Paleontology free essay sample

The ground is steaming and boiling under my knees. I have been here for three hours swashing down  ­water like a camel. Dust is forming little clouds around my fingers as I work. The shadow of my hat is my only protection against the blazing sun. This quarry in the Mongolian desert must be the inferno  ­described in Scriptures. I am obsessed. Brush in hand, I stroke the exposed bone protruding from the ground. Dust swishes into the air, sending puffs of ancient minerals to my nostrils. I need to dig deeper. I grab a pick and stab at the rock. Aha! A piece of shoulder bone, which looks to be around 60 million years old. It is just a fragment to the naked eye, but to me it is much more. This is it. This is where I’ve always wanted to be. This moment in time is what I dreamed about since I was a child. We will write a custom essay sample on Paleontology or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Yet it took so much to get here. It began with four long years of school with thousands of other students and hours of seminars. Each one I attended cheerfully like a child dancing in a park. But I would not be here now with just that. I spent two more years working on a massive paper, revising it again and again to absolute perfection. I defended it to the best of my ability, and it was accepted. It was worth having all those professors critique me, just to see my name published on the cover. Secretly I loved it. And now I am in school again with more pressure and more details. But it is different now. I not only understand the lecture, I am the lecture and the lecturer. I have all the experience and more to become the most educated professional of my time. But what is all this for? So I can dig around in the sand for old bones? No, I am doing so much more than that. I am discovering history, new life, and adventure. I am uncovering a creature that has not seen the light of day for millions of years. Better still, I am discovering information for the ages, for people, for life. This is what I am meant to do. Back to the fossil beneath me. I will have to foil and plaster it for presentation in front of millions of people in a national museum. No, in front of the world! My discovery will be the highlight of paleontology as we know it. My name will appear in every textbook in every classroom! I can feel the sun cooking my skin. But wait – what is this? A tooth imbedded into the shoulder blade? It cannot be. But it is. Yellow and tarnished from millions of years, it is the two-inch canine of a raptor. So this is not a raptor after all but its leftovers. That changes everything. I didn’t come all this way to find the prey. But maybe there’s more. A sandstorm is coming hard and fast. I can feel the wind increase and batter my skin with grains of sand. I must retreat to my tent now, but  ­tomorrow I will continue my search. Paleontology is defined as the study of prehistoric life. To me paleontology is not just a definition; it is a better way of understanding the future, especially mine. I know I will be that paleontologist, frustra ­ted and digging hard in the blazing sun; the one who has had six years of schooling and is working on two more; the one who will appear in every science textbook around the world. My education and perseverance are my keys to this golden lock of a future and I will stop at nothing to achieve it.

Critical Article Review Essay Essay Example

Critical Article Review Essay Essay Example Critical Article Review Essay Paper Critical Article Review Essay Paper The writer of â€Å"Be Sure You’re Right. Then Go Ahead† : The Davy Crockett Gun Craze is by Sarah Nilsen. The intent of the article is to give item of how Davy Crockett became the emblem that was known for guns and coon tegument chapeaus. The writer does non specifically place the intent of the article. The intent is good stated in the item given about how the fable became a fable and what portion Walt Disney played in it. The war. households. telecasting shows. plaything shapers. and any other company that could gain from Davy Crockett and The Wild Frontier played a major function in doing Davy such a fable. A cardinal point from the article are how the NRA’s engagement played a function in doing gunfight acceptable. NRA’s trust on the media to back up its political docket. Disney became more than a wholesome child’s amusement industry. Disney joined with NRA’s vision on associating the historical yesteryear on the function of a gun. The connection of NRA and Disney was a extremist alteration go oning that would non merely change the manner a civilization and the public think about childhood gunfight. but the sentiment of the media. parents. what is right or incorrect. etc. Bing that it was Disney. they aligned child’s drama and gunfight by linking it to an American Frontier Hero. Another cardinal point from the article was The National Rifle Association. The National Rifle Association of America Headquarters in Fairfax. Virginia. where the National Firearms Museum recreates past history. By demoing gun history in America and foregrounding how the gun helped to organize the United States and became the icon for American individuality helped to do gunfight more acceptable. Wall paper. trappingss. playthings. games. apparels. were all used to advance gunfight. Steer horns. coonskin chapeaus. rifles. and gun holsters were in grownup sleeping rooms. The article said specifically. â€Å"the 1950’s represented a period in which the immense popularity of the telecasting Western was instrumental in doing the gun into an indispensable portion of American childhood. † The writer listed resource after resource to turn out the influence that Davy Crockett had in gunfight going a normal and natural thing. Some of the resources that he listed was Life Magazine. Davy Crockett: King of the Wild Frontier. Disneyland. ABC: Davy Crockett in Indian Fighter. Davy Crockett Goes to Congress. Davy Crockett at the Alamo. The Ballad of Davy Crockett. Davy Crockett mambo. books. newspapers. cartoon strips. Davy Crockett says. In contradiction to anti-hunting and anti-gun movies like Bambi. Disney was transformed by two chief events. One being the work stoppage at the studio in 1941. and the 2nd being Disney’s hitch of the full studio for military usage during World War II. Sarah Nilsen informs us that by 1943 Disney was bring forthing most of the movies for the Navy. Army and other Government bureaus. She besides says By 1945. Disney was proclaiming that â€Å"the coevals that used the gesture image to assist develop its combatants and its workers into the mightiest state in history. is non disposed to disregard the gesture image as an indispensable tool in the labour of enlightenment. civilisation and peace† . Sarah Nilsen studies from Bogart that a kid of a police officer asked his male parent for existent slugs because his sister didn’t dice for existent with the bogus 1s. That one statement to me was a existent aftermath up to how we got to where we are today. My sentiment of this article is that Sarah Nilsen hit it on the caput that the Government every bit good as large names. that were likely influenced by the Government. had and still has a large impact on the manner that history is recreated and told to the coevals of today. The measure that Disney made back in the 1950’s to get down advancing gunfight may hold really much so been the unfastened door that the universe needed to get down wars non merely in our ain states. but besides in our ain households and places. merely like the guiltless little kid that asked his male parent for existent slugs. That Disney and other avenues led them to believe that they were supposed to non merely feign to hit but that they could make it for existent and no 1 would acquire ache or that suppose that person really did acquire shooting for existent that it was alright for them to decease for existent. The image of they truly neer decease had to be in their caputs because what did they see on telecasting. I liked the article by Sarah Nilsen about Davy Crockett and how he became such a fable and how popular non merely an icon can go but the thought that the icon represents every bit good.

Alienation from others and process Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Alienation from others and process - Term Paper Example As a result, alienation results in the isolation and seclusion of the individual. This often deprives the individual the necessary social support system and making him more vulnerable to the vagaries of life and loneliness. Typical example would be a foreigner migrating to a new country with a different cultural and belief system. The foreigner, being different, is typically alienated or separated from the bigger group due to the difference of origin, belief system or sheer non-familiarity. Such, the foreigner is often left isolated and alone, and not included in whatever process that the bigger group may undertake. It is usual that in any conversation or social interaction, that particular foreigner is often left out. And even when he will have the chance to interact, his opinion or presence is often ignored being relegated to coming from a different person. If the person is part of an organization, he will have no control over decisions as to what the group would like to undertake. But is rather forced to abide due to his alienation from the process.

Internet TV Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Internet TV - Assignment Example At the same time, it will save huge cost of the viewers. The company’s aim is to deliver news instantly across its network so that it reaches the customer on demand and at the same time faster than its competitors. The internet TV model will help the company achieve this goal. In the traditional TV model, the broad casting station had to depend on the cable operator for transmitting their news to viewers. Now, this model had limitation that some cable operator might charge extra money to viewers to watch the channel which often acted as a barrier between the company and target audience. With the new O-T-T model, the company will be able to reach their customers directly through internet. The broadcasting network will receive payments from the customers directly by shifting to the new model, as it eliminates the cable operator from the picture. Such model is beneficial for both the NBC as well as its viewers as the company will be able to receive new streams of revenues that we re blocked with cable operators in the earlier model (Odlyzko, 2001, p.8). In short we can say that there will no net losers for the new model since the viewers will pay less since they are paying directly to broadcasting station and the NBC will receive greater revenues since it does not have to share its revenues with the cable operators. Action Plan for Rogers Rogers Communications Inc. is a diversified Canadian telecommunication company. The company broadcasts its network across various media including the television, radio, internet, etc. If we consider the traditional TV model which the company used to reach their customer, we will find that the model has limited scope for transmission if the company wants to be global. This is mainly because when domestic company plans to operate globally, it has to take many clearances from the promotional boards. At the same time, it will need local distribution networks. Thus, we can say that the entire process is complex as well as techni cally costly to implement that way. The company has the option to opt the O-T-T TV model that will enable the global viewers, thanks to the application of e-commerce industry. This model does not need local distributors, or foreign clearances. All a customer needs to see their favorite channel is to connect their television with internet using a set-top box. Thus, if Rogers implement this model, their organization will definitely have competitive advantage as well as cost advantage. At the same time, large number of viewers across the globe may be targeted without any troubles. The model is very simple and easy to implement. In short, we may say that Rogers as well as its TV viewers will be gainers if this model is implemented by the organization. Action plan for Bell Canada Bell Canada is a Canadian telecommunication and media company. The company’s main competitor is Rogers. With both the company’s working in same line of business, the company that will reach its vie wers faster and smarter way will be the gainer. If Bell adapts the O-T-T model, it will significantly reduce its cost of transmission as they will not have to share their revenues with the middle-men or the cable

On Native Soil video write up Movie Review Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

On Native Soil video write up - Movie Review Example The documentary also depicts that none of the personnel involved in ensuring safety of the people has owned up to give a vivid explanation of what security loophole that existed or even apologize for the systemic failure to curb the incidence. However, after the incidence, the US government has continuously beefed security system in efforts to keep at bay any incidence of the kind. In the quest of the survivors and their families, they have requested for a transparent performance of the task force given the mandate to report the untold stories of the attack. The performance management though has been faced with several obstacles that have delayed the release of a concrete report regarding the attack and pessimism is taking precedence that the information will never come out. The documentary also depicts the ineffectiveness of the commission in giving concrete report of the

Analysis of Public Health Budgetary Construction

Analysis of Public Health Budgetary Construction Andrea Andersen, Brett Weed, Ashini Fernando, Carolyn Moore,  Laura Schultz and David Garcia Introduction The public health system is comprised of complex layers of federal, state and local powers that come together to address the needs of many. The programs, organizations and clinics that serve these needs require support at all levels and are often subject to inadequate and unpredictable funding, varied infrastructure and shifting priorities. These factors require a combination of greater cohesiveness across all levels and a higher creativity in allocation of funding. We propose a Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) plan that will support evidence-based population health solutions by allocating resources to specific needs and better reaching those in every sect of the population. Nature of Public Health Funding Federal funding to state and local public health departments takes a number of different forms. As pointed out in Ogden et al, the average state public health agency receives 49% of its funding for federal grants, contracts, and cooperative agreements. This is much higher than the 25% of total expenditures supported by federal grants, making public health uniquely subject to federal sway (Ogden, 2012). The two major federal funding streams can be classified as those which are statutorily mandated, and those, which are derived from discretionary funds (Ogden, Sellers, Sammartino, Buehler Bernet, 2007; Ogden, 2012).Mandatory funding supports health service delivery programs, such as Medicare and Medicaid and represent 88% of the budget of the US Department of Health and Human Services (Ogden et al, 2007). This route serves to ensure that medical care is available across the country, and to some extent independent of the fiscal health of the state or local authority and their ability to fund care. Discretionary funding on the other hand, is awarded by the choosing of the federal agency (within the confines of congressional budget authorizations) and can either be formula-driven or competitive. Among the mechanisms for disbursing discretionary funds are cooperative agreements, grants, contracts, and partnership agreements. Some federal funds are awarded to states and localities for the express purpose of further distribution to smaller subunits of governments or charitable or private contractors (US Department of Health and Human Services [HHS], n.d.). These awards can further the program or policy objectives of the issuing agency by promoting adjustments in state and local programs to match funding opportunities (Ogden, 2012). Inefficiencies and Risks in Current Funding Models The current system of funding public health care in the United States is unsustainable because of major systemic fiscal problems. These issues include but are not limited to lack of accounting uniformity and transparency, along with a disproportionate appropriation of funds for medical interventions versus social determinants of health. AsTeutsch et al. points out, medical interventions shape only 10-20% of health outcomes but account for 97% of health spending (Teutsch et al., 2012).). A study of health spending in Florida for the years 2005-2006 as dedicated to each essential public health service found that 69% of the aggregate budget was allocated to access and delivery of health care (Turnock 2012). Although this percentage may vary some across states, it is not uncommon for immediate services like number of health care facilities in a certain area, or treatment given to be primary concerns. Inadequacy of Taxation as a Fiscal Solution It may appear that there is an obvious case for a tax to appropriate more funds to social determinants.Taxation strategies can range from charges on consumer products to health care related fees and can have negative consequences ranging from economic unrest to increased insurance costs. The medical device excise tax for example, originally passed as a part of the Affordable Care Act was intended to generate funds to help offset the cost of providing health insurance subsidies (Lee, 2014). Over its first two quarters in effect, however, it has brought in less than anticipated and is also squarely in the crosshairs of the upcoming Congress to repeal (Schouten, 2014). These changes emphasize the gaps in current strategies and the need for increased change.   Unpredictability in Current Funding Structures The variability that exists in funding services as well as actual care given from place to place throughout the country leads to a greater need for balanced administration and infrastructure. In a 2011 report the federal funding spent on both prevention and general health improvement in communities ranged from $14.20 per capita in Ohio to $51.98 in Alaska and state funding exhibited an even greater gap with $3.45 allocated to each Nevadan and almost $155.00 to each Hawaiian (The Fund for America’s Health [TFAH], 2012). Rural and urban areas also differ in their needs and in a recent report highlighting this coming years health allocations, cuts are being made to the workforce pipeline in these and other disadvantaged areas (Parker, 2014). There needs to be greater transparency in how money is used within departments, especially when states are running on extremely tight budgets. Reduced funding can cause the transfer of prevention funds to other areas, such as administration, that is not as population-based and can, in turn, lead to poorer health outcomes in the long run. Federal Role in State and Local Health Funding The federal government supplies states with much needed stimulus that adds to the general health services provided and the overall workforce that delivers them. This greater influx of money also gives communities the flexibility to target special problems and needs and develop programs that are specific to individual population features. In addition it guarantees that there is a minimum level of care provided in any given area and a certain level of continuity among the services available. Federal backing also increases the propensity for collaboration among different sects both at the national and local level (Ogden, 2012). Overall, most states don’t have the financial means to implement public health initiatives independently and knowing that greater funds can bring both greater health outcomes and economic stability to their populations is always a positive force. Consequences of Inadequate or Inefficient Funding The risks of insufficient funding and misallocated resources are many and have the greatest influence on individuals that rely solely on public assistance for their health care. Cuts in services greatly reduce the scope and quality of care that individuals receive and when funds are misallocated, confidence is highly reduced in the quality of care. Further, the productivity of programs can greatly suffer from lacking funds and the number of individuals that can be served is also greatly reduced. Reduction of services in general can lead to sicker and less productive people and communities, and this also increases the overall bottom line in health care spending. The greatest concern within this system is a lack of guaranteed support and with varying amounts from year to year a higher burden is a significant risk in rural areas where both infrastructure and community resources are already scarce (Ogden et al., 2007). Generally, these areas do get higher funding per capita, but state health departments still find it difficult to balance both the priorities of small, often sicker populations with the communities and resources needed statewide. This is especially true when more money does not necessarily translate to better outcomes. In addition, it is problematic for local health departments to both plan for the future and provide the new programs necessary to combat the most prominent chronic conditions Institute of Medicine [IOM], 2013). The dedication to treatment and prevention must always be balanced with the assessment, policy development and assurance, which are also costly and a requirement of further funding (IOM, 2013). The various le vels of government also make it difficult to have both cohesive goals and policies that will reach those they are intended to, and as Ogden mentions, this type of American federalism makes for constantly shifting priorities by the powers that be (Ogden, 2012). Therefore, both the effectiveness and efficiency of such efforts can suffer and leave last year’s needs unresolved if something more pressing comes up. This can sometimes lead to â€Å"piecemeal healthcare† and an understating of preventive services. But, while funding is a large issue, there are several other key changes that must be made to the public health system in order for it to function properly and best serve the individuals that utilize it. Conceptualizing a New Funding Strategy To address the systemic risks of the current construction of public health funding streams, we propose a redesign that emphasizes transparency and strategic planning. As discussed above, a variety of factors from changing political landscapes to disparate funding formulas create disparities in public health funding among state and local peers. Allocating funding based on empirically proven health needs rather than arbitrary policy preferences will allow agencies to direct funding to the most significant challenges to the community’s health. Similar to the planning necessary prior to the development of a new initiative, a comprehensive needs assessment of the population should be performed (Brownson, Baker, Leet, Gillespie, True, 2003). We propose realigning federal funding of states and state funding of local units to the priorities identified in a CHIP. A CHIP will identify the most critical priorities for a community, which would presumably also be the priorities for funding support (National Association of City and County Health Officials [NACCHO], 2014). Further, as CHIPs require stakeholder cooperation and input (Minnesota Department of Health [MDH], n.d.), they naturally promote transparency and public participation in budget allocation. Lastly, this model permits flexibility to address each community’s unique needs, rather than fixed priorities dictated by others. For example, one community may emphasize spending on injury prevention while another may find it needs to invest most heavily in infectious dis ease control. This allows localities to seek the greatest return on investment in the public health space according to its needs. After the community’s specific CHIP-based plan has been implemented, quantifiable performance measures will disclose health improvement data to administrators, business and nonprofit partners, and community stakeholders. This data will emphasize â€Å"best practice† models for future decision-making (Turnock 2012, pp 242-3). In order to share economic impact data, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention lists models of economic analysis to quantify the budgetary impact of public health interventions. The â€Å"economic evaluation† model allows for the comparison of more than one identified intervention derived from the CHIP analysis. This tool provides cost effectiveness and cost benefit information which will be critical for assessing budgetary feasibility and future public health program implementation. In the quest for trans parency, accuracy and concision, it would be worth investigating the cost of health economist consultation in preparing this analysis (CDC.gov). Conclusion Despite the extensive discussion of the futility of improving public health funding, significant opportunities do exist to improve the efficiency of spending to achieve better health outcomes for the same dollar figure. We have proposed a system that aligns efforts to critically assess public health program management with funding allocation. We believe this model would improve community buy-in, enhance transparency, and most importantly, advance population health indicators. References Brownson, R., Baker, E., Leet, T., Gillespie, K., True, W. (2010). The need for evidence based public health. InEvidence-based pubic health(2nd ed.). Oxford, England: Oxford University Press. Institute of Medicine. (2012). Funding sources and Structures to Build Public Health. InFor the publics health investing in a healthier future(pp. 101-126). Washington, D.C.: National Academies Press. Investing in Americas Health. (2012, March 1). Retrieved from http://healthyamericans.org/report/94/. Lee, M. (2014, November 21). Has the medical device tax shipped jobs overseas and stunted innovation? Retrieved from http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/fact-checker/wp/2014/11/21/has-the-medical-device-tax-shipped-jobs-overseas-and-stunted-innovation/. Medical Device Excise Tax: Frequently Asked Questions. (2014, February 3). Retrieved from http://www.irs.gov/uac/Medical-Device-Excise-Tax:-Frequently-Asked-Questions. Minnesota Department of Health. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/opi/pm/lphap/chip/. National Association of City and County Health Officials (NACCHO). (2014). Accreditation Prerequisite: Community Health Improvement Plan. Retrieved from http://www.naccho.org/topics/infrastructure/accreditation/chip.cfmhttp://www.naccho.org/topics/infrastructure/accreditation/chip.cfm. Ogden L., Sellers K., Sammartino C., Buehler J. Bernet P. (2007). Funding Formulas for Public Health Allocation: Federal and State Strategies. Journal of Public Health Management Practice. 13(2): 309-316. Ogden, L. (2012). How Federalism Shapes Public Health Financing, Policy, and Program Options.Journal of Public Health Management and Practice,18(4), 317-322. Parker, C. (2014, January 1). 2015 budget proposal leaves gaps in public health funding: Programs face cuts. Retrieved from http://thenationshealth.aphapublications.org/content/44/4/1.2.full. Schouten, F. (2014, November 14). Device industry poised for gains in new Congress. Retrieved from http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2014/11/14/lobbying-medical-device-tax-repeal-mitch-mcconnell/18988427/. Teutsch, S., Baciu, A., Mays, G., Getzen, T., Hansen, M., Geller, A. (2012). Wiser Investment for a Healthier Future.Journal of Public Health Management and Practice,18(4), 295-298. Turnock, B. (2012).Public health: What it is and how it works(5th ed.). Burlington, MA: Jones Bartlett. US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) (n.d). FAQs: What kinds of grants are available from the federal government? Retrieved fromhttp://www.hhs.gov/answers/contracts-grants/grants/kind-grants-available.html.h.

Meaning and Texture of the Seventh Poem in Leaves of Grass Essay

Meaning and Texture of the Seventh Poem in Leaves of Grass Walt Whitman's seventh poem in his work, Leaves of Grass, displays the subtlety with which the poet is able to manipulate the reader's emotions. In this poem there are no particular emotional images, but the overall image painted by word choice and use of sounds is quite profound. This poem, like many others written by Walt Whitman, is somewhat somber in mood, but not morose. It is serious, but not to the point of gloom. Whitman writes concerning the general idea that everything is merged together and is one. One cannot die without being born, just as one cannot be a mother without first having one. The purpose of the poem is to show those things that are real are true and holy, and even more importantly unified. In this poem he is speaking as some sort of omnipotent being, perhaps God or a soul. The tone or mood of the poem is delivered in the first stanza of the poem. He delves directly into birth and death, a sure sign that this poem will be no light reading. However, he uses a question to set the stage of the poem when he says, "Has anyone supposed it lucky to be born?" Questions are effective attention grabbers, but even more effective is Whitman's answer to the question. He produces an unorthodox response to the question, posing the answer that it is just as lucky to die. By giving such an odd answer to the question, he sets the stage for the rest of the poem presenting ideas not necessarily considered orthodox. The whole poem revolves around the idea that things must constantly be looked at from other viewpoints, and this initial stanza serves to illustrate this point well. The primary idea he sets forth in his poem is the idea ... ...et over. Whitman also uses commas in many of the longer lines. By doing this he forces the reader to slow down and not read the poem too quickly. The commas cause the reader to take in more because he/she will read the poem slower, and therefore read the poem as it was meant to be read. Whitman stresses the fundamental idea of nature in this, his seventh poem: Everything is dependent-no one can be independent from everything. Therefore, we are all essentially one giant organism. A fundamental unity exists in nature, and we are a part of it. Independence is a concept that nobody can truly understand, because everything is interdependent upon one another. The texture of the poem is very helpful in understanding its meaning. Whitman's structural brilliance shines through in this poem, helping the reader grasp the concept that all things are but one.

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

Razed to the Ground

Razed to the Ground Razed to the Ground Razed to the Ground By Simon Kewin The englishmonarchs.co.uk web site reports that many monasteries were raised to the ground by Viking raiders during the reign of King Ethelred I. But how can a monastery be raised to the ground? Although commonly seen on the web, the phrase â€Å"raised to the ground† is almost always a misspelling of â€Å"razed to the ground†. Whilst it is possible for something to be â€Å"raised† to the ground, it would, logically, have to be below the surface beforehand. Miners could raise ore to the ground. But when talking about a building or a city the phrase should be razed to the ground. Raze which sounds the same as raise but is a completely distinct word is defined by the Compact Oxford Dictionary as follows : raze (also rase) verb, tear down and destroy (a building, town, etc.). - ORIGIN Old French raser ‘shave closely’, from Latin radere ‘scrape’. The more familiar raise, however, is from a completely different root : verb, lift or move to a higher position or level etc. - ORIGIN Old Norse, related to REAR. As an aside, raise can also be a noun, meaning an increase in salary, although this is standard only in US English. In UK English this would be called a rise. Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Misused Words category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:Compared "to" or Compared "with"?26 Feel-Good Words20 Criminal Terms You Should Know

Longisquama - Facts and Figures

Longisquama - Facts and Figures Name: Longisquama (Greek for long scales); pronounced LONG-ih-SKWA-mah Habitat: Woodlands of central Asia Historical Period: Middle Triassic (230-225 million years ago) Size and Weight: About six inches long and a few ounces Diet: Probably insects Distinguishing Characteristics: Small size; feather-like plumes on pack About Longisquama To judge by its single, incomplete fossil specimen, Longisquama was closely related to other small, gliding reptiles of the Triassic period like Kuehneosaurus and Icarosaurus. The difference is that these latter reptiles possessed flat, butterfly-like wings of skin, whereas Longisquama had thin, narrow plumes jutting out from its vertebrae, the exact orientation of which is a continuing mystery. Its possible that these quill-like structures extended from side to side and gave Longisquama some lift when it jumped from branch to branch of high trees, or they may have stuck straight up and served a strictly decorative function, probably related to sexual selection. Of course, it hasnt escaped the notice of scientists that Longisquamas frills seem to have stopped just short of being genuine feathers. A small handful of paleontologists have seized on this resemblance to propose that Longisquama may have been ancestral to birdswhich would either cause this creature (which is tentatively classified as a diapsid reptile) to be reclassified as an early dinosaur or archosaur, or upend established thought entirely and trace modern birds back to an obscure family of gliding lizards. Until more fossil evidence is found, though, the current theory (that birds evolved from feathered theropod dinosaurs) appears to be safe!

E-business Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

E-business - Essay Example Benefits of Ebusiness to Organizations: Ebusiness expands the marketplace to not only national but also the international markets. It also decreases the cost of storing and retrieving paper-based information. This kind of business also reduces the time between the outlay of the capital and the receipt of products and services. Ebusiness also reduces the telecommunication costs as internet is relatively much cheaper than Value Added Networks. Organization to focus: The website on which we will focus in this report in Asus.com. Asus is one of the leading companies in the manufacture of notebooks, netbooks, motherboards, graphic cards, etc. Asus is regarded as the number one manufacture of mother boards in the world. They are believed to be blessed with one of the world’s best research and development team who believe in innovation of the product. Ebusiness Website: The ebusiness website of Asus is developed by one of the best people which mark the tradition of the company and pe ople can understand it through a look at that website. However, its ebusiness operations can be improved in various other ways. How to improve? There are numerous ways by which web analytic systems can be improved, and if the company knows what it is supposed to do, the web analytic systems are very useful. ... The profit margin and the overhead cannot be easily reported in most of the key analytic system, but the average sale price, conversion rate and the number of visitors who visit the website can be measured by the good key analytic systems. Improving Customer Satisfaction through ebusiness: The customer satisfaction can be improved through ebusiness using a number of factors that encourage long term relationships. Customer Relationship: Improving customer relationships is a very important factor of customer satisfaction. When dealing with customers, empathy is very important. A couple of factors by which this can be done are by addressing the customer by his name, knowing what was the product he purchased recently and offering new product according to his taste and preferences which makes him feel that the business has thought about his needs and makes him feel important. Asus.com should develop various service-quality and relationship-building initiatives which are designed specifica lly to give customers a reason to buy products from its firm and do frequent business with them. The business strategy of Customer Relationship Management should be given more attention by asus.com in order to optimize profitability. Service and Support: Different studies reveal that customers purchasing through the web usually find poor customer service and this becomes the reason they refrain from purchasing a product online. One of the main reasons of this is that when customers buy using internet, they serve themselves, but they do not really want to receive and lesser service than what they receive in the real world. The requirements of ebusiness are higher expectations for

Report ( Trade to Flobal Security ) Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Report ( Trade to Flobal Security ) - Essay Example This is to establish that economic growth and human development are inseparable from rule of good governance and law (UNDP Human Development Report, 1996). It is against this background that the ECOWAS Commission has a keen interest in the political situation in member States. As the President of the ECOWAS Commission, I was mandated by the Commission to lead a mediation team to the Republic of Cote d’Ivoire for talks for a possible step-down by the incumbent president, Laurent Gbagbo following his lost in the November 28, 2010 General Elections held in that country. This reason presents details of the said mediation effort; outlining the program structure adopted, key aims and objectives of the program, successes as well as challenges faced. Means and Schedule adopted for the Mediation Effort As this is the very first step taken by the ECOWAS Commission towards the looming political crisis in the Ivory Coast, the team resolved to use â€Å"tactical diplomacy with a carrot-an d-stick dimension, though† (Kabs-Kanu, 2010) nothing else than Peace Talks. This approach is backed by other global bodies such as The United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) who has so far said that it is still too early to apply any military force (Graphic Ghana, 2011). For this reason, the mediation team planned four major meeting which were held in the Ivory Coast. Two meetings each were held on each side of the agitators: that Mr. Lauran Gbagbo and Mr. Alassane Ouattara. On each side, the team meet the main leaders who are Mr. Gbagbo and Ouattara and leaders of their forces. It was a four-day schedule to allow for comprehensive discussions with each group met. The meetings which started two days after the ECOWAS Summit in Abuja was led by the President of the ECOWAS Commission and five other members of the Commission who the Heads of State of Gambia, Liberia, Gabon, Burkina Faso and Ghana. The meetings, which were held behind closed doors and amidst tight security saw all four groups welcome us warmly and presenting their cases in passionate manners. Key aims and objectives involved in the peace mission The Mediation Team set out with one primary aim, which was to convince Mr. Gbagbo to humbly step-down following that â€Å"ECOWAS, the African Union and the United Nations all recognize results showing Ouattara as the winner of that election† (Voice of America, 2011). To achieve this broad aim, the following objectives were set to lead to the eventual achievement of the aim: 1. Listen to the story from both sides: Talking caution from analysts who â€Å"say the West African nation is on the verge of crisis after both candidates claimed victory and were installed in separate events† (VOA News, 2010), the Commission would continue to be very professional in its mediation effort to ensure that tempers are boiled. To ensure this, the team resolved to give both parties a fair hearing to show that the Commission is not biased though it holds i ts stand that Mr. Gbagbo lost the election. 2. Explain to both sides the need for peace: Central on the team’s discussions was the need for the two leaders and their followers to appreciate the fact that they cannot compromise the peace of the Coat d’Ivoire since peace is needed to for national development. 3. State the stand of the ECOWAS Commission to both sides: As mentioned earlier, the team was clear with the