America Essay

It has been taught in American schools that the war fought in order to stop slavery and that the American South did the right thing by seceding from the Union because of its support in slavery. Subsequently, the Civil war was a result of the Founding Fathers’ failure to address the institution of slavery in a republic that proclaimed in its Declaration of Independence that all men are created equal. Nonetheless, the necessity of the war has been questioned because the four-war to abolish slavery ravaged the country and destroyed nearly half of the American people. Among the countries that practiced slavery, only America and Haiti freed their slaves by war. The rest were freed peacefully. Hence, it can be concluded that the South could have gained its independence without the war. The rising alone of keeping and posting guards on the constantly escaping slaves would have resulted in the gradual decline for the demand of slaves. The absence of a fugitive slave laws in other states that would force the return of the slaves to their owners has added to the decreasing value of the slaves. As such the institution would have been unsustainable regardless of the moral and humanitarian perspectives. On the other hand, the American North would still have achieved its goals without resorting to war. Apparently, the North slaughtered a large number of American young men in the battles against the South. Nonetheless, it is evident that the South posed no military threat to the North. Its aim of preserving the Union was considered as not a compelling reason to continue the war. The North wanted to keep the Union intact solely on the basis of economy and fiscal matter. Since the principal source of tax revenue for the federal government before the Civil war was a tariff on imports, they needed to keep these tariffs in which the federal government accounted its federal budget. The North did not need to take the bait by Lincoln who dispatched southerners to forestall the supplies for Fort Sumter. Hence, its attack on the South could have been prevented had not depended on the Union being intact and the economic advantages it provided them.

What is Peak Oil and what are the implications for the main transport Essay - 2

What is Peak Oil and what are the implications for the main transport modes (cars; trucks; trains; ships; aircraft) - Essay Example Geologist, M. King Hubbert had first developed the concept of â€Å"Peak oil† while he was working for Shell Ltd., an oil company. The main hypothesis of Hubbert is that production of petroleum products can only increase up to a certain point, the maximum production. After that, production will surely decline. Hubert had originally predicted in 1956 that oil production of the United States will begin to fall from the period of 70s (Nà ¤f, 2010). Though initially rejected, validity of this hypothesis had begun to gain momentum when this possibility showed signs of reality. Since then, various analysts had used the background of Hubbert to predict the peak year for world oil decline. The expected time frame for the decline is 2004 to 2008 (National Research Council, 2006). The following graph shows the initial hypothesis of Hubbert. According to current estimates, the peak year of production depends heavily on the future demand. The exact time frame has not been commonly agreed upon, but estimates claim that it is likely to happen before 2020 (Mobbs, 2005). The current estimates have suggested that assuming the world economy to grow at 3-3.5% per annum, the consumption of oil in developing countries will rise from 84 bbl/day in 2005 to 120 bbl/day in 2025. Additionally, assuming depletion of oil at 3-3.5% per annum, the current demand can only be met if 98 bbl/day is produced from sources other than the existing ones, which are almost impossible (Graefe, 2011). The peak oil debate has continued for too long and no concrete results have been reached. The ones for the notion debate that the production will always lag behind discovery and the decline is terminal (Kaufmann, n.d.). Over the last few decades, newer sites that had been discovered had shown that reserves in them are not too high and cannot be sustained for a long-term. The Kuwait oil company has also decided on using multi-cyclic models to overcome

Land Law Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words - 1

Land Law - Assignment Example The laws that relate to land cover the divergent aspects or dimensions of land so that peoples’ right to possess, alienate and use land are upheld. In fact, land laws also provide land owners with the rights and powers to exclude others from their land. Among the important categories of land laws are those that cover land use and ownership agreements/processes such as land leasing and renting. In most cultures therefore, there are provisions, systems and jurisdictions that register land and resolve any disputes related to land use, ownership or inheritance among others1. Most emphasized in customary and common law jurisdictions are the land rights to which individuals are entitled. Land right refers to the unchallengeable ability that the law provides for people to possess and utilize land at their discretion provided that such possession and utilization of land do not infringe on the rights of others in the society2. It is therefore imperative that land lawyers recognize and understand the meanings and extent of land, more so the multi-dimensional nature of land3. This paper explores the concept of the multi-dimensionality of land and its impacts on land lawyers understanding of land. Definition of Land The apparent importance of land even as early as the beginning of civilization has led to almost all world cultures recognizing the need to regulate its ownership and use4. Despite the origins of land laws being in ancient times, land laws remain a core component of the society even in modern times. At the start of any legal process on land issues, it is important that all those involved, particularly the lawyers, define the subject matter, which in this case is land. According to section 205 (1) (ix) of the LPA 1925, the land comprises â€Å"land of any possession or tenure and minerals and mines , any structure or part of any structure or other corporeal hereditaments ; it also includes an advowson, a manor and a rent and an easement , privilege , rig ht or advantage in , over or enjoyed from land.† Accordingly, in legal parlance, a land includes both the corporeal and physical assets and the privileges that the owner or third parties may benefit from or over it5. The other conspicuous term in the definition of land in most statutes is ‘any tenure’. By the term land tenure are referred the two main types of ownership; leasehold and freehold, both of which refer to land in legal land issues. Freehold tenure refers to a situation in which an individual owns a piece of land forever/without end. On the other hand, leasehold ownership is a situation in which a tenant owns land for a given period (short or long but not indefinitely)6. From the two definitions, it is evident that leasehold ownership is a creation of freehold tenure. Unlike the Winter Garden Theatre (London) Limited versus Millennium Productions Limited Case of 1948, which had no term allowing the licensor to revoke the leasehold, it is important that contracts are clearly drawn in leaseholds. The Multi-Dimensionality of Land In addition to land tenure, the other important component of the definition of land is the extent of land. For instance, land is defined to include the mines and minerals therein, whether they belong to the owner of the surface of the land or not. The meaning of land thus includes both the vertical or horizontal division apart from the surface. Thus, a transfer of a land with two dimensional would have not only less

Balance in the Administration of Justice and Security Integrative Research Paper

Balance in the Administration of Justice and Security Integrative - Research Paper Example In essence, due to the dire situation in the organization of justice a lot of stigma is exerted on criminals and they are separated from ordinary inhabitants thus denying them their fundamental rights. Additionally, criminals are exposed to cruel conditions and given very barbaric penalties like capital punishment. However, the progression of evenhandedness and protection has brought good tidings for offenders and general residents in the sense that it provides for a tight balancing act linking justice and security. Such a concept guarantees the equal rights of all in society and creates a viable ambience for the achievement of justice. Much of the development of security and justice occurred in the course of the 21st century mostly due to the novel technology along with regulations enabling nations to create fresh types of retributions in the process of advancing justice. The outcomes of this evolution are evident as more liberties have been included in constitutions with the endeav or of establishing balance. The ratification of constitution by the authority has been engineered by the need to offer justice along with security to its citizens. A number of parameters pertain to the legal atmosphere where constitution as well as justice thrives. These parameters comprise of authority, punitive measures, mutual understanding in addition to fairness. Moreover, there are matters that pertain to the liberties of citizens along with security and the sustenance of order (Barreneche, 2006). They comprise of intrusion with liberties of as enshrined in the law. Dynamics like mass media along with technology have facilitated the delivery of security and justice to the nation. There has been an unprecedented evolution of fairness with safety in the 21st century facilitated by the establishment of novel policies to boost security in the country along with the guarantee of justice. As a result, majority of the nations have enacted legislations that conceptualize the manner in which matters of crime are dealt with. Such stipulations have been central in the quest for impartiality in addition to safety in the nation making it possible to establish a balance between the two primary parameters. Therefore, the evolution of security along with justice has been good news not only to the criminal justice system but also to the twin dynamics of security and justice which occupy a central position in the vast criminal justice system. Subsequently, surveillance has been beefed up to address activities of crime in several nations. A perfect example is the ratification of an anti terror act by America to assist in thwarting instances of crime. The primary intention of the legislation is the guarantee of security to the country’s citizens (Kelly et al, 2004). Among the many dynamics of the law include the guarantee of safety via security measures at airports and boundaries and seizure among others. The central pillar is the noninterference with the rights and liberties of citizens in the process of maintaining security. Therefore, the process of providing security and guaranteeing order should not in any way compromise the liberties and freedoms of citizens. As a result, even offenders have their rights which must not be denied. Law enforcement officers and other security agents are supposed to esteem the liberties of citizens as exemplified in the constitution. Every operation and activity must be guided by the law. However,

Pro and Cons of Legalizing Marijuana Research Paper

Pro and Cons of Legalizing Marijuana - Research Paper Example Scientists have conducted many experiments on marijuana, which have proved that the plant has very many medicinal attributes. Protagonists are pushing for marijuana legalization by showing evidence that the plant can be used to control or cure a variety of medical complications. First, marijuana has anti-inflammatory attributes, and it is also used as a pain reliever. It is a very potent pain reliever that can be used to numb pain experienced by patients with AIDS, Cancer or multiple sclerosis and other painful medical conditions. Marijuana also contains substances that can prevent Alzheimer’s disease or some of the symptoms, especially in elderly people. Marijuana has also indicated great success in fighting neurological decay and inflammation caused by old age. Marijuana has been used to control seizures, increase appetite in AIDS and cancer victims, fight glaucoma, epilepsy and muscular dystrophy. Scientists have also isolated cancer-fighting substances in marijuana that ha ve proved to beneficial in the fight against cancer. These are a few examples of the medicinal value of marijuana and as more research is conducted on the plant, there are prospects in finding new medicinal attributes of the cannabis plant. It is only ethical for lawmakers to consider these beneficial attributes of marijuana, which surpass its abuse, therefore, legalizing the cannabis plant (Caulkins, 2012). Economically, the government will reap billions from legalizing marijuana because it is an underground and untaxed business.

The Role of the Media in the Childhood Obesity Research Paper

The Role of the Media in the Childhood Obesity - Research Paper Example Obesity has now become a worldwide issue due to its increasing rise and the risks that it poses. It is a very common condition in the United States with two third of the population of United States suffering either from obesity or increased weight and approximately one-third of the population being obese according to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (Weight Control and Information Network 2010). In the UK, the Health Survey for England in the year 2008 presented that 24.5% people above the age of 15 were suffering from obesity. The same survey showed that the rate of obesity between the ages of 2 and 10 years was 13.9% (Department of Health 2009). It has been estimated in the United States of America that the rate of obesity in children has increased more than thrice in the past three decades (Laing 2010). Obesity in America is a growing epidemic. Childhood obesity in America has become such an important issue that it has been addressed by the first family in effo rts to combat obesity in America. With rising attention from important figures, it is the media’s turn now to draw the line and aid the youth in America by promoting healthy lifestyle choices and a clear representation of healthy people. Obesity carries with it a potential risk for the development of other disease states. It can lead to cardiovascular diseases which include hypertension, coronary heart diseases, and stroke. It increases the risk of certain cancers which include breast, colon and prostate cancers. It can lead to insulin resistance within the cells hence leading to diabetes mellitus. And it also affects the musculoskeletal system of a person by increasing the risk of osteoarthritis due to the increased weight burden on the joints. The respiratory system can also be affected with a person having difficulty in breathing while sleeping. An obese individual is also prone to develop metabolic syndrome.

The Scream Essay Example for Free

The Scream Essay â€Å"I was walking along a path with two friends-the sun was setting-suddenly the sky turned blood red-I paused, feeling exhausted, and leaned on the fence-there was blood and tongues of fire above the blue-black fjord and the city-my friends walked on, and I stood there trembling with anxiety-and sensed an infinite scream passing through the nature† (Munch qtd. in Fineman). These were the words of the Norwegian painter Edvard Munch who, after a stroll along a road in Oslo, was inspired by his visionary experience and managed to come up with the world-renowned painting, â€Å"The Scream. † Munch’s work became one of the most recognizable art forms in history and was regarded as one of the most contemporary cultural icons. The art became much popular because of the parodies and copies that were reproduced and have appeared on various objects such as t-shirts, key-chains, mouse pads, coffee mugs, and even became a favorite subject for tattoos (Fineman). see more:essay pt3 english The scream is well known as a lithograph that was finished in 1895. However, before the final version came to its final touches, the scream was the result of a process of evolutions. Edvard Munch painted four versions of The Scream, all of which were done in 1893. The earliest trace of the art form was done out of a single drawing on a cardboard, and the final form was done as an oil painting (Taylor 176). The Scream was a part of Munch’s most important expressionist painting series, â€Å"The Frieze of life† which he produced during 1890’s. According to researchers, the â€Å"Frieze of life† series centers on the artist’s usual theme such as love, darkness, death, and anxiety. The latter was evident in his most famous painting which is The Scream (Porter and Prince 116-117). Aside from being the most popular painting of Edvard Munch, The Scream is also considered as the most famous painting of Norway. Yet, it is also said to be the most vulnerable among the many artworks in the world because The Scream has been the object of theft twice. The Scream Theft 1994 During the onset of the Winter Olympics in Lillehammer, Norway, the National Art Museum in Oslo was robbed with its most important piece of art, The Scream. According to reports, two men climbed in a ladder and smashed one of the windows in the museum’s gallery and immediately stole the painting. The thieves used a wire cutter in order to remove the painting from the wall. Shortly after stealing the painting, the two men fled from the scene, leaving behind the cutters and the short ladder. The whole incident was caught by the museum’s security camera. During that time, Knut Berg, the director of the museum, pointed out that the exact value of the painting was impossible to be agreed upon, and it is also impossible to be sold (British Broadcasting Corporation [BBC]). Based from documents, the alarm of the museum went off at around 6:30 local time. This alerted the security guard who immediately called upon the authorities. Police officers started searching for a Mercedes vehicle which was thought as the getaway vehicle of the thieves. Speculations were made that the thieves were somehow connected to the Olympic events, and the theft was pulled by campaigners as a publicity stunt. Due to the incident, the art museum received criticisms for the lack of security. It was found that Munch’s masterpiece was originally placed in the first floor of the museum which was said to be more secured. However, The Scream was then placed at the museum’s ground floor for exhibition and as a highlight for the Norwegian Culture Festival, which was done as a part of the Winter Olympics (BBC). According to sources, a Norwegian anti-abortion group initially claimed that they were responsible for stealing the painting. However, authorities doubted their claim and continued the search for the missing masterpiece. In March 1994, the gallery received a ransom demand from the thieves. The perpetrators demanded for  £700,000 equivalent to $1,000,000 in exchange of The Scream. The board members of the gallery as well as the Norwegian government refused to pay because of the uncertainty of whether the demand was genuine or not. Two months after the gallery received the ransom demand and through the cooperation of Norwegian and British police, the painting was recovered unscathed. The painting was found in a hotel room located at a seaside town outside of Oslo. It was said that the area of recovery was the place where Edvard Munch created most of his masterpieces. By 1996, four men were arrested and convicted from stealing Edvard Munch’s most important version of â€Å"The Scream† (BBC). The Scream Theft 2004 In August 22, 2004, another version of The Scream was stolen at the Edvard Munch Museum. The armed and masked thieves barged in at the said museum in broad daylight. Eventually, the robbers ripped The Scream and another of Munch’s painting, â€Å"The Madonna,† from the gallery’s wall right in front of the stunned visitors and museum staffs. The robbers hurriedly loaded the art pieces into a vehicle. Hours after the incident, Oslo police recovered the get away car as well the paintings’ frames (Associated Press [AP]). According to reports, the museum was lightly guarded, and the police who immediately responded to the scene received tips from different people. The event led to a nationwide hunt for the missing artworks. Specific motives were unclear. However, experts claimed that the paintings must have been stolen for the thieves to demand ransom or to serve as a â€Å"trophy robbery† in order to impress other art thieves and criminals, yet no words were heard from the thieves (AP). Just like The Scream heist in 1994, The Scream version in Edvard Munch Museum has no set price. According to John Oeyaas, the managing director of Oslo Forsikring, the company which insured the paintings against damage, the work of Munch was not insured against burglary. Apart from this, Oeyaas noted that the artworks were irreplaceable and were impossible to be sold. Thus, insurance of an artwork is nothing because the loss of an irreplaceable piece cannot be compensated by anything (AP). In May 2006, three men were arrested and were found guilty of stealing the two paintings. A court in Norway pressed the verdict against the perpetrators. The thieves were identified as Peter Tharaldsen, who was the driver behind the heist, Bjoern Hoen, identified as the theft mastermind, and Stian Skjod, one of the gunmen who barged in the museum. Tharalsden and Hoen were both sentenced for nine years in prison while Skjold received five years of imprisonment. The other gunman died from drug overdose in that same year (â€Å"Scream Thieves†) Three months after the arrest of the thieves, the Olso police retrieved Munch’s two paintings. Both the items had minor marks and tears but were totally in good condition. By September of 2006, The Scream, alongside The Madonna, was once again exhibited and was later on restored in the museum with the protection of heavy glass boxes (BBC). It is evident that Edvard Munch’s the scream is one of the most important art pieces of today. Likewise, it serves as an inspiration for many artists and continuously pervades the popular culture (Porter and Prince 117). The Scream is one of the few artworks that truly expresses and discusses the meaning of anxiety in life. As such, this fragile piece of art has been so popular that after two times of becoming the object of theft, it was able to scream for escape and survived the ordeal to be seen by people who truly appreciate the depths of life. Works Cited Associated Press. â€Å"Munch’s famous ‘Scream,’ ‘Madonna’ stolen.† MSNBC. 23 August 2004. 08 October 2008 http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/5787000/#storyContinued. British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC). â€Å"1994: Art thieves snatch scream.† BBC News. 12 February 2008. 08 October 2008 http://news.bbc.co.uk/onthisday/hi/dates/stories/february/12/newsid_3591000/35919 94.stm. Fineman, Mia. â€Å"Existential Superstar: Another look at Edvard Munch’s The Scream.† Slate. 22 November 2005. 08 October 2008 http://www.slate.com/id/2130897/. Porter, Darwin and Danforth Prince. Frommer’s Norway. Norway: Frommer’s, 2007. Taylor, Mark. Tears. Albany, New York: State University of New York Press, 1990. â€Å"The Scream Thieves Jailed.† Art News Blog. 24 April 2007. 08 October 2008 http://www.artnewsblog.com/2007/04/scream-thieves-jailed.htm.