Saturday, November 16, 2019
The US Department of Housing and Urban Development Essay Example for Free
The US Department of Housing and Urban Development Essay The US Department of Housing and Urban Development maintains a website with a section dedicated to the Public Housing Environmental Conservation Clearinghouse. The website defines water conservation as a term that â€Å"refers to reducing use of fresh water, through technological or social methods. †In order to encourage water conservation, the site provides a spreadsheet that allows people to benchmark their water consumption. Based on the spreadsheet, a score of 0 means that water consumption is probably excessive, whereas a score of 100 probably means water is being effectively consumed. The spreadsheet was designed as a method for Public Housing Authorities to determine each project’s water consumption in order to encourage more efficient water consumption and reduce water related utility costs. The site also provides an area for related links to other sites that provide water conservation tips. Unfortunately, the only working link leads to the Natural Resources Conservation Service (sponsored by the US Department of Agriculture). This site describes ways in which people can conserve water use in their backyards. The other links appear to be outdated. There is also an area on the website entitled residents corner, which aims to provide research materials in order for residents and the general public to utilize and become more involved with environmental conservation. Unfortunately, only one of these links seems to work. The link leads the browser to a site sponsored by the US Environmental Protection Agency, which provides water conservation tips for residents. Finally, the website provides links that allow the browser to research and review more details about what Department of Housing and Urban Development and other federal government agencies are doing to further energy awareness. Although the site provides a useful spreadsheet that enables Public Housing Authorities to determine the effectiveness of water consumption in projects, the site does little to encourage browsers to conserve water. Most of the links are outdated, and there is barely any discussion as to the benefits of water conservation.
Thursday, November 14, 2019
leonardo da vinci Essay -- essays research papers
Leonardo da Vinci Da Vinci was born April 15, 1452, and died May 2, 1519. He would wear pink to make his complexion look fresher. Leonardo never attended public school. He was raised by his single father (http://www.yesnet.yk.ca/schools/projects/renaissance/davinci.html). In the mid-1460s the family settled in Florence, where Leonardo was given the best education that Florence, the intellectual and artistic center of Italy, could offer. In Verrocchio's Baptism of Christ (http://www.geocities.com/ksalce2001/biography.html). Leonardo had no interest in women; he spent most of his time painting. Five years later he became a member of the guild of St. Luke, a painters' guild in Florence. Four years later he worked as an independent artist at his own studio in Florence (http://www.yesnet.yk.ca/schools/projects/renaissance/davinci.html). In 1483 he started to paint the first version of theVirgin. He finished it in 1485. In 1495 he made a clay model for the statue of Francesco Forza, and put it on display. In 1486 he began to explore human flight. In 1500 he went to Mantua. Da Vinci studied philosophy, natural history, anatomy, biology, medicine, optics, acoustics, science, mathematics and hydraulics (http://www.yesnet.yk.ca/schools/projects/renaissance/davinci.html). Da Vinci was an architect, musician, engineer, scientist and inventor. He sketched the first parachute, first helicopter, first aeroplane, first tank, first repeating rifle, s...
Tuesday, November 12, 2019
Concept Of God In Philosophy Essay
Please explain Immanuel Kant’s challenge to modern theology. In other words, what is Kant’s epistemology, i.e., his theory of how human beings know (how the mind functions)? According to this theory, then, is it possible to know God? Is it possible to have natural knowledge of God or to experience God in his view? How would Christian theologians and believers, who wanted to demonstrate the rational intelligibility of belief in and knowledge of God, respond to this? (10 points).            Immanuel Kant started with the hypothesis that: â€Å"the mind is active†. It forms part in the understanding of human especially if it is already acquainted with different kinds of experience and always imposes upon cognition in any forms given that it is still in the line of human perception.            However he said that not all things are connected to each other because in a way, they are not observable which gives the presumption that its connectivity is not determined by that simple idea. And also, Kant said that we lack the necessary organ to accommodate all the information that the mind can and may process.                        The mind cannot produce knowledge of such a transcendent being (The Breakdown of the Religion of Reason, p. 65). He also showed that, God is supposed to be perfect in all aspects of life. He followed what was written by Anselm during the 11th century and presented concrete evidences for such actuation. However, he wishes not to contradict the existence of God because it will also oppose that the predicate of a subject is not logical to use. He added that it will be a useless thing to do since there will be no contradiction because of his given analogy. Since existence is not a predicate, if I deny God’s existence, I am not denying a predicate of a subject; hence no logical contradiction is involved as the proponents of the argument contend. (Modern Christian Thought, p.66)            And he also argued that there is a limit for a human to our own empirical knowledge against the pure point of our operative life. Instead, this empirical knowledge is completely independent and the principles of pure reason.            Additionally, he said that human act morally not because of inclination to a certain event or object but because of one’s sense of duty. To act morally is not to act from inclination or even prudence but from a sense of duty (The Breakdown of the Religion of Reason, p. 69) What are the some of the most basic characteristics and values of the Enlightenment? What are the chief enlightenment values and how do these compare with those values/characteristics of the medieval era? Define the Enlightenment view of freedom and reason. Use your text on e-reserve. Then, respond: how would a theologian (like me) understand the promise and problem of these views from a theological (having to do with God) perspective?  (5 points).            The Enlightenment brought about change in man’s perception of the world and the society. According to Kant that the gist of the said idea is something that is already embedded to the line of thinking of a person and that it shows on up to what extent is a man capable or willing to do to suffice his own interest. Underlying this whole movement is a renewed awareness and trust in man’s own capacities and appreciation of, interest in, and hope for human life on this earth (Modern Christian Thought, p.2)            It was also during this time that â€Å"authoritarianism and the emergence of individual reason†started to spread amongst the people. From this time on, there is already a widespread of being liberated or freed from any entanglement to any person. It was then that autonomy is seen on a different perspective and remarkably, no one challenged the said idea.            Accordingly, there is another major contribution during the time of Enlightenment. The act of reasoning also became widespread following Francis Bacon and John Locke. They are the ones who defied the first idea given by Rene Descartes. It was then that Reason is treated as something that is a vital and progressive force; the depth of its meaning can be deduced by its function which can create many avenues to determine fact from opinion. How does Friedrich Schleiermacher respond to Kant’s challenge to modern theology? How do human beings come to know God according to Schleiermacher? What, then, is the subject of theology for a theologian like Schleiermacher? (10 points)            Schleiermacher defined what he thinks to be the true nature of religion and the conception of its idea. With this kind, there are two (2) forms of religion such as theoretical or practical point of view. He added that religion should be â€Å"something different from a mixture of opinions about God and the world, and of precepts of for one life or two†.            He also argues that if religion is the highest form of knowledge it should follow that reason or any scientific method can be measured by any organ. Also, he adds that if religion can be attained by reading materials such as books, journals, etc, then the most religious person should also be the most intelligent one. And, he clarified that neither religion nor morality should be interchanged or be treated as the same.            Religion is a feeling thus it is only a psychological emotion claiming that it is an immediate intuition or is based on one person’s instinct. However, he clarified that God need not to be present in any object or present Himself in such a way that He will be tangible for human.            He said that no man is religious because he was able to read doctrines and follow it thoroughly and experience different kinds of things instead, piety emancipates from one’s own original feeling and not because other people told him to be as such. What are some of the most basic characteristics and values of Romanticism, the intellectual movement of the 19th century which following the Rationalism of the Enlightenment in the 18th century. How does Schleiermacher reflect the ideas of Romanticism? (5 points)            Romanticism as what Schleiermacher have seen it, it is a new way for â€Å"modern religious†thoughts have a foundation or ground that will suffice the needs, interest and critiques of most people especially the Philosophers.            By giving this idea to the people, he wanted to show to them that what religion they have been rejecting all the while is not at all the religion that they need to embrace and understand deeply. Rather, it is the â€Å"external†religion that they are despising all the while and that this kind of religion is something that should not be studied or known at all.            He also wanted to defy the opinions that were raised during that time about the religion on utilitarianism. Schleiermacher claims that if there is a certain point when the issue is not coherent with its true value, then it is something that should not be wasted time upon.            However, he contradicts his own perception by saying that religion has a peculiar sense that is indispensable when talking about the spirit of man. Modern theology in the 19th century followed the thought of Friedrich Schleiermacher and his way of doing theology. What major event occurred at the beginning of the 20th century that convinced Karl Barth that the entire way of doing modern/liberal theology was deeply problematic and morally bankrupt? (5 points) One major event that made Barth think that doing liberal theology is problematic and morally bankrupt is when the Church always assumes that they are infallible or those who does not do anything wrong to any one and at the end of the day, surrender their selves to the Holy Spirit and Jesus Christ. This is when Barth said that â€Å"hermeneutical principles of subordination and surrender have nothing to do with the kind of biblical or ecclesial authoritarianism†. Because according to him, having a superior and an inferior means that there should be an effort to remove one’s self from interpretative process instead focus on neither human basic needs nor the desire for authority. How does Karl Barth understand that human beings may come to know God? Do we have a natural capacity, i.e., an ability within human nature and thus apart from God, to know God? (10 points)            We should cultivate a life that is humble and each should not cease on praying before Him, listening actively to His teachings in order for us to know what are the things that we really need.            He added that to â€Å"let go†of the material and human needs that we have right now is a preparation for us to know God fully. Leaving things would eventually prepare us from knowing how the real God is and that we will have a much clearer understanding on why He created things.            Also, by leaving things, we do not need to carry on an excess baggage that may sometimes hinder us from knowing who God really is. What happens when human beings claim to know God on the basis of their own experience or their own thinking about God? What happens when human beings try to know how Jesus was on the basis of their own historical reconstruction or psychological evaluation of him? Why is this so dangerous? How is it to be avoided? Can it be avoided? What is the only way, according to Barth, that purely human thinking about God can be avoided?  (10 points)            When we experience things, it means that, in one way or another we have already met God. However, each person has a different meaning on things especially with their experiences. It can be connoted as something that is dangerous for them but pleasant to others. That is why there is a misconception on which our God really should be.            It is dangerous because people are worshipping other gods and is prone to misunderstanding especially to those who have a different encounter with their own gods. It can also be a way of having the society is fragmented since there are different sides of the story on how they were able to encounter god.            Proper interpretation of things can somehow avoid this kind of fragment among the people. However, only few are able to interpret the story well and still leaves the danger hanging and vulnerable to anyone who tries to interpret anything. What is theology for Barth? How should the theologian attempt to do theology?  What do faith, prayer, and obedience have to do with this method or way of theological reflection? Define faith, prayer, and obedience for Barth. (10 points)            Obedience as it is being co-related to faith, according to Barth, is something that â€Å"can simply turn on at moment of one’s choosing†. By these, it is one way for God to connect with his people and confront them in their own freedom and history.            Needless to say, one’s interpretation of things should be accorded with obedience in order to examine personal experience and relate it to the scripture or passage that is being taught. For him, the writers should not write about anything that will be later on associated with them, rather they should write about an experience that is interlaying with the scripture that they are reviewing.            With prayers, he said that it is not necessary to endlessly pray to God, admit it or not, we are not all the time confident that God is listening to our prayers. What is scripture according to Karl Barth? How does this reflect a deeply theological understanding, i.e., an understanding that comes from God. And, how does this reflect a deeply human and modern understanding of the role of human beings in the writing of the Bible? Is the Bible already the Word of God i.e., the words on the page, for Barth, or does the Bible become the Word of God? If so, when does it become the Word of God? What happens to make it become the Word of God? (10 points)            A scripture, according to Barth is something that is written about God and will be relevant or at least be a human testimony of God’s existence and all the things that he did in history.            He tends to interpret scriptures, known as hermeneutics, to help biblical scholars to understand the true meaning of each. And with that, he tends to extend some of his arms to other people in terms of helping them suffice whatever struggle they have.            However, with his interpretations does not come any personal experience. He writes some of his experience but does not delve much on to it. Rather, he makes a deeper study on why those things were said and how the people did then accepted or rejected the fact that things are happening during their time.            The Bible is the Word of God because it contains His teachings and the moral lessons that we need to learn in life. However, not all teachings can be found in the Bible. Some should be experienced first hand in order for us to learn new things. According to Rosemary Radford Ruether, what does all theology begin with? What is the problem with the so-called â€Å"objective†sources of Christian theology, i.e., scripture and tradition? And, what is unique about feminist theology and the role of experience in theology according to Ruether? What is the hermeneutical circle of theological interpretation? What is the final norm/criterion of theological truth? (10 points)            Theology is the testimony of one’s faith, life and service to God. Theology actually questions it self whether or not they are true or not. There are specific gauge that is used in order for Theology to be considered true, they measure their action, talk about God, and if it is against the Church. It is also something that is alien with its own standard; source and object.            On the other hand, the feminist theology uses experience as a criterion for exploring a much deeper sense of study and critical forces based on the experience of males that eventually gives them the notion as a universal human experience. What is the prophetic biblical principle interpreted from a feminist perspective? What are the four main categories of feminist liberation theology? Cite biblical passages that show you understand how the Bible can be used to fight the root sin of domination and subjugation. (5 points)            Those females are only second-grade citizens compared to male. Because then, there is a stereotype in gender since other scholars claim that males are wiser than female. Also, the Patriarchal system exists that time and that same idea is molded upon the image of God, reasoning that God is male.             There is also a prophetic traditional labeled as â€Å"cultural vacuum†that makes true of the statement written above. It shows how the society is delving much on what they think is right because it is fair and just to all of them but on what is written in the scriptures. Compare and contrast the theology of Karl Barth with that of Rosemary Radford Ruther? How would Karl Barth critique Ruether? What would he say about the role of experience and the potential dangers involved in such a kind of theology? What would Karl Barth say about God in her theology? Does she have a role for the objective action of God in the world or is God only actualized in our consciousness and social activity for the poor and marginalized? How would Ruether respond to this critique? What would she say in her defense? In other words, what are the problems of beginning with scripture and tradition apart from women’s experience according to Ruether?  What would that do for or to women? Finally, how would Ruether criticize the theology of Karl Barth? What is the problem of beginning with revelation in scripture, and apart from women’s experience, according to Ruether? (10 points)            Barth and Ruether have completely different view points with regards to Theology and how they perceive such topic. With Barth, he is more of delving much on the experience of one person because from the experience they may be able to deduce something that is very vital for their survival. Also, he tends to focus more on the things that needs to be critically revised or interpreted using personal experiences he got from other people.            Barth is also confided with the norms of the society. He was not able to explore on other possible things and did not try to convince other people that there are other possibilities regarding their study.            With Ruether, she is more of a liberal thinker, given that there are points that she raised about feminist liberal theology. She was able to grasp on other ideas or methods to use in other to arrive at a much well interpreted scripture following the experiences of the writer or associating the moral of the scripture to any experience that of the writer.
Saturday, November 9, 2019
Third Bridge in Istanbul
The first bridge over Ä °stanbul’s Bosporus was the BoÄŸazià §i Bridge, which was opened in 1973 by then-President Fahri Korutà ¼rk, while the FSM began operating in 1988 when Turgut Ãâ€"zal was prime minister. The Turkish government announced plans to construct a third bridge over the Bosphorus.The name of the future bridge has not been decided yet. The third bridge is expected to connect a highway starting in the Western province of Tekirdağ’s KÄ ±nalÄ ± with another highway starting from the PaÅŸakà ¶y neighborhood in Ä °stanbul’s Asian side. The minister said the government expects a sufficient amount of traffic to utilize the route once it is finalized. Experts expressed mixed feelings about the proposal of the Tarabya-Beykoz route, north of the two existing bridges .Some argued it would improve the area. Supporters of the new bridge also say it will make Turkey an important transportation corridor. They point to other highways that have crossed the three largest water reservoirs of Istanbul as evidence that mega infrastructure projects can be built safely(2009). However others argued that a third bridge would threaten the natural resources of Istanbul and was not a real solution to the city's traffic problem because it will encourage more people to use cars, increase Istanbul's chronic traffic problem, the fumes of the traffic will pollute the forests and kill the natural life there and also damage social life and bring new economic problems. The government argued about reducing the Istanbul’s traffic problems however there is a fact that it will create its own traffic.There are 3.3 million motor vehicles on road in the region that the North Marmara project covers.Land transportation shoulders 87 percent of Ä °stanbul’s mass transportation burden.The government officals stated that the bridge would be essential for easing the city’s traffic congestion(2010).However all scientific stuides show that bridges increase the traffic load. It will create its own traffic potential. The solution only may be developing public transportation on rails. This plan does not exist rail traffic. More cars will be sold and added to the existing load. The government claimed that third bridge will not damage the nature however many experts preotested the third bridge because after the construction many parts of forests won’t be existed anymore. Some of Ä °stanbul’s prominent forestry areas are along the third bridge route.Belgrade Forest, Fatih Forest and the Polonezkà ¶y. The project is expected to be finalized with little damage to these sites but destroying large parts of the Belgrade Forest, crossing the Bosporus at one if its picturesque locations, a huge waste of money for building a highway far from the city through uninhabited territory will be a murdery.It is clearly known that the third bridge would start a large-scale damage to forest lands on both sides of Istanbul, on the green lands of Kocaeli and Thrace Peninsulas. All the forests in the North which serve as oxygen generating areas, as breathing lungs of the City will be under great danger due to the bridge and its connection roads construction. An area about as large as the Belgrade Forest would be damaged as a result of the third bridge construction activities, as it is stated by the authorities that the third bridge and its highways will be linked to the Black Sea Coastal Highway which has done great harm to the natural Black Sea Coastline(2008). It is claimed that the bridge will contribute to the city economically however this means more unemployment and more homelessness.The government argue that this infrastructure project would create massive investment and jobs and tackle increasing unemployment rates(2010).The main aim of this 6-billion-dollar project is to channel money into the car, logistics and construction sectors. This money comes out of Istanbulites’ pockets and they will pay the cost in terms of reduced living standards. The bottled water that they drink wil become more expensive, and the air they breathe more polluted. Bu they need both to live.Istanbul's population is already five times of what this area can cope with. With a new bridge, the population will increase. This will mean more unemployment and more homelessness. â€Å"The introduction of the third bridge will be the death of Istanbul,†said Dr. Pr. Murat Cemal Yalà §Ã„ ±ntan of Mimar Sinan University in an interview(2010).
Thursday, November 7, 2019
USS Pueblo Incident During the Cold War
USS Pueblo Incident During the Cold War USS Pueblo Incident - Background: Constructed by the Kewaunee Shipbuilding and Engineering Company of Wisconsin during World War II, FP-344 was commissioned April 7, 1945. Serving as a freight and supply vessel for the US Army, it was crewed by the US Coast Guard. In 1966, the vessel was transferred to the US Navy and re-named USS Pueblo in reference to the city in Colorado. Redesignated AKL-44, Pueblo initially served a light cargo vessel. Shortly thereafter, it was withdrawn from service and converted to a signals intelligence ship. Given the hull number AGER-2 (Auxiliary General Environmental Research), Pueblo was intended to operate as part of a joint US Navy-National Security Agency program. USS Pueblo Incident - Mission: Ordered to Japan, Pueblo arrived at Yokosuka under the command of Commander Lloyd M. Bucher. On January 5, 1968, Bucher shifted his vessel south to Sasebo. With the Vietnam War raging to the south, he received orders to pass through the Tsushima Strait and conduct a signals intelligence mission off the coast of North Korea. While in the Sea of Japan, Pueblo was also to assess Soviet naval activity. Putting to sea on January 11, Pueblo passed through the straits and endeavored to avoid detection. This included maintaining radio silence. Though North Korea claimed a fifty-mile limit for its territorial waters, this was not recognized internationally and Pueblo was directed to operate outside the standard twelve-mile limit. USS Pueblo - Initial Encounters: As an added element of safety, Bucher directed his subordinates to maintain Pueblo thirteen miles off the coast. On the evening of January 20, while stationed off Mayang-do, Pueblo was sighted by a North Korean SO-1-class sub chaser. Passing in the twilight at range of around 4,000 yards, the vessel showed no outward interest in the American ship. Departing the area, Bucher sailed south toward Wonsan. Arriving on the morning of January 22, Pueblo commenced operations. Around noon, two North Korean trawlers approached Pueblo. Identified as Rice Paddy 1 and Rice Paddy 2, they were similar in design to Soviet Lentra-class intelligence trawlers. While no signals were exchanged, Bucher understood that his vessel was being observed and ordered a message sent to Rear Admiral Frank Johnson, Commander Naval Forces Japan, stating that his vessel had been discovered. Due to transmission and atmospheric conditions, this was not sent until the next day. Throughout the trawlers visual inspection, Pueblo flew the international flag for hydrographic operations. Around 4:00 PM, the trawlers left the area. That night, Pueblos radar showed eighteen vessels operating in its vicinity. Despite a flare launched around 1:45 AM, none of the North Korean ships attempted to close on Pueblo. As a result, Bucher signaled Johnson that he no longer considered his ship under surveillance and would resume radio silence. As the morning of January 23 progressed, Bucher became annoyed that Pueblo had drifted approximately twenty-five miles off the coast during the night and directed that ship resume its station at thirteen miles. USS Pueblo Incident - Confrontation: Reaching the desired position, Pueblo resumed operations. Just before noon, a SO-1-class sub chaser was spotted closing at high speed. Bucher ordered the hydrographic flag hoisted and directed his oceanographers to commence work on deck. The ships position in international waters was also verified by radar. Nearing to 1,000 yards, the sub chaser demanded to know Pueblos nationality. Responding, Bucher directed the American flag to be hoisted. Clearly unfooled by the oceanographic work, the sub chaser circled Pueblo and signaled heave to or I will open fire. At this time, three P4 torpedo boats were spotted approaching the confrontation. As the situation developed, the ships were overflown by two North Korean MiG-21 Fishbed fighters. Confirming its position as being located nearly sixteen miles from the coast, Pueblo responded to the sub chasers challenge with I am in International Waters. The torpedo boats soon took up stations around Pueblo. Not wanting to escalate the situation, Bucher did not order general quarters and instead attempted to depart the area. He also signaled Japan to apprise his superiors of the situation. Seeing one of the P4s approaching with a contingent of armed men, Bucher accelerated and maneuvered to prevent them from boarding. Around this time, a fourth P4 arrived on the scene. Though Bucher desired to steer for open sea, the North Korean vessels attempted to force him south towards land. USS Pueblo Incident - Attack Capture: As the P4s circled close to the ship, the sub chaser began closing at high speed. Recognizing an incoming attack, Bucher steered to present as small a target as possible. As the sub chaser opened fire with its 57 mm gun, the P4s began spraying Pueblo with machine gun fire. Aiming for the ships superstructure, the North Koreans attempted to disable Pueblo rather than sink it. Ordering modified general quarters (no crew on deck), Bucher initiated the process for destroying the classified material aboard. The signals intelligence crew soon found that the incinerator and shredders were insufficient for material at hand. As a result, some material was thrown overboard, while equipment was destroyed with sledgehammers and axes. Having moved into the protection of the pilot house, Bucher was inaccurately informed that the destruction was proceeding well. In constant contact with the Naval Support Group in Japan, Pueblo informed it of the situation. Though the carrier USS Enterprise was operating approximately 500 miles to the south, its patrolling F-4 Phantom IIs were not equipped for air-to-ground operations. As a result, it would be over ninety minutes until aircraft could arrive. Though Pueblo was equipped with several .50 cal. machine guns, they were in exposed positions and the crew was largely untrained in their use. Closing, the sub chaser began pummeling Pueblo at close range. With little choice, Bucher halted his vessel. Seeing this, the sub chaser signaled Follow me, I have a pilot aboard. Complying, Pueblo turned and began following while destruction of the classified material continued. Going below and seeing the amount still to be destroyed, Bucher ordered all stop to buy some time. Seeing Pueblo drift to a stop, the sub chaser turned and opened fire. Hitting the ship twice, one round mortally wounded Fireman Duane Hodges. In response, Bucher resumed following at one-third speed. Nearing the twelve-mile limit, the North Koreans closed and boarded Pueblo. Quickly gathering the ships crew, they placed them on deck blindfolded. Taking control of the ship, they steered for Wonsan and arrived around 7:00 PM. The loss of Pueblo was first capture of US Navy vessel on the high seas since the War of 1812 and saw the North Koreans seize a large amount of classified material. Removed from Pueblo, the ships crew was transported by bus and train to Pyongyang. USS Pueblo Incident - Response: Moved between prisoner camps, the crew of Pueblo were starved and tortured by their captors. In an effort to force Bucher to confess to spying, the North Koreans subjected him to a mock firing squad. Only when threatened with the execution of his men did Bucher consent to write and sign a confession. Other Pueblo officers were compelled to make similar statements under the same threat. In Washington, leaders varied in their calls for action. While some argued for an immediate military response, others took a more moderate line and called for talks with the North Koreans. Further complicating the situation was the beginning of the Battle of Khe Sanh in Vietnam as well as the Tet Offensive at the end of the month. Concerned that military action would put the crew at risk, President Lyndon B. Johnson began a diplomatic campaign to free the men. In addition to taking the case to the United Nations, the Johnson Administration opened direct talks with North Korea in early February. Meeting in Panmunjom, the North Koreans presented Pueblos logs as proof it had repeatedly violated their territory. Clearly falsified, these showed one position as being thirty-two miles inland and another indicating that the ship had traveled at a speed of 2,500 knots. In an effort to secure the release of Bucher and his crew, the United States ultimately agreed to apologize for violating North Korean territory, admit that the ship was spying, and assure the North Koreans it would not spy in the future. On December 23, Pueblos crew was freed and crossed the Bridge of No Return into South Korea. Immediately following their safe return, the United States fully retracted its statement of apology, admission, and assurance. Though still in possession of the North Koreans, Pueblo remains a commissioned warship of the US Navy. Held at Wonsan until 1999, it was ultimately moved to Pyongyang. Selected Sources USS Pueblo (AGER-2)Naval Warfare: USS PuebloThe Pueblo Incident
Tuesday, November 5, 2019
10 Facts about Christchurch, New Zealand
10 Facts about Christchurch, New Zealand Christchurch is one of the largest cities in New Zealand and it is the largest city located on the countrys South Island. Christchurch was named by the Canterbury Association in 1848 and it was officially established on July 31, 1856, making it the oldest city in New Zealand. The official Maori name for the city is Otautahi.Christchurch has recently been in the news due to a large magnitude 6.3 earthquake that hit the region on the afternoon of February 22, 2011. The massive earthquake killed at least 65 people (according to early CNN reports) and trapped hundreds more in rubble. Phone lines were knocked out and buildings all over the city were destroyed - some of which were historic. In addition, many of Christchurchs roads were damaged in the earthquake and several areas of the city were flooded after water mains broke.This was the second large earthquake to hit New Zealands South Island in recent months. On September 4, 2010 a magnitude 7.0 earthquake hit 30 miles (45 km) west of Christchurch and damaged sewers, broke water and gas lines. Despite the earthquakes size however, there were no fatalities reported. 10 Geographic Facts About Christchurch It is believed that the Christchurch area was first settled in 1250 by tribes hunting the now-extinct moa, a large flightless bird that was endemic to New Zealand. In the 16th century, the Waitaha tribe migrated to the area from the North Island and began a period of war. Shortly thereafter however, the Waitaha were driven out of the area by the Ngati Mamoe tribe. The Ngati Mamoe were then taken over by the Ngai Tahu who controlled the region until Europeans arrived.In early 1840, whaling Europeans arrived and established whaling stations in what is now Christchurch. In 1848, the Canterbury Association was founded to form a colony in the region and in 1850 pilgrims began to arrive. These Canterbury Pilgrims has goals of building a new city around a cathedral and college like Christ Church, Oxford in England. As a result, the city was given the name Christchurch on March 27, 1848.On July 31, 1856, Christchurch became the first official city in New Zealand and it quickly grew as more E uropean settlers arrived. In addition, New Zealands first public railway was constructed in 1863 to make moving heavy goods from Ferrymead (today a suburb of Christchurch) to Christchurch quicker. Today the economy of Christchurch is based largely on agriculture from the rural areas surrounding the city. The largest agricultural products of the region are wheat and barley as well as wool and meat processing. In addition, wine is a growing industry in the region.Tourism is also a large part of Christchurchs economy. There are a number of ski resorts and national parks in the nearby Southern Alps. Christchurch is also historically known as a gateway to Antarctica as it has a long history of being a departure point for Antarctic exploration expeditions. For example, both Robert Falcon Scott and Ernest Shackleton departed from the port of Lyttelton in Christchurch and according to Wikipedia.org, the Christchurch International Airport is a base for the New Zealand, Italian and United States Antarctic exploration programs.Some of Christchurchs other major tourist attractions include several wildlife parks and reserves, art galleries and museums, the International Antarctic Centre an d the historic Christ Church Cathedral (which was damaged in the February 2011 earthquake). Christchurch is located in New Zealands Canterbury region on its South Island. The city has coastlines along the Pacific Ocean and the estuaries of the Avon and Heathcote Rivers. The city has an urban population of 390,300 (June 2010 estimate) and covers an area of 550 square miles (1,426 sq km).Christchurch is a highly planned city that is based on a central city square that has four different city squares surrounding the central one. In addition, there is a parklands area in the center of the city and this is where the historic Cathedral Square, home of the Christ Church Cathedral, is located.The city of Christchurch is also geographically unique because it is one of the worlds eight pairs of cities that have a near-exact antipodal city (a city on the exact opposite side of the earth). A Coruà ±a, Spain is Christchurchs antipode.The climate of Christchurch is dry and temperate that is highly influenced by the Pacific Ocean. Winters are often cold and summers are mild. The average January high temperature in Christchurch is 72.5ËšF (22.5ËšC), while the July average is 52ËšF (11ËšC).To learn more about Christchurch, visit the citys official tourism website.SourceCNN Wire Staff. (22 February 2011). New Zealand City in Ruins After Quake Kills 65. CNN World. Retrieved from: cnn.com/2011/WORLD/asiapcf/02/22/new.zealand.earthquake/index.html?hptC1Wikipedia.org. (22 February). Christchurch - Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christchurch
Sunday, November 3, 2019
ORGANISATION DEVELOPMENT Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 6750 words
ORGANISATION DEVELOPMENT - Essay Example This requires changing the upgrading the entire organizational functioning through careful diagnosis and analysis such as to attain a different organizational structure and shape such that the work process becomes more efficient and improved. The purpose of OD interventions in organizations is to address the perpetual needs of organizations through a concerted and collaborated effort of both internal and external industrial experts in the particular field to discover such processes which can be used by the organization in order to become more effective towards stakeholders and groups. The assignment seeks to explain the OD intervention process undertaken in IBM in India. For this, it makes an analysis of the need for OD intervention in the organization on the basis of its present situations and conditions. The role of managers as change agents in the intervention process is also brought forth in the study. It explains the need and extent to which managers need to be empowered to bring about the changes and implement them successfully. However, incorporating the process does not come without hurdles. There are a number of strategic and practices which are to be dealt with carefully while managing the process. Reasonable arguments are provided with regards to the ways in which the obstacles can be managed and the process can be made successful. The requirements of OD intervention in IBM can be explained with the help of the contingency theory. This is on account of the ever changing business and technological environment in which it operates. Technology is fast growing and changing at a rapid pace. Thus, it is very easy for organizations and their present technologies to become obsolete and outdated, consequently loosing the competitive edge in the market. It is seen that IBM needs to adapt itself with the changing technologies, systems and practices so as to retain
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