Abstract This paper describes the meaning and origin of the seven sacraments in the Catholic church, and then goes on specifically to discuss and cover every aspect of the sacrament of Confirmation. Complete with quotes from religious books and leaders, as well as from the Bible.
From the Paper "Confirmation "A sacrament is an outward sign instituted by Christ to give grace" (DeGidio, 4). "More specifically, it is a visible sign of invisible grace" (DeGidio, 4). Sacraments are outward signs of an inner reality, instituted by Christ to give grace. They are encounters between people and the risen Christ through the symbolic actions of the Church (class notes). Sacraments are more than just the well known seven ritual acts that give grace. They are opportunities for people who are already in the grace of God to gather together and celebrate that fact through different symbolic actions and rituals. Our understanding of sacraments today does not have so much to do with Church rituals, but more with the actual experience of God's presence and care in our everyday life (DeGidio, 4). "Sacraments are actions, not things. They are actions of God for people. They don"t happen in church so much as they happen in people who come together as church, as community to celebrate what has already been happening to them? (DeGidio, 7). In a very true sense, sacraments are the signs of the relationship that we have with God every day of our lives. "They provide us with opportunities to make ordinary moments into holy moments in daily life. This is the reality that we formally ritualize and make real in a special manner when the sacraments are celebrated liturgically" (DeGidio, 8)."
Abstract This paper explains that Nicod's criterion of confirmation is one of the most important evidences around which the "Ravens' Paradox" revolves. The author points out that the "Ravens' Paradox" itself seems to revolve around two elements. The first is that the observation of a purple cow really has nothing to do with the generalization of the statement "all ravens are black", and the second is that such an observation also proves that "all ravens are white". The paper concludes that Hempel's solution to the problem resides in the fact that he manages to fit in both Nicod's criterion and the equivalence condition by introducing probabilities.
Table of Contents
Nicod's Criterion of Confirmation and the Equivalence Condition
The Paradox of the Ravens
From the Paper "Carl Hempel was the first to publish the paradox of the ravens in Theoria, a Swedish periodical, in 1937, and ever since, the paradox has been a source of numerous controversies. In his paper, Hempel concludes that the generalization of a simple statement, such as "all ravens are black" can be confirmed by another simple observation, such as that of a purple cow. The observation of a purple cow would, in Hempel's opinion, increase, even slightly, the probability that all ravens are black. Briefly summarizing his paradox, Professor Hempel notes that the statement "all ravens are black" is logically equivalent to the statement that "all non-black objects are not ravens" (this is a true logical equivalence). Therefore, finding a purple cow weakly confirms the statement that all ravens are black, because it confirms its logical equivalent that all non-black objects are not ravens."
A paper discussing the recent developments in theater that increase audience's experiences of the truth, rather than confirming their notions of what they experience as lived reality.
1,580 words (approx. 6.3 pages), 7 sources, 2002, $ 51.95
Abstract The following paper examines how theatre has changed since the times of Shakespeare, focusing on changes in the actual design of theatres, subjects of texts and particularly changes in dramatic character's language which has grown more heightened and more strange and removed from reality. This paper addresses issues of notions of linear time in plot structure, climatic plots and character composition with reference to several contemporary and classic plays, such as Margaret Edison's, "Wit", Terrence McNally's "Master Class" and Ibsen's "Peer Gynt". Characters in their psychology seem more fragmented and strange, less like the people we meet on the street because of their language, but also because authors are more willing to show characters in different points of their life, as in ?Master Class Better to give audiences a new perception of truth than to attempt to confirm audience's preexisting expectations of character, art, and life, says the modern theater and modern authors. Although the attempts to do so are often unpleasant and jarring, they are equally often haunting and moving.
From the Paper ?The plays ?Master Class,? ?Art,? and ?Wit,? similarly use of heightened language to challenge the expected notions of the audience and what reality is. "Master Class" does not have a clear beginning and an end in the sense that it jumps back and forth in time and place in the protagonist's Maria Callas? mind. The setting is ostensibly a master class taught by the singer, but the real drama is within the woman, not in external action. Callas is a real person, but the story does not evolve through real time. Instead, song drifts in and out of Callas? voice, but these songs do not feature vocals during the play. Instead it is the voice of Callas in the past that fills the room, from recordings, even though the character that begins the play can no longer handle the demands of an operatic soprano aria."
Abstract This paper discusses various religion's traditional rites of passage for girls to womanhood. The paper explores the significance of Quinceanera in relation to the three other rite of passage ceremonies practiced: Confirmation, Bat Mitzvah and Female Castration. These ceremonies are outlined and are explained as all being a part of the modern world and all marking the change in a young girl's life to that of a woman.
From the Paper "Virtually all cultures throughout human history have maintained a tradition of rites of passage by which life is divided into sections / stages. Traditionally, there are three primary stages that are celebrated in an individual's life in most of these cultures: birth, puberty, and death. Cultures, nations, religions, and regions all maintain norms of rites of passage that though follow the same biological patterns, are somewhat different in their intent. Women's rites of passage are of significant importance throughout much of the world and are at their most significant when celebrating the rite of passage from girlhood to womanhood."
Abstract This paper describes the controversial nomination and confirmation of Supreme Court Justice, Clarence Thomas. The paper looks at some of the organizations that opposed Thomas's nomination, the role of the American Bar Association in the selection process of Supreme Court justices, their evaluation of Thomas, and the intense controversy surrounding Thomas's nomination. The paper also examines the positions and the role of different interest groups throughout the controversy, as well as the conduct of journalists reporting on the story.
The American Bar Association
Conservative Victory Party and Citizens United
Alliance for Justice
Democratic Caucus
African American Women in Defense of Ourselves
The Press
From the Paper "The nomination of Clarence Thomas launched a great deal of concern among liberal interest groups. Like Robert Bork, Clarence Thomas was an unashamed conservative. During the Thomas confirmation hearings, the traditional liberal African American special interest groups, such as the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), moved away from other liberal groups to support the nomination of only the second African American to the Court (Herrnson, Shaiko & Wilcox 1998)."
Abstract It is generally believed that males are less risk averse than are females in most situations. Additionally, it is commonly held that young adults and adolescents are generally more prone to engage in risk taking behavior than are older individuals. Most contemporary studies that assess risk taking behavior in young adults focus on sexual activity and confirm these beliefs. However, attitudes towards riskiness in more general, non-sexual situations are less often examined. This paper assesses the gender differences in risk taking attitudes in 15 separate situations of varying risk. Twenty participants (10 male, 10 female) took part in a survey on risk taking behavior by young adults. The results confirmed the belief that males are less risk averse generally, but also found a significant interaction between sex and situation, indicating that in certain specific situations females would be less risk averse. The paper includes tables.
From the Paper "The results of this study also indicate that alcohol use probably has little causal impact on risk taking. All of the respondents were alcohol free when taking the survey, and most of the situations to which they responded posited alcohol free decisions. Still, the general finding that males were less risk averse held. Some care should be taken in broadly applying the findings of this study. The few situations in which females were the less risk averse may indicate that, in the universe of all possible situations, the general findings could vary. Future iterations of this study should attempt to more fully catalogue risky situations to explore this finding more thoroughly. Other directions that future studies should take would include variables such as race or ethnicity, religion, and socio-economic status to how complex the interplay between personality and willingness to take risks is."
Abstract This paper explains that, for some types of organizations, laws require that identification of individuals associated with data be maintained, which requires that these organizations make the required security arrangements for the storage and transmission of personal information. The author warns that if a person receives an e-mail from the internet service provider or some other contact asking for confirmation of his or her password, this should not be done till the matter is confirmed with the company. The paper identifies two types of privacy violations: Targeted attacks, which are called stalking an individual person or industrial espionage against the company and data harvesting, which takes vast amounts of data to prepare a list of people or organizations to match the requirements of those persons or organizations seeking this information.
From the Paper "Cookies are used in the computers to solve many interconnection difficulties, but their greatest use is for maintaining a Session ID and this keeps identifying the user of the site to be the same while the entire interaction goes on. This is useful for sites that must have authentication for interaction, this cookie is passed on to the user after the session is completed and thus maintains a permanent possible link to the site. Some attackers can use different methods like sniffing or cross site scripting for getting a SID, then they may use that identity to go on with their own session."
Tags: cookies, attacks, email, identification, microsoft
Abstract This study proposes to confirm the hypothesis that cohesion to a uniform training course by law enforcement officers and/or crime scene investigators will enhance collected evidence's validity in court as it increases accuracy and decreases errors. Additionally, the study examines and expands on research related to crime scene investigation, and examines relevant crime investigative tools, techniques and tactics, currently utilized by police officers and crime scene investigators.
Table of Contents:
Abstract
Introduction
Evidence Does Not Confirm That . . .
Aims and Objectives
Background
Literature Review
What the . . . ?
Methodology
Looking At and Narrowing Down Pieces
Results
Many, Yet Not One
Conclusions and Recommendations
The Beginning of the End
Aims and Objectives
Limitations
Recommendations
From the Paper "As digital data is easily destroyed, the main concern is to safeguard the integrity of evidence. Simply turning on a computer could cause irreparable harm as particular files have a date/time stamp that updates when the system boots up. The date/time he user last turned on the computer, a potentially, vital bit of information could be lost. (Ibid) Universal training to counter practices that could destroy evidence would help insure that evidence police officers and crime scene investigators collect will make it to court."
Abstract In this article, the writer discusses that despite their time-tested and proven positive points, a number of false perceptions continue to challenge truths regarding the timber-framed building. The writer purports that repeated strokes of correct information can figuratively fell or cut down even the most dense deceptions depicting the worth of timber-framed buildings. During the course of this study, this researcher counters false perceptions and confirms the correct conception that timber does not easily rot, decay and deteriorate. In fact, the writer concludes that even after extended periods of time, the durability and superior quality of timber when used as a building material can be repeatedly validated. The paper includes color figures.
Outline:
Chapter 1
Introduction
Correcting False Perceptions
Origin, Defects and Properties of Timber
Defects in Timber
Properties of Timber
Strength
Thermal Insulation
Thermal Movement
Density
Chemical Resistance
Fire Resistance and the Behavior of Timber in Fires
Chapter II
Embodied Energy Explained
Examples of Timber-Framed Buildings Built in The Past
Chapter III
Conclusion
Challenging Contentions Confirm
From the Paper "To better understand some of the general misconceptions about timber, this researcher presents an in-depth look at the origin and properties of timber, along with possible defects likely to reduce strength and stability in timber. Timber evolves from wood, a natural product derived from trees, and in some instances, from fibrous plants. As forests cover more than one-third of the world's land surface and approximately 8% of Britain, it is readily available.
"Consequently, timber proves to be a popular building material. When wood is cut and in many instances, pressed, it becomes lumber and timber which form boards, planks and numerous other products. These products, in turn, become generic building materials which may be used for almost any type of structure in the majority of world climates and environmental situations. "
Abstract This paper discusses cell towers and antennas and questions their safety in the community. The paper confirms that the number of cell sites has increased over the years in proportion to the expanding number of subscribers. These tower structures are erected on various locations such as parks, schools and fire houses. The paper considers if these towers really put us at risk and states that according to the Food and Drug Administration Act, exposure to cellphone radiation on the ground is significantly weaker than exposure on the direct path of the transmitted signal of the antenna. This exposure is several thousand of times less than the minimum safety levels recommended by expert studies. Thus the paper confirms that civilian exposure to cellphone radiation is well within the safety margins.
From the Paper "Electromagnetic radiation, composed of electric and magnetic energy moving at the speed of light, is the one feared by most people. The electromagnetic spectrum is a wide range of electromagnetic signals ranging from high-frequency x-rays and gamma rays to low-frequency radio waves. Your cellphone's electromagnetic radiation has a 3kHz-300GHz frequency. This falls just after the very low frequency like your computers and before or just the same frequency as your everyday microwave oven. And still the radiation coming from the sun poses more danger than your cellphone."
A discussion about biometrics. It looks at how the author believes biometrics are the only tools that can enhance personal privacy, efficiency, and still deliver effective solutions in situations that require confirmation of identity.
4,927 words (approx. 19.7 pages), 32 sources, 2000, $ 125.95
From the Paper "During the past decade, the science of biometrics has matured into an industry that offers real world solutions to serious problems faced by corporations, academia, and government agencies. The evolution of information technology and global competition has revolutionized the way transactions are completed. Traditional methods, such as pencil and paper, face-to-face meetings, or postal services, are being increasingly replaced by electronic transactions. The growth in electronic transactions has resulted in a greater demand for fast and accurate user identification and authentication. Compared to more antiquated but familiar and traditional identification methods (producing drivers license or showing a birth certificate), biometrics are the only tools that can enhance personal privacy, efficiency, and still deliver effective solutions in situations that require confirmation of identity. Clearly, the marketplace has begun to accept biometrics as a better alternative to less secure screening and identity verification processes."
Abstract This paper employs a variety of classical and modern resources (Tocqueville, Yeats, Bell Curve, Addison, Levine) to prove that America's educational problems (confirmed by various statistics) are a serious problem. Each of the reasons are strenuously examined with original interpretation of all sources.
Tags: american, and, decline, education, end, for, nearing, of, reasons
Abstract This paper addresses the question of whether the present recession in the U.S. will be aggravated by the Sept. 11th attacks. The paper looks at how the collapse of the "Internet Economy' in early 2001 which lead to decreased spending and consumer confidence even before 9/11, is causing the Federal Government to work double time to ensure that the US economy is spared an even greater blow than it has already experienced. The paper then examines some of the options available to the government in its efforts to best ensure a return to prosperity.
From the paper:
"One of the most obvious victims of the terror attacks has been consumer confidence ? which was already shaky in the light of the economic slowdown in the months before September ? a slowdown this week confirmed as the economy was declared in a recession back to March...
The Fed's generally positive assessment of the U.S.'s $10-trillion economy last year has shifted, in part due to the terrorist attacks and in part due to the softening economy, which itself must be seen as in part caused by the massive Bush tax rebates that have caused the federal surplus to vanish like mist in the sunlight. Last year at most of its meetings last year it maintained the Discount Rate, this year even as the economy began to slow down, a fact that for the Fed was mitigated by its warnings about the inflationary posed by the nation's tight labor market (the jobless rate continues near its lowest level in a generation) and a sharp rise in energy prices.
The absence of such key economic indicators showing a slowed rate of growth last year prompted the Fed to maintain or raise its Discount rate, just as the presence of a number of economic indicators (such as high unemployment, falling sales of new homes or other indications of disinclination toward consumer spending and a general decline in leading economic indicators that predict how the economy will likely fare in three to six months? time) have this year prompted the Fed to lower its Discount rate. As the high-tech sector continues to disintegrate, consumer confidence continues to fall and the recession has been made official, observers now wonder exactly how low the Fed can go."
From the Paper ""The Fed's generally positive assessment of the U.S.'s $10-trillion economy last year has shifted, in part due to the terrorist attacks and in part due to the softening economy, which itself must be seen as in part caused by the massive Bush tax rebates that have caused the federal surplus to vanish like mist in the sunlight. Last year at most of its meetings last year it maintained the Discount Rate, this year even as the economy began to slow down, a fact that for the Fed was mitigated by its warnings about the inflationary posed by the nation's tight labor market (the jobless rate continues near its lowest level in a generation) and a sharp rise in energy prices. "
Abstract This essay examines the role of genetics in schizophrenia making reference to several monozygotic and dizygotic twin case studies as well as adoption studies. The influence of pre-natal environment on schizophrenia and brain imaging as confirming a physiological basis for schizophrenia are also dealt with in this essay.
From the paper:
?When looking at possible genetic causes for a disorder as complex as schizophrenia, the researchers must control as many variables as possible. They cannot control the possible influences of neonatal events, child rearing or other life events that might contribute to the person's mental state.?
Abstract This paper explores the different factors that lead to the Civil War between the North and the South in the U.S. It shows through the context of the Industrial Revolution, slavery, and State and Federal rights how a war was brought about.
From the paper:
"Before the Civil War, many Americans perceived their participation in the American nation to be a loose, amorphous connection to a larger entity. They saw themselves as citizens of a state, rather than a nation, Virginians or Georgians rather than Americans. The Civil War confirmed the United States? solidity as a Union, as a specific, united, conglomeration of states. Yet the Civil War did not ?come out of nowhere.? The period preceding the declaration of war on April 12, 1861 with the firing of Southern troops on Fort Sumpter was an equally tumultuous one."
