SCHOOL LEADERS RESEARCH Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

SCHOOL LEADERS RESEARCH - Essay Example 1.1 Rationale for Selecting the Article Written by Smyth (2011) School empowerment is all about being able to strengthen the decision-making power of the educational institution through the use of either administrative strategies or pedagogy (Di Gropello, 2006, p. 4). In line with this, there is a very close relationship between school empowerment and the need to become a self-managing school in the sense that the process of creating a self-managing school is necessary in terms of empowering the school. One of the main reasons for choosing the article written by Smyth (2011) is that the author decided to focus his study in determining factors that can negatively affect the ability of the school personnel to create a self-managing school. ... , even though the author clearly stated the main purpose of the study as part of the introduction, it would have been better if the author has written the article with a well-defined abstract that use subheadings such as purpose, methodology, findings, research implications, practical implications, and originality. With the use of subheadings, the readers can easily read and understand what the author intends to present to the readers. 2.2 Assumptions A research paradigm is usually composed of either assumptions, propositions, or a collection of concepts (Bogdan & Biklen, 1998, p. 22). In a highly reliable research study, the author’s assumption should be clearly stated because it can be used as a guide on how the researcher would direct the main focus of the research study. Likewise, the kind of research method that will be used in the research study is highly dependent on the research assumption (Punch, 2009, p. 15). Most of the research study assumptions are based on a wide -range of existing theories (Cook & Campbell, 1979, p. 24). For instance, when conducting a research study on school leaders, the research study assumptions can either be based on the point-of-views of the local citizens, school management system, educational leadership, or school administration (Eacott, 2011b). Since most of the research study assumptions are based on a wide-range of existing theories (Cook & Campbell, 1979, p. 24), creating a set of research study assumptions is important because it can be use to guide the researcher in search for some concrete and/or scientifically tested information to support his own research study assumptions (McMillan, 2011). In the article written by Smyth (2011), the author was able to clearly justify the reasons for his claim or assumption. Although

Global warming Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Global warming - Term Paper Example With the implementation of information taken from scholarly texts, this report will address the history of global warming, what causes global warming, what the effects and consequences are, and how global warming can be prevented. Global warming Brief history of global warming Global warming may seem to many people like a modern day concern, an event that our current generation has brought upon itself. However, scientists and researchers have been following the steady progress of global warming since the 1800s. During the first Industrial Revolution, it was recorded that the coal, railroads, and the clearing of forests for various factories were causing greenhouse gas emissions to accelerate (Weart, 2008). As scientists studied the second Industrial Revolution, the same changes were again noted. A connection was then made between what was taking place on earth, such as wars and deforestation, and the moderate change in the earth’s surface temperature. Since these first recordi ngs of the changes in the world in relation to the changes of the surface temperature, the earth’s temperature has increased from 2.5 to 5 degrees Celsius. While this may seem like a minimal increase, scientists today have reason to believe that the increase will become more prominent over time as people find more ways to release dangerous emissions into the air. Causes of global warming Global warming is the result of greenhouse gases being trapped within the earth’s atmosphere. As these gases build up, the temperature becomes warmer and the earth feels the effects. Carbon dioxide is one of the main gases involved in the process of global warming as it has the capability of building up for a span of time that can exceed a few hundred years (Weart). Carbon dioxide is also considered to be the most dangerous of the gases since it only takes a small amount of carbon dioxide emissions to cause a significant increase in temperature. The more emissions that enter our atmosp here, the greater the buildup that remains, which results in a higher surface temperature. Human beings have a slightly less direct involvement with the causing of global warming, but our actions are no less important to take into consideration. The majority of human beings have played a rather detached role in the building up of emissions in our atmosphere. The cars that people drive require gasoline, which produce vapors that rise into the air. Numerous forests and parks have been demolished to make room for stores and factories; the absence of trees and plants means that less carbon dioxide is being absorbed and turned into oxygen (Weart), which is vital to the overall health of the environment. While many of the gases are naturally released into the air, the human race is to blame for the quantity of emissions currently building up in the atmosphere. Up until recent years, finite resources were being used up as if there were no end to their supplies. Electricity and gasoline, fo r example, are used on a regular basis (Weart) with little to no thought about the emissions that they release into the atmosphere. All the same, people still make sure that all of their cars are gassed up and every room in their house is well-lit. People continue to create factories and businesses that constantly release deadly gases, but no thought is ever put into the harm that these apparent necessities bring about. Effects of global warming

London Underground Extension Project Management

London Underground Extension Project Management The Jubilee line originally opened in 1979 and consisted of 2 and a half mile tunnel leading from Baker Street to Charing Cross. However due to the short distance of line compared to others there was a need for an extension to fill the void. At the time the London transportation system did not fully accommodate direct train access to areas such as Westminster, the business sector in docklands and most of South and East London. London underground Ltd decided to extend the 2 and half mile line with an additional 10 miles from Green Park to Stratford. London Underground Ltd had already planned to undertake a extension of the line along with various other project such as creating new lines. However as with most public sector projects government approval was necessary before work could commence. Initially the project faced being scrapped during parliamentary debates. Fortunately it was saved by its main selling point which was unlike any of the other lines underground the jubilee line would be able to interchange into all existing underground lines. (Kenneth powell). Moreover the proposal for the line accommodated, one of Europes fastest growing business districts (Canary Wharf), the lack of transport links in south London (London bridge inter change) the regeneration of East London (Stratford) and a addition transport link to Parliament (Westminster). (Kenneth powell) The government eventually approved and designated funding for the project on 29th October 1993 with construction beginning in December (JLE project bob mic Page 48-49 ). The expected project completion time to be set around spring 1998, lasting a total of 52months and the estimated was approximately  £2.1bn in 1994 (BBC). At the tendering stage It was decided that more than 30 major contracts and a number of smaller contracts will be awarded; this posed a test on how the project would be managed reason being the difficulties that could arise from multiple contracts. (JLE project bob mic ) The different contracts were awarded for numerous amounts of activities such as tunnelling, signalling and communication, M and E, the construction of the 11 new stations and other various works. (Kenneth powell JBLE). The WNSL opted for a low risk method of procurement known as design and build which the Australian contractor won the tender bid for the price of  £326.5m (guardian). With design and build the contractor (multiplex) is appointed to design and build the project, this generally gives the contractor overall control of the project. However the contractor must follow the clients (WNSL) instructions from the brief. The client will hire a employers agent is hired to monitor the site and enforce their instructions. (Murdock and Huges) The Client choose a fixed price contract with the contractors after the bid was signed it was agreed between both parties that the price would increase to  £445m. Originally at the proposal stage the scheduled time for completion was set to be late 2003, however this goal was perceived to be impossible due to the nature of the time the bid was won. As a result a realistic date was agreed upon with a stipulation that a penalty payment would incur if the project was over due by 31 Jan 2006. () The concept of this project came about from the realisation in the early 1960s there was a lack of facilities and shortage of space in the British museums dome reading room in Bloomsbury. It was decided that something had to be done to preserve the national library and an act was passed to re-house the increasing collection and build a national library. (the British library, colin st john Wilson) Different design concepts were proposed based on the intentions of retaining the library in Bloomsbury but expanding it a further three floors. However they did not allow much room for design changes one construction commenced. The government approved the design in 1964 to expand the reading room with in the library. However there were strong debates which suggested that the dome reading room expansion should be scrapped since it would not be able to keep up with the storage demand of books in the future. This lead to the government ratifying their original decision and in 1973 the British l ibrary act allow the library to be constructed as a separate entity from the museum. (Inside the British Library, by Alan day) Even though the project had been approved to be a separate building, the location had still not been decided, there was protests made by the reading room staff for the library to be built in Bloomsbury. The solution was to build in the St Pancras area because of the convenience of the large space and the number of transport links there. ( the british library, colin st john Wilson) In 1975 the decision was made to move the project from Bloomsbury to St Pancras. The final design offered a library with number of reading room for humanities, science, business and various other subjects, a plaza, offices, laboratories and conferences rooms. The building was proposed to be built in three phases and would have been able to hold all incoming books without storage out houses. The first stage of construction was approved in 1980 with excavation and construction of the site began in 1984 and was meant to be complete in 1993 at a cost of  £170m. The procurement strategy that was chosen for Phase 1A of the project was management contract this was very similar to JCT construction manager. However at the time this was not a JCT standard form of contract, since JCT had not issued this method and it was not commonly used in the UK. (Murdock.J ,Hughes. W) The Management contracts was design to be a method of procurement use for high risk and complex projects, with the purpose of reducing the risk which is usually exposed to the contractor/ managing contractor. The idea behind this modified construction manager contract is the client employs a design team and hires a construction manager to help coordinate the design and construction and to supervise site activity. There is no main contractor and all the work is sub contracted out, construction is divided into individual work packages carried out by different trade contractors. The use of Management contract had a negative effect on the project because there was literally no risk directed to the managing contractor and therefore no one to blame in the occurrence of cost over-runs and time delays. (Murdock.J, Hughes. W) In Hindsight one of the main causes for failure with project was as a result of the procurement method chosen. It was considered by Day that the four key weaknesses with the management contract were: The aim of contract choice should always be to distribute risk clearly; the client needs to understand that each procurement route decides the level of risk that can be controlled by the parties involved. With the help of contract consultants the client can be advised on the best procurement option that suits their needs. No one procurement system is better than another, each procurement route is designated for different circumstances. The majority of these risks can be trace back to procurement route and the success or failure of a project can depend on the choice of procurement; reason being that different contracts have different clauses, and each contract has its own contingency plan which distributes the risk according to the situation and who is responsible for the risk.

The Book of Acts Essay -- the birth of the church

The Book of Acts The book of Acts is known as 'the birth of the church'. Acts recounts the story of the early church from the time of Jesus' ascension to Paul's arrival as a prisoner in Rome. Acts was written by the author of Luke's gospel, Luke. Although the author does not name himself, evidence from the book itself proves that the author was Luke. Luke was a physician. Scriptural evidence of this includes Colossians 4:14: "Our dear friend Luke, the doctor, and Demas send greetings." Luke often used medical language. For instance, he finds the sailors bandaging the ship in Acts 27:17: "When the men had hoisted in aboard, they passed ropes under the ship itself to hold it together. Fearing that they would run aground on the sandbar of Syrtis, they lowered the sea anchor and let the ship be driven alone." These two verses along with others in the scripture prove that Luke was a doctor. Some even think that Luke was the first medical missionary. Luke was often a traveling companion of Paul. Luke served as a personal comfort to Paul. Luke appears to travel very often, and he is very familiar with nautical terms. This is supported in Acts 16:10-12: " (10) After Paul had seen the vision, we got ready at once to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them. (11) From Troas we put out to sea and sailed straight for Samothrace, and the next day on to Neopolis. (12) From there we traveled to Phillipi, a Roman colony and the leading city of that district of Macedonia. And we stayed there several days." Because it is written that Luke was a doctor, and that he and Paul were called by God to preach the gospel, it is evident that Luke was a medical missionary. ... ... always preached to the Jews first (13:5), and turned to the gentiles only after his fellow Jews had rejected him. "And when they were at Salamis, they preached the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews: and they had also John to their minister." The book of Acts is very important because of its explanation of the birth of the church. The authorship of the book may not be listed in the book, but after reading Acts and comparing it to Luke's first account, it is obvious that he is the author. Luke's gives much insight to the beginning of the church. A better understanding of where the church began and where it has progressed to can be gained after thoroughly reading the book. Bibliography: http://www.stpetersnottingham.org/bible/acts.htm Acts: The Birth of the Church, Blaiklock, New Jersey, 1980 The Holy Bible bibletutor.luthersem.edu

Establishmont of a Pre-Requisite Integrated Multi-Transit System

ContentssIntroductionPurposeAimResearch QuestionMethodologyWhat is integrating?Multi-modal rider theodolite systemPublic conveyance system in VijayawadaPara-transit commissariats in Indian contextTypology of para-transit system of the metropolisRelevance in Vijayawada scenarioSignificance of infinites in theodolite systemTravel form and webTravel behavior in the metropolisTraffic web and congestionSimplification of route webUrban destruction and flexibleness of infinitesModal transportations and frequencePeak and off peak timingsFactors on transportation rateConnectivity MapDistance-Time-Expenditure analysisModal alteration and outgoAn attack to metro rail webIntegration of multimodal rider theodolite system and the function of para-transit commissariats Abstraction This paper analyses how the theodolite civilization in India and peculiarly in the metropolis of Vijayawada can be redefined with regard to the available renovation forms and the para-transit commissariats in the metropolis. The bing urban signifier and web play the existent function in the renovation form which can be either partial destruction method or constructive method. Though most the manners of conveyance are genuinely in the being in the metropolis, the art of incorporating them gives the visible radiation to the developed multi-modal theodolite system in that peculiar metropolis. It truly changes the theodolite civilization within the metropolis enabling the debut to farther manners of conveyance and terminuss. The bing canal alteration may impact the obliteration of slums which have been profoundly rooted near the canal. The paper besides analyses on all para-transit manners of transit in the metropolis that how it felicitates and contributes to the ‘linking processà ¢â‚¬â„¢ among the other manners. It besides oversees the futuristic development of the metropolis in the urban graduated table where traffic congestion has to be nullified or minimized Cardinal words: Multimodal, para-transit, renovation, transit civilization, rider, transportations Introduction â€Å"A developed state is non where the hapless usage autos, it’s where the rich usage public transit† , Gustavo Petro, the city manager of Bogota, Columbia. Transportation system in India has ne'er been drastically changed over the past decennaries due to the unauthorised land acquisition and unplanned conveyance development. Among the assorted metropoliss, really few are planned whereas others were raised, built and spread-over quickly, in random infinite and clip. It led to farther congestion of roads, streets and public infinites without presenting a opportunity of re-development procedure. So the transit, where it didn’t drama major portion in Indian context was dragged into a alteration, which offered nil less than a mere development and couldn’t foresee the futuristic India. The major technological promotion failed to come in Indian subcontinent, led to the forceful restriction of traditional and available transit. Therefore the theodolite system w as kept under-developed for ages, where different manners of transit were introduced but rarely made a contribution to a multi-modal theodolite system. Even Indian economic system was doubtless incapacitated with the new constructs of theodolite development and more or less the same system prevailed over. The resourceful metropoliss of India still have major manners of transit, which could be efficaciously re-modified into an incorporate system, which promises a simplest and flexible motion within and around the system. The H2O, route and the rail theodolite jointly organize the fastest and easiest transportations, in which the clip factor makes the advantage. The modern epoch besides demands a procedure or an activity, which makes life faster and easier, advancing the aesthetic sense as a whole. The transit has been an ineluctable portion of mundane life, demanding the destruction of preexistent characteristics to guarantee the hereafter needs and necessities. Many metropoliss have started demarcating commissariats for a multi-modal theodolite system where sustainability and constructions are still conserved. Transportation system is a really huge subject on which we create different beds of idea procedure to set up the connectivity and linkage in a proper manner. The transit civilization of India is bit by bit being changed. We can see the alteration in the completed and approaching undertakings in New Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Mumbai, Bangalore and Hyderabad. The 20 first century started with the tube rail and subway rail system instead than the suburban and other webs. The promotion of high-speed Express main roads besides paved a manner to the metropolis transit be aftering constructs. It has besides to be mentioned that the multi average theodolite hubs and terminuss have seen into the existent image of a future metropolis. Peoples use different manners of conveyance to make finishs where they use an interphase theodolite manner for doing it economic every bit good as faster. For illustration, New Delhi railroad station has a good entree to make out to the Metro station, metropolis coachs, cars, jinrikishas and taxis easy so that the clip hold in happening another manner of conveyance is negligible. That is the ground why many of its Metro Stationss are located merely above the Highways and Bus terminuss. The interphase of H2O conveyance and the route conveyance can be really good seen in the survey of metropolis of Venice in Italy. How sophistically the prosaic motion migrates to the H2O conveyance and vice-versa could be designed harmonizing to the physiological and geographical character of the metropolis. However, the route transports proved to be the decisive portion in the theodolite development, the other manners have to be linked to the route theodolite doing it as the primary manner of conveyance. The gridiron form of New York, triangular form of Paris and the Radial or Hexagonal form of New Delhi have their ain advantages and disadvantages in its theodolite civilization. What we have to concentrate is to renew the rules and thoughts to work out the jobs and functionality of the theodolite system in a metropolis. A multi modal theodolite system besides demands for the cargo transportations, which have a different impact on the theodolite behavior of the metropolis. The logistics and contracts are involved in the transportations, which deal more into the economic and fiscal stages instead than the design and planning rules. Purpose To set up a pre-requisite integrated multi-transit system, through the merger of different theodolite manners and systemization of para-transit installations, as the anchor of metropolis transit. To redefine the bing metropolis theodolite webs in a broader degree so that maximized rider transportation, minimized distance and least travel clip are achieved. Aim †¢To re-develop the urban conveyance system of the metropolis cloth. †¢To have a re-modelled railroad corridor including the bombardments and Bridgess. †¢To simplify of route web with regard to inveigh and waterways. †¢To set up cardinal hub for linking all manners of the theodolite system. †¢To systematize para-transit installations linking all manners of conveyance. †¢To exhibit a position on metro/subway development in the farthest hereafter. †¢To substantiate urban destruction to keep the flexibleness of the theodolite. †¢To evaluate existent time-based analysis of transportations within the systems. RESEARCH QUESTION Why do we necessitate an incorporate system of all manners of theodolite along with para-transit comfortss in an urban multi-transit system and how can we accomplish this to underscore high transportations and least clip and distance? SCOPE & A ; LIMITATION The paper surveies about the theodolite civilization within Indian context where the instance survey of the web is taken in New Delhi, Chennai etc. The end product of the survey purpose at the metropolis of Vijayawada in Andhra Pradesh, which has the range of its theodolite renovation, extends to route, rail and H2O due to the handiness of the railroad corridor and canals of the river Krishna. Methodology The multi-modal theodolite system needs tonss of literature survey, informations aggregations and studies which have to be assembled, framed and evaluated. We start with the normal surveies related to the public transit, the concerns of theodolite oriented development, the modal-wise theodolite civilization in India and abroad and the jobs of malfunctioned theodolite terminuss. LITERATURE STUDY: The assorted surveies about the theodolite oriented developments in the United States of America prove to be critical in this scenario. The more the accessible it is, the public interphase will be much more than we expect to be. The handiness being the major component of the theodolite web, the governments started believing about the re-development of few theodolite Stationss depending upon the public interphase. Furthermore the handiness, it really started working out the other factors responsible for the transportations and motion. For case, a to the full rail auto can take 200 autos from the route and a rail coach can take 20 autos from the route. ( Public transit ) . Taking the broader image, through the statistical analysis in the United States of America, Los Angeles County Metropolitan transit authorization has seen a 40 % addition in ridership on tube since the proviso of existent clip information was established. ( Public Transportation ) It bit by bit fost ers the communities to ‘walk more and drive less’ . However, the car industry sustains even though, it has lost its higher manus in the system, favored the assorted manners of public conveyance system to come up to the competition. That is how the metro systems played a important portion in modulating the theodolite harmoniousness of the metropoliss of United States of America. The public conveyance in the Indian metropoliss has the worst state of affairs in the subcontinent, though it is easy accessible from anyplace in the state through different manners. The information shows the private conveyance being dominant doing the traffic congestion and pollution. In the Indian context of multi-modal theodolite, Kashmere gate and Anand Vihar in New Delhi serve the intent of it suiting the riders from tube every bit good as the interstate bus terminal increasing the handiness and connectivity. DATA COLLECTION: Several studies have to be conducted on for the consequences related to the transportations, clip and distance.Travel time-distance study in public conveyance, para-transit options ( prosaic, rickshaw and auto-rickshaw ) and private owned conveyance.Differential function of existent distance and covered distance between two different manners. ( Railway and Bus ) .Time taken for the average alteration from one to another and vice-versa. If there is a difference, why?Survey of figure of people utilizing public and shared conveyance instead than in private owned. Subsequently their portions in the current traffic in the metropolis.Survey on transportations from and to in a manner of conveyance with regard to clip.What is INTEGRATION? Integration is a procedure or an act of intermixing of different topics into a individual value giving a combined advantage of both. In this context of conveyance system, the theodolite modals must hold been established long clip back. But the existent integrating of the different theodolite manners is the questionable factor to be accomplished. Many of the Indian metropoliss, including Vijayawada, are besides on the-verge of theodolite integrating which enables the limitless entree of public transit and minimized private intercession. WSA ( 2007 ) information gives us a visible radiation in the theodolite civilizations in Indian metropoliss along with Asian monopolies. Public transit and incorporate theodolite systems in European states and American provinces prove to be a critical component in the planetary development of the full subcontinent. Multi-modal rider theodolite system As many understand, multimode conveyance refers to a conveyance system normally operated by one bearer with more than one manner of conveyance under control or ownership of one operator. It involves the usage of more than one agencies of conveyance such as a combination of truck, railway car, railroads, airplane or ship in sequence to each ( www.etamad.com ) . It drives the urban development of the full metropolis in its physical, socio-economical and internal web. It is one of the decisive functional facet of the metropolis traffic. Public conveyance system in Vijayawada Vijayawada metropolis is wholly a theodolite oriented metropolis as the route, rail and H2O conveyance have the major impact in its history, civilization and the physical geography. It has a immense railroad terminus since it has been declared as one of the biggest and busiest railroad corridor. The chief two roads in Vijayawada starts from the Old Vijayawada part diverge to run into the National highway-5 which lays the bosom of the metropolis. The H2O canals were the historic grounds of merchant but turned to be sewerage and refuse remover of the metropolis in the existent sense. Talking about the route conveyance system, APSRTC ( Andhra Pradesh State Transport Corporation ) runs its services throughout each and every corners of the metropolis from 5 am to 12pm with a sum of 500 metropolis coachs and tube coachs holding about 2000+ day-to-day services ( PNBS at Once, 1991 ) . Pandit Nehru Bus Station operates another 2500 trips of other ordinary/express/interstate coachs off from the metropolis. It is one of the successful corporation holding a record figure of services in South India. The bus Terminal is the 2nd largest in India ( The New Indian Express, 2014 ) after ISBT Kashmere Gate, New Delhi ( Economic Times, 2013 ) . It has succeeded in linking people and services, finally affecting the populace into the system. The response from the public gave a green visible radiation to the maximal coverage in most of the corners of the metropolis. Para-transit commissariats in Indian context Those services which in-turn support the chief watercourse of manners of conveyance and link them through sophisticated webs are normally known as para-transit system. It generates batch of travel options and form in travelers which can be opted to be used consequently. Although it is non straight linked with a to the full flourished conveyance manners say Bus theodolite, it really add ups

Justifiable and Unjustifiable Government Interference

Since the Patriot Act was enacted after September 11, 2001. There has been an ongoing argument about the validity of the Patriot Act and whether or not it is a violation of civil rights. The question is how far is too far? How much intrusion will Americans allow into their lives for the sake of national security? The Patriot Act was signed into law on October 26, 2001. The Patriot Act has 16 provisions that give the government surveillance and legal powers to use against terrorists. Since 9/11, there have been no other terror attacks on American soil. Since this time has passed with no other attacks, people are starting to question whether the Patriot Act should be scaled back or whether we even need it at all. The Patriot Act addresses several new areas in surveillance. I will touch on a couple of those new provisions and what they mean. Pen Register or Trap and Trace Orders: Currently, law enforcement agencies involved in intelligence investigations can obtain a ‘pen register’ or ‘trap and trace’ order under which they can have access to numbers dialed and received by a particular phone. In order to obtain a pen/trap order, law enforcement must show that the information they are seeking is relevant to an ongoing criminal investigation and that the suspect that they are tracking is ‘in communication with’ someone involved in international terrorism or intelligence activities. This is a much lower standard than the probable cause standard used in criminal investigations. The Patriot Act reduces this standard even further, eliminating the ‘in communication with’ requirement. Law enforcement officials must simply show that the information they are seeking is relevant to an ongoing criminal investigation. Under this provision, when law enforcement requests a pen/trap order from a judge, he must issue it. The judge has no discretion to refuse, even if he/she views it as unnecessary or unjust. These are the types of provisions that concern opponents to the Patriot Act and those who think our privacy is being threatened. Although, it this may help in the fight against terrorists, opponents contend that it could be used against all citizens. I have a hard time believing that law enforcement is going to be wasting their time with people that are not involved in some type of terrorist or criminal activity. This doesn’t mean that the powers could not be abused or that mistakes could not be made. Just that in the grand scheme of things, these instances are unlikely. And if they do happen, the consequences in relation to the issue of national security is not likely to be all that great. The PA also extends the scope of information that can be obtained using a pen/trap order. Law enforcement may now have access to ‘dialing, routing, and signaling’ information where in the past it could only be used to obtain telephone numbers dialed and received. The reference to routing information refer specifically to internet use – either for email or browsing. The PA expressly states that the â€Å"contents† of communications may not be obtained with trap/trace orders, but the PA does not define the term. The FBI began using a new tool called â€Å"Carnivore† to monitor email and instant messages. They claim it will be very effective against terrorists. Opponents claim it can be used against any citizen. Carnivore lets them monitor everyone who uses the same internet provider that the suspect uses, whether they are under investigation or not. The argument is that new rules need to be put into place to prevent innocent people from being tracked instead of relying on the FBI to filter out any non-relevant information. Because content cannot easily be separated from internet routing information, in order to obtain an email address, law enforcement must be given access to the entire email packet and then is entrusted to only viewing the address and deleting the content without viewing it. With internet browsing, content cannot be easily separated from internet routing information either. This is different from telephone calls where the numbers dialed and received can easily be separated from the content of the phone call. The PA increases the scope of subpoenas. In the past, the government could use a subpoena to compel an ISP or website to release the following information about their subscribers: customer’s name, address, length of service, and method of payment. The government could not get credit cards numbers, bank account numbers or other more specific indentifying information. PA now authorizes the government to obtain credit card numbers and bank account numbers through subpoenas. Law enforcement argues that this is essential information as many people register with websites using false names and this is the only way to get a positive ID. There is no judicial review involved in the subpoena process and therefore no check to make sure law enforcement has the proper grounds. As you can see, the PA has given much broader authority to law enforcement personnel. This increase in power has raised alarms from opponents of the PA. Civil libertarians fear that concerns about national security will erode civil liberties. The key is to try and find some sort of balance. The problem is that both sides continue to argue for their point of view. Can there be a balance when you’re talking about our national security? Which is more important? Are civil liberties more important than the national security of our country? I personally don’t see how you can prioritize civil liberties over our national security. History shows that we have underestimated dangers many times in the past. The Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, Cold War espionage, Cuban missile crisis, the Tet Offensive to name a few. There are even theories out there that we had advance knowledge of 9/11. Perhaps we tend to overreact. But we cannot underestimate the importance of national security. We already know that there are plenty of people out there that want to see our destruction. It doesn’t matter what we do, what we say, how we handle things. They want us destroyed no matter what, so this whole theory of trying to figure out what we did wrong or why they hate us is a complete waste of time. Because they don’t care. They have one objective only. I don’t know that we’ll ever be able to strike a balance that is acceptable to both sides. I understand the need to protect civil liberties. The issue I have is that situations sometimes dictate what needs to be done. I don’t think the fears that we’ll lose our civil liberties is a valid one. This idea that they’ll take a little at a time and pretty soon we’ll have none. I just don’t buy it. Not in this Country. It’s too strong, there’s too much individualism in America. The people would never allow it. There would be a revolt before it would ever happen. I guess since I have nothing to hide, I don’t mind that the government has certain powers or takes certain steps to ensure the security of our nation.

How to Plant the Leyland Cypress Tree in Your Landscape

How to Plant the Leyland Cypress Tree in Your Landscape A rapidly-growing evergreen when young, Leyland Cypress will easily grow three to four feet per year, even on poor soils, and can ultimately attain a height of some 50 feet. The tree forms a dense, oval or pyramidal outline when left unpruned, but the graceful, slightly pendulous branches will tolerate severe trimming to create a formal hedge, screen or windbreak. The tree quickly outgrows its space in small landscapes and is too big for most residential landscapes unless regularly trimmed. Unusually, shallow roots of the species can give in wet soil to topple large trees. Uses Scientific name: x Cupressocyparis leylandiiPronunciation: x koo-press-so-SIP-air-iss lay-LAN-dee-eyeCommon name: Leyland CypressFamily: CupressaceaeUSDA hardiness zones: 6 through 10AOrigin: not native to North AmericaUses: hedge; recommended for buffer strips around parking lots or for median strip plantings in the highway; screen; specimen; Christmas treeAvailability: generally available in many areas within its hardiness range Form Height: 35 to 50 feetSpread: 15 to 25 feetCrown uniformity: symmetrical canopy with a regular (or smooth) outline  and individuals have more or less identical crown formsCrown shape: columnar; oval; pyramidalCrown density: denseGrowth rate: fastTexture: fine Foliage Leaf arrangement: opposite/suboppositeLeaf type: simpleLeaf margin: entireLeaf shape: scale-likeLeaf venation: none, or difficult to seeLeaf type and persistence: evergreenLeaf-blade length: less than 2 inchesLeaf color: blue or blue-green; greenFall color: no fall color changeFall characteristic: not showy Structure Trunk/bark/branches: grow mostly upright and will not droop; not particularly showy; should be grown with a single leader; no thornsPruning requirement: needs little pruning to develop a strong structureBreakage: resistantCurrent year twig color: green Planting Leyland cypress trees enjoy both part shade/part sun and full sun- the tree has very forgiving light requirements. The cypress can be planted in many soils. The tree tolerates clay, loam, sand and will grow in both acidic and alkaline soils but still needs to be planted in a well-drained site. It tolerates drought conditions and is salt tolerant. When planting Leyland cypress, remember the trees mature size and fast growth rate. Planting a cypress too close is not recommended. You will be tempted to plant the seedlings too close but ten-foot spacings should be a minimum in most landscapes. Pruning Leyland Cypress is a fast grower and, if not pruned early, can get out of hand as a hedge. In the first year trim back long side shoots at the start of the growing season. Trim sides lightly in late July. The sides can be trimmed the following to year encourage denser growth. Continue to trim the sides each year leaving the leading shoot untouched until the desired height is reached. Topping and regular trimming of the sides should prevent trees from becoming increasingly large. Seiridium Canker Seiridium canker disease, also called coryneum canker is a slow-spreading fungal disease of Leyland cypress. It disfigures and damages trees, particularly in hedges and screens that are heavily pruned. Seiridium canker is usually localized on individual limbs. The limb is usually dry, dead, often discolored, with a sunken or cracked area surrounded by living tissue. You should always destroy diseased plant parts and try to avoid physical damage to plants. Sanitize pruning tools between each cut by dipping in rubbing alcohol or in a solution of chlorine bleach and water. Chemical control has proven to be difficult. Horticulturist Commentary Dr. Mike Dirr says about Leyland Cypress: ...it should be restrained at an early age before pruning becomes impossible. Additional Information Leyland Cypress grows in full sun on a wide range of soils, from acid to alkaline, but looks its best on moderately fertile soil with sufficient moisture. It is surprisingly tolerant of severe pruning, recovering nicely from even severe topping (although this is not recommended), even when half the top is removed. It grows well in clay soil and tolerates poor drainage for a short period of time. It also is very tolerant of salt spray. Some available cultivars include: ‘Castlewellan’, a more compact form with gold-tipped leaves, excellent for hedges in cool climates; ‘Leighton Green’, dense branching with dark green foliage, columnar form; ‘Haggerston Gray’, loose branches, columnarpyramidal, upturned at ends, sage-green color; ‘Naylor’s Blue’, blue-grey foliage, columnar form; ‘Silver Dust’, wide-spreading form with blue-green foliage marked with white variegations. Propagation is by cuttings from side growths.