Conservapedia - User contributions [en]

Parthian shot

2007-08-13T23:47:34Z

Overture: wikified

A '''Parthian shot''' is a criticism leveled by someone as they leave a group. It is named after the Parthians, the ancient people of [[Parthia]] who used the innovative cavalry tactic of feigning retreat and then, as their enemies pursued them, twisting around and shooting arrows at their adversaries.

It is sometimes referred to as a "parting shot".

==See Also==
[[Essay:Parthian Shots on Conservapedia]]

[[category:debate]]

Parthian shot

2007-08-13T23:40:42Z

Overture: examples were moved

Literacy

2007-08-13T22:46:21Z

Overture:

'''Literacy''' is the ability to [[read]], [[write]] or to [[speak]] at adequate levels, by means of a language. Literacy is generally considered to be crucial for many forms of employment and higher education.

[[Category:Language]]

Woody Allen

2007-08-13T22:40:46Z

Overture:

[[Image:Woody_Allen.jpg|thumb|200px|Woody Allen is a three time academy award winner]]
'''Woody Allen''' (1935 - ) is a [[comedian]], [[writer]], [[director]] and [[actor]]. Best known for his offbeat and often self-deprecating comedies, Allen produced his most popular film's in the 1970's, most notably "Annie Hall" which set the standard for modern romantic comedies. His work in the 80's and 90's changed to focus more on dark comedy, and satire. He has continued to write and direct movies, including "Match Point" in 2005 which Allen considered to be one of his best.

When his ex-lover's foster daughter turned 22, he married her. He was 57.<ref>Former New York City Mayor Edward I. Koch said, "Like many, I had trouble with the fact that people thought that she was his unofficial stepdaughter." [http://www.{{ishi]]press.com/soon-yi.htm] </ref>

==Notes==
<references/>

==External Links==

[http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000095/ IMDB database]

{{DEFAULTSORT: Allen, Woody}}

[[Category:Comedians]]
[[Category:Actors]]
[[Category:Movie Directors]]

Talk:Woody Allen

2007-08-13T22:20:18Z

Overture:

Fabulous article.[[User:Panini|Panini]] 19:49, 8 July 2007 (EDT)

The "reference" to a statement by Ed Koch is not a "reference" at all. It is a dig. To say that Woody Allens career reached its pinnacle in the seventies is ridiculous. Just look at his productivity and awards since then! To put him in the category of "Child Molester" is slander.
[[User:Wismike:Wismike]]

:Awards (and there are many different forms of awards) are not the same thing as boxoffice. When a man used to have people watch his movies and now they don't, then his career is coming down from a pinnacle. CP reserves the right to point out behavior that is considered to go outside the bounds of family values, and that includes his subsequent marriage. I agree with you with the category removal. I hope that helps. [[User:Learn together|Learn together]] 18:15, 13 August 2007 (EDT)

::However, the current revision doesn't even suggest he has continued to produce mainstream movies, which is certainly notable. Also the speculation about his popularity doesn't fit well. I'm sure it's possible to have an article that neither attempts to downcast his reputation, nor promote his films. [[User:Overture|Overture]] 18:20, 13 August 2007 (EDT)

Woody Allen

2007-08-13T22:03:04Z

Overture: grammar

[[Image:Woody_Allen.jpg|thumb|200px|Woody Allen is a three time academy award winner]]
'''Woody Allen''' (1935 - ) is a [[comedian]], [[writer]], [[director]] and [[actor]]. Best known for his offbeat and often self deprecating comedies, Allen has had a productive and award-winning career that has spanned 5 decades. Allen has been an almost perennial Oscar nominee in the Best Writing categories, (nominated 14 times since 1978, winning twice) and has been nominated 6 times for the Best Director award over that timespan. His most recent picture, "Match Point," was a critical and box office success.

When his ex-lover's foster daughter turned 22, he married her. He was 57

==External Links==

[http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000095/ IMDB database]

{{DEFAULTSORT: Allen, Woody}}

[[Category:Comedians]]
[[Category:Actors]]
[[Category:Movie Directors]]

Category talk:Ships

2007-08-13T21:57:07Z

Overture:

== Plagiarism? ==

Is it really OK that the articles on individual ships are, as far as I can tell, copied word for word from the given source? Shouldn't they at least mention that the articles are copied? [[User:Masterbratac|Masterbratac]] 17:51, 13 August 2007 (EDT)
:It does look like all of these are copied word-for-word, which is pretty blatant plagiarism. Either they need to be totally rewritten or deleted. [[User:Overture|Overture]] 17:57, 13 August 2007 (EDT)

Atheism

2007-08-13T20:41:12Z

Overture: grammar

[[Image:Nogod.jpg|right|120px]]
'''Atheism''', as defined by the ''Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy'' and the ''Routledge Encyclopedia of Philosophy'', is the denial of the existence of any [[God]].<ref>http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/atheism-agnosticism/</ref><ref>http://www.creationontheweb.com/content/view/1998</ref>

The term "atheism" often is used to include uncertainty about whether God exists or not, that is, people who never believe in God or actively deny His existence (see also [[agnosticism]]). There are two kinds of atheism, strong atheism, or someone who believes strongly that there is no God, and weak atheism, or someone who believes that there probably is no God. Atheists often equivocate that they actually have a lack of belief in any God, as opposed to having the positive belief that there is no God. This equivocation stems from the fact that if they hold positive beliefs, then their worldview can be categorized as a religion.

== Biblical Statements Regarding Atheism ==
The Bible states:

"The fool has said in his heart, "There is no God. - Psalm 14:1 (KJV)}}

In addition, the Bible states:

"For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, [even] his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse..." - Romans 1:20 (KJV)}}

== Atheistic Ethics and Humanism ==
Although it is difficult to generalize about atheism because it has no creed in a way that [[Christianity]], [[Judaism]], and [[Islam]] do, atheists typically hold that no religious text can be the only source of morality; they do not look for their morality in revelation, but rather in reason or some other internal force. However, many atheists believe that religious texts contain useful ideas and principles, such as the [[Golden Rule]]. Such people would, however, assert that useful principles entered religion because they are useful, and not the other way around. As atheists do not believe in any form of deity, books purported to be based upon the revealed words of such deities are not considered to have any more inherent moral authority than books written by people, as they consider them to be one and the same.

One pervading theme in atheistic moral systems is that of [[humanism]], the belief that humans have an intrinsic value of their own independent of any external entity. Humanism, in its basis, is a belief in celebrating, embracing and protecting human life. Humanists can embrace different rationalistic ethical systems such as [[Kantianism]], [[Utilitarianism]], [[Hedonism]], and others.

===The Existence of Evil===
Atheists often claim that the existence of evil is a problem for [[theism]] which holds to a good and powerful God.<ref>http://www.leaderu.com/orgs/probe/docs/evil.html</ref> [[Theodicy]] is the branch of study in theology and philosophy that defends the goodness of God despite the existence of evil. <ref>http://encarta.msn.com/dictionary_1861719540/theodicy.html</ref> In traditional Christianity and Judaism the book of Job is used to explain the existence of evil. <ref>http://apologetics.com/default.jsp?bodycontent=/articles/doctrinal_apologetics/bowman-job.html</ref> In recent times [[Christian apologetics|Christian apologetists]] often cite [[Alvin Plantinga]]'s free will defense in regards to the existence of evil. <ref>http://www.xenos.org/essays/evilpo.htm</ref><ref>http://www3.baylor.edu/~Scott_Moore/handouts/free_will_defense.html</ref> The work of [[St. Augustine]] is also cited in regards to theodicy. <ref>http://www.str.org/site/News2?page=NewsArticle&id=5124</ref>

==Atheism and Communism ==
[[Karl Marx]] coined the saying "[Religion] is the opium of the people". Karl Marx also wrote: "Communism begins from the outset (Owen) with atheism; but atheism is at first far from being communism; indeed, that atheism is still mostly an abstraction."

[[Vladimir Lenin]] similarly wrote: "A Marxist must be a materialist, i. e., an enemy of religion, but a dialectical materialist, i. e., one who treats the struggle against religion not in an abstract way, not on the basis of remote, purely theoretical, never varying preaching, but in a concrete way, on the basis of the class struggle which is going on in practice and is educating the masses more and better than anything else could."

==Atheism and Questions of Origins ==
Atheism provides no useful input in regards to origins. [[Creationism|Creationists]] scientist claim that the [[First Law of Thermodynamics|first law of thermodynamics]] and the [[Second Law of Thermodynamics|second law of thermodyamics]] argues against an eternal universe, a universe created by natural processes, and for creation by [[God]]. <ref>http://godevidences.net/space/lawsofscience.php</ref> <ref>http://www.apologeticspress.org/articles/2329</ref> <ref>http://www.creationscience.com/onlinebook/AstroPhysicalSciences14.html</ref> A majority of the most prominent and vocal defenders of the naturalistic evolutionary position since [[World War II]] have been atheists.<ref>Dr. [[Don Batten]], [http://www.creationontheweb.com/content/view/737/ A ''Who’s Who'' of evolutionists] ''Creation'' 20(1):32
December 1997.</ref><ref>[[Jonathan Sarfati]], Ph.D.,F.M., [http://www.creationontheweb.com/content/view/3830 ''Refuting Evolution'', Chapter 1, Facts and Bias]</ref> [[Creationism|Creationist]] scientists also assert the [[theory of evolution]] is an inadequate explanation for the variety of life forms on earth. <ref>http://www.icr.org/home/resources/resources_tracts_scientificcaseagainstevolution/</ref>

Creationists also state that the [[origin of life]] is not possible though natural processes and the origin of life is the result of God. <ref>http://www.christiananswers.net/q-eden/origin-of-life.html</ref> <ref>http://www.trueorigin.org/abio.asp</ref> <ref>http://www.macrodevelopment.org/library/meyer.html</ref>

== Atheist Population ==
It is difficult to accurately determine the proportion of the population that is atheist because survey definitions, and even real life definitions, are often unclear. Some people are unsure of the existence of God, but they are sometimes counted as atheists. People who think that the existence of god cannot be proven or disproven are called agnostics (see [[Agnosticism]]). There are people who, despite being Atheists, refuse to categorize themselves as such due to the negative social stigma attached to atheism. Furthermore, surveys containing an option for "no religion" are not necessarily identifying atheists. Individuals may believe in some form of god but not subscribe to any particular religion.

Specific research on atheists conducted in 2006 [http://www.harrisinteractive.com/news/allnewsbydate.asp?NewsID=1131 suggests] that the true proportion of atheists is 4% in the United States, 17% in Great Britain and 32% in France.

== Concern about Atheists in America ==
Research in the American Sociological Review finds that atheists are the group that Americans least relate to for shared vision or want to have marry into their family.
<ref>Edgell, Gerteis & Hartmann 2006</ref>

{| class="wikitable"
|-
!
! This Group Does Not At All Agree with My Vision of American Society:
! I Would Disapprove if My Child Wanted to Marry a Member of This Group:
|-
| Atheist
| 39.6%
| 47.6%
|-
| Muslim
| 26.3%
| 33.5%
|-
| Homosexual
| 22.6%
| NA
|-
|Conservative Christian
| 13.5%
| 6.9%
|-
| Recent Immigrant
| 12.5%
| Not Asked
|-
| Hispanic
| 7.6%
| 18.5%
|-
| Jew
| 7.4%
| 11.8%
|-
| Asian American
| 7.0%
| 18.5%
|-
|African American
| 4.6%
| 27.2%
|-
| White American
| 2.2%
| 2.3%
|}
== Well Known Atheists ==
In recorded history atheism has been a minority view, although there have been pockets of atheistic thought such as amongst the literati in pre-modern China who followed Confucian teachings.

Well-known atheists include [[Joseph Stalin]], [[Bertrand Russell]], [[Ayn Rand]], [[Richard Dawkins]], [[Douglas Adams]], [[Ernest Hemingway]], and [[David Hume]].

==External Links==
*[http://creationwiki.org/Decline_of_atheism Decline of Atheism -CreationWiki]
*[http://ec.europa.eu/public_opinion/archives/ebs/ebs_225_report_en.pdf European Commission report on Social values, Science and Technology, includes info on Religious beliefs]

==References==
<references/>

[[Category:Religion]]
[[Category:Philosophy]]
{{uncited2}}

Vegetarianism

2007-08-13T20:35:14Z

Overture: if we're trying to be professional, irrelevant/unsourced gossip won't help

'''Vegetarianism''' is the practice of abstaining from [[meat]] consumption. Somebody who practices vegetarianism is referred to as a ''vegetarian''.

Vegetarianism is a common theme among the [[Dharmic religion]]s, such as [[Hinduism]], [[Buddhism]], and [[Jainism]]. This stems from the belief that all higher animal life is sacred, one of the core concepts of all of these religions, and in Jainism, ''all'' life is considered sacred. <ref>For more than 130 years, Seventh-day Adventists (SDAs) have practiced a vegetarian dietary lifestyle because of their belief in the wholistic nature of people. [http://www.andrews.edu/NUFS/veggiediet.html Andrews University Nutrition Department] </ref> It was also a central tenet of the [[Essene]] branch of Judaism.

Many people outside of these religions also choose to be vegetarians because of various other beliefs, such as abstinence from contributing to "inhumane" farming methods practiced by the meat production industry, or to lessen their environmental impact.

Health can be given as another reason. In Daniel 1:4-15, Daniel and his companions declined to eat Babylonian royal food and instead requested fresh water and vegetables. At the end of ten days, they were healthier than those who ate the rich food.

It can be difficult to get all of your daily required [[nutrient]]s without eating animal products. [[Soy]] is often used as a substitute for meat and protein, and many vegetarians take vitamin supplements or eat enriched foods. <ref>"Those who eat very little meat, fish and foul and ... may be missing, or getting very little, crucial nutrients for optimal health such as [[vitamin B12]], [[iron]], [[creatine]], [[carnitine]], and several other [[nutrient]]s" [http://www.raysahelian.com/vegetarian.html] </ref> <ref>According to Olivant, the most useful supplements for the vegetarians contain nutrients that may be limited in their diet, such as omega-3. [http://www.nutraingredients.com/news/ng.asp?n=65255-vegetarian-supplements] </ref>

==Forms of Vegetarianism==
*Vegan - Someone who consumes only a diet based on plants; no animal meat, animal products such as milk, cheese, eggs, or byproducts such as gelatin.
*Lactovegetarian - Someone who eats a plant based diet but also eats animal produced foods (that do not result in the death of the animal) such as milk and cheese.
*Ovo-lactovegetarian (or lacto-ovovegetarian) - Similar to the Lactovegetarian but also consumes eggs.

==Famous Vegetarians==
*[[Albert Einstein]] - Scientist, famous for [[Theory of Relativity]]. He became a vegetarian a year before his death.
*[[Bob Barker]] - Game Show Host, most notably [[The Price is Right]]
*[[H. G. Wells]] - Famous Science Fiction author, works include [[The War of Worlds]]
*[[Paul McCartney]] - singer/bassist for [[The Beatles]]
*[[Henry Heimlich]] - Inventor of the [[Heimlich Maneuver]]<ref>www.famousveggie.com[http://www.famousveggie.com/peoplenew.cfm]</ref>, and promoter of quack remedies.
*[[Henry A. Wallace]] - Vice President of the U.S. 1941-1945; Presidential candidate 1948.
*[[Adam]] and [[Eve]], while in Eden (Genesis 1:29)

==Notes==
<references/>

==External Links==
*[http://www.health.gov/dietaryguidelines/dga2005/document/html/appendixC.htm USDA Dietary Guidelines]
* [http://www.vegsoc.org/ The Vegetarian Society ]
* [http://www.britishmeat.com/49.htm 49 good reasons to be a vegetarian]

[[category:psychology]] [[category:biology]]

Sublime

2007-08-13T00:03:12Z

Overture:

'''Sublime''' was an American rock band formed in Long Beach, California in 1988. Their music is described as a blend of punk, ska, and reggae. They consisted of Bradly Nowell, Eric Wilson, and Bug Gaugh; however, Nowell, the lead singer, died of a heroin overdose in 1996, effectively ending the band.<ref>http://www.sublimespot.com/sublime/about/</ref>

==Music and Success==

Their most notable album was their third, also titled Sublime, which brought them mainstream popularity. Also popular were two of their singles: "Date Rape" and "What I Got." In total, they have sold about 17 million records.

[[category:bands]]

Sublime

2007-08-12T23:48:32Z

Overture: New page: '''Sublime''' was an American rock band formed in Long Beach, California in 1988. Their music is described as a blend of punk, ska, and reggae. They consisted of Bradly Nowell, Eric Wilso...

Talk:Bill O'Reilly

2007-08-02T17:02:48Z

Overture: /* Opinion Show */

==Opinion Show==
It's kind of obvious that the O'Reilly factor is an opinion show, so it should stay that way.

*That might be a little to radical for some people here, how about "political commentary show"? [[User:Overture|Overture]] 13:02, 2 August 2007 (EDT)

Michael Moore

2007-08-02T16:47:47Z

Overture: more detailed intro

[[Image:Michael-Moore.jpg|right|thumb|200px]]
'''Michael Moore''' (born April 23, 1954) is an American author, director, and self-identifies as a [[liberal]]

He is most well known for directing "Bowling for Columbine" and "Fahrenheit 9/11" and is also highly critical of gun violence, large corporations, the [[Iraq War]], and the U.S. health care system.

==Manufacturing consent==

He is a hero in [[liberal]] Hollywood and to booksellers who tend to agree with his politics. Moore's films and commentaries are often based upon themes about alleged "capitalist" greed. Though a multi-millionaire, Moore frequently appears on television and in photos dressed like blue-collar workers with whom he attempts to identify.

Moore produced a movie portraying President [[George Bush]] as part of a massive conspiracy, named ''Fahrenheit 9/11''. Millions watched the movie, but many questioned many of its claims and Bush handily won reelection without ever dignifying the smear with a comment.<ref>http://slate.msn.com/id/2102723/</ref>

Moore was the producer and host of the television series "The Awful Truth," which was typified by a type of sketch-comedy activism that was often directed against large corporations and government agencies. Later he produced "Bowling for Columbine."

Some of his other work includes the anti-corporation film ''Roger and Me'' and the books ''Dude, Where's my Country'', ''Downsize This! Random Threats from an Unarmed American'' and ''Stupid White Men''.

His production company which produces feature documentary-style films is Michael Moore Films.<ref>http://www.michaelmoore.com/</ref>

Michael Moore was the subject of the 2004 documentaries ''Michael Moore Hates America''<ref>http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0411646/</ref>, ''Fahrenhype 9/11''<ref>http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0427228/</ref> and the 2007 documentary ''Manufacturing Dissent''.<ref>http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0961117/</ref> He was also the subject of books including ''Michael Moore Is a Big Fat Stupid White Man'' by David T. Hardy and Jason Clarke<ref>http://www.amazon.com/Michael-Moore-Big-Stupid-White/dp/0060779608/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/104-2466588-5816760?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1174624100&sr=1-1</ref> and ''Forgive Us Our Spins: Michael Moore and the Future of the Left'' by Jesse Larner.<ref>http://www.amazon.com/Forgive-Us-Our-Spins-Michael/dp/047179306X/ref=pd_bbs_1/104-2466588-5816760?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1174623950&sr=8-1</ref>
[[Image:Moore html.jpg|right|thumb|Michael Moore, ranting|175px]]

== Sicko ==

A new Michael Moore film, ''[[Sicko]]'', was released in late June 2007. In this "documentary" Moore argues for a nationalized health care system.<ref>http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0386032/</ref>

Kurt Loder of MTV news said of it:

<blockquote>
"Michael Moore may see himself as working in the tradition of such crusading muckrakers of the last century as Lincoln Steffens, Ida Tarbell and Upton Sinclair — writers whose dedication to exposing corruption and social injustices played a part in sparking much-needed reforms. In his new movie, "Sicko," Moore focuses on the U.S. health-care industry — a juicy target — and he casts a shocking light on some of the people it's failed. 

Unfortunately, Moore is also a con man of a very brazen sort, and never more so than in this film. His cherry-picked facts, manipulative interviews (with lingering close-ups of distraught people breaking down in tears) and blithe assertions (how does he know 18,000* people will die this year because they have no health insurance?) are so stacked that you can feel his whole argument sliding sideways as the picture unspools. The American health-care system is in urgent need of reform, no question. Some 47 million people are uninsured (although many are only temporarily so, being either in-between jobs or young enough not to feel a pressing need to buy health insurance). There are a number of proposals as to what might be done to correct this situation. Moore has no use for any of them, save one. 

As a proud socialist, the director appears to feel that there are few problems in life that can't be solved by government regulation (that would be the same government that's already given us the U.S. Postal Service and the Department of Motor Vehicles). In the case of health care, though, Americans have never been keen on socialized medicine. In 1993, when one of Moore's heroes, Hillary Clinton (he actually blurts out the word "sexy!" in describing her in the movie), tried to create a government-controlled health care system, her failed attempt to do so helped deliver the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives into Republican control for the next dozen years. Moore still looks upon Clinton's plan as a grand idea, one that Americans, being not very bright, unwisely rejected. (He may be having second thoughts about Hillary herself, though: In the movie he heavily emphasizes the fact that, among politicians, she accepts the second-largest amount of political money from the health care industry.)"[http://www.mtv.com/movies/news/articles/1563758/story.jhtml]
</blockquote>

==Earnings==
Michael Moore's films have bilked the public worldwide in excess of $200,000,000.00. A breakdown for just the [[United States of America]] is below.

{| style="background:white; color:blue" border="1" class="wikitable"
| colspan="2" style="text-align:center"|Michael Moore's Gross box office film earnings under the capitalist free market system<ref>[http://www.the-numbers.com/people/directors/MIMOO.php The Numbers]</ref>
|-
! Film
! U.S. Gross $
|-
| Roger & Me
|style="text-align:right"| $6,706,368
|-
| Canadian Bacon
|style="text-align:right"| $178,104
|-
| The Big One
|style="text-align:right"| $720,074
|-
| Bowling for Columbine
|style="text-align:right"| $21,576,018
|-
| Fahrenheit 9/11
|style="text-align:right"| $119,114,517
|-
| Sicko
|style="text-align:right"| $21,500,000
|-
| '''TOTAL'''
|style="text-align:right"| '''$169,795,081'''
|}

==Treasury investigation==

According to ''Reuters'' in June 2007, Moore is reported to have hidden assets in Canada in reaction to an official investigation. Moore was operating offshore in Cuba allegedly as a "journalistic endeavor." The United States Treasury Department does not confirm or deny the existence of investigations. <ref>[http://www.reuters.com/article/entertainmentNews/idUSN1119539820070613 Moore fears film seizure after Cuba trip], Michelle Nichols, ''Reuters'', June 12, 2007. </ref>

==Criticism==
'''[[Christopher Hitchens]]''' said of Fahrenheit 9/11, and Moore's work:
{{Cquote|'''To describe this film as dishonest and demagogic would be to promote those terms to the level of respectability. To describe this film as a piece of crap would be to run the risk of a discourse that would never again rise above the excremental…Fahrenheit 9/11 is a sinister exercise in moral frivolity, crudely disguised as an exercise in seriousness. It is also a spectacle of abject political cowardice masking itself as a demonstration of 'dissenting' bravery." '''<ref>[http://slate.com/id/2102723/ The lies of Michael Moore]. By Christopher Hitchens, //Slate'', June 21, 2004.</ref><ref>[http://www.newmediajournal.us/guest/p_ibbetson/06092007.htm Michael Moore: A Criminal Profile], Paul A. Ibbetson, ''New Media Journal, June 9, 2007,</ref>}}

==See also==
*[[Schlockumentary]]

==References==
<references/>

[[category:liberal activists]]
{{DEFAULTSORT:Moore, Michael}}

Abolitionism

2007-08-02T16:28:07Z

Overture:

'''Abolitionism''' was a movement that sought to end the institution of [[slavery]] and the worldwide slave trade. It originated with the [[Enlightenment]] in [[Europe]]{{fact-history}} and eventually spread to other areas, including the [[United States]].

The first abolition organization formed in the United States was the [[Pennsylvania Abolition Society]], originally known as the Society for the “Relief for Free Negroes unlawfully held in Bondage,”, in 1775.<ref>http://www.hsp.org/default.aspx?id=634</ref> Organizations such as these made use of the [[Underground Railroad]], a loosely organized system for secretly transporting southern slaves into the free northern states. Slavery was outlawed in the United States by 1865 by the passage of the [[Thirteenth Amendment]], although specific states abolished it starting in 1777.

Although slavery is outlawed in most countries today, it is still practiced in some areas of the world, mostly in secret.

==See Also==
[[Abolitionist]]

==References==
<references/>

[[category:politics]]

Gambling

2007-08-02T16:02:09Z

Overture: more concise definition

Gambling is the act of wagering money (or other items of value) on the outcome of an event in order to win additional money. This can include betting on games of chance, such as [[roulette]] and [[craps]], as well as games of skill, such as [[poker]], [[chess]], and [[mah jong]]. It also includes betting on sporting events, or on events such as election results. [[Lottery|Lotteries]] are a common form of gambling, with a small stake being bet for the very low probability of winning a very large amount of money, if the numbers a player chooses are selected by a random number picking device.

In games played against the "house" (for example, in a [[casino]]), typically the players will have an [[expected return]] of less than 100%. For example, in roulette, in the case of a 0 or 00 result, the money bet goes to the casino. In games against other players (such as poker), the expected return might be 100%, when the players are of equal skill levels (assuming the order of dealing is not important), or certain players might have greater (or lesser) expected returns, if they are better (or worse) players. If all the money stays with the players, then the overall expected return is 100%. If the "house" takes a rake of the money bet, the overall expected return will be less than 100%.

==Legality of Gambling==

Several times in American history gambling has gone from being illegal, to being legal in many areas, to becoming illegal again. Gambling is typically regulated at the state and local levels, but Congress passed a bill prohibiting internet gambling in 2006.

In 2005, the [[World Trade Organization]] (WTO) ruled that "the U.S. had failed to comply with a 2005 final WTO order to change certain laws related to a successful
challenge by Antigua of the U.S. ban on Internet gambling. The WTO GATS agreement allows nations to 'take back' service sectors from WTO jurisdiction, but only after compensating trading partners for lost business opportunities."<ref>http://www.allamericanpatriots.com/</ref>

In response to a request by more than half the states, in 2007 President [[George Bush]] withdrew the United States gambling sector from jurisdiction under the [[World Trade Organization]], in anticipation of further demands or sanctions by the WTO against American regulation of gambling.<ref>''Id.''</ref>

Following passage of UIGEA, former Republican U.S. Senator [[Al D'Amato]] joined the Poker Players Alliance (PPA) to lobby for the right of poker players to play online.

On April 26, 2007, Rep. [[Barney Frank]] (D-MA) introduced HR 2046, the Internet Gambling Regulation and Enforcement Act (IGREA). The IGREA would modify the UIGEA by providing a provision for licensing of Internet gambling facilities by the Director of the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network. On June 8, 2007, the [[House Financial Services Committee]], chaired by Rep. Frank, held a hearing entitled, "Can Internet Gambling Be Effectively Regulated to Protect Consumers and the Payments System?". Details of the meeting, including the archived webcast, are available on the House Financial Services Committee website<ref>http://www.house.gov/apps/list/hearing/financialsvcs_dem/ht060807.shtml</ref>. Expert witnesses at the hearing testified that Internet gambling can be effectively regulated for age verification, money laundering issues, facilitation of state and federal tax collection, and for issues relating to compulsive gambling.

On June 7, 2007, Rep. [[Robert Wexler]] (D-FL) introduced HR 2610, the Skill Game Protection Act. This act would legalize Internet poker, bridge, mah jong and other games of skill. Also on June 7, 2007, Rep. [[Jim McDermott]] (D-WA) introduced H.R. 2607, the Internet Gambling Tax Act. The IGTA would legislate Internet gambling tax collection requirements.

On June 29, 2007, [[Focus on the Family]] issued an alert warning<ref>http://www.citizenlink.org/FOSI/gambling/cog/A000004244.cfm</ref> of a planned visit to Washington D.C. by a pro-Internet gambling rights group Casino Gambling Web<ref>http://www.casinogamblingweb.com/gambling-news/gambling-law/an_internet_gambling_education_for_anti_online_gambling_groups_46698.html</ref>. According to the alert, Casino Gambling Web has collected nearly 5,000 American signatures on their Repeal the Internet Gambling Ban petition, at [http://www.thepetitionsite.com/petition/306149419 www.thepetitionsite.com/petition/306149419], and will take this to Washington in July 2007.

== References ==

<references/>

[[category:gambling]]

Korea

2007-08-02T03:30:46Z

Overture: korea isn't one country ;)

The Korean Peninsula in [[East Asia]] is currently split into [[North Korea]] and [[South Korea]] because of the issue of communism. Korea was colonized by Japan in 1910. The United States and 15 other countries came to the aid of [[South Korea]] during the Korean War, after the North's unprovoked invasion.

==Language and Writing==

Although some spelling or words are slightly different between countries, the official language of both South Korea and North Korea is Korean. Five major dialects in South Korea and one in North Korea are mutually understandable among speakers from different areas. <ref>http://www.todaytranslations.com/index.asp-Q-Page-E-Korean-Language-History--31760371</ref> For more than 2,000 years a Chinese system of writing has been known to Koreans. The Chinese system of writing was widely used during Chinese occupations. After the fifth century AD, Koreans devised three different systems for writing Korean with Chinese characters. (The Japanese systems are were similar to these thus Japanese writing is probably modeled on the Korean system.) King Sejong (r.1418-1450) invented the Korean alphabet in 1444. The Korean alphabet has been called many different names but it is currently known as Hangul or Hangeul (depending upon transliteration). Originally called "The correct sounds for the instruction of the people", (''Hunmin jeongeum''), or "national writing" (''Gukmeun''.) the alphabet was also known as "vulgar script", or ''Eonmeun'' by Korea's nobility who felt it was simple next to the traditional Chinese characters. It didn't catch on in Korea until the mid 1800's. <ref>http://library.thinkquest.org/20746/non/info/history.html</ref> Ju Si-gyeong (Korean linguist b. 1876 d. 1914) coined ''Hangul'' the modern name for the Korean character set. <ref>http://www.omniglot.com/writing/korean.htm</ref> Today, Hangul is honored in South Korea on Hangul Day, on October 9. <ref>http://itre.cis.upenn.edu/~myl/languagelog/archives/002529.html</ref>

==Current status==

The [[Korean War]] (1950-53) devastated the South, but it bounced back to become one of the four [[Asian Tigers]]. North Korea is an impoverished [[communist]] [[totalitarian]] regime.

[[Category:Asian Countries]]

== References ==
<references />

RuneScape

2007-08-01T23:56:44Z

Overture: cleaned up, removed OT fancruft, tried to improve tone

[[Image:Runescapemining.jpg|right|thumb|Screenshot of RuneScape.]]
'''RuneScape''' is a popular web-based MMORPG.<ref>[http://www.runescape.com/ RuneScape official site]</ref> It was developed and supported by Jagex, Inc., and based in [[London]], [[England]]. RuneScape is offered in a free version or a subscription version. Paying the $5 per month subscription gives players access to a vast array of new items, quests, and areas to explore. Members also have superior access to the website, forums, and customer support.

The game is popular for a number of reasons, not least of which is that players can chat with each other in a way viewed by everyone in the immediate game area, or privately to selected friends. Control of one's character in the game is mostly done by mouse, including character movement in the game world, purchasing items, selling, picking up or dropping items and changing a character's attire. The graphics interface is intuitive to most players.

Character development is another strong element of the game. A character begins with low skill levels and raises a skill by performing it. Several skills with weapons, armor and magic are used in combat and are raised by performing them. Monsters (dragons, demons, skeletons, etc.) are found in various game locations and respawn a few seconds after they are killed. Player characters can fight each other in designated game's areas. A further strong point the game has is the players ability to create and personalise their own accounts.

Non-combat skills are also a major aspect of the game. Players use skills such as fishing, mining, and woodcutting to collect raw materials. Secondary skills like cooking or crafting are used to convert these materials into useful items. Some examples of player-produced items are lobsters for restoring hitpoints and "runes" for casting spells.

In addition to skills, there are a variety of quests and minigames which offer useful rewards like skill experience or new items. RuneScape is updated frequently with new content, often on a weekly basis. Tips about playing Runescape can be found at [http://runescape.wikia.com/wiki/Main_Page this RuneScape wiki].

==Criticism==
The most common criticisms of RuneScape's gameplay are its repetitive nature and relatively low quality of graphics (compared to other MMORPGs)

Along with other RPGs, Runescape has come under criticism over its addictive nature with players sometimes using the game for days on end despite the advice of Jagex.
==References==
<references/>

[[Category:Video games]]

Existentialism

2007-08-01T20:26:47Z

Overture:

Existentialism is both a broad philosophical movement and a cultural movement. One of it's central concepts is that a human being's "existence preceeds essence." Generally, this says that we do not have funadamental attributes, and that humans must develop these attributes as their lives progress.
==Philosophical Movement==
The earliest existentialists were the devout Christian [[Soren Kierkegaard]] and the vocal atheist [[Friedrich Nietzsche]]. The movement did not, however, develop its name or popularity until the 20th century when it was popularized by a number of thinkers—ranging from the atheist [[Jean Paul Sartre]] to the Jewish thinker Marten Buber. <ref>Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy[http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/existentialism/]</ref>
At its core, existentialism seeks to understand what it means to be human. For some existentialists, the answer is to be found in giving ourselves totally to God, for others the answer is that we must make our own meaning in the world. There is, to date, no agreement among existentialists as to which of these answers is correct, but academic debate remains vigorous. <ref>Existentialism Today[http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/existentialism/#5]</ref>

==Cultural Movement==
Information Needed, please add and edit
==Reference==

<references/>

[[Category:Philosophy]]

Determinism

2007-08-01T16:14:13Z

Overture:

'''Determinism''' is the doctrine that events are ''determined'' by [[natural cause]]s. It is generally seen as being in conflict with the doctrine of [[free will]].

==See also==

*[[Predestination]]
*[[Calvinism]]

[[category:philosophy]]