Recognizing and Controlling a Tree Burl

Little research has been done to confirm the cause (or causes) of burls. A burl could be caused by many environmental factors, but the biology of burls on trees is not well known. To be sure, burls and galls may serve as secondary infection avenues for insects and diseases, but as a rule, they do not appear to be harmful to most trees and maintain protective bark. Burl-Like Symptoms The tree trunk infections called burls look like bumps or warty growths, probably caused as a result of an environmental injury. Cambial growth is hyper-stimulated as a way for the tree to isolate and contain the injury. Almost all burl wood is covered by bark, even when underground. Often, a tree that has developed burl wood is still generally healthy. In fact, many trees with burl wood will go on to live for many years. Still, burl wood in vulnerable spots or with off-shooting growth can become so large and heavy that they create additional stress on a tree, and can cause the tree to break apart. Oak Tree Burl Bulges and Tree Health Even though not much is known about the cause of burls, it should be assumed that proper tree management that improves tree health can help reduce the occurrence of burls or make their presence less of a problem. Burls certainly should not be removed from the main stem of a living tree, since that would expose a large decay-producing wound or completely kill the tree. Burls can be removed if they are located on branches or limbs and proper pruning methods are used. Not All Burls Are Bad Burls can yield a peculiar wood that is prized for its beauty and sought-after by furniture makers, artists, and wood sculptors. There are a number of well-known types of burls. Quality burl wood often comes from redwood, walnut, buckeye, maple, baldcypress, teak, and other species. The famous birdseye maple superficially resembles the wood of a burl but is something else entirely. Burls Are a Valuable Wood Product Some tree burls can be valuable in the specialty wood market.  Cherry and ash trees are popular burl-producing species due to their remarkable grain. Oak trees, on the other hand, tend to mill out with defective rot and holes and are usually rejected by wood buyers. Depending on quality and size, walnut, redwood, and maples often yield quality burls, but most tree species can offer rare gems. If you have a large burl on a tree you might want to sell, measure its size and take photos from several angles. It would help to include a yardstick in the photo for perspective. The burl must be covered with sound bark and have no major rot. Its value is significantly higher with increased size. The best market for burls is among woodturners. Search for woodturners locally using the internet and the American Association of Woodturners.

Essay The Yellow Kids - 1033 Words

â€Å"In America the President reigns for four years, and journalism governs for ever and ever.† Oscar Wilde never spoke truer words. The aforementioned ability to govern â€Å"for ever and ever† comes from journalistic sensationalism, a craft perfected by newspaper owners and journalists Joseph Pulitzer and William Randolph Hearst at the dawn of the twentieth century. Sensationalism counts for only one of the numerous ties between the career rivals who, in an effort to distinguish themselves from each other, ironically knotted themselves together in journalism history. Joseph Pulitzer emigrated to the United States of America from Hungary at the age of seventeen and subsequently joined the Union army of the U.S. Civil War. After the war, Carl†¦show more content†¦Helped in large part by owning an established newspaper fresh out of college, Hearst worked his way up the small portion of proverbial ladder Hearst had yet to climb in the journalism world by pur chasing The New York Morning Journal. Coincidentally, Hearst purchased The New York Morning Journal from Pulitzer’s soon-to-be-estranged brother Albert (Therkelsen 7) and renamed the paper The Journal (â€Å"William,† Sidelights). Hearst’s first took his first notorious step with his pilfering of all of Pulitzer’s editorial staff at the New York World, followed by Pulitzer’s rehiring, and Hearst’s second theft of the same journalists (Contemporary, â€Å"Joseph†). Pulitzer, as the originator of the colorful comics section in newspapers, made sure to keep â€Å"The Yellow Kid† comic strip in the New York World newspaper despite losing the original designer in Pulitzer’s continuing battle with Hearst (Squires). The fact that the battle went deep enough into the newspapers to affect the comics section helped historians coin the term â€Å"yellow journalism† as an idiom for how Hearst and Pulitzer ran their respect ive newspapers (Therkelsen 7). This immature feud between the two grown men may sound harmless, but accusations surfaced suggesting this quarrel may have caused the Spanish-American War. Without any official word from government organizations, Hearst and Pulitzer both published unconfirmed sensationalisticShow MoreRelatedThe Censorship Of Yellow Journalism1588 Words   |  7 PagesYellow Journalism was a form of newspaper that told outrageous stories to catch the readers’ eye. Newspaper publishers William Randolph Hearst and Joseph Pulitzer II used the form of journalism as a marketing campaign to get customers, in order to buy their newspapers. They include stories, drawings, and cartoons. Instead, the journal gave birth to modern-day investigative Journalism. It was during the 1890s, this newspaper would cause a war between the United States and Spain. What would plungeRead MoreThe Problem With Yellow Journalism1207 Words   |  5 Pageswith Yellow Journalism. Tabloids are everywhere. You see them while in line at the grocery store, on the stands at street corners, in doctor’s offices, and you can even have them mailed to you. These tabloids have become so ingrained into society that many people consider them to be a true form of journalism. Though this may be one of the views of tabloids, my opinion is that they should not be considered journalism because in reality, they are modern and maybe even worse versions of yellow journalismRead MoreJoseph Pulitzer And William Randolph Hearst1932 Words   |  8 Pagesindustry in the mid 1890s, whilst competing for circulation in a bitter rivalry, widely considered as the greatest newspaper war in history. Their revolutionary advances in the use of sensationalist material within print gave birth to the concept of ‘yellow journalism’, compiled of a ‘toxic formula - one part news to one part hype’ (Streitmatter, 2011). This would have a monumental impact on society of the period and still has an enduring influence on the current world of journalism today. Their commitmentRead MoreThe Yellow Kid, By G. W. Cox1360 Words   |  6 Pageshe very first modern comic book made, was known as the Yellow Kid, and its arrival in 1897, generated the Platinum age of comics. It was published by G. W. Dillingham Company, and was part of a series that Dilingham did on American authors. This became the staple for future comic books to come, and even coined the name Comic Book on the back of the cover. But even before the Yellow Kid, comic books had existed in what has been coined the Victorian age, which started in 1837 with the comicRead MoreThe Importance Of Perception Management In The War983 Words   |  4 Pagesit become superior than tradition war Yellow journalism was known by William Randolph Hearst and Joseph Pulitzer after they used this type successful for their newspaper during The Spanish-American War during 1890s. What they did was inflated the situation to a higher level among people to create war. ‘The term yellow journalism came from a popular New York World comic called Hogans Alley, which featured a yellow-dressed character named the the yellow kid. Determined to compete with PulitzersRead MoreThe Modern Era1014 Words   |  5 PagesColor Theory† analysis. For example, the yellow represents joy, happiness, satisfaction. Kandinsky says, yellow is â€Å"warm,† â€Å"cheeky and exciting.† In life yellow is seen in nature and fast-food industries. The yellow sun is commonly preferred over a dark black sky at night; Vitamin D from the sun is necessary as it increases biologic hormones, hence, makes a person more positive and joyous. Similarly, the McDonald’s logo of the â€Å"Golden Arches† is bright yellow. This color was chosen because it evokesRead MoreThe Adventures Of Mr. Obadiah Oldbuck Essay1201 Words   |  5 Pagesstrip character The Yellow Kid debuted (Greenberger). Created by Richard Outcault, The Yellow Kid was seen as the beginning of the â€Å"Funnies†, the name given to comic strips in newspapers at the time (â€Å"Comic Theory†). His debut led to an explosion of merchandising, culminating in the publication of a collection of comic strips in 1897. This collection marked the first time the term â€Å"comic book† was used (Greenberger). Historically, The Yellow Kid is related closest to yellow journalism. In fact,Read MoreWhy Minions Sell A Man880 Words   |  4 PagesWhy Minions Sell A man, his two kids and a lady are standing over a counter making their orders for minions to a group of three staff behind a counter, a lady is approaching and a gentleman is walking away from the counter with a plate of minion. The environment around the minion store is neat with pictures of different tastes of minions and their preferred drinks mounted on the upper part of the counter. The customers are anxiously waiting with the two kids and the lady directly staring at the staffRead MoreEssay on What ´s Yellow Journalism?748 Words   |  3 PagesYellow journalism is a writing style that used melodrama, romance, and hyperbole to sell millions of newspapers. But the number of newspapers selling went up drastically after the blowing up of the battleship USS Maine. At 9:30 on February, 15 the USS Maine sinks in Havana Harbor. This starts the Spanish American War. Then newspaper owners William Randolph Hearst and Joseph Pulitzer began having the sinking of the USS Maine all over t he front pages. The dramatic style of yellow journalism contributedRead MoreMy First Day For Inner City Kids1069 Words   |  5 Pagescity kids that were less fortunate. The first day we arrived at the church we had to set up and meet with the other youth groups. My youth group was set up in the furthest building from the auditorium. We had about an hour before we had to pick up the kids for vacation bible school. Before we picked them up, we assigned people within our own youth group to different task groups. I was one of the oldest kids in the youth group so they put me in the yellow group. Yellow group had the oldest kids which

Applying Ethical Theories for Devices - MyAssignmenthelp.com

Question: Discuss about theApplying Ethical Theories for Wearable Devices. Answer: Introduction Information technology is no longer a complementary concept but a mandatory user requirement as evidenced by its integration into our lives today. Consider social media where users continuously post their details including private affairs without regard to the affiliated participants. Technology is also continuously being embedded in our daily lives where active systems such as live monitoring services are being used to manage our daily affairs. A good example of this outcome is wearable devices such as those used to monitor health conditions such as heart beats, glucose levels and even brain function. Although still in their early stages of development, the users are excessively sharing their information with the world at large. Furthermore, considering the predominant users are elderly people, their safety is being endangered as they are less vigilant as compared to other users (Baron, 2014). Wearable Devices and their Ethical Iissues From smart watches to headsets, technology has become the order of the day. This outcome is as a result of the desires and requirements imposed by the users who demand efficient systems that have maximum output but with minimal input. For instance, a smart watch will organise a persons calendar and make calls at the convenience of the user. Moreover, other sophisticated devices such as wearable helmets monitor brain functions which are then translated to data that determines a persons thoughts including basic emotions and functional stimuli (Yach, 2015). However, consider the ethical issues involved, first, there is the infringement of peoples privacy and security because of the data transmitted. In addition to this, the users expose their intellectual property i.e. information which in most cases is done without the consent of the people involved (Anaya, Alsadoon, Costadopoulos Prasad, 2017) Critical Analysis of the Ethical Issues As compared to other assets, information is readily available in the world today however, this availability is limited to the quality of data presented. This outcome outlines the thin line of safety as the data obtained from users requires analysis and evaluation to yield conclusive results. However, wearable devices, for instance, smart watches produce raw data that is highly valuable to the users. This data can range from user preferences to confidential detail about their private affairs e.g. bank account numbers. So, what are the results of these wearable devices? On one hand, they increase the efficiency of the users. However, they also expose the information of the user including risking their safety for instance through geo-location facilities (Lynch, 2015). As a classical theory of ethics, the principles of utility defines an action as being ethical if the results are favourable to those involved. Therefore, wearable devices are an ethical dilemma that weighs between the good outcome of facilitating a better life for the user and the risk of exposing data (Lacewing, 2014). Furthermore, consider the current impact of information technology where the society has little consideration for physical interaction and in its place has increased digital communication through mediums such as social media. Facilitating these technologies through wearable devices only alienates us even further as a people. On the other hand, consider the responsibilities held by the users including the developers whose main objective is to integrate information technology with human experiences. While this outcome is good, the actions that lead to these results should also be centred on a moral grounds. The deontology theory highlights the duties and constraints that influence people to do ethical functions (McNaughton Rawling 2011). Now, several issues with this objectives are seen, one, the current components i.e. people have little regard for consequences if they are anonymous. Secondly, the developers are constantly implementing measures to avoid the responsibility of controlling the said technology. Finally, there are minimal social constraints or duty to govern the use of wearable devices. Therefore, in the end, despite the intentions of the developed systems, the users are prone to misusing the technology as they lack the necessary restrictions or regulations to guide their activities. Furthermore, the companies involved in their endeavour to satisfy the customers have eroded the social constraints by implementing facilities that promote unethical and unconscious acts. For instance, its perfectly normal to film an accident using the live features supported by social media. Therefore, by embedding wearable devices into our daily lives these outcomes will be facilitated and made easier by the simple handheld devices (Lynch, 2015). Since legal and social laws are being continuously eroded it falls on the virtues (character) of the people involved. While using a wearable device, the supporting systems that collaborate and share information with the worldwide web are coordinated by IT experts who manage as well as monitor the users. An example is given of an elderly user who accesses his confidential information (e.g. bank accounts) in a public environment and because he uses minimal security precautions he exposes his data to a network administrator. The safety of the said data is left to the admin whose virtues or character determines the future outcomes. Therefore, in an event this access to information is facilitated by a convenient technology, the outcomes again will depend on the virtues of the administrators, a serious ethical issue (Saschina, 2011). Translating this example to current events, wearable devices present many security concerns as most people today have minimal virtues if not none. Furthermore, with the ubiquity presented by the internet, these virtues seem to deteriorate as people feel safe to conduct any activity ethical or not when masked using pseudo names and anonymous accounts. Finally, lets evaluate wearable technology based on the social contract theory. Based on this theory, the society is supposed to offer guidelines or rules to govern the way people behave and conduct themselves (Newman, 2015). This theory is based on a lawless environment where no legal laws are in place to monitor peoples behaviour. In light of this theory, wearable devices have a long way to go because the society places zero responsibility on the users as well as the developers. Consider handheld devices that today are used to record and take pictures of people even without their consents. Today its normal to find a group of people filming events such as a fight in order to earn praises from their peers. These outcomes are highly intrusive but have been made to seem as the norm by the society. Moreover, they are so familiar that those who fail to partake in them send out and seem alienated to society. Wearable devices enhance the conveniences of handheld devices which based on the current contractual obligations will enhance the norms adopted by society. When fully integrated users will continuously record events without the regard of the environment i.e. the rights of those involved and even worrying the users will have zero responsibility and in a way will be right in their actions as the society has led them to act as they do. Conclusion Technology has helped improve the quality of life through the efficiencies and conveniences it offers. However, while analysing it, one cannot fail to consider the overall impact it has had on the society in general. The most considerable impact being the loss of social values particularly interpersonal skills that facilitate a moral code of conduct. Similarly wearable technologies although beneficial expose the users to many ethical issues and dilemma. Moreover, these outcomes are being seen at a time when the technology is at infancy stages. Considering that the technology is projected to enhance other systems such as the Internet of Things, we are set for many logistical and operational issues, let alone the ethics concerned. In the future, the society should aim to provide basic guidelines to govern the behaviours of those involved. However, these guidelines will depend on individuals as they make up the society. A change of culture and attitude is needed to meet the optimal ethical standards as envisioned by the classical theories of ethics. Nevertheless, these theories which now serve as guidelines will also have to adapt to the existing trends to meet the needs of the society. References Anaya. S, Alsadoon. A, Costadopoulos. N Prasad. P. (2017). Ethical Implications of User Perceptions of Wearable Devices. Science Engineering and Ethics. Retrieved 13 May, 2017, from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28155094 Baron. (2014). Notre Dames Reilly Center releases 2015 List of Emerging Ethical Dilemmas and Policy Issues in Science and Technology. Notre Dame News. Retrieved 13 May, 2017, from: https://news.nd.edu/news/notre-dames-reilly-center-releases-2015-list-of-emerging-ethical-dilemmas-and-policy-issues-in-science-and-technology/ Burke. C. (2015) Pentagon Creating 'Vampire-Like' Drones That Disappears in Sunlight. Newsmax. Retrieved 13 May, 2017, from: https://www.newsmax.com/US/pentagon-creating-vampire-drones/2015/10/12/id/695797/ Lacewing. M. (2014). Kants deontological ethics. Routledge Taylor Francis group. Retrieved 13 May, from: https://documents.routledge-interactive.s3.amazonaws.com/9781138793934/A22014/ethical_theories/Kant%27s%20deontological%20ethics.pdf Lacewing. M. (2014). Utilitarianism. Routledge Taylor Francis group. Retrieved 13 May, 2017, from: https://documents.routledge-interactive.s3.amazonaws.com/9781138793934/A22014/ethical_theories/Utilitarianism.pdf Lynch. M. (2015). Ethical Issues in Electronic Information Systems. Retrieved 13 May, 2017, from: https://www.colorado.edu/geography/gcraft/notes/ethics/ethics_f.html McNaughton. D Rawling. P. (2011). Deontological ethics. Retrieved 13 May, 2017, from: https://documents.routledge-interactive.s3.amazonaws.com/9781138936485/instr_philosophical/deontological_ethics.pdf Newman. L. (2015). DARPA Wants to Create Delivery Vehicles That Vanish After Dropping Off Their Payload. Retrieved 13 May, 2017, from: https://www.slate.com/blogs/future_tense/2015/10/13/darpa_s_new_icarus_vanishing_delivery_vehicles_program.html Saschina. (2011). Ethical theories. A comparison of the three main branches of normative ethics. Retrieved 13 May, 2017, from: https://sites.saschina.org/thiessen/files/2011/08/Ethical-Theories-compared.pdf Yach. D. (2015). 3 key issues for wearable tech and health. World Economic Forum. Retrieved 13 May, 2017, from: https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2015/10/wearable-tech-true-health/

Absurd Hero Essay Example For Students

Absurd Hero Essay Albert Camus is a very hard man to figure out. He puts very complex thoughts and emotions into his writings, and you have to draw them out strategically. His thoughts of how everyday people live and think are genuine and you can see that in his writing. I am basing all my knowledge here on Camus book, The Stranger, and his essay, The Myth of Sisyphus. Camus said in his essay on Sisyphus, Sisyphus is an absurd hero. Camus talks of how Sisyphus, a man punished to continually roll a rock up a mountain only to watch it come tumbling back down, is a perfect example of an absurd hero. He says that he is the absurd hero as much through his passions as through his torture. His scorn of the gods, his hatred of death, and his passion for life won him that unspeakable penalty in which the whole being is exerted toward accomplishing nothing. This is saying that through Sisyphus recognition of his fate and his consciousness in knowing his own misery, he is able to overcome this fate and even find a little hope. This is why Camus states in his essay, One must imagine Sisyphus happy. Most people around the world have different definitions for a hero. To Albert Camus, I believe, a hero is a person who does well in mind and can overcome fate. I believe that Camus thought a hero to be a good person who is strong in faith and spirit. Im sure he thought that a hero could outwit others and have knowledge on how people act. I even believe that Camus saw heroes to have a lot of the feelings as his character Meursault in The Stranger. I have the same feelings that a hero is one whom can do amazing things without letting emotions get in the way. The hero part of absurd hero is not as important as the absurd part. Albert Camus idea of absurd is an extraordinary view. He used the absurdity of Meursault and Sisyphus situations to exemplify why they were heroes. He said that they were absurd because their situations were out of the ordinary and would torture any human to insanity unless you were extremely strong of mind. This is what made these two characters heroes. Absurdity is the condition of having no meaning to ones life. Meursault fell in this category after being sentenced to the guillotine and Sisyphus fell into it when punished to ceaselessly roll the rock up the mountain. The absurdity in their situations would especially drive one crazy who thought fearfully or sadly upon their situations. The two characters though were drawn to hate their fates and torments which in turn won them victories over their fates by concentrating less on the punishment but more on just the acceptance of the absurdity. Another factor that Camus used in showing Sisyphus as an absurd hero is the characters failure to appeal to hope. Sisyphus would be giving in to  his fate if he constantly thought about the Earth that he loved so much or the fact that he wouldnt get to enjoy it ever again. Thinking of stuff like this would be a, boundless grief that is too heavy to bear says Camus in his essay, The Myth of Sisyphus. Instead, the absurd hero accepts, in a way, his fate and realizes that it is what he did that put him there, yet he will roll the rock and concentrate on that. Absurdness affects a man in this way and it has to be accepted. Camus gave Meursault a little different level of absurdity in his fate than Sisyphus. Sisyphus had a true and definite absurdness in the fact that he was punished to ceaselessly roll the rock with no end or purpose. Meursault, however, faced only a destiny that would end in a brief time when he would be executed. It would not be quite as hard to surmount his fate, knowing that he would die soon and not have to face any more consequences. Sisyphus, may in fact though, have more scorn to use to overcome his fate considering he actually loved life and he would face his punishment for eternity. Either way though, both characters could definitely be called absurd heroes without even a shadow of a doubt. .u9dcab1a3317b6291c185a533abcc1a99 , .u9dcab1a3317b6291c185a533abcc1a99 .postImageUrl , .u9dcab1a3317b6291c185a533abcc1a99 .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .u9dcab1a3317b6291c185a533abcc1a99 , .u9dcab1a3317b6291c185a533abcc1a99:hover , .u9dcab1a3317b6291c185a533abcc1a99:visited , .u9dcab1a3317b6291c185a533abcc1a99:active { border:0!important; } .u9dcab1a3317b6291c185a533abcc1a99 .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .u9dcab1a3317b6291c185a533abcc1a99 { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .u9dcab1a3317b6291c185a533abcc1a99:active , .u9dcab1a3317b6291c185a533abcc1a99:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .u9dcab1a3317b6291c185a533abcc1a99 .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .u9dcab1a3317b6291c185a533abcc1a99 .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .u9dcab1a3317b6291c185a533abcc1a99 .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .u9dcab1a3317b6291c185a533abcc1a99 .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .u9dcab1a3317b6291c185a533abcc1a99:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .u9dcab1a3317b6291c185a533abcc1a99 .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .u9dcab1a3317b6291c185a533abcc1a99 .u9dcab1a3317b6291c185a533abcc1a99-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .u9dcab1a3317b6291c185a533abcc1a99:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Shakespeare make the transformation of Katherine believable EssayOverall, it is fair to say that Camus did an especially good job of explaining why and how Sisyphus was an absurd hero. He showed through his writing powerful imaging and wonderfully explained how the character of the myth used mind over matter to defeat his destiny. Camus showed through explanations, how people should live and how there is, No fate that can not be surmounted by scorn. It is true that when faced by absurdity, which most humans are, you can only become a hero by feeling scorn or contempt and not being scared by having no purpose. In Camus eyes, you become a hero by understanding that their may not be a point to life, but that all you have to know is that you exist and be conscious of it. This in turn will make you an absurd hero like Sisyphus or even Meursault.

What If The South Won The Civil War Essay Example For Students

What If The South Won The Civil War Essay If I were Abraham Lincoln during the US Civil War, there would few things if any that I would change. I would try to do anything to avoid a war between our own country. I would try to settle the territory disputes and the slavery disputes with an orderly fashion. But if none of that works and we tried our absolute best, then I would say go to war to end the conflicts. After the war the slavery issue of the Emancipation Proclamation did not work as well as they hoped. They had no place to go after they were free and no one wanted to help them or even live with them or near them. Since there was nothing that Abraham Lincoln could do to settle the disputes in an orderly conduct, the only this was to go to war. I am not for that at all because some of the people were fighting against their friends and even against their family. Especially at the battle of Gettysburg where 53,000 Americans were killing there own people. Many people think that the whole reason for the Civil War was because of slavery. But later on in the years, the people would rather have free soil than to keep the slaves working for them. What that means is that the people in the South were more concentrated on the amount of territory they could get, the North as well, then to then to give up slavery. The cotton manufacturing and the manufacturing of other goods was also a key aspect to the war. The South had all the cotton but that was the only manufacturing good. Meanwhile, the North was manufacturing many other goods and had miles and miles more railroad to transport the goods all across the country. We will write a custom essay on What If The South Won The Civil War specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now The way that Abraham Lincoln fought the war was good. He assembled a good and strong army to fight against the South. His army was almost two and one-half larger than the South. And almost half of the Souths army were blacks. Before this, in 1862 blacks desired to fight in the war but were not allowed. After, however, abolitionists succeeded for gaining the approval for the blacks to fight in the army, they were all black regiments with white commanding officers in charge. The Civil War ended up to be the deadliest war that the Americans had fought because they fought against themselves. After the North won the war under the command of Ulysses S. Grant Abraham Lincoln made the Emancipation Proclamation. This is what Lincoln made for all the slaves to be freed after the war. He really did not help them as much as he could have helped them. He only gave the about 1000 slaves forty acres and a mule. This was not enough at all. There were close to three and a half million slaves only about a thousand get land. The rest of these slaves had nowhere to turn to because after the war no one wanted them to live in the same town or village or even near any of them. Most of the freed slaves had nowhere to go so they still made the choice of working the fields in the South but get paid very little. The main reason the south didnt want the slaves to be free was because they thought the slaves would overtake the South. Most of the people, who lived in the Southern states like Mississippi, Alabama, Louisiana, etc, the population, were mostly all blacks. And they thought if they were free they would take over their economy and their society. .u0b8da9cf027c47c3bec8ed9ad5e0166e , .u0b8da9cf027c47c3bec8ed9ad5e0166e .postImageUrl , .u0b8da9cf027c47c3bec8ed9ad5e0166e .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .u0b8da9cf027c47c3bec8ed9ad5e0166e , .u0b8da9cf027c47c3bec8ed9ad5e0166e:hover , .u0b8da9cf027c47c3bec8ed9ad5e0166e:visited , .u0b8da9cf027c47c3bec8ed9ad5e0166e:active { border:0!important; } .u0b8da9cf027c47c3bec8ed9ad5e0166e .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .u0b8da9cf027c47c3bec8ed9ad5e0166e { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .u0b8da9cf027c47c3bec8ed9ad5e0166e:active , .u0b8da9cf027c47c3bec8ed9ad5e0166e:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .u0b8da9cf027c47c3bec8ed9ad5e0166e .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .u0b8da9cf027c47c3bec8ed9ad5e0166e .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .u0b8da9cf027c47c3bec8ed9ad5e0166e .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .u0b8da9cf027c47c3bec8ed9ad5e0166e .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .u0b8da9cf027c47c3bec8ed9ad5e0166e:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .u0b8da9cf027c47c3bec8ed9ad5e0166e .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .u0b8da9cf027c47c3bec8ed9ad5e0166e .u0b8da9cf027c47c3bec8ed9ad5e0166e-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .u0b8da9cf027c47c3bec8ed9ad5e0166e:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Catcher In The Rye EssayI would have done as much as I could to help the slaves out at the end of the war once they were free. I would have set up an education program and gave them lots of land to live in regardless of what the people thought of them. This education program would allow them to get a good start on to have any job that they desired even if there are racial differences between two people. Also I would tax the nation a little bit and instead of giving very few of the slaves land, I would try and give them extra money to start a new, free life.

Gender Selection essays

Gender Selection essays For centuries there had been one sex that dominated the development of society. Laws, religion and lifestyle all revolved around the idea that one sex, the male sex, was dominant. Oppressed and considered inferior, women would obey the men, forgo all rights and accept all responsibility. Only recently, with the emergence of the womens liberation movement, have both sexes been considered equal. For the first time in human history, both sexes have been given the chance to fulfill their potentials without discrimination. Parents, despite preferences of having a girl, or a boy, have known that regardless, their child would have an equal opportunity at life. The cutting edge technology, however, means that all this could change. The ability of parents to actually select the gender of their child could have not only devastating effects on society, but on the lives of so many children and parents. Whether parents had a girl or a boy has always been left up to nature to decide. To date, no-one has dared interfere with the genetic workings of the body, mainly because the technology did not exist to do it. Now, with the dawn of the twenty- first century, that technology has arrived and mankind is faced with a very important decision: whether or not to play God and manipulate the gender of their child to suit their preferences. The romance of having the perfect nuclear family, with two boys and two girls fills the heads of young couples everywhere, and when given the opportunity, many are likely to accept and genetically alter their offspring so that they do indeed have two girls and two boys. The consequences are largely unknown, and could be dire. Technology can alter the sex. What altering the genetic makeup of a human being does to that human being is untested, and highly dangerous. New diseases could emerge, capable of wiping out the human population. The gender modifying co uld alter another aspect of that pe ...

Directors Duties Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Directors Duties - Essay Example Directors exercise these powers by passing resolutions at board meetings. In the prevailing scenario where Wendy and Greg are directors of the block Ltd, there is a breach of directors' duties. Therefore the directors will be held liable for their acts. In this regard there is breach of:- The directors' of a company are expected to perform their functions with reasonable care and attention. They must discharge their duties and obligations with skill and diligence as expected from a reasonable person of his knowledge and experience. They (directors) are however not liable for bonafide error of judgment as observed by Romer J. in Re City Equitable fire insurance company 3. In this case the company collapsed due to bad investments and bad debts and misappropriation caused by fraudulent acts of a director. The company suffered a loss to the tune of 1,200,000 are eventually was ordered to be would up. The director was convicted for his fraud and negligence. He was however acquitted in appeal because of an exception clause in the articles to hold directors liable only for gross negligence. In Jorchester finance Co. Ltd v. ... hat the duty of care extends uniformly to all directors whether they are executive on directors of a company were held liable for the loss caused to the company due to their negligence in signing blank cheques which enabled the executive directors to enter the amount as they pleased in those cheques _______________ 3. Dr. H.V. Paranjape, Company law, 2000 4. Wardman, K. Abbott, Business law, 2001 . As regards the standard of care and skill expected from directors in performance of their duties, courts seem to unanimously agree that it is that of a reasonable person who with the same knowledge and experience would exercise in the situation. However, a distinction has been drawn between the standard of care and the standard of skill. For assessing a standard of care, the test of objective, while for the standard of skill is subjective. In this regard Wendy and Greg never exercised duty of care and skill. We are told that at the general meeting they failed to take suggestions of Kirstein and other Shareholders who were concerned about the company's expansion yet there was a fall in apartment prices. Further Greg's order of 50,000 from Alfonzo was not in good faith since name of the directors or shareholders was informed of the loan. Therefore the two directors Wendy and Greg lacked the duty of skill and care towards the company. b) Fiduciary Duties The duties of good faith and honesty arising out of fiduciary the fiduciary relationship between the director and his company are analogous to those of a trustee. The law imposes these duties upon the directors so that they are not allowed 'capitalize strategic position in the company to serve their own interests5' The Australian, uniform Companies Act has incorporated statutory provisions containing an explicit

Fiji's relative global economic development Essay

Fiji's relative global economic development - Essay Example Till the 1980s, the descendants of Indian laborers that the British had brought on the islands dominated the country. Since 1987, the islands have faced a number of military coups that have disrupted attempts to form a democracy. The 1990 constitution of Fiji strengthened the powers of the native Melanesian community over the political scenario although an amendment in 1997 gave equal powers to the Indians and the natives. However, political turmoil has continued in the islands resulting in disturbances in the economic activities of the population and trade relations with the rest of the world (CIA). Fiji had an estimated population of 918,675 in 2007, of which 30.9 percent is below 15 years of age, 64.7 percent between 15 and 64 years and 4.4 percent above 64 years (CIA). 54.8 percent of the population are native Fijians, mostly Melanesian and Polynesian mix, 37.4 percent Indians and the remaining 7.9 percent others comprising of Europeans, other Pacific islanders and Chinese. About 92 percent of the Fijian population is literate (Bank of Hawaii, 1998). Fiji is richly endowed with natural resources, with forest, fish and mineral assets and is among the most developed among the Pacific Ocean islands. Yet, the economy of Fiji is still dependent on revenues from sugar export, tourism and remittances from Fijians abroad. 8.9 percent of Fiji's GDP of $2.033 billion in 2007 was accounted for by agriculture, 13.5 percent by industry and 77.6 percent by services, mostly tourism. One third of Fiji's industrial activity is related to sugar but processing of sugar is inefficient. Fiji exports most of the sugar output to Europe and may be hit by proposed subsidy cuts on sugar by the European Union. Tourism has also been affected by the repeated coups in the country. The Reserve Bank of Fiji anticipated a contraction of the economy by 3.1 percent in 2007-08 (CIA) and a runaway current account deficit, which was 23 percent of GDP in 2006. Relative Economic Development and Concerns Fiji ranks 92nd in the Human Development Index (HDI) and in terms of per capita Gross Domestic Product at Purchasing Power Parity, with $6,049 and 108th in terms of life expectancy at birth, which is 68 years (HDR). In 1998, Fiji ranked top of the World Bank's list of lower-middle income group countries and was in the same category as Latvia, Peru, Lebanon and Costa Rica (Bank of Hawaii, 1998). However, political instability and lack of industrial activity have resulted in some contraction of the economy since then. Fiji is a small country, slightly smaller than New Jersey. The economy is also far smaller than the United States. The per capita GDP at official rates in Fiji in 2007 was $4,100, less than one-tenth of what it was in the US, at $46,000. Life expectancy at birth in Fiji, at 68 years, was also lower than in the US, 78 years. Population below the poverty line in Fiji in the last estimated year, 1990-91 was 25.5 percent and the unemployment rate was 7.6 percent. On the other hand, only 12.4 percent of the population in the US was below the poverty line in 2004 and the unemployment rate in 2007 was 4.6 percent. Fiji exports primary products, mostly agricultural to the US and Europe, and imports manufactured commodities. The major concern for the Fijian economy is the political uncertainty that the islands have been facing over the last two decades. This has resulted in

Chemical vapor deposition- principles and implementation Research Paper

Chemical vapor deposition- principles and implementation - Research Paper Example CVD has wide applications which include provision of wear and corrosion resistance, formation of barriers and net shape components. INTRODUCTION Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) is a versatile technique of applying required coats of metals on surfaces of components. Unlike other types of painting techniques, this technique applies a coat of the wanted solid on all the accessible surfaces of a component. This therefore makes this technique very appropriate for coat application on surfaces which are of unorthodox nature. In this report, the principles and implementation of CVD are examined. In examining the principles of CVD, the CVD process is closely examined by specifically discussing what takes place inside the reaction chamber of a CVD reactor. The types of CVDs are also discussed. On the second part of this report, the implementation of CVD is discussed whereby the complete equipment set for typical CVD set up is examined. The types of CVD reactors and the applications of CVD are also discussed. PRINCIPLES OF CVD Under this section, the principles of CVD are examined. Specifically, the CVD process is discussed and types of CVDs are also examined. CVD Process The basic principle of the CVD process is the reaction of gaseous precursors to form a solid coating on a heated substrate (ATL 1). This process takes place in the reaction chamber located inside the CVD reactor. ... The temperature will depend on the level of coating required, the gaseous precursors involved and the substrate type. After the substrate has been heated to the required temperature, a controlled gaseous precursor (from the left in the above diagram – Fig. 1) is introduced into the gas chamber. The type of gaseous precursor to be used will depend on the type of deposit required. Figure 2 (ULTRAMET 1) For illustration purpose if metal M is to be deposited on the surface of a substrate, then a gaseous precursor such as MCl2 can be used. It is imperative that the precursor has to be in a gaseous form. After introducing a controlled flow of MCl2 gas, a controlled flow of hydrogen is also introduced. The mixture conditions are adjusted in such a manner that the mixture only reacts when in contact with the substrate surface (ATL 2). MCl2 + H2 = M + 2HCl The reaction on the surface of the substrate releases the metal atom and exhaust gas hydrogen chloride. The metal atom is bonded on the surface of the substrate while the waste gas is drawn out of the reaction chamber by use of a vacuum pump. In the schematic diagram above (Fig 1) the gas is removed to the right. The vacuum pump creates a constant flow of reacting gases into the chamber and waste gases out of the chamber (ATL 3). At the start of the reaction process, the metal deposition is localized (deposited on particular points on the substrate) but as the process progresses the atoms are evenly deposited all over the surface of the substrate. The deposition of the metal applies to all the accessible surfaces of the substrate no matter what shape the substrate has. The process is allowed to progress until the desired thickness of the metal is achieved. In some cases the coating is left to

Analysis of Traditions Concerning Mosaic Authorship

Analysis of Traditions Concerning Mosaic Authorship Introduction The Christian Holy Bible is not one book, but a library of sixty six books recorded over many centuries. Within its pages are literary genres that include Law, History, Wisdom, Poetry, Gospel, Epistles, Prophecy, and Apocalyptic Literature. The Bible can be likened to other literature in that it is made up of many types or kinds of language, however it can distinguish itself from other books known to man, in that it claims to be a written revelation of mans creator.[1] The Bible as used in Christianity is made up of the Old and New Testaments, these are combined and intended to compliment each other and form the canon of the Christian church. It is the first five books of the Bible and their authorship that will be of concern to this thesis. The first five books of the Bible include Genesis, Exodus, Numbers, Leviticus, and Deuteronomy. These volumes narrate the story of Israel from the creation of the world through the period of the flood and the patriarchs, to the Exodus from Egypt, wanderings in the desert, and the giving of the law at Sinai. The books conclude with Moses farewell to the people of Israel.[2] McDowell and Stewart (1980) assert that, Christianity believes and teaches that the Bible alone is the revealed word of God, it is an anthology composed of His words and deeds; and as a result views itself as Gods word'[3]. McDowell emphasises that evidence for this claim can be found within the Bible itself, he quotes directly from scriptures such as; 2 Peter 1:21[4] and uses clauses like, And God spoke to Moses, as suggested evidence to back up the Bibles claim.[5] The first five books are known by several pseudonyms, some more common than others and often dependent on the religion one follows. Expressions includ e; the Pentateuch, the Five Books of Moses, the Torah and the Book of the Lawfor the purpose of this thesis the scriptures will be referred to as The Pentateuch. The contents of the Pentateuch can be seen as a partly historical, legal and narrative portrayal; the five books cover the history of the chosen people from chronicles concerning the creation of the world to the death of Moses and also enlighten us with the civil and religious legislation of the Israelites during the life of their great lawgiver.[6] This literary account is also a storya story that conveys the history of Israel. Pfeiffer (1957) describes the Old Testament as, the meagre surviving portion of the literature of the Israelites.[7] Therefore the authorship of these works, the time and manner of their origin and historicity are of great importance; the belief of Mosaic authorship or lack of it can affect the building blocks on which religion itself is structured. The books are not just of fundamental importance to one religion but have recognition in othersChristians put their faith in both the Old and New Testaments; whilst Judaism holds the first five books of the Old Te stament as the most important division of their Hebrew canon.[8] Although Islam believes the Quran is Gods last word to the world; it considers the Old and New testaments to also be divinely inspired.[9] The aim, therefore of this dissertation is to provide a critical analysis of traditions that surround Mosaic authorship. It will discuss the debate from its infancy and will pass through, albeit briefly, three centuries, culminating in its relevance and status in the modern world. This work is not an attempt to prove or indeed disprove Mosaic authorship, it is however an endeavour to take a glimpse into the dispute whilst attempting to understand its relevance in an historical, biblical and theological context. This work does not intend to uncover or discover new knowledge per se, but intends to discuss contemporary contributions and hypothesis. Sources to be used and accessed will include primary and secondary sources such as the Bible, journal articles and a myriad of published works scholarly, religious and secular in nature. A historical survey will include a review of relevant literature, some of which is dated, but still relevant in placing the debate in an historical setting. Much of the literature and indeed the hypotheses surrounding Mosaic authorship tend to remain in scholarly and academic distribution, it is within these circles that the primary interest has remained. As we shall see, scriptural translations have been proven to be less than exact and it is this that provides the background for the continuing debate. A breakthrough in authorship identity was put forward in the eighteenth century and came to be known as the Documentary Hypothesis. This hypothesis was and is however, simply a theory of evolution not of man, but of mans recorded dealings with God.[10] Chapter 1 Mosaic Authorship called into question Historical Survey History recognizes that there were a few problems with the traditional view of Moses as author. Walton and Hill (2000) explain that although the early church fathers challenged the integrity and antiquity of the Mosaic Pentateuch their methods were deemed as pre-critical. Furthermore they observe that, it was not until much later, that the Age of Reason spurned an era of critical study of the Bible and allowing traditional understanding of the Old and New Testaments to be questioned'[11] Challenges to Mosaic authorship were often explained as interpretation or the introduction of additional narrative details that did not appear in the text. Other explanations included the fact that Moses was Gods prophet and so was in receipt of His divine word.[12] However as biblical expertise grew so did the challenges and new answers to old questions began to emerge. As early as the eleventh century, allusions and suggestions were being tentatively voiced.[13] Abraham Ibn Ezra, a twelfth century Spanish rabbi held the belief that the language used in several passages of the Pentateuch reflected another time and place than that of Moses, views that he was unwilling to say outright. In references to his own views of the passages he wrote, If you understand, then you will recognise the truthAnd he who understands will keep silent.'[14] In the following centurys scholars such as Bonfils, Tostatus, Bishop of Avila, Andreas Van Maes and Thomas Hobbes put forward their own evaluations that questioned the authorship of the Pentateuch. Their findings ranged from citing a few sentences, to Thomas Hobbes declaration that the majority of the Pentateuch could not have been penned by Moses.[15] In the seventeenth century, Deuteronomy, which reports the death of Moses, and also describes Moses as the most humble man who ever lived'[16] was critically assessed b y Benedict Spinoza, who concluded that, It is clearer than the sun at noon that the Pentateuch was not written by Moses, but by someone who lived long after Moses.[17] Many of these scholars had attempts made on their lives, their works were placed on the Catholic index of Prohibited books or burned; others were arrested and forced to recant their views. The history of this dispute therefore shows that many renowned writers, philosophers and historians succumbed to the enticing plethora of hypothesis concerning Mosaic authorship. Josephus, the Jewish historian, states, He (Moses) also set down in writing the form of their Government, and those lawsthe laws he ordained were such as God suggested to him.[18] When looking more closely at the sacred books of the Jews he further declares: And of them five belong to Moses, which contain his laws and the origins of mankind till his death[19] These words echo down from centuries past, representing the view and opinion of Jewish Scholars in attributing the Pentateuch to Moses. Further along in time, Luthers translations of each of the five books of the Pentateuch are entitled a book of Moses thus showing an acceptance of this belief in the historic Christian Church.[20] Opposing Josephus view and in contrast to Luther, the nineteenth century German critic Hartmann denied Mosaic authorship on the grounds that it was quite literally impossible because writing had not yet been invented. MacDonald (1995), disagrees and asserts that, Archaeological discoveries of the past 100 years have proven once and for all that the art of writing was known not only during Moses day, but also long before Moses came on the scene.'[21] These facts do not help prove or disprove Mosaic authorship, however it does provide us with a time frame within which the debate became anthropomorphized. An historic timeline in this debate is important in that it can be used as a reference point to work forwards or backwards from, particularly as disputes over the chronological timeline concerning events from the Pentateuch remain relevant today. Genesis as the foundation of Israel As the first book of the Pentateuch, Genesis purpose is to tell how and why God came to choose Abrahams family and make a covenant with them. A covenant that is significant in that it is the foundation of Israelite theology and identity.[22] Genesis also introduces us to the patriarchs, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the three patriarchs of the people of Israel. The patriarchal stories depicted in Genesis are important in that they, lent expression to the fundamental importance of the family for all other forms of society in the period when the tribes were developing into a people and state.'[23] However, controversy surrounds them, many Biblical scholars and archaeologists debate about whether or not the Patriarchs actually lived. Placing the Patriarchs on an Old Testament timeline depends closely on ones dating (if any) of the Exodus event.[24] Hendel (2001) believes that every kind of religious literature in the Hebrew Bible celebrates the Exodus as a foundational event; it is seen as the main historical warrant for the religious bond between Yahweh and Israel[25] [26] W. F. Albright was confident that the Exodus was an historical event and assigned a date of ca. 1297 BCE.[27] In comparison the renowned source critic Julius Wellhausen asserted that the Pentateuch conveys no historicity for the Patriarchs but merely reflects patriarchal stories retold in later age. In contrast, Claus Westermann asserts that, Storytelling is the predecessor of all history. [28] He explains further: Storytellers recounted what took place, what they observed, in order to share it with others. The original purpose of the stories was to allow new generations to share in the experiences and knowledge of their ancestors.[29] Many biblical scholars and theologians would agree that Mosaic authorship is relevant, however for others it is seen to be irrelevant and convey a Does it really matter? attitude. Yet there are references made within the Bible itself that attribute the authorship of the Pentateuch to Moses. These are often drawn upon in defence of Mosaic authorshipthere are about two dozen verses in the Hebrew Scriptures and one dozen in the Christian Scriptures which state or strongly imply that Moses was the author. [30] Old and New Testament Scriptures The Mosaic authorship of the Pentateuch is intrinsically connected to the question of Moses as the author or intermediary of Old Testament legislation.[31] A Mosaic link between the Old and New Testaments can be found within the texts themselves. New Testament writers use references and quotes from the Old Testament just as Moses within the Old Testament prophesises of what was to comethus enabling an affiliation of the Old with the New, creating a volume that merges into one complete tome. The books of the Bible can be likened to any group of books that share the same subject; they express a similarity in their subject roots and yet provide a contrast that is inherited from their author. As one writes in the contemporary world ideas and words need to have references to back them up, evidence and proof that others perhaps have considered your own words. The same could therefore be said of the New Testament writers, following the same pattern allow the different expressions of writer s to be expressed. The burden of proof If the authorship of the Pentateuch were ever to be unequivocally disproved the consequences could be devastating for the religions involved, DeHaan (1982) explains, Prove that Moses did not write the books of the Pentateuch and you prove that Jesus was totally mistaken and not the infallible Son of God he claimed to be. Upon your faith in Moses as the writer of the five books attributed to him rests also your faith in Jesus as the Son of God. You cannot believe in Jesus Christ without believing what Moses wrote.[32] DeHaans view is made clear by this simple paradigm, however, closer inspection of the words and their implied significance opens up a chasm of queries and insinuations that require further investigation. When considering this statement one finds that the overarching subliminal message that appears within the text is the necessity of proof. Fundamentally this is a statement about the assumed relationship between Moses as author of the five books, and Jesus who within the New Testament attributes the Law to Moses. These words resound as a modern day echo of Jesus words as described by New Testament Gospel writer John, For if you believed Moses, you would believe Me, for he wrote of Me. But if you do not believe his writings, how will you believe My words? [33] Moreover, in the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus makes the following statement; Do not think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish, but to fulfil. For truly I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away from the Law, until all is accomplished. Whoever then annuls one of the least of these commandments, and so teaches others, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever keeps and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.[34] These words, ascribed to Jesus, show that Jesus himself acknowledges Moses as the author of the Pentateuch. Furthermore He is sending out a strong message by stating that, in not believing what Moses wrote about Him, we will not believe anything He has to say either. What then is the bearing of the words spoken by Jesus upon the question of the Mosaic authorship of the Pentateuch? In the New Testament Jesus references to Moses are ampleMoses commands, Moses said, Moses wroteare all used within its context by the authors of the Gospels. Stevens (1889), an early Old Testament authorship writer, suggests that Jesus speaks of the Pentateuch using popular designations of the time and was not in fact confirming authorship.[35] Chapter 2 Enlightenment and the influence of Source criticism It was not too long ago that Jews and Christians held the universal view that Moses alone wrote the Pentateuch. A delve into the history of the debate shows that although numerous attempts were made to credit or discredit its composition and authorship, Mosaic authorship and its credibility remained stagnant for many years. The authorship debate first became apparent in the aftermath of what is known as the period of enlightenment. The Enlightenment is held to be the source of critical ideas and provided the cultural shift necessary for the emergence of a new confidence in the power of human reason.[36] Immanuel Kant (1784) in his essay What is Enlightenment? simply describes it as freedom to use ones own intelligence.[37] Clarke (1997) describes Kants view of Enlightenment as the point at which a human being recognizes his or her autonomy.[38] Whereas Ames (1925) depicts religion for Kant as being something a man lived and did not merely think about.'[39] Many scientists and religionists alike would gladly accept such a simplification of their problems, [40] nevertheless the Enlightenment period was marked by increasing empiricism, scientific rigor, and reductionism along with increasing questioning of religious orthodoxy.[41] Questions regarding Pentateuchal authorship had led to rumblings and critica l analysis by past Biblical Scholars, however it was French physician Jean Astruc who initiated modern literary or source analysis of the Old Testament.[42] According to Pfeiffer (1957) when the Pentateuch was canonized in 400 BCE, it was firmly believed that Moses was its author.[43] He explains further that Biblical investigations and critical analysis passed through different stages; here he cites Astruc (1753), Geddes (1798) and De Wette (1806) as principle theorists. [44] The Enlightenment thus created a significant shift that resulted in the historical-critical method which suggested that we should accept as true only that which can be empirically proven.[45] As a result by the 19th century, traditional views on Mosaic authorship had ceased to be entertained by mainstream scholars and by the closing decades of the 19th century, a theory by Julius Wellhausen became a theoretical forerunner, with the majority of critics coming to view his theory with accord. Julius Wellhausen In 1895 Julius Wellhausen gave an explanation of Pentateuchal origin, his hypothesis became known as the documentary or JEDP hypothesis.[46] This hypothesis explains that the Pentateuch was compiled from four original source documents—designated as J, E, D, and P. These four documents supposedly were written at different times by different authors, and eventually were compiled into the Pentateuch by a redactor (editor). The J is characterized by its authors use of the divine name Yahweh. Elohim is the divine name that identifies the E or Elohist document. The D, or Deuteronomist, document contained most of the book of Deuteronomy. The last section to be written was the P, or Priestly, document, which would have contained most of the priestly laws. We are told these documents were then redacted (edited) into one work about 300 years later in 200 B.C.[47] Wellhausens timing was perfect, the public were open to new theories as religiosity began to be questioned; textual criticism was able to find ground from which its roots could take hold and grow. Goshen-Gottstein explains, the rise of textual criticism depended on preconditions and on certain attitudes and dispositions, beyond the basic linguistic capabilities.[48] Wellhausen attained his results by a faithful application of the uses of evidence; he assembled relevant facts and built a reasoned construction upon them, this became the characteristic of the subsequent critical movement.[49] Oswald T. Allis (1943) explains Wellhausens method further, The slightest variations in diction, style, viewpoint or subject matter were seized upon as indicative of difference in author, date, and source. The miraculous element is viewed with suspicion and regarded either as evidence of the late date and unreliability of a narrative, or as proof that it represents a primitive and unscientific account of phenomena in which a modern writer would see only the operation of natural processes.[50] The analysis of the written word became paramount in defining Mosaic authorship as well as adding to the longevity of the debate. Hill and Walton (2000) affirm, the multiplicity and complexity of these literary forms that have been directly responsible for the ongoing debate over the composition of the Pentateuch.'[51] Furthermore they argue that the literature of the Pentateuch is considered to be a collection of rich and literary genres that enhance both the artistic nature and key theological themes that unify it.[52] This new modern world saw the naissance of an innovative period of science and technology; this opened the door for a myriad of explanations to be proposed concerning Mosaic authorship. McDowell suggests that the very origin of modern science rests upon the truth of the scripture he goes further to explain that there is a God that created and designed an ordered universe this prompted men like Newton to search for certain scientific laws to explain this order.[53] It can be said then that science and the scriptures do not cancel each other out; they simply look at the world from different perspectives, but are not finally contradictory.[54] Merrill Unger expresses concern about rejecting Mosaic authorship of the Pentateuch in favour of the Documentary theory he suggests that conservative scholarship should realise anew the essential unsoundness of critical hypothesis and cease trying to reconcile its potent unbelief with the tenets of historic evangelical Christianity and conservative Judaism'[55] William Henry Green (1895) disagrees with this hypothesis and claims that the books of the bible have nothing to fear from investigations into its genuineness and credibility he goes on to suggest that thorough searching can only result in establishing more firmly the truth of the claims, which the Bible makes for itself, The bible stands upon a rock from which it can never be dislodged. [56] Hill (2000) explains that the source analysis approach, which gained prominence during the nineteenth century, not only affected the way scholars viewed the Pentateuch as a literary composition, but also had far reaching implications for the historicity of the patriarchal narratives. Furthermore he states that, Julius Wellhausen, the most influential of the source critics asserted that the Pentateuch conveys no historicity for the patriarchs, but merely reflects patriarchal stories retold in a later age.'[57] Towards the contemporary world: a look at archaeology Scholarship can sometimes become stagnant, however in the case of Pentateuchal studies the debate between different points of view continues to ebb and flow. As yet, no new consensus has emerged about the composition of the Pentateuch.[58] Publications over the past one hundred years show that many other theories or indeed modifications of theories have arisen. The Wellhausen theory itself has come under much criticism and though it still has its proponents, it is no longer a universal agreement of authority in critical scholarship. The subject then remains an enigma and is no closer to a solution now, than it was when first queried. Yet the debate does continue to thrive, aided because, with the passage of time the earth unleashes its hidden treasures and technological inventions are created that allow us to peel back the centuries and glimpse into the past. Fresh discoveries it seems wield new evidence that scholars pounce upon to argue their case. One area in contemporary society that has emerged in favour of biblical accuracy is the field of archaeology. Archaeology is defined by Muncaster (2000) as the systematic study of things that cultures have left behind.'[59] W. F. Albright the great archaeologist concludes that the past 100 years has seen archaeology verify some of the history contained in the bible, he states: There can be no doubt that archaeology has confirmed the substantial historicity of Old Testament tradition. [60] Finkelstein and Silberman (2002) attest that, Archaeology has helped us to reconstruct the history behind the bible.'[61] More recent publications aim to verify the historicity of the Old Testament using archaeological evidence, Muncaster (2000) suggests that the accuracy of the Old Testament is vital to the Bibles message and that archaeology provides one means of confirming the historical accuracy.[62] To confirm or prove the historical accuracy of the Bible one needs to consider the implications of proof. Does proof relate to disproving the facts of the Bible and the account held within it, does this mean that the words spoken by Jesus in the New Testament and the history of the Israelite nation is condemned to hearsay? Archaeology offers some answers, but is it concrete? Gnuse (1994) expresses the opinion that, Who or what Moses was ultimately is irrelevant; for he stands as a symbol of process. The traditional figure of Moses symbolizes the initiation of the religious journey.[63] McDowell stresses a cautionary note in relation to archaeology, as he says, all too often the phrase Archaeology proves the Bible arises, in answer to this he uses the word prove to stress the interpreters usage that could cause incorrect assumptions, Archaeology cannot prove the Bible, if by that you mean prove it to be inspired and revealed by God. If by prove, one means, Showing some biblical event or passage to be historical. Then it would be a correct usage. [64] The world within which we now live is far removed from the world of Wellhausen and even further removed from the era of scribes and patriarchs. In a time where archaeology has uncovered scripts that peel back time and allow modern technology to wield its powerthere is still no right or wrong answer that appears as a forerunner. Using science and technology as an aid, scholars, theologians and archaeologist are still embroiled in a quest to answer the questions that revolve around Bible authorship. Scrolls retrieved from the caves in Qumran are being drawn on by scholars to provide scriptural evidence and possible explanations of Mosaic authorship. Cook (1994) explains that the Old Testament prophets, Foresaw a golden age for Israel when her various trials, punishments, exiles and tribulations were over'[65] This Golden Age includes the arrival of a messiah one who would reign by peace and blessings of every kind.[66] Verification of these prophecies can be established and linked to M oses; in Deuteronomy Moses speaks of a coming prophet like himself[67]. Further, Isaiah describes the one who brings good news, who proclaims peace, who brings good tidings, who proclaims salvation.'[68] Qumran, harbour of the Dead Sea Scrolls, held within cave four a scroll that refers to Moses as Gods anointed, Strugnell cited in Cook (1994); Cursed is the man who does not arise and observe and do according to all the commandments of the Lord in the mouth of Moses His Anointed One, and to walk after the Lord, the God of our fathers, who commands us from Mount Sinai.[69] Could this then be seen as Proof that Moses was a prophet, an anointed one who prophesized the coming of another like him? A prophet who was himself to foretell all that was to come[70] If so then is this proof that Moses also wrote the Pentateuch? One could argue that if Moses words are proven to be reliable through the fulfilled prophecies within the Bible and the archaeological findings that appear to corroborate them. McDowells admonitory note on archaeological evidence re-surfaces in Bartlett (2002), when he states that, There are still major problems between the relationship of the archaeological findings to the fact and contents of the scrolls. However, he also professes a hope that, subsequent research will throw light on them.'[71] Scholarly differences of opinion are clearly visible as is the interpretation of related scripture. Bernstein (1997) in reviewing Lawrence Schiffmans work, Reclaiming the Dead Sea Scrolls points out that the narrative and legal Pentateuchal texts found in the caves, show the array of exegetical methods ready for the Qumran interpreter.'[72] There is no doubt, declares Bernstein, That any reviewer will find one or another chapter of the book deficient from some specific perspective; this will always be the case when a broad synthesis of the Dead Sea Scrolls is written by virtually any scholar, for no one is equally competent in all the complex fields of Dead Sea Scrolls scholarship. What Schiffman has done is to contextualize these texts for interpretation, and that is more important than his particular interpretation of any specific issue. [73] It is this difference in interpretation that allows the debate to continue to thrive. A contemporary scholar in biblical studies, Richard Elliot Friedman equates Mosaic authorship to, a detective story spread across the centuries with investigators uncovering clues to the Bibles origins one by one [74] Furthermore, he states that, There is hardly a biblical scholar in the world who would claim that the Five Books of Moses were written by Moses or by any one person.'[75] And yet Moses is arguably a leading figure in both religion and history, his words are the foundation of faith for over half the earths population.[76] Phillips (2003) clarifies that the three great monotheistic religions of the world have derived from the revealed holy laws of the ancient Israelites. He concurs that Moses God became not only the God of Judaism but of Christianity and Islam.'[77] For the authors of scripture then, history is a theological tool by which God reveals Himself. Archaeology can authenticat e history but it cannot authenticate theology, and from the biblical perspective, history devoid of theology is meaningless.[78] Prophecy The Jewish nation believes that history and prophecy are inextricably intertwined,[79] history was recorded by more than one culture and was therefore documented, however for Israel, prophecy was assurance that the writings were from God.[80] [81] Prophecies detailed in the Old covenant are said to be longer-term prophecies those fulfilled by Jesus in the New Testament and ultimately classed as inspiration from God.[82] McGrath (2007) describes the majority position within Christian theology has, in one hand emphasized the continuity between the two testaments, while on the other noting the distinction between them.'[83] One of the strongest arguments used by adherents to Mosaic authorship, stems from the predictions it makes within its pages about the future. These events are what give Biblical scholars reason to continue their pursuit of Mosaic verification. Of these prophecies one in particular is used to corroborate Mosaic authorship: the advent of an anointed one who was to ar rive in the future. Often when one reads about the Mosaic Pentateuch one can find statements that refer to the infallibility of scripture, in particular with regards to Jesus Christ. Livingston (2004) claims that Christ knew the scriptures thoroughly, even to words and tenses[84] and that Jesus also believed, every word of scripture, the historicity of the Old Testament and that it was spoken by God Himself, thereby affirming that Moses wrote the Pentateuch, even thought the pen was held by men.'[85] Furthermore, Livingston states that, if we are to believe that his life was guided by prophecy, then he was subject to a life that was written for him, does this limit the choices he had to make or was he just Gods tool, there to fulfil Gods plan? However Jesus obeyed Gods word and His authority. He came to do Gods will and in doing so fulfilled Old Testament He fulfilled Old Testament prophecies about Himself.[86] LangMarch (1995) explains that Jesus places a great amount of emphasis on the fulfilment of s cripture; this he maintains confirms its veracity.[87] However this point is one that cannot be overlooked for if Biblical Scholars find the scriptures to be in error then the obvious conclusion would be that Jesus too was in error and could not have been the infallible son of God. Chapter Three Current views and hypothesis Throughout the history of this debate scholars have battled in order to propose their own interpretation of scripture. These battles are still relevant and consume the minds of contemporary scholars. Time, it seems has not diminished the pursuit of truth, contemporary scholars are just as committed in their attempts to solve the authorship problem as their past contemporaries. In the past four decades there have been numerous publications concerning Pentateuchal authorship and views are still divided. P.N. Benware (1993) states that, Moses was the human author of Genesis and the other books of the Pentateuch he adds, These five books of the law were written by Moses alone, with the exception of Deuteronomy 34, which records the death of Moses The Pentateuch, therefore, is an inspired, inerrant, authoritative document written by the man Moses. [88] The authors of the New C

The Draft in the USA Essay -- Army Military War Essays Papers

The Draft in the USA The draft is a taboo subject in America, but regardless of its controversy it is a subject that must be examined. The daft, however rash, is essential for America in case of a national emergency. Many people in this age of America lack patriotism for their country. Of course, many citizens ignore the fact that they are living in one of the only countries that offer you freedom and the choice to succeed as far as you want. However, â€Å"Of those to whom much is given, much is required† (Mackenzie) and all that is asked of you in America is to give yourself to her when asked. Many people would not risk their lives for America. That is when the government should put a call to action and reinstate the draft to insure the safety of American citizens. The people that oppose the draft believe that it segregates the poor from the rich and it cuts America right down the middle. â€Å"†¦poor blacks, Hispanics, and rural whites should not serve so disproportionately in the ranks of the military and that those in the ‘upper classes’ should also serve†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Akil) the opposed believe it’s unfair to decide by wealth. They believe that if the draft is to be reinstated it should not be in regards to race, wealth or any discriminatory trait. The draft may be prejudiced but it doesn’t mean it is not needed. There are many flaws in it, but there are also flaws in government, society, in every individual. These flaws are fixable, and in the future they will be corrected now Am...

Emergent Properties Essay

Emergent Properties Emergent properties are properties that come about when smaller components combine together to form a large unit that works together for a common purpose. The idea of emergent properties is based on the fact that the whole combined unit is more efficient than the sum of all of the units. These properties cannot be seen when the organisms are separated from one another, the organisms must be together for the properties to take effect. Emergent properties have come about for the fact that when combined, these organisms can perform much more complex and advanced tasks that the organisms would not be able to complete on their own. In nature we see many emergent properties arise from evolution. When birds branched off from reptiles during their evolution, they developed feathers instead of scales. These feathers do not enable flight on their own, however when combined to form a wing they become much more efficient. When these two wings come together to form a pair of wings the result is an extremely efficient form of transportation that is not only light but also water resistant. Another example of emergent properties would be evident in our brain. Which each brain cell does not possess much computing power, however when billions of them are combined together, the result is a very efficient computing unit that can provide us with such things as thoughts emotions and character. Each brain cell alone would not be able to do these things. Emergent properties exist all around us and we even display some of these properties. One example of emergent properties would be the collaboration of many human beings. Separated, our minds are powerful, but nearly limited. Once combined we can collaborate with each other and perform many tasks efficiently, such as running a county, for example. It is not a coincidence that dictatorships are notoriously unsuccessful. There are also many emergent properties that exist beyond living things. For example when you have a hurricane, essentially all you have is air and water at various different temperatures. The randomness of this collection of air produces a large air mass that has a specific circular motion which is very powerful and devastating to anything that comes into contact with it. The air itself and the water vapor would not be able to cause this force on their own. It is the random order that makes this hurricane so powerful and hard to predict. Another example of emergence away from biology is currency. Currency or money came about as people wanted to trade with one another, but had no medium to do so. Alone, a single person would not need money. It is only useful and evident as many people come together to form a group. Without this group the money would have no value because it’s value is determined by people who are willing to trade with it. In conclusion emergence is evident throughout nature and even past it. It is the way  complex systems  and patterns arise out of a  multiplicity  of relatively simple interactions. Emergence is central to the understanding of communities and ecosystems where it be in living organisms or beyond biology.

What Are the Benefits of Recycling Metal

What Are the Benefits of Recycling Metal The United States recycles 150 million metric tons of scrap materials annually, including 85 million tons of iron and steel, 5.5 million tons of aluminum, 1.8 million tons of copper, 2 million tons of stainless steel, 1.2 million tons of lead and 420,000 tons of zinc, according to the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI). Other metals such as chrome, brass, bronze, magnesium, and tin are recycled as well. What Are the Benefits of Recycling All That Metal? By definition, mining metal ores and refining them into usable metals is unsustainable; the amount of metals present on earth is fixed when considering (at least when considering any useful geological time scale). However, metals are easily recycled and reused, providing renewed opportunities for their use without having to mine and refine more of it. Thus, issues associated with mining like can be avoided, like  acid mine drainage.  By recycling, we reduce the need to manage extensive and potential dangerous piles of mine tailings.   U.S. Exports Recycled Metal In 2008, the scrap recycling industry generated $86 billion and supported 85,000 jobs. The recycled materials that the industry processes into raw material feedstock every year are used for industrial manufacturing around the world. For example, 25% of the steel used in production car panels (doors, hood, etc.) is obtained from recycled materials. For copper, used in the home building industry for electric wires and plumbing pipes, that proportion surpasses 50%. Each year, the United States exports staggering amounts of scrap metals - called scrap commodities  -  contributing significantly to U.S. trade balances. For example, in 2012 the U.S. exported $3 billion worth of aluminum, $4 billion of copper, and $7.5 billion of iron and steel. Metal Recycling Saves Energy and Natural Resources Recycling scrap metal reduces the substantial amounts of  greenhouse gas emissions  produced during the various smelting and processing operations used when making metal from virgin ore. At the same time, the amount of energy used is also much smaller. Energy  savings using various recycled metals compared to virgin ore is up to: 92 percent for aluminum 90 percent for copper 56 percent for steel These savings are significant, especially when scaled up to large production capacities. Indeed, according to the U.S.Geological Survey, 60% of steel production comes directly from recycled iron and steel scrap. For copper, the proportion coming from recycled materials reaches 50%. Recycled copper is almost as valuable as new copper, making it a common target for scrap metal thieves. Metal recycling also conserves natural resources. Recycling one ton of steel conserves 2,500 pounds of iron ore, 1,400 pounds of coal and 120 pounds of limestone. Water is also used in great quantities in the manufacturing of many metals. According to an industry source, through recycling steel the amount of energy conserved would be enough to power 18 million homes for an entire year.  Recycling a ton of aluminum conserves up to 8 tons of bauxite ore and 14-megawatt hours of electricity.That figure does not even account for shipping the bauxite from where it is mined, generally in South America.  The total amount of energy saved in 2012 by making aluminum from recycled material added up to 76 million megawatt hours of electricity.​ Edited by Frederic Beaudry.

A HISTORIOGRAPHY OF essays

A HISTORIOGRAPHY OF essays The tales of the Arthurian legend are some of the most popular from medieval times, and the reason for this is primarily due to their fabulous nature. In them are the exploits of heroes and the machinations of villains, the workings of sorcerers and the existence of magical objects. They embody the noble themes of chivalry and sacrifice, as well as those of revenge and evil. Action, violence, and sex are all included, and as shall be seen, there are many religious connotations as well. There are probably few people who are not familiar with the Quest for the Holy Grail, even if it is from exposure to the movie by Monty Python. The tales as most people know them, however, are the end result of centuries of change, both by the wandering minstrels and the serious authors of the medieval period. There exist numerous versions of each tale, and these versions are often contradictory. Roger Sherman Loomis was a noted medieval scholar, and a large part of the body of his work is an attempt to trace these tales to their origin. In going back to the roots of these tales, it is possible to see how and where variations took place. In Arthurian research, there are two main schools of thought. The first asserts that these tales have as their basis actual figures who lived in the towns and castles described in the tales and took part in the actions described, though obviously with some embellishment. The second school posits that these tales represent the evolution of even more ancient legends, the towns and castles (which are often factual) being inserted into the tales to lend them credibility. Loomis is a member of the latter. This historiography examines several of the works of Roger Sherman Loomis, which span the years from 1926 to 1964. In doing so, the nature of the origination of these tales will become evident, at least according to Loomis. First, however, some biographical information is in order. It may strike the read...

Assignment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 17

Assignment - Essay Example The interest of the law is at the society at large and not on the individual who has committed a crime. Criminals are dangerous people in the society who threaten the social life of the community. These teenagers who are convicted of murder crimes are dangerous members of the society who are a threat to the community. The courts in their rulings will put the interest of the large community at hand and jail these criminals for life. These minors who commit these crimes are criminals in the making and can not be left free to disturb the public. These minors who commit these crimes can be pardoned for the charges, but this will encourage the other minors to commit such crimes since they know they can always get away with it. In regard to the same, other mature people can use the minors to commit murder crimes (Siegel & Senna, 147). The majority of the criminals in the world started their criminal activities when were young people. The earlier these criminal characteristics are noticed the better. The constitution is meant to protect the society at large and should be inclined towards the interest of an individual. These minor criminals, if pardoned and let to join the society they will become a bother to the society and a threat. Some human rights will argue that these are still children and should be given an opportunity to rejoin the society and become productive members of the same society. They argue that punishing these minors should be a process of rehabilitating them and making them law abiding citizens. They argue that these minors are in the process of development, and should be given a chance to contribute to the society and develop fully. They believe that some of these children’s behaviors will change at a later age. Some of these minors became violent as a result of how they were raised and the environment. However, these

Immigration And The Uk Economy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Immigration And The Uk Economy - Essay Example The only requirement one must have so that they can enjoy the jobseekers allowance is that one must be living in the UK, the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man or the Republic of Ireland for three months immediately before making a claim for Jobseeker’s allowance (Ciupijus, 2011). Considering this, more than 30,000 people from Slovakia, Latvia, Poland, Romania, and Lithuania claim unemployment benefits in the UK, the research revealed. After a person satisfies the test in the UK, then that person can claim Jobseekers Allowance of up to  £ 72.41 ($116) weekly for a single person,  £113.70 for a couple (Hatton & Tani, 2005). The immigrant ends up costing the British taxpayers  £5B a year in tax credits. New figures show almost  £100 million a week is spent on the 415,000 people and cases of unemployed immigrants. Accordingly, there are foreign nationals who work in Britain who are benefitting from the payments a new analysis has revealed. We also have unemployment as anoth er effect of immigration as stipulated above herein. High unemployment rates Most of the immigrants who go to the UK have low skills or professional training while others are skilled (Freeman, 2015). Those that are skilled end up taking jobs of the UK natives who would have taken the jobs but due to lower skills or professional training they were avoided for the jobs. The semi-skilled immigrants are also willing to work at a much lesser pay as compared to their counterparts (Dustmann, Frattini & Preston, 2013).

Artificial Intelligence Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Artificial Intelligence - Assignment Example Alternatively, the simulated mind could be assumed to reside in a computer or connected to a robot or a biological body, replacing its brain. The following paragraphs will discuss various characteristics of this concept: A human brain consists of about 100 billion nerve cells called neurons, each individually linked to other neurons by way of connection called axons and dendrites. The signals of these connections are transmitted by the release and detection of chemicals known as neurotransmitters. This is established by neuroscience that the human mind is an information processing network with the help of neurons (Kurzweil, 2000). Neuroscientists have also stated that essential functions performed by the mind, such as learning, memorizing, and consciousness, are due to purely physical and electrochemical processes in the brain which are governed by applicable laws. If the information and processes of the mind can be separated from the biological body, then there will be no individual limits and lifespan of that body. Other than that information within a brain could be partly or wholly copied or transferred to one or more other subjects, which includes digital storage or another brain, thereby minimizing or eliminating mortality risk (Tonnoni & Koch, 2008). A computer-based intelligence program could potentially think much faster than a human. Human neurons transfer’s electrochemical signals with a maximum speed of about 150 meters per second, whereas the speed of light is about 300 million meters per second, it is about two million times faster. Also, neurons can generate a maximum of about 200 to 1000 "spikes" per second, whereas the number of signals per second in modern computer chips is about 3 GHz (Matthew, 2005). This is almost two million times greater and expected to increase by at least a factor of 100. In theory it could run about 1 million times faster than a real brain, experiencing about a year of subjective time in only 31 seconds of real

The State of Affirmative Action in Michigan Essay Example for Free

The State of Affirmative Action in Michigan Essay The term affirmative action refers to positive steps taken for the purpose of giving members of minority groups (including women) increased representation in the workplace, education, and in business opportunities. The term was first used in Executive Order (EO) 11246 issued by then President Lyndon Johnson in 1965 to ensure that federal contractors were not discriminating against minority groups pursuant to the provisions of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   However, it took another five years before the Secretary of Labor came out with Order #4 which contained the implementing guidelines for EO # 11246. In 1972, Revised Order #4 was issued by the Secretary of Labor to amend Order #4 and fully implement EO 11246. In order to carry out the revised order, directives were issued by the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare to bring colleges and universities under its coverage. Because the revised order already included women among the minority groups that should be â€Å"fully utilized,† the different institutions in the country, including colleges and universities, were required to set their â€Å"goals† and â€Å"timetables† for such full utilization of the so-called â€Å"protected classes† which by then included women (Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy). Controversy followed the implementation of the revised order not only because of the inclusion of women under the minority groups but particularly when it came to the interpretation of the terms â€Å"goals† and â€Å"timetables.† Some quarters insisted that â€Å"goals† and â€Å"timetables† meant â€Å"quotas† which required institutions to employ gender and/or racial preferences in their employee selection. Others believed otherwise. They argued that a correct interpretation of EO 11246 would show that affirmative action did not actually mean using racial or gender preferences in the selection processes but merely increasing representation. In an essay entitled â€Å"Preferential Hiring,† Judith Jarvis Thomson supported the idea of preferences as a way of compensating for the discrimination that minorities suffered in the past. Thomas Nagel, on the other hand, in his â€Å"Equal Treatment and Compensatory Justice,† claimed that preferences could be a manner of achieving social good without necessarily being unfair and unjust to anybody. Their arguments were immediately contradicted by Lisa Newton who argued that if schools give preference to women and minorities, the â€Å"reverse discrimination [that inevitably results] violates the public equality which defines citizenship† (Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy). As the debate raged on how to go about giving more teaching posts to women and members of the minority groups, some colleges and universities took the initiative of increasing the presence of minority students in their student population. Unfortunately, one problem became immediately apparent: not enough minority students could obtain sufficient test scores or high school grades that would enable them to gain eligibility for college admission. To overcome the problem, some colleges and universities decided to change their criteria for admissions if only to accommodate minority students and achieve a better representation ratio in the process. This practice resulted to some white applicants being bumped off despite getting higher test scores than some minority students who were admitted. Consequently, charges of reverse discrimination were raised in many campuses nationwide, culminating to cases being filed in court (Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy). The University of Michigan was not spared from this chaotic situation. One such case was filed by Jennifer Gratz and Patrick Hamacher on October 14, 1977. They took the university to court for allegedly granting illegal preference to minority students in the undergraduate admissions. The case, which was ruled later by the District Court as a â€Å"class action lawsuit† in December of 1998, was initially scheduled for trial in May 1999 but was later postponed at a later date. The Center for Individual Rights represented the plaintiffs (York). The case filed by Gratz and Hamacher stemmed from their failure to obtain admission to the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts (LSA). Gratz applied in 1995 while Hamacher filed his application in 1997. According to the complaint, although the college considered Hamacher as â€Å"within the qualified range† and Gratz as â€Å"well qualified,† they were denied admission in favor of minority students. Gratz and Hamacher claimed that the university used racial preference in its undergraduate admissions and violated Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 as well as the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment (York). On October 16, 2000, twenty Fortune 500 companies which included 3M, Abbott Laboratories, Microsoft Corporation, and The Procter Gamble Company filed a joint amicus brief supporting the University of Michigan. In their brief, they stated that ethnic and racial diversity in institutions like the University of Michigan is vital not only in their efforts to put together a diverse workforce but also in their desire to hire workers from all backgrounds who have obtained their education in diverse environments. On January 15, 2003, President Bush made known his opinion on the case. According to his statement which was released by the Office of the Press Secretary, although he was supportive of racial diversity in colleges and universities, he did not approve of the method employed by the University of Michigan. He not only described its method as flawed but pronounced it a â€Å"quota system that unfairly rewards or penalizes perspective students, based solely on their race.† He further said that the university’s practice of granting minority students extra points (20 out of the needed 100 points for admission) is unconstitutional since under the system being observed in Michigan, a student gets only 12 points for obtaining a perfect score in SAT (York). In response, university president Mary Sue Coleman explained the university’s admission criteria which, according to her, were simply misunderstood by the president. She said that the university only allocated 12 points for the SAT score because the high school grades were given more value. Race and socioeconomic status were also among the factors considered, explaining that only one of these factors could get 20 points for a student. Another 16 points could be obtained by a student coming from the upper peninsula of Michigan, in consideration of geographic diversity. She continued on to state that other factors included in the criteria were â€Å"leadership, service, and life experiences† (York). On December 13, 2000, Honorable Patrick Duggan of the District Court of Michigan, ruled that the admissions policies adopted by the university during the years in question was indeed unconstitutional. However, he granted no remedy to the complainants. On June 23, 2003, the United States Supreme Court, after reviewing the case, ruled that the university policy violated the Equal Protection Clause because its use of race was â€Å"not narrowly tailored to achieve [its] asserted interest in diversity† (York). After the Supreme Court came out with its ruling, Ward Connerly, a black who formerly served as regent of the University of California immediately announced his intention to place a voter’s initiative on the ballot. Connerly also spearheaded the campaigns for the earlier ballot initiatives that ended minority preferences in the states of California (1997) and Washington (1998). He convinced Jennifer Gratz to spearhead the effort. Gratz organized the Michigan Civil Rights Initiative and by January 2005 was able to come up with more than 500,000 signatures. That number exceeded the 317,757 signatures needed to get the initiative on the ballot in 2006. After much controversy involving accusations of fraud, proposition 2 was finally placed on the ballot with election scheduled for November 7, 2006 (Vu). Proposition 2 won by a majority of 58% of the votes cast. As a result of that victory, 45 days after the election proposition 2 would take effect to bar affirmative action in employment, public education, and contracting. A CNN exit poll showed that in a state whose population is 14% black and 81% white, one out of every seven black voters and about 67% of the white voters signified their intention to put an end to affirmative action in Michigan. Opponents of the initiative, however, immediately filed a federal lawsuit which challenged the constitutionality of the measure. For her part, University of Michigan president Mary Sue Coleman expressed her intention to continue the fight for a diversified campus. Her exact words were: â€Å"I believe there are serious questions as to whether this initiative is lawful, particularly as it pertains to higher education. I have asked our attorneys for their full and undivided support in defending diversity at the University of Michigan† (Lewin). Unfortunately, on December 29, the Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit decided against any delay in the implementation of Proposition 2. The result was a considerable drop in the admissions of minority students at the University of Michigan.             Works Cited Cinti, Dylan. â€Å"Leveling the Playing Field.† The Communicator. 11 September 2007.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   14 March 2008. http://the-communicator.org/index.php/site/article/leveling_the_playing_field/   Lewin, Tamar. â€Å"Michigan Rejects Affirmative Action, and Backers Sue.† The New York   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Times. 9 November 2006. 14 March 2008. http://www.nytimes.com/2006/11/09/us/politics/09michigan.html?_r=2oref=slogin). oref=slogin Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy. â€Å"Affirmative Action.† 4 March 2005. 14 March 2008.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/affirmative-action/ Vu, Pauline. â€Å"Affirmative action in Michigan ballot.† Stateline.org. 29 August 2006.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   14 March 2008. http://www.stateline.org/live/details/story?contentId=137542 York, Grace. â€Å"Affirmative Action In College Admission: Gratz and Hamacher/Grutter v.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The Regents of the University of Michigan.† The University of Michigan Documents   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Center. 18 January 2008. 14 March 2008. http://www.lib.umich.edu/govdocs/affirm.html