Are trauma centres best practice for the UK Essay

Are trauma centres best practice for the UK - Essay Example A look at the figures spent by NHS on treating injuries related to trauma is convincing enough to make one realise the importance of an effective trauma management, with efforts to also locate the source of these injuries (like speed driving), and effectively put a stop to them. Since road trauma is one of the major causes of death, it is also necessary for the government to take initiatives where road accidents can be reduced. During the late eighties specialists from the Royal College of Surgeons UK, had highlighted the fact that there are major flaws in the management of patients with serious injuries, and ineffective handling of the entire situation often leads to many untimely deaths, that are completely avoidable in nature. My article will examine the current conditions of trauma management and the services offered to patients in trauma within UK, and to ascertain the importance of the trauma services in this country, with main emphases on the transportation of patients using a mbulance services (pre-hospital care). Are trauma centres best practices for the UK? 1 Introduction 1.1 Background history Severe injuries, resulting from accidents like a car crash or after falling from great heights, are one of the most common causes of death amongst the UK youth. The chances of surviving the fatal accident, later followed by a complete recovery are dependent on the trauma care that the patient receives immediately after the mishap, and in the few following weeks, as he recuperates. In England and in other parts of UK, it has been observed that the most common cause of death from trauma is in case of road accidents. At an average count it has been estimated that annually there nearly 20,000 reported cases of severe trauma in England that results in an estimated 5,400 deaths, while many of the survivors suffer from long term disabilities, a majority of which are permanent in nature, thus demanding provisions for long-term care facilities (National Audit Office, 201 0, 4). The term trauma can be summarily defined as â€Å"physical injury caused by events such as road traffic accidents, falls, explosions, shootings, or stabbings. The term ‘major trauma’ is therefore used to describe multiple injuries involving different tissues and organ systems that are, or have the potential to be, life threatening. Trauma patients require specialist care from a multidisciplinary group of professionals† (The Royal College of Surgeons of England, 2007, 1). Death from major trauma (from severe multiple injuries) is a major cause in UK with almost 16000 dying in England and Wales alone each year (ibid). According to NHS Choice the term ‘Major Trauma’ may be defined as comprising of â€Å"multiple, serious injuries that could result in disability or death. These might include serious head injuries, severe gunshot wounds or road traffic accidents† (NHS Clinical Advisory Groups Report, 2010, 5). In scientific terms Major Traum a is exemplified with the use of Injury Severity Score (ISS), which gives certain values to â€Å"injuries in different parts of the body and totals

Case Study of a Legal Senario Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Case Study of a Legal Senario - Essay Example 211). The external appearance of the contents of the contract is given premium here because social and economic dictates require the protection of the plain wordings of contracts. The contractual agreement between the two parties created rights and obligations which are enforceable by the courts (von Bar, Drobnig, and Alpa, 2004, p. 66). In this case, the contractual relations between Buildrite and Bistrot created the rights and obligations for both parties – for Buildrite to build the extension by November 15 and for Bistrot to pay the price agreed upon. The fact that the wages of the workers were only at minimum wage and the labourers left the employ of Buildrite does not play into the contract between Bistrot and Buildrite. The issue of employment between Buildrite and its employees is not included in the terms of the contract between Bistrot and Buildrite. It is the obligation of Buildrite to fill in its employee vacancies without having to charge Bistrot for the cost of t he additional employees. The two parties did not include in the terms of their contract the fact that Bistrot would have to pay additional cost should Buildrite’s workers leave the firm and leave the latter shorthanded. The elements of a contract are: agreement, consideration, intention to create legal relations, capacity, consent, and form. The contracting parties agree on and accept the terms of the agreement (Mead & Sagar, 2005, p. 38). Beyond such terms and agreement, the contract cannot apply and a possible breach of contract would be seen if either party does not fulfil his end of the contract. In the above case, the parties agreed on the terms of the contract and nowhere in the contract does it indicate that Bistrot will cover additional cost for the renovation. The consideration is usually monetary and the amount has

The Predictions Of Nostradamus

The Predictions Of Nostradamus Thesis Statement: The accuracy and basis of Nostradamuss prophecies should be enough to persuade people to consider the prophecies as a reference to future events that may happen in the world. Nostradamus Life and times of Nostradamus Educational background Work experiences Religion and beliefs The prophecies of Nostradamus The prophecies that were said to have happened exactly the way Nostradamus stated Century 1, Quatrain 35 prophecy and the Death of Henry II Century 2, Quatrain 51 prophecy and the Fire of London in 1566 Century 1, Quatrain 14 prophecy and the French revolution Century 8, Quatrain 1 prophecy and the first anti-Christ, Emperor Napoleon Century 1, Quatrain 25 prophecy and Pasteurs discoveries Century 9, Quatrain 11 prophecy and the effect of the death of Dr. Jose Rizal to the public Century 1, Quatrain 26 prophecy and the assassination of President John F. Kennedy and his brother Robert Century 2, Quatrain 24 prophecy and the occurrence of World War II Century 4, Quatrain 13 prophecy and Ferdinand Marcoss end of supremacy as the president of the Philippines Century 10, Quatrain 98 prophecy and the rise of Corazon Aquino as the president of the Philippines after Marcos Century 2, Quatrain 28 prophecy and Princess Dianas death The prophecies that were said to have happened but not exactly the way Nostradamus predicted Century 3, Quatrain 35 prophecy and the expedition of Ferdinand Magellan Century 5, Quatrain 29 prophecy and the existence of Adolf Hitler as the second anti-Christ Century 6, Quatrain 97 and Century 10, Quatrain 72 prophecies and the 9-11 bombing of the World Trade Center in New York City Future predictions of Nostradamus and interpretations by some experts Century 8, Quatrain 77 and Century 9, Quatrain 92 prophecies and the existence of a third anti-Christ Century 2, Quatrain 39 prophecy and the beginning of World War III Century 2, Quatrain 65 prophecy and the earthquakes in Los Angeles and Lombardy Century 10, Quatrain 74 prophecy and the start of the end of the world Possible basis of Nostradamus in making prophecies Culture His religion His studies Effects of the prophecies that came true to the people and the world Beliefs of people and impressions on Nostradamus Nostradamus versus religion Using the prophecies as reference to future events Accuracy Basis Table of Contents Title Page Introduction 1 Life and times of Nostradamus 1 Discussion 4 1.Accurate Prophecies 5 The Death of Henry II 5 Fire of London 6 French Revolution 6 Napoleon Bonaparte 8 Louis Pasteur 8 Dr. Jose Rizals death 9 Kennedy Assassinations 10 World War II 10 Ferdinand Marcoss fall 11 Rise of Corazon Aquino 12 Princess Dianas death 12 1.Precise and Vague Prophecies 13 a.Expedition of Ferdinand Magellan and Adolf Hitler 13 b.Adolf Hitler as the Second Anti-Christ 14 c.9-11 bombing of World Trade Center in New York City 15 Nostradamuss predictions for the Future 16 Existence of a third Anti-Christ 16 2. Beginning of World War III 17 2.Earthquakes in Los Angeles and Lombardy 17 3.Start of the end of the world 18 Possible basis of the prophecies 18 1.Beliefs of people and their impressions to Nostradamus 21 2.Nostradamus versus religion 23 Conclusion 24 References 25 A.Books 25 B. Thesis 26 C. Online Sources 26 Introduction Seeing the future is a one of a kind talent. Fortune tellers, palm readers, psychics and the like are people who claim that they have this gift. Some believe them although some say that they just want to make money. But a few of these psychics are famous because some of their predictions really did come true. The tendency is that people uses the predictions of this few psychics as a reference to future events. One of these few is Nostradamus, the seer of the century (Visions and Prophecies, 1988). Life and times of Nostradamus Nostradamus or Michel De Nostredame was born to James de Nostredame and Renee de Saint Remy on December 14, 1503 in Provence, France (Nostradamus, 2003). His family was originally Jewish but they were converted to Christians after his grandfather was converted due to the government in France. Nostradamuss mother has ancestors that were experts in both mathematics and medicine. One of the family members was the doctor of Rene or Renatus, the ruler of Jerusalem and Sicily, and the count of Provence. Another member is also a doctor to the Duke of Calabaria named John who was the child of King Rene. Nostradamus indicated in his commentaries that he inherited a great understanding of mathematics from his ancestors. He also claims that his ancestors are from the tribe Issachar where he got his gift of prophecy. The tribe Issachar were said to be me that comprehend time or the seven wise men that knew the times, according to Esther i. 13 (Ward, 1940). Also, Michael De Nostradame is the gran dson of two famous physicians-astrologers John de Saint-Remy and Peter De Notradame (Henson, 1959). At 15, Nostradamus studied humanities courses at the school in Avignon. But after a year, he was forced to leave the university because of a breakout of a plague in the place. He then studied philosophy and theory of medicine at the University of Montpellier, the most well-known school of medicine in France. When Huguenots had taken over Montpellier in 1561, the churches and other religious establishments disappeared and the place became the head office of the Huguenots. That was what Nostradamus saw when he was studying there. Being a devoted person to his religion, the conquering of the Huguenots may have irritated him and influenced his writings like Sixains and Presages (Ward, 1940). After graduating, Nostradamus was able to find a cure to the plague that was poisoning some of the places around Montpellier (Visions and Prophecies, 1988). He then travelled and passed by a town on the Garonne called Agen when he was coming back to Toulouse. Here he met a friend named Jules Cesar Scaliger that encouraged him to live in the town. But then their friendship didnt go well until they treated each other as rivals and remained cold to one another. Nostradamus married a lady described as une fort honorable demoiselle in Agen but history didnt reveal her name. This wife and his two children died because of the plague in 1543. People were furious at Nostradamus since he wasnt able to protect his own family from the plague that he was able to cure years before that. He then went back to Provence after that (Ward, 1940). And then Nostradamus travelled again. When Nostradamus arrived at Marseilles, the Parliament of Provence induced him to come to Aix. He lodged there for three years being paid by the government, since the disease went out in 1546. The disease spread severely and it is said that the he deliver his reports in his book Le Theatre du Monde to Seignuer de Launay (Ward, 1940). In Salon de Craux, which is between Avignon and Marseilles, he married a woman named Anna Poussuart Genelle. Nostradamus and the second wife had six children, three boys and three girls. He was in that moment when he was foretelling that a great change is about to happen in Europe and there are a lot of troubles that are soon to happen in the kingdom of France. Nostradamus experienced eagerness in his mind that made him write his Centuries and other Presages. The famous book Centuries features his now famous prophecies. In this book, he included two important letters to two important persons: his son, Cesar and Henry II, who was the reigning King during his time (Ward, 1940). One of Nostradamuss journalist says that Nostradamus published the books because he wants to be of help to the community. He kept the books with him for so long because he was a little frightened. He saw threats that would happen if he publishes the books and that would lead to many other problems. He could have been a target for the government if he says that he used Astrology in predicting. According to Ward (1940), some quatrains of Nostradamus refer to planets and the others that are harmony to the sacred scriptures. After the publishing, rumors began to spread locally and internationally and that rumor says that something marvelous and admirable appeared. Obviously, he published the books because he wanted to; and when a person really wanted something, he would find a way to make what he wanted to happen (Ward, 1940). There was a story about Nostradamus that says he knelt down in front of Felice Peretti, a young monk, and said, Your holiness. Before becoming Pope Sixtus V in 1585, Peretti first became an investigator for Venice (Visions and Prophecies, 1988). In 1586, Peretti published a book Judicial Astrology that notifies the readers that God is the only one who can identify the future. Nostradamus gave up on the use of Astrology, maybe because he was affected by the rumors about his prophecies, but he thinks it can still be practiced if the Church allows it to be able to make predictions about the weather and other natural phenomenon (Pocock, 1995). Another story about Nostradamus was told. Seigneur de Florenville dared Nostradamus to predict the future of one black pig and one white pig. Nostradamus said that de Florenville will eat the black one while the white one will be eaten by a wolf. De Florenville, being a skeptic, wanted to disprove Nostradamus. He asked his chef to cook the white one for him. When dinner was served, de Florenville thought that he had won but Nostradamus stayed firm in his statement. So de Florenville asked his cook to tell the truth and the cook confessed that the white one was taken by a wolf so he served the black one (Visions and Prophecies, 1988). On the 2nd of July year 1566, Nostradamus died because of the arthritis that went worse for days before that day. Jean Aimes said that Nostradamus knew very well what time, hour and day, he will die. Nostradamus reminded himself about the end of June and he wrote on his hand, in the Ephemerides of Jean Stadius, Hic prope mors est (Here is death at hand.). The day, says this friend, before he exchanged his life for a better, after I had spent many hours with him, and late at night I was taking leave of him until the following morning, he said, You will not see me alive at sunrise'(Ward, 1940). Discussion Accuracy of the Prophecies of Nostradamus Nostradamus wrote his prophecies in quatrains. Each Centuries book has 100 prophecies except for Century VII (Galang, 1983). Century VII only has 42 prophecies summing up to 942 four-line verses of prophecies. The prophecies of Nostradamus start in the year 1560 and it ends in the year 3797 because he believed that the world will come to an end in that year. It is written in French, German or Latin with words that are ambiguous and some words that the writer had invented (Emery, 2009 12 September). Nostradamus said that he wanted to write the exact dates to the prophecies but did not do so to avoid being tagged as a sorcerer (Visions and Prophecies, 1988). Evidences here are to show the accuracy of the prophecies made by the seer. Accurate Prophecies Some of the prophecies made by Nostradamus can be linked to a famous event. It was said that Nostradamus predicted the following events that became a huge hit to the community (Fedalizo, 1997). Here are some of the prophecies of Nostradamus that came true exactly the way he said it. The Death of Henry II The start of the rise of Nostradamuss prophecies was when he was called by King Henry II and his wife, Catherine De Medici (Roberts, 1994). The queen was aware of the writings of Nostradamus. When she read the following prophecy, she immediately called the seer to court to interpret his prophecy. The young lion will overcome the older one, in a field of combat in single fight: He will pierce his eyes in their golden cage; two wounds in one, then he dies a cruel death. (Century 1, Quatrain 35) Nostradamus interpreted the prophecy as the process of the death of King Henry II. The king ignored what Nostradamus said. In July 1559, he joined a jousting tournament of St. Antoine for a double celebration of the unions of his sister Elisabeth to Philip II of Spain and his daughter Marguerite to Duke of Savoy (Roberts, 1994). There, Henry II went to a fight against Montgomery, the captain of the Scottish guards, who is six years younger than him (Visions, and Prophecies, 1988). The two fighters each have a lion engraved in their shields. On the first bout, King Henry II lost. Being a king, he wanted to win so he pleaded for a rematch. On the next bout, the two fighters splintered lances successfully but Montgomery accidentally wounded Henry II right in the kings eye through his golden screen (Cheetham, 1989). The wound caused his eye to bleed and damage his brain as well. After 10 days of hardship, King Henry II died. Fire of London Another prediction of Nostradamus that is unbelievably accurate was the prediction about the Fire of London. The blood of the just will commit a fault at London, Burnt through lightning of twenty threes the six: The ancient lady will fall from her high place, Several of the same sect will be killed. (Century 2, Quatrain 51) In the year 1666, there was a big fire in the city of London that damaged almost four-fifths of the city. All the landmarks: the houses made of wood, city streets, churches including the St. Paul Cathedral were destroyed. The fire lasted for five days. Fortunately, only sixteen people died in this accident. Interpreters say that the just or justice Nostradamus was talking about was the disappearance of the plague in London since many rats carry the Black plague that was spreading that time (Cheetham, 1989). French Revolution Next in the many prophecies of Nostradamus that came true is the prediction about the French revolution. There are 2 prophecies that best describe the condition during the French revolution. From the enslaved populace, songs, chants and demands, while Princes and Lords are held captive in prisons. These will in the future by headless idiots be received as divine prayers. (Century 1, Quatrain 14) This prophecy can be interpreted literally because it described exactly what the situation during that time is. The songs, chants and refrains in this quatrain are said to be refer the prayers or pleads by people under the new governance. Every single person during the time of the French revolution is not exempted to the cruelness because even princes and kings were imprisoned (as described by the 2nd line) and also beheaded (as suggested by the 4th line). This quatrain served as a warning to the people of France (Roberts, 1994). Another prophecy that describes the Common Advent (as Nostradamus calls the French revolution) is the following (Roberts, 1994). When the litters are overturned by the whirlwind and faces are covered by cloaks, the new republic will be troubled by its people. At this time the reds and the whites will rule wrongly. (Century 1, Quatrain 3) Just like the first quatrain describing the French revolution, this prophecy can also be interpreted literally. As described in the prophecy, the upper classes were always accepted but this situation was changed by the revolutionists. Nostradamus refers to the France as a republic which is troubled by the new leaders. White was the color of Bourbon kings and red was the color of the revolutionaries. As people know, red is a color of war or rebellion. The last line can be interpreted as the rulers of the republic, the church and upper classes are not suitable for the work which is the aim of the revolutionaries (Roberts, 1994). Napoleon Bonaparte After the prediction about the French revolution, the prediction about the existence of the first anti-Christ which was interpreted to be Napoleon Bonaparte came true. Pau, Nay, Loron will be more of fire than blood, to swim in praise, the great one to flee to the confluence (of rivers). He will refuse entry to the Piuses Pampon and the Durance will keep them confined. (Century 8, Quatrain 1) If the words PAU, NAY, LORON will be used as an anagram, it can form the word NAPAULON ROY which can be interpreted as Napoleon, the King. The praise more of fire than of blood is interpreted as Napoleon being a man of war rather than royal lineage (because he was not really a royal blood). The Piuses that were mentioned in the prophecy is about the two popes named Pius VI and Pius VII that Napoleon imprisoned during his time (The Prophecies of Nostradamus, 1973). Louis Pasteur Next is the eerie prophecy that was said to be pertaining to Louis Pasteur and his amazing discovery. The lost thing is discovered, hidden for many centuries. Pasteur will be celebrated almost as a god-like figure. This is when the moon completes her great cycle, but by other rumours he shall be dishonoured. (Century 1, Quatrain 25) This prophecy is one of the weirdest prophecies Nostradamus made because in here, Nostradamus revealed the name of the person he was pertaining to and the date that this prophecy would happen. The existence of the scientist Louis Pasteur who discovered the germs or microbes that is of great help to each and every living thing in this planet. Pasteur was considered as demi-god by his people and was dishonored because of the jealous people in his area that opposes his work. In accordance to the third line of prophecy, at the end of the Roussat Moon Cycle in the 1880s, Pasteur studied the three most common human plagues called streptococcus, staphylococcus, and pneumococcus (Cheetham, 1989). Dr. Jose Rizals death After the famous Louis Pasteur prophecy, there comes the prediction about the effect of the death of Dr. Jose Rizal to the Philippines. Wrongly will they come to put the just one to death, In public and in the middle extinguished: So great a pestilence will come to arise in this place, That the judges will be forced to flee. (Century 9, Quatrain 11) The just one of the Philippines, Dr. Jose Rizal was said to be proven guilty in fighting against the Spaniards. He was shot at Luneta on December 30, 1896 in front of his fellow Filipinos which served as the start of the revolution in the Philippines. By shooting Rizal, the Spaniards created their own plague and after two years, their supremacy in the Philippines was ended. Governor-General Polavieja, who was the one who signed the warrant for Rizal, left his job and went back to Spain (Pocock, 1995). Kennedy Assassinations In addition to the prophecies that came true exactly the way Nostradamus stated it is the prediction about the Kennedy brothers assassination. The great man will be struck down in the day by a thunderbolt. An evil deed, foretold by the bearer of a petition. According to the prediction another falls at night time. Conflict at Reims, London, and pestilence in Tuscany. (Century 1, Quatrain 26) The first three lines of this prophecy is said to be referring to the assassinations of the two Kennedy brothers. John F. Kennedy was shot down by an insane man named Lee Harvey Oswald on the morning of November 22, 1963 at Dallas, Texas. While his brother, Robert F. Kennedy was killed on the night of June 5, 1968 while rejoicing his success in an election. The Line 4 suggests the effects of these assassinations in France, England and Italy (Cheetham, 1989). Also, these assassinations was predicted by Jeane Dixon, which can be the bearer of the petition Nostradamus was pertaining to (Roberts, 1994). World War II Another prophecy of Nostradamus that came true is the prophecy pertaining to World War II. Beasts ferocious from hunger will swim across rivers: The greater part of the region will be against the Hister, The great one will cause it to be dragged in an iron cage, When the German child will observe nothing. (Century 2, Quatrain 24) The first line applies to the invasion of France made by the German Army headed by the famous Adolf Hitler. There were alliances during the World War II whose aim is to defeat Hitler which eventually succeeded. People believed that the Hister in Nostradamuss prophecy is the Hitler that the nation knows today. The last two lines were interpreted as the things that were involved in the war like bunker and tanks (Roberts, 1994). Ferdinand Marcoss fall Nostradamus also predicted the downfall of the Marcoss government in the year 1986. News of the greater loss reported, The report will astonish the army: Troops united against the revolted: The double phalanx will abandon the great one. (Century 4, Quatrain 13) On the Snap Election that Marcos initiated, the COMELEC declared Marcos as the winner. On February 22, 1986, Enrile and Ramos, who are both working under the government, announced that they no longer work for Marcos. Enrile asked for the citizens to be of aid to any member of the military who will do what they did. The camp in the second line may be interpreted as Marcoss political camp or the military camp. The next day, February 23, people went outside the Camp Aguinaldo and Camp Crame to guard the people that also abandoned Marcos. Nostradamus predicted, as said in the third line, the civilians united with the soldiers that defected. The word phalange is the plural word for phalanx which pertains to a bone on the finger. Enrile and Ramos pointed their fingers to Marcos after their great announcement. Also, the laban sign that was used by Ninoy Aquinos political party can indicate the phalange (Pocock, 1995). Rise of Corazon Aquino The next great event that Nostradamus predicted is the rise of Corazon Aquino as the president of the Republic of the Philippines. For the merry maid the bright splendor Will shine no longer, for long will she be without salt: With merchants, bullies, wolves odious, All confusion universal monster. (Century 10, Quatrain 98) Cory Aquino, being the merry maid in the prophecy, had the shine when he married a star (Ninoy Aquino). But this star doesnt shine anymore when he was murdered and the maid was given the task of a leader of a nation. Aquino, being a housewife, have no salt (no good sense) for trading or bargaining with other countries. The universal monster that was included in this prophecy is the lack of leadership that became the problem of the presidency of Mrs. Aquino (Pocock, 1995). Princess Dianas death Last but not the least; Nostradamus foretold the death of Princess Diana of England in Paris. The penultimate of the surname of the Prophet Will take Diana for his day and rest: He will wander far because of a frantic head, And delivering a great people from subjection. (Century 2, Quatrain 28) In this prophecy, Nostradamus again named the person he was referring to. The owner of Harods department, Dodi al-Fayed, had a father whose name is Mohammed. Mohammed is the name of the prophet of the Muslim people. Dodi al-Fayed was with Diana up to the day the princess died. The other two lines was the effect of the death of the Princess to her people (Cheetham, 1989). Precise and Vague Prophecies Evidently, not all the prophecies of Nostradamus came true exactly the way he narrated it but some came true but not in the way that Nostradamus said. And some of the prophecies were a little vague that it can be interpreted to two different events or people. Here are some examples of that scenario. Expedition of Ferdinand Magellan and Adolf Hitler From the very depths of the West of Europe, A young child will be born of poor people, He who by his tongue will seduce a great troop: His fame will increase towards the realm of the East. (Century 3, Quatrain 35) Portugal is in the western part of the Europe continent and Portugal is where Ferdinand Magellan came from. Ferdinand Magellan was the one who discovered the Philippines in his exploration. He was born in the poor province of Tras-os-Montes on 1480. When Magellan joined a voyage headed by Francisco dAlmeida, he was an ordinary seaman which also implies that Magellan really came from a poor family. Magellan had dreams to explore to the Spice Islands and he was able to captivate the heart of a respected astronomer named Guy de Failero. Coincidently, de Failero and Nostradamus have something in common: they were judicial astrologers and had been accused of the use of occult. Magellan travelled to Spain to pursue his dreams when he was turned down by King Manuel I. In Spain, he was able to convince his father-in-law, Diego Barbosa, with his plans. Barbosa, having influences, made arrangements to get Magellan to talk with the young King Charles I of Spain. And it was the start of Magellan s expedition. Magellans tongue was also able to persuade Filipinos to convert to Christians. As the line 3 suggests, Magellan really did have the power to seduce people with his words. When Magellan died, he became famous because of his explorations in the Philippines (Pocock, 1995). This particular prophecy also suggests the existence of Adolf Hitler. Hitler also came from a country that is a part of Western Europe which is Germany. As charismatic as he was, Hitler was able to convince many people to be his allies in the World War II. And one of these allies is Japan (which can be interpreted as the Eastern Kingdom) (Fedalizo, 1997). This prophecy shows the vagueness that some of Nostradamuss prophecies possess. People will find it hard to interpret his prophecies that shall take place in the future if there is this vagueness. Adolf Hitler as the Second Anti-Christ Liberty will not be recovered, A proud, villainous, wicked black one will occupy it, When the matter of the bridge will be opened, The republic of Venice vexed by the Hister. (Century 5, Quatrain 29) Interpreters believed that Nostradamus uses the anagram Hister to be pertaining to Adolf Hitler. Hister is an area near Danube river where Hitler was born. Since almost all the prophecies were interpreted literally, then this Hister should be pertaining to the area which will make the prophecies senseless. Again, vagueness strikes (Cheetham, 1989). 9-11 bombing of World Trade Center in New York City At forty-five degrees the sky will burn, Fire to approach the great new city: In an instant a great scattered flame will leap up, When one will want to demand proof of the Normans. (Century 6, Quatrain 97) The year 1999, seventh month, From the sky will come a great King of Terror: To bring back to life the great King of the Mongols, Before and after Mars to reign by good luck. (Century 10, Quatrain 72) Interpreters say that these two quatrains describe the phenomenal and tragic event of the World Trade Center bombing. New York is in 40Â ° 5 N latitude which is close to the forty-five degrees which is indicated in the prophecy. The bombing happened on September 11, 2001 which makes Nostradamuss date (July 1999) a little off. There are only a few prophecies which have specified dates and this one is not accurate. Also, in the original prophecy, Nostradamus indicated new city which can also pertain to a town in Paris close to 45 degrees latitude. According to this prophecy, after the Great King of Terror appears, war will begin (the indication of God of War) which didnt exactly happen between United States of America and Afghanistan (Emery, 2001 12 September). Nostradamuss predictions for the Future The prophecies of Nostradamus have a simple and easy to understand objective: to predict the future. It is essential to look for prophecies that indicate major events that may happen in the years to come (Fedalizo, 1997). Existence of a third Anti-Christ The antichrist very soon annihilates the three, twenty-seven years his war will last. The unbelievers are dead, captive, exiled; with blood, human bodies, water and red hail covering the earth. (Century 8, Quatrain 77) Nostradamus indicates the existence of an anti-Christ which will give a terrible problem to the world. For twenty seven years, the possible World War III will occur with this person. Lines 3 and 4 suggest the horrifying things that are bound to happen in this time (Howell, 2004). The King will want to enter the new city, Through its enemies they will come to subdue it: Captive free falsely to speak and act, King to be outside, he will keep far from the enemy. (Century 9, Quatrain 92) This prophecy suggests the terrorism that will happen in accordance with the third anti-Christ. Traitors in exile will be set free and this king will give greater troubles than the two anti-Christs had given (Howell, 2004). 2. Beginning of World War III One year before the Italian conflict, Germans, Gauls, Spaniards for the fort: The republican schoolhouse will fall, There, except for a few, they will be choked dead. (Century 2, Quatrain 39) In accordance with the third anti-Christ, this prophecy also indicates the terrorism in one republican country. There will be a problem between Germans, Gauls and Spaniards in this War. There is no indication of any alliances. (Martinez, 2000) Earthquakes in Los Angeles and Lombardy The sloping park great calamity To be done through Hesperia and Insubria: The fire in the ship, plague and captivity, Mercury in Sagittarius Saturn will fade. (Century 2, Quatrain 65) Hesperia is a city in California, USA along Los Angeles and Insubria is a place along Lombardy in Italy. The sloping park can mean that a great movement of the grounds shall happen in these places. This earthquake shall happen in the place when Mercury is in Sagittarius and Saturn is in vanishing position and astrologers say that this will be on November 25, 2015, Novermber 23, 2016 and December 7,

Sartre and the Meaning of Human Existence Essay -- Sartres Existentia

Where the Meaning of Human Existence is Located According to Sartre The word philosophy comes from Greek and literally means "love of wisdom." The Merriam-Webster online dictionary defines philosophy as "a critical study of fundamental beliefs and the grounds for them." Both explanations of philosophy are correct and concrete. The meaning of human existence has no such concrete answer, but in this paper we will examine where Sartre believes it to be. Sartre's existentialism is a philosophy, which deals with man. It states that man is that which he makes of himself and that he has to make his own choices in a state of anguish. Man chooses in anguish, because he has no external guidelines to help him and must rely on his own morals and beliefs. Man chooses completely want he wants to do. His existence depends on this. And this is where I believe Sartre locates the meaning to mans' existence. According to Sartre mans' existence only takes on meaning through his actions. The Sartrian existentialist finds it extremely troubling that God does not exist because with Him vanishes all hope of finding values in an intelligible heaven. "As Dostoevsky once said, "If God did not exist, then everything would be permitted."(pg 22) Sartre claims this to be the existentialist starting point. This is the reason that Sartre talks about anguish, because "one cannot find anything to depend upon either within or outside himself." It must necessarily follow that man is to be forlorn; he can't find anything to depend upon either internally or externally. He therefore lacks excuses. We cannot explain our actions in terms of or in reference to..."given and specific human nature." (pg 23) This rules out of the possibility of predetermination. "... ...ialism is that one must first make a choice and then act upon the commitment, according to the formula that Sartre provides us with. For the existentialist, hope is a passion that gets him nowhere. He must face life in his abandoned state, with courage and self-affirmation. Sartre's existentialism is unique in its individualistic outlook, its detachment, its lack of reliance of an outer code to manage behavior, and its emphasis on man's self-reliance. Existentialism, as exemplified in the work of Sartre, deals with fundamental issues of life and how he finds mans' existence within the choices and actions that define him. Since Sartre believes that there is no transcendent this theory causes man to be alone. Man has only himself to fall back on. Man makes his own future through the actions that he makes. This is where man is defined, and his existence finds meaning.

The economics problems that result from allowing vehicles to use roads in towns and cities free of charge

Allowing vehicles to use roads free of charge in towns and cities means that motorists do not have to pay when they enter or leave towns of cities. An example of charging is road pricing. The first major problem that will be caused from allowing people to use their vehicles free of charge is people will more than likely only consider his or her marginal cost (change in total cost when extra distance is travelled) of the journey they are making. Having no charge is likely to mean that people will find it cheaper to travel a short distance by car than to use public transport. Because of this and the fact that cars are usually more convenient and more comfortable, more people are going to use their cars in cities and towns. This means that that marginal social costs are going to be greater then marginal private costs, meaning negative externalities are gong to exists. The negative externalities that may be caused if it is free to use towns and cities free of charge are as follows. Probably the most significant is pollution. Heavy traffic flow in the towns and cities is going to cause heavy emissions such as carbon monoxide to be given off. This may lead to more people being diagnosed with asthma or more people having to use doctors and hospitals because of breathing difficulties due to the pollution from the cars. This puts and extra strain on the health services in the towns and cities and means that they will probably require more money from the government to help these people. If this is happening in several towns and cities, the government may have to increase taxes so they can pay for the extra health services required due to the pollution. This would be hugely unpopular with the people. The government may not have to raise taxes by a large amount; they may enforce tax cut incentives if people use low emission cars and marginally raise car ta xes on cars that give off a lot of emissions. This may be more popular but it also may place an extra burden on poorer people who can't afford to buy newer ‘cleaner' cars. Also read this  Cheating in a Bottom Line Economy A second externality that will lead to economic problems are if there are more cars on the road in towns and cities due to it being free to use the roads, then it can be argued it is more likely for people that there will be more road accidents. If this is the case then it is more than likely that insurance premiums will have to go up because of the compensation the insurance companies are paying out. If the insurance premiums go up by a substantial amount then I could have the affect of increasing cost for businesses. This could be a real extra burden for small businesses and for poorer people who have to use their cars to get to and from work. A third problem that may be caused if roads in towns and cities are free to use is that of a gridlock at peak times. This causes the negative externalities of people having longer journey times, which may affect businesses and people getting to work. This can add to the problems of pollution because people may be stuck in the traffic jams for a long period with their engines switched on. Businesses such as courier firms may be really affected because they have do their deliveries in the quickest time possible, and so if they are constantly being slowed up my excess traffic their customers may look for different methods to transport their products. However it is unlikely to affect businesses too much because gridlocks and real heavy traffic only really occurs during peak times, but it is still likely to have an effect on pollution. Governments would want to reduce the use of cars in urban areas to the extent at which marginal social costs equal marginal social benefits. If left to the market as showed below in the diagram, people would use their cars to the point where marginal social benefits equal marginal private costs. To make MSC equal MSB the road users would have to bear the cost of internalising the externalities. On the diagram this is shown by the line in red. The first policy that a government could adopt is that of road pricing. This means that vehicle owners would have to pay to use the roads in urban areas. This could be in the form of motorists purchasing a licence which could be displayed in there windows and then policed by traffic wardens. The other way and possibly more effective solution is an electronic system. This could be in the form where cars are fitted with electronic devices which would be activated by beacons that are places as you enter the towns or cities. You could be sent a bill monthly. The first problem road pricing is setting a price that would actually reduce the use of cars in urban areas. The price elasticity of car journeys is hugely inelastic. This has been proved in terms of taxes. Motorists are very heavily taxed mainly through petrol. For every pound spent on fuel for cars, around 80p of it is tax. This is a huge amount and shows that people are willing to pay high prices in order to use their cars. So for road pricing to be affective and reduce Q to Qx the road price would have to be relatively high. However having a very high road price could affect the people who really need to use their cars in urban places the worst. If road users are using their cars for work, they are more than likely to pass the cost of the road price on to their employers. This will increase the costs to firms and if they have a lot of employees which they have to pay for it could cause them to have to raise their prices, this makes not only the businesses worse off but the general public. However to the extent that firms have to increase their prices by, depends on how big the firms are and how many workers they who they have to pay their road costs for. More than likely it would be the smaller firms who see themselves having to put their prices up. Road pricing would provide a substantial amount of revenue for the governments, how ever would probably we a large initial outlay install the technology and it may also be expensive to maintain. However once up and running the revenues gained from the road pricing could be used to improve the public transport in the urban areas. Road pricing does come with further problems, to stop large traffic movements in off peak times a tear system of payment would have to be used whereby you pay the most at peak time, then either side of peak time you pay a slightly lower figure and so on. This would only be effective if the system was completely electronic. There is also the argument of equity. The government would have to try and decide whether to charge people who live in the areas and if they do, it could cause huge resentment towards the government. A second policy which the government may adopt is that of taxing car parking spaces in the urban areas. This was proposed in 1998 by the government. Taxing car parking spaces would involve all spaces in the cities and towns and also spaces provided by firms for employees and customers being taxed. The goal of this is to discourage people and employees bringing their cars into urban areas. Again the problem of taxing the spaces is that the prices would have to be   extremely high in order to discourage, because the price elasticity of demand of peoples journeys in cars is so inelastic. The high taxes on the car parking spaces would further add to the cost of businesses, especially those who have to have car parks. The high taxes could cause firms to have to raise their prices or if they couldn't do that, they may have to lay workers off. Also if firms are bearing the costs of the taxes it is unlikely that workers would car and so still use their cars. It would then be down to the firms to enforce workers not bringing their cars to work. Taxing car parking spaces could encourage firms to move out of the urban areas and out increased pressure on the controversial development of the countryside. For both policies the government would almost certainly have to improve public transport, this would have to be done before the new policies could be used. This means that a huge amount of money would have to be used to pay for the improvements without having any additional revenues coming in. The successfulness of these policies in both cases depends on getting either the road price and taxes at a high enough level to discourage people and firms using their cars. Too low will mean that it will basically have no affect on traffic in urban areas and so the cost of setting it all up would have been a waste of money but also set too high it could have a huge consequence for firms and especially on small businesses.

Napoleon’s policies as First Consul Essay

â€Å"In all that he did, his main aim was to secure himself in power.† How far do you agree with this judgement on Napoleon’s policies as First Consul? After the Coup of Brumaire in 1799, Napoleon emerged as the new leader of France and devised a system of government that gave him effective control over all aspects of life in France. He controlled religion, education, law-making, policing, legal reforms and the economic situation by putting in place a series of policies, designed both to comply with some principles of the Revolution whilst also giving Napoleon control and security in power. This essay looks to investigate how far each of these policies suggest that Napoleon’s main aim was always to secure himself in power. Napoleons policy of police and propaganda is the most obviously repressive of all the policies. Many aspects of his heavy policing conform with dictatorial regimes, as does his policy of censorship and (often false or manipulated) propaganda. France became effectively a Police State, with Napoleon at the core. The Minister of Police, Joseph Fouchà ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½, who controlled National Security, established a network of informers who monitored public opinion and reported on any suspicious political activity. They also monitored everyday life in France: the education system; prisons; food supplies; conscription and public works. All findings were written in a daily report, submitted directly to Napoleon. These jobs were carried out by prefects (effectively spies) who were appointed directly by Napoleon. By organising such a well-organised surveillance system, the regime encountered little opposition from the Jacobins, Royalists or Liberals. Due to the rigorous nature of the police, no uprising or rebellion was possible, thereby ensuring Napoleon was safe in power. Due to the dictatorial style of this policy, it is obvious Napoleon was trying to ensure security in power and establish himself as leader without immediate opposition or objection from minority groups and the general public by repressing anyone opposed to the regime. Under the Police State, arbitrary imprisonments and executions were frequent. As a result people were AFRAID to oppose the regime. Napoleon also recognised the importance of censorship in securing his position in power as this quote shows: â€Å"If the press is not controlled, I shall not remain three days in power† In January 1800, Napoleon reduced the number of newspaper in Paris from 73 to 13 and forbade the production of any new ones. On top of this, newspapers were forbidden to discuss controversial subjects and were kept short of reliable news. Editors were forced to rely on military bulletins or articles published in the Official Government Journal. An example of a manipulated story within the press is the report of the Battle of Marengo. Although this battle was unsuccessful, it was presented as a triumph and Napoleon told people it was a well-devised plan. Prefects also kept a check on papers to ensure that they only published what Napoleon wanted. Not only were the bad aspects of the regime censored, but also the good aspects were highlighted (or sometimes invented). This was intended to rouse moral and encourage support for the regime. Napoleon’s increased popularity through propaganda meant increased security in power. Napoleon did not only control the medium of text. Many theatres were forced to close, to avoid defamatory shows about the regime from being performed, and those that remained open were only allowed to show sanctioned plays. Napoleon also employed fashionable painters to depict him as a romantic hero (such as the famous picture of Napoleon crossing the Alps, by Jacques Louis David). In many of his portraits he is shown as having a positive impact on France, encouraging the public to believe this was true. Napoleon aimed to create loyal followers, or at least people who accepted and tolerated the regime. His harsh measures of policing prove a desperation to remain in power and secure a popular public opinion. If the public were not convinced to support Napoleon through the extensive propaganda, then any opposed were repressed by force. In Napoleons government policies and his self-induced role of First Consul under the Constitution of the Year VIII, it is clear he desired supreme control and power in France. The limited influence of the system of election on government figures meant virtually all aspects of the legislature were controlled or heavily influenced by Napoleon himself. Under the Constitution of the Year X, the system of election was abolished completely. This ensured Napoleon could not be removed from power. By organising the government in this way, he was obviously intentionally ensuring security in power. However, not all of Napoleon’s government policies can be directly related to this aim. Although the overall nature of the legislature was very similar to the Ancià ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½n Regime (i.e. Napoleon had effective control of the entire government), some aspects were in keeping with revolutionary ideas that had no (obvious) effect on Napoleons security in power. For example, although Napoleon devised and instigated all new laws, they were in keeping with revolutionary ideas. Napoleon ensured a mixture of old and new laws under the Civil Code. This Napoleonic concept, somewhat in contrast with his policy of a police state, ensured equality in courts and also fairer trials and hearings. This cannot directly be interpreted as an intentionally devised plan to ensure Napoleon’s security in power. However, it is possible that by creating a legal system conforming to some revolutionary ideals, Napoleon hoped to gain the publics’ loyalty and support, thereby increasing his popularity, therefore securing himself in power. Napoleon also developed a new religious policy. The Concordat signed by Pope Pius VII and Napoleon in 1801, saw the ‘restoration’ of the Catholic Church in France and the revolutionary idea of the state payment of the church. Napoleon was raised a Catholic and was keen to encourage religion within France, as this quote shows: â€Å"No society can exist without equality of fortunes; and equality of fortunes can not exist without religion.† However, the Concordat was manipulated to Napoleons obvious advantage as well. In signing the Concordat, the Pope agreed to endorse the Revolution and regime, state control of the churches and church appointments and accept the loss of church lands during the Revolution. Also, in 1802, Napoleon attached the Organic Articles, without papal agreement, to the Concordat. These guaranteed the revolutionary principle of religious toleration and made the Protestant and Jewish churches similarly subject to state authority. It can be argued that one of Napoleon’s aims in forming the Concordat was to ensure a lack of interference from the church, meaning his position in France could not be affected by the Pope or any other religious order. However, whether or not this was his main motive in signing the Concordat is less certain. Although the church was a powerful tool in controlling and influencing the public and was often used as a vehicle of propaganda, Napoleon’s desire to influence and manipulate the public cannot justify other aspects of the Concordat such as the state responsibility for the payment of the clergy. On reflection, it appears that whilst in some aspects of his religious policy Napoleon may have been genuinely trying to improve life in France, it is clear that in other areas of the policy, such as his healing of rifts between the Church and the notables after the seizing of church lands in 1789, were designed to appease certain groups of people, such as the Bourgeoisie, therefore securing himself in power. He also aimed to disassociate the Catholic Church with the principle of counter-revolution and the restoration of the Bourbon Monarchy therefore avoiding a potential Jacobin uprising, which could be detrimental to his position in power. His further use of the church as a propaganda tool also justifies this theory, as in this way, the public were encouraged to see Napoleon as a positive figure. His desire to win the publics’ support of the regime and therefore of him, was rooted in his wish to remain in power, as is displayed in this policy. Napoleon also established a new economic policy designed to ‘tap the wealth of the country’ more effectively than during the Ancià ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½n Regime or the Revolution. His principle of taxation went against revolutionary ideas, with industrial and commercial profits being taxed only lightly. This may be seen as a further example of Napoleon attempting to appease and win support of the Bourgeoisie, thereby ensuring popularity and securing his position in power. Other aspects of this policy included the introduction of new discount banks designed to help the state pay off its national debt and pay its obligations to domestic creditors. This policy increased the efficiency of revenue and led to ‘the balancing of the budget’ by 1802. Citizens would have been pleased with France’s new economic stability, potentially leading to increased support for Napoleon and the regime. However, whether Napoleon put in place this policy for this reason of for the stabilisation and well-being pf Frances economy cannot be proven. Napoleon’s educational policy is perhaps his most revolutionary policy due to his introduction of secondary schools into France. He formed 39 lycà ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½es in 1802, which were run by the state. â€Å"Public education should be the first object of government. Everything depends upon it, the past, the present and the future. Above all we must secure unity: we must be able to cast a whole generation in the same mould.† However, despite Napoleon saying that education should be based on ability, not birth, very few common people attended secondary school. They were taught up to the age of twelve by small, church-run schools. It was believed by Napoleon, that they needed no more than a simple ‘moral education’. No form of education was available to girls at any age or from any background. It was mostly the sons of notables who attended secondary school. In total there were 6,400 state scholarships available. One third of these (approximately 2,400) were chosen by the government from among the sons of soldiers of officials. The remaining 4,000 were supposedly chosen from the best pupils at leading primary schools. However, well-off families were favoured and only a very small percentage of common people attended secondary school. Many bourgeois parents preferred to send their children to privately run Church schools, favouring the increased freedom of thought and wider curriculum. However, Napoleon did not approve and tried to close them by placing high taxes on them. The education itself was ultitarian and based around a Spartan regime with a strong military ethos. At first only Latin and Mathematics were taught but as time went on, other subjects (deemed acceptable by the government) were introduced such as French, History, Science and Geography. Freethinking was discouraged and teaching methods followed a policy of indoctrination. Napoleon wanted education to encourage obedience to the regime and create loyal subjects from an early age. There is little in this policy that suggests Napoleon wishing to initially secure himself in power. However, as this new education system was largely beneficial to France, citizens may, unwittingly, increase their support of Napoleon and the regime. Whether, this was deliberately intended by Napoleon cannot be proven. On balance, I believe that all of Napoleon’s devised policies had a basis in ensuring his security in power, some more so than others. His police and propaganda policy is obviously based on initially securing himself in power without hindrances from rebellions or uprisings. Also, his religious policy was designed not only to appease the Pope and guarantee a lack of interference, but also to avoid a potential Jacobin uprising through an association between the Catholic Church and the Bourbon Monarchy. Others, such as his educational policy, are subtler, encouraging support for the regime through improved life within France. In all areas, he is seen as either directly influencing the public, either by force or by propaganda, or indirectly influencing the public by creating better conditions in France, therefore encouraging support of the regime. I believe that it was Napoleon’s main aim to secure himself in power. After all, if he fell out of favour quickly, all of his other aims, such as creating a better France, would fall with him. It was implicit that he secured himself in power as soon as possible, in order that he might put all his other aims into action. Ultimately, most of his actions aimed either to limit or prevent the impact any opposes to the regime may have on Napoleon’s security in power or to create a better France thereby increasing popularity of the regime. However that is not to say that other policies did not centre around a different aim, such as the economic policy, which aimed to create financial stability in France primarily, and possibly may have contributed to increased support and popularity of Napoleon and his regime.