Teaching Creationism In Schools Essays - Creationism, Pseudoscience

Teaching Creationism in Schools The issue of teaching creationism in the public schools has long been debated. Over the years many different arguments have been made. First creationists tried to have the teaching of evolution outlawed. This issue went to the Supreme Court in 1968, where in _Epperson v. Arkansas_ the high court ruled against banning the teaching of evolution. Soon after this decision creationists began to call for 'equal time', or the equal treatment of creation theory and evolution theory. When this attempt also failed creationists turned to 'creation science' (Grunes 465). Today the major argument for the teaching of creationism in public schools is that creationism is a scientific theory and thus should be taught alongside evolution. The combatants against creationism being taught in public schools are those who believe creation science is bad science and those who believe it violates the separation of church and state. Supporters of creation science are organizations that are collectively refere d to as the New Christian Right, such as the Institute for Creation Research. On the other hand, those who oppose creation science are usually scientists, educators, and civil liberties organizations (Grunes 466). The majority of those people who desire for creationism to be taught in the public schools cite that it is scientific. They push for the teaching of creation science which is defined as "scientific evidence for creation and the inferences from that evidence" (Tatina 275). The inferences from that evidence are "sudden creation of the universe from nothing, recent formulation of the earth, creation of man and other biological kinds, a worldwide flood", and "the insufficiency of mutation and natural selection in bringing about development of living kinds from a single organism" (Grunes 470). These creation scientists, as they are called, want the teaching of the two scientific theories, evolution and creation science, to be taught side by side. In 1992 a Vermont school district passed a resolution stating that "creation be presented as a viable theory on an equal status with the various theories of evolution" (Scott 12). The main desire is that creation be given the same time as evoluti on to be presented as a possible theory on the beginnings of this universe. Many people feel that creation science is only an attempt to side step the religious issue. Since religious beliefs cannot be taught in public schools the creationists "repackaged the Bible as science" (10). This statement causes one to consider if the Bible is a scientific book. Many creationists would agree that the Bible is the inspired Word of God, and not a scientific book. Yet, creation scientists want us to believe that the Bible is scientific. By comparing creation science to evolution, creation scientists attempt to logically show creation is a science. They draw parallels which attempt to put creation science at the same level as evolution. The definitions of creation science and evolution science in the Arkansas law demonstrate this attempted parallel. The law states, "Creation-science means the scientific evidences for creation and inferences from those scientific evidences" and, "Evolution-science means the scientific evidences for evolution and inferences from those scientific evidences" (Ruse 292-93). There are also those who believe creationism should not be taught because it is bad science. Scientists who have studied the claims of scientific creationism state that it "misstates evolutionary theory, presents erroneous data, and reveals a gross misunderstanding of the nature of science" (Scott 10). For example, creation scientists often use quotes that look as if to challenge evolution, but they are often taken out of context and these quotes from scientific literature actually are questioning the 'how' of evolution (Ruse 289). In _Scientific Creationism_ a quote by Theodosius Dobzhansky is used which makes the reader believe he is questioning evolution (Morris 6). Theodosius Dobzhansky is one of the greatest supporters of evolution. Ruse writes that "philosophically and methodologically the creationists do not act like scientists, and that substantively the creationist's contentions are without scientific merit" (Ruse 290). Ruse also states that "science must be explanatory, tes table, and tentative" (301). Some believe that creation science is "a jumble of half-truths" (In the 17). In the _Epperson v. Arkansas_ decision the argument that creationism is scientific was rejected because of the fact that it did

The Role And Function Of The Mosque In The Muslim Community Essay Example

The Role And Function Of The Mosque In The Muslim Community Essay Example The Role And Function Of The Mosque In The Muslim Community Essay The Role And Function Of The Mosque In The Muslim Community Essay Essay Topic: Fun Home The role of the Mosque in general is to help with family life. All Mosques now run Madrasahs (Mosque schools) for boys and girls. Theyre held on weeknights and Sundays and teach children about Islam, how to read the Quran in Arabic and how Muslims should behave. Children are also taught Urdu and English. There are now many Muslim schools to provide separate educations for males and females. They teach children the National Curriculum in an Islamic style.Central MosqueIn Britain, there are many purpose built Mosques. One of the most important ones is the in London. I will be talking about this Mosque and how it helps with the community. Its one of the largest Mosques in the world. For this reason, some facilities that are provided by this Mosque are quite unique.My Local MosqueIn my local Mosque, they have a radio transmitter, so that the local Muslims can hear whats going on in the Mosque, they can also hear the Adhan being made.Islamic Law CourtThe Mosque is also a place, which is a lso used as an Islamic Law Court for matters which concern Islamic Law. Muslims can gather here and discuss the problems that they face in their daily life.Marriage ceremony (Nikah) and divorce (Talaq)Marriage ceremony (Nikah) and divorce (Talaq) is also often performed in the Central Mosque Of London.Centre for foreign visitorsThe Mosque is also a centre for foreign visitors, travellers far and wide within the U.K. It serves as a treasury for collect ion and distribution of Zakah.The Mosque is also ensuring that the Islamic Laws of heritage can be implemented within the British system. This enables the Muslims in the U.K. to retain their Islamic identity, to remain loyal to their faith and to the Islamic Shariah.Community GatheringsOn Friday, we see the local community filling up the Mosques; this is because they have come to pray Jumuah.Community gatherings are usually held at Mosques, particularly at the time of Eid. Twice a year, when there is a big celebration after the prayers . Such meetings are essential in Britain, where in many places Muslims are still in the minority. These community gatherings give a chance to the Muslim Community to familiarise themselves with one another and bonds the tie of friendship on happy and sad occasions such as Birth, Marriage and Death.MortuaryQuite a few Mosques have facilities for washing and shrouding the dead bodies and to keep the corpses there until the burial is arranged and the Janazah prayer is said. This is also known as a mortuary, for laying out the dead and preparing corpse for burial.How The Mosque Helps With The CommunityThe Mosque is also open for the community to come and see the Imam about personal issues. He will always be there to tackle and problems.The Mosque also tries to bring love, peace and tranquillity into the community. It also tries to give the Muslims a sense of brotherhood and teaches the community that they are all one.Help in the case that a marriage breakdown comes from the two families , the Imam and Muslim Lawyers. The Zakah fund helps families with financial difficulties and many Mosques have a family committee to help Muslim Families that are in trouble.USESThe Prophet did not separate religious life from his normal daily activities. In the open courtyard he entertained visitors, conducted business, and guided the day-to-day affairs of the community. It was the place where believers gathered for communal prayer and to hear his sermons, and it was also used for giving shelter to the poor, homeless and wayfarers, and for caring for the sick.It is important to realize that mosques today, no matter how grand the buildings, are still used to fulfil all these other functions.à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½as schools for learning Arabic and studying the Qur an

Common Family Myths and Stories

Common Family Myths and Stories Nearly every family has a cherished story or two regarding their distant ancestors - one that has been handed down from generation to generation. While some of these stories probably have a lot of truth in them, others are actually more myth than reality. Perhaps its a story that youre connected to Jesse James or a Cherokee princess, or that a town in the old country is named after your ancestors. How can you prove or disprove these family stories? Write Them Down Hidden in the embellishments of your familys story are probably at least a few grains of truth. Ask all of your relatives about the famous legend, and write down everything they tell you - no matter how insignificant it may seem. Compare the different versions, looking for inconsistencies, as they may indicate those parts are less likely to be rooted in fact. Ask for Backup Ask your relatives if they know of any items or records which may help document the family story. It doesnt often happen, but sometimes if the story has been carefully handed down from generation to generation, then other items may have been preserved as well. Consider the Source Is the person telling the story someone who was in a position to have experienced the event first-hand? If not, ask them who they got the story from and attempt to work your way back to the original source. Is this relative known as the storyteller in the family? Often good storytellers are more likely to embellish a story so as to elicit a favorable response. Bone Up on History Spend some time reading about the history of the time, place or person which relates to your familys story or legend. Background historical knowledge may help you prove or disprove the legend. Its unlikely that your great, great Grandfather was a Cherokee, for example, if he lived in Michigan in 1850. Test Your DNA While your genes may not have all the answers, a DNA test may be able to help you prove or disprove a family legend. DNA can help you determine if you descend from a particular ethnic group, your family came from a particular region, or you share a common ancestor with a particular person. Common Genealogy Myths Legends The Three Brothers MythIts always three brothers. Brothers who immigrated to America, and then headed out in different directions. Never more or less than three, and never sisters either. This is one of the favorite of all genealogy legends, and one that very rarely turns out to be true. The Cherokee Indian Princess StoryNative American ancestry is a fairly common family story  and one which may actually turn out to be true. But there really isnt such a thing as a Cherokee princess, and isnt it funny that it is almost never a Navaho, Apache, Sioux or Hopi princess? Our Name Was Changed at Ellis IslandThis is one of the most common myths found in American family history, but it actually almost never happened. Passenger lists were actually created at the port of departure, where the native names were easily understood. Its very likely the family name may have been changed at some point, but it probably didnt happen at Ellis Island. Family Inheritance MythThere are a lot of variations on this popular family story, but very rarely do they turn out to be true. Some of these myths have their roots in the numerous inheritance scams of the nineteenth and early twentieth century, while others may reflect a hope or belief that the family is related to royalty or a famous (rich) family by the same name. Unfortunately, the family inheritance story is often used by scammers to trick people out of their money.

American Attitudes towards Homosexuals Research Paper

American Attitudes towards Homosexuals - Research Paper Example In the traditional sense, the discrimination against these individuals has mostly been based on gender bias and the majority perception of the existence of only two genders – that of the male and female sex. Despite this dominant gender perception, homosexuals have been persistent about their rights and about their place in society. The laws have also been firm on the application of the equal protection of rights and the due process of law, as far as these homosexuals are concerned. As a result, these homosexuals have taken on a more public presence and have become more visible to the general population. In a way, they have made their presence known in almost all aspects of American life. However, even as their public visibility has increased dramatically over the past several decades, prejudicial attitudes against them have remained persistent. This paper shall discuss American attitudes against homosexuals, discussing the minor claim that public visibility of homosexuals has increased. In detail, it shall discuss the ways in which homosexual visibility has increased, more particularly through the media and through the â€Å"Don’t ask, Don’t Tell† military policy. ... Most Americans have become embroiled heavily in the contrasting opinions on homosexuality with some of them favoring the rights of homosexuals to self-promotion and perpetuation, and the rest expressing their outrage for homosexuality based on religious and moral grounds. In general, studies evaluating attitudes against homosexuals yielded negative attitudes against these individuals (Besen and Zickling, p. 251). These results have been seen in studies carried out during the 1980s and 1990s, including large scale reviews and surveys during the 1990s (Besen and Zicklin, p. 251). In recent years however, the attitudes towards homosexuals have improved with many Americans considering a more liberal approach towards civil rights (Besen and Zicklin, p. 251). Many of them have been able to gain some form of social acceptance from the general populace; however, to some extent many of them have persistently encountered these social issues on acceptance from moralists. Various factors have be en considered in explaining these attitudes towards homosexuals. Individuals who have negative attitudes towards homosexuals are usually authoritarian and are very traditional in their views of sex roles and of minority groupings (Besen and Zicklin, p. 251). These attitudes have also been spurred on by health concerns, with the percentage of HIV/AIDS sufferers of a higher rate among gay men. Such health concerns have further fueled the homophobic tendencies against homosexuals. Inasmuch as these negative attitudes towards homosexuals have been unfavorable, legal mandates have established provisions in order to protect the practice of civil rights among these homosexuals. Along with the more liberal ideals which many Americans

IN WHAT WAY CAN OPERATIONAL, FUNCTIONAL, STRATEGIC DESIGN MANAGEMENT Essay

IN WHAT WAY CAN OPERATIONAL, FUNCTIONAL, STRATEGIC DESIGN MANAGEMENT CONTRIBUTE TO THE BUSINESS GROWTH OF Artdinox - Essay Example The feedback will provide the base for the ideation process which will lead to new product development. Then the CEO along with the NPD team can take care of the design finalization. In the context of new products one of the most important pieces of information is the control and monitoring mechanism for the product when it is launched briefly into the market as a part of test launch. Art d'inox does a pilot launch through three to four hundred pieces of the new product and monitors it carefully in terms of control points and then depending upon the conclusion decision to further expand the production or to curtail it is taken. Also, the organization can form collaborations with design institutes of repute; in case of Art d'inox it could easily form alliances with National Institute of Design, one of the premier places of learning in its respective field. This encompasses creation of a design management function in the company. At the strategic level this deals with the incorporation of the design strategy into the basic philosophy and workings of key departments like marketing, communication and innovation departments, i.e. inculcating the deign strategy into the business strategy of the firm. ... Art d'inox's basic objective of turning stainless steel items into lifestyle products with the amalgamation of design and functionality through innovative surface finish and the use of combined materials has adhered to this concept. This leads to the planning stage where procedures and standard for quality are fixed. Art d'inox has a design center with a professional design team which works in tandem with NPD or the new product development team. In Art d'inox's functional structure the CEO leads the design vertical along with the NPD, which designs products after receiving pointers from marketing and sales teams. The finances have to be taken care of in terms of setting up supplier and so Art d'inox being a part of the Jindal Stainless Steel group has timely supply of high quality raw material at reasonable prices. Strategic Design Management This is the capability of the design philosophy to give shape to the organizational objective and transform it according to the vision. At the initiation level the basic strategy is defined and the objectives to be reached in terms of design are also communicated clearly. The very concept of Art d'inox lies in changing the perception about stainless steel utensils and items through extremely creative and functional designs. The CEO is at the helm of designing, who along with the NPD team looks after the various aspects of deign and new product launch. This structure ensures that the top management level is guiding the design team from the top and the philosophy also percolates from top through all the management layers and departments. In Art d'inox the CEO ensures the effective completion of this job. Human resources are extremely important, especially in a design

The Colorado Rivers Help and Hindrance of Settlement in the Western United States :: Colorado River Geography American History Essays

The Colorado River's Help and Hindrance of Settlement in the Western United States Geographers can tell you that the one thing that most rivers and their adjacent flood plains in the world have in common is that they have rich histories associated with human settlement and development. This especially true in arid regions which are very dependent upon water. Two excellent examples are the Nile and the Tigris-Euphrates rivers which show use the relationship between rivers and concentrations of people. However, the Colorado River is not such a good example along most segments of its course. There is no continuous transportation system that parallels the rivers course, and settlements are clustered. The rugged terrain and entrenched river channels are the major reasons for sparse human settlement. We ask ourselves, did the Colorado River help or hinder settlement in the Western United States? As settlers began to move westward, the Southwest was considered to be a place to avoid. Few considered it a place to traverse, to spread Christianity, and a possible source of furs or mineral wealth. Finding a reliable or accessible water source, and timber for building was difficult to find. There was a lack of land that could be irrigated easily. By the turn of the century, most present day cities and towns were already established. Trails, roads, and railroads linked several areas with neighboring regions. Although the Colorado River drainage system was still not integrated. In the mid 1900’s many dams had been built to harness and use the water. A new phase of development occurred at the end of the second World War. There was a large emphasis on recreation, tourism, and environmental preservation. The terrain of the Colorado River is very unique. It consists of Wet Upper Slopes, Irregular Transition Plains and Hills, Deep Canyonlands, and the Dry Lower Plains. Wet Upper Slopes: Consist of numerous streams that feed into the Colorado River from stream cut canyons, small flat floored valleys often occupied by alpine lakes and adjacent steep walled mountain peaks. These areas are heavily forested and contain swiftly flowing streams, rapids, and waterfalls. These areas have little commercial value except as watershed, wildlife habitat, forest land, and destinations for hikers, fishermen, and mountaineers. Irregular Transition Plains and Hills: These areas are favorable for traditional economic development. It consists of river valleys with adequate flat land to support farms and ranches. Due to the rolling hills, low plateaus, and mountain slopes, livestock grazing is common.

McDonald’s global marketing strategy Essay

1. Identify the key elements in McDonald’s global marketing strategy (GMS). In particular, how does McDonald’s approach the issue of standardization? McDonald’s has become the most famous and successful fast-food restaurants all over the world. The concept of fast food and American-style food (burgers, fries) has conquered the world. We can talk about standardization regarding Mcdo’s strategy: the marketing mix is basically the same. Products:Fast food, American food (Burgers, fries and soda) Price:Cheap, â€Å"Burger Index† * Promotion:American style, mass communication, attract children, same brand name, colors and logo Place:Quick service, crowded area However, we cannot speak about a total standardization since McDonalds has adapted its menus, declining its marketing mix regarding some aspects of the local cultures. * The expansion and standardization of the hamburger has led to the creation of a price index that can be used as an economic reference between different countries known as the Big Mac Index. 2. Do you think government officials in developing countries such as Russia, China, and India welcome McDonald’s? Do consumers in these countries welcome McDonald’s? Why or why not? We would think that McDonalds would have trouble to locate in countries with very distant customs or rather reluctant to the American way of life. But the brand had a very good concept. McDonalds was also a way for these countries’ population to eat copiously for small budgets. When McDonalds opens its first restaurant in Russia, the company creates its own supply chain, including farms, within the USSR. For political reasons, McDonald’s Canada was responsible for this opening, with little input from the U.S. McDonalds has managed to gain the trust of local authorities and local population by working with agricultural producers to develop local supply food sources. Mentalities and cultures have also evolved a lot, since the beginning of globalization. In Asia, young people quickly join this way of eat, because it was much more modern. However, McDonalds didn’t deny the significant food’s customs: In 1996 when McDonald’s entered in India for the first time, it offered a Big Mac made with lamb called the Maharaja Mac. 3. At the end of 2003, McDonald’s announced it was selling the Donatos Pizza unit. Then, in 2006, the Chipotle chain was spun off. In light of these strategic actions, assess McDonald’s prospects for success beyond the burger-and-fries model. MacDonald’s wanted to reassert itself in its core business: burger and fries. So they decided to focus on their basic concept and to abandoned businesses they believed to be complimentary. This strategy of specialization allows: A cost-leadership An improvement of productivity A leader’s statue in terms of innovations An excellent market’s knowledge To give clear brand’s identity and goals better defined In doing so, they wanted to reestablish themselves as the reference n ° 1 of burger & fries’ fast-food. 4. Is it realistic to expect that McDonald’s – or any well-known company – can expand globally without occasionally making mistakes or generating controversy? Why do anti-globalization protesters around the world frequently target McDonald’s? I think that a company can expand globally without necessarily making big mistakes. But in this case, that company should invest a lot of money in marketing research upstream but also continually to be always aware of the local environment. The local as well as general decisions must take into account all collected data. Here is the reason why there are sometimes mistakes. It is an intricate process, which requires time and money. But it goes without saying, that each operation must be consistent with each marketing’s location. Regarding McDonald’s, it is normal that all novelties proposed haven’t always been liked because country’s food, tastes and eating habits are very variable depending on each population. McDonald’s has been very performing in finding a basic menu that pleases almost everyone. This is that power which has Mcdo, to standardize eating habits, that scares anti-globalists. In fact, food is often a dear element to ones who wish to preserve their cultural identity. Finally, I guess it is possible to be accepted worldwide, but it is risky to alter the traditions of the foreign country in which the company want to establish itself. Case 2: Acer’s strategy. 1. Acer’s strategy has been described as â€Å"divide and conquer.† Explain. Acer, founded in 1976 by Stan Shih, is the fourth computer manufacturer in the world. The Taiwanese group is specialized in manufacturing and commercialization of computers, monitors and other computer peripherals. The different brands of the group are: Acer, Packard Bell, Gateway and eMachines. Contrary to McDonalds, Acer has opted for a strategy of differentiation rather than standardization. Indeed, when Stan Shih uses the phrase â€Å"divide and conquer† it’s to highlight the group’s decision to preserve the identity and personality of each group’s brand and to use the privileged relation that these brands have built over the years with their own customers: Packard Bell targets the general public eMachines the large public â€Å"first price† Gateway targets larger companies Acer focus on mobility to attract both consumers and the SoHo market (Small office and Home Office) 2. How did the â€Å"global markets-local markets† paradox figure into Stan Shih’s strategy for China? Stan Shih decision to focus on the Chinese market is quite paradoxical regarding the â€Å"divide and conquer strategy†: The word â€Å"divide† is a paradox because Acer wants to refocus on the Chinese market, so the target will be much more homogeneous. And on the other hand, â€Å"conquer† is not the interest here because Chinese are already conquered. So the strategy division is quite paradoxical as far as â€Å"local markets† are concerned, because the population is more uniform. But this strategy is maybe very successful too at a local level. 3. Can Acer become the world’s third largest PC company, behind Dell and Hewlett-Packard? We can indeed imagine that Acer may become the world’s third largest PC company. Since the refocus of Acer in China, the results have been impressive. However, it must stand out from Lenovo. To grow its market shares, Acer must have a more global view and this will make the difference. If the group wants to change this ranking, he cannot restrain its strategy to the Chinese market. Acer should also improve its B to C, because it is more recognized in the world of B to B. Acer has to be more innovative and gain the trust of diverse populations. 4. Even before the current economic crisis deepened, growth in the U.S. PC market had begun to slow down. Despite strong competition from Dell and Hewlett-Packard, Acer’s U.S. market share increased from 1 percent in 2004 to 3.3 percent by the end of 2006. What are Acer’s prospects for gaining further share in the United States? It was difficult for Acer to enter in the US’ market: Dell and HP have a monopoly in the PC there. The United States expansion is very closely linked to the merging with the American computer hardware manufacturer Gateway, while the European move is related to the acquisition of the Packard Bell company. Acer’s intention is to offer a wide range of computers: the decision to keep the different brands by checking that they don’t overlap is an ideal combination. EMachines offers cheap desktop, Acer made cheap laptops and Gateway is located in the midrange and high end. This is probably what has allowed Acer to increase its market share, and it is probably thanks to its cheap range that the crisis hasn’t had any impact on its growth in the United States.