Aristotle on Nobility and Pleasure free essay sample

The admirers of what is respectable find lovely the things that are naturally wonderful; and highminded activities are such; Their life, in this way, has no further need of joy as a kind of extrinsic appeal, however has delight In Itself. Morals, 1. 8 Aristotle was an understudy under Plato, and despite the fact that he didn't have faith In the mystical Forms that Plato so solidly put stock in, he applied a component of the hypothesis behind the Forms.Instead, what Aristotle hypothesized was that there was some extreme, some last objective to which we as a whole reach, however as opposed to being some out of reach objective, it was basic: satisfaction. Joy shows itself in the entirety of our activities, regardless of whether its a cognizant procedure or not, however when we are really cheerful is the point at which we do things that are temperate and good. What's more, rather than being some idle piece of another objective, Aristotle expressed that satisfaction was the objective, tha t there was no higher structure to accomplish past. In section seven of Book One, Aristotle is practically unclear as he attempts and characterizes what joy Seems to be, and all the more critically, why satisfaction Is urgent to the human capacity, and In reality expresses that nor should we request to know an easygoing clarification In all issues the same (1 Bibb). Contrasting It with straightforward realities that are an earlier, similar to when managing crucial standards, he concedes that it can't be characterized so effectively nor so rapidly. He at that point battles, in part eight, to characterize joy. It is, as per him, a sort of good life and prosperity; prudence blocks activity just as thought.It is additionally interchangeable with temperance: despite the fact that upright demonstrations are, as a rule, not charming commonly C] men who love what is honorable get delight based on what is normally wonderful (AAA). Aristotle likewise makes an understood partition of bliss that is inherent Moisakos C] and an energy that is creat ed through human exertion and righteousness, denudation. In any case, it appears as though there Is an Inherent blemish in his standpoint for the individuals who are not favors with Moisakos and come up short on the methods (political associations, riches, height, and whatnot) to complete an activity that would satisfy somebody. In section ten, he even ventures to such an extreme as to inquire as to whether a man could really be called glad In the course of his life, in light of the fact that numerous progressions and a wide range of possibilities will come to pass for a man over an incredible span. Its difficult to believe that a circumstance that would be outside of his mean would not present itself eventually. Aristotle contends that since activities that are predictable with ideals are the most steady of all the human capacities, and accordingly despite the fact that various circumstances to which he can't answer may happen to him, they are hardships and don't hold a similar property of lastingness which characterizes righteousness (and subsequently, happiness).He concedes that these circumstances 0 disasters or fortunes as they might be C] do make life progressively alluring, or deface its engaging quality, and influence satisfaction on a somewhat shallow level, however Aristotle Is snappy to call atten tion to that since excellence Is changeless, that It radiates through paying little mind to the circumstance If the man Is really crazy. There are a few Instances where the hypothesis may appear not to be dollars may be upbeat for sure with all his freshly discovered riches. However, I think shallow happiness.Eventually, there are various things that would modify his satisfaction: the induction of the cash, his morals and how he either has none or has invaded them looking for material riches, etc. By breaking down how he got the cash, the criminal is compelled to confront not just how he is corrupt enough he is to have taken the cash from guiltless individuals, yet in addition the way that he has deserted the entirety of his ethics that would regularly keep him from taking. The speculative case of the criminal is marginally deceptive, however; in view of the way that Aristotle characterizes happiness.In the given circumstance, the hoodlum gathers cash so he can hypothetically spend it on material products, etc, so the cycle proceeds with somewhat more. As indicated by Aristotle, satisfaction doesn't require anything further: it is a conclusion to itself. A superior model may rather be the situation of a man who goes into a consuming house to spare a newborn child. In spite of the fact that he may in fact get acknowledgment and be viewed as a legend, Aristotle contends that the genuine explanation that the man goes into the fire is cause it is the correct activity. What's more, the proper activity 0 the respectable activity additionally likens to satisfaction. In spite of the fact that the man may have changed inspirations to spare the youngster, all the potential inspirations can be followed back to one, driving and widely inclusive want, the craving to be upbeat. One may likewise bring up a case wherein being straightforward or righteous would appear to bring despondency. For example, an individual who has neglected to announce something she needs to pay charges for, however has pulled off it. She could either not carry herself to consideration, and spare uncover of dollars, or be straightforward and report the blunder and pay the bill.It would appear that the last choice would really bring pressure and despondency, as opposed to what Aristotle claims. However, in the event that you look further, in spite of the fact that the lady may eat cold heated beans out of a tin and wish shed been unscrupulous, over the long haul, shell have the option to think back and value her genuineness and like herself for not deserting her ethics. What's mo re, this is actually what Aristotle is stating; that you can be upbeat just for being straightforward. No other ulterior intention, Just for the sheer bliss of having the option to hold on what you trust in.No other quality or human trademark can rouse such a great amount in its own resistance, nor is some other trademark so consistent. Taking everything into account, in spite of the fact that Aristotle strains to characterize joy and what it envelops, he sets boundaries that characterize it as a lifestyle, not Just ethical quality in thought or conviction. Satisfaction is equivalent with goodness, and both block activity just as thought. Nonetheless, in the event that you are temperate, at that point your joy will supplant any potential adversities you may have throughout everyday life and the changelessness of goodness will abrogate the transitory influences of the results of hardship as well as fortune.

Premature Specialization in Medicine

A clinical specialist in today†s world is instructed and prepared in a customary way that tries to protect the prosperity of their patients. Rehearsing medication requires a solid science foundation and thorough preparing; it is in light of a legitimate concern for customers and clinical sheets over the world to guarantee this. Along these lines, training in the science field is critical, even at the undergrad level. Being a specialist isn't only a vocation, nor is it exclusively a profession. The clinical calling is immersed with chance, for both the patient just as the specialist. Specialists need early specialization in their instruction so as to gain the abilities important to deal with fragile circumstances that happen every day. Negligence must reach a conclusion. The instruction that a specialist gets is an apparatus that the individual in question will utilize as long as they can remember, (not at all like an individual who studied something in opposition to what their field of work is). A doctor†s experience is a crucial instrument. Clinical ability is an interest for certain rehearsing techniques and ought to be paid attention to. Realizing the legitimate framework requires a specialist to have a decent measure of experience can facilitate the worries of family and friends and family, and furthermore offers certainty to a specialist that the individual in question can do their work effectively. With the end goal for specialists to get the best understanding and instruction required, preparing must happen at an early stage in training. A plenitude of science courses in school is a decent begin to get ready for clinical school. Despite the fact that clinical schools may cover the material that is offered in undergrad science and science courses, rehash introduction to the material must be valuable to the understudy. The more experience that an understudy has in science and related subjects eventually helps the future specialist over the long haul. To guarantee the degree of development of a specialist, it is important to teach them on an expansive level. As per Thomas, English, History, the writing of in any event two unknown dialects, and reasoning should draw close to the highest priority on the rundown, just beneath Classics, as essential necessities, and candidates for clinical school ought to be informed that their evaluations in these courses will more than anything. (Thomas 115) Instructing premed understudies in these courses is significant, however science is the most noteworthy part in an undergrad program. It requires thought and practice just as research, which are largely basic keys to being a specialist. On the off chance that a MD were ensured with minimal measure of experience permitted in the science field as could be expected under the circumstances, negligence could be normal. Then again realizing two unknown dialects isn't fundamental to ones life. Indeed, if a patient communicates in another dialect interpreters can be acquired to fit certain requirements. Specialists that attention on science and wellbeing are accomplishing what the calling requires. Understanding science to its full limit should be the objective for premeds and clinical understudies. To guarantee the well toll of a patient, over accomplishment of science courses is essential. Taking a gander at the clinical instructive arrangement that is available in today†s Universities, premed understudies take a stab at science and set forth the push to make these classes their main need. As indicated by Thomas, † If there are any courses in the humanities that can be taken without hazard to class standing they will arrange for these, however they won't get in to anything extreme aside from science.† (Thomas 114) Comprehending science can be hard and invigorating, understudies should scatter these courses while keeping up a degree of comprehension of different fields, yet it is not kidding to make center around science. Any understudy in the undergrad level keeping up a passing mark point normal while taking 300, and 400 level science classes is destined for progress. The hazard factor for a specialist rehearsing medication that has altogether been instructed and has finished all essential science classes, regardless of whether it be untimely specialization or courses in clinical school, will at last be a protected specialist and will make a progressively secure environment in the field.

The Note free essay sample

One decision. One book. One sentence. That’s all it took for me to choose what I needed to do with my life. Unthinkable? I’ll surrender that over to you to choose. It was an impeccable harvest time day, the kind of day when the splendid sun and the infant blue sky fill you with a specific unexplainable wistfulness. The flying creatures sang bravely, similar to the guiltless laugher of small kids playing on a late spring night. The scene was beguiling. It looked wonderful, yet the air had a clear energy to it, making a coat a lamentable need. I, lamentably, was inside, at my neighborhood library, perusing the large number of stacks for the â€Å"perfect† book. It was an errand that, after a specific measure of time, turned out to be very overpowering, because of the incredible number of titles that lined the racks. In the long run, however, I picked. I wish I could review which book I chose from the heap, and what it was that attracted me to it, maybe an appealing spread or a fascinating title. We will compose a custom article test on The Note or on the other hand any comparable point explicitly for you Don't WasteYour Time Recruit WRITER Just 13.90/page Whatever it was, I hauled it out and began to stroll towards the librarian’s work area to look at. As I did, a little, collapsed bit of paper dropped out of the book and rippled to the ground. I came to down and got it, figuring it was a tad of capricious doodling and started to stroll towards the waste can. In any case, after a couple of steps, interest showed signs of improvement of me, and I surrendered to my longing to unfurl it and see what it was. There, scribbled in a messy hand and blue pen were these words: â€Å"I may not make a million dollars however I will make a million smiles.† Those words broke my decided step, and I halted and investigated the piece. At that point I shrugged, pushed it into my pants pocket and continued my unique campaign to the librarian’s work area. At the point when I returned home that night, I opened the book and started to peruse, just to discover my considerations over and over coming back to the bit of paper in my pocket. I hauled it out again and analyzed it, contemplating internally, â€Å"What sort of individual leaves a note like this in a library book?† My brain beat through the potential outcomes. Possibly it had been a bookmark? In any case, at that point, why not utilize a tissue, or something straightforward? Why this bit of paper? Following a couple of moments of serious consideration I arrived at the resolution that whoever put the piece there needed another person to discover it and acknowledge the words. I at that point continued my perusing, not, at this point baffled, yet empowered that somebody would be persuaded to do something like this. I kept that paper, and those words composed on my heart. As I think about that wrinkled piece, sitting even now on my bureau in my room, I understand the amount of an effect that paper had on me, and how my response to those fourteen little words found me napping. It contacted me profoundly and brought about a progressively careful cognizance of myself and who I need to be. I didn’t change in a gigantic manner. On the off chance that you asked my loved ones, they would most likely say that I’ve consistently been a truly kind, caring individual, and I didn’t experience any radical transformation. Be that as it may, life is a progression of decisions, and making the correct ones is here and there actually quite difficult. I probably won't want to enable my companion to read for a significant French test or rising from the get-go Saturday mornings to proceed to chip in at St. John’s Soup Kitchen, yet those fourteen little words strengthened my assurance to make the best decision, in any event, when it’s the exact opposite thing I want to do. What's more, when my companion gets An on that test, or I see a grin on the essence of somebody who may have gone hungry that day without the help of the soup kitchen, I realize that it’s justified, despite all the trouble. Life moves us to be altruistic and liberate ourselves from indifference, and I will confront this test wholeheartedly. Despite the fact that it’s some of the time hard to stay inspired to do great in a world that now and again appears as if it’s simply overflowing with individuals without any ethics or no sympathy, I do it in any case. I have the benefit of knowing numerous dynamite individuals, who have contacted me enormously, accidentally promising me to be the best individual I can be and arrive at my maximum capacity. Much the same as that paper, I get wrinkled and disintegrated, yet I will never surrender, and I will be constantly consistent with myself. That bit of paper completely changed myself in a permanent manner. One decision. One book. One sentence.

Obesity in the US Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Corpulence in the US - Essay Example The start of the 21st century is set apart by corpulence issues and overweight influencing American populace. Measurable outcomes and research examines propose that stoutness turns into a national issue which influenced a large number of grown-ups and kids around the nation. Corpulence is a scourge. It will in general have more negative than constructive outcome on the economy and can extraordinarily decrease ones future. The best goals to kill this spreading sickness is by teaching individuals about a solid eating routine and standard activities, beginning with the more youthful ages. Beside medical procedure, a solid way of life is the main alternative that will work (Sugarmann and Sandman 1403). This paper will examine the foundation of the malady, some deterrent estimates that can be taken just as a proposed arrangement and proposed approach. The strategy that will assist the country with improving their dietary patterns is to teach the general population on the threats and clini cal problems that weight causes and to help annihilate this scourge from our country. Heftiness is characterized as: an overabundance of muscle versus fat, and is unmistakable from overweight (Toth and Schwartz 13) which implies an abundance of body weight. When appeared differently in relation to smoking and drinking, weight from the outset appears to be a less genuine medical issue. Stoutness isn't just more dangerous than smoking and drinking, however it likewise prompts a greater expense for human services and medication. Measurements additionally show that corpulence contributes around 740,000 passings from heart illnesses, 540,000 from malignant growth, 158,000 from stroke, and 59,000 from diabetes are for the most part contributable to weight. As a rule of Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa, female patients regularly feel pressure since they can't acknowledge their appearances and in the end starve themselves to remain fit as a fiddle. Heftiness is one of the principle explanations behind increments in suicides in the United States (CDC) (Pollan 2003). Pollan questions: Since the crude materials of pop and popcorn, French fries and even burgers speak to such a small part of their retail cost (contrasted and work, bundling and promoting), extending segment size turns into an approach to duplicate deals without adding a lot to costs (Pollan 2003'; see index 1). Predominance For grown-ups, stoutness is an aftereffect of undesirable eating conduct they follow from youth changing nothing during their develop years. Significant detail is that individuals have unfortunate eating designs from the yearly age which lead them to overweight issue in not so distant future. Thus, mental and physical medical issues emerge when two clashing qualities are being consumed by a kid, for example, turning out to be progressively alluring on the off chance that one is thin and excellent, as contradicted by a baser intuition to humor one's gastronomical craving (Toth and Schwartz 13) What is most ordinarily watched then among victims is their low confidence. They see weight decrease as the main path for them to be acknowledged and adored. A large number of individuals feel that they are sufficiently bad, they are not fit for doing anything right, and have a dream that their appearance is constantly examined by others, have an erroneous point of view that they would be more j oyful and life would be better in the event that they could simply get more fit. Negative self-perception appears differently in relation to media pictures of perfect body and the significance of physical engaging quality and bolstered by garments producers who promote loose way of life. The issue is that numerous kids consider that doing exercise is less superb than other unhealthful options, for example, observing

Religious Discussions

Religious Discussions IAP, as you might have heard, is a fun and exciting time to be at MIT, because there are about a million events going on every day. Ive been checking the IAP events schedule pretty regularly, but unfortunately, most of the events that I find interesting take place during my Italian class or work hours. But today I was finally able to attend one of the seminars I found intersting. Unfortunately, it wasnt as interesting as Id hoped, but Im really glad I went. The topic, you might be surprised, to know, was religion. MITs Asian Christian Fellowship hosted Doubters Anonymous, which listed the following description in the IAP guide: A discussion group about hard questions regarding faith and Christianity. Practicing and retired Christians, agnostics, atheists, and general doubters are all encouraged to come. Discussion will follow the questions that you anonymously suggest at the beginning of the meeting. Facilitators are Kevin Ford (an MIT chaplain and pastor) and Garrett Smith, who is well versed in Judaism, Eastern religions, and Christianity. Regardless of where you are on your spiritual journey, come and pose your hard questions about faith, science, Christianity, and doubt. As someone who considers herself spiritual but often has a hard time believing things on blind faith, this seminar seemed particularly interesting to me. The two speakers took turns answers some tough questions, like How do Christians view Muhammad, who said that God spoke to him? Are we to simply disregard his personal spiritual encounter? and As a scientist, how can I believe in things described in the Bible like the sun standing still, Sodom and Gomorrah, etc? Unfortunately, the seminar seemed more geared towards Christians hoping to strengthen their faith by overcoming these questions, rather than someone like me, who wasnt actually looking for a solid answer. Because of that, I found some of the answers less than satisfying. For example, the speakers explained their personal reasons for believing in Jesus rather than Muhammad, which was insightful, but without an Islamic point of view, the discussionwasnt really much of a discussion. One of the interesting things the speaker mentioned was that he thought that there should be a huge price for declaring faith- thatll keep you honest. When members of a certain religion are persecuted, only those who really believe in it will risk it. Think about it- when people are less tolerant, religion is more pure. Crazy. Looking at it from the reverse: part of the problem with Christianity today, in this speakers view, is that if you grow up in a Christian family, theres a huge price for NOT declaring your faith. So you end up with a lot of people who say theyre Christians when theyre really not, which really dilutes the power and message of those people who are truly faithful. The world is unfortunately brimming over with the effects of this phenomenon as it applies to all religions. The second question I mentioned above was perhaps more interesting, because one of the students at the seminar suggested that we change it to reflect some recent letters to the editor which had been published in the Tech. Rather recently, MIT appointed Dean Randolph its first ever Chaplain. This inspired a letter to the editor of the Tech by someone who opposed the apointment of a chaplain, and, as you can imagine, a few responses to that. Ive provided the links to the letters below, but be warned, it gets heated pretty fast. My personal opinion is that the original letter writer is being horrendously narrow-minded, but see for yourself: MIT does not need a chaplain Responses published on 1/16 Responses published on 1/23 One of the speakers wrote on the board, Is there purpose in the universe? pointed to it, and asked can science answer this question? He claimed the answer was no, because science isnt designed to answer that question. Even among scientists, its pretty commonly accepted that the limit of science merges with philosophy. That theres a point at which things might just be unknowable, and thats where faith comes in. As for the miraculous, science-defying events that happen in the Bible, he claimed that people just wrote what they saw, and we have to figure out what they meant by that. He posed the following example: If youre at the beach in the evening and the sky is a very pretty red, you might say, what a pretty sunset. You dont say, Wow, look at the way the suns rays are refracting through the layers of the atmosphere as its angle of declination to our line of sight changes over time. You say, thats a pretty sunset- but thats terribly scientifically inaccurate! Im not sure how far this goes into convincing skeptics of the truth in the Bible despite its miraculous proclamations, but it certainly got a good laugh out of the crowd. The other speaker took a different route: he claimed that there are so many miraculous things that happen all the time that we take for granted that we just never bother to try to explain them. For example, the miracle of birth. Sure we know all about the biology of it, but we seem to be so caught up in our detailed knowledge of the sperm fertilizing the egg and the chromosomes splitting and so on and so forth, that we never really seem stop to think that all of those cells doing their thing actually creates a new person. Thats pretty miraculous, if you stop to think about it for a second. Like I said, I had a lot of problems with some of the things the speakers were saying, but it did provide some interesting food for thought which should keep me mentally occupied for awhile. So, in case you were wondering- yes, there is a religious following at MIT, but like in everything else, were still MIT students about it- so we think too much and make science jokes about it too. =) You can see more IAP activities related to religion here. Responses to comments: Isshak said: do you like to read Kafka ? You should read The Trial, its a great book ! What do you like to read ? I havent read any Kafka, but I do read pretty much anything and everything, so Ill be sure to add that to my list. Ive literally walked down an aisle of the library and pulled a book off the shelves at random for leisure reading. In general, though, Im a big fan of fantasy, however cheesy and unoriginal it might be. I just love reading about people who are doing more exciting things than me, leading brave and epic lives and fighting evil and what not, because Id totally love to be one of those characters. Im also a big fan of Kurt Vonnegut, because his stuff is very sarcastic and satirical, and sarcastic just might be my middle name. One other thing I love to read but am never, ever able to finish is Hispanic literature. Its just so hard to get through a whole book in a non-native language. It takes SO long, but I absolutely adore Gabriel Garcia Marquez and Isabelle Allende anyway. They write with whats called magical realism which is a style that relies on blurring the line between fantasy and reality. Sorry for the long-winded answer, but you did ask me a question about one of my favorite topics ever. =) Justin Powell asked: Also this might be a dumb question but I have looked for the emails of the bloggers a few times and have not been able to find them Where the heck are they?? This one has already been answered, but for anyone else whos wondering, all of the bloggers have contact information listed to the left of their banner photos at the top of each of their entries. Feel free to contact me at asklaura at mit dot edu. I will reply to your email, but I can make absolutely no promise as to how quickly Ill accomplish that. Also, to everyone who sent in blog entry ideas in response to my last entry: youre awesome! Obviously they wont all be happening right away, but rest assured that Ive taken note of them and will be tackling them eventually. If you ever have any personal questions or blog entry ideas, please let me know. Believe it or not, the comment section below is not specifically designed so you can have a first post war. And like I said, I do reply to all the emails I get from you guys. Eventually. =)

Course Orientation Module Deviance and the Environment - 275 Words

Course Orientation Module: Deviance and the Environment (Essay Sample) Content: DevianceNameInstitutional Affiliationà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã†â€™Deviance à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‹Å"There are no children here' is a story of two brothers, who live in Chicago and are part of a dysfunctional family. The environment the boys are born in becomes a great determinant of their experiences and how their lives turn out. Some siblings end up in a life of crime and suffer significant consequences for their choices. The sociology of deviance has some theories that can be used to describe the type of behavior the individuals from the story engage in. One of these theories is the typical reaction and other processes theories. The theories explain how individuals learn deviant behavior through labeling or learning from others. It describes how individuals participate in crime by associating the type of behavior to a famous individual in society especially actors who involved in movies that are based on crime. Individuals feel that its right to engage in such behavior because a well-kno wn person in society is doing it. The theories also explain that individuals learn such behaviors from people they interact with including family members or friends. In the story, Lashwan, the first born in the family, engages in prostitution and drug abuse. Paul, who is the father, has also been engaging in substance addiction. Lashawn has learned the deviant behavior of drug addiction from her father and to cater for the substance abuse; she participates in prostitution (Barkan, 2011). Sociologists have come up with what needs to be addressed to reduce crime. The social psychological sources of deviance are the major issues according to sociologists. Issues like frustration and anger come as a result of positive stimuli being taken away from an individual's environment and negative stimuli being introduced. ...

Understand the principles and values that underpin work with parents Free Essay Example, 1500 words

This is essential because while practitioners are equipped with sufficient knowledge and expertise, it is also important for the knowledge and opinions of the parents to be considered in the process. Thus, both parties working in collaboration are able to devise an efficient and effective plan for the children (Smith, 2004). Another value embedded into the system includes the adoption of a strengths-based approach. It is vital for all parents to be respected and the process being non-judgmental regarding the parents’ abilities to rear and provide for their child. The programme aims to emphasise and reflect upon each parent’s strengths, expertise, and knowledge, and work on enhancing these capabilities (Smith, 2004). The services should all be inclusive and easily accessible to the parents as another principle of the Work with Parents project. This means that the services should be specifically tailored to meet the requirements of different cultures, genders, and specific lifestyles. Hence, the programmes should include no discrimination and should aim to understand and relate to the specific needs of different families. Thus, the programme should be able to conform to the specific circumstances posed by every family (NOSWWP, 2012). We will write a custom essay sample on Understand the principles and values that underpin work with parents or any topic specifically for you Only $17.96 $11.86/pageorder now It is also highly emphasised in the principles of the National Occupational Standards that workers should be highly aware and conscious of good practice, and it must thus cater to the needs of the families with the utmost skill and competence. They must apply their skills, knowledge, and training in order to provide high-quality parental support (NOSWWP, 2012). While the main principles of the Work with parents programme have been briefly outlined, the Work with Parents National Occupational Standards underpins and defines fifteen specific principles which govern the programme. The first principle outlines the rights of the child as highlighted and described by the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (1989), which was approved in the UK in the year 1991. The second principle highlights the need for practitioners to work in partnership with parents and in accordance with the wishes and demands of the parents involved. It also emphasises the need for practitioners to give parents a sense of independence and autonomy while working with their children (NOSWWP, 2012). The third principle acknowledges the supreme knowledge of parents regarding the unique circumstances of their child and assigns them the role of primary educator for their children.

The Spill Of The Deepwater Horizon - 1188 Words

On April 20, 2010, at 9:45 pm, the Deepwater Horizon experienced an explosive blowout on a rig located in the Gulf of Mexico. The explosion was about 40 miles of the Louisiana coast. With the flow of gas leaking out, it caused the death of eleven workers on the rig. About two days later the rig sank, which caused quite a lot of damage to a pipeline that laid drawn-out through 5,000 feet of water. As a result, the oil begin pouring from the damaged pipes into the ocean nearby, at the incredible rate. The Deepwater Horizon was built in 2001, and was owned by the Transocean Ltd. There are many people who blame the owners of the oil drilling company and its associates for allowing the disaster to occur on its watch. The resulting explosions at Deepwater Horizon and the oil spill that occurred after, enraged millions of people around the world. Consequently, the BP Company has faced multiple inspections from the U.S government, which is trying to hold BP responsible for its role in the oi l spill. The administration of President Obama issued a six-month suspension on new Deepwater training projects, after the tragic events of the BP oil spill, and put a hold on all other production at thirty-three existing Deepwater sites. A process deemed irrelevant when that suspension came into contact with the Federal Courts a few weeks later. Its permitted status has yet to be decide. According to state officers the suspension was necessary to evaluate the possible dangers and future effectsShow MoreRelatedDeepwater Horizon Oil Spill1102 Words   |  5 PagesElizalde Exam Essay 1 The Deepwater Horizon oil spill was an oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico which flowed for three months in 2010. This spill had a catastrophic on the environment causing extensive damage to marine and wildlife habitats as well as killing 11 workers and injuring 17 others. This spill is the â€Å"worst environmental disaster the US has faced†, according to White House energy adviser Carol Browner. Why did this occur? The staff of the BP Deep Water Horizon Oil Spill and Offshore drillingRead MoreThe Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill1098 Words   |  5 PagesA major example of our failure to learn from the past was the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, which happened on 20 April 2010. The whole explosion which devastated the oil platform caused 11 deaths. These deaths could have been prevented if BP Oil, the operators of the platform, had only heeded the lessons of the past. â€Å"Learn from the mistakes of the past or you will be doomed to repeat them,† is a statement used by historical scholars. This statement holds true for many areas of life, from politicsRead MoreThe Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill1816 Words   |  8 PagesIntroduction The Deepwater Horizon oil spill (also referred to as the BP oil spill) occurred in the Gulf of Mexico in April of 2010. The spill had detrimental physical, chemical, and biological effects throughout ecosystems in the Gulf of Mexico. The Deepwater Horizon oil spill being the largest accidental marine oil spill in the history of the United States, makes it a very important event in US history. During the event many coastal areas along the Gulf of Mexico were coated with oil, includingRead MoreThe Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill2022 Words   |  9 PagesDeepwater Horizon Oil Spill The Context Before the occurrence of the Deepwater Horizon event, BP had already been labelled as having a horrible safety record. A 2009 report by the United States Department of Labour Occupational Safety and Health Administration (Todd Petterson , 2009), indicated that BP had 270 existing fines of a ‘failure to abate’ and 439 ‘wilful violations’ of various safety protocols. At the time of the disaster the regulators of the oil industry in the United States was theRead MoreThe Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill Essay2353 Words   |  10 PagesThe e Deepwater Horizon oil spill at the Macondo well began on April 20, 2010, in the Gulf of Mexico on the BP-operated Macondo Prospect. An explosion on the Deepwater Horizon drilling rig on 20 April 2010 killed 11 people and caused almost 5 million barrels of oil to flow into the Gulf of Mexico. The spill covered 68,000 square miles of land and sea and triggered a response effort involving the use of nearly 2 million gallons of dispersant chemicals (Pallardy). Considered the largest accidentalRead MoreThe Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill1886 Words   |  8 PagesGEO- 215 / M001 Professor Read November 2014 The Deepwater Horizon oil spill, also known as the BP oil spill was located in the Gulf of Mexico in April 2010. This was the largest due to the impact it had on the environment. The oil company British Petroleum, chartered a mobile drilling rig that was drilling a deep exploratory well thousands of feet below the sea level. The rig was located in the Macondo Prospect in the Mississippi Canyon. The spill was first discovered when large amounts of oil wereRead MoreThe Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill2180 Words   |  9 PagesThe Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill occurred on April 20, 2010 in the Gulf of Mexico. This oil spill was the largest spill in history in front of the Exxon Valdez oil spill of 1989. This oil spill released about 4.9 million barrels of oil into the ocean. This spill not only wreck havoc on the marine life but also the economic players that depended on ocean such as fisherman, tourism, and offshore drilling located along the gulf coast. Along will the spill the oil rig whic h was named Deepwater HorizonRead MoreAnalyzing Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill4163 Words   |  17 Pagesno location like it anywhere else on Earth (USDC, 2012). USDC (2012) reports that on April 20, 2010 examinations of the world concentrated on an oil platform in the Gulf, around 50 miles off the Louisiana coastline. The mobile drilling unit Deepwater Horizon, which was being made used to drill an experimental well for BP Exploration and Production, Inc. (BP), violently blew up, ignited and at some point sank, tragically eliminating 11 employees. However that was just the start of the catastropheRead MoreImpact Of Ecosystem On The Deepwater Horizon Spill1583 Words   |  7 Pagesoil spill, the composite determines the behavior and impact on the environmental elements such as physical, biological, ecosystem, and the economical impact. During this Case Study I will continue to discuss the characteristics of each affected ecosystem including organisms commonly found in the Deepwater Horizon Spill affected area, potential threats based on their relative location to the spill, and the economic impact of damages in these communities. Main Body During the Deepwater Horizon OilRead MoreBp The Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill Of 2010758 Words   |  4 PagesPrior to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill of 2010, BP had a positive reputation for promoting corporate sustainability and creating sustainable energy. In the wake of the oil spill, however, BP proved that it was not on the right track despite the proclamation to its constituents of the exact opposite. There is a popular adage â€Å"almost doesn’t count.† BP’s investment in research directed toward minimizing negative environmental impact while conducting business and accomplishing major undertakings

The Politics And Last National Security Essay - 1726 Words

Arms Trade, Weapons Sales, Armament Sales are just few terms used for the manufacture and sale or trade of devices to protect a country, attack another and quite possibly benefit economically, or politically on a global scale. Countries, entities, factions, make, sell, and give things of destruction to others. This is a reality. The intent of this paper is to provide information that individuals can use to determine the necessity. The economics, the politics and last the National Security are the three main discussion points. History History of Arms Trade, Weapons Trade or the trade any of items necessary to protect, feed or conquer dates back to the dawn of time. Scholars note that arms trade or weapons trade could be traced back 300,000 years (Thieme). As â€Å"humans† evolved and interacted with each other, scholars speculate that the trade of many things occurred. The trade would include stories, knowledge, which can be considered intangibles, then the tangibles, seeds for food, things to make tools, how to make a shelter, weapons for protection and survival. Basically trade included instruction and things needed for every aspect of life; to survive. Agers 2 Elements of Thought Think about it this way. You have a clan or tribe with really good sharp rocks and a clan or tribe with really good wood staffs. You put both together you have a more lethal device, for protection and providing food. An item that was designed to help a human to survive evolvedShow MoreRelatedThe, Cyberwarfare, And International Law973 Words   |  4 Pagesdomestic policy. As of now, different scholarly experts and policy makers recommend various – often conflicting strategies – for implementing a universal policy that benefits transnationally. Because cybersecurity is the newest and most unique national security issue of the twenty-first century, one highly recommended approach – which forms the bases of many popular policies – is to require states to adopt a universal cyber warfare doctrine. Yet, subject matter experts disagree on the effectivenessRead MoreAnalysis Of David Rapoport s Theory Of The Waves Of Terrorism1744 Words   |  7 PagesWhat is the significance of 9/11? This essay will argue that the events of 9/11 and the Bush led war on terror that followed, are extremely significant as they have created a new pattern for the understanding of world politics. Within this new pattern, the twenty-first century has experienced a divide between western powers and their allies, and some Middle-Eastern states. The events of 9/11 directly threatened the U.S. supremacy, marking the first significant terrorist attack on U.S. soil. As wellRead MoreRealism Is The Most Convincing Paradigm For International Relations? Essay1579 Words   |  7 Pageshostile environment to fit the largely pessimistic view of world politics. While many aspects of realism are still alive in International Relations today; including the dominant presence of states, intrinsic of war and the decentralised government. However, realism only reaches so far in explaining and creating a structure for international relations. Whilst the strengths of the theory lie in its pragmatic approach to power politics and conflict. However, the realist view is weakened by changes inRead MoreTraditional And Non Traditional Threats Of State Security1650 Words   |  7 PagesTraditionally, threats to state security were seen as little more than the armies of other states.   Security was understood simply in terms of threats to state sovereignty and territory, which generally involved the use of military forces and diplomacy to deter and oppose the threats.   While a case can be made that the military threats in this Century are as apparent as ever, it is now generally recognised that they are not the only threats that face states and the people in them. Since the endRead MoreThe History and Dynamics of Regionalism1558 Words   |  6 Pagesabout exclude and include. POLITICAL FACTORS DRIVING REGIONALISM Political factors are associated to development of regionalism; its main points are internal or external threats, domestic politics and leadership. IDENTITY: Internal Factors have common culture and religion and external factors have common security or economic trade. Regional awareness exists naturally even if it does not lead to regional co-operation unless states work to make the best of their regional environment. INTERNAL AND EXTERNALRead MoreThe Evolution of the Realism Paradigm1693 Words   |  7 Pagespaid on national security and state power; and basic scepticism in the development of international relations (Jackson and Sorensen, 2010). In general, realism is one of the most pessimistic theory in international relations, however, it has its supporters and critique. Realism as a theory is first about security problems and international anarchy, lack of a higher power over nation states to maintain international order and peace. The normative core of realism is state survival and security. JacksonRead MoreWhy Should International Law Deal With The Uncertainties Arising From The Rise Of Irregular Forms Of Warfare?1476 Words   |  6 Pagesdomestic policies. As of now, different scholarly experts and policy makers recommend various – often conflicting strategies – for implementing a universal policy that benefits transnationally. Because cybersecurity is the newest and most u nique national security issue of the twenty-first century, one highly recommended approach – which forms the bases of many popular policies – is to require states to adopt a universal cyber warfare doctrine. Yet, subject matter experts disagree on the effectivenessRead MoreLiberalism and Mercantilism1287 Words   |  6 Pagesthere will be three parts, first part is to demonstrate what the Liberalism and Mercantilism are on the perspective of international political economy and then the second part is to compare and contrast these two ideologies of political economy. At last, give a conclusion to the Liberalism and Mercantilism. Liberalism The liberal perspective on political economy is embodied in the discipline of the Western economics (Gilpin, 1987). It emphasizes the individual interests, the freedom and the maximizationRead MoreForeign Policy And Political Affairs1034 Words   |  5 Pagesand politics, including elections and electoral behavior, legal and judicial systems, foreign policy and conflict resolution, the political implications of race, gender and ethnicity, and the moral and ethical issues associated with democracy, global justice, and human rights. A degree in Government and Political Affairs provides students with a deeper understanding and knowledge of the driving forces that guide people, communities, and even the business world of today in both the national and internationalRead MoreAnalysis Of The Liberal Minority Government791 Words   |  4 Pagesfor Parliament’s summer break, and the brief comments provide links to stories, columns and expert analysis: â€Å"Between February and June, I signed agreements with the leaders of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, the Assembly of First Nations, and the Mà ©tis National Council, establishing a process to advance shared priorities for Inuit, First Nations, and the Mà ©tis Nation.† Agreements are fine, but measurable progress is another matter. Critics like University of Victoria professors Rob Gillezeau and Jeffrey

It Is Quite Easy To Get Fed Up Of Having To Pay An Interest

It is quite easy to get fed up of having to pay an interest every month on your educational loan with no signs of any respites. However, as this is something which I have experienced myself I can tell you that there is a way to get out of this dilemma by having a consolidation done on your student loan. Know more about the consolidation of a student loan If you have more than a single student loan and are getting bogged down with paying several installments every month, you could make it easier for yourself by changing this into one single loan and paying just one installment. All your previous loans will be nullified as they will all be consolidated into this one new loan. It is much easier to handle just one loan than several. The†¦show more content†¦It is also more convenient as this will be paid regularly from your account and there is no question of your missing out on a payment or forgetting about it. It may not always be quite clear as to what the criteria for qu alifying for a student loan is. However, it has been officially decided that if the students are still within their stipulated grace period, and are as yet studying, they are eligible to have a their student loans merged officially. The loans which are granted by the government towards merger of student loans are at a much better rate than those offered by private organizations. To save money and get a better deal it is advisable to go for a government loan for students. Education is, without a doubt, one of the most highly-sought-after goals for most individuals nearing the completion of their high school careers throughout America. From a very young age, it is driven into us that we need to get a post-secondary education if we want to survive in the world of tomorrow. In most instances, I would be inclined to agree. But that education, of course, has a price. Robert Borosage with the Campaign for America s Future (co-director) was recently on The Young Turks, an online progressive news/commentary program which is primarily featured on XM satellite radio. During an interview with the host, Cenk Uyger, Mr. Borosage brought upShow MoreRelatedCase Analysis Massey Ferguson 19801625 Words   |  7 Pages5). Largest facilities were located in Canada, France, England, and Australia. In less developed countries like Pakistan, Peru, Egypt, Iran, Libya, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, Sudan and Mozambique Massey was quite successful in carrying out the co ntracts and operations. It is quite obvious as Massey got $360 million contract to update Peru’s tractor and diesel engine industry.    In 1980 Massey purchased diesel engines from Perkins Engine Group which was the producer of diesel engines in EnglandRead MoreTravel Tips For A Long Haul Flight1600 Words   |  7 Pageshow well you will be fed, dealing with boredom. And then there s the pricing, which can put you back on your heels within seconds of clicking Search for Flights. All told, a long-haul flight can be the most physically and financially demanding component of travel to faraway places. To help you keep long-haul flying from becoming long-suffering, here are nine tips to consider before booking your next big international flight. 1. Do not judge by price alone. Once you get into the stratosphereRead More Work Experience Essay1347 Words   |  6 Pagesthrough proper procedures, so I had to make sure my curriculum vitae was up to date and well presented. I first began to think what type of work experience would I most enjoy and benefit from. I thought I would like to work in a computer related placement since I am doing IT as a GCSE and I have a keen interest in it. 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Homosexuality Disorder or Innate Free Essays

Is homosexuality an innate, normal sexual orientation or something one becomes through life’s trials? Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Francis Bacon, Herman Melville and Fredrick the Great all had one thing common, other than their famous personas. Every one of these men were homosexuals. In today’s society, homosexuality has grown to be labeled as a â€Å"sin† and/or something that one chooses to be rather born with. We will write a custom essay sample on Homosexuality: Disorder or Innate or any similar topic only for you Order Now From religious leaders to medical doctors, homosexuality is thought to be a â€Å"disease† in society. Many even believe that homosexuality is a sexual orientation caused by how one was raised. I, on the other hand, believe otherwise. I believe that sexual orientation, or more specifically homosexuality, is something one is born with and not a disorder or choice. Charles Socarides, M. D. founder of NARTH (National Association for Research amp; Therapy of homosexuality wrote: By declaring a condition [homosexuality] a ‘non-condition,’ a group of practitioners had removed it from our list of serious psychosexual disorders. The action was all the more remarkable when one considers that it involved the out-of-hand and peremptory disregard and dismissal not only of hundreds of psychiatric and psychoanalytic research papers and reports, but also of a number of other serious studies by groups of psychiatrists, psychologists, and educators over the past seventy years†¦ In essence, this movement within the American Psychiatric Association has accomplished what every other society, with rare exceptions, would have trembled to tamper with–a revision of a basic code and concept of life and biology; that men and women normally mate with the opposite sex and not with each other. (Socradies) More generally, Dr. Socarides believes that for the medical world to remove homosexuality from the list of mental disorders is astounding. He believes that there is something mentally wrong with humans that prefer same sex partners. I, on the other hand, believe sexual orientation is something one is born with, or is innate. The APA, American Psychological Association, agrees that homosexuality is not a mental disorder and has made revisions in their way of thought and practices. The APA states on its website â€Å"Psychologists, psychiatrists and other mental health professionals agree that homosexuality is not an illness, mental disorder or an emotional problem. Over 35 years of objective, well-designed scientific research has shown that homosexuality, in and [of] itself, is not associated with mental disorders or emotional or social problems. When researchers examined data about these people who were not in therapy, the idea that homosexuality was a mental illness was quickly found to be untrue† (American Psychiatric Association). Ruling out the belief, that homosexuality is not a disorder can help by not having to seek â€Å"treatment† because it is curable. However, this leads some to think that if it homosexuality isn’t due to a disorder it must be the parents who raise them that way. The opposing viewpoint generally believes that children raised by lesbian co-parents should and do seem to grow up more open to homoerotic relationships. This may be partly due to genetic and family socialization processes. Judith Stacey, Ph. D. agrees with this notion. In a 2001 article Stacey stated, â€Å"The sexual orientation of parents appears to have a unique (although not large) effect on children in the politically sensitive domain of sexuality. The evidence, while scanty and under analyzed, hints that parental sexual orientation is positively associated with the possibility that children will be more likely to attain a similar orientation-and theory and common sense also support such a view† (Stacey PhD). I disagree with Ms. Stacey. The gender identity of preadolescent children raised by lesbian mothers has been found consistently to be in line with their biological gender. None of more than 500 children studied have shown evidence of gender-identity confusion, wished to be the other gender, or consistently engaged in cross-gender behavior. No differences have been found in the toy, game, activity, dress, or friendship preferences of boys or girls who had lesbian mothers, compared with those who had heterosexual mothers. James G. Pawelski, M. D. supports my viewpoint. Using data from a national sample of adolescents, Dr. Pawelski finds â€Å"no difference on the basis of whether the parents were the same or different genders in the proportion of adolescents who reported having had sexual intercourse, nor was a difference found in the number who reported having a ‘romantic relationship’ within the past 18 months† [ (Pawelski MD) ]. Agreeing with this view and observation may bring less scrutiny about same-sex couples adopting and/or raising a child. Unfortunately, it doesn’t help with the people who believe homosexuality is a result of same-sex sexual abuse. There is no universal definition of child sexual abuse. However, a central haracteristic of any abuse is the dominant position of an adult that allows him or her to force or coerce a child into sexual activity. Child sexual abuse is not solely restricted to physical contact; such abuse could include non-contact abuse, such as exposure, voyeurism, and child pornography. Timothy J. Dailey, Ph. D. , wrote that â€Å"[M]en who sexually molest boys all too often lead their victims into homosexuality and pedophilia. The evidence indicates that a high percentage of homosexuals and pedophiles were themselves sexually abused as children† [ (Dailey PhD) ]. This situation has been occurring in the Catholic Church lately. Many male priests are molesting young children, most of them being male themselves. To hold Dr. Dailey’s theory/assumption to be truth may add more controversy to this already intense situation. It also may cause people to further assume that just being raised by a male can â€Å"turn† someone gay. However, I do not agree with Dr. Dailey’s assumption and neither does the American Psychiatric Association who stated in a May 2000 website fact sheet that â€Å"[N]o specific psychosocial or family dynamic cause for homosexuality has been identified, including histories of childhood sexual abuse. Sexual abuse does not appear to be more prevalent in children who grow up to identify as gay, lesbian, or bisexual, than in children who identify as heterosexual† [ (American Psychiatric Association) ]. Just because some adults who were molested as children are gay, does not mean that the molestation was the cause of the sexual orientation. As, the American Psychiatric Association found, there are no more cases of children being gay after being molested by the same-sex then the cases of children who are heterosexual. It is incorrect to assume that homosexuality is something that life situations make occur. This brings us to the last major â€Å"excuse† for being homosexual which arises from various religious beliefs. Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam and Judaism are all religions that have negative views on homosexuality, but the one that speaks the loudest against it is Christianity, or more specifically the Catholic Church. Many Christians believe that homosexual activity is inherently sinful, irrespective of the relationship between the two persons. Many biblical passages condemn all forms of homosexual behaviors, using inclusive terms such as â€Å"sodomite† or â€Å"homosexual. â€Å". Same-sex practices are uniquely offensive to God. After all, God destroyed Sodom and its inhabitants because of their homosexual activity. All the men in the town wanted to have homosexual sex with the visiting angels. Homosexual behavior is one of a small group of behaviors that will prevent a person from attaining salvation and going to heaven. 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 says that â€Å"†¦ neither†¦ effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind†¦ shall inherit the kingdom of God. † Other English translators substitute the term â€Å"homosexuals† here. Christians believe and were taught to believe that homosexuality is something that is chosen; an act against God and his law. Where the Bible mentions homosexual behavior at all, it clearly condemns it. I freely grant that. The issue is precisely whether that Biblical judgment is correct. The Bible sanctioned slavery as well and nowhere attacked it as unjust. Are we prepared to argue today that slavery is biblically justified? If you are a heterosexual†¦ can you explain why you are attracted to the opposite sex? Being a heterosexual, I can say that the first thing that comes to mind when asked that question is that it is just a feeling. It is hard to explain but I just have a drive towards males. However, what if the social norm was different? What if the social norm was to be homosexual and people were scolding you for â€Å"choosing† to be heterosexual? Do you think being heterosexual is something you just â€Å"decided† to be one day? Most, if not all, heterosexuals would answer â€Å"No, I was born straight†. Well, then why is it so hard to grasp that homosexuals are born with the drive to be homosexual innately? If we can be heterosexual at birth, why can they not be homosexual at birth? Society and Religion has branded our minds to think that homosexuality is a chosen path†¦ I disagree. I did not â€Å"choose† to be â€Å"straight†; therefore, I do not and cannot believe that homosexuals â€Å"choose† to be gay. To join my belief means that one agrees that they themselves were born with their own drive for the opposite or same sex. Homosexuality is not a â€Å"disorder†. Homosexuality is not the affect of a prior incident in life. Homosexuality is not a preference that one day someone woke up and said, â€Å"Hey I feel like being different so I am going to be gay. † As funny as that sounds, it is how many heterosexuals think about homosexuality; that it was something one just chose to be one day to â€Å"rebel†, like getting a tattoo or a piercing. Society and Religion have made their own assumptions about homosexuality because it is not a norm. Today’s world is afraid of anything different. People hate change and fear it. Thus, many come up with wild stories and assumptions to explain things that are different and normally they are not good ones. Being â€Å"gay† or â€Å"lesbian† is different from what society tells us to be, but why does that mean that it is something we chose to be or just become? I was born with an attraction to the opposite-sex. Many, if not all, heterosexuals can and would claim the same thing. So why is it so hard to believe that statement if the word â€Å"homosexual† replaced â€Å"heterosexual†? Does it not make sense? Do not be afraid of difference. Do not be ignorant. Be open and accepting that some people’s sexual orientation is homosexual just as you may be open to the belief that there are people that are heterosexual. How to cite Homosexuality: Disorder or Innate, Papers

Intelligence Is Never Too Dear free essay sample

As Elizabeth rose to the throne, Catholics were displeased, as she was a Protestant. The religious battle reached a stage where Mary, Queen of Scots, and other Catholics, conjured a plot to eliminate Elizabeth. If it weren’t for the intelligence gathering of the master spy, Sir Francis Walsingham, the Reformation would have not been complete. The intelligence he sought was so dear, it prevented the death of someone, and led to death of others. Walsingham began his campaign as part of Queen Elizabeth’s reign in 1559, elected to the House of Commons in Banbury, by apt assistance by his close accomplice, Sir William Cecil. In 1569 and 1570, Walsingham gained the full trust of Queen Elizabeth, by reliably gathering support for the Huegenots, and successfully disassembling the Ridolfi Plot. This establishment of trust preceded Queen Elizabeth’s appointment of Walsingham as Principal Secretary. In this role, one of Francis Walsingham’s main duties of interest was the art of espionage. We will write a custom essay sample on Intelligence Is Never Too Dear or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Being a staunch Protestant, and a loyal advisor of Elizabeth, Walsingham made it his duty to keep Britain safe by gathering more information about the enemy through whatever means – whether it be from public sources, through secret spies, or extracted via torture. In 1583, the Throckmorton Plot emerged, but was soon dismantled by intelligence gathering by Walsingham and his counterparts. Without the intelligence, the Protestant rule may have collapsed as a result of Elizabeth’s death. For this reason, Walsingham’s information was invaluable, as it prevented the occurrence of the plot. Even though it was unsuccessful, Walsingham became alert of the imminent danger of the Catholic threat, and the plots to usurp Elizabeth and replace her with Mary, Queen of Scots. Walsingham was not prepared to risk this, and became obsessed with trying to eradicate the threat of Mary. The Bond of Association was created thereafter, which now gave Walsingham the power to kill anyone who tried to usurp the throne or assassinate the queen. His opportunity to remove Mary from contention arrived with the Babington Plot, and with the collection of priceless information, was able to do exactly so. The Babington Plot was trumped up by the zealous Anthony Babington, and a steadfast Jesuit by the name of John Ballard. The plan was flawless, until Walsingham came to know about it. After plucking out one of the intimates of the concocters, Gilbert Gifford, Walsingham employed him as a double agent. Gifford freely interjected messages between Mary and her admirers, and forwarded them to the light of Walsingham. With his knowledge on the communication between Mary and her followers, Walsingham was able to employ informers, moles and agent provocateurs near and directly associated with the plotters and those involved with the plot. Soon, information was flowing into Walsingham’s domain. Walsingham’s brilliance in espionage was highlighted in his ability to decipher the muddled up symbols in the letters. Now intervening messages, and fully interpreting them, Walsingham was fully aware of the intentions of Mary, Queen of Scots. Yet, there was no hard evidence to prove this to Elizabeth, until Babington sent a letter to Mary, exclaiming how he, and six other men were preparing to eliminate the queen. With a little forged excerpt at the end of the letter by Thomas Phelippes, Walsingham was able to detect the other six conspirators. The denouement of these events led to the execution of Babington and the other plotters, but more significantly, the Catholic figurehead, the serious threat of a Catholic revolt, Mary, the Queen of Scots, was no longer existent. No price can be placed on the importance of intelligence. During the hectic situation during the Elizabethan period, nothing was more valuable for leading figures than knowledge. With all the clandestine operations that took place under the reign of Elizabeth, if Walsingham’s intelligence operations had not revealed the plots, Elizabeth would have most likely have been assassinated, and the throne would have been vacant for Mary the Queen of Scots. Yet, this was not the case, as Walsingham truly understood the important of intelligence, and used it to save his queen, and destroy those who plotted against her and guarantee a successful reformation of the Church of England. The power of intelligence is tantamount to the prevention of a death, and the silencing of a life. http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Francis_Walsingham http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Babington_Plot http://ccat. sas. upenn. edu/~jmcgill/project. html http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Throckmorton_Plot http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Bond_of_Association http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Mary_I_of_Scotland

Modulation Computer Software and Unknown Music Virus free essay sample

Computer Software and Unknown Music Virus BY RL 52578 Richard Powers Modulation is about a mysterious, unshakable music virus that is taking over and controlling the minds of the people it comes in contact with. Out of nowhere this virus comes about and starts to spread vigorously through cyberspace, eating up computer software systems around the world. Not only is this virus spreading to computer systems and to data bases, but it starts spreading through peoples minds. Toss, Mart, Jan, and Mitchell are the main characters in this story and all are unified throughout by this music virus. Powers tells how each character deals with the virus and how it affects them internally. Toss, thrilled off of hacking through cyberspace, finally met his match when the ARIA hired him to work for their company. They thought by hiring the man that hacked through their system could defeat such a virus as this one. We will write a custom essay sample on Modulation: Computer Software and Unknown Music Virus or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Toss, in awe by this unknown music virus, is being beaten internally because it is the one thing he himself cannot beat, but at the same time this scares him because he does not know what it Is capable of. The virus was something Toshiba had never seen or heard before.It was a new type of music, so mutating and powerful that it embedded inside his brain. Mart, a reporter reporting on the war in Iraq, hears this catchy tune she had never heard before. It sticks in her head as if it was like an earmark of some sort. This tune she keeps hearing is like a sickness she cannot get rid of. It starts eating at her mind like a virus eats at a computer hard drive. The only way Mart is at ease is when she hears the catchy tune again. The music virus not only sickens her, but also relieves her; making the tune the perfect medication.Not only Is It a virus trying to destroy, but It also reveres as a firewall against Itself. Jan, a recently retired music professor, Is searching for something he has never heard before. He wants something new and reinvented to offer society so he can change how people look at music. He believes all music should be free and his life passion Is discovering world music. As soon as he hears the music virus he knows It Is what he had been searching for. This tune was so refined and new, he had never heard such a tune before. After listening to this he knew his lifelong goal had been met.HIS search for a new and different type of music had been complete. He could now die a happy man. On another note, Mitchell, a music composer, found himself threatened by the music virus. HIS compositions were starting to sound Like the Infamous tune. No matter what he did he could not get the catchy tune out of his head. HIS performance was In danger as he could not produce anything but what was Ingrained In his mind by the virus. He soon realizes he can use this threat as an opportunity to achieve greatness In his compositions and as a composer.All of the characters that Powers uses In his short story are unified by this sick, unshakable music virus that has only one motive: o spread. Each character deals with the virus to the best of their ability and tries not to let this Innovative type of music control and get the best of them In times of vulnerability. Powers tells the readers how each character In the story deals with the music virus, how It affects them Internally and how they try to overcome It. BY 52578 peoples minds. Toshiba, Mart, Jan, and Mitchell are the main characters in this story time this scares him because he does not know what it is capable of.The virus was the tune the perfect medication. Not only is it a virus trying to destroy, but it also reveres as a firewall against itself. Jan, a recently retired music professor, is all music should be free and his life passion is discovering world music. As soon as he hears the music virus he knows it is what he had been searching for. This tune this he knew his lifelong goal had been met. His search for a new and different type Mitchell, a music composer, found himself threatened by the music virus. His compositions were starting to sound like the infamous tune. No matter what he did he could not get the catchy tune out of his head.His performance was in danger as e could not produce anything but what was ingrained in his mind by the virus. He soon realizes he can use this threat as an opportunity to achieve greatness in his compositions and as a composer. All of the characters that Powers uses in his to spread. Each character deals with the virus to the best of their ability and tries not to let this innovative type of music control and get the best of them in times of vulnerability. Powers tells the readers how each character in the story deals with the music virus, how it affects them internally and how they try to overcome it.

Reasons Why Should We Wear Uniforms?

Reasons Why Should We Wear Uniforms?One of the few areas in the college education that provides the student with several choices is the subject of uniforms. A lot of college students opt for wearing certain uniforms as a way to differentiate themselves from other students. There are some important factors that should be considered before opting for uniforms.The first thing that should be remembered before choosing uniforms is that not all uniforms are comfortable. Many times uniforms can be uncomfortable because of how the material used to make them. In order to ensure that they are comfortable, students must spend more time on examining the uniforms prior to deciding on which one to wear. In this way, the students will be able to judge whether or not the uniform is comfortable or not.The next factor that should be considered when opting for uniforms is to see if uniforms can serve the purpose of separating students in terms of learning. Students who wear uniforms are usually exposed to a more challenging learning environment because they are exposed to other students wearing the same uniform. It allows the students to have an experience different from the norm because it lets them get to know each other better.The next reason why uniforms should be chosen is that uniforms often provide students with more freedom. This is very important because it lets the students to be more active. This is a great benefit because it allows students to have the opportunity to do things that they would normally have been prevented from doing.Lastly, students who opt for uniforms are often free to experiment with various outfits and accessories that they feel would look better on them. This means that they will be able to try out different items without having to worry about their looks. In this way, students can see which items are most comfortable on them and which items are not.All in all, choosing uniforms for college students is a decision that has a lot of positives and ne gatives. Whether or not to choose uniforms depends on the mindset of the student, what type of personality they have, and the level of comfort they would be willing to tolerate. In terms of being comfortable, some students will prefer to wear comfort wear while others would rather go with something that is comfortable to wear.There are many things to consider when selecting uniforms for students. If you are unsure whether or not you would be comfortable wearing uniforms, you should take time to consider your options and then decide whether or not they would be a good fit for you.

ebonics essays

ebonics essays A leader is defined as somebody whom people follow. However, there is much more than that to be a great leader. A leader must be honest to his supporters because he or she needs their trust. The leader must have a clear vision and show the people that vision. Most importantly, a leader must have the support of the people to give him a foundation to build on. President George W. Bush has exhibited these qualities and proven himself to be a great leader. One of the most needed qualities of a leader is honesty. A leader must display sincerity, integrity, and candor in all of his or her actions. Deceptive behavior would discourage the trust from supporters. President Bush has proven himself to be an honest man even before he was elected. In the days prior to the presidential election, Bush was questioned about a drunk driving arrest. During the Labor Day weekend of 1976, Bush, who was 30 at the time, was arrested driving under the influence that he pleaded guilty to doing. I regret that it happened, but it did, he said. Im the first to say that what I did was wrong and Ive corrected that. And I think the people the people of America will understand it. (Berman and DeVogue). Since his election, Bush has continued with his honest ways. In his address to the nation after the World Trade Center attacks, Bush spoke with true emotion and sincerity. He vowed that nation would continue to strive forward and bring terrorists to jus tice. America was targeted for attack because were the brightest beacon for freedom and opportunity in the world. And no on will keep that light form shining, Bush said proudly (Bush). A Newsweek poll said that 68 percent of 1,005 adults polled feel more secure after hearing Bushs speech (Bushs). Another of the defining traits of a leader is he or she must have a clear vision, which ...

HARRIS Surname Meaning and Origin

HARRIS Surname Meaning and Origin Harris is generally considered to mean son of Harry. The given name Harry is a derivation of Henry, meaning home-ruler. Like many patronymic surnames, the surnames HARRIS and HARRISON are often found used interchangeably in early records - sometimes with the same family. Harris is the 24th most popular surname in the United States according to the 2000 census and the 22nd most common surname in England. Surname Origin: English, WelshAlternate Surname Spellings: HARRISON, HARIS, HARRIES, HARRISS, HARRYS, HARYS, HERRICE, HERRIES Fun Facts The popular Harris Tweed cloth takes its name from the Isle of Harris in Scotland. The cloth was originally handwoven by islanders on the Isles of Harris, Lewis, Uist and Barra in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland, using local wool. Famous People with the Surname HARRIS Arthur Harris - Marshal Arthur Bomber Harris, Commander in Chief of the Royal Air Force Bomber Command during World War IIFranco Harris - NFL running back, Pittsburgh Steelers. Best known for his immaculate reception during a 1972 AFC divisional playoff gameBernard Harris - 1st African-American to walk in spaceJillian Harris - star of the reality TV show The Bachelorette, 5th seasonNeil Patrick Harris - American actorMary Harris - early 1900s labor organizer; best known as Mother Jones Genealogy Resources for the Surname HARRIS Harris Y-DNA Project: If you are a male and have the Harris (or a variant spelling of the) surname, then this Y-DNA project invites you to join to help establish as many Harri lines as possible.HARRIS/HARRIES/HERRIES/HARRISS Genealogy: Genealogist Glenn Gohr has compiled a nice collection of information and genealogy on Thomas Harris (c. 1586 of England and Virginia, as well as general information about the Harris surname.Harris Family Genealogy Forum: Search this popular genealogy forum for the Harris surname to find others who might be researching your ancestors, or post your own Harris query. There is also a separate forum for the HARRISON surname.FamilySearch - HARRIS Genealogy: Find records, queries, and lineage-linked family trees posted for the Harris surname and its variations.HARRIS Surname Family Mailing Lists: RootsWeb hosts several free mailing lists for researchers of the Harris surname.Cousin Connect - HARRIS Genealogy Queries: Read or post genealogy queries for the su rname Harris, and sign up for free notification when new Harris queries are added. DistantCousin.com - HARRIS Genealogy Family History: Free databases and genealogy links for the last name Harris. Cant find your last name listed? Suggest a surname to be added to the Glossary of Surname Meanings Origins. Sources: Cottle, Basil. Penguin Dictionary of Surnames. Baltimore, MD: Penguin Books, 1967.Menk, Lars. A Dictionary of German Jewish Surnames. Avotaynu, 2005.Beider, Alexander. A Dictionary of Jewish Surnames from Galicia. Avotaynu, 2004.Hanks, Patrick, and Flavia Hodges. A Dictionary of Surnames. Oxford University Press, 1989.Hanks, Patrick. Dictionary of American Family Names. Oxford University Press, 2003.Smith, Elsdon C. American Surnames. Genealogical Publishing Company, 1997.

The Guilford Four Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

The Guilford Four - Term Paper Example The intensity of the ensuing aggression culminated into the deployment of the British Army in Ireland. The IRA (Irish Republican Army) was one of the most violent military parties that fought for Ireland’s independence. In the early 1970s, the group started challenging British troops in Ireland. With time, the group’s violence developed into massive bombing campaigns aimed at public utility, civilian, as well as military targets. When the British, in the effort to control the increasing aggression, introduced incarceration without trial in the year 1971 August, corroboration for the IRA increased. There arose many cases of injustices in the British legal system when dealing with Irish-related cases – wrong imprisonment of innocent Irish victims by the British government increased significantly (Fitzduff and O’Hagan, 2000). This paper delves into the Guilford episode, an incident that had to do with drug-induced and coerced confessions, fabricated and suppr essed evidence, and a society under siege dashing into judgment. The Guilford episode saw the arrest and false conviction of four innocent people following the bombing of the Guildford and Woolwich English pubs, which English soldiers liked frequenting while off duty. The suspects were henceforth referred to as the Guilford Four. The bombing led to the death of seven people and forty-two others were sustained injuries (Howard, 1992). The paper also explores the political and cultural climate that was present in both England and Ireland at the time of the bombing, and talks about English attitudes towards the Irish. Introduction The case of the Guilford Four presents a good example of an injustice in an Irish-related case that took place on 22 October 1975, when Paddy Armstrong, Paul Hill, Carole Richardson, and Gerry Conlon, four young people from Northern Ireland were convicted for the 5 October 1974 bombings of Guilford and Woolwich on behalf of the Irish Republican Army. The bomb s went off in pubs in Guilford and Woolwich that British soldiers liked to visit while off duty, killing seven people and injuring forty-two others. This was the reason as to why they were selected as targets by the IRA. In other words, this terrorist attack was part of a bombing campaign and a wave of violent attacks that the Irish Republican Army committed against Great Britain in the 1970s (Bihler, 2009). The political and cultural climate that was present in both England and Ireland at the time of the bombing The Guilford and Woolwich bombings occurred at a time when IRA had taken a horrible toll on Britain – in the first ten months of the year 1974; Britain had experienced ninety-nine bombings with injuries amounting to approximately one hundred and forty five people and fatalities/deaths amounting to nineteen people. Spaced out as the bombings were, the deaths and injuries might have been at a tolerable level, but on 21 November 1974, all this changed with the Guilford and Woolwich bombings. In retaliation to the two bombings, Britain convulsed with anger – angry mobs assailed innocent Irish residents in Birmingham streets and in London, they firebombed Irish businesses. Innocent Irish people became scapegoats for the atrocities of the IRA and the attempts of public officials to appeal for calm and stop the bombings in the streets were futile (Howard, 1992). A sampling of headlines as well as sub-headlines from October through

Dell Computers - Supply and Demand Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Dell Computers - Supply and Demand - Assignment Example Consumers have an option of purchasing cheaper products because there are numerous suppliers in the market. Moreover, the monopoly force is low within the industry. Customer service affects demand especially within an industry that is experiencing stiff rivalries. This is because customers are likely to purchase from industries that offer satisfactory services. Consequently, elements such as online services and convenient procedures have the potential of affecting the demand of Dell’s products. Lastly, an improved economy leading to increased consumer income would increase the demand of Dell’s products (Mankiw, 2011). The main factors affecting the supply of Dell products include state of technology, political disturbance, the future price level, and the price of related products (Mankiw, 2011). Technological development is likely to reduce the cost of production as manufactures utilize economical and efficient procedures. This enhances production rates, which increases supplies. Furthermore, political disturbances affect supplies because they affect the product’s production and distribution. Political instabilities discourage the production and distribution of products causing a decrease in supplies (Frank & Bernanke, 2012). Future expectation of increase prices leads to shortages in supplies because distributors are likely to hold products. Lastly, changes in the prices of other related products may increase or decrease the supplies of Dell’s products depending on the relationship (Mankiw,

The Importance Of Being Earnest Religion Essay

The Importance Of Being Earnest Religion Essay These are the folks that always know what new natural disaster has just struck, what local businesses are about to go bankrupt, whose marriages are on the rocks. How could we survive life without these wrong-side-of-the-bedders? How could we get around without the black clouds and gloomy forecasts. Without wrong-side-of-the-bedders, we would never fully appreciate how miserable life really is. The book of Revelation is often perceived as sharing that same sort of bleak perspective a wrong-side-of-the-bed vision foretelling pestilence, punishment, famine, death, destruction. But the Revelation of Jesus to John is not a narrowed down version of despair, a nerve-racking vision of wrath. Here in todays text we are given celestial glimpses of glory. What might it be like to enlist in Gods reign and exist in Gods peace? The divisiveness of nationality, the prejudices of particularity, are forgotten as all peoples forge forward to praise God. There is one congregation, one church, and it joins all its separate voices together in a sonorous harmony of glorifying God. John saw this as the church of the future. John also saw this as our template for bringing the church to life in our own time. Instead of being just another organization lobbying for what it deems important, the church is challenged by this vision in Revelation to itself become an earnest of paradise. Now theres a word for you: earnest. Its not a word used much in church nowadays, although it is a familiar one in Scripture (Psalm 86:17; Romans 8:23; Ephesians 1:14, etc). But it may be a word that the church needs to proclaim. For our text calls the church to be what in biblical language is an earnest of the eschaton. In the Hebrew the concept is conveyed by the word Shamayim, which literally means a foretaste of heaven. If you have ever had an encounter with the Spirit, if you are alive and aglow with life, you know the meaning of Shamayim, or earnest. In Greek the word for earnest is arrabon, a legal term denoting a deposit made that renders the contract binding. An earnest is a promise, a pledge, a foretaste, an embodied symbol of something which is to come in its fullness later. When a young couple plants a spindly little oak sapling smack in the middle of their new backyard, it is an earnest of the future they envision in that space. Someday the tree will grow to shade their yard with an enormous umbrella of green. Its sturdy branches will hold the tire swings and treehouse platforms of the children yet to be born. It will carpet the ground with its brilliant fall foliage and feed a legion of squirrels with its annual crop of acorns. It might not look like much when planted, but the few spindly limbs of that sapling oak bear the weight of a tremendous earnest. Although the ultimate earnest is the Holy Spirit (2 Corinthinans1:22; 5:5; Ephesians 1:14), as Spirit-empowered people we are each called to act as earnests of the ultimate triumph we know Christs salvation has in store for all creation. On the day of salvation, todays Revelation text proclaims, all believers will loudly praise Gods blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might (7:12). Are you an earnest, a leaven of heaven? Does your life attest to the presence of these divine gifts to the world? When others listen to you speak, watch you work, see your home, do they experience that encounter as an earnest of Christs victory, of Gods redeeming love for the world. We are all earnests, we who are part of the body of Christ. Is our church an earnest of the future human conduits of the divine light offering others little glimpses of the brilliance, the glory, that awaits redeemed creation? Is our role in this community a leaven of heaven? Missionary/physician/musician/historical theologian Dr. Albert Schweitzer gave his life to serve the needs of those who lived in the African jungle. He was to the first half of the 20th century what Mother Teresa was to the second half. He gave one of the best definitions of ethics Ive ever seen, and lived what he defined: Let me give you a definition of ethics: It is good to maintain life and further life; it is bad to damage and destroy life Ethics is the maintaining of life at the highest point of development my own life and other life by devoting myself to it in help and love, and both these things are connected. (Reverence for Life [New York: Philosophical Library, 1965], 34-35.) Schweitzer allegedly hung a lamp in front of his hospital that shone brilliantly throughout the jungle darkness for a wide area. The light became a beacon of hope and healing for the areas sick and dying. He is said to have hung under the lamp this sign: At whatever hour you come, you will find light, and hope and human kindness. * Both the sign and the lamp were earnests of Schweitzers ministry. Is there a lamp for your church that says to the world, Come by Here. For Here is a Leaven of Heaven? Schweitzer practiced his earnestness with full knowledge of the worlds cruel ways, and a clear vision of human frailty and sin. Nonetheless, Schweitzer maintained his focus on eternity, and leavened heaven with every fiber of his being. To the question of whether I am a pessimist or an optimist, I answer that my knowledge is pessimistic, but my willing and hoping are optimistic. I am pessimistic in that I experience in its full weight what we conceive to be the absence of purpose in the course of world happenings. Only at quite rare moments have I felt really glad to be alive. I could not but feel with a sympathy full of regret all the pain that I saw around me, not only that of men but that of the whole creation. From this community of suffering I have never tried to withdraw myself. It seemed to me a matter of course that we should all take our share of the burden of pain which lies upon the world (Albert Schweitzer, Out of My Life and Thought [New York: Henry Holt and Company, 1933], 279). Albert Schweitzers remarkable life and witness touched me as a child growing up until he became in my life an earnest of the person I wanted to become. Schweitzer was able to offer me and others a leaven of heaven in each of the three types of needs outlined in todays text. Though portraying an eternal future, this mornings text focuses on the three most basic human needs of our frail and mortal present. Physical Needs The vision from Revelation promises that when believers are gathered around God enthroned they will hunger no more, and thirst no more (v.16). In other words, we will be delivered from physical needs. As a physician, caring for the bodies of those who caught sight of the jungle clinics light came naturally. But each of us is capable of providing some measure of sheer physical comfort to those whose physical needs are consuming all their energy and hope. Welfare reforms have made the churchs role as a social service agency even more vital. Its hard to work on an empty stomach; its hard to learn when youre cold and tired; its hard to play when youre weak and malnourished. Spiritual Needs Jesus vision to John revealed that divine deliverance involves more than just filling up stomachs and banishing body aches. There are other aches that have no neurological cause. There are pains suffered by a parched soul. Without addressing the spiritual needs of the human condition, one finds there is no true earnest of salvation present. Saving the body is not enough, for it will fail to thrive unless the spirit is nourished and nurtured by a community of faith. In our Revelation text the enthroned Lamb offers believers springs of the water of life as . . . sustenance for an eternal soul. Earnest upwellings of this same spring are already available from our own faith community. Emotional Needs As frail and failing human beings, however, we find our emotional needs are perhaps the most difficult to satisfy, and are even more demanding when denied. Without emotional strength and suppleness, even the strongest body will fail, even the surest spirit will falter. When our body labors, it needs a quiet center, a sense of emotional ease, in order to bear the physical hardship. Our spirit can soar only if it knows there is a safe and secure emotional scaffolding resting under its flight path. One of the most tragic figures in biblical history is Israels first chosen king, Saul. Although he was a great and strong warrior and commanded the 12 tribes of the new nation, although he experienced the exalted presence of Gods Spirit, Sauls body and soul had a fatal weakness. Although he enjoyed physical and spiritual triumphs, Sauls own emotional melancholia destroyed his faith, his vision, his purpose, his will. In todays Revelation text God meets our emotional needs in two ways. The text promises God will wipe away every tear suggesting that the emotionally honest and cleansing tears will first be allowed to flow, but that these tears will then be dried by Gods own tender hand. As an earnest of this quality of emotional care, we, too, must not be afraid to show the same depth of feeling and to let others do the same. In response to a genuine outpouring of emotion, an earnest of the coming age does not judge, but offers what is needed to dry a cheek, to hold a hand, to show empathy. In a creative writing class, a young teenage girl wrote this short poem: Dont criticize. Dont analyze. Dont even try to sympathize. Dont say you understand because you dont. Just hold me in your arms for once. And love me as I am. Like my mommy used to do before the world grew up on me. (John Fischer, In Praise of the Unrenowned, CCM Magazine, October 1997, 84.) Will this church hold the world in its arms and love it, as an earnest of Gods holding the whole world in the arms of the Almighty and loving it? Will you be a leaven of heaven in your family, your community, your world? Tracking the Sheep John 10:22-30 | 4/29/2007 We live in a changing new world of computer-raised sheep, but theres still just one Shepherd to follow. In Psalm 23, the shepherd leads the sheep beside cool waters. In century 21, the shepherd weighs the sheep beside cool waters à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ while he sits behind a laptop miles away. We are used to the rogue image of the Bedouin shepherd crook in hand, flowing robes, Middle Eastern head-covering. We remember a young David, tending his fathers flocks alone in the cold, battling lions and bears, engaging the God of creation in songs and poems that he would later pen into psalms. Now consider todays e-shepherd Bluetooth headset in ear, Blackberry PDA attached to belt, Venti Mocha perched desktop alongside GPS receiver. He sits remote from his flock in a warm ranch house, a crook exchanged for a mouse, perhaps playing a game of Internet Spades while still on the clock. That may be the appropriate picture in New South Wales, Australia, where cutting-edge technologies are being applied to an age-old industry. Ranchers attach tiny GPS transponders to the ears of baby lambs, and as these sheep grow up, they can be watched from a computer monitor. Throughout the day, sheep move freely from grazing areas to drinking areas to sleeping areas. Each channel between areas is wide enough for only one sheep to pass at a time, and as they pass between fenced-in zones, their transponders alert the shepherd where they are going and when. We can keep tabs on a single sheep from the time it is a little lamb to the time that it becomes lamb chops, says Bill Murray, spokesperson for the Australian Sheep Industry. However, the main advantage is in sheep handling, because the transponders allow the sheep to make their own decisions, without being hassled by people or dogs. In such a hyper-individualized world, why not extend the power of choice to flocks as well? With these e-sheep, its all up to ewe. But allowing free-range grazing isnt about having self-actualized herds. Its about having unhassled, unhurried, tenderized ones. Apparently, sheep autonomy equals appetite appeal. Beyond tastier flocks, e-shepherds also have well-organized flocks. Remotely controlled gates determine which grazing and drinking areas sheep are channeled into and for how long they remain there. Electronic scales are placed within each passageway so that every time a flock is shepherded from one area to another, each sheep can be weighed as it passes by. As a fully grown sheep passes through, a side gate opens sending it into a yard for those animals headed to market. As a pregnant ewe near birth weight passes through, a gate opens to send her to a prenatal area. In the future, animals due for vaccination will be given remote shots as they pass by and diseased animals can be detected and quarantined for medical treatment. All from a distance. All without human contact. All electronically. If David had controlled his flocks in e-shepherd fashion, he might have blogged the Psalms, text messaged Jonathon, and sent a fatal hard-drive virus to Goliath. So the lesson from e-sheep is this: 21st-century techno-culture metaphors are light years away from biblical, agrarian culture metaphors. Noting this, consider John 10:22-30. Jesus, the Good Shepherd, is so not like the impersonal techno-shepherd. Here, as elsewhere in the gospels, Jesus uses a metaphor his audience will understand: Hes the shepherd, and his followers are the sheep. So to understand what Jesus wants our contemporary audiences to understand, we must culturally unpack and translate what this sheep imagery means. Begin with our non-agrarian understandings of sheep. They arent bright animals. Theres no parlor game question that ever asks: Which is the smartest animal? The horse, the pig, the sheep, the dog, the cat? Wont happen. Sheep sleep and eat in the same fields in which they defecate and urinate. They blindly follow each other around with an unimaginative herd mentality. They need to be constantly provided for and protected so they dont starve to death or become wolf-lunch. So is this the way that Jesus wants us to see ourselves? Maybe yes, maybe no. What is clear is that sheep are needy. They not only need a shepherd, they need a good shepherd. Good ones take their job seriously. Good ones take care of the sheep. They protect and defend the sheep. They lead the sheep to still waters and green pastures. They lay down their lives for the sheep. They look for lost sheep. In Jesus day, shepherds didnt have the fiscal means to own sheep, thus many were mercenary care givers hired to live and sleep with the herds. Many were 8-12-year-old boys in the family business, out in a field because few opportunities existed for them. In our Western career caste system, shepherds wouldnt be white-collar or blue-collar theyd be no-collar. Is Jesus this kind of shepherd? Obviously not. Scholar Mary Schertz notes that in this text its not like every ovine analogy carries meaning for us or that sheep are commended as models for imitation. Sheep in the fullness of their animal existence are neither a good model for Christian life nor any other kind of human life. Instead, what does this short passage ask our e-shepherd culture to understand about the Good Shepherd and his relationship with the sheep who follow him? The Shepherd. John emphasizes two elements of setting. The time is the festival of Dedication, or Hanukkah (v. 22) the Jewish celebration of the rededication of the Temple after Antiochus desecrated it while trying to force Greek religion and philosophy upon them. The place is the portico of Solomon (v. 23) the only remaining relic of Solomons sacred temple which still stood, and the place where the Jewish king would make judgments and exercise justice. So a controversial rabbi is teaching radical ideas and taking controversial theological positions at a time when Jewish culture in the presence of the Roman occupation, and the traditions and history of Jewish religious milieu are being honored and glorified. And Jesus is doing this in the very place where Gods kings had always spoken to Gods people. The Jews question and request (v. 24) are therefore painfully rhetorical. How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly. Theres no suspense. They know exactly what he is saying because of when and where he is saying it. Who does this Shepherd claim to be? à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Someone who works in the Fathers name. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Someone whose sheep hear his voice. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Someone who knows the sheep. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Someone whose sheep follow him. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Someone who gives to his followers eternal life. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Someone who defends his sheep, because no one will snatch them out of my hand. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Someone who is one with the Father. In Simply Christian, scholar N.T. Wright notes that human yearning for things like justice, relationships and beauty are echoes of a voice. On the deeper spiritual level, these universal desires are pointing both to their Author and to their Fulfiller. While these hopes can be met incompletely through what the world offers, they are only met perfectly and completely through Jesus as Savior, the Good Shepherd of the sheep. Jesus is no e-shepherd who engages his sheep remotely. The Shepherd maintains intimacy and proximity in order to meet the needs of his sheep. He is at least within voice-distance (v. 27). Jesus is a hands-on, high-touch Shepherd. The Sheep. Jesus speaks of his sheep in front of an audience who does not fit that category: You do not believe, because you do not belong to my sheep (v. 26). Not everyone is a sheep of this Shepherd a difficult and sobering reality. The Shepherd does not crook-beat people into following him. He allows for some goats instead of all sheep. But those who are Christ followers are described this way: My sheep hear my voice (v. 27). For intrigued sheep then or now, a natural question emerges from this text. How do we hear our Shepherds voice? Is it like Moses who heard from God audibly at Sinai? Is it like Elijah who heard the sound of sheer silence as God spoke? Or is it like pastor and author Rob Bell describing his call to preaching: I heard a voice not an audible, loud, human kind of voice but inner words spoken somewhere in my soul that were very clear and very concise. What I heard was Teach this book, and I will take care of everything else.' Dont we all long for a voice like those three experienced? Notice, though, that Jesus describes voice-hearing in two different ways: I know them, and they follow me (v. 27). When Jesus knows his sheep he does so eternally (v. 28), and they are offered the Shepherds protection and security. But this security is not earthly. Sheep may lose their life, their financial comfort and their social acceptance because of their faith. Yet those who have heard the saving call of God and responded can never lose their souls and relationship with the Shepherd. Some of you pastor-theologians might want to amend that sentence so it reads like this: Yet those who have heard and are hearing the saving call of God and who have responded and are responding can never lose their souls and relationship with the Shepherd. In any event, hearing his voice includes being known by the Shepherd. [NOTE: The question that needs to be addressed is, How does one know, or hear, the voice of the Shepherd, so that we can be obedient and follow? See another Homiletics installment (based on this text), available online at www.HomileticsOnline.com, Jesus IS Ovine-Lingual. There the following observation is made: Yet, sometimes the problem is not that we, the sheep of his pasture, do not recognize the voice of the Shepherd. Rather, we recognize it and refuse to listen. Or we listen selectively.] In biblical times, shepherds had shrill yells that would resound through the wadis and across the hills where their sheep grazed. The Shepherds voice was firm, clear, loud and there was no mistaking it. It told the sheep, I am your shepherd. I know the best path. Follow me. When is the last time we have sensed God leading us to still waters and green pastures? When have we been asked to follow Jesus even when it is costly? Sheep regularly hear from their shepherd, they trust his voice and they follow. Jesus doesnt fit the shepherd stereotype and its probably fair to say that we arent the brainless herd animals that we assume sheep to be. But the biblical metaphor is still timeless and rich, ultimately giving us a picture of relationship, protection and provision, allowing us to hear a clear voice that bids us follow toward soul-satisfaction.