Math Studies Sl Internal Assessment

Dependency of a Boxer’s Win rate on Reach and Gender Antonio Paolo Gomez Candidate No. 003902-006 Northbridge International School Cambodia Math Studies Internal Assessment Word Count: 1655 Statement of Task3 Plan3 Data4 Math Processes5 Simple math processes:5 Pearson’s Correlation Coefficient r:7 Chi-Square8 Discussion/Validity10 Conclusion10 Works Cited11 Statement of Task Boxing is a very well known sport around the world, where two disciplined athletes face off in a ring, trading blows until one of them submits or until judges decide a winner.The sport revolves around throwing blows with their fists, and to organize said athletes, their characteristics are measured, and their accomplishments are recorded. Before a fight is held, a fighter’s profile is summarized, mentioning the person’s height, weight, reach, and their win/loss record. All of what is mentioned is said to play a big part in the flow of the match. The purpose of this investigation is to determine if there is a relationship between a boxer’s reach and his winning rate. The data that will be taken will be professional boxers’ measured reach and their counts of wins and losses for winning rate.The measurement of a boxer’s reach is used to determine how far he can extend his punch. The measure of boxers’ reaches and their records of wins and losses will be used to determine if reach is one of the larger factors that affect an athlete’s chances in a match. Plan The investigation will include data gathered from professional boxers, which are their reach and their counts of wins and losses. The data that will be collected can be collected from official sites online, which have brief profiles of athletes’ measurements. I will be using official sites since they tend to be up to date and have accurate and legit information.The amount of data collected will consist of 30 athletes, half of whom are male and half are female. The data wi ll be collected from official boxing sites such as BoxRec. com, which contains the profiles of numerous official boxers and their measurements, which includes their reach and wins and losses. The data for one athlete will consist of his reach and his win/loss record. I will attempt to avoid any professional athletes that are relatively new to the professional stage, so I will be looking at boxers with around at least five years of experience.Once the data has been acquired, the data will be analyzed using different mathematical processes. A scatter plot will be used to plot out said data. The correlation coefficient r will be calculated. The   test of independence will be used to determine if there is a dependency between a boxer’s gender and winning rate. Data | Males| | Boxer| Reach (cm)| Win Rate (%)| 1| 170| 90. 00| 2| 173| 96. 77| 3| 183| 96. 88| 4| 194| 88. 57| 5| 183| 87. 88| 6| 207| 92. 31| 7| 177| 94. 29| 8| 183| 72. 34| 9| 201| 100. 00| 10| 198| 95. 24| 11| 198| 8 0. 77| 2| 179| 86. 21| 13| 179| 89. 29| 14| 183| 87. 88| 15| 180| 89. 66| | Females| | Boxer| Reach (cm)| Win Rate (%)| 1| 165| 89. 47| 2| 161| 86. 67| 3| 167| 66. 04| 4| 166| 75. 00| 5| 162| 81. 25| 6| 168| 93. 33| 7| 163| 76. 47| 8| 162| 75. 00| 9| 159| 88. 46| 10| 167| 86. 21| 11| 176| 80. 95| 12| 171| 83. 87| 13| 168| 82. 61| 14| 166| 78. 95| 15| 169| 90. 48| From the scatter plot using both male and female sets of data, we can predict that the calculated correlation would be weak and that a boxer’s win rate weakly correlates with his/her reach.This can be seen as the data points are spread and plotted quite far from the line of best fit. Math Processes Simple math processes: Average: Males * Reach in centimeters: 170+173+183+194+183+207+177+183+201+198+198+179+179+183+180=2788 2788/15= 185. 8666667 cm * Win rate in percentage: 90. 00+96. 77+96. 88+88. 57+87. 88+92. 31+94. 29+72. 34+100+95. 24+80. 77+86. 21+89. 29+87. 88+89. 66= 1348. 09 1348. 09/15= 89. 87% Average: Fema les * Reach in centimeters: 165+161+167+166+162+168+163+162+159+167+176+171+168+166+169= 2490 2490/15= 166 cm * Win rate in percentage: 89. 7+86. 67+66. 04+75+81. 25+93. 33+76. 47+75+88. 46+86. 21+80. 95+83. 87+82. 61+78. 95+90. 48=1234. 76 1234. 76/15=82. 32 Average: both genders * Reach in centimeters: 2788+2490=5278 5278/30=175. 93 cm * Win rate in percentage: 1348. 09+1234. 76= 2582. 85 2582. 85/30= 86. 095% We can see a small difference in win rate between the genders, with male boxers having a higher win rate by about 7%. We can see a bigger difference between the reach of the two genders but this would most likely be because men tend to grow and develop their bodies naturally larger than women.Standard Deviation: Reach: Males: Sx=170-185. 872+173-185. 872+183-185. 872+194-185. 872†¦180-185. 87215 Sx=10. 626 Females: Sx=165-1662+161-1662+167-1662+166-1662+162-1662†¦169-166215 Sx=4. 163 Both Genders: Sx=170-175. 932+173-175. 932+183-175. 932+194-175. 932†¦169-175 . 93230 Sx=12. 798 We are able to see that the standard deviation is greater for the male boxers female boxers. We can assume that the pieces of data from the men are spread farther from the mean as compared to the data from the women. This means that in regards to the data collected, female boxers seem to be closer n their measured reach as compared to the males. The standard deviation for both groups surpasses the calculated standard deviation for the separate male and female groups, meaning that as a whole range of data, the reaches recorded altogether are even more spread out from the average as compared to the genders separately. Standard Deviation: Win rate: Males: Sx=90-89. 872+96. 77-89. 872+96. 88-89. 872+88. 57-89. 872†¦89. 66-89. 87215 Sx=6. 67 Females: Sx=89. 47-82. 322+86. 67-82. 322+66. 04-82. 322+75-82. 322†¦90. 48-82. 32215 Sx=6. 995 Both Genders: Sy=90. 00-86. 0952+96. 7-86. 0952+96. 88-86. 0952+88. 57-86. 0952†¦90. 48-86. 095230 Sy = 7. 8087 We can s ee from the calculated standard deviations that the standard deviation for the win rate of males and females are close to each other, meaning that both have pieces of data that are similarly far from the calculated mean. In regards to all data recorded regardless of gender, the standard deviation is found to be slightly higher, meaning that the pieces of data for both genders are slightly farther from the mean as compared to the separate gender groups of data. Subject| Reach| Win Rate| xy| | 170| 90| 15300| 2| 173| 96. 77| 16741. 21| 3| 183| 96. 88| 17729. 04| 4| 194| 88. 57| 17182. 58| 5| 183| 87. 88| 16082. 04| 6| 207| 92. 31| 19108. 17| 7| 177| 94. 29| 16689. 33| 8| 183| 72. 34| 13238. 22| 9| 201| 100| 20100| 10| 198| 95. 24| 18857. 52| 11| 198| 80. 77| 15992. 46| 12| 179| 86. 21| 15431. 59| 13| 179| 89. 29| 15982. 91| 14| 183| 87. 88| 16082. 04| 15| 180| 89. 66| 16138. 8| 16| 165| 89. 47| 14762. 55| 17| 161| 86. 67| 13953. 87| 18| 167| 66. 04| 11028. 68| 19| 166| 75| 12450| 20| 162| 81. 25| 13162. 5| 21| 168| 93. 33| 15679. 44| 22| 163| 76. 47| 12464. 1| 23| 162| 75| 12150| 24| 159| 88. 46| 14065. 14| 25| 167| 86. 21| 14397. 07| 26| 176| 80. 95| 14247. 2| 27| 171| 83. 87| 14341. 77| 28| 168| 82. 61| 13878. 48| 29| 166| 78. 95| 13105. 7| 30| 169| 90. 48| 15291. 12| sum| 5278| 2582. 85| 455634| average| 175. 9333| 86. 1| 15187. 8| Pearson’s Correlation Coefficient r: Covariance: x-x(y-y)n or xyn-x y x=175. 93 y=86. 095 xy=455634. 04 455634. 0430=15187. 80133 15187. 80133-175. 9386. 095=41. 10789 Correlation: r=SxySxSy Sxy=41. 10789 Sx=12. 798 Sy=7. 8087 41. 1078912. 798(7. 8087)=. 411344119 r=. 411344119 r2=. 1692039842Correlation coefficient r is calculated to be very weak, meaning that reach and win rate show very little correlation and that a boxer’s reach is not a big factor of his or her chances of victory. With low correlation between a boxer’s reach and win rate, I will now see if gender is a factor of an athlete’s win rate by calculating chi squared. Chi-Square Observed Values | Numerical| Numerical| Total| Category| A| B| A+B| Category| C| D| C+D| Total| A+C| B+D| N| Calculating Expected Values | Numerical| Numerical| Total| Category| (A+B)(A+C)/30| (A+B)(B+D)/30| A+B| Category| (C+D)(A+C)/30| (C+D)(B+D)/30| C+D|Total| A+C| B+D| N| Intervals have been decided by average of the winning rates of the two genders. (82. 32+89. 87)/2=86. 095 Observed Data Values | Win rate > 86%| Win rate ? 86%| Total| Male| 2| 13| 15| Female| 9| 6| 15| Total| 11| 19| 30| Calculated Expected Data Values | Win rate > 86%| Win rate ? 86%| Total| Male| 5. 5| 9. 5| 15| Female| 5. 5| 9. 5| 15| Total| 11| 19| 30| Degrees of Freedom Df=(Rows-1) (Columns-1) (2-1)(2-1) = 1 ?2=fo-fe2fe fo = Observed Frequency fe = Expected Frequency ?2=1-323+7-7. 527. 5+7-4. 524. 5+5-323+8-7. 527. 5+2-4. 524. 5 Chi Square Value Table o| fe| fo-fe| (fe-fe)^2| (fo-fe)^2/fe| 2| 5. 5| 3. 5| 12. 25| 2. 227272727| 13| 9. 5| -3. 5| 12. 25| 1. 289473684| 9 | 5. 5| -3. 5| 12. 25| 2. 227272727| 6| 9. 5| 3. 5| 12. 25| 1. 289473684| | | | sum:| 7. 033492823| ?2= 7. 033 Degrees of freedom= 1 Significance level= 5% 5% significance is used because it is the most common level of significance used. HO= Gender and win rate are independent of each other H1= Gender and win rate are dependent of each other The ? 2 critical value at 5% significance with 1 degrees freedom is found to be 3. 841. The ? 2 value is greater than the critical value: 7. 33>3. 841, the null hypothesis is rejected and it can therefore be assumed that a boxer’s win rate is dependent of his or her gender. Discussion/Validity The investigation carried out to observe the correlation of Win rate and reach and win rate and gender has a few limitations that have affected the outcome of the results. One limitation is that although it is taken into account the reach of each boxer, their size and weight places them in different classes for professional fights. This means that f ighters would normally be fighting people that have similar size, and theoretically, similar reach.With similar reach between two fighting boxers, the outcome of an athlete’s history of fights really could have been affected by other factors such as tactics and strength. Another limitation would be the fact that all of the collected pieces of data are all of high win rates. In boxing records and leagues, if there is a boxer who has won 90% of his matches, there should also be a boxer who has lost that many of his matches as well. The collected data covers 30 pieces. This is done to supply a large amount of data, enough to give reasonably accurate results.Half of the data gathered covered male boxers and the other half covered female for the purpose of investigating the dependency of win rate on gender with chi squared. One limitation in regards to the genders, is that there is no co-ed boxing, meaning that females and males do not compete with each other and are separated int o two genders for boxing matches. Although there is no specified threshold for winning rates in boxing, the intervals decided in the chi squared tables can be justified as the below and above averages for the average win rates of the two genders.Conclusion The found ? 2 value of 7. 033 rejects the null hypothesis, that Win rate for boxers is independent of their gender and accepts the alternative hypothesis, that a boxer’s win rate is dependent of a boxer’s gender. The extent of this calculation is affected by the nature of the data collected. The data that was collected for males and females consisted of high win rate percentages, and in boxing, when there is an individual who has won 70% of his matches, there is sure to be an athlete who has lost 70% of his matches as well.The investigation shows that there is a very low correlation between reaches and win rate for boxers regardless of their gender. This outcome could have been affected because of one of the mentione d limitations above, where boxers of similar size and weight are placed in the same class and fight, so reach becomes less of a factor for victory as compared to strength, speed, and tactics. Works Cited Boxrec Boxing Records Ratings. 4 November 2012 . Boxrec. Boxrec Boxing Records.

Pop Music Magazine Comparison

The magazines that are being compared are two different styles of magazines. One is a pop band magazine and the other is rock. The people in these magazines stereotype the word â€Å"HAMMER† it shows the long hair and shouting into the microphone. The other magazine stereotypes nice clothes and nice hair. The people who read this magazine are emulators they look up to these people and will go at and wear what they wear. They act how they act. The aim of the magazine is to persuade the readers to go out and buy their CDs. The large hammer font connotes heavy metal and banging. They use hooks to try and get the buyers attention like ‘free CD' or ‘free posters'. The use of language is completely different, one says ‘SCREW THE CRITICS' and the other is ‘BLUE ARE BACK' This shows one that is abusive and the other is more formal. There is a close up on blue then there is a long shot of Gareth Gates. The Brat Awards. The institution is â€Å"The Brat Awards†. Presenters where Rob Carpenter and Ashley Curtis, Rob Carpenter represented himself as a typical presenter. He was slick and cool he kept the show moving he was very confident. The audience where famous people they were drunk. Rage against the vending machine too cool to come up and collect their award. The genre was rock. If I was too improve the award ceremony I would have a different location. Pop Band Comparison. The ‘Big Brovas' are attracting a teenage audience. They connote ‘gangsters', ‘ghettos' and ‘rude boys'. They are doing this to attract a certain type audience e.g. ‘townies'. The institution of ‘Big Brovas' is Top Of The Pops. They represent themselves as rude boys when they are probably not at all like in real life. Compared to the ‘Darkness' they are a lot in my opinion because the ‘Darkness' uses high-pitched voices. The tight trousers they wear connote this. ‘Big Brovas' convent swaying and bopping up and down. The ‘Darkness' convent jumping up and down and a lot of movement. The ‘Darkness† institution is Top Of The Pops. Their audience would be older than teenagers. They represent themselves as scruffy people e.g. ripped vests long hair and tight trousers. Pop Music The name of the act is ‘Girls Aloud'. They are a group of young women who came from the institution of pop stars. The name of the song is life got cold. They use white clothes and white make-up to connotes the word cold. They are a pop band whose audience is mainly young girls. They represent themselves as very nicely dressed attractive women. The name of the act is ‘Good Charlotte'. The song name is ‘The Anthem'. The audience is gothic people, he attracts an audience with a rebellious look. The institution is Top Of The Pops. The genre is punk and rock. The act is ‘Lemar'. The song is ‘dance'. Lemar is a male pop singer. His image is clean cut and nicely dressed. The audience varies. The institution is pop stars. Radio Advert. Client's Name: Woolworth Writer: Steven Briesner Duration: Unknown Music Bed: Whistling from Ed, Edd n Eddy SFX: Door Slamming SFX: Footsteps Male Voice: Perfect boys you've just recorded your first number one. Now lets show the people out there this brilliant song. Music: Loud Whistling MVO: That's Brilliant. MVO2: Your Right and it's available now at Woolworth's. MVO3: At the great price of à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½2.49 MVO4: Woolworth's we're worth it. Popular Music This magazine aims to entertain people as David Bowie is a singer from the older generation older people who look at this may laugh from fond memories of their youth the magazine does this well with the main feature of David Bowie. The genre of this magazine is heavy metal/rock this was the fashion when David Bowie was a popular singer. This magazine would be for people with special interests in this sort of music. The font and style of writing tells the audience what sort of genre this is has a black background and a man with white make-up on which signals a genre of the gothic nature. It hooks are things that are on in today's magazine like ‘Brand new collectors record section' I don't think they use hooks very well in this magazine because it isn't really anything good in the offer. the only main colours used is black and white, the white make-up connotes the gothic genre. The main feature is a close-up (c.u) of David Bowie. He is stereotyping the typical grunger who is always in a depressive state. The ideology of the magazine is they believe in sucide and stuff many famous gothic stars have been known to go into a depressive state and commit suicide.

Global Communication Essay

Communication (especially good communication) is called the heart of all business in these modern times where every piece of information is visible to everybody. However when we consider the level of globalization has reached too, we often find organizations facing a difficult time trying to survive in this competitive environment. To ward off this problem, the management of global communications decided to outsource most of their work to India and Ireland so that the unit costs could be decreased. The current problem that has severed the smooth operations of the organization has been brought by the high intensity of competition. The company had to cut down its profits and hence reduce their share value. Unable to match the prices and costs their rivals were giving, Global Communications moved to a head-on fight by planning an outsourcing strategy. This strategy had two facets; 1) it would bring massive downsizing in the company, and 2) expertise and low cost could be achieved with outsourcing. Analyzing the scenario from the companies perspective we get a bring future for the employees of the company in the future and profits which would promote high growth. Although this strategy would help the company regain the market, from another perspective, Global Communications would have to let go of their intellectual assets i. e. their employees who were considered as their competitive point. Another destructive problem for the company is that by not involving the Union leaders into this decision, the image of the company is put on stake while the communication problem due to cultural differences and norms would play a major role in the near future. This situation for the company is not at all good at the moment. Although the outsourcing maneuver was a good decision, its execution wasn’t right thus the company finds itself in deep water. In this crucial time the organization needs to keep its few employees close and organized. The company should bank on their employees who have always been a point of strength for them. Deals and meetings should be held with the Union leaders to help them understand the gravity of the situation and difficult situation the company is in which requires difficult decisions to be taken. Apart from this, the organization should secure a good outsourcing company that understands their problem and truly helps to solve them. With such a plan in motion the future can be made stable and eventually growth can take place. But for the moment, the key lies in strengthening the employee base, connecting with them and make them work as a team. In the employees lie the future of the organization. References 1. Morgan D. Jones (1998) The Thinker’s Toolkit: 14 Powerful Techniques for Problem Solving. Three Rivers Press.

Deltic Timber Corporation Credit Analysis Research Paper

Deltic Timber Corporation Credit Analysis - Research Paper Example In line with this, it is recommended for the company to take up proactive strategic management options that will push its fortunes higher, especially when it comes to dealings with competitors. Currently, the company finds itself in a business environment where talks of monopoly are far from the argument. Due to this, the greatest hindrance faced by the company has been found to be that of the creation of a competitive advantage. Using a strategic management option that will make the company the focus of customers is thus the saving path for the company in years to come. Indicative with the ratios of the company given in the paper, it would be realised that the company continue to have high debt financing, which creates a decline for profit utilisation. This means that even though revenues are high, these are hardly translated into profits because of higher debts and other expenses. 1.0 Organizational Overview Listed on the New York Stock Excahnge, Deltic Timber Corporation engages i n forestry industry where its major activities include the ownership and management of timberland. The specialisation that the company gives to this venture has resulted in the useful management of 445,800 acres of timberland over the past years. As a means of gaining diversification in its core business operation, which is the ownership and management of timberland, the company also owns two sawmills and is actively involved in real estate1. This said diversification has been the main source of financial capitalisation for the company because it has always been offered the opportunity of internally funding the running of its parent operations using revenues from diversified business. Currently, the company is headquartered in El Dorado, Arkansas. The market segment of the company has largely been focused on Arkansas and north Louisiana with very limited external and international markets. This situation comes with its own advantages and disadvantages for the company but the company has largely tried to live within its means of operations. This report is thus focused on critiquing the current credit situation of the company and offer recommendations. 2.0 Corporate Segment Deltic Timber Corporation’s corporate segment is reflected in its total asset as represented in the graph below. Generally, there are four segments that the company emphasises on. These are manufacturing segment, which takes 9% of total asset, corporate business, which is responsible for 7% of total asset, real estate, which accounts for 17% of the total asset, and woodlands, which take the highest portion of 68% of total revenue2. It is important to establish that the percentage gain of total assets as given above is not a direct reflection of the percentage of focus or corporate segment that the company gives to the various segment. Rather, the figures given above are a result of the contributions of gains that the various segments make to the company’s total asset. For instan ce in the 2012 Annual Report of the company, it was established that even though manufacturing is responsible for 9% of total assets, the company actually gives higher corporate segmentation focus to that segment than it gives to real estate, which earns the company 17% of its total assets. 3.0 SWOT Analysis 3.1 Strengths The company has an effective internally generated funding policy that is motivated by the fact that there are diversifying businesses that are managed under the franchise of Deltic Timber Corporation. The company has kept a very steady rise in revenues and operating incomes, making it have a very strong competitive engagement with its key competitions. 3.2 Weaknesses The company lacks

Art and Fashion Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Art and Fashion - Essay Example This is after taking over the title from Spain which was the dominating power of Europe in the 16th century. Spain was Europe’s political and military controller spreading its court’s culture of dressing to Europeans courts. It spread its culture and political way of doing things all over Europe. During this period, powerful nations determined the fashion to be adopted by the nations they dominate.1 Europe and Paris in particular produced decorative, colorful, pretentious and stylish clothes that marked the Baroque era. From this time Paris has never lost its title of the world’s best producer of fashionable and high quality clothes. In the late 18th century, political, economic and cultural desire of Paris came to a standstill due to the French Revolution. The French culture was replaced by England’s simple and unfashionable styles. English tailors occupied some parts in London where they started making men’s wear and women outfit.2 England became the best producers of high quality men’s outfits. Today, fashion design and art is being practiced all over the world. Some of the leading countries in the fashion industry are United States, Italy, china, Japan, UK among others. The Second World War The impact of Second World War had a big influence in many fashion industries in the world. Paris as the world center for haute couture fashion was not in exception. ... Fashion industries in Paris faced hardships due to rationing of non-essential clothes and the occupation of Germans in France.4 Textile industries experienced shortages of fabrics as ordinary materials and dyes were on restriction while expensive materials like silk and lace were totally unavailable. Fashion houses which continued with their operations produced attractive designs of full skirts, hats, high-heeled shoes and marabou coats. The production of extravagant fashions by couture traders in Paris attracted critiques from Americans. Due to resentment, Germans carried out stiff campaigns with intentions to influence women to abandon Paris outfits which were termed as â€Å"whore-led† fashion. Women were advised to wear ascetic clothes that will maintain their dignity and do away with French design.5 Women were against this campaign and they continued to be fashionable with Paris products. These conflicting ideologies during the war marked the difference between the minori ty fashion influential of Paris and the aspiring fashionable group. The majority aspiring group could not afford Paris fashionable cloths due to different reasons. America took this advantage and sold their products to them as they did not face many restrictions and rationing like France. From 1939 to 1945, it was a period full of restrictions, manacles and common sens.6 Paris lost huge revenue from overseas customers as German’s could not allow them to continue with their fabric and fashion trade. These customers started using United States products as they were not involved in the war. After Second World War, Japan was able to access information relating to fashion and design from Europe and United States. This information could not be accessible

Nutri, Health & Wellness Lab Report Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Nutri, Health & Wellness - Lab Report Example To achieve safety delivery during this lifecycle, an expectant mother is given a schedule to follow during the pregnancy period. The main aim being to check the growth of the child, and if it is not safe, correction is done and also the mother is advised on maintaining her pregnancy period. Failure to get prenatal care, there are higher chances of the baby having low weight and may increase the chance of the baby’s death. Further, the doctor may spot health problems early enough when a mother accesses health facilities regularly. In addition, the doctor will treat them at an early stage before they spread and affect the baby. Prenatal care is not only on the checkups, but the doctor also gives the mother some advice on how to give her unborn baby a healthy start to life, for example by exposing her to exercises and good nutrition that will keep the baby on good health as he/she was before birth. During this prenatal phase, nutrition is very important to the health of the mother and for the child. These nutrients enable the growth of the child and also enables prevention of diseases from attacking the foetus during pregnancy. On the other hand, poor nutrition results to some challenges to the pregnant mother and also to the child (Marie C & McCormick, 1999). The nutrition challenge associated with the pregnancy include; morning sickness. It is a common nutrition-related problem during pregnancy. It usually lasts for six months during the first trimester. It frequently helps to eat little, or have regular meals throughout the day. Morning sickness is caused by strong flavored and highly seasoned foods, hence pregnant mothers are advised to avoid strong spiced and seasoned junks. Heartburn is another common challenge during pregnancy due to the hormones released by the placenta’s relaxation in the lower esophagus sphincter, which keeps food in the digestive system

Commodity Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Commodity - Essay Example The most important oil producing nation in the whole world is Saudi Arabia. It is the biggest oil producing country of the world. In the year 2011, it has supplied 12.8% of global oil (Chakarova, 3). The country has got a oil reserve of 266 billion barrels (Chakarova, 3). Not only Saudi Arabia but Iran is also becoming a world leader in the crude oil supply. Iran is in a state of rapid development because of its oil reserves. Strait of Hormuz, through which 20% of world oil is supplied, is under the control of Iran. If this passage is blocked, then it would be a great problem for the whole world. As a result of which the oil prices will definitely rise. This would also require new path of delivery of oil to other countries. However, there are other countries in the middle-east which has substantial capacity of oil production. But, there are conflicts at the moment between those countries in the middle-east. This is a scary sign for the world because any conflict between these countri es would result in huge losses which the other remaining nations of the world would have to suffer. Demand of Oil in international market There is huge demand of oil in the whole world. In this modern era of rapid industrialization, it is very hard to think of running any industry without oil. However, the supply is very less as compared to the huge demand all over the world. Each year this demand is growing leaps and bounds but it is a very critical issue now to think of where from this demand be met. In the year 2004, the OECD countries consumed 48.8 mmbpd and it was 5.2% more than in the year 2003 (Cordsman and Al-Rodhan, 31). This is just a number showing the horrific nature of demand in crude oil in the world nine years ago. But the situation today is even more horrifying. It has also been seen that due to the huge industrialization process in the upcoming economies like India and China, the demand has risen even more in the past few years. The rapid development process in thes e two Asian countries would surely increase the demand as they themselves do not have any natural source of oil. All they can do is that they can import the crude oil from the middle-east countries. A graphical data is presented below showing the demand of oil based on economic growth from 2001-2025 (million barrels per day) (Cordsman and Al-Rodhan, 34). 2001 2002 2010 2015 2020 2025 LG 78 78.20 98.60 110.00 120.60 132.30 R 78 78.20 93.60 103.20 111.00 119.20 HG 78 78.20 91.10 97.20 102.30 107.70 (Source: Cordsman and Al-Rodhan, 34) Note: LG-low-growth, R- reference case, HG- high growth case. Price of oil in international market Due to the low supply, the demand for the crude oil has increased a lot in the past few years which in turn has raised the price of crude oil in the global market considerably. The developing economies of the world like India, China, etc., they are on the verge of development. As a result they are in huge demand of crude oil for their rapid industrial growt h. They need huge supply of crude oil which has made the price of oil go high in the international market. And it’s not only the price of crude oil, but the different levels of duties, processing cost, all these add up to a level which makes it a nightmare for the consumers in this era. The prices of petrol, diesel, LPG going high on a daily basis are the consequences of this. Here is a list showing the annual

Value of philosophy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Value of philosophy - Essay Example According to this author, a true philosophical contemplation finds its meaning in the enlargement of not self in everything in the universe. The mind Russell believes that although philosophy does not enhance our physical wellbeing, it has a major role in human kind of enriching our mental lives mainly through the mind, which determines the way we relate with the immediate environment. However, the enrichment that Russell refers to does not provide all the answers to all the philosophical questions but instead offers a variety of suggestions on how to tackle these problems (Bertrand Pg 26). Russell insists that the mind that views philosophy as a conformation of freedom and impartiality will always strive to protect and preserve these values. This kind of mind will view its purpose and desires as path of the whole. This kind of mind in reference is a free mind that fights for justice and freedom hence the analogy and linkage of many philosophers with histories of freedom fighting and involvement in fighting for human rights. Russell believes that the enlargement of human mind enlarges objects and human mind that is responsible for freedom and liberation. According to Russell, philosophy gives a wider range of suggestions on how to deal with feelings of uncertainty and fear. For example, through philosophy it is easy to make unfamiliar things to look familiar (Bertrand Pg 27). According to Russell, unless we enlarge our mind to include other perspectives of the outer world, we remain like garrison in a blue guard fortress with no freedom. Such life has no peace and is involved with constant strives between desires and powerlessness of will. Philosophic contemplation does not divide the universe into sections but instead join it into one single camp. Russell insists that we must continue to seek brain enlargement by operating on the desires of our mind (Bertrand Pg 27). However, we cannot find this enlargement if we take the mind as it is but must make our minds open and free from alien impossibilities. Self-assertion is an example of philosophic speculation and this hinders mind enlargement. Russell also argues about the separation of the study of human mind from the field of philosophy. He disagrees with those scientists who have included the study of human mind as psychology. However, he still maintains that philosophy is still embedded in sciences and more so in the study of human mind. Although human mind plays a greater role in defining philosophy, religion is important in conceptualizing the meaning of philosophy. Russell questions the value of good and evil in the planet and wonders if good and evil is only important to humans or to the whole universe. Philosophy is therefore very valuable and whoever lives a life without a tincture of philosophy undergoes duress and a life of imprisonment. Such individuals are also affected by prejudices of common sense. Such people views the world as a definite, finite, obvious, common and with no reason unfamiliar. The view of philosophy has many wrong conceptions therefore philosophy strives to search for knowledge. The knowledge sought gives the unity of system and body. This knowledge is helpful in examining the grounds of convictions, prejudices, and beliefs. According to Russell, the quest for philosophical knowledge continues to face many challenges due to broken units and sciences that have derived their sense

Philosophy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words - 7

Philosophy - Essay Example However, if the actions of people are determined, it seems they fail to have free will, therefore, the can never be blamed or failed for their actions. There are five areas of philosophy, which cluster together in standard ways, though they overlap between the areas, even in section in various clusters is rate, and there can experience slight differences in their clusters. This area studies the major philosophers like Aristotle, Descartes, Nietzsche, and Hume, together with the entire periods in philosophy development (Jaspers, 16). This area is divided into various periods such as modern, medieval, 19th century, and 20th century. It tends to comprehend great figures, their influence, and their importance on the contemporary issues. The study includes area such as existentialism, deconstruction, structuralism, phenomenology, critical theory, post-structuralism, and hermeneutics. The principal figures include Badiou, Adorno, Husserl, Hegel, Sartre, and Derrida. This area consists of philosophy of mind, philosophy of science, formal epistemology, and philosophy of mathematics. Some of the areas have their own sub-branches. For instance, the philosophy of mind includes the emotions philosophy, science philosophy, special sciences philosophy, and social science philosophies. The philosophy involves studying the consequence relations and their related notions. Among the logic sub-areas are higher order logic, classical first-order, and the non-classical logics like relevance, many-valued logics, intuitionistic, and modal. This section comprises the aesthetics, ethics, political philosophy, and social areas. The ethics involves the areas of metaethics and ethics. Normative ethics addresses issues of right conduct, while metaethics is concerned with the epistemological and metaphysical commitments of ethical theories or the moral discourse. Studying philosophy is very important. It enables the learners to know how to carry out things

Children and the holocaust Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Children and the holocaust - Research Paper Example The urge of the German leader, Adolf Hitler, to control the Semites and to trim their generation underpins the great commitment of his government to reduce the population of Jewish children. As children were perceived as the propagative generations, they were a priority target at a time when the Germans felt that Jews were traitors and did not deserve to exist in the country. From this perspective, the Holocaust was a period suffering for Children, which had both immediate effects and negative consequences long after the war. Prior to the Second World War, the German government had sent a number of signs that Jews would be the next victim of terror under the autocratic leadership of Hitler. The Germany government expressed high level of dissatisfaction with the Jews, who were perceived as traitors during the period of the war. While there was an expectation that the Jews would have fallen victim of Hitler power abuse, it was not anticipated that such a negative ordeal would befall children as it dawned as soon as the war began. Statistics indicate that over 1.5 million children were killed during the holocaust, of which 1.2 million were from the Jewish community (Sterling 212). The rest comprised of the Gypsy and German children who were perceived to have mental defects. The German government targeted children as one of the ways of punishing the Jews. Besides, the government had a motive to shun the popularity of Jews that was growing as a result of their population increase. Since children represented t he continuity of the Jewish generation, they were the main target to control population increase and to discontinue the disloyal, as they put it, generation. At the eve of the war, children were separated from their parents forcefully and they no longer had the power to hold on their rights of keeping their children. The government targeted the Jewish settlement areas and killed majority of the population while transporting others to the

Direct Democracy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Direct Democracy - Essay Example Direct Democracy is a form of government in which all citizens can directly participate in the decision-making process. (Direct Democracy Campaign, Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia). Daniel B. Jeffs, founder, The Direct Democracy Center, states that the problems are due to the Government being too large and too dangerously powerful. He firmly believes that elected representatives are corrupted by a deeply flawed system that seduces them with money and power to gain and remain in office, or seek higher office and that in this process it has disenfranchised the overall electorate. Finally, he states that this system needs to be altered in such a way that it will override the practice of selective democracy by factions and vested interests. The solution according to him lies in nonpartisan elections and government with more democracy. In this age of communications and information technology, the Constitution should be amended so as to establish direct democracy by means of secure voting networks connected to voter's homes. All elections would be conducted over the voting networks. In this proposed system the elected representatives would be nonpartisan, highly qualified professional government managers. To keep it honest, with no more government than we need, well-informed voters should decide matters of taxation and public policy. And the collective judgment of our fellow citizens (which could be trusted because the direct democracy voting networks would require voters to be truthfully informed) would know what is best for all of us. (Daniel B. Jeffs, The Direct Democracy Center). The advantages of Direct Democracy are that first, it would remove the barrier between the electorate and the government. Secondly, in Representative Democracy the voter has to vote for one party or the other with no guarantee of either party addressing the issues facing the voter, on the other hand in Direct Democracy the voter will be voting on each issue separately. Thirdly, decisions will always be that of the people rather than that of a few politicians. Fourthly, it encourages people to be more proactive in the political process, this results in a more deterministic future for the voter. Fifthly, it curbs the power of the elite. Sixthly, the practice of elected representatives following the diktats of party leaders and civil servants to the detriment of the voter will cease. Seventhly, quid - pro - quo transactions between the elected representatives and the rich and powerful pressure groups will cease altogether. Eighthly, thorny and uncomfortable issues which elected represen tatives would do anything to avoid, will be addressed by this system. Ninthly, there would be control on governmental tendencies running towards the dictatorial. And finally, the system of Direct Democracy is more democratic. (Direct Democracy Campaign). The disadvantages of Direct Democracy are that: first, all citizens must be actively involved on all issues all of the time. For very large population groups, it might become well nigh impossible to do so. Secondly, the public generally gives only superficial attention to political issues and is thus susceptible to charismatic arguments. Thirdly, the decision of all or most matters

The Ten Commandments Review Essay Example for Free

The Ten Commandments Review Essay Historically, even the ancient civilization flourished under the guidance of an established code of laws called the Code of Hammurabi, During Hammurabi’s rule, back in the time of Abraham of the Bible, he ruled in peace for fifty-five years, and had brilliant achievements, high civilization and extensive literature. But Hammurabi’s Code law was mainly from polytheistic people and purely secular documents erected at a certain place for everyone to see and obey. The Ten Commandments was handed down to Moses direct from the hands of God and it did not only cater to the ethical and moral conduct of the society but it taught them that these moral conduct was based on recognizing that there is God whom they were all accountable to of their conduct towards fellowmen, the society, and to the established institution of humankind. People flourished because of respecting and obeying the Code of Laws which were mainly formulated by same created beings. The Ten Commandments were made by the hands of the Creator Himself. If Moses was alive today, he would surely appear in court with his stuff in his hands and would say â€Å"Thus says the Lord, respect and obey His laws and allow it to be displayed anywhere it could be necessary.† The question about what is threatening about the Ten Commandments should be answered in court too. Today’s generation should not forget that the American nation was founded by people who had deep faith in God; the heritage of American people was rooted in the Christian traditional of the Puritans who maintained their integrity and uprightness in the face of society seemingly loosing its morality during the colonial era. In the article of Warren Richey, clarifying the issue on the case regarding Ten Commandments whether the public display of religious symbol ideas on government property endorses religion may not be appropriated enough to cause alarm on anyone. I would agree with Richey that the issue is actually a â€Å"culture war† between religious conservatives and secular humanists. Richey pointed out that â€Å"conservatives believe the government should be active in promoting morality through promoting religious ideas and themes (Richey on The Christian Monitor). On the other hand, secular humanists are attempting to erase all matters of religion and God from public life. In fact, there was even an attempt recently to remove the maxim inscribed on dollar bills â€Å"In God We Trust.† Taking the issue of separation of powers between church and state, I would agree that at many points, the church should not interfere in the affairs of the state and vice versa. Displaying the Ten Commandments in government and public places is not interfering on government affairs. Anywhere in the world, you will find symbols, themes and ideas displayed in public places in memory of the great things done that merit public display of that particular object. No one questions this display because everyone understood its significance. In this context, everyone should know the heritage of American nation and answer why in the American Constitution and on dollar bills there is an inscription of â€Å"In God We Trust.† Mary Williams stated that Article III of the Constitution declares that â€Å"education and religion shall forever be encouraged.† She further stated that â€Å"the founders saw no conflict in Article one which says, â€Å"No person demeaning himself in a peaceable and orderly manner shall ever be molested in account of his mode of worship.† It was quite clear as Williams had emphasized that â€Å"Supreme Court radically departed from the founders’ religious policy by erecting a â€Å"Wall of Separation† between religion and public orders (Williams). The issue now is no longer on the Constitutionality of displaying the Ten Commandments in the public places nor on the issue of the separation of powers of church and state, but on the humanistic atheistic preferences of the Court system. As Williams stated, even school prayers, Bible readings and other clergy, lead invocations are all forbidden in public places. It means that though displays of Ten Commandments on government and public places was not basically not seen by the founders as unconstitutional but it seems its fate lies in the hands of those who hands judgments, whether we favor it or not. We cannot deny therefore that some aspect had gone wrong. The American society is fast losing the values of which the founders laid down as different movements rise up and gone. It shaped a new American values and culture. That is a liberal culture and consumerist society, placing the good on material things rather than on the blessings of the Almighty God. The flame of the values and religious devotions of the founders was no longer shining as the American society is heading towards the path of being an atheistic country as the article entitled ‘Religion is not Essential to America,’ the US Constitution is a secular document; it begins with â€Å"we the people† and contains no mention of God or Christianity which eliminate concept of religion and faith in God. As we had seen in recent developments, though we may be in favor of the display of the Ten Commandments and other religious symbols and beliefs, but the only that we can do is to express ideas and religious beliefs. Work Cited Williams, Mary.†The Ten Commandments Should Be Publicly Displayed.† Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center San Diego: Greenhaven Press, 2005. (22 July 2007) http://find.galegroup.com/ovrc/infomark.do?contentSet=GSRCtype=retrievetabID=T010prodId=OVRCdocId=EJ3010110254source=galesrcprod=OVRCuserGroupName=lincclin_fccjversion=1.0. Richey, Warren. â€Å"Dispute over Public Display of the Ten Commandments.† Christian Science Monitor (March 2, 2005, n.p.)  © Copyright 2005, The Christian Science Monitor. All rights reserved. â€Å"Religion is Not Essential to America.† Nontract No. 6. Copyright  © by the Freedom from Religion Foundation, Inc. Reproduced by permission

Visiting Interlaken †City of lakes and mountains

Visiting Interlaken – City of lakes and mountains Interlaken – City of lakes and mountains Hallo (Hello in German)! Interlaken is a small Swiss city set in the middle of two beautiful lakes, Lake Brienz and Lake Thun. It lies in the centre of the glorious Jungfrau region comprising of the legendary Monch, Eiger and Jungfrau mountains. Interlaken is the perfect place to stay for anyone who is visiting Switzerland due to its proximity to most of the tourist destinations and also other famous Swiss cities. Famous cities like Bern, Lucerne and Montreux can be visited as day trips from Interlaken. Turquoise lakes, pretty waterfalls and majestic snow capped mountains combined with an opportunity for adventure sports like sky diving, paragliding, bungee jumping and river rafting is what makes Interlaken an attractive and a unique destination in Switzerland. Interlaken is the perfect example of a place where beauty meets adventure! Best season to visit Interlaken Interlaken and its surrounding areas have something nice to offer throughout the year. Summer, from June to August is the peak season. With pleasant temperatures, clear skies, beautiful views of snow capped mountains, lush green surroundings and opportunities for adventure sports it is also the best time to visit Interlaken. But quite obviously the prices go up and it can get crowded during these months. Autumn from September to November is also a good time to visit, especially the months of September and October. The crowds start thinning but the temperature is still pleasant and you can visit all the nice places. Winter, from December to March can be avoided by most people except for ski enthusiasts. It is the perfect time to ski in the Jungfrau region. Spring, from April-May is yet another beautiful time to visit Interlaken. Days are cool and sunny and nights cold but not chilly. Skies start clearing up, hiking trails start opening up, flowers start blooming and it is a very prett y sight. Highlights (Things to do) Ride the highest railway in all of Europe to reach the Jungfraujoch peak, which is probably one of the most beautiful views you will see in your life! Do not forget to sit and relax in one of the restaurants in Top of Europe enjoying the view. Visit the Sphinx Observatory situated above Jungfraujoch, overlooking the infinite snows of Aletsch Glacier. Ski on the famous slopes of Jungfrau located with a backdrop of Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau peaks. Dine at Piz Gloria, a revolving restaurant situated at the summit of Schilthorn in the Bernese Alps, which was a set for one of the James Bond movies. Cruise the beautiful Lake Brienz, nestled between the snow-capped mountains, tall cliffs and pretty waterfalls. Take a stroll in the picturesque and charming lakeside villages in the hop-on hop-off cruise. Hop on a Lake Thun Cruise to enjoy some charming vistas around and explore the beautiful oberhofen castle situated on the banks of the lake. Climb the Brienz-Rothorn railway and experience the vintage steam train ride that starts from Lake Brienz and reaches up to the mountains of Brienzer Rothorn, passing through a variety of landscapes including forests, meadows, pastures and finally the Bernese Alps. Make a day trip to the charming historic old town of Bern city. Try Sky diving in Switzerland! At Interlaken, adventure meets beauty and that’s what makes it a must try when you are in the city. Go Paragliding to enjoy the incredible views of the Bernese Alps at a much slower pace. Experience Night Sledding with Swiss Fondue at Interlaken during winter. Indulge in some Lutschine River Rafting with a view of the Alps! Participate in the world’s most popular mountain marathon, Jungfrau marathon! Interlaken being the starting point and Kleine Scheidegg the end point, the route includes all the beauties in the Bernese Oberland of Swiss Alps. Ride the Golden Pass line from Interlaken to Lucerne which traverses through Brunig Pass. Take a stroll or ride the horse-drawn carriages at Hoheweg Street, the heart of Interlaken. Hotspots (Things to see) Jungfrau Jungfraujoch: Ride the rail from Interlaken to the peak of Jungfraujoch which is a 2 hour journey and traverses through the mountains of Eiger and Monch. If you gasp at the fantastic views the train journey offers, then hold your breath when you reach the top! You are now on the highest point of Europe. Dine in one of the restaurants in ‘Top of Europe’ overlooking the mighty Jungfrau peak with the feeling of being on Top of the World! Sphinx Observatory: An astronomical observatory that is situated above the Jungfraujoch is a sight to see. The observatory is not open to public, but it has a viewing terrace which is open to public and offers incredible views of the Aletsch Glacier. Aletsch Glacier: The largest glacier in the whole of Alps, Aletsch Glacier is truly a nature’s jewel and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Ride the cable car to Bettmerhorn or Eggishorn and soak in the beauty of the place. There are some interesting hikes as well for adventurous people. Ice Palace: There is a very good chance that all the viewing platforms up on Jungfraujoch are crowded. Take this time to visit the Ice Palace consisting of interesting sculptures made of ice which includes animals, birds, furniture and a bar! Kleine Scheidegg: While going to Jungfrau, one has to cross the Kleine Scheidegg station and it is recommended that you make a stop here! Located below the mountains of Jungfrau, Monch and Eiger, it is at this place where you come face to face with the awe inspiring Eiger peak. Views are amazing and a lot of hiking trails also begin from Kleine Scheidegg. Schynige Platte: Vintage train, open carriages, breathtaking views of the Bernese Alps throughout, beautiful alpine gardens and finally a lunch/dinner at the Mountain Hotel! This is what a train ride to the Schynige Platte has to offer. Lake Brienz Lake Brienz Cruise: A themed cruise on the Lake Brienz like a Swiss Dinner or a Fish Jazz Cruise is the best way to explore the lake and its neighboring areas. Explore the tiny beautiful village of Brienz and do not forget to take home some souvenirs. You can also opt to get down at the Brienz village and take the scenic ride in Brienz Rothorn Railway. Giessbach Falls: Ride the beautiful turquoise lake to reach the thundering Giessbach falls. Lake Thun Lake Thun: Take a cruise on Lake Thun and make sure you stop at Saint Beatus Caves and Oberhofen Castle. Lauterbrunnen Isenfluh: Isenfluh is a charming tiny mountain village away from all the major tourist places and located very near to Interlaken. Unspoilt and untouched, this beautiful Swiss village also offers enchanting views of Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen valley and of course the world famous Bernese Alps. Take a cable car up to Sulwald to enjoy these views. Staubbach Falls: There are 72 waterfalls in the valley of Lauterbrunnen and Staubbach falls is one of the highest and spectacular ones of those. Easily accessible, the view of the falls is nothing short of spectacular. You can also climb up to the falls and take in the beauty of Lauterbrunnen valley from the top. Unterseen Aare Sluice Gates: Take a stroll in one of the Aare Sluice Gate located on the borders of Interlaken and Unterseen. The blend of mountains, hills and the charming old town of Unterseen combined with the turquoise waters of the Aare offers a pleasantly beautiful atmosphere. Unterseen Stadthausplatz: The town hall square with its modern buildings, restaurants and boutiques is a nice place to spend the evening. Harder kulm Harder Kulm Panorama Restaurant: Ride the funicular to the mountains high up where a pretty restaurant and charming views await you. Look and admire the elegant Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau peaks from a completely different angle while indulging in a Swiss fondue! Two Lakes Bridge: Situated very close to the Harder Kulm Restaurant, the bridge offers remarkable views of Lake Brienz and Lake Thun along with the mountains of Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau. Beatenberg Niederhorn: Enjoy a beautiful ride from Interlaken to Beatenberg from where you can take the cable car to the peak of Niederhorn. If you think that the ride to the peak is very scenic, you are in for some surprise when you reach the peak. The view of Lake Thun and entire Bernese Alps is simply mind blowing! It also offers orientation hikes with 3 trails of varying levels. Shopping in Interlaken Head to Hoheweg Street for any kind of souvenir shopping. From the famous Swiss Cuckoo Clocks to Swiss chocolates, watches, knives, cow bells and liquor, you can find it here. For local Swiss crafts, wooden crafts and handicrafts, head to the village of Brienz. How to reach Interlaken Interlaken has no airport of its own. The nearest airport is located at Bern which is 45 minutes from Interlaken. It has 2 main railway stations, Interlaken West and Interlaken East (Ost). Both of them are well connected with trains from all major cities of Switzerland. There are also trains from Paris, Frankfurt, Milan, Vienna and Salzburg to Interlaken. It is also well connected to other Swiss cities through buses. One can also drive in to Interlaken as there is a well maintained highway/autobahn that connects the city with all major Swiss and European cities. How to get around in Interlaken The city is so small that it can be covered on foot and is probably the best way to get around and explore. Hiring a car from a good car rental agency will be helpful since most of the attractions are at a distance from the city. You can also rent cycles, motorbikes or mountain bikes for an adventurous ride. Public transport consists of local trains and buses which are well connected to places in and around the city. Hiring a taxi is also a good option to travel around the city. Ride in the horse-drawn carriages especially in the Hoheweg Street for a more romantic holiday! Top areas in Interlaken Interlaken City Centre: Heart of the city, close to all the places and stations, City Centre is a good place to stay. You can also find some nice souvenir shops nearby. Hoheweg: Favorite hanging place for tourists and locals alike, Hoheweg Street is filled with restaurants, cafà ©Ã¢â‚¬â„¢s, hotels, shops and boutiques. Beatenberg: Enjoy a quiet stay at Beatenberg Village while in Interlaken and enjoy nice views of the mountains and lakes around. Wilderswil: Another village located in the municipality of Interlaken, Wilderswill offers good stay options with nice views. Unterseen: A very pretty village that comes with history and attractions of its own is one of the preferred places to stay for people from all over the world. Matten: You can find hotels for cheap rates in Matten and the views can just not go wrong in any of the mountain villages neighboring Interlaken. Lauterbrunnen Valley: Beauty of Lauterbrunnen is already well-known. A stay amidst this beautiful valley could just add more charm to your Swiss holiday. Murren: It is a quiet, cozy, charming mountain village located at the base of Schilthorn. Danke (Thank You in German)!

Religion Essays Disestablishment of the Church of England

Religion Essays Disestablishment of the Church of England Disestablishment of the Church of England â€Å"Then render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s; and to God the things that are God’s† â€Å"Yesterday we asked for toleration, today we ask for religious equality; tomorrow we shall demand the disestablishment of the Church of England.† The ambiguous position enjoyed by the Church of England in the United Kingdom is one that deserves a shrewd analysis in terms of its compatibility with the interests of liberal democracy. The current constitutional settlement has faded from the spotlight over the course of the past century despite being a highly contested issue during the late nineteenth century, due, in the most part, to other more pressing issues beginning to surface. The last time the issue was considered as a whole was in 1970 but it was observed that there was a general lack of knowledge on behalf of the British public on Church-State issues and as such the matter was left as it was. However, in a new era of equality the issue must be readdressed and rectified in the interests of democracy in an increasingly multi-faith nation. The issue transcends the awareness of the British public on the issue and should be focused on the disestablishment of the Church of England as a matter of democratic imperative. To best understand what is being compromised it is important to first outline what exactly â€Å"establishment† is, what it has afforded the Church of England and how such a settlement came into existence. The current settlement is due in the most part to Henry VIII and his break from Rome, and a brief overview of the history of the Church of England is important to understand the nature of the subsequent laws establishing the Church by law. Henry VIII broke away from the Roman Catholic Communion due to the failure of the Pope to grant an annulment of his marriage to Katherine of Aragon. The Act of Supremacy 1534 recognised Henry as the Supreme Head of the Church of England, making the nobility swear an oath recognising his supremacy. When Elizabeth I became Queen in 1558 she had Parliament pass the Act of Supremacy in 1559 restoring the position of the Church of England but rewording the oath recognising her as the Supreme Governor of the Church, as the Bible recognises Jesus Christ as the Head of the Church. The idea of â€Å"establishment† is one that remains difficult to define, as there was no single statute that created the settlement that remains today, rather it was a progressive approach that is best defined through the key privileges enjoyed by the Church of England. In Chapter 1 I shall outline what establishment is and seek to produce a working legal definition in order to outline the current constitutional settlement. In this chapter I shall also explore the concept of disestablishment and previous attempts to disestablish the Church of England from the late nineteenth century to as recently as January/February 2008 when the issue once again began to build momentum with a view to highlighting how previous failures fell short of achieving religious equality. The chapter shall end with an examination of the idea of secularism and how it may not only be preferable to advocate state neutrality, but also fundamental in the interests of liberal democracy. In Chapters 2 to 4 I shall look more closely at three different elements of establishment and outline the consequent democratic deficiencies and make recommendations as to how they may best be rectified. The main privileges that characterise the established religion are; the 26 Anglican Bishops occupying ex-officio positions in the House of Lords; the role of the Monarch; and the Governance of the Church of England. Each of these issues will be dealt with in detail in an attempt to illustrate how the Church of England has been woven into the fabric of political and legal life in the United Kingdom and the subsequent problems that stem from this relationship, with particular emphasis on issues of democratic concern. To briefly identify the key problems that each of these privileges create they shall be introduced at this point in order to set the scene for the rest of this introduction. In Chapter 2 I will address the controversial issue of the House of Lords, however, discussion is restricted solely to the twenty-six Anglican Bishops. The Archbishops of Canterbury and York; the Bishops of London, York and Winchester along with the next twenty-one bishops in order of seniority sit in the House of Lords by virtue of their position within the Church. There are issues of democracy and representation within the upper chamber; however, this is not within the remit of this paper. Attempts have been made recently to address the issues in the House of Lords with the recommendation that the number of Bishops be merely reduced to sixteen. The report also recommended that other faiths should be introduced to the Lords, an idea that will only serve to further discriminate and alienate those not in the privileged few. This privilege highlights an inequality in that one religious group has been afforded the opportunity to sit in Parliament, a privilege that should be viewed with the knowledge that the Church of England can lobby for its own interests in the corridors of power while other religious groups must lobby in the traditional way. Chapter 3 is concerned with the Monarch and the dual role of Head of State and Supreme Governor of the Church of England, as well as the anti-Catholic sentiment in the laws on the Protestant succession. The Monarch is the Supreme Governor of the Church of England and as such must take an oath to defend the protestant faith. The Monarch is a figure of British unity and to represent a single religion is to alienate people from other faiths and the non-religious. The Act of Settlement 1700 requires a Protestant succession and as such it is forbidden to marry a Roman Catholic. This discrimination not only promotes exclusion to the people of Britain, many of whom belong to the Roman Catholic community, but also calls into question its compatibility with the Human Rights Act. In Chapter 4 I shall look at the governance of the Church of England and how it is restricted in its own management. This Chapter will highlight the pitfalls for the Church of England itself as being by law established The Prime Minister is responsible for appointing Bishops and other senior clergy of the Church of England, a role that has been altered recently by new Prime Minister Gordon Brown who shall now merely act as a postman and pass the recommendations to the Queen. This is a time consuming process and a waste of government resources on a privilege that is enjoyed by no other religion. However, whether any other religion would campaign for this is questionable as it restricts the Church’s control over itself. This issue of governmental control is also evident in the making of Church laws. Church laws are made by Measures that must be passed by a single vote in each House of Parliament. They cannot be amended; they must simply be passed or rejected. This also concerns Human Rights and the right of the church to self-govern without government interference. All these issues will be addressed in relation to their compatibility with the interests of liberal democracy in the United Kingdom as a whole. As a model of democracy I shall take Robert Dahl and his work on political equality. Dahl is one of the most noted commentators on political power and he provides an outline of representative democracies in Europe and a model of an ideal democracy. His observations characterised representative democracy in Europe as consisting of; government decisions and policies being accountable to locally elected politicians; free elections; freedom to stand for election; free expression; freedom of information; freedom of assembly. This analysis defines European democracy as being representative, accountable and free, in terms of human rights. His ideal model of democracy outlines what he believes a true democracy should strive to achieve, that is; effective participation; equality in voting; gaining enlightened understanding; final control of the agenda ; inclusion; and fundamental rights. Dahl believes that political equality is desirable for governing a state and the only political system that derives its legitimacy and political institutions from the idea of political equality is a democracy. In order to examine what political institutions would be necessary in a democratic state he constructed an ideal concept of democracy as a basis for comparison with the actual models of democracy already in existence. To this end I shall condense the basis principles of democracy as observed by Dahl and using them to construct my own ideal model of democracy so that it may be compared with the current constitutional settlement in the United Kingdom in relation to the Church of England. The basic principles that I have extracted from Dahl’s ideal model are; free elections; representation; participation; accountability; equality; enlightenment; inclusion; and fundamental rights. From this I have devised my own model which will be used to highlight the democratic deficits of the privileged position of the Church of England. My analysis will be based on the principles of; representation, accountability, participation; equality; inclusion; plurality; and human rights under the European Convention on Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms. CHAPTER 1: ESTABLISHMENT AND STATE NEUTRALITY 1.1 Establishment The concept of â€Å"establishment† is one of great complexity which bears no single accurate definition, making it difficult to assess what exactly any disestablishment of the Church of England would entail. In order to effectively assess the current constitutional settlement it would be appropriate to explore the idea of establishment and what defines establishment in the first instance. The Chadwick Commission provided a definition of establishment as â€Å"the laws which apply to the Church of England and not to the other churches.† Legal writer Peter W. Edge has commented that the Chadwick definition is only concerned with the Church of England, whereas the idea of establishment may be an abstract term which has simply been applied to the Church of England. By examining the Chadwick definition Edge has developed a fuller legal definition of establishment: â€Å"A religious organisation is established where there are laws which apply to that particular religious organisation, qua that religious organisation, which do not apply to the majority of other religious organisations.† In his definition of establishment Edge highlights that establishment, as a legal construct, is not primarily a question for the Church of England, rather, like other legal constructs it is open for debate by all members of the state, not just those which it affects directly. This opens the discussion up as an issue of national importance and thus warrants this discussion on the compatibility of â€Å"establishment of religion† with the interests of liberal democracy in the United Kingdom. To claim that a particular religion is not the religion of the majority of the population is not a sound basis for a legal discussion, however, to examine the ramifications, values and limits of a legal doctrine is a legitimate endeavour. Edge claims that there are four main areas of the law that characterise establishment; the constitutional laws; the civil laws; the criminal laws; and fiscal and property laws. While this is indeed true it is only the first element, the constitutional laws, that shall be the focus of this paper due to the focus on constitutional reform and good governance. Law is not monolithic as it varies in form, principle and structure so to delve into the individual civil, criminal, fiscal and property laws would not be feasible under the remit of this paper. The â€Å"laws of establishment† are not a separate category of law which has been created under one statute, rather, it was a progressive approach that may be defined through the key privileges enjoyed by the Church of England. Phillimore J commented on the current settlement: â€Å"A Church which is established is not thereby made a department of the state. The process of establishment means that the state has accepted the Church as the religious body in its opinion truly teaching the Christian faith, and given to it a certain legal position, and to it’s decrees, if rendered under certain legal conditions, certain civil sanctions†¦the Church of England is a continuous body from its earliest establishment in Saxon times.† However, the argument that the Church of England best represents the Christian faith no longer holds any water. The National Census of 2001 indicates the following data on religious affiliation for Great Britain: 71.8 per cent Christian, 2.8 per cent Muslim, 1 per cent Hindu, 0.6  per cent Sikh, 0.5 per cent Jewish and 0.3 per cent Buddhist, whereas 15.1 per cent of the population had no religion and 7.8 per cent of people chose not to state their religion. Although almost 72 per cent of British people profess to be Christian, the Church of England represents only one of many Christian denominations in Britain. It has also been contested that these statistics are inaccurate as association with Christian denominations is based on individuals being brought up in nominally Christian households. Furthermore, it has been suggested that a decline in Church attendance represents a need to disestablish an institution that is gradually losing support and which may in turn undermine the legi timacy of a government that affords state privilege to such an institution. The idea of disestablishment is not a new concept, indeed it was very popular at the end of the nineteenth century before other issues dominated the political agenda. However, recently there has been an emergence in the call for disestablishment and the issue is once again creeping up the agenda. 1.2 Attempts to Disestablish in the late 19th Century By tracing a brief outline of failed attempts at disestablishment it is hoped that attention will be drawn to the significance and magnitude of disestablishing the Church of England and how the reasons for failure over a hundred years ago have no basis for opposition to any such attempt in the 21st Century. Furthermore, there is an overriding democratic imperative which should not be ignored in the light of religious equality and human rights. The late nineteenth century represented a period of intense interest in the disestablishment of the Anglican Church in England on the basis that such disestablishment is essential in achieving religious equality. This concept was most prominent with the Nonconformists who were the frontrunners of disestablishment in the latter part of the nineteenth century. Although disestablishment was widespread among Nonconformists there was discontent surfacing amongst the Anglican community who acknowledged that there were shortcomings in being controlled by a multi-faith House of Commons. One reason for the failure of disestablishment in England was the historic lack of unity among Nonconformists over this issue throughout much of the nineteenth century. The Liberation Society was never successful in convincing people outside the Anglican Church that a separation of church and state was fundamental in the aspiration of religious equality. A second reason for failure to disestablish the Anglican Church in England was the attitude of W. E. Gladstone, the Liberal leader during most of the late nineteenth century. Although Gladstone was an advocate of religious equality, as his administration’s parliamentary record showed, he was defiant in his support of the Established Church of England. Despite renegade members of the society working outside the party their failure only highlighted the importance of the support of a major political party in any attempt to legislate on disestablishment. Although Gladstone was the driving force in disestablishing the Church in Ireland he remained persistent in his views towards the Church of England. In an attempt to weaken the call for disestablishment he addressed specific grievances against the Church of England, which in turn picked apart any argument constructed in favour of disestablishment. Without changing his views on the Church of England, Gladstone displayed a greater tolerance for eventual disestablishment in Scotland and Wales. In 1885 he admitted that the Established Churches in both Scotland and in Wales serviced a small minority of the people and there would be no issue in allowing each nation to decide upon its own fate. But he argued that the situation in Wales was more difficult than in Scotland because the Church in Wales was organically one with the Church of England. Possibly the most significant factor in the failure to disestablish the Church of England was because as a political issue it became overshadowed by more pressing emergent issues. Irish Home Rule destroyed any chance of disestablishment being a hot political topic in the 1885 general election, which was worsened by disagreement over the issue of Home Rule between the Nonconformists and the Liberal Party. 1.3 Recent Attempts to Disestablish In the late 1980s and early 1990s MP Tony Benn proposed two Bills to disestablish the Church of England, the first in 1988 which only had one operative section: â€Å"The Church of England shall cease to be established by law, and no person shall, after the passing of this Act, be appointed or nominated by Her Majesty or any other person, by virtue of any existing right of patronage, to an ecclesiastical office in the Church of England.† He also addressed the disestablishment of the Church of England in his Commonwealth of Britain Bill in 1991 where it was proposed that the Church of England be â€Å"disestablished† and powers over doctrine and faith be transferred to the General Synod. Both Bills were unsuccessful and they highlighted what a huge operation it would be to â€Å"disestablish† the Church of England. However, complexity and length are not legitimate grounds for the government to avoid the issue, especially when democracy, the foundation of British society, is being compromised. Current Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, has added fuel to the increasing demand for a complete disestablishment of the Church of England. Speaking on BBC Radio 4’s â€Å"World at One† he commented that adopting parts of Islamic Sharia law would help maintain social cohesion. These comments prompted an unforeseeable backlash and public uproar, in turn leaving many questioning the place of religious leaders in public life, and more specifically, the position of the Church of England as the established church. Co-director of think-tank â€Å"Ekklesia†, Jonathan Bartley, commented that: Letting go of privilege is a far better witness to the Christian message than either clinging on to it, seeking to preserve it on a wider basis, or speaking for others rather than engaging them as equals. A motion calling for the disestablishment of the Church of England has been listed in the House of Commons as 666. Labour MP John Austin, who has repeatedly tabled Early Day Motions urging disestablishment, put down his latest motion on January 9th 2008 as MPs debated scrapping Britains blasphemy laws, the law of blasphemy itself representing Christian privilege protected by the law. 1.4 Secularism Secularism is the principle of state neutrality in religious life whereby the state and its institutions grant no religious privileges to any religious group or organisation. By the very definition of secularism it is clear that the United Kingdom cannot call itself a secular state until it has cut official ties with the Church of England, to which it grants numerous religious privileges over all other religions and none. The concept of secularism does not compromise religious belief, nor does it seek to undermine a persons individual religious convictions, rather, it suggests the parameters which are acceptable in terms of religious plurality whereby an individual can manifest his or her religion. Secularism is a goal which any state that calls itself a democracy should strive to achieve and I shall outline the merits of such an objective as well as highlighting how religion in public life may undermine the interests of democracy. Due to increasing religious pluralism in the developed west organised religion and the interests of democracy have become increasingly â€Å"uneasy bedfellows†. The existing Christian denominations must now be added to an increasing number of new cults and, more significantly, substantial Muslim and other non-European religious communities who find the existing settlement between religion and the state problematic. This growing religious plurality is evident in the United Kingdom yet the Church of England remains by law established despite its capacity to marginalize other faith groups and those of no faith. The settlement is highly discriminatory and has created an unnecessary conflict. If religion were to have no role in public life then every group would be on a level playing field with equal opportunity to influence public decisions by way of interest groups. As to those who do not belong to any religious organisation the establishment of a state religion has placed primac y on religion and thus discriminates against those who do not hold any beliefs. One case put forward for secularity, that is the secularisation of public life, is the â€Å"Jefferson Compromise† which was defended by Richard Rorty. Rorty argues that modern democrats should privatise religion without trivialising it and that the religious experience is appropriate for what we do with our aloneness in an open and civil society where one is entitled to freedom of religious worship. He submits that a democratic polity thus has no choice but to ensure that religious believers are guaranteed their freedom to worship their God in private in return for the right of non-believers to live without religious deception within the public domains of civil society and the state. Such an argument seems logical yet the United Kingdom has failed to guarantee such rights to all its citizens. The submissions by Rorty have many merits, most prominent of these being the principle of equality whereby he outlines a pact in which each individuals own beliefs are protected through the absence of religion in public life. Secularists believe that democracy requires the separation of church and state and that citizens be emancipated from state and ecclesiastical diktat in order that they may worship according to their conscience and ethical judgements. In the bible Jesus is quoted as saying â€Å"Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s; and to God the things that are God’s†. This phrase is ambiguous but essentially refers to a separation of the spiritual and the earthly realms, or, the separation of the church and the state. This presupposes an open and tolerant civil society which operates within a pluralist structure in order to avoid bitterness so that each person can enjoy religious freedom without being confined to the dogmatic beliefs and codes of conduct of others. In a case before the European Courts the issue of secularism was addressed in relation to the wearing of a headscarf and a conflict with constitutional law. In Sahin v Turkey (2005) it was held that the Constitutional Court’s reliance on the principle of secularism was paramount in the ban on wearing religious attire and that â€Å"where the values of pluralism, respect for the rights of others and, in particular, equality before the law were taught and applied, it was understandable that the authorities should wish to preserve the secular nature of the constitution and so consider it contrary to such values to allow religious attire to be worn†. In this case it is apparent that the European Courts perceived secularism as a fundamental principle of democracy in Turkey and as such religious belief and the freedom to manifest such beliefs were secondary to the principles of democracy. I submit that in constructing any model of democracy one of the fundamental components s hould be state neutrality in public life. Secularism is a key concept in any democratic state and presents the only logical and fair means of protecting every persons right to individual belief and right to non belief. CHAPTER 2: ANGLICAN BISHOPS IN THE HOUSE OF LORDS 2.1 Background The presence of the twenty-six most senior bishops of the Church of England in the House of Lords is a precarious situation and arguably the most visible manifestation of establishment. The current constitutional settlement is a hangover of Medieval times, which predates the Reformation and reflects the historical position of Anglican bishops as prominent land owners and advisers to the Crown. Until the mid-nineteenth century the Anglican episcopate constituted a significant faction of the second chamber, however, the Diocese of Manchester Act 1847 and the subsequent Acts disestablishing the Churches of Ireland and Wales provided for the current arrangement of twenty-six bishops. Automatic membership to the chamber is associated only with the five historically pre-eminent secs of Canterbury, York, London, Durham and Winchester, while the twenty-one other seats are filled on the basis of seniority. The twenty-six seats held by the Anglican bishops are the only formal provision made fo r the representation of religion in the second chamber in its present form, and while other members of the House of Lords have strong links with various faith groups, and might be seen as providing de facto representation of the viewpoints and beliefs of such groups, it is only the Church of England that has seats reserved for its representatives. It is anomalous that bishops should sit in the legislature ex officio as this results in a duplicate representation of religious views. This discriminates not only against other religions, whether they are Christian or non-Christian groups, but also against the non-religious, who, as I shall discuss in more detail later, have no formal representation based solely on being non-religious. I am not advocating that such provisions should be made, for either other religious groups or non-religious groups, rather, in the interests of plurality and equality the most logistic and ascertainable goal would be to eliminate any form of representation based solely on religion, and to that end, and within the remit of this discussion, the twenty-six seats held by the Anglican bishops should be revoked. 2.2 Proposed Reform of the House of Lords The broader issue of reforming the House of Lords has been a hot topic throughout the last decade, and while reformation of the upper chamber is not the focus of this paper, the subsequent reports and papers published recently address the issue of the Anglican bishops in the upper chamber. The Fifth Report of the Public Administration Select Committee has been the most radical in it’s approach to the senior bishops vis their position in the House of Lords: â€Å"If we are serious about equipping Britain with a modern Parliament and constitution, it is time to modernise this aspect of our constitution too, and to bring to an end formal representation of the church in Parliament†¦we recommend that the Bishops of the Church of England should no longer sit ex officio from the time of the next general election but one.† This report has recognised both the dated nature of our constitutional settlement and the need to get rid of the bishops in order to fully modernise Parliament. However, both the Wakeham Report and the government’s two white papers on the issue defend the position of the Church of England in Parliament. While they recommend that the bishops should remain the Wakeham Report and the 2001 White Paper agree that the number of seats so reserved should be reduced from twenty-six to sixteen, while the 2007 White Paper claims that assuming that the overall size of the House was to be reduced twenty-six Anglican bishops could not be justified. Recommendation 1 The twenty-six Anglican Bishops in the House of Lords should cease to sit in this House on an ex officio basis While the Wakeham Report and the White Papers agree that the number of bishops should be reduced to sixteen they diverge on their approach to accommodating representatives of other religions. The Wakeham Report recommends that 26 seats should be reserved for the religious representatives of the nations of the United Kingdom, and based on the population of each of the nations in the United Kingdom twenty-one seats should go to Christian denominations in England, and five to members representing the Christian denominations of Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales. It recommends that of the twenty-one places reserved for Christian denominations in England, sixteen should be reserved for the Church of England. The Wakeham Report recommends that the Appointments Commission should be responsible for selecting the ten members from other Christian faith, five from England and five from Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales collectively, and should also ensure that five seats are reserved for m embers of non-Christian denominations. The Report is careful to mention the significance of secular views as well as religious views, and recommends that both be accommodated in the new format of the house, however, the Report fails to make any provisions to reserve such seats for secular representatives as they have done for the religious. The main difficulty in accepting the presence of the Anglican bishops in the upper chamber is that membership rates of the Church of England are skewered by its membership methods. Establishment has afforded the Church of England an ideology of membership which differs from any other denomination in the UK as it operates on an involuntary basis, accepting all members who do not take positive steps to set themselves outside of its community at any point in time. Recommendation 2 The method of membership to the Church of England should be on a voluntary basis like every other denomination in the UK so to allow every person born in England the free will to either select their own religion or none at all. Perhaps it is the case that from the outset the Wakeham Commission was restricted in its scope as the White Paper establishing the Royal Commission explicitly stated that the twenty-six Anglican bishops were to remain in the House. It states: â€Å"The Government does not propose any change in the transitional House of Lords in the representation of the Church of England within the House. The Bishops often make a valuable contribution to the House because of their particular perspective and experience. To ensure that contribution remains available, the Government proposes to retain the present size of the Bishops bench which we accept is justified†¦Ã¢â‚¬  It has been claimed that this diktat must have tested the Commission’s ingenuity to the limits as to how to justify the unjustifiable. The White Paper 2001 lacks a lot of the detail that the Wakeham Report has provided in its approach to accommodating other representatives of religion. It claims that the proposals set out by the Wakeham Report are unattainable as many other denominations and faith groups lack the hierarchical structure that would deliver readily identifiable representatives and that there are more faith groups than there are proposed seats. The White Paper simply recommends that the Appointments Commission should ensure that it appoints representatives of the other faith communities in the United Kingdom. While the

The Fight for Human Rights Essay -- the security-for-rights compromise

Can you imagine a life without pre-meditated murder? In his movie Minority Report, Steven Spielberg brings this vision to reality in the trappings of a police state. The pre-crime unit is charged with the elimination of pre-meditated murder using three pre-cogs, humans with the ability to predict violent crime. Minority reports- sporadic, erroneous predictions- indicate the fallibility of this system of imperfect procedural justice. Civilians have their rights to privacy violated on a regular basis for collection of intelligence. This movie is chillingly pertinent in the real world, as today African-Americans and Muslim-Americans have their rights violated regularly in the name of security. Thankfully, we have more than a Hollywood protagonist to fight for the protection of rights. John Stuart Mill, Robert Nozick, and John Rawls provide a philosophic framework for evaluating the security-for-rights compromise. Though their respective theories vary greatly in theory and in practice, they provide models to condemn this exchange. Nevertheless, each differs in the persuasiveness and effectiveness of their tools for argumentation. Mill’s utilitarianism, Nozick’s libertarianism, and Rawls’ egalitarian liberalism reject the tradeoff of security for a majority in exchange for the violation of the rights a minority. John Stuart Mill outlines a sometimes dubious plan for protecting rights and lacks the a priori protection of rights that Rawls and Nozick afford. John Rawls presents the most convincing and solid argument for the omnipotence of rights in the confines of a welfare state. His philosophy acts as an ideal synthesis of libertarianism and utilitarian ism; he demands the utmost respect for rights while trying to maximize utility f... ...t for rights because Tom Cruise says so and because Mill, Nozick and Rawls prescribe it. Works Cited Bentham, Jeremy. Introduction to the Principles of Morals and Legislation. Published online by Constitution Society. Web 18 June 2015. http://www.econlib.org/library/Bentham/bnthPML.html Mill, John Stuart. "Utilitarianism." Web 20 June 2015. http://www.utilitarianism.com/jsmill.htm Nozick, Robert. â€Å"Distributive Justice.† Macquarie University, Modern Political Theory. Web 18 June 2015. http://www.csudh.edu/dearhabermas/nozick01bk.html Rachels, James. The Elements of Moral Philosophy. Birmingham, Alabama: Mcgraw-Hill College, 1999. Rawls, John. A Theory of Justice. Harvard, MA: Harvard University Press, 1999. Minority Report. Dir. Steven Spielberg. Perf. Tom Cruise, Max Von Sydow, Steve Harris. Videocassette. 20th Century Fox, 2002.

Networks And Connectivity :: essays research papers

Networks and Connectivity Trying to give a definition to the term COMMUNICATIONS we can say that “Communications is the dispatch of a message from one point to another and the confirmation of the complete , right and conceivable receiving of the message by the authorized addressee'; . As we can see from the history there was a huge try to achieve the communication between people . The signals of smoke , the sounds of the drum , the fire were some of the basic ways for the transfer of a message in a era years ago . But these ways of communication was neither accurate nor has the certainty of the success . Also the transfer speed of the information was small , the size of the information tiny and the security of the communication was almost absence . The need for networks appears for the first time when Graham Bell set in use the telephone . He was talking with a friend of his with a single line , but later when he wanted to talk to another friend of his he needed to use another line to connect his phone and the phone of his friend . So imagine that he has X friends , he would need X(X-1)/2 lines and X-1 phones , that was impossible so the need of networks come up . The network first developed for the need of the voice communication but after the appearance of data communications need the same network was used . From the time that electricity and electronics had developed there was rapidly changes at the section of the communications . After the decade of the 1950 the computers started developing , and the communications started playing an important role in peoples life . Also the evolution of the voice communication has created an extensive telephone network which today covers a very large part of the planet , and computers have taken advantage of that network in a great rate so as to satisfy their needs for data communication . Terms Talking about our days , when we are referring to the term computer connectivity we have a complex of hardware , software and physical appliance, and we mean the way and how computers can communicate and share common sources with the use of an intelligent or common network . With the term Data Communication we mean the exchange of information under the form of data between Data Terminal Equipment .

Glastonbury Festival Essay

Glastonbury festival (officially The Glastonbury Festival of Contemporary Performing Arts) is biggest and one of the most important music festivals in the world, best known for its contemporary music, but also for dance, comedy, theatre, circus, cabaret and other arts. It takes place in south west England. The festival organiser Michael Eavis, a farmer in a Somerset decided to host the first festival, )then called Pilton Festival) as he saw open air Led Zeppelin concert in 1970. Fourteen people, including John Hoare, invested everything they had to build the stage on Michaels own farm. The first festivals in the 70‘s were influenced by hippie ethics and the free festival movement. After the 1970s the festival took place almost every year and grew in size, with the number of attendees and it becomes one of the most important events of the summer. Nowadays in Glastonbury perform bands such as U2, Colplay, Queens of the Stone Age, Pendulum but also less known (so called indie) bands. The only czech representative in this festival was Gipsy.cz in 2007. Altough festival is affected by barrages of rain and floods, the interest for tickets is enormous. For example in 2007, 137 tousand tickets was sold in only 90 minutes! It’s best not to come to Glastonbury with notebook full of plans of what you want to see. If there are one or two particular bands a day you really want to see, then let your day revolve around them and go with the flow! This festival is fill with the great summer atmosphere that only rock festivals can offer.

Bloodlines Chapter Fourteen

FROM HIMSELF?I couldnt armed service it. The joke was egress in advance I could stop it. nary(prenominal) She perched on the process of the bed and sting her lower lip. perhaps rescue isnt the flop word. unstatedly we direct to go trance him. Hes trapped in Los Angeles.I rubbed my eyes as I sit d admit up and accordingly waited a few moments, however in case this was any(prenominal) a dream. Nope. nonhing motleyd. I picked up my carrell ph unrivaled from my bedside table and groaned when I read the display.Jill, its non even six yet. I started to question if Adrian was even wake this betimes excessively then remembered he was probably on a noc secreteal schedule. Left to their own devices, Moroi went to bed slightly what was late morning for the rest of us.I realize, she state in a polished voice. Im sorry. I wouldnt ask if it wasnt important. He got a unloo count thither ending iniquity beca enforce he wishinged to fulfill those those Moroi misfires again. lee side was supposed to be in LA too, so Adrian cypherd he could belong a ride home. Only, he cant trounce ahold of Lee, so now he cant get pole. Adrian, that is. Hes stranded and hung wholly over.I started to lie stern down. I dont hold tail a crowd of sympathy for that. maybe hell learn a lesson.Sydney, please.I put an arm over my eyes. Maybe if I assisted analogous I was a stop, shed relegate me al one and precisely(a). A question curtly popped into my transfer, and I jerked my arm a commission.How do you receipt both of this? Did he shoot the breeze? I wasnt a super-light sleeper, precisely I put away wouldve heard her environ ring.Jill attend toed away from me. Frowning, I sat up.Jill? How do you experience any of this?Please, she whispered. Cant we scarce go get him? non until you recount me whats personnel casualty on. A u secretivethly qualitying was crawling along my skin. Id matte for a darn that I was existence excluded from some (a)affair big, and now, I suddenly knew I was astir(predicate) to find out what the Moroi had been hiding from me.You cant tell, she verbalise, at long last meeting my eyes again.I tapped the stain on my cheek. I can simply tell anyone anyaffair as it is.No, non anyone. Not the Alchemists. Not Keith. Not any some opposite Moroi or dhampirs who dont al bushel know.Not tell the Alchemists? That would be a problem. Among all the otherwise craziness in my aliveness, no intimacy how oftentimes my assignments infuriated me or how some(prenominal) time Id spent with vampires, Id never questioned who my commitment was to. I had to tell the Alchemists if something was pass on with Jill and the others. It was my duty to them, to hu publicity.Of course, authority of my duty to the Alchemists was warmheartedness later Jill, and whatsoever was plaguing her now plainly was connected to her welfargon. For half a turn, I considered lying to her and immediately dismissed the l iking. I couldnt do it. If I was going to restrict her secret, I would keep it. If I wasnt going to keep it, then I would permit her know up front.I wont tell, I tell. I phone the speech surprise me as some(prenominal) as her. She analyse me in the dim light and moldiness nurse at last refractory I was telling the truth. She gave a indisposed nod.Adrian and I are bound. uniform, with a aspect bond.I matte my eyes exsert in disbelief. How did that Everything suddenly clicked in concert, the missing pieces. The attack. You you Died, said Jill bluntly. thither was so much mix-up when the Moroi assassins came. Everyone thought they were coming for Lissa, so to the highest degree of the guardians went to surround her. Eddie was the lone(prenominal) one who came for me, merely he wasnt desist enough. This man, he Jill moved(p) a spot in the warmness of her chest and shuddered. He stabbed me. He he killed me. Thats when Adrian came along. He used olfactory modalit y to furbish up me and experience me screening, and now were bound. Everything happened so fast. No one thither even completed what he did.My mind was reeling. A spirit bond. Spirit was a impress portion to the Alchemists, closelyly because we had so few records of it. Our demesne was documents and knowledge, so any gap do us feel weak. Signs of spirit use had been recorded over the centuries, alone no one had rattling realized it was its own element. Those events had been written off as haphazard magical phenomena. It was only recently, when Vasilisa Dragomir had exposed herself, that spirit had been rediscover, along with its myriad mental effects. She and uprise had had a spirit bond, the only modern font one we had authenticated. Healing was one of spirits most notable attri fitting nowes, and Vasilisa had brought amaze up fend for from a car accident. It had forged a psychic connection surrounded by them, one that had only been shattered when go had had a second near-death discombobulate it away.You can see in his head, I breathed. His thoughts. His spots. So much began to come together. Like how Jill ever so knew everything some Adrian, even when he claimed he hadnt told her.She nodded. I dont wish to. hope me. But I cant help it. travel said in time, Ill learn the deem to keep his feelings out, but I cant do it now. And he has so much, Sydney. So much feeling. He feels everything so strongly cut, grief, rage. His emotions are up and down, all over the personate. What happened between him and Rose it tears him apart. Its hard to catch ones breath focused on me sometimes with all of that going on in him. At least its only some of the time. I cant actually misrepresent when it happens.I didnt give voice it but wondered if some of those volatile feelings were part of spirits tendency to choose its users insane. Or perhaps it was exactly part of Adrians innate personality. only irrelevant, for now.But he cant feel y ou, decently? Its only one way? I asked. Rose had been able to read Vasilisas thoughts and see her experiences in every daylight life but not the other way just approximately. I assumed it was the same now, but with spirit, one couldnt take anything for granted.Right, she agreed.Thats how thats how you always know things active him. Like my visits. And when he wanted pizza. Thats wherefore hes here, what Abe wanted him here for.Jill frowned. Abe? No, it was shape of a group choice for Adrian to come along. Rose and Lissa thought it would be best if we were together while we were acquire used to the bond, and I wanted him nearby too. What make you return Abe was involved?Er, nothing, I said. Abe instructing Adrian to block at Clarences must not make believe been something Jill observed. I was just mixed up some something.Can we go now? she begged. I answered your questions.Let me make sure I understand something start, I said. Explain how he ended up in Los Angeles and w hy hes stuck.Jill clasped her rolls together and looked away again, a habit I was coming to draw-to doe with with when she had training that she knew wasnt going to be receive easy up.He, um, left Clarences last iniquity. Because he was bored. He hitchhiked into town to medallion Springs and ended up ships companying with some people who were going to LA. So, he went with them. And while he was in a club, he found those girlfriends some Moroi girls and so he went home with them. And then he spent the iniquity and kind of passed out. Until now. at one time hes awake. And he wants to go home. To Clarences.With all this smatter of clubbing and girls, an unsettling thought was expression in my mind. Jill, just how much of that did you in truth experience? She was quiet avoiding my gaze. Its not important.It is to me, I said. The night Jill had woken in tears that had been when Adrian was with those girls too. Was she living his perk up life? What was he thinking? He knows youre on that point, that youre living everything he does, but he never stops to oh God. The first day of school. Ms. Chang was right, wasnt she? You were hung over. Vicariously, at least. And almost every other morning, she woke up feeling semi-sick because Adrian was hung over too.Jill nodded. there was nothing physical they couldve tested the give cares of blood or anything to prove thats what it was, but yeah. I might as well extradite had one. I certainly felt like it. It was awful.I r apieceed out and turn her face toward mine so that she had to look at me. And you are now too. There was more light in the path as the sun rose higher, and I could see the signs again. The sickly nauseatedness and bloodshot eyes. I wouldnt have been surprised if her head and stomach hurt too. I dropped my hand and shook my head in disgust. He can stay there.SydneyHe deserves it. I know you feel something for him. Whether it was sisterly or romantic affection, it really didnt mat ter. But you cant treat him and run to every need and asking he sends to you.Hes not asking me, not exactly, she said. I can just feel that he wants it.Well, he shouldve thought of that before he got himself into this mess. He can figure out his own way acantha.His cell phone died.He can soak up one from his new friends.Hes in agony, she said.Thats how life is, I said.Im in agony.I sighed. Jill No, Im serious. And its not just the hangover. I dream up, yeah, part of its the hangover. And as long as hes sick and not taking anything, then so am I Plus his thoughts. Ugh. Jill rested her supercilium in her hands. I cant get rid of how unhappy he is. Its like like a hammer banging in my head. I cant get away from it. I cant do anything else except think just roughly how miserable he is And that makes me miserable. Or think Im miserable. I dont know. She sighed. Please, Sydney. Can we go?Do you know where he is? I asked.Yes. every(prenominal) right, then. Ill go. I slid over to t he edge of the bed. She stood up with me.Ill come too.No, I said. You go patronize to bed. Take some aspirin and see if you can make yourself feel better. I withal had a few things I wanted to say to Adrian in private. Admittedly, if she was always connected to him, shed overhear our conversation, but itd be a lot easier to tell him what I wanted to when she wasnt actually there in the flesh, looking at me with those big eyes.But how will you I dont want you acquiring sick in the car. Just call me if something changes or if he leaves or whatever.Jills go on protests were halfhearted, either because she didnt feel up to them or was just willing to be congenial for anyone rescuing Adrian. She didnt have an exact address, but she had a very vivid description of the condominium he was at, which was right next entre to a notable hotel. When I looked it up, I saw the hotel was actually in tenacious set down, hatefuling Id have to go medieval Los Angeles proper. I had a two-hou r drive out front of me. Coffee would be required.It was a elegant day, at least, and there was almost no traffic out so early on a Sunday. Looking at the sun and glowering skies, I unplowed thinking about how nice it would be if I were making this drive in a convertible, with the top down. It would also be nice if I had been making this drive for any other reason besides retrieving a stranded vampire party boy.I was lock in having a hard time wrapping my mind roughly the idea that Jill and Adrian were spirit bound. The notion of soul bringing other back from the wild was not one that meshed well with my religious beliefs. It was just as troubling as another of spirits feats restoring Strigoi. We had two documented cases of that happening too, two Strigoi magically changed by spirit users back to their original form. wizard was a woman surnamed Sonya Karp. The other was Dimitri Belikov. amongst that and all this resurrection, spirit was really start to freak me out. That much power just didnt seem right.I reached Long Beach right on schedule and had no problem finding the condo complex. It was right across the street from an oceanfront hotel called the Cascadia. Since Jill hadnt called with a change of location, I assumed Adrian was still holed up. road parking was easy to find at this time of day, and I paused outside(a) to survey at the blue-gray expanse of the Pacific on the western horizon. It was breathtaking, especially by and by my first week in the desert of Palm Springs. I almost wished Jill had come. Maybe creation near so much water system would have made her feel better.The condos were in a peach stucco building with three floors, two units on each floor. From Adrians memories, Jill remembered going to the top of the building and go right. I retraced those steps and came to a blue door with a heavy governance knocker. I knocked.When no answer came after almost a minute, I try again more loudly. I was or so on the verge of a tr oika attempt when I heard the jug unclick. The door exposed a crack, and a girl peeked out.She was clearly Moroi, with a skinny runway model build and pale, sinless skin that seemed particularly irritating today, considering I was pretty sure a pimple was going to break out on my forehead soon. She was my age, maybe a teeny older, with sleek black hair and duncical blue eyes. She looked like some nonnatural doll. She was also half-asleep.Yeah? She looked me over. Are you exchange something? Next to this tall, perfect Moroi, I suddenly felt self-conscious and frumpy in my cables lengthn skirt and button-down top.Is Adrian here?Who?Adrian. Tall. Brown hair. Green eyes.She frowned. Do you mean Jet?I Im not sure. Does he smoke like a chimney?The girl nodded sagely. Yup. You must mean Jet. She glanced rear her and yelled, Hey, Jet Theres some saleswoman here to see you.Send her out, called a old(prenominal) voice.The Moroi opened the door wider and beckoned me in. Hes on the balcony.I walked through a living agency that served as a cautionary storey of what would ever happen if Jill and I pre set-aside(p) all sense of housekeeping and self-respect. The place was a disaster. A girl disaster. wash piles littered the floor, and dirty dishes covered every square inch that wasnt occupied by empty beer nursing bottles. A knocked-over bottle of nail polish had created a bubblegum garden pink splotch on the carpet. On the couch, sweep up in blankets, a blond Moroi girl peered at me drowsily and then went back to sleep.Stepping around everything, I made my way to Adrian through a patio door. He stood on a balcony, leaning against its railing, his back to me. The morning air was warm and clear, so naturally, he was trying to ruin it by smoking.Tell me this, Sage, he said, without turning back to face me. wherefore the hell would person put a building near the beach but not have the balconies face the water? They were built to look at hills behind us. Unle ss the neighbors start doing something interesting, Im ready to declare this structure a congeries waste.I pass over my weapons and glared at his back. Im so glad Ive got your valuable judicial decision on that. Ill be sure and detect it when I file my complaint to the urban center council for their inadequate ocean views.He dour around, the hint of a smile tailspin his lips. What are you doing here? I judge youd be in church or something.What do you think? Im here because of the pleas of a fifteen-year-old girl who doesnt deserve what you put her through. each trace of a smile vanished. Oh. She told you. He off-key back around.Yes, and you all should have told me sooner This is serious monumental.And no uncertainty something the Alchemists would love to study. I could envision his scoff perfectly.I promised her I wouldnt tell. But you still shouldve filled me in. Its kind of important information to have since Im the one who has to babysit all of you.Babysit is kind of an extreme term, Sage.Considering the current scenario? No, not really.Adrian said nothing, and I gave him a quick assessment. He wore high-quality, dark-washed jeans and a red cotton dress that must have been slept in, judging from the wrinkles. His feet were bare.Did you bring a coat? I asked.No.I went back inside and did a search among the clutter. The blond Moroi girl was fast asleep, and the one whod let me in was sprawled on an unmade bed in another room. I finally found Adrians socks and fit out tossed in a corner. I belt along to retrieve them, then headed back outside and dropped them next to him on the balcony.Put those on. Were leaving.You arent my mom.No, yours is overhaul a sentence for perjury and theft, if retentiveness serves.It was a mean, mean thing to say, but it was also the truth. And it got his attention.Adrians head whipped around. Anger glinted in the depths of his green eyes, the first Id ever truly seen in him. Dont you ever mention her again. You hav e no idea what youre talking about.His anger was a critical intimidating, but I held my ground. Actually, I was the one in station of tracking down the records she stole.She had her reasons, he said through gritted teeth.Youre so willing to bear out someone who was convicted of a abuse, yet you dont have any consideration for Jill whos done nothing.I have plenty of consideration for her He paused to light a cigarette with thrill hands, and I suspected he was also trying to get a delay on his emotions. I think about her all the time. How could I not? Shes there I cant feel it, but shes always there, always audience to things in my head, listening to things I dont even want to hear. olfactory modality things I dont want to feel. He inhaled on the cigarette and turned to look at the view, though I doubted he actually saw it.If youre so aware of her, then how come you do stuff like this? I gestured around us. How could you drunkenness when you know it affects her too? How coul d you do I grimaced whatever you did with those girls, knowing she could see it? Shes fifteen.I know, I know, he said. I didnt know about the insobriety not at first. When she came over after school and told me that day, I stopped. I really did. But then when you guys were over on Friday, she told me to go ahead since it was the weekend. I presuppose she wasnt as worried about getting sick. So, I said to myself, Ill just have a couple. Only last night, it turned into more than that. And then things got kind of crazy, and I ended up here and what am I doing? I dont have to exempt my actions to you.I dont think you can excuse them to anyone. I was furious, my blood boiling.Youre one to talk, Sage. He pointed an accusing finger. At least I take action. You? You let the world go by without you. You stand there while that asshole Keith treats you like crap and just smile and nod. You have no spine. You dont clamber back. Even old Abe seems to push you around. Was Rose right that hes got something on you? Or is he just someone else you wont fight back against?I worked hard not to let him know just how deeply those words struck me. You dont know the first thing about me, Adrian Ivashkov. I fight back plenty.You couldve fooled me.I gave him a tight smile. I just dont make a spectacle of myself when I do it. Its called being responsible.Sure. Whatever helps you sleep at night.I threw up my hands. Well, thats the thing I dont sleep at night anymore because I have to come save you from your own idiocy. Can we leave now? Please?As an answer, he put out the cigarette and began displace on his socks and shoes. He looked up at me as he did, the anger entirely gone. His moods were changed as easily as flipping a light switch.You have to get me out of there. Out of Clarences. His voice was level and serious. Hes a nice enough guy, but Im going to go crazy if I stay there.As opposed to your excellent behavior when you arent there? I glanced back into the condo. Mayb e your two groupies have room for you.Hey, indicate some respect. Theyre real people with names. Carla and Krissy. He frowned. Or was it Missy?I sighed. I told you before, I dont have any control over your living arrangement. How hard is it for you to go get your own place? Why do you need me?Because I have almost no money, Sage. My old man cut me off. He gives me an allowance thats exactly enough for cigarettes.I considered suggesting he quit, but that probably wouldnt be a effective turn in the conversation. Im sorry. I really am. If I think of something, Ill let you know. Besides, doesnt Abe want you to stay there? I mulish to come clean. I overheard you two on the first day. How he wanted you to do something for him.Adrian straightened up, shoes secured. Yeah, I dont know what thats all about. Did you hear how totally vague he was too? I think hes just trying to screw with me, keep me absorb because somewhere in that messed-up heart of his, he feels bad about what happened with Adrian shut his mouth, but I could hear the unspoken name Rose. A terrible sadness crossed his features, and his eyes looked lost and haunted. I remembered when Id been in the car with Jill, and shed slipped into a tirade about Rose, about how the memory of her tormented Adrian. penetrative what I knew now about the bond, I had a feeling thered been very little of Jill in those words. That had been a direct line to Adrian. Looking at him, I could scantily understand the scope of that pain, nor did I know how to help. I just knew that I suddenly understood a tiny bit better why he would want to drown his sorrows so much, not that that made it any healthier.Adrian, I said awkwardly, Im lug it, he said. You dont know what its like to love someone like that, then to have that love thrown back in your face An ear-splitting scream suddenly penetrate the air. Adrian flinched more than me, proving the downside of vampire hearing peckish sounds were that much more annoying.As on e, we go back inside the condo. The blond girl was sitting upright on the couch, as startled as we were. The other girl, the one who had let me in, stood in the doorway to the bedroom, pale as death, a cell phone clutched in her hand.Whats the matter? I asked.She opened her mouth to speak and then did a double take at me, apparent to remember that I was human.Its okay, Carla, said Adrian. She knows about us. You can trust her.That was all Carla needed. She threw herself into Adrians arms and began crying uncontrollably. Oh, Jet, she said between sobs. I cant believe it happened to her. How did this happen?What happened? asked the other Moroi girl, move up unsteadily to her feet. Like Adrian, she looked like shed slept in her clothes. I dared to hope that Jill hadnt been subjected to as much as indecency as Id earlier imagined.Tell us what happened, Carla, said Adrian in a gentle voice Id only ever heard him use around with Jill.Im Krissy, she sniffed. And our friend our friend. She wiped at her eyes as more tears came to her eyes. I just got the call. Our friend another Moroi who goes to our college shes dead. Krissy looked up at the other girl, whom I guessed was Carla now. It was Melody. She was killed by Strigoi last night.Carla gasped and began crying, triggering more tears from Krissy. I met Adrians eyes, both of us aghast. Even if we had no idea who this Melody was, a Strigoi killing was still a terrible, tragic thing. Immediately, my Alchemist mind kicked into action. I needed to make sure the crime scene was secure and the murder unploughed secret from military man.Where? I asked. Where did it happen? wolfram Hollywood, said Carla. Out behind some club.I relaxed a little, though I was still shaken by the calamity of it all. That was a busy, populated region, one that would unimpeachably be on the Alchemists radar. If any humans had found out, the Alchemists would have long since taken care of it.At least they didnt turn her, said Carla forlo rnly. She can rest in peace. Of course, those monsters still couldnt rest without mutilating her body. I stared, feeling cold all over. What do you mean?She rubbed her nose on Adrians shirt. Melody. They didnt just drink from her. They slit her throat too.