Supreme Court Striking Down Taboos free essay sample

A paper which discusses the rulings of the U.S. Supreme Court on two cases dealing with interracial marriage and gay rights. The paper discusses how the U.S. Supreme Court provided tangible direction in 1967s Loving vs. Virginia and in 1986s Bowers vs. Hardwick. The paper shows that by ruling against states rights, the Supreme Court ruled that it was unconstitutional to prohibit interracial marriage in Loving but sided with Georgia in Bowers and ruled that the state statute prohibiting sodomy was constitutional striking gay rights a blow from which they only began to recover in 1996. The paper explores how these two cases had an immense impact on the historical progress of the twentieth century the end of the century concerned itself primarily with equality and equal rights for various groups and these two cases were seminal in determining the course of the twenty-first centurys continuation of the quest for equal rights. We will write a custom essay sample on Supreme Court Striking Down Taboos or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Interracial marriages and gay rights represent much larger issues as if those issues are not large enough. American history since 1789 is one long debate between states rights and federal powers. Those usually willing to effect change in favor of minority groups have clamored for federal powers to refuse states the right to marginalize certain groups. Those who prefer the conservative whether evangelical Christian or not viewpoint call for the federal government to stay out of states regulations pertaining to hotbed issues like race and sexual orientation.

Russo-Japanese War and the Battle of Tsushima

Russo-Japanese War and the Battle of Tsushima The Battle of Tsushima was fought  May 27-28, 1905, during the Russo-Japanese War (1904-1905) and proved a decisive victory for the Japanese. Following the outbreak of the Russo-Japanese War in 1904, Russian fortunes in the Far East began to decline. At sea, Admiral Wilgelm Vitgefts First Pacific Squadron had been blockaded at Port Arthur since the opening action of the conflict while ashore the Japanese had laid siege to Port Arthur. In August, Vitgeft received orders to break out from Port Arthur and join with a cruiser squadron from  Vladivostok. Encountering  Admiral Togo Heihachiros fleet, a chase ensued as the Japanese sought to block the Russians from escaping. In the resulting engagement, Vitgeft was killed and the Russians were forced to return to Port Arthur. Four days later, on August 14, Rear Admiral Karl Jessens Vladivostok Cruiser Squadron met a cruiser force led by Vice Admiral Kamimura Hikonojo off Ulsan. In the fighting, Jessen lost one ship and was forced to retire. The Russian Response Responding to these reverses and encouraged by his cousin Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany, Tsar Nicholas II ordered the creation of a Second Pacific Squadron. This would be composed of five divisions from the Russian Baltic Fleet, including 11 battleships. Upon arriving in the Far East, it was hoped that the ships would allow the Russians to regain naval superiority and disrupt Japanese supply lines. Additionally, this force was to aid in breaking the siege of Port Arthur before working to slow the Japanese advance in Manchuria until reinforcements could arrive overland via the Trans-Siberian Railroad. The Baltic Fleet Sails The Second Pacific Squadron sailed from the Baltic on October 15, 1904, with Admiral Zinovy Rozhestvensky in command. A veteran of the Russo-Turkish War (1877-1878), Rozhestvensky had also served as Chief of the Naval Staff. Steaming south through the North Sea with 11 battleships, 8 cruisers, and 9 destroyers, the Russians were alarmed by rumors of Japanese torpedo boats operating in the area. These led to the Russians accidentally fired on a number of British trawlers fishing near Dogger Bank on October 21/22. This saw the trawler Crane sunk with two killed and four other trawlers damaged. Additionally, seven Russian battleships fired on the cruisers Aurora and Dmitrii Donskoi in the confusion. Further fatalities were only avoided due to the Russians poor marksmanship. The resultant diplomatic incident nearly led Britain to declare war on Russia and the battleships of the Home Fleet were directed to prepare for action. To watch the Russians, the Royal Navy directed cruiser squadrons to shadow the Russian fleet until a resolution was achieved. Route of the Baltic Fleet Prevented from using the Suez Canal by the British as a result of the incident, Rozhestvensky was forced to take the fleet around the Cape of Good Hope. Due to a lack of friendly coaling bases, his ships frequently carried surplus coal stacked on their decks and also met contracted German colliers to refuel. Steaming over 18,000 miles, the Russian fleet reached Cam Ranh Bay in Indochina on April 14, 1905. Here Rozhestvensky rendezvoused with the Third Pacific Squadron and received new orders. As Port Arthur had fallen on January 2, the combined fleet was to make for Vladivostok. Departing Indochina, Rozhestvensky steamed north with the older ships of the Third Pacific Squadron in tow. As his fleet neared Japan, he elected to proceed directly through the Tsushima Strait to reach the Sea of Japan as the other options, La Pà ©rouse (Soya) and Tsugaru, would have required passing to the east of Japan. Admirals Fleets Japanese Admiral Togo HeihachiroPrincipal Ships: 4 battleships, 27 cruisers Russians Admiral Zinovy RozhestvenskyAdmiral Nikolai Nebogatov11 battleships, 8 cruisers The Japanese Plan Alerted to the Russians approach, Togo,  the commander of the Japanese Combined Fleet, began preparing his fleet for battle. Based at Pusan, Korea, Togos fleet consisted primarily of 4 battleships and 27 cruisers, as well as a large number of destroyers and torpedo boats. Correctly believing that Rozhestvensky would pass through the Tsushima Strait to reach Vladivostok, Togo ordered patrols to watch the area. Flying his flag from the battleship Mikasa, Togo oversaw a largely modern fleet which had been thoroughly drilled and trained. In addition, the Japanese had begun using high explosive shells which tended to inflict more damage than the armor-piercing rounds preferred by the Russians. While Rozhestvensky possessed four of Russias newest Borodino-class battleships, the remainder of his fleet tended to be older and in ill-repair. This was worsened by the low morale and inexperience of his crews. Moving north, Rozhestvensky attempted to slip through the strait on the night of May 26/27, 1905. Detecting the Russians, the picket cruiser Shinano Maru radioed Togo their position around 4:55 AM. The Russians Routed Leading the Japanese fleet to sea, Togo approached from the north with his ships in a line ahead formation. Spotting the Russians at 1:40 PM, the Japanese moved to engage. Aboard his flagship, Knyaz Suvorov, Rozhestvensky pressed on with the fleet sailing in two columns. Crossing in front of the Russian fleet, Togo ordered the fleet to follow him through a large u-turn. This allowed the Japanese to engage Rozhestvenskys port column and block the route to Vladivostok. As both sides opened fire, the superior training of the Japanese soon showed as the Russian battleships were pummeled. Striking from around 6,200 meters, the Japanese hit Knyaz Suvorov, badly damaging the ship and injuring Rozhestvensky. With the ship sinking, Rozhestvensky was transferred to the destroyer Buiny. With the battle raging, the command devolved to Rear Admiral Nikolai Nebogatov. As the firing continued, the new battleships Borodino and Imperator Alexander III were also put out of action and sunk. As the sun began to set, the heart of the Russian fleet had been destroyed with little damage inflicted upon the Japanese in return. After dark, Togo launched a massive attack involving 37 torpedo boats and 21 destroyers. Slashing into the Russian fleet, they relentlessly attacked for over three hours sinking the battleship Navarin and crippling the battleship Sisoy Veliki. Two armored cruisers were also badly damaged, forcing their crews to scuttle them after dawn. The Japanese lost three torpedo boats in the attack. When the sun rose the next morning, Togo moved in to engage the remnants of Nebogatovs fleet. With only six ships left, Nebogatov hoisted the signal to surrender at 10:34 AM. Believing this a ruse, Togo opened fire until the signal was confirmed at 10:53. Throughout the rest of the day, individual Russian ships were hunted and sunk by the Japanese. Aftermath The Battle of Tsushima was the only decisive fleet action fought by steel battleships. In the fighting, the Russian fleet was effectively destroyed with 21 ships sunk and six captured. Of the Russian crews, 4,380 were killed and 5,917 captured. Only three ships escaped to reach Vladivostok, while another six were interned in neutral ports. Japanese losses were a remarkably light 3 torpedo boats as well as 117 killed and 583 wounded. The defeat at Tsushima badly damaged Russias international prestige while signaling Japans ascent as a naval power. In the wake of Tsushima, Russia was forced to sue for peace.

29 Improv Opening Lines to Try

29 Improv Opening Lines to Try Here are 29 opening lines- improv starters- to get two-person improvisations jump-started. Each line is created to give the student actors a sense of the characters and setting for an improvised scene. Directions: Print this page and cut the paper into strips- one line per strip.Put the strips into a â€Å"hat†- a container.Assemble student actors into groups of two scene partners.Explain that one student actor per pair will pick a slip that has an opening line printed on it. That student actor will need to read and memorize the opening line, but will not reveal the line to his or her scene partner- yet. This line will be the first line spoken in the pair’s improv.Have one member of each pair pick a line out of the hat and memorize it.Remind student actors of the classroom improvisation guidelines.Have each pair present their improv.Hold a brief reflection on each improv- â€Å"What can you praise?† â€Å"What might they polish?† Opening Lines Excuse me, ma’am. I need to return this shirt for a refund.Miss, I am afraid I did not order a hot dog for dinner.Look, I know you hate this, but we need at least one good photo of you.So, Jordan, please explain why Paul’s homework was in your backpack.Officer, please, no! Don’t give me a speeding ticket!Do you think Mother would like this crown or the silver one?Oh! It is such an honor to meet you! Could I get your autograph for my daughter?Sir, your suitcase will not fit in the overhead bin.I think our cheer needs a better jump and some words that rhyme with team.Ladies and Gentlemen, please welcome today’s guest- Pat Perkins- an expert on how to organize your desk!Look, my muscles are killing me! Can’t we take a break from this workout?Just rip the paper off! I can’t wait for you to see this totally unique gift!Excuse me, ma’am. Is that dinosaur skeleton real or is it just a model?Well, this is what we’ve been training for- t he Olympics! Are you ready to earn that gold medal?I think these shoes make my feet look far too big. Please get me a different pair. Ugh! All the other parents let their kids see PG-13 movies! You’ve just got to let me go!All you have to do is step-kick-step-kick-step-kick. Now try it with me.Behind us is the U.S. Capitol Building, and over there, you’ll see the Washington Monument.It’s just a little tattoo on my arm! Dad has one! I don’t see why you are so upset!Mr. Higgins, please tell our viewers how you plan to spend your lottery winnings!I understand you were an eyewitness to the skateboard theft. Please tell our viewers what you saw.Oh, I am so sorry, but pumpkin spice latte season ended yesterday! What other drink can I get you?Did you honestly think that a trail of breadcrumbs would help us find our way out of the forest and back to our house?Stop right there. You are not leaving this house dressed like that!Halt right there! You are not leaving this palace dressed like that!Your teacher tells me that your classroom behavior is inappropriate. What is your side of the story?I am so sorry, but your credit card has been declined. I’ll need another form of payment. O  woe! O pity! There is no way we shall ever reach the castle by dark!Ew! I thought you said you could cook!

Aspects of Contract & Negligence Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3750 words

Aspects of Contract & Negligence - Assignment Example 1). For example, a contractor agrees to construct a building on a specific site for the site owner within a particular timeframe and pursuant to detailed specifications in consideration of a specific price to paid by the site owner. In ordinary circumstances this would be a gratuitous exchange of promises. However, since the parties (site owner and contractor) intend to create legal relations, the agreement is a contract and therefore the voluntary undertakings and promises become legal obligations under the law (Koffman and MacDonald, p. 1). For instance, if the contractor fails to construct the building within the specific timeframe, the site owner has a right to sue the contractor for a breach of contract and can seek compensatory damages for the same. Likewise, if the contractor lives up to his or her undertakings and promises and the site owner fails to pay the promised price for the same, the contractor can sue the site owner for breach of contract and may seek compensatory dam ages as well. In a typical case, the parties to a contract will expressly state or write out the terms of the contract. In this regard, each of the parties’ undertakings and promises will be articulated. The parties will then have a legal obligation to abide by those express terms (Ashcroft and Ashcroft, p. 50). The express terms of a contract will often have an impact on other persons who are not parties to the contract, although the right to enforce the express terms of a contract will only be applicable to the parties who have formed the contract and negotiated its terms and conditions (Ashcroft and Ashcroft, p. 51). The impact on other parties not parties to the contract can arise in specifically defined circumstances. For example a contract for a contractor to install doors and windows in a dwelling house for a site owner who leases the house to tenants will impact the tenants. In the installation of windows and doors, the tenants will be subjected to disruptions and int erruptions in their daily lives as the construction takes place. Therefore if for some reason either the contractor or the site owner delays the installation of the doors and windows, the tenants will be disadvantaged. Therefore in an action for breach of contract on the part of the contractor, the site owner may be entitled to claim additional damages for having to compensate the tenants either by a reduction in rent or a temporary relocation as a result of the delay. Therefore, although privity of contract only means that only the parties to the contract are bound by the specific terms and conditions in the contract, the impact of breaching those terms and conditions on third parties may increase the obligations of the parties to the contract (Koffman and MacDonald, p. 476). In the example provided (a contract for installing doors and windows), the contractor will also have to rely on other parties to ensure that he or she lives up to her specific terms and conditions. For example , the contractor will have to order doors and windows and will also have to enter into a contract for the delivery of the windows and doors. Therefore, two other contracts will come into play under the main contract and any breaches of these incidental contracts can impact the contractor’s ability to live up to the terms and conditions of the main contract (Koffman and MacDonald, p. 477). Therefore, if the windows and doors are not delivered on time, the contractor may be in breach of the contract with the site owner and in an action

Adminstrative Ethics and Patient Privacy Research Paper

Adminstrative Ethics and Patient Privacy - Research Paper Example These include trust and confidentiality among others. However, in the issue discussion, the paper aims at understanding recent ethical problems from different perspectives. In conclusion, it supports the concept of penalizing violators of patient privacy. In addition, different forms of thinking used in this paper are also discussed. In summary, similar to any other right, patient privacy is extremely fundamental thus deserves respect. Introduction In administrative ethics, beliefs are described as an acceptance that the administration and the staff people perceive at the hospital as truth or reality to private privacy. It may also include a conviction or opinion that is steadfastly held by the staff involved. Values, on the other hand, are the significant beliefs or attitudes, which people acknowledge by choice, pride or articulate in action with a sense of responsibility and ownership towards patient privacy. Similarly, perception involves the selection, organization and interpreta tion of sensory data in a form that enables us to understand the world patients and their privacy. Perception can also be the way people interpret outside events and experiences into sensible internal comprehension. Alternatively, administrative ethics involves the principles of right and wrong that determine the roles and functions of administration officers. On that note, it should involve responsibility to the society, virtues, principles, and benefits that assist the patient in safeguarding his privacy (Bruce, 2001). Ethics can also be the internal regulations that push a person to obey or not obey certain external facts. Therefore, what is the link between beliefs, values, perception and ethics in administrative matters and patient privacy? In this aspect, the general beliefs people have toward administrative ethics and the privacy of patients is what generates to various values. However, ethics is the perception of people toward these values in a setting such as a hospital and they relate to the privacy of patients. Ethical action according to me is the method of realizing a problem, producing substitutes and selecting among them in order for the substitute chosen to capitalize on the most significant ethical values. Additionally, the substitute selected is also meant to achieve the intended goal (Kaner, 2011). Therefore, in my view, the most important beliefs and customs in consideration of behavior pertaining to patient privacy are several. For instance, medical practitioners involved in the administrative ethics of patient privacy should have an open mind, which makes them unbiased towards their patients. In addition, their personal convictions should have ethical basis, which do not end up affecting the trust of the patients. Issue Statement Various contemporary administrative ethics are applicable in different organizational settings. For instance, there are positive issues such as honesty, fairness and integrity that have an effect on patient priva cy. On the other hand, there are negative issues in the form of lying, abusive or intimidating behavior, bribery, corporate intelligence and discrimination. However, in this case, we are going to discuss the administrative ethical issue of discrimination in relation to breach of a patient’s privacy. Discrimination as a form of negative ethical issue is the prejudice against a person on the grounds of color, disability, religion, marital status, sexual orientation, public assistance status and age among others (Abele, 2004). These forms of prejudice go at betraying the trust and confidentiality of the patient leading to gross violation of rights and freedoms. So, why do

Types of chocolate Essay Example for Free

Types of chocolate Essay Do you like chocolate? How many times do you eat chocolates in a day? Some people like to eat chocolates, some are even obsessed with them. Some people don’t like chocolates because those people think that they will make them fat. Some people just don’t like chocolates, without any clear reason. I believe that chocolate has many benefits which we can’t underestimate. Chocolate is a raw or processed food produced from the seed of the tropical Theobroma cacao tree. It is Greek for â€Å"drink of Gods†. Cacao has been cultivated for at least three millennia in Mexico, Central and South America. Its earliest documented use is around 1100 BC. Chocolate has to be processed from cocoa to be the chocolates we know. Most chocolates are brown-colored, even though there’s a variant of chocolate with white color called â€Å"white chocolate†. Chocolates come in many forms, for example, â€Å"chocolate bar†, â€Å"chocolate wafer†, â€Å"chocolate stick†, and so on. I personally like chocolate bars or chocolate balls. Chocolates have wide range of prices and you can find them in many places. There are chocolates which are very inexpensive, there are also chocolates that are costly. Chocolates are also easy to get, we can find chocolates everywhere. I love chocolates that are very delicious but not too expensive. Chocolates are very close to our life, we often eat them to gain pleasure. Chocolates are one of the most popular holiday gifts. The International Chocolate Day is observed on 13 September. Actually, chocolates have many benefits. That’s why we should not underestimate the power of chocolates. First, chocolate functions as remedy. In Harry Potter films, to heal Dementor’s Kiss, one must eat chocolates. Dementor is a creature in Harry Potter world that can absorb a person’s happiness by â€Å"kissing† them. We can say that Dementor is the manifestation of sadness and sorrow, while chocolates are the manifestation of happiness and joy. So, metaphorically, it says that to lessen sadness, we should eat chocolates. This thing is true because eating chocolates release endorphins in our brain, which can make us feel happier and more relaxed. Chocolate is a good stress-buster, it contains valeric acid that can immediately relax our muscles and nervous system. In my personal experience, when I eat chocolates, I feel satisfied. Second, chocolate can make us more beautiful. In fact, nutritionists claim that there are certain types of chocolate that can make our skin look more healthy and radiant. The high content of flavonoid in dark chocolate can moisturize and make our skin naturally shining and smooth. This ingredient can also absorb UV that can contribute to a better blood flow. There is also a chocolate-based mask, it’s believed that using chocolate mask can prevent wrinkles. Third, chocolate is beneficial for our health. Dark chocolate has been shown in studies to lower blood pressure in people with elevated blood pressure. Eating dark chocolate on a regular basis has been shown to reduce LDL cholesterol (unhealthy cholesterol) by as much as one percent. Several studies have found chocolates to be one of the best cancer-fighting foods. Chocolate works as cancer fighters by inhibiting cell division and reducing inflammation. Fourth, Chocolate makes us smarter. Again, it’s that increased blow flow to the brain. One recent study revealed that seniors who ate chocolate reported sharper cognitive ability for several a hours after eating it. According to a study done by the Department of Nutrition at the University of Oslo in Norway, people who regularly eat chocolate scored higher on cognitive tests than those who didn’t report eating as much chocolate. Fifth, Chocolate can unite people. Most people like chocolates. I usually share my chocolates to people, and they like them. Sharing can provoke happiness, sharing chocolates can make people happy and satisfied. But, there are a few cautions that we need to know when we want to eat chocolates. It doesn’t mean that we have to stop eating chocolates, but we just have to control it. There are limits in every human’s life, and eating chocolate has some limits too. First, chocolate can be addictive. If we’re addicted to chocolate, any kind of chocolates, it’s most likely that we will spend your money to buy it. We need to know that our money can be spent on many useful things like buying other healthy foods. Second, chocolate is a little bit dangerous. It’s high in oxalate which can cause kidney stones. According to sciencedirect. com, fifteen samples of commercially available cocoa powder were collected from four different countries, the total oxalate contents ranged from 360 to 567 mg/100 g DM. Oxalate is also found in spinach and almonds. Third, 50% of all chocolate, cocoa and chocolate flavoring is harvested by slaves, many of them are children. The cruelty of humanity is inserted in form of chocolate. Using slaves is very wrong, it’s a degradation of humanity. Those children aren’t able to get freedom. As humans, we should have empathy toward those child slaves. There are ways to overcome these obstacles in consuming chocolate. So, we don’t need to worry about consuming chocolate. First, eat other healthy foods other than chocolates. Our body needs much nutrition and chocolate can’t replace those foods. Focus on eating nutritious foods like fruits, vegetables or fish. We can spend our money on buying those healthy foods. Second, don’t eat it too much. I’m sure that chocolate isn’t that dangerous because it’s allowed to be eaten worldwide. And oxalate is also found in other kind of foods like spinach and almonds, but those foods are still eaten by people. So, I think we can still eat chocolate. But, just in case, don’t eat it too much. Third, eat chocolate from organic chocolate companies and fair-trade chocolate companies. Fair-trade is an organized social movement that aims to help producers in developing countries to make better trading conditions and promote sustainability. Organic chocolate is linked to fair trade because most organic chocolate companies also support fair trade. Fair-trade chocolate companies don’t employ children to be their workers. Organic chocolate/fair-trade chocolate may be more expensive than regular chocolate, but I think it’s worth it. Because we don’t need to eat happily while the child slaves are suffering. So, chocolate is very good to eat because it has many advantages. But, chocolate also has some disadvantages. There are ways to overcome these disadvantages. We can eat chocolate but we have to control the consumption of it. We should also eat chocolate from organic chocolate companies and fair-trade chocolate companies.

Eudora Weltys The Ponder Heart as Dramatic Monologue :: Eudora Welty The Ponder Heart

Eudora Welty's The Ponder Heart as Dramatic Monologue Dramatic Monologue", Edna is defined as the filter through which we see everything. "What we commonly call "point of view"-- is the nexus of our interpretation of the novel's characters, events, and thematic significance"(Nissen 1, emphasis added). According to Nissen Welty's narrators are often "ignored or misconstrued" by critics. In "The Ponder Heart", Edna Earle is an exemplary storyteller at her best and at her worst defined by critics as "bossy, narrow-minded and dumb" (Nissen 2, emphasis added). Edna Earle fits none of these negative lashes. She is a Southern woman who cares for her family and community and tries to put them in their best light for her audience. The form of dramatic monologue has long been a way for authors to give their audience an inside view by allowing us to be voyeurs; we are not part of the story, but simply folks who are passing by the actions at hand. With this genre tag already in place, we bring to our reading certain expectations. "In a sense, we never read a story for the first time; we bring into our reading the expectations that previous encounters with the genre have created" (Nissen 2). Nissen sees Edna Earle as putting herself second in the line of importance to the story she tells with Grandpa Ponder and Uncle Daniel as the primary forces that shape her narrative. She sacrifices her own needs in order to fill those of Grandpa and Uncle Daniel. "That she has been taken for granted must be painfully clear to the narrator as well as her audience" (Nissen 9). In this way, she arouses sympathy from her audience much in the same way as if we were passing by her on the street while she told her story to a friend. We hear her, but are not free to help her. We are strangers in her world and cannot affect the outcome of her circumstances. In closing, Nissen rewrites the end to reflect the importance of Edna Earle's voice as narrator. "I'd like to warn you again, Edna Earle may try to give you something--may think she's got something to give. If she does, do me a favor. Make out like you accept it. Tell her thank you" (Nissen 9). I agreed with Nissen's article, but believe he could have stated his points more concisely. This article was long for the amount he really had to say. There is clearly no arguing the point that The Ponder Heartis a monologue, yet he spends three pages