Zekauskas, `Surveyor: An Infrastructure for Internet Performance Measurements', INET99. Hava and Murphy, `Performance Measurement of World Wide Web Servers' Proc. f 16th UK Teletraffic Symposium, May 2000. http://www. ecai. ie/usability_online. htm Graja and McManis, ‘Modelling User Interactions with E-Commerce Services’, to be presented at ICN01, Colmar, France, July 2001. Bouch, Kuchinsky, and Bhatti, ‘Quality is in the Eye of the Beholder: Meeting Users’ Requirements for Internet Quality of Service’, HP technical report HPL-2000-4, http://www. hpl. hp. com/techreports/2000/HPL-2000-4. html Web Performance Incorporated, http://www. Webperfcenter. com

Harrison Bergeron Essay

Kurt Vonnegut’s short story â€Å"Harrison Bergeron† is about a futuristic society where beauty is destroyed to create equality. It centers around the highest official, appropriately named, the General Handicapper. His only role to to seek out and find to people who are skilled, pretty, or good at sports and forced them to hide away these talents through masks and waits. It is through basic literary elements that Vonnegut creates and develops the theme that general conformity leads to the deformation of humanity. The short story begins in the future, â€Å"The year was 2081† and Vonnegut immediately puts out the benefits of this futuristic society, stating â€Å"everybody was finally equal† and not just equal â€Å"before God† but in â€Å"every way† possible (Vonnegut, 1968, p. 7). Vonnegut’s description foreshadows what is to come in the novel and certainly this forced equality can only lead to a dangerous and potentially deadly ending. Conformity and the effects of uniformity is a common theme in the bulk of science fiction literature and Vonnegut’s short stories are no different. However, in â€Å"Harrison Bergergon† not just the theme of uniformity is explore but also the stripping away of humanity. This short story, the government forces everyone to be equal –â€Å"nobody was smarter than anybody else. Nobody was better looking than anybody else. Nobody was stronger or quicker than anybody else. † (Vonnegut, 1968, p. 7). Government agents force people who are beautiful to wear ugly masks and people who are thin are forced to carry around weights. The goal of all this control is to make sure that everyone has the same handicaps, the same features, and the same feelings. Even odder is that smart people were forced to wear radios which interfered with there brain functional creating a human society where everyone was equally stupid. By eliminating the the issues, which modern society still deals with, of racism, sexism, and discrimination based on looks, Vonnegut’s future society should be healthy and happy because everyone is the same. However, in the pursuit of equality the loss of humanity took place. Humanity is based on the idea of independence and individualism. The featured protagonist of this short story and namesake is Harrison Bergeron. He is a bright and friendly boy who has the most hated qualities in his society. He is intelligent, handsome, tall, and strong. Due to Harrision’s features he is required to do several things to compensate for all his good quality. He is subject to radio noises which stops his concentration and focus. He has to carry hundreds of pounds of extra weight. He also have to wear sun glasses which gives him a head and he has to undergo surgery fort o make him ugly. While awaiting his surgery he escapes and takes over a news station. On air he takes off his handicaps and is revealed to society. When enters the station he is looks â€Å"like a walking junk yard,† required to wear â€Å"a red rubber ball for a nose, keep his eyebrows shaved off, and cover his even white teeth with black caps at snaggle-tooth random† ( Vonnegut, 1968, p. 21). He also meets up with a ballerina and she too casts off her imposed disabilities. When the couple dances they shrug off the law of gravity and the laws of motion as well,† leaping to kiss the thirty-foot ceiling until finally â€Å"they remained suspended in air inches below the ceiling, and they kissed each other for a long, long time. † It is then that Glampers enters with her shotgun† (Vonnegut, 1968, p.  22). Unfortunately both are killed by the General Handicapper. As a sub plot his parents are watching the news station but once everything is said and done they can not remember what has happened due their forced handicaps. Irony is another literary device that Vonnegut uses in this short story. Vonnegut comments on the look-ism which is apparent in American society. Vonnegut even appears cynical about what passes as average in America. â€Å"Hazel had a perfectly average intelligence, which meant she couldn’t think about anything except in short bursts† (Vonnegut, 1968, p. 20). The observation on the ballerinas continues the undercutting humor: â€Å"They weren’t really very good–no better than anybody else would have been, anyway† (Vonnegut, 1968, p. 20). Heavy irony emerges in the plodding Hazel’s missing the point, as when she sympathizes with the stuttering announcer for trying â€Å"real hard† to do his best or suggests George might remove some of his weights in the evenings. Compounding the irony she says, â€Å"‘I think I’d make a good Handicapper General. ‘ ‘Good as anybody else,’ said George. † The range of sounds and the comic brutality of their effect provides another source of comedy. One of George’s winces prompts Hazel to ask the cause. â€Å"Sounded like somebody hitting a milk bottle with a hammer,† he replies. Another sounds like a twenty-one gun salute that leaves George â€Å"white and trembling† and leaves two of the ballerinas on the floor clutching their temples. The final one is a riveting gun. â€Å"Gee–I could tell that one was a doozy,† said Hazel. â€Å"You can say that again,† said George. â€Å"Gee–† said Hazel–â€Å"I could tell that one was a doozy. † (Vonnegut, 1968, p. 41) Hazel’s stupid behavior and mindset symbolizes the dumbing down of America. In addition the television is equally symbolic. When this book was written, the television was now found in every home throughout the country. It became the way that people communicated and received news. Reading, literature, and human interaction decreased and was replaced by the mindless chatter of television shows and governmentally run news broadcasts. Hazel’s aversion to the old days when she could be made to feel like â€Å"something the cat dragged in† (Vonnegut, 1968, p. 22) obviously is not very persuasive The narration in â€Å"Harrison Bergeron† is also interesting. This is because the narration is third person, as if person is looking back on the events that just happened. Third person omnipresent is an interesting choice for narration because it allows the reader into the minds of all characters. For example Vonnegut reminds the readers, in third person narration Nobody can be in any way superior to anybody else, as guaranteed by â€Å"the 211th, 212th, and 213th Amendments to the Constitution, and to the unceasing vigilance of the agents of the United States Handicapper General† (Vonnegut, 1968, p. 20). In particular, the motivations of each character which inspire their actions and words. â€Å"Harrison Bergeron† is a very unique short story because Vonnegut manipulates basic literary elements and creates a satire of American ideals and societal norms. Vonnegut is able too, in a tongue and cheek manner, show how the government can create a society which lacks humanity. A government that is left uncontrolled can exert such great power that it can destroy what makes human unique creatures on this planet. In doing so, people become mindless and vulnerable to the governmental propaganda that tells the citizens of a society that these rules are for their own good.

One love in Amsterdam Netherlands

I was there Amsterdam arena with my dad; it has never been the same between dad and I. He has never trusted me since I was expelled from school. We entered the arena and there were huge crowds of people I could not believe, it was unbelievable. We went to the checkpoint whilst I was there. I spotted this gorgeous black girl, good looking fit and extremely gorgeous. I was speechless as if my mom gave my slap on the cheek; I could not stop thinking about her I kept hearing my dad was calling me. I had to ignore him cause I just too focused, It felt empty around as if I was floating in an empty world of mine just her and me. Inside of me I felt like shouting all my anger and bringing love in me. I kept on starring, trying to communication, eye contact, whilst my dad calling me, I couldn't keep my eyes off her I couldn't blink. From then on I thought I have to make some sort of Approach. She was just too irresistible I just thought she's mine, still starring at each other I knew that there was something special. Suddenly we both started walking towards the door side ways facing each other, bumping in to people, exiting the arena thinking of what to say, we approached each other as if we have never seen a person before. Hi, she responded hi, `I could tell she was a bit shy, anyway I do not mind shy girls. My name is Ethan but my friends call me big Ethan. Now would they call a handsome guy like you big Ethan, because I am, big, cuddly and strong. My prediction was wrong she was not shy at all. What is your name young lady, Jasmine, my name is jasmine but you can call anything you want. So what is a beautiful girl like you doing here, why thank you, I'm here with a couple of friends, are your friends as beautiful as you are. She never answered the question, it was a bit strange, and I felt unsecure from that point, I couldn't feel the trust, between us. Here they come they approached me the way jasmine and I approached each other. One of the girls was whispering I could make out what she was saying. The girls looked shy, because there were hiding behind jasmines back, as if they had never seen humans before. Girls this is Ethan, hi Ethan. Ethan that is Monica, Lisa and Vanessa. They all started to giggle, don't worry they always do this when they see handsome boy like you. So you must be Vanessa, jasmine was just talking about you, as I was moving along greeting them and I take it your Lisa hello Ethan, and you must be the lovely Monica boy you are harming. Every time I shacked one of the girls' hands I could see a warning in their eyes, I do not know why it happened it must have been my imagination. Vanessa was half cast girl with plated hair with streaks running down the hair great personality, identical to jasmine except the face totally different from each other. The great thing was they all did not have a childish act, they acted like adults. Because I remember when I was at school they all used to say oh boy I hate boy, That still goes in schools. The other thing was, they were extremely good looking and much more fitter. So ladies can I take you out for drink sure. In me I said to my elf this is my night. Follow me ladies, we walked to the nearest Dutch restaurant, the BJiRDWING cafi. It looked like one of that American silver with seventies style writing, carriages like the one in back to the future with tight leather seats, there called dinners. Just remembered something girls, I have to call him on the mobile al else he'll be worried sick about me. When calling, I saw the girl's giggling gossiping boy they might even think I am a daddy's boy or even mommy's boy. Oh dad it me Ethan, Ethan were have you been I've been worried sick, on't worry, don't what was meant to think when you left, I am fine dad. Son I want you back here now, but, no but, no what did you say, no leave me alone since I was twelve you been treating me like a baby but I'm not a child any more I'm You've never given me a chance a live independently I'm seventeen years old. From then I had hang the telephone, in me I could feel pain the pain. When you feel that person a you love won't give you a chance, I felt liked my heart would burst with anger, and my veins popping out like a hulk. I sat down hiding the expression on my face that I had when speaking on the telephone. So ladies what may a get you ladies? Vanessa responded rapidly saying you can get me anything you want, everyone just looked at her, especially jasmine, I could see it in her sparking eyes how she felt, Personally, I felt that Vanessa was a flirt. I told the girls that I now places were we could go and spend some time, I told them it was a surprise. We were walking on the streets of Amsterdam bracing ourselves. Walking in a group so at least we could defend our selves, suddenly a trump jumped right in front of use, this old raged old man, who wore a fisher mans suit with a hat, he smelt worse than the public toilets, n the high streets. A drunken mad person had not shaved for a long time all this I could tell by looking at him. For a moment, I thought we would die. We increased our walking speed, the trump still following us. We turned around and looked behind us, he was gone . it looked like we were too fast for him, the like light began to fade in the allay way, whilst the dark skies covering the moon as if on of us would turn in to a wolf. We walked threw the alleyway just about to walk out of it, suddenly there was a noise, I thought was one of the girls stamped on something. Then I shouted look! Look! . It was the most horrifying thing I had ever saw, a black cat shredding this mouse into pieces, While all the girls couldn't bare to look for a second. Moreover, jasmine on my shoulder sacred out of her life. The cat just left the helpless the rat eaten to shreds with it guts hanging out and blood running down to the pipeline like water floods. We continued walking until we saw the amazing blocks of house and so much light as if they had put a torch in my face or as if I was questioned by the federal government the C. I. A the F. B. I. We walked a blocks to my friend house, he name is Jesse we have known ach other since child hood, he's like a brother to me, also my best friend. We walked up to his house, we rang the bell, we waited we were just took our first step down, then he finally answered. When he opened the door he had, his pyjamas on I was surprised to see Jesse in his pyjamas because not an early sleeper. Oh its brother, yeah its me brother Eth, so why are you wearing pyjamas now it's even midnight. No its just I have nothing else to do. Anyway, we are going to night do you want come yeah of course. In addition, you said we, where are the rest oh sorry. Girls come up, so t looks like you came honeys, girls that's Jesse, hello Jesse. So are your parents around no there all out on a business trip. It looks like we have the house to ourselves I guess so, when I said that we have the house to ourselves, Jesse didn't look happy this wasn't the Jesse I knew, the Jesse that I spent my child hood with. Therefore, are you going to let us in or let us freezes to death out here, sorry of course, you could come in Come in girls, they all walk in one by one while I was introducing them to Jesse. That's my girl she's jasmine, this is Vanessa, come in baby, (I warned Jesse if he said anything a bit too explicit, she would take it the wrong way) boy get some tick tuck, I warned Jesse about it but he never did listen. That is Monica and Lisa Jasmines best friend they are good looking. Jesse went to freshen up, while we were down in the lounge having some drinks. Fifteen minutes later Jesse cam down looking good handsome why thanks Vanessa. I was shocked at the way Vanessa had a change of mind the she acted. Then the door rang who could be there, I thought. You said your parents are gone don't worry its not as if it's the police. The way it sounded as if he already knew who was at the door. Simon & Michael what is up? I recognised the voice, is that Michael, I rushed to the door `'Mickey† â€Å"brother† and it looks like Simon came along, coming in. we went and sat in the lounge, while the girls were listening, so mike what are you doing here. I just arrived from Hong Kong with Simon, some of our friends told us you were here in the neighbourhood, is that Jesse, gosh you have grown. I was a bit surprised to see Simon, when I looked at him he looked lost as if he didn't know me. However, while looking at him I was quiet confused because the Simon I know was totally different? This wasn't the Simon I knew. I was speaking to Michael and Jesse, Simon went to speak with the girls then, I turned around I saw Simon touching Jasmine in a way I could not explain I was disgusted when saw Simon touching her in an annual manner. My heart was beating so fast I thought it was an earthquake . I shouted get of my girl! I repeatedly kept on shouting just seeing Simon caressing her hair, running his hands down her face. I felt like murdering him, I got him on the floor and started punching him, if it weren't for Jesse, and Michael to stop it, he'd be dead. I cooled down the, girl were wondering what was going on. I told jasmine why I was furious she then told the rest of her friends. The girl decided to stay for the night. We never really got to know them. When I kept my cool I walked to Simon and apologised to how I had reacted, he seemed cool about it. When shaking his hand I saw an expression that he had on his face that I did not like but it quiet unexplainable I rapidly withdrew my hand as if I was agitated and walked off. He stood there as if he had been in a shock I grabbed jasmine, put my hand on her should as if we were at the movies, So, boys or girls are we staying here or going to party or what Yeah were going to party every body else looked in mood except for Simon he has never liked the outdoors I'd think he would rather play video games. I didn't bother asking him because, it just raise to many arguments. Michael had arrived with some fire works from Hong Kong, and he knew were we could light then up. I quite shocked because Michael had only arrived from Hong Kong today. I when up to Simon asking why he was so quiet, but he didn't answer Simon leaning on the balcony without saying a word as if he was speechless. I asked Monica to try and comfort him I didn't want him to e that quiet as if he was lost in the world, like a boy Despite falling out with him, I still felt sorry for I had to putt every behind me try to make sure it will never happen again. We left Jesse's house to walk to the beach it wasn't a public beach of course not anyway who would be at the beach at midnight except for us We started off. I had the urge to start speaking to jasmine while everybody else was holding hands. So jasmine I haven't really got to know you that much, of course you know my name. But I want to know everything about you. Well I was born her in Amsterdam, suddenly I felt a shiver on her I ave her my coat to wear, she continued. My dad died two yours ago, `'oh I'm very sorry† I hope you don't mind me asking what happened. Well he was selling drugs; he was with, the Mafia he was an alcoholic he apparently owed loads of money to this person. I think it was Andrew he had a middle name I cannot remember, wait it was Alcapone the last name started with a d this is just too much. She continued. One night he was watching television, I was quite young then. I heard my dad crying for help; shouting screaming I could feel the pain he was going threw. He shouted my name I rushed down. It was too late; the murderer had already left he put a note around the knife saying he'll be back. Since then we have changed our name, but I will never forget his face, he was beastly look alike I did not know what to do. He was laying there with a knife threw his body I sat there saying to myself `'why†¦. Why†¦ † while steam rising from his gaping wound. â€Å"Have the police ever found him? † †They did but it had been too late he had committed suicide at least that is what they said, but I believe he still alive†. ometimes I think I want revenge and to think what he did to my amily, he ripped our hearts out my soul, my life, and the person I love. But the one thing I will never forgive him. He ripped our family apart! But I had to get over it, if I had killed Andrew Capone what next, I would have felt guilty for taking a man's life. [INS: :INS] †What about your mom? † Mom hardly speaks, since he died, once she shouted why just the wo rd I said when he was murdered. Too many questions, I sometimes could feel the pain she is going through and one day I hope I would be able to take the pain away. What does she do? She works for the United Nations. For a moment there I could the pain she was going through, she then drew a tear of sadness I could sense she wanted revenge but didn't know were to go she was lost like I was. She then asked about me. †What about you? † Born in Gaborone Botswana No brothers or sisters, my parents are diplomats. â€Å"Lucky you have both of your parents alive†, `'not quite because, my mom died two years ago. † â€Å"I thought you said your parents are diplomats† â€Å"You don't get it, I had two moms at least that what my parents said† â€Å"Why did they say that? † â€Å"I don't really know, they said she died in a car crush, but the hing that puzzles me, they never found a body, but I think there trying to keep as apart for some reason. † â€Å"Then how come you have two moms† â€Å"Well in Botswana you can marry at least three or four, but you must be able to support the family† â€Å"So when you grow older would you marry load of wives? † `'No there is only one for me, and it is a special one, you know that special person the perfect match. † `' So who is that special one† approaching me as if she was going to stroke my face with a grin on her face grin as if she expected me to say her name. When she asked me that question, I could immediately see a sparkle in er eyes; I could see us together on the waters in her blue eyes. She asked whom that special one was again, but really I didn't I wasn't sure if she was that special one, were we meant for each other I asked myself and I was still not sure. â€Å"No†, I answered, I just do not know. It is not that I do not like her, in fact, I love her. Nevertheless, I am not sure if she feels the same about me, I tried to answer questions that I have never been able to answer before, Does she feel the same about me? I was not sure, too many question I could not answer. One thing that Jasmine and I have in common is that we both live imilar lives. We reach the lake there I saw a cliff, I thought to myself I have seen that some where I swear but I just couldn't make out where I saw it. Michael and Simon set-up the fire works, while we brought some wood with us, to light a small fire. Then Jesse and I move further up the lake so we can speak privately so the rest could be better acquainted. Hence, Jesse what do you think about Vanessa? She is all right actually I think I love, but the love I have for her is unexplainable, I can feel the force pulling us together, like magnets. What about you Ethan well I like jasmine more than like, I could feel something pecial building up you know that tingly feeling that you get when everything is going your way, but I just don't know if she the right one I am not it puzzles me. Jesse do you think you would ever spend the rest of your life with Vanessa. You cant really answer that question because were still young, as a teenager I just cant say, considering I have not even thought about it yet, and we have just known each other for a day. What about you Ethan what do you think about jasmine? I love jasmine though I have only known her for a day, but I felt that I had already known her. It was too convoluted to explain. I do have feelings for er but I am not sure if she is that special one, that I can be able to spend the rest of my life with her. You must be joking, spend the rest of you life with her, what, there's nothing wrong with jasmine! Its not jasmine its just were too young to get married, we have to live our lives before that I would have thought I would get married at thirty years old. That my option, I don't mind because it's not me getting married early, I am your best friend, it is only me to advise you but at the end of the day it is your choice if you want to do it or not. However, I could feel that Jesse felt the same that I did but to Vanessa, for some reason I felt he was lying to me. Every time I asked him a question, when answering the questions he kept on turning his head around as if he could sense some behind him. Suddenly when Jesse and I were speaking we both her a noise, coming from all directions, as If cars had surrounded us with the engine running. Jesse and I could not make out what it was, Jesse and I stood up whilst squinting trying to see what it was looking lost as if we were in the jungle trying to find our way home. Whilst everybody wondering what was going on, Then all I could remember was Jesse warning watch out motor bike ruising threw the beach as if it was a dirt track. And Jesse laying on the silky sand on the lake, trying to help, I took him in my hands, as if was carrying a baby lost in the wilderness trying to keep him safe. Holding him, Michael came and checks his pulse as if he were a paramedic, Michael said there was no hope he was dead, not breathing. Holding him did not give up. I knew he would not die without a fight. I have never lost faith in him and I will not lose faith in him now. I sat there in agony repeatedly shouting this cannot be happening tears dripping like heavy rain tears of faith. This cannot be happening to me why I ask myself too many questions, he is like a brother to me, please forgive me I beg you, he risked he's life for mine. Whilst resisting to whip his tears off his face letting the tears drip on he's face as if he was being baptised. From then on, I knew how Romeo felt when he lost Juliet but this time it my best friend. Still holding him I laid my head on he's chest, everyone surrounded Jesse and I without a word being said. Jasmine trying to comfort me getting a tissue and trying to whip the tears of my face, but I still resisted there's still hope, I me I could feel the pain he was going hrough. However, I still did not give up. I remember my mom telling me never give on something you have, and Jesse is like a brother, we own each other. While my head rested on his chest I cold feel movement I was not sure at first, but then I could feel his stomach rise, I rapidly stood back, he sat up as if he didn't where he was, saying what happen. We all sighed in relief, scared. He then stood up shacking he's head, as if he was confused, brushing of the sand in his hair. He smiled we all ran to give him a hug we all worried. I have never ever lost faith in Jesse not on him. I then realised, how it feels to loose someone who's close to you, If Jesse had died I would not be live with myself It would just be unexplainable. Was it his colour? I asked myself. If it was there is no point of living in a society where they judge you by your colour, but Jesse and I will try and find the culprit. Jesse and I sat on the cliff. I felt very emotional then; I could hardly speak as if I had been struck by lightening. I sat there facing the sea, trying to explain how I felt. â€Å"Do you know how I felt, what I was going threw my head when I saw you laying there in agony. Do now† trying let out his pain, showing motion showing how depressed he would be by loosing a very special friend, that he does care about him say it by his words. â€Å"No† Jesse responded, in a very soft tone, whilst facing the sea. I looked at him for a moment, puzzled confused did not know who to turn to for help. Jesse is the person I would usually turn to. However, not at this moment, I felt vulnerable for had happened. Jesse still staring stars, thinking, trying to find answers an explanation. I it was that easy, but life is not what we think, it is not easy nor hard it is just right. (People may disagree because of the battles that have occurred his century, there the First World War the Second World War. Still in our society or world, we still have a lot to learn about ourselves) in his eyes I could she the fear that had come across him, I could see the sorrow in his eyes. Courage within him I could feel the vibes flowing between as like a storm. I knew he was afraid, but did not know what he feared it was not what had occurred today. I put my thoughts beside me, and tried to move on. I moved away from Jesse because I felt that I needed some time alone. I looked at my watch, it wasn't even that late. I was a bit sceptical about it, as I sat there on edge of the cliff, eliving memories, of the past weeks. Memories that I thought would be gone, but I am strong-minded, not even to forget some of my memorise from primary school. When I was with my best friend, he's name was Michelle he was from Marseilles not that tall about five foot six fairly short black-haired he was quit sensitive, funny person but I have not seen him for quite a long time. I remember It was the last year we would be able to see each other, that was when I was at school in England when Jesse was in Eindhoven studying at this private school. We were talking about meeting up with each other one day and tell bout how life was or start our own business have fun. However, since he left I had never been able to contact him. Life is a bit strange, just like we live in a strange world; we still have various things to learn about the civilisation we live in. I remember when I attempted to call him two months ago of November of 2002 because I wanted to go and visit him in Marseilles for his birthday his 18^th birthday, to see how things were. For me that was the day of depression, I was confused, apparently he moved to Lisbon in Portugal to continue his studies there. I was shocked at the time, how could he have not told me. Because Michelle and I had promised each other to always keep in touch on what goes on in our lives, to be there for each other no matter what happens to us. However, it seemed that friendship that we once had faded into thin air. From the letter, he had sent to me in England. Dear Ethan I have to go. Life is getting difficult here in Marseilles I will have to move away from France, I do not know when. I do not know if I will be able to see you again. It will be very difficult to forget you, our friendship has spanned many years, and I will always remember you. However, my life is destined somewhere else, at the moment I am lost, I do not know what to do, depressed too many things going on in my life, too many bad things. Stay well, I hope that one day we will meet again, it will be long, as I must heal. I will go to my friend Jean Pier I am yet to find out where he stays. Goodbye my friend. Best Friends forever Jean Pier After reading, the distressing letter I felt as if I was cut open and a piece of me was taken away from me. I felt as if a person had came between us, like when the moon stands between the two stars at night. I remembered those times when I was uncertain about our friendship, was he really a true friend? Did he trust me as much as I trusted him? Were all things we did together false? Our childhood, the good times and bad time. The times when we were, there are for each other. Hadn't that meant anything to him? I was dumbfounded. I just could not answer the question. I had a moment to think, think about those times we had together, but we have to move on. I sat there still having a moment to my self, this was my time, as I exposed my face to the blistering winds, I felt free all the things you would feel when you are contented. I heard footstep behind soft steps as if the person did not want me to now who was behind me creeping as if I was to be stabbed on my back, by a mass murderer. With a voice a sweet soft tone saying my name I figured it must be jasmine, I sat there still looking at sea, didn't hesitate to look to see who was behind me. I sat there as if I knew she was there all along. However when I finally turned my back she was not there, was this my imagination, I could swear I heard her voice. I sat there puzzled, I thought I must be really obsessed with her, paranoid even to hear her voice. â€Å"What's wrong with me† as everyone else stared in disbelief, they probably thought I a psychopathic aniac, or just weird. I had a friendship ring that he gave me to remember by him just before I got up and walked back to the fireworks display, I took a chance and threw away the ring into the depths of the sea. Putting myself out of misery, forgetting the memories that we had together, knowing that one day we will meet again. I walked to the fire that was set-up, on the centre of the beach, still having thoughts, thought that could change my life. â€Å"Am I going to spend the rest of my life with Jasmine? † That's what really bothered me, I guess I was not in the position talk about it yet. What's wrong my friend,† Michael was trying to calm Ethan' s pain as he tried to hide the look on his face that made him look morose, and lonely. â€Å"I just don't know† Ethan ignoring Michael, seeking for his own answers. â€Å"You don't normally act this way what's wrong with you? † â€Å"You just don't understand† while he plays with the sand, with his head between his legs sulking. â€Å"Understand what! that you're madly in love with Jasmine, you think I don't see what goes on. † Michael pointing, pressuring Ethan to confess. â€Å"Anyway you have nothing to do with it, why don't you just go! † Michael walking away from the argument, trying to keep his cool. I sat there still depressed, but vigilant to what was going on around me, my life is much too complicated. While I sat there on the beach, Simon came along, it was a bit strange because it is very rare for Simon and I to speak. â€Å"So what's on your mind my friend? † looking at Ethan as if he was forgiven for what he did before. â€Å"I cant believe you even have the guts to say that,† uh my friend, you're just wasting your breath. â€Å"Why are so mean, what have I ever done to you, I am trying to be your friend, ok maybe I gave the wrong impression to you when I touched your girlfriend. However, I am very sorry, I may not be one of your est friends but that does not stop us from getting along. So what going on, from the argument you had with Michael it doesn't that everything is well? † Simon, making his point, trying to make life easier for them, instead of hating each other. † Nothing's wrong with me, its just you caught at the wrong time to speak to me, for I have been having thoughts,† as he drew a small tear, a tear of emotion and affection. â€Å"What kinds of thoughts,† Simon asking anxiously. â€Å"Love. † â€Å"Do you mean Jasmine? † â€Å"Who else. † â€Å"Oh. † â€Å"So what happened to Michael, he seemed upset did you two have an argument? as he glanced at him anxiously â€Å"No, he just caught me at the wrong time, I hope he is still alright despite our fall out, I meant no harm. † Simon and I seemed to settle our differences quite quickly. After the conversation, I went to apologise to Michael, it stupid of me to put the blame on him. â€Å"Michael! † I shouted. I saw him sat by the edge of the cliff. â€Å"Michael, I would like to apologise, I never meant to start an argument with you. † â€Å"I am sorry as well; I should not have aggravated you while you were thinking,† as Michael turned around with a smile of satisfaction. We were friends again, but stronger. The church bell rang, it was midnight we decided to call it a day. Just before we left Monica said that Jesse and Vanessa were gone, but I wondered were they would go at this time of night. I went to ask Lisa but she said the last time they saw Jesse and Vanessa was when they walking together to fireworks display. I wondered why would they be there. We all walked towards where the fire works were launched, Jesse and Vanessa were not there, and there was a staircase, which had led down to a cave, I then saw movement in the cave, quick, very bright. What was that I pointed, everybody seemed to deny seeing anything, I nodded y head in disbelief, and I was dazed So dazed that I stood there for ten minutes in the same position. I did not even realise Jesse and Vanessa had already turned up. Everyone else moved further away from the cave, scarred out of their lives. What is in there? I asked myself. I sat there on the staircase that led to the mysterious cave, as I was there I heard footsteps coming from all directions. However, it only jasmine. â€Å"What's wrong Ethan, you look disturbed? † Jasmine comforting Ethan as he tried to explain to what he saw in the cave. â€Å"I swear I saw something down there. † Ethan investigating to what had appened. â€Å"Don't worry they are probably just bats† â€Å"Believe me I did not see bats and I do not see things either. † â€Å"Anyway what is up with you, you have been quiet since we arrived here. † â€Å"No your are joking,† as if she had been already chatting for a long time. â€Å"Seriously, you have been quiet and I have been getting worried about you, because I would hate someone to put you in a bad position. † â€Å"No it just I have been having thoughts† â€Å"What kind of thoughts? † Ethan asked anxiously, as Michael came to interrupt the conversation. â€Å"Jasmine, Ethan we have to make move on, it is getting too dark we have to get back. † I told Jasmine that we would speak again, on the way to Jesse's house as we were going to have a sleep over. I had to speak to Jasmine, because of what she said. The thoughts she had; I was worried. Would this mean the end of the one love of my life? I did not know. So we left the beach, as they called it, as the rest were anxious to get back. Everybody leapt ahead as Jasmine and I walked together, I was anxious to ask her what she was thinking about. â€Å"Jasmine remember you said you had thoughts. † â€Å"Yes, yes I remember. † Jasmine replied remembering what we were speaking about. â€Å"I had thoughts doubts, about our relationship. Since you came, my life has changed, immensely, totally. It has been like a dream, paradise; oh I wish we could make that dream last forever. † She rested on my shoulder in the full moon, walking towards a bridge that led to Jesse's house After that I felt inarticulate . She was thinking the opposite to what I was thinking about. â€Å"Jasmine, I have to admit I have had some doubts as well† turning his head as they walked to the centre of the bridge, he walked to the rail of the bridge, trying to let out his feelings. â€Å"So what is on your mind Ethan? † â€Å"Oh Jasmine, I just don't know how to explain it. Still leaning on the rail of the bridge, trying to tell, express his feelings to her. â€Å"Jasmine, what I wanted to say is that, I have also been thinking about our relationship. What I want to say is that I like you, more than like. However, I feel that there is a certain part of me that's telling me it might not work, we have taken a big step my life is my too sophisticated at the moment, it is a roller coaster. † Ethan was hardly being able to speak lucidly. â€Å"No Ethan, it will work, the last thing I would do is run away from our relationship, I love you too much for us to split apart, you make e feel important, you make me see a side of myself that I have never seen before. † Jasmine letting out her feelings the way she felt about Ethan. Leaning on the bridges rail I stood there as I lifted my head facing the full moon, I realised it is not easy to let out emotions, what I learnt was it is better to show than hide you true feelings. As I converged looking at the full moon, I could abruptly see my future flash in front of my eyes. I ask myself, how will it be to be old. Will we still be able to do the same things that we did when we were young? Will we be still kissing, snogging, all the things we did when young? Will we have the amusement that we had together the appetite for each other? I do not know that yet, but one day that day will come when I will know how it feels to be old, and in love. I took jasmines hand, holding her hand I felt that we had built a bond between us but stronger like a force, that was unbreakable the force that you have between your best friend, between your parents. Nevertheless, for me it seemed that the one forces that I once had with my dad seemed to be lost. Once there lost things will never be the same again. I turned around still leaning on the rail of the bridge, finding jasmines in front me. She saw that I had shed a tear, she took her hand, and wiped the tear off my cheeks sensitively with her right hand running my down that smooth sensitive face of mine. We stood there looking at each other all I wanted her, to do is rest on my shoulder, and be free with me, because this could be the last time we see each other. It seemed not to happen. I took Jasmines, hand and continued our journey back, as we reached the end of the bridge, there as we left the bridge was a park with scenic beauty though it dark. While Jasmine and I were walking together, I saw Jesse and Vanessa, Michael and Monica had probably eached Jesse's house by now. Nevertheless, Lisa always seemed to disappear, always the quiet one, since I saw her I was never able to understand her. , anyway she probably went home. Jesse and Vanessa were sat on the bench, in the park facing each other holding hands suffixed, as if it was a replay of jasmine and I when we were on the bridge together, madly in love with each other except with a different scenario. I did not realise how much they fancied each other, when Jesse and I spoke I did not know that he was staid about their relationship, perhaps its time for me to take him more seriously. I guess I should let Jesse have some space to himself because I have always be protective over him, as I said before he is like the brother I never had. Jasmine and I attempted to walk past them ignoring, them as if nothing happened. They immediately acted as if everything was normal, Jesse looking at me as if I was a fool, swinging his head, to the right, wanting to speak to me in private while Vanessa and jasmine also walked ahead have their own jest. â€Å"So Jesse what was all that about. † â€Å"What are you talking about,† while strolling in the silent night of the park. Don't speak to me like that you know what I am talking about