Censorship Essays (886 words) - Freedom Of Expression, Censorship

Censorship CENSORSHIP Censorship and the ideology supporting it reiterates concepts from ancient times. In early Greek civilization, Socrates was accused of worshipping strange gods and corrupting the minds of the youth. He preferred to sacrifice his life rather than accept the censorship of his teachings. Socrates advocated free discussion, and is the first person in recorded history to formulate a philosophy of intellectual freedom. Ancient Roman society endorsed that only members of the Senate, or persons of vast authority, enjoyed the privilege of free speech. However, the extensive Roman Empire could not have remained intact for four centuries if it had not maintained a tolerant attitude toward the diverse religions and cults of the races it ruled. In our own country, the American Revolution branded the beginning of an era with an emphasis on toleration and liberty ? the Age of Enlightenment. It affected all aspects of society, from religious belief and political life, to science and literature. The Declaration of Independence, the Bill of Rights and the U.S. Constitution sanctioned that restraint on publication is unconstitutional. Such repression is only justified in extreme cases, such as times of war. In modern times, censorship refers to the examination of books, plays, periodicals, films, television and radio programs, news reports and the internet for the purpose of suppressing material thought to be objectionable or offensive. Censorship can be defined as the supervision and control of the information and ideas that are circulated among the people within a society. It concerns objectionable materials, such as those which may be considered to be immoral, obscene, treasonable or injurious to national security. The rationale of censorship is that it is necessary for the protection of basic social institutions: the family, the church and the state. It is a guardian of morals, and intrudes in many aspects of society: it supervises our communications, suppresses our freedom of speech, alters and edits our media and reduces the knowledge base that we can gain access to. It is claimed that permissiveness in the arts and mass media debases the public taste and corrupts all sense of dec ency. One aspect of censorship is that it omits some of our freedoms of speech when addressing a large group of people. For example, no person has the right to shout ?Fire!? in a crowded theatre when no fire is present, or urge an angry mob to riot. This, as stipulated by Congress, would be a clear and present danger to the peace and security of the community. In some local communities, school boards have exerted pressure on publishers to omit certain areas of text relating to various sensitive issues, such as evolution, the biblical account of creation, or discussions of racial or religious groups. When publishers, authors or broadcasters trespass the political or moral boundaries set by law, they may be subject to fines, imprisonment and confiscation of their publication. The U.S. film industry practices a form of self-censorship. The Motion Picture Association of America imposed on its constituents a system of film classification. The Federal Communications Commission implemented vague rules for television and radio about program content. They restrict the use of explicit language and direct references to sex. Religious, ethnic and racial groups have attempted to prevent plays, movies, and television programs because of elements they find offensive. In terms of my own opinions concerning censorship, I do not believe that it should be completely eliminated from our society. Instead of the materials we have access to being filtered and limited, I believe that the information should be available to those who choose to, and are mature enough to view it. One aspect I feel strongly about is that any individual should be able to openly criticize, through speech or publication, any government or public official. If we do not have the right to question or criticize our authority figures, than there is nothing to set our democratic society apart from that of a dictatorship. I do not believe that censorship should interfere with our correspondence, privacy, family or with our freedom of thought, religion or opinion. In terms of how censorship should be dealt with in our classroom, I think that omitting all profanity from music selection would eliminate a huge

Blackbeard the Pirate Biography for Kids

Blackbeard the Pirate Biography for Kids Kids are often interested in pirates and want to know the history of people such as Blackbeard. They may not be ready for the adult version of the  biography of Blackbeard  but can have their questions answered in this version for young readers. Who was Blackbeard? Blackbeard was a fearsome pirate who attacked other peoples ships a long time ago, in the years 1717–1718. He enjoyed looking scary, making his long black hair and beard smoke while he was fighting. He died while fighting ships sent to catch him and bring him to jail. Here are the answers to all your Blackbeard questions. Was Blackbeard his real name? His real name was Edward Thatch or Edward Teach. Pirates took nicknames to hide their real names. He was called Blackbeard because of his long, black beard. Why was he a pirate? Blackbeard was a pirate because it was a way to make a fortune. Life at sea was hard and risky for sailors in navy or on merchant ships. It was tempting to take what you learned serving on those ships and join a pirate crew where you would earn a share of the treasure. At different times, a government would encourage ships captains to be privateers and raid ships from other countries, but not theirs. These privateers might then begin to prey on any ships and become pirates. What did pirates do? Pirates sailed where they thought other ships would be. Once they found another ship, they would raise their pirate flag and attack. Usually, the other ships just gave up once they saw the flag to avoid a fight and injuries. The pirates would then steal everything the ship was carrying. What sort of stuff did pirates steal? Pirates stole anything that they could use or sell. If a ship had cannons or other good weapons, the pirates would take them. They stole food and alcohol. If there was any gold or silver, they would steal it. The ships they robbed were usually merchants ships carrying cargo such as cocoa, tobacco, cow hides or cloth. If the pirates thought they could sell the cargo, they took it. Did Blackbeard leave behind any buried treasure? Lots of people think so, but probably not. Pirates preferred to spend their gold and silver and not bury it somewhere. Also, most of the treasure he stole was cargo rather than coins and jewels. He would sell the cargo and spend the money. Who were some of Blackbeards friends? Blackbeard learned how to be a pirate from Benjamin Hornigold, who gave him command of one of his pirate ships. Blackbeard helped Major Stede Bonnet, who didnt really know much about being a pirate. Another friend was Charles Vane, who had several chances to stop being a pirate but he never took them. Why was Blackbeard so famous? Blackbeard was famous because he was a very scary pirate. When he knew he was going to attack someone’s ship, he put smoking fuses in his long black hair and beard. He also wore pistols strapped to his body. Some sailors who saw him in battle actually thought he was the devil. Word of him spread and people on both land and sea were scared of him. Did Blackbeard have a family? According to Captain Charles Johnson, who lived at the same time as Blackbeard, he had 14 wives. This probably isn’t true, but it seems likely that Blackbeard did get married sometime in 1718 in North Carolina. There is no record of him ever having any kids. Did Blackbeard have a pirate flag and a pirate ship? Blackbeards pirate flag was black with a white devil skeleton on it. The skeleton was holding a spear pointing at a red heart. He also had a very famous ship called the Queen Annes Revenge. This mighty ship had 40 cannons on it, making it one of the most dangerous pirate ships ever. Did they ever catch Blackbeard? Local leaders often offered a reward for the capture of famous pirates. Many men tried to catch Blackbeard, but he was too smart for them and escaped capture many times. To get him to stop, he was offered a pardon and he accepted it. However, he returned to piracy How did Blackbeard die? Finally, on November 22, 1718, pirate hunters caught up with him near Ocracoke Island, off of North Carolina. Blackbeard and his men put up quite a fight, but in the end, they were all killed or arrested. Blackbeard died in battle and his head was cut off so the pirate hunters could prove they killed him. According to an old story, his headless body swam around his ship three times. This was not possible but added to his fearsome reputation. Sources: Cordingly, David. New York: Random House Trade Paperbacks, 1996 Defoe, Daniel (Captain Charles Johnson). A General History of the Pyrates. Edited by Manuel Schonhorn. Mineola: Dover Publications, 1972/1999. Konstam, Angus. The World Atlas of Pirates. Guilford: the Lyons Press, 2009 Woodard, Colin. The Republic of Pirates: Being the True and Surprising Story of the Caribbean Pirates and the Man Who Brought Them Down. Mariner Books, 2008.

Finanical Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Finanical Management - Essay Example manufactures time series photographic equipment. It is currently at its target debt-equity ratio of 1.3. It is considering building a new 45million manufacturing facility. This new plant is expected to generate after-tax cash flows of 5.7 million to perpetuity. There are three financing options. It will be noted that the flotation charges made from issuing common stock has caused the shortage on the required investment for the new building. Initially, the firm has considered raising funds to finance new building construction, but it seems this option needs some mix re-alignment or additional financing either thru bonds or bank borrowings. Flotation cost is defined as the costs associated with issuance of new securities. It is the portion of the proceeds associated with the size of the spread. It includes costs incurred by the underwriting company in marketing the stocks. Annual coupon rate 9% YTM 20 yrs. Purchase value $950.00 Face value $1000.00 Current yield 9.474% Yield to maturity 9.570% A criterion for evaluation of NPV is when NPV is more than zero, accept the project when it is positive, and when the NPV is negative, reject the project. NPV also gives us an idea if the total net present value can finance the project cost. (Van Horne) M & M contends that capital structure is irrelevant, and that the value of the firm depends on its total asset and not by its capital structures. In the diagram above of two firms, both are levered by equity and debt and have similar financial capital structure. The only difference that could be observed is how they finance their operation. In diagram A, 70% is levered by stock

Ethics in Criminal Justice Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 5

Ethics in Criminal Justice - Essay Example on the variety of ideas and the effectiveness of its execution depends on dedication and commitment on part of people involved to carry out the decision. â€Å"Ethical decision making will be reserved for use in a group decision making context. Specifically, we will address ethical decision making in business as providing the guiding requirements or goals for right conduct† (Addressing Ethics in Decision Making, 2009). It is the most realistic and accurate expression of the fundamental feeling behind the ethical point of view, that is, benevolence. This principle states that there is room in the structure for conventional ethical rules, but adds that these principles can gain power only from maximizing usefulness during the long term. There is probably no one in the modern period whose visions have influenced moral reflection above those of 18th-century theorist Immanuel Kant. Kant creates his "supreme principle" in numerous different methods, all of which he claims to be equal. Unlike other two ethical principles, virtue ethics does not offer ethics for judging an act right or wrong. It gives attention to building up the character of human beings so that an individual is bound to do the right thing. Character traits such as self-control, courage, justice generosity, gentleness etc are developed through this. Virtue ethics revolves around achievement and promotion of human excellence. Every moral virtue is a means that gives extreme happiness. Sometimes it generates a feeling of doing too much or too little. The absolute mean is diverse from the mean as it is relative to the human being. Ethical decision-making in the organizations helps to change the future for the better. â€Å"Addressing ethics in decision making in business or other large organizations or groups (e.g., government) does point to the need to ensure that key focusing decisions have been made and are in place. In particular, the business decision for core values should be in place to provide the

Public Sector vs Private Sector Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Public Sector vs Private Sector - Research Paper Example In practice, the method chosen for the evaluation of a project can highly vary depended on the project’s targets, the resources available and the environment in which the project was first developed. For example, if the project has been developed in the private sector its evaluation will be based on a method that will be different from those used in the public sector. Cost Benefit Analysis/ Cost Effectiveness Analysis The specific method of project evaluation is ideal for projects that have both economic and non-economic effects (Simic, Vratonjic & Beric 2011, p.114). When the costs involved in a project are difficult to be precisely estimated, then the Cost Effectiveness Analysis would be preferred. The Cost-Effectiveness Analysis has an important benefit: it gives the chance to choose among alternative projects so that the project related to the lowest costs is identified (Simic, Vratonjic & Beric 2011, p.115). ... Effectiveness Analysis (Simic, Vratonjic & Beric 2011, p.117) Setting project’s goals and purpose Setting ‘the conditions for the achievement of goals’ (Simic, Vratonjic & Beric 2011, p.117) Introducing alternatives; for each goal at least two alternatives need to be available, meaning alternative strategies/ methodologies for achieving a particular goal Introducing evaluation criteria; for example: ‘feasibility and availability’ (Simic, Vratonjic & Beric 2011, p.117) Introducing evaluation criteria related to costs; fixed cost criteria are preferred since they refer to a wide range of costs, including ‘research and development, project implementation and maintenance’ (Simic, Vratonjic & Beric 2011, p.117) Deciding on the quality/ appropriateness of alternatives Evaluating each alternative in terms of its sensitivity, i.e. whether it is vulnerable to changes. Evaluating each alternative in terms of its content, meaning especially the accu racy of costs involved The findings of the research over the quality of a project are further discussed and analyzed aiming to present all aspects of the project and of the alternatives available A different process for the evaluation of a project can be chosen, taking into consideration the economic and social environment and the project’s targets. For example, the African Development Bank Group tends to use a specific process for evaluating its projects; this process is presented in Figure 2 below. Figure 2 – Evaluation process of projects developed by ADBG (ADBG 2004, p.iii) Evaluation of project – Costs The costs of a project are usually categorized according to the nature of the project and its targets. In the case of BlueJay, costs would be divided into two major categories. A. Total ownership costs These are

Threats and Opportunities for Insurance Companies

Threats and Opportunities for Insurance Companies Climate change has become one of the most important aspects of our daily lives as it has a deep impact on our systems and the general well being of humanity. Such unprecedented change in the climate has resulted in extreme catastrophes such as hurricanes, floods, wild fires, etc. The loss caused by such accidents is not limited to the general public, but is further passed on to industry, which thrives on the concept of underwriting assets. The industries core belief is to quantify the uncertainty of an unforeseen event. But as these events are growing in frequency and size, it will continue to challenge the sustainability of insurance companies. Inevitably, it will transfer the burden to the insurance purchaser, as insurance companies will seek higher premiums for their products, which will only make it less affordable for the masses to afford essential insurance coverage. In this essay we will discuss the various challenges that the industry faces due to climate change, the possible ways to mitigate the threats, and then the scope of more opportunities arising out of the given change. Climate change can be seen as a threat to many insurance companies in the long term as well as the short term. IPCC (2007) has confirmed an increase in the frequency of the catastrophe in the recent years. Insurance claims running into billions of dollars can cause a huge dent in this industry, which makes up up-to 10% of the US economy. It is only natural for insurance companies to charge higher premium for those asserts. Which are exposed to high risks, making it less affordable to the market. The chairman of Lloyds of London quoted that climate change is the number- one issue for that massive insurance group. And also Europes largest insurer, Allianz, stated climate change stands to increase insured losses from extreme events in an average year by 37% within just a decade (Hawker, 2007,p.28). In the past, insurance companies have relied on previous data to formulate policies. But such a practice has only caused high losses as the climate is changing in a rapid way. Warren buffet pointed out insurance companies cant simply extrapolate past experience. If there is a is truly global warming, for example, the odds would shift, since tiny changes in atmospheric conditions can produce momentous changes in weather patterns'. Therefore new techniques such as risk management system (RMS) are used extensively by insurance industry for assessing and managing risks. Hurricane Andrew caused a loss of $23 billion to insurers as they based their policies after relying on past data. However, the same industry had a much smaller impact when hurricane hit the US coast in 20004 and 2005, as they used future risk models such as RMS to formulate policies (Herweiger et. al., 2009). Climate change leads to increase damage and costs as ever increasing level and long lasting wildfires are causing more claims and property damages. Such frequency and magnitude of potential losses can jeopardize the solvency of insurance and reinsurance companies. Sustainability can be insured if the given threats are dealt with adequately. Insurance industries have a history of fostering practices and technologies to reduce risks. Some of the possible and effective ways to mitigate risks are, firstly, a lesser premium can be charged from customers of motor insurance who drive hybrid cars or use pay as you drive scheme. Special benefits can be given to customers who buy vehicles jointly to use them under car pool system. Secondly, a close association with government agencies to improve land use planning, better management of forestry agriculture and wet lands can help in having a well balanced growth that does not put to much pressure on natural resources. Collaboration with private builders to promote, improved building codes, which insure minimum damage to the environment, lower energy requirements and long-term durability. Thirdly, building awareness amongst clients and formulation of public policy. Companies can provide information and edu cation to customers about the harmful effects of violating laws of nature. Consultation should be given to primary and secondary industry to reduce their impact on their immediate environment. . Many insurers have already made investments in green projects like renewable energy, energy efficiency, forestry projects and green funds to ensure that their customers receive protection and also saving them from large claims (Mills, 2007,p.7). Promotion of voluntary energy saving and energy efficient codes can help reduce our dependence on state electrical supply. Active participation from insurers such as AIG offer its Private Client Group a service in which crews are deployed to apply fire retardant in areas such as Colorado which are threatened by wildfire. Climate change can prove as a very big opportunity for insurers as the unpredictable climate can threaten their customers and lead them to insuring their assets. However they must adapt timely successfully. Responding to change is important as it brings opportunities. Insurance companies should develop new solutions and introduce insurance of new assets and risks for their customers changing needs. It is also seen that the Insurance industry is in constant search of better returns for its vast investments. In this regard it could take advantage of the opportunities available in alternative energy sources as it is a good investment as constant technological developments make this it more affordable and attractive for the public. Introducing new products such as risk based pricing under which insurance premiums are charged as per their risk exposure. For normal policies, premium is charged by keeping various factors in hand, but the premium is standard for all, no consideration is given to a policy holders risk exposure. For example- buying car insurance in UK, Any individual above the age of 21 is charged a basic insurance premium which is more or less standard. However when it comes to providing insurance cover to an individual below the age of 21, the policy premium is charged at a much higher rate, as the possibility of an accident is much higher as these new drivers are mostly inexperienced. Another opportunity comes from state help, in form of promotion, because If the majority of the population do not insure their properties then in case of a catastrophe, the financial burden will fall on the state insurers, so to save from this burden, governments promote and favour private insurance companies. Thus making it profitable for private insurers as well as the government. Some of the possible ways to tap the available opportunity are firstly by energy saving insurance, which is given to promoters of energy efficient projects to protect them from loss due to underachievement of predicted energy efficiency. Secondly by motor insurance where packages such as pay as you drive insurance are given, in which cover is given for the miles driven. This helps to reduce miles driven by 10 % to 15 % and also reduces accidents. Thirdly by green building insurance, insurance schemes for buildings that comply with green, eco friendly codes. Fourthly by micro insurance, where the majority of the population living below poverty line, cannot afford insurance of any sort. Therefore new packages for this section of the society can help to capture a very large customer base. Fifthly by investing in alternate energy sources As they can help to get a much higher returns to the surplus investable capital of insurance companies, as this sector holds great promise for better, cleaner greener energy, through technological innovations. And lastly by improved identification of flood plains will help to promote insurance purchasing in the marked areas. After exploring the implications of climate change on the insurance industry, I have shown above, the threats opportunities that the insurance companies face. By comparing both sides of the argument, I believe that the insurance industry faces more threats than opportunities due to climate change. An ever-increasing catastrophe rate, sparked by excessive climate change has lead to increased financial losses, reduced customer base in some case cases complete wipe out of companies. Therefore it is only right for these companies to mitigate these risks in order to insure sustainability. In the given scenario, there also exist enough opportunities to develop new business models and increase revenue through new policies, revised competitive rates. Many untapped market segments, which remain untouched by industry, can provide high revenues. Adequate investments in research and technology will be beneficial for the industry. Above all, a close association with the general public, government agencies private sector enterprise will help the insurance industry to protect itself from the dangers of climate change and provide sufficient opportunity to grow in size.

Stonehenge :: essays research papers

In the hill country of northern England, many sites of Stonehenge exist. Approximately 150 to 200 enormous stones lie stacked on top of each other forming somewhat of an altar. Tall stones stand upright surrounding the center stone which is bluestone. This is unlike the sandstone columns which surround it. This may not seem unusual at first; however, there are three main factors that make Stonehenge extremely odd. Each of these stones weigh close to 4 tons. There are also no other stones in a radius of 15 miles. With today’s sophisticated equipment the moving of these large stones would not be difficult, but one must remember, Stonehenge was built approximately 4800 B.C. Radiocarbon dating shows that these stone structures are older than the great pyramids of Egypt, and the large cities of Rome. Of course Stonehenge is not as advanced as the great pyramids but it was built in an area which wasn’t as advanced as the Egyptians or Romans.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The outside stones are made completely of sandstone, this is at least 18 miles from the site where the sandstone was quarried from. Each stone stands upright and are expertly balanced. Stones of the same composition and size, rest on top forming a circular structure. In the middle of these stones, giant pieces of bluestone lay on the ground in â€Å"horse shoe† like shapes. These stones are also called spotted dolorite, and are not found within a 225 mile radius. In the very center, a piece of Welsh sandstone lay as a monument.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  One of the most interesting facts about Stonehenge is that it is perfectly lined up with the winter (December 21) and summer (June 21) solstices. This is when the beginning of summer and winter when the Earth’s axis changes. As the sun rises over the horizon on those two days, its rays go through a small hole in one of the rocks. The alignment is perfect. The other significant characteristic of these prehistoric masterpieces, is that absolutely no mortar or cement exists throughout the entire structure. These huge stones lay balanced on top of each other with no glue or substance to hold them together. The only thing that stops these gargantuan stones from falling is a simple system of joints. Originally these structures were thought to be circles. In fact, many people still think they are circular; however, they are not. Some have flattened sides, some are hexagonal and some are elliptical. This is not easy to see with the naked eye which is why so