the megalodon essays

the megalodon essays Subclass-Elasmobranchii (sharks and rays) I was in front of the TV watching shark week on the discovery channel when they started to talk about this shark that was three times bigger then a great white shark and ate whales for food. I sat there for an hour intrigued by the thought of one of those living today. So when you gave out the reports I knew right away what I wanted to do it on the Megalodon. Sharks have been around for along time. They were here before the dinosaurs 350 million years ago. About 5 million years ago the ocean was ruled by a shark speculated to be the size of a bus. Its not known how big it was or what it looked like because sharks bones are made of cartilage and the only things that remain are their huge teeth. These teeth are as big as six inches long and weight up to twelve ounces. The teeth look like a great whites but four times bigger. Scientist once believed that they were 120ft in length because of the size of their teeth. Recently, it has been shrunk to 50 to 60 feet. There is a lot of these teeth which Probably means they had rows of teeth like the great whites five rows of them. Because there is so few fossils there is still a lot of mystery to the The Megladon shark was first discovered by a French paleontologist Louis Agassiz in 1835. It is not known where the tooth was found. Now days most of the megalodon teeth are found on the East Coast in Maryland and North and South Carolina and in Florida. Lots of people also collect their teeth and sell them. A 5-inch tooth in good condition goes for about $250. There are many speculations about the megalodon shark what they ...

irony in the dead poets societ essays

irony in the dead poets societ essays The myth to be discussed in this paper is Irony. Ironies present the reader with images and patterns, which are all too familiar because they reflect on all, or our realistic lives. If we grew up as a child believing that the world where one in which all the laws were fair, that elections never tampered with, that all advertising must tell the truth, that the world was jolly green world, would everyone succeed and live happily ever after, we soon realize that the world bears no resemblance to the childlike dream world encounters the world of Irony. What we do with this realization and how we balance this between the way the world should be and the way it is, governs how we will adjust to life. Irony presents us with the possibility to distinguish between pretension and performance, between the ideal and the real. We become increasingly aware of the gap between what we know should be and what is. The movie Dead Poets Society deals with a group of boys who have been told all their life what to do and even have a career chosen for them. They have no say in anything, they follow what they are told to do with no questions asked because they think that what is being done for them is right. All changes when they meet a teacher named Mr. Keating. He shows them that they are able to think for themselves and no one should tell them how to live out their life. The boys hesitate at first when Mr. Keating starts to enrich the boys to live their life and seize the day carpe Diem but this gets the boys and Mr. Keating in a predicament. The first situation that happens is when Neil Perry confronts his father because he feels that he is trapped in his fathers plan. He is pressuring him to live his fathers dream not his own. He goes to Mr. Keating and asks him what he should do and he replied, We will one day stop breathing and die. So.... Seize the day- make something of yourself now.(Notes) This leads Neil P...

Criminal Justice Corrections Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Criminal Justice Corrections - Essay Example There are a wide variety of sentencing options available to judges today that range from community service to the death penalty. The type of crime, severity of the crime, the philosophy of the court, and the law all impact the sentence that a criminal will receive when convicted of a criminal act. There are a wide range of options that a judge has when considering the sentence that a criminal deserves. Minor crimes, such as shoplifting or prostitution, are often handled by sentencing the offender to a fine or probation. Probation dates back several centuries and has evolved from an informal monitoring procedure to a highly evolved system procedure (County of Suffolk NY, n.d.). Probation is the suspension of a sentence in favor of community monitoring, where the offender has the opportunity for rehabilitation. In addition, the offender may be sentenced to house arrest in which the convicted criminal is restricted in mobility and is only allowed in their home or at their place of employment. This gives the courts a high degree of accountability and restriction, while keeping the criminal off the streets and away from the public. Both probation and house arrest can be effective alternative sentences for first time offenders or petty criminals who have hope of rehabilitation. Typically, when we think of sentencing for a criminal act, we think of it in terms of incarceration. For more severe crimes such as felonies or crimes of violence, the risk to society of re-offending makes incarceration an effective tool. Criminals may be jailed at a local, state, or federal facility depending upon the nature of the crime and the jurisdiction. Incarceration rates have risen sharply in recent years from 150 per 100,000 in 1980 to 500 per 100,000 in 2005 (After sharp increases, 2007). The increased rates of incarceration have come not only as a result of an increase in criminal activity, but also from conservative attitudes that believe in a get tough policy on crime (Mears et al., 2007). On the more severe end of sentencing is the death penalty. This sentence is reserved for the most heinous and vicious crimes and serves to demonstrate society's condemnation of certain criminal acts. The criminal, the crime, and the court will come together to determine an appropriat e sentence. The sentence handed down in a court is often the result of the philosophy of the court, and especially of the residing judge. Sentencing can be viewed as either restorative or retributive. Retributive sentencing seeks to punish the offender without compassion or hope of rehabilitation. Advocates of retributive sentencing believe that stiff sentences act as a deterrent, and when a criminal is deterred there is no need for rehabilitation. They see sentencing as a punishment. In contrast, restorative sentencing seeks to repair the harm done by the crime and reintegrate the criminal into the community. The sentence may consist of restitution, drug treatment, or community service. Advocates contend that "the one who did the harm gains stronger skills and community connections, the opportunity to develop empathy, and the knowledge that they have corrected their mistake" (Ball, 2003, p.51). While retributive sentencing is based on the concept of 'an eye for an eye', "restorative justice fin ds pain/punishment often counterproductive for both victim and offender" (Mosak, 2006, p.3). These are the issues that face the criminal judge when determining

History Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 64

History - Essay Example A powerful and epic movie, stuffed with splendidly colorful anecdotes that the medieval age can supply. The director departs radically from tradition and vividly exposes Muslim motivations and strategies. The movie gives both Christians and Muslims perspective on the holy war. The movie offers piercing insight while it exposes the full horror, barbaric grandeur and passion of the crusading era. Thomas Asbridge uncovers aspects that drove Christians and Muslims to uphold the ideals of crusade and Jihad. The movie also reveals how wars reshaped the old era and why they continue to influence world activities to this day. The movie contains the strange history of the Papacy from two thousand years ago up to the time in power of Pope John Paul II. The fascinating movie would interest anyone willing to comprehend the account of the Catholic Church and the political, cultural and ideological forces that have shaped the current world. The movie also contains an introduction to modern civilization and how it was influenced by the church. The director demonstrates the papal roll of respect and disrespect and carefully re-creates the social, economic and political background to various

See the instruction Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

See the instruction - Essay Example William’s A Rose for Emily, Poe, Edgar’s The Cask of Amontillado, and Oates, Carol’s Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been, which are examples of the many Gothic literatures available today. In these Gothic novels, the authors use the characters, the setting, and different events to bring out the Gothic style. The setting may serve to create an atmosphere of gloom, mystery, and horror. For instance, dark, ruined, secret rooms, stairways and corridors. Most Gothic literature has women characters that appear to be in distress and sometimes threatened by tyrannical males. The events therein are terrifying, horrific, and sometimes violent. In addition, romance in Gothic literature involves pain and hurt. In Oates’ Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been, â€Å"Connie,† the main character is scared about Arnold Friend. Arnold Friend is cruel and the author does not explicitly identify him as a real human, a psychopath, a demon, or a dream. However, Arnold Friend appears as mysterious and fearful. â€Å"She cried out, she cried for her mother, she felt her breath start jerking back and forth in her lungs as if it were something Arnold Friend was stabbing her with again and again with no tenderness† (Oates 544). This happens when Arnold Friend rapes Connie, although Oates does not directly say it. Violence is a characteristic of Gothic literature, and the vocabulary of violence such as â€Å"stabbing† and â€Å"no tenderness† is used in this literature. Faulkner’s A Rose for Emily is largely influenced by the Southern Gothic. The story involves frightening and mysterious scenes such as putrefaction, grostesquerie; old mansions crumbling, and decay. Additionally, Faulkner has used Emily, the main character and a psychic spinster, as a transformation from a past distressed damsel. Her mental inability makes her the heroine of Southern Gothic. Emily perpetrates different scary and unimaginable acts in the novel. â€Å"Then we noticed that in the second pillow was

Explain How the Understanding of Peace Is Expressed Through the Sacred Texts in 2 Religious Traditions Essay Example for Free

Explain How the Understanding of Peace Is Expressed Through the Sacred Texts in 2 Religious Traditions Essay By looking into their sacred texts and teachings on peace, we can gain a valuable insight into how these religions explain peace. The teaching of peace is central to Christianity. They use the sacred text of the bible, mostly the New Testament with emphasis on the Gospels as the source for teachings on peace. The New Testament states peace as a virtue and identifies it as a key element of God. Christians use Jesus’ example to illustrate the ideal model for peace in their lives. This model allows for adherents to understand the peace of God through the gift of the Holy Spirit and peace in relationships whereby Christians are expected to work in harmony with others in order to achieve peace As well as this the teaching on war and peace â€Å"love your neighbour as yourself. †(Matthew) and the teaching on peace and justice are both exemplified by Pope John XXIII’s notion that there can only be peace if there is justice. The Christian teaching on peace revolves around the covenant relationship between the adherent and God. This peace is given by Christ and is shown in the sacred texts of the New Testament â€Å"My peace I leave with you,† and is described as â€Å"one of the fruits with the spirit. †(Galatians). Jesus tells his followers that â€Å"in me you may have peace,† (John) suggesting that the concept of spiritual peace is embodied in the teachings of Jesus Christ. The importance of peace is clear in the Beatitudes were Jesus stated â€Å"blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God†. Christians believe that through baptism they have been called to follow Jesus’ as their model in life. By following his example, Christians acquire peace by obeying the commands of Jesus and therefore the principle teachings of Christianity â€Å"You must love your neighbour as you love yourself. † The bible states that Christians can achieve peace through the specific teaching of Jesus to forgive those who have wronged you. â€Å"If he wrongs you†¦you must forgive him. † (Luke). Forgiveness and compassion is at the heart of the Bibles message. Further to this, Christians can achieve peace through their practice of individual and communal prayer. The Christian biblical view on peace is one that demonstrates the idea that they should work for it. Through the beatitudes, Christians are encouraged to be the peacemakers in society. â€Å"Blessed are the peacemakers for they will be called the children of God. † Further to this, Christians believe in the sanctity of life through the covenant of the 10 commandments which state â€Å"Thou shall not kill. † Peace is work of justice and the effect of charity. In the case of conflict, Christians resort to the idea of violence being a last resort and refer to the Just War theory in order to determine whether conflict is applicable. The bible teaches adherents to promote peace on an international level, aiming to work for peace, justice and reconciliation. Islam like Christianity was a religion founded on the virtue of peace. Islam is referred to in the Qur’an as â€Å"the paths of peace† and it is taught that peace must always be actively sought out by Muslims. The Qur’an sees reconciliation as a basic stance and states that Allah abhors the disturbance of peace. Muslims too believe that there can only be peace if there is justice. In Islam, peace takes a variety of forms. It is seen as a quality of personal tranquillity and fulfilment bestowed by Allah to reward submission. This surrender of mental and physical devotion begins with the concept of Dhikr, the remembrance of Allah in all aspects of Muslim life. The Qur’an states that â€Å"In remembrance of God do hearts fins satisfaction. † This concept is embodied by the 5 pillars of Islam. Through the Salat, attention is drawn to Allah, marginalising distraction in order to devote more fully to the divine. Sawm and Zakat illustrate physical sacrifices for Islam which allows the adherent to appreciate Allah’s role as of life. The Hajj focuses on morality by allowing the adherent o come closer to Allah in their individual search of inner peace. Along with this, the study of the sacred texts of Islam, the Qur’an and Hadith equips adherents with necessary theological understanding for a meaningful life of submission which in turn brings peace. This study allows Muslims to understand peace being a reward for following the teachings of Allah and his prophet Mohammad. Peace be upon you because you have persevered. † Another concept of achieving peace is through collective worship. It encourages commitment in the struggle against the greater Jihad. Like Christianity, Islam encourages adherents to strive for peace. Both typify the complex relationship between religion and peace. The standard greeting to another person in Arabic is â€Å"As-Salamu-Alaykum (Peace be with you) † (Qur’an), which encourages Muslims to â€Å"Promote peace among men. † (Sura). There are various organisations in Islam that promote peace. E. g. The Islamic Conference which promotes world peace and safeguards the interest of the Muslim world. The understanding of peace throughout both Christianity and Islam has been influenced by their sacred texts. It is ultimately through the interpretation of these texts that adherents learn the values of peace. They all demonstrate that peace is not merely the absence of conflict, but is also a complex intertwined system of teachings and that there are various avenues to achieving the ideal state of peace.

Creon is the Tragic Hero in Sophocles Antigone :: Antigone essays

Antigone Essays: Creon is the True Tragic Hero  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Antigone, which was written by Sophocles, is possibly the first written play that still exists today (www.imagi... 1). There is much controversy between who the 'tragic hero' is in the play. Some people say Antigone, some say Creon, others even say Heamon. I believe Creon displays all of the characteristics of a 'tragic hero'. He receives compassion through the audience, yet recognizes his weaknesses, and his downfalls from his own self-pride, stubbornness, and controlling demands. He is the true protagonist. Though the audience notices how villainous Creon is, they still express sympathy towards him. They realize that he has brought all of his problems on himself and should have been more open-minded, but think no one should have to go through what he has. They understand how the warrior king Creon felt when he notices his son is love struck. The audience also expresses pity towards him because Antigone is a murderer and understands why he is upset. Creon's noble quality is his caring for Antigone and Ismene when their father was persecuted. Creon is a very authoritative person and demands control of others. When talking to the Chorus, Creon does not ask them to agree with the decree but demands that they follow it. Creon expects loyalty from others. It is apparent that Creon is very dominating and wants to be in control. "The man the city sets up in authority must be obeyed in small things and in just but also in their opposites"(717-719). Through this quote the reader realizes that Creon wants obedience in everything he decides even if he is at fault. "There is nothing worse than disobedience to authority" (723-724). Further supporting Creon's belief that everyone shall remain faithful to him even if he rules unfairly. This is proved true when Creon says, "Should the city tell me how I am to rule them?" (790). Creon has forgotten that the ruler is supposed to do what is best for the city and its citizens. Creon is under the impression that he is always correct in his judgments and his beliefs. Before the sentry even explains the event that has occurred, the sentry states that he is only a messenger and has not committed the crime. Yet Creon still accuses the sentry of receiving money to do the crime and threatens to punish him.