Conservapedia - User contributions [en]

Islam

2009-01-28T14:00:11Z

Sulli: /* Prominent Muslims */ changed back to suspected, as was discussed earlier (probably lost in crash)

'''Islam''' is a [[monotheism|monotheistic]] [[Abrahamic religion]] based on the teachings of [[Muhammad]], a seventh century [[Arab]] religious and [[politics|political]] figure. The word "Islam" means "submission [to Allah]" in [[Arabic language|Arabic]].

A follower of Islam is called a Muslim or Moslem, a term which means "one who submits (to God)". The older term [[Mohammedan]] means "follower of Muhammad", and has been used for centuries. Muslims do not use it today to avoid confusing worship of [[Muhammad]] with worship of [[Allah]]<ref>Schimmel, Annemarie. ''Islam: An Introduction''. State University of New York Press, 1992.</ref>. Muslims follow the teaching of Muhammad, whom they believe to be [[God]]'s last and greatest [[prophet]]. The faith teaches that the [[Archangel]] [[Gabriel]] appeared to him.

Muslims believe that God ("Allah", '''الله''' in [[Arabic]]) revealed the [[Qur'an]] (or Koran) to Muhammad and, despite his illiteracy, caused him to transcribe it <ref>Proclaim! (or read!) in the name of thy Lord and Cherisher, Who created- Created man, out of a (mere) clot of congealed blood: Proclaim! And thy Lord is Most Bountiful,- He Who taught (the use of) the pen,- Taught man that which he knew not.(Surah 96:1-5)</ref>. The [[Qur'an]] is considered to be the pure and [[holy]] word of God. Like [[Christianity]] and [[Judaism]], Islam originated in the [[Middle East]]. Islam claims to trace its roots back to [[Abraham]]. Muslims do not believe that Muhammad was the founder of Islam, rather that he restored the original faith of Abraham and the prophets, which had been corrupted and/or misinterpreted over time. Based upon this belief, [[the Bible]], [[Old Testament|Old]] and [[New Testament]], is believed to have become corrupted as well.

[[Image:Mecca.jpg|thumb|right|300px|[[Mecca]], one of the holy cities of Islam.]]
Islam is the second largest religion in the world, with over 1.4 billion followers, the number of Muslims is rapidly growing, mainly due to high birth rates, in both Muslim-majority and other countries . Conversions to Christianity (from ''any'' faith or lack thereof) outnumber those to Islam, but cannot keep up with the birthrate discrepancy.<ref>[http://www.bible.ca/global-religion-statistics-world-christian-encyclopedia.htm World Christian Encyclopedia]</ref>
<ref>[http://www.orthodoxytoday.org/articles6/AlJazeerahAfrica.php Translation of AL-Jazeerah interview between Maher Abdallah and Shiekh Ahmed Katani]</ref>

Many believe that Islam is currently the greatest threat to [[Christianity]] and [[Christian values]]. <ref>[http://christianblogs.christianet.com/1134840164.htm Is Islam a Threat to Christianity?]</ref><ref>[http://archive.newsmax.com/archives/articles/2002/5/8/183305.shtml Islam's Threat to the West]</ref><ref>[http://www.renewamerica.us/columns/stock/050413 Why Islam Hates Christianity]</ref>

==Historical Background==
According to Islamic belief, in 610 A.D., [[Muhammad]], a 40-year-old merchant of the Quraysh tribe in [[Mecca]], in the Arabian desert (now eastern [[Saudi Arabia]]), was commanded by the angel [[Gabriel]] to "recite" the message of [[Allah]] (Arabic for God). Gabriel said mankind had lost sight of Allah's previous messages to earlier prophets, [[Adam]], [[Noah]], [[Abraham]], [[Moses]], [[Solomon]], and [[Jesus]], among others, and that Muhammad was to spread Allah's message to all people so that mankind would know how to live, how to show respect for Allah, and how to prepare for the judgement day. The message to Muhammad was to be God's last; Muhammad was the "seal of the prophets." Muhammad won some converts to Islam in his local area, but his [[monotheist]] preaching threatened to undermine the profitable [[polytheist]] pilgrim traffic supporting many Meccan merchants. In 622 A.D., the merchants drove Muhammad and his followers out of Mecca to the city of Yathrib (later renamed [[Medina]], or city - as in the city of the prophet). This flight (hijra) from Mecca to Medina marks the beginning of the Muslim lunar calendar, and is celebrated each year in the hajj, the pilgrimage to Mecca. Muhammad's forces starting attacking the trade caravans going in and out of Mecca, cutting off its economic lifeline. After a series of battles between the Meccans and Muhammad's forces, Mecca finally accepted Muhammad's ultimatum to succumb and convert to Islam. The city welcomed the prophet back in 630. Muhammad died in 632. It is believed that Muhammed is the last Prophet. Tribal elders elected [[Abu Bakr]] to be Muhammad's successor, or [[Caliph]] (Khalifa). Abu Bakr united the tribes of the Arabian peninsula during his two years as head of the new faith. Upon his death, the elders elected [[Umar ibn al-Khattab]] the next Caliph. During Umar's ten year reign, Islam invaded and spread through the sword into [[Egypt]], [[Syria]], [[Palestine]], [[Iraq]], and parts of [[Iran]]. Umar was assassinated by a Persian (modern day Iran) in 644, and was succeeded by [[Uthman ibn Affan]], who continued the invasions to spread Islam into [[North Africa]], [[Cyprus]], the rest of Iran, [[Afghanistan]], and parts of [[India]] and [[Pakistan]]. Over the next two centuries, Islamic armies continued to expanded Islam's empire into sub-Saharan Africa, [[Spain]], Southeast and Central Asia, and [[Turkey]].

==Divisions Within Islam==
Uthman was assassinated in 656 A.D. by soldiers who then installed Ali ibn Abu Talib, Muhammad's son-in-law, as [[Caliph]]. Ali's followers believed Muhammad had chosen Ali to be Muhammad's heir, and had disagreed with the selections of Abu Bakr, Umar, and Uthman as Caliphs. Ali's claim to the position was challenged by Muawiyah, a kinsman of the murdered Uthman. Five years later, Ali was assassinated by Kharjites, religious dissidents who broke away from the main body of Muslims because they rejected Ali's accepting arbitration to resolve his leadership dispute with Muawiyah. Ali's supporters, or the Shiah al-Ali (or Shiat Ali, partisans of Ali) believed that Ali was the true Caliph and was, in part, divinely inspired. Ali's sons, Hassan and Husayn followed as [[Shia]] Caliphs, Hassan dying in 669 or 670 A.D., possibly by poisoning, and Husayn slain by soldiers of his rival, the [[Sunni]] Caliph Yazid, in 680 A.D.

The Shia Muslim community has divided further as followers coalesced around several of Ali's descendants or successors, called [[Imam]]s. The "twelvers," predominant in Iran, believe the twelfth Imam is in hiding and will reveal himself just before judgement day. Ismailis rejected the seventh Imam and practice a spirituality that seeks hidden meaning in scripture. Ismailis ruled much of [[North Africa]] as the [[Fatimid Dynasty]] of [[Egypt]] in the tenth through the twelfth centuries, and today are found primarily in [[Pakistan]], [[Afghanistan]], and [[India]]. The Sunni majority reject the premise that men can be divine, including Muhammad, Ali, or Jesus, and did not accept any of the Imams who followed Ali. Sunnis remain more committed to traditions and less inclined to accept Shia mysticism. Today, about 15% of the world's Muslims are Shia and 85% are orthodox Sunni.

There are other factions within Islam. Sufis, a name apparently taken from the wool garments they wear, developed around mystical practices and trance-induced revelations. Sufis are found today in [[Turkey]], [[Syria]], and parts of [[Africa]]. Other movements have taken reform tracks, such as the Unitarians of [[Saudi Arabia]], also called [[Wahhabi]]s after their 18th century reformist founder Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab. The conservative Wahhabis are found today in Saudi Arabia and [[Qatar]]. Today the Wahhabi line has a tendency to produce extremists, such as [[Osama Bin Laden]]. Some critics would argue that the [[Taliban]] of Afghanistan took conservative reform to an extreme. Other sects or break-away groups include, among others, the Alawis found in Syria and Turkey, the [[Druze]] in Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, and Israel, the Ibadhis (Kharjites) in Oman and Africa, the Ahmadiya of Pakistan, and the Zaydis of Yemen.

==Religious Guidance==
During his lifetime, Muhammad's companions learned and later transcribed the verses (surrahs) of the Quran as Muhammad spoke them. In Islam, the teachings of Mohammed were believed to be direct divine revelation from God. Some utterances that Mohammed was unsure about, dubbed the Satanic verses, would later be incorporated in a novel in modern times by [[Salmon Rushdie]] who would then be subject to a death degree from the leader of Iran for his writing.

The third Caliph, Uthman, collected and codified the various versions of the surrahs into one written [[Quran]] that became the standard Arabic text used by the world's Muslims today. The Quran is longer than the Bible and written in general order of longest chapters to shortest rather than in any order of when they were spoken, sometimes making the work appear to be confusing. In all there are 114 chapters. Most of the later recorded sayings of Mohammed, which were also more warlike, actually appear earlier in the text. Present-day Muslims look first to the Quran as a guide to life, then to the [[Sunnah]], or the way of the Prophet (his life as an example for others) as recorded by his early companions, and then to the [[Hadith]], a collection of the Prophet's sayings, comments, advice, and descriptions.

Frequently, Muslims disagreed over how to interpret certain passages in the Quran, the Sunnah, or the Hadith in their search for the ideal life and perfect path to heaven. From these interpretations Sunni Muslims developed four schools of law, or interpretations of law, named after their founders or early leaders: the Hanbali, considered the most strict school and predominant today in Saudi Arabia; Shafi, the school of widest acceptance, found in Egypt, parts of Palestine-Syria, south Arabia, and the Far East; Maliki, prevalent in North Africa, Sudan, and Nigeria; and Hanafi, considered the most moderate school, predominant in Ottoman Turkey and today found primarily on the Levant and Indian subcontinent. Frequently, Muslim countries have two separate legal systems, one for civil, criminal, or commercial law, and a second, and separate, system for religious law. Religious courts and their judges (qadis) might handle issues dealing with marriage, divorce, child custody, inheritance, religious education, charitable or religious property (Waqf), or family matters. Among Middle Eastern countries, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, the United Arab Amirates, and Yemen have Shariah courts serving alongside their secular courts or have adopted [[Sharia]]h (Islamic law) as the basis of their legal systems.

====Clergy====
Sunni Islam does not have a priesthood or clerical hierarchy to conduct religious services or interpret scripture, but it does have prayer leaders, called Imams, and religious scholars, called Ulama, who often are educated men familiar with the Quran and able to offer commentaries on Quranic verses. Sunni Muslims also respect the teachings and interpretations of scholars, judges, and academics who may interpret laws, write treatises on Sharia (religious law) or Hadith, and issue Fatwas, religious declarations intended to enlighten or guide Muslims.

Shia Islam has a hierarchy that resembles a priesthood. Mullahs are prayer leaders, but usually do not interpret religious law. Mujtahids are religious scholars who may interpret law or passages from the Quran or Hadith. The lower order of Mujtahids are called Hojjatolislam. Ayat Allah (literally sign of God, also Ayatollah) is a higher order of Mujtahid who may issue Fatwas, or religious edicts, in addition to leading Islamic schools, interpreting religious law and the Quran, and offering sermons or discourses on proper Islamic behavior.

===Five Pillars of Islam===
*'''Shahadah (Profession of Faith)''' -The Shahadah is the Muslim profession of faith. 'ašhadu 'al-lā ilāha illā-llāhu wa 'ašhadu 'anna muħammadan rasūlu-llāh, a loose English translation reads "''There is none worthy of worship except God, and [[Muhammad]] is the messenger of God''" This testament can be seen as the foundation of all of the other tenets of Islam.

*'''[[Salat]] (Ritual Prayer)''' -All Muslims are required to Pray to God five times each day while facing [[Mecca]].

*'''Zakat (Charity)''' Able Muslims must donate to the poor based on the wealth one has accumulated. In current usage it is interpreted as 2.5% of the value of most valuables and savings held for a full [[lunar year]].

*'''Sawm (Fasting)''' All able-bodied Muslims (children, the elderly, and the ill are exempt) must fast during daylight hours during the daylight hours of the entire month of [[Ramadan]]. According to Muslims, this purifies the body and soul. Some Muslim sects allow military, police and emergency services personnel to receive an exemption from fasting from an imam, on the grounds that their work supports the community or national good.

*'''Hajj (Pilgrimage)''' All able-bodied Muslims must make a pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in their lives.

==Other Aspects of Islam==
[[Image:Quran.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Pages from the Qur'an, the holy book of the Islamic religion.]]
====Jihad====
Jihad is the "effort" or "struggle" each Muslim faces in the everyday trials of life, such as the effort to get better grades in school, or the striving to achieve better results from a job, or the struggle to avoid sinful temptations. Jihad also can be applied to warfare; participating in jihad in Allah's cause was the third most important good deed listed in the Hadith, after prayer and honoring one's parents. Jihad often was a rallying cry for the military spread of Islam in the seventh through tenth centuries against non-Muslims.

====Osama bin Laden and Fundamentalists====
[[Osama bin Laden]], a follower of a particular brand of Islam popular in Saudi Arabia, has stated that Islam is at war with the United States and its allies. Some observers maintain that the number of Muslims who believe as bin Laden does is growing, and others go further to suggest that all "fundamentalist" Muslims are enemies of the West. But other observers differentiate between conservative "fundamentalists" and the "extremists" who follow bin Laden or other terrorists. These observers suggest that the fundamentalists disagree with bin Laden as much as do Westerners. It is hard to know the truth. Many westerners are still haunted by the images of cheering crowds dancing in the streets when the 9/11 attacks were announced and were disappointed at the lack of prominent condemnation of the attack from Islamic circles worldwide.

====People of the Book====
Christians and Jews are called "people of the Book" in the Koran and are considered earlier forerunners to Islam and viewed as brothers as long as they pay an extra tax when under Islamic rule. Islam, tracing its roots back to Abraham through his son Ishmael instead of Isaac as the Jews did, believes that they are the descendants of God's promise. Islam believes that both the Old and New Testament were corrupted and corrected by the Koran, but there is still an earlier link between the three religions. The view of Jews and Christians varied within different parts of the Koran and Islamic history. Much of current Islamic culture, even in places that were once very tolerant such as Egypt, has seen an upsurge in persecution and violence against Christians and Jews.

====Women in Islam====
For the most part, the Quran treats men and [[woman|women]] equally, applies the same injunctions and prohibitions to men and women, and grants many of the same privileges and benefits. But women are treated separately in certain instances. For example, women are required to "... draw their outer garments around them ... that they may be known (to be Muslims) and not annoyed (by men)." (Quran 33:59) Covering the head and body in public (hijab) is viewed by many Muslim women as a protection of their modesty, a way to discourage men's covetous eyes. The principle of hijab is applied in different ways: a small scarf around the head and regular "street clothes" may be voluntary and acceptable in Cairo or Damascus but a full length opaque [[Burqa]] was enforced in Taliban Afghanistan. The treatment of women may depend upon rural or urban settings, educational level, society norms, tradition, or other factors. As of 2008, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan are the only two Middle Eastern countries where the government requires women to wear some form of modest garb.

Islamic dress is a regular grounds for conflict in multicultural education.

Treatment of women varies widely by country. In the Islamic state of Saudi Arabia women are forbidden from driving a car, traveling in public without their husband or a male family member as an escort, leaving their home without wearing Islamic dress, working or voting. Though not formally forbidden from owning property, they have no way of obtaining this as work is forbidden and only males are permitted to inherit - should a man die, his brothers, sons and father will all inherit before his wife. These restrictions are part of the criminal law of the country, and enforced by the police and a special Islamic office. Pakistan has similar restrictions, but to a lesser extent. In contrast, Turkey has a majority Muslim population yet still grants women rights near-equal to those of men including property ownership, employment, and education to university level.

Muslim apologists suggest the extremely repressive policies of countries such as Saudi Arabia and Pakistan are cultural rather than religious, and point to the more moderate Islam practiced in Turkey as a demonstration that Islam and womens' rights are compatible, and point to past Christian-dominated cultures such as medieval Europe as examples that other religions can be distorted to justify oppression.

Muslim women's status is controversial. Some critics claim that Muslim men oppress Muslim women by compelling them to remain hidden behind the veil, sequestered in the home, and ignorant of the world by denying them access to education and worldly opportunities. Defenders of some practices suggest that many of them, such as the veil, are cultural traditions that pre-date Islam and are intended to protect, not constrict, women, or that many Muslim women adopt the life style of the veil voluntarily. There are Muslim women who agree and disagree with the critics.

====Mecca, Medina, and Jerusalem====
Muhammad's home city of Mecca was the site of his earliest preaching and conversions, and is the location of the Kaaba, traditionally held to be the foundation stone of the first mosque built by Adam and later restored by Abraham, and now the focus of the annual pilgrimage (hajj). Some historians suggest that the Kaaba, a black stone probably meteoric in origin, was venerated by pre-Islamic polytheistic religions.

At first, Jerusalem was Islam's holy city and the focus of prayers, but Mecca became the center of Islam after Muhammad's return in 630. Medina, because of its early association with Muhammad and as the site of Muhammad's tomb, is second in importance to Mecca. Jerusalem is revered by Muslims as the site of Solomon's temple, Abraham's near sacrifice of his son Ishmael, and the scene of Muhammad's miraculous midnight journey, the latter two now enshrined in the Dome of the Rock mosque. According to the Quran (Surrah 17:1, Isra) and Hadith, Muhammad and Gabriel were taken on winged mules from Mecca to Jerusalem, where they ascended through the seven heavens to the presence of Allah. During the visit, Muhammad learned, among other points, that Muslims were to pray five times each day and to honor Abraham, Moses, Jesus, and the other prophets.

====Restrictions====
Observant Muslims are not supposed to eat pork and in general do not have dogs as pets; both swine and canines are considered unclean. Muslims are proscribed from drinking alcoholic beverages. Observant Muslims do not collect interest.

====Non-Muslim Practices====
Some practices have been associated with Islam because they occur in Islamic countries, but actually are not a part of Islam. For example, female circumcision is not mentioned in the Quran, but is mentioned in Hadith as an "honorable" but not obligatory condition. It is a pre-Islamic tradition in parts of sub-Saharan Africa and the Arab world, notably in Eritrea, Yemen, and Egypt. Another example of a practice that has been associated incorrectly with Islam is honor killing, in which a brother, father, or uncle "restores" or "defends" a family's honor by killing the sister, daughter, or niece that dishonored the family through unmarried pregnancy or promiscuous behavior. The "honor killing" is more ancient and possibly tribal in origin.

==Islam and Christianity==
While Muslims do not believe Jesus to be the Son of God or in the resurrection, they consider him and his mother to be of God's most important prophets (Marian and Isa) otherwise known as Mary and Jesus. However, the Qur'an warns against worshiping Jesus, Muhammad, and other humans for fear of [[idolatry]].<ref>[http://www.ccg.org/_domain/ccg.org/Islam/Islam.htm Christian Churches of God Articles on Islam], March 10, 2007</ref>

The Qur'an states that Christians will be punished, though the nature of the punishment is not specified:

"Surely, disbelievers are those who said:
'Allah is the third of the three (in a Trinity).' But there is no god but One, Allah.
And if they cease not from what they say, verily, a painful torment will befall the disbelievers among them.

Will they not repent to Allah and ask His Forgiveness? For Allah is Oft Forgiving, Most Merciful.

The Messiah , son of Mary, was no more than a Messenger; many were the Messengers that passed away before him. His mother was a Siddiqah (i.e. she believed in the words of God and His Books ).
They both used to eat food (as any other human eat).
Look how We make the signs clear to them, yet look how they are deluded away (from the truth)."

Qur'an 5:73-75

However, Islam does recognize Christians and Jews as "people of the book" since both refer to one God only, and recognize Abraham (Ibrahim in [[Arabic]]) as a founding prophet.

Islam and Christianity both accept the theory of [[intelligent design]] as correct, and do not recognize [[evolution]]ist views.

==Islam and Paganism==

Although Muslims profess belief in a single [[God]], some believe Islam has its roots in an earlier polytheistic system.<ref>[http://www.chick.com/information/religions/islam/]</ref> By this thinking God is linked to an earlier moon deity, although it should be brought up that there is no mention of this in the Qur'an, where Allah is cited as the God of [[Abraham]].<ref>The Qur'an, Sura 37 [http://www.amazon.com/Holy-Quran-Allamah-Nooruddin/dp/0963206702]</ref><ref>Abramahov, "Islamic Theology". Edinburgh University Press: Edinburgh, 1988. [http://www.amazon.com/Islamic-Theology-Binyamin-Abrahamov/dp/0748611029/sr=8-4/qid=1172042917/ref=pd_bbs_sr_4/105-1837174-2630046?ie=UTF8&s=books]</ref>

==Sharia==
[[Image:StarCresent.png|thumb|right|220px|The Star and Crescent is a symbol of Islam. It is featured in the national flag of [[Algeria]], [[Azerbaijan]], [[Malaysia]], [[Tunisia]], [[Mauritania]], [[Pakistan]], and [[Turkey]].]]
[[Sharia]] is the body of Islamic law. The term means "way" or "path"; it is the legal framework within which public and some private aspects of life are regulated for those living in a legal system based on Muslim principles of jurisprudence. It is not actually part of the canonical Qur'an; that is to say, it is not believed to be the direct word of God by Muslims, but rather the interpretation of it.

Sharia deals with many aspects of day-to-day life, including politics, economics, banking, business law, contract law, sexuality, marriage, divorce, and social issues. Some Islamic scholars accept Sharia as the body of precedent and legal theory established before the 19th century, while other scholars view Sharia as a changing body, and include Islamic legal theory from the contemporary period.{{fact}}

==Ex-Muslims==
[[Michelle Malkin]] highlights a group of Ex-Muslims hoping to change the terms of debate about Islam in Europe. Maryam Namazie, the head of the British group said "Too many things in the media and government policies have been geared to pandering to the political Islamic movements and Islamic organizations." <ref> [http://michellemalkin.com/2007/06/20/ex-muslims-stand-up-in-britain/ Ex-Muslims stand up in Britain]</ref>

----
''Some of the text for this article was taken from "Islam: A Primer", Congressional Research Service Report for Congress (2003), a work in the public domain'' [http://www.history.navy.mil/library/online/islam.htm#back]

==Prominent Muslims==
*[[Muhammad]]
*[[Muhammad Ali]]
*[[Ahmed Deedat]]
*[[Yusef Islam]]
*[[Prince Naseem Hamed]]
*[[Rezazadeh Hossein]]
*[[Ayatollah Khomeini]]
*[[Ayatollah Khamenei]]
*[[Mohammad Khatami]]
*[[Osama Bin Laden]]
*President [[Barack Hussein Obama]] (suspected)

== See also ==
[[Image:Africa islam 87.jpg|thumb|Islam in Africa]]
*[[Arab American]]
*[[Islamic republic]]
*[[Qur'an]]
*[[Ramadan]]

==External links==
*[http://muslim-canada.org/islam_christianity.html Islam and Christianity] - excellent article comparing and contrasting the two.
*[http://www.usc.edu/dept/MSA/quran/ Quran online in English]
*[http://www.usc.edu/dept/MSA/fundamentals/hadithsunnah/bukhari/ Sahih Bukhari (Hadith collection) online in English]
*[http://www.usc.edu/dept/MSA/fundamentals/hadithsunnah/muslim/ Sahih Muslim (Hadith collection) online in English]
*[http://www.usc.edu/dept/MSA/fundamentals/hadithsunnah/abudawud/ Sunan Abu-Dawud (Hadith collection) online in English]
*[http://www.usc.edu/dept/MSA/fundamentals/hadithsunnah/muwatta/ Malik's Muwatta (Hadith collection) online in English]

==References==
{{reflist|2}}

[[Category:Islam]]
[[Category:Worldviews]]

Talk:Apple (fruit)

2009-01-19T03:34:37Z

Sulli:

I'm not sure what "mostly apples are eaten on their own, like oranges" is supposed to mean. What about bananas? I am surprised that two themes very dear to the heart of American conservatism has been ignored in this article. What are they? Well, let me give you a clue that points to both: What kind of pie did Eve bake for Adam in the Garden of Eden? [[User:MylesP|MylesP]] 18:30, 11 January 2009 (EST)
:I am not sure if this has changed in newer translations, but the original Bible mentions nothing about an apple in the Garden of Eden but rather the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil. [[User:Sulli|Sulli]] 22:34, 18 January 2009 (EST)

Complementary and Alternative Medicine

2009-01-13T01:17:25Z

Sulli: acupuncture

Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) consists of medical treatments and therapies outside of what is traditionally taught in medical school or recognized for reimbursement by government health programs.

In the [[United States]], 36% of adults are using some form of CAM and spend $36 billion to $47 billion on CAM therapies in 1997.<ref>http://nccam.nih.gov/news/camsurvey_fs1.htm</ref> The numbers of uninsured Americans increases by about 1 million persons per year, and the amount spent on CAM is likely much higher today. If CAM is defined to include megavitamin therapy and prayer specifically for health reasons, 62% of Americans use CAM.

CAM Practices include the following:

*Biologically based treatments using substances found in nature, such as herbs, special diets, or vitamins in non-conventional doses, such as massive amounts of Vitamin C.

*Manipulative and body-based practices that utilize movement of body parts.

*Mind-body medicine emphasizing the potential of the mind to affect bodily function and symptoms.

*Holistic medical approaches that focus on all of one's life, as physicians did in ancient times.

*Non-western treatments, such as Chinese acupuncture.

== References ==

<references/>

[[Category:Medicine]]

Homeopathy

2009-01-13T01:16:05Z

Sulli: or ethanol for organic solutes

'''Homeopathy''' is a quack theory of [[alternative medicine]] which tries to treat illnesses with infinitesimal doses of the drugs that cause the same symptom as the illness. Homeopathy is based on the ideas of [[Samuel Hahnemann]], a 19th century physician who observed that some contemporary medicines evoked symptoms similar to those of the illnesses for which they were prescribed.

Critics claim there is no clear evidence to support the efficacy of homeopathic remedies.<ref>http://www.bbc.co.uk/science/horizon/2002/homeopathy.shtml</ref> They further argue that the reported effects are equivalent to placebo.<ref>http://www.quackwatch.org/01QuackeryRelatedTopics/homeo.html</ref>

Homeopathic beliefs have no standard theory; practitioners vary widely in their prescriptions. No known scientific pathway for the medicines exists, and the theory defies all known physics, biology, and chemistry, particularly as the medicines consist of arbitrary substances diluted to the point where the mixture is entirely water or ethanol.

== Homeopath beliefs ==
Homeopathic remedies involve treating an illness with an infinitesimally small dose of a substance that, at bigger doses, can cause symptoms that are like those of the illness (treating 'like with like'). Homeopaths believe that the 'potency' of a remedy can be increased by serial dilutions (repetitively adding water or alcohol) combined with vigorous shaking, to the point where little or none of the original solution remains as part of the final prepared remedy.

The word 'homeopathy' was first used by the German physician Christian Friedrich Samuel Hahnemann (1755-1843). Hahnemann was an eminent physician and a prominent public health reformer. He believed that his new system was more humane and effective than the conventional medicine of his time<ref>Hahnemann S (1796) translated into English as "[http://www.minutus.org/library/article_read.asp?id=6 Essay on a New Principle]". Hahnemann's [http://www.homeopathyhome.com/reference/organon/organon.html Organon der Heilkunst] in English translation</ref>, but it was greeted by the establishment with derision and contempt.<ref>Dean ME (2001) [http://shpltd.co.uk/dean-homeopathy.pdf Homeopathy and the progress of science] Hist Scixxxix</ref> Today, homeopathy is not an accepted part of conventional medicine, and its theories are not generally regarded as scientifically credible, but nevertheless it has more than 100,000 practitioners worldwide, and 500 million users.

Homeopathy (from the Greek hómoios (similar) and páthos (suffering)) regards diseases as 'morbid derangements of the organism', that involve some disturbance in a 'vital force.' Today, most homeopaths still believe that the fundamental causes of disease are internal and constitutional and that it is contrary to good health to suppress symptoms. They also accept the concept of 'latent Psora', the early signs of an organism’s imbalance which indicate that treatment is needed.

== See also ==

*[[Naturopathy]]
*[[Mind/body]]

== References ==
<references />
[[category:medicine]]
[[category:pseudoscience]]

Talk:Richard Lenski

2009-01-13T01:12:25Z

Sulli: /* Apologies... */ reply

==Formatting==
I borrowed a template from another wiki which might make the data section a bit easier to comprehend. I will include it here pending approval of senior sysops. [[User talk:MargeryCampbell|Marge]] 12:03, 28 June 2008 (EDT)

Looks great. Please install in the entry as desired.--[[User:Aschlafly|Aschlafly]] 12:55, 28 June 2008 (EDT)
:Okay, I've moved it. I've also cut it from this page for economy's sake. [[User talk:MargeryCampbell|Marge]] 13:07, 28 June 2008 (EDT)
::Actually it makes the article look amaturish. For starters you have written in capitals and you have not explained why the missing data is significant which is the point of the side-by-side template to do a full rebuttle. [[User:DanielB|DanielB]] 19:44, 28 June 2008 (EDT)

:::I agree. A discussion specifying what one expects from the 'missing' data and what usefulness such information would likely shed is necessary.--[[User:Argon|Argon]] 12:57, 30 June 2008 (EDT)
::::I agree that it is necessary to establish exactly what is being asked for in the terse comments on the right hand side, sadly such a discussion could get the majority of the contributors banned for the 90/10 rule. I myself have not contributed much to this question recently as a result of this rule. Could the powers that be explicitly suspend this rule on this issue so that the question may be freely discussed? --[[User:British_cons|British_cons]] [[User_talk:British_cons|(talk)]] 13:12, 30 June 2008 (EDT)

== Listing fields ==

I'm not a parodist, though I did make a mistake on what a CV is.

== Suggestion: Disagreements with E Coli paper should go to a new section? ==

Shouldn't this be a brief bio of Lenski, and a link to the controversy over the paper, including the discussions and the emails, be part of that page instead of here? It looks pretty bad putting it on the main page. 18:11, 30 June 2008 (EDT)
On the other hand, after doing some research, I don't think it's standard for faculty to put degree fields in a list of their degrees.

I googled "MSU biology", then went over the "Faculty List A-G". Here is what I found:

No list of degrees: 2
List with fields: 3
List without fields: 12

Finally, Oberlin is a liberal college, and they do focus mostly on liberal arts. [[User:Drochld|Drochld]] 14:26, 29 June 2008 (EDT)

==Template / formatting==
Out of interest, I help to administer a private wiki where I work, and think this template is quite nice. Might I ask where you found it, and what (if any) associated copyright restrictions there are on it? [[User:Henry8th|Henry8th]] 15:49, 29 June 2008 (EDT)

: Really, "Henry8th"??? That's an amazing coincidence you describe: you just happen to administer a "private wiki" at "work". Before wasting people's time with your silliness, how about convincing us a bit more of the earnestness of comment, as in providing the wiki version number, the type of your employer and the location of your "work". I'm sure the wiki developers who freely donate their efforts for use by all would be thrilled to learn of your profitable use.--[[User:Aschlafly|Aschlafly]] 16:33, 29 June 2008 (EDT)
:: We run Mediawiki 1.6.7 (yes, I know we're incredibly out of date, but we can't upgrade to a newer one as that would require PHP5, whereas we need that server running PHP4 to support other older software). I make it a habit not to disclose too much personal information on the internet, I'm afraid, but I'm a PhD student at a UK university and I help to administer a wiki run by my research group. By "private" I mean "accessible only to people within my research group"; we find that a wiki is an efficient way for us to edit documents collaboratively. [[User:Henry8th|Henry8th]] 16:47, 29 June 2008 (EDT)
:: The copyright policy here says "Conservapedia grants a non-exclusive license to you to use any of the content (other than images) on this site with or without attribution".[[User:JPohl|JPohl]] 11:53, 30 June 2008 (EDT)
:::However, since it was admitted above that the template is not CP's creation, it should first be established whether or not the template was used in a correct way (and if any attributions are needed) before others borrow it from here. [[User:ZTak|ZTak]] 12:06, 30 June 2008 (EDT)
::::I would ask the same question as ZTak above. Firstly, from a legal point of view I would want to be absolutely sure that any code I might upload to a server at my university was properly licensed (we have regular software audits, of course). Secondly, from an ethical point of view I would like to make sure that I can properly credit the original author of the template. As someone whose work involves writing computer programs, I certainly wouldn't appreciate it if someone took software I'd written and didn't attribute authorship correctly. [[User:Henry8th|Henry8th]] 14:36, 30 June 2008 (EDT)

== Fact checking could use some work on the omissions section ==

I strongly encourage editors to confirm that the topics on this entry's 'omissions' section page really refer to "data not provided" and do not reflect the lack of understanding of the research. At a bare minimum it is necessary to completely read the actual article. 'Skimming' it quickly is not fair to the goals of this wiki or Lenksi's lab. To at least be diligent, I recommend that the authors of the "omissions" section go to Lenksi's lab web page here (https://www.msu.edu/~lenski/), and peruse (read, not skim) the many papers related to the Long-Term Evolution project that are referenced in the current paper.--[[User:Argon|Argon]] 11:57, 30 June 2008 (EDT)

== I do not understand why my last edit was reversed ==

It seems to be common practice (and therefore not "odd") to not list what fields faculty majored in, and Oberlin is very liberal. [[User:Drochld|Drochld]] 12:34, 30 June 2008 (EDT)

I'm not certain what 'liberal' has to do with anything and "odd" has pejorative overtones. Rather than worry about 'oddness' why not investigate the degrees? In his graduate program Lenski studied insects and evolution and around 1983, worked with Bruce Levin, moving into the study of microbial evolution.--[[User:Argon|Argon]] 12:51, 30 June 2008 (EDT)

== This man is nothing but a farce ==

Why must we, the children of God, even acknowledge this liberal atheist (as if there is any other form of an atheist) on our glorious site? We are only feeding his overinflated ego by doing so. --[[User:Dexter111344|Dexter111344]] 12:52, 30 June 2008 (EDT)

== A problem with: "Lenski is best known for his claim to have observed [[evolution]] of [[E. coli]] in a long-term laboratory study," ==

This recent study is but one of many papers by Lenksi ''et al'' regarding the evolution of bacterial populations in continuous culture. He is best known professionally for his ''in vitro'' experiments studying the population dynamics of genetic adaptations in bacteria and other studies in microbial evolution.--[[User:Argon|Argon]] 13:14, 30 June 2008 (EDT)

== don't clutter this entry with meaningless edits???? ==

The topic of the page is 'Richard Lenski'. I added additional bibliographic information about Lenski's professional awards and they are reversed as "meaningless edits"? And the 'odd' comment remains despite the fact that it's common to leave the subjects of the degrees out of web pages?--[[User:Argon|Argon]] 13:43, 30 June 2008 (EDT)
:Yes, various links to things such as [[data]] as well. I thought data was central to the question at hand? Why not link to it (such as it is)? And a mention of his work with virtual organisms seems relevant - especially as it's mentioned again at the end.--[[User:British_cons|British_cons]] [[User_talk:British_cons|(talk)]] 13:47, 30 June 2008 (EDT)

And now I'm a "Lenski supporter"? Anyone who actually read the paper and referenced the pertinent section of the article that clearly specified the glucose concentration used is a supporter? I think that addition of 'Lenksi supporter' is needlessly inflammatory. Furthermore, with regard to the question: WHERE IS THE DATA MEASURING OR CONFIRMING THE 25 MG/LITER GLUCOSE? DID THAT CONCENTRATION EVER CHANGE?", I also wrote: "A weighed amount of glucose is mixed into the medium. The paper states that the concentration listed was used in the media throughout the continuous subculturing experiment." and that got removed. Resubmitted.--[[User:Argon|Argon]] 18:14, 30 June 2008 (EDT)

== shouldn't we move the E Coli paper discussion to a separate page? ==

It looks really cheezy to have this right on Lenski's biography, very unprofessional.
Just have a link and move all that discussion to something like Lenski_E_Coli_controversy,
don't erase a thing. [[User:Encinocathy|Cathy]] 18:11, 30 June 2008 (EDT)

== Wrong format for a debate ==

Ignoring all the other issues with this "article", the side-by-side table is really not made for a discussion. Maybe move that part to a debate page? It's quite silly to see an encyclopedia article doing a question-and-answer session with anonymous participants. --[[User:KevinM|KevinM]] 18:18, 30 June 2008 (EDT)
:Agreed. It's silly to post the page without doing the basic research. Better to corral the innuendos into debate pages.--[[User:Argon|Argon]] 18:20, 30 June 2008 (EDT)
::Also, we have yet to discovere the proper attribution for the side-by-side table, and as such it should be taken down or it might constitute a violation of copyright. [[User:ZTak|ZTak]] 18:25, 30 June 2008 (EDT)
:::Given that [[User:MargeryCampbell|Marge]] said she took the template from elsewhere, it would presumably be straightforward for her to tell us where she found it. Given that information I'd happily aid the project by checking out this other wiki's copyright policy before reporting back here. [[User:Henry8th|Henry8th]] 18:45, 30 June 2008 (EDT)
:My issue is mostly about using a left/right table when the left side is basically just the intro section while the right side is suddenly filled with a weird pseudo-debate that goes back and forth. It would be better to do it like this:
==Visual Inspection==
===Lenski's Paper===
(quote)
===Discussion===
(back and forth; not as debate, but in more encyclopedic "A claims B, to which C points out D." style)

==Study Omissions==
(quote)
:And so on. It would make the article more readable. And it would have the added benefit of NOT USING SO MANY ALL-CAPS SENTENCES, BECAUSE DESPITE WHAT SOME SITES SAY, CAPSLOCK IS NOT THE CRUISE CONTROL FOR COOL. --[[User:KevinM|KevinM]] 19:12, 30 June 2008 (EDT)

:Furthermore, it would help review the status of claims rather than deleting them outright: Here's a most recent example: ''(removed least important point, which was obscuring more important ones)" Aschlafly. Revision as of 19:34, 30 June 2008''
:I think it is an important point in two senses: 1) If the level of glucose was not growth limiting then Cit+ mutants might not have been discovered. It is an important feature of the experiment in this instance. 2) It's clear that the glucose concentration was indeed disclosed. How about creating a section titled "Data someone repeatedly claimed was undisclosed but was actually found by looking" and move the deleted test there?--[[User:Argon|Argon]] 20:24, 30 June 2008 (EDT)

== Atheist Lobbying Organization ==

Should this remain in the article, given that it was inserted by an identified (and subsequently banned) parodist? --[[User:Benp|Benp]] 20:52, 30 June 2008 (EDT)

: Anything wrong with the cites for it? By the way, not every block is proper. If in error, and I don't know if this one was, the block is reversed.--[[User:Aschlafly|Aschlafly]] 20:57, 30 June 2008 (EDT)

::There's nothing wrong with the cites, per se; they just don't quite cover the assertion. The cited sources do a good job of establishing that the PNAS is largely atheistic (something which is pretty well-known anyway.) They don't really cover any "lobbying" activities, though. --[[User:Benp|Benp]] 21:04, 30 June 2008 (EDT)

::: OK, based on what you said, how about taking out the "lobbying" reference only? As to the rest, it's informative: most people don't know how atheistic the PNAS is.--[[User:Aschlafly|Aschlafly]] 21:05, 30 June 2008 (EDT)

::::Will do. --[[User:Benp|Benp]] 21:06, 30 June 2008 (EDT)

== Maybe need to add another section ==

It would probably be better to split the biographic information from the discussion of the letters exchanged with A. Schlafly. Perhaps a section titled: "Interactions with Andrew Schlafly" (or "site owner") would better hold that aspect.--[[User:Argon|Argon]] 21:05, 30 June 2008 (EDT)

== e-mail ==

For public interest, could we at CP view the e-mail regarding the template here? If the claim in the e-mail has merit and further measures are pursued, it does not seem fair that the whole site should be punished for one man's refusal to remove the template. Perhaps we could see the e-mail and discuss whether or not the claim is valid. [[User:ZTak|ZTak]] 22:04, 30 June 2008 (EDT)

==Professor?==
''Is'' Lenski an actual professor? I know there are plenty of people who exaggerate their status ad pretend they're something they're not. I wouldn't be surprised at all if he's one of them, given what we know of him so far. Have we seen his credentials? [[User:TonyT|TonyT]] 08:26, 1 July 2008 (EDT)

:TonyT I was about to give you a serious response, but then I realized that you have to be joking so thanks for making me laugh. [[User:Rellik|Rellik]] 15:30, 2 July 2008 (EDT)
::He has been blocked as a parodist already, so don't bother responding. I'm thinking of removing this nonesense. [[User:HenryS|HenryS]] 15:37, 2 July 2008 (EDT)
:::So has 'Rellik'. Isn't it sad to see two trolls having a conversation? [[User:Bugler|Bugler]] 16:35, 2 July 2008 (EDT)

==Digital Organisms==
Lenski is famous for two things. His work with his work E. coli and his work with digital organisms. The work with digital organisms is the work referred to in a somewhat unclear way at the bottom of the page. I have twice tried to mention this other important aspect of his work and twice been reverted. This time the edit was called "Liberal Claptrap"!! One would have thought that, in an article about Richard Lenski, mention of what he ''actually does'' would be important and not "Liberal Claptrap".--[[User:British_cons|British_cons]] [[User_talk:British_cons|(talk)]] 09:13, 1 July 2008 (EDT)
:If I get no response, presumably I can assume it was reverted in error and I can put it back in?--[[User:British_cons|British_cons]] [[User_talk:British_cons|(talk)]] 11:47, 1 July 2008 (EDT)

::What did he do with [[E. coli]], and what is a "[[digital organism]]"? --[[User:Ed Poor|Ed Poor]] <sup>[[User talk:Ed Poor|Talk]]</sup> 15:39, 2 July 2008 (EDT)

:::Ed, I think British is talking about the twenty or so years Lenski has been experimenting with and growing up 12 E. coli cell lines. This last bit with the citrate mutation is one entry among twenty years. -- [[User:Aaronp|Aaronp]]
::::Richard Lenski is a well known scientist. He is well-known for his 20-year project on [[E. coli]]. (I must say that I don't know how to respond to Mr Poor's question, "What did he do with E. coli" as the entire Lenski debate has been about his work with E. coli.) He is '''also''' well known for his work with [[Digital organisms]]. The final part of the existing article sort of talks about this in a rather confusing manner. Given that he is well-known for '''both''' these two things and that the article is about him, I had thought it would be a good idea to mention them both.--[[User:British_cons|British_cons]] [[User_talk:British_cons|(talk)]] 08:23, 3 July 2008 (EDT)

== Release data to other [[evolutionists]]? ==

The paper says that only two people analyzed the data: Lenski and a grad student whom I presume acts under his direction and control.--[[User:Aschlafly|Aschlafly]] 15:59, 2 July 2008 (EDT)

He says in his email that he will release the E. coli samples to a competent scientist who asks for them. How is that no agreeing to release the data to other evolutionists? -- [[User:Aaronp|Aaronp]]

:Lenski does say that in his email. He didn't say that he wouldn't release the data to a competent scientist that held creationist views. Really at this point a competent scientist with creationist credentials needs to step forward. [[User:MAnderson|MAnderson]] 16:13, 2 July 2008 (EDT)

::Can we be more clear about "data" and "samples"? The point is whether anyone but his cronies has tried to [[replication of results|replicate]] his results, or even to check whether his data and methods are sound. [[Peer review]] is not enough; that just means his article is worth publication; it doesn't mean he has discovered something which now automatically goes into the standard biology textbooks. --[[User:Ed Poor|Ed Poor]] <sup>[[User talk:Ed Poor|Talk]]</sup> 16:17, 2 July 2008 (EDT)

Peer review = check to see if his methods are sound. You may also note that the experiment took a while, and was published last month. It would be implausible for anyone to have tried to replicate the findings at this point. [[User:Murray|Murray]] 18:09, 2 July 2008 (EDT)

:: I took a quick look and could not find any promise by Lenski that he would release his '''''data''''' (which the paper says he analyzed) to anyone. Can you quote where you think Lenski promises to release his "data"? As to releasing samples to a "competent" scientist, Lenski places so many conditions on that it is doubtful to me that he would view any potential critic as "competent". Regardless, it's clear to me that Lenski will not submit to public scrutiny of the data that the paper says he analyzed.--[[User:Aschlafly|Aschlafly]] 16:19, 2 July 2008 (EDT)

:::Well lets take what you've said as a given Ed. The data and samples are still available to a competent scientist. I am going to contact this Bohlin guy from Probe Ministries to see if he is interested or can find someone who is. I'll report back. [[User:MAnderson|MAnderson]] 16:23, 2 July 2008 (EDT)

:::: You're embarking on a fool's errand, MAnderson. It's clear to me that Lenski won't release his data to anyone independent. I'm not even sure Lenski has any meaningful data to support his claims.--[[User:Aschlafly|Aschlafly]] 16:27, 2 July 2008 (EDT)

:::::Good to see that someone is actually trying, after a week or so of no action. Andy, with how many biologists have you discussed this paper's methodology?--[[User:Argon|Argon]] 19:35, 2 July 2008 (EDT)

:::::: Looks like someone likes this fool's errand of trying to persuade Lenski to turn over his federally funded data. But don't hold your breath, Argon.--[[User:Aschlafly|Aschlafly]] 20:55, 2 July 2008 (EDT)
:::::::Think positive! Have you had any luck finding a microbiologist or similarly qualified researcher with whom you can discuss this paper as it is or the rest of Lenski's work? How about Doug Axe, with the DI's Biology Institute?--[[User:Argon|Argon]] 21:47, 2 July 2008 (EDT)

:::::Note that the strains are the ultimate standard for reproducing the work. It would take less than a week for competent microbiologist to confirm that the strains have the markers specified. Sequencing of the specified regions could also be performed in about a week. In other words, all this could be accomplished in about half of the time this 'debate' has gone on. Running the strains through the replay experiments is also easy and would confirm the results. One can express an opinion about whether Lenski would share the strains as he says (a condition to which he is bound under the journal's rules), but that is pure speculation until someone actually makes the attempt.--[[User:Argon|Argon]] 19:49, 2 July 2008 (EDT)

:::::: Argon, I did ask Lenski to turn over the data, and so can you. He refused, and I'm confident he'll continue to say "no" to any independent scrutiny of his claims.--[[User:Aschlafly|Aschlafly]] 20:55, 2 July 2008 (EDT)
:::::::That misses the point. If you don't trust his report in the paper why would you trust the data he sends you? The *strains* are the key to the paper. They either are or aren't as he says they are. You can't fudge a strain that is supposed to have been grown in continuous culture with an established lineage. Reproducibility of the methods with the materials is what verifies this work. (Actually, so does the whole genome sequencing which is planned in the next stage of the research). The strains *are* available and the requirements Lenski set for sending them are standard for the field. There are thousands of labs that could meet the criteria.
:::::::As I mentioned earlier: Verification of the strain markers could be accomplished in a week. Add another week for sequencing. I'd suggest either finding a sympathetic researcher to give you some help or wait until the whole genome sequencing gets reported later.--[[User:Argon|Argon]] 21:32, 2 July 2008 (EDT)

::Maybe so, in any case I sent this email to Dr. Bohlin, a qualified biologist and creationist.

::Dear Mr. Bohlin,

::Some people at conservapedia.com are concerned that a paper published by Richard Lenski describing a beneficial mutation occurring in E.coli may deserve closer scrutiny. Mr. Lenski has said that he is willing to release his data and samples of the E. coli to a competent scientist for further research and review. You seem to have the proper credentials to make this request. Are you interested or are you aware of other scientist that are at your level and share your personal beliefs that might be interested? I think that everyone at conservapedia would appreciate your input.

::Sincerely,

::Mike Anderson
::Conservapedia contributor

::[[User:MAnderson|MAnderson]] 16:32, 2 July 2008 (EDT)

::: Can't hurt to try, and your efforts deserve praise, MAnderson. I hope for a sensible result from your inquiry, but unfortunately do not expect it.--[[User:Aschlafly|Aschlafly]] 17:16, 2 July 2008 (EDT)
::: Mike, aside from the question of whether you persuade Dr. Bohlin to request and analyze the raw data or strains, perhaps you might ask if he finds any irregularities with methods described.--[[User:Argon|Argon]] 19:31, 2 July 2008 (EDT)

::::Here is the response that I got from Dr. Ray Bohlin of Probe Ministries:

::::Dear Mike,

::::I appreciate your notice of my qualifications but as President of Probe Ministries, I no longer work in a laboratory or have access to one and therefore I am unable to follow up on your gracious request. I have a feeler out to some other scientists but at the moment they are already quite busy with other projects. However, you may not be aware of Mike Behe's excellent response on his author page at Amazon.com. The text is below. Perhaps you could contact Mike about using his response.

::::Respectfully,

::::Ray Bohlin, PhD
::::President
::::Probe Ministries
::::www.probe.org
::::rbohlin@probe.org

::::He provided the response by Prof. Behe but I am not including it because it is lengthy and people can view it on Amazon. My only editorial comment is to note that Prof. Behe in his rebuttal does not in any way conclude that Prof. Lenski’s research is flawed or that his data is incomplete or hidden. He just feels that the experiments results do not support the theory of evolution. [[User:MAnderson|MAnderson]] 08:48, 7 July 2008 (EDT)
::::::Can you provide the link to Prof. Behe's response? [[User:Karajou|Karajou]] 23:06, 10 July 2008 (EDT)

::::Here is the link http://www.amazon.com/gp/blog/A3DGRQ0IO7KYQ2/ref=cm_blog_dp_artist_blog [[User:MAnderson|MAnderson]] 09:08, 11 July 2008 (EDT)

:::::What's going on? Hasn't anyone at conservapedia gotten on the phone and even tried to recruit an christian scientist to follow up on this? Why not?? [[User:MAnderson|MAnderson]] 22:51, 10 July 2008 (EDT)

== Andy Schlafly, please send a letter to Lenski asking him if he is an [[atheism|atheist]] ==

Andy Schlafly, please send a letter to Lenski asking him if he is an [[atheism|atheist]]. [[User:Conservative|Conservative]] 17:34, 2 July 2008 (EDT)

:Why? [[User:MAnderson|MAnderson]] 17:40, 2 July 2008 (EDT)

: Have you read his writing on a discussion about [https://myxo.css.msu.edu/lenski/history/science_and_religion.pdf science and religon] and [https://myxo.css.msu.edu/lenski/history/science_church_and_state.pdf on science, church and state]. --[[User:Rutm|Rutm]] 17:52, 2 July 2008 (EDT)

::I meant why is it relevant to his scientific work? [[User:MAnderson|MAnderson]] 17:55, 2 July 2008 (EDT)

:::Lenski says that with better words than I can in the second pdf I linked above. --[[User:Rutm|Rutm]] 20:23, 2 July 2008 (EDT)
::::Clearly, he's not a 'Dawkins-ite'.--[[User:Argon|Argon]] 21:35, 2 July 2008 (EDT)
::::::One of the links Rutm cited has Lenski stating he told someone it was none of their business what worldview he holds. It would not surprise me if he was one of the many closet atheists who cannot defend their [[atheism]]. Christianity on the other hand has Jesus stating: "Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven. - Matthew 10:32-33 [[User:Conservative|Conservative]] 22:49, 3 July 2008 (EDT)

:::::::I knew the reason why. I just wanted you to say it. Basically because Lenski is or might be an atheist, he is immediately discredited. I don't see things that way at all which is why I am perfectly happy to have a dedicated Christian scientist review the data. I assume that honor exist among scientist of all stripes and that the goal of scientist is to fairly judge scientific research. [[User:MAnderson|MAnderson]] 08:53, 7 July 2008 (EDT)
MAnderson, you are extraordinarily naive if you imagine that scientists espousing [[Atheistic]] or [[Liberal]] views somehow turn those views 'off' when conducting research. If one's entire world outlook is distorted in such a way, it affects everything one does - consciously or otherwise. [[User:Bugler|Bugler]] 10:38, 7 July 2008 (EDT)

:Bugler - do you believe avowedly Christian scientists can turn their beliefs off when conducting research? [[User:StanleyAccrington|StanleyAccrington]] 13:46, 7 July 2008 (EDT)

:: In reply to both Bugler and Stan, I guess I prefer to believe that people are basically good and will at least try to take the high road when given the chance. If that is being naive then so be it. Have a great day! [[User:MAnderson|MAnderson]] 17:11, 7 July 2008 (EDT)

:::As a scientist myself, it's patently obvious that anybody who is unable to turn off personal feelings/beliefs and not have them affect their interpretation of data is, by definition, a bad scientist. Data doesn't lie. They are observed facts. If you allow bias to creep into the mix, you're carrying out poor science. [[User:Wisdom89|Wisdom89]] 17:54, 7 July 2008 (EDT)

::::You're being too naive if you think every scientist in the world is completely honest and wouldn't (mis?)interpret the data in a way that wouldn't contradict his worldview. Just look at the Global Warming crowd. [[User:WilliamH|WilliamH]] 18:21, 7 July 2008 (EDT)

:::::We can debate about human nature here if you want, however, that would get us no where. No one said anything about all scientists. Obviously there are exceptions to every rule. We're human. It's ludicrous for me to have to preface my statements with such trivia. So, implying that the ''majority'' of scientists are swayed by their personal beliefs is horribly cynical. A spiritual/religious scientist and an atheist scientist are on equal footing when it comes to data analysis. [[User:Wisdom89|Wisdom89]] 20:08, 7 July 2008 (EDT)

::::::Good to see we agree that atheist scientists can become blinded by their own prejudices and produce misleading conclusions (although we disagree on many other things.) So why is it that one shouldn't be suspicious when the scientist in question is being evasive about the requests for data? [[User:WilliamH|WilliamH]] 15:38, 8 July 2008 (EDT)

''A spiritual/religious scientist and an atheist scientist are on equal footing when it comes to data analysis.'' That is precisely ''not'' the case. Faith in God is natural and right: it is, if you like, the 'default' condition of mankind. Atheism is a perversion of belief; it takes a wilful step into ignorance and defiance of God. Once that step is taken, all values of truth and objectivity fly out of the window. Atheists cannot practice science; the need to 'prove' and 'justify' their terrible howling void of non-belief means that they can only practice pseudo-science. [[User:Bugler|Bugler]] 15:44, 8 July 2008 (EDT)
:I honestly hope you don't ever become a scientist. I say this not to slight you, but because your view on how it should/does function is horribly skewed. [[User:Wisdom89|Wisdom89]] 16:30, 8 July 2008 (EDT)

== An Interesting Lenski Quote ==

From the first of the two papers Rutm linked:

<blockquote>
I think the same facts of evolution--with the perpetual struggle for existence and genetic rewards for selfishness--could just as easily be used to support a religion that both Dr. Hefner and I would find repugnant.
</blockquote>

Is it me, or is Dr. Lenski admitting that evolution can be used to support some extremely nasty philosophies? --[[User:Benp|Benp]] 21:30, 2 July 2008 (EDT)
:I believe he's saying one could '''*attempt*''' to use it justify practically anything. But more likely, one would probably be committing something akin to a naturalistic fallacy in so doing.--[[User:Argon|Argon]] 21:42, 2 July 2008 (EDT)

== Statistical Significance ==
The 2 instances in the little table that imply that statistical significance or lack thereof should be reported look a bit silly. The first phrase refers to the statement by Blount et al. that "A number of Cit+ clones were isolated..." on p7900. Asking how many is all well and good. But it appears the researchers decided how many to isolate, and it is nonsensical to ask about significance. The second phrase refers to the end of the sentence: "all were Ara-, T5-sensitive, and T6-resistant, as expected." It is potentially a bit more relevant here, but still doesn't make a lot of sense to simply ask generally about statistical significance - compared to what? Calculating significance is a way of testing the probability of sampling error, if that helps. [[User:Murray|Murray]] 11:01, 3 July 2008 (EDT)

== Visual Inspection ==
The methodology here is what's important, and they clearly write that the "LTEE populations are transferred daily into fresh medium, and the turbidity of each is checked visually at that time." The observations for which you are requesting data seem to be the kind of observations that aren't recorded, because they do not need to be. I'll give you an example from my experiences in the lab: when I perform an electrophoresis gel run, I have to make an agarose gel. Every time I do so I follow the recipe taped to our microwave: 40mL TAE buffer, 400mg Agarose. It's a given in our lab that all our gels are 1%, unless otherwise stated. Likewise, it seems likely that somebody working in Lenski's lab will, when checking for turbidity, do so by holding up a tube of culture, observe, "Yep, that's turbid," and continue on with the procedure as outlined in their protocol. If Lenski's lab is more diligent than the one in which I work, then we are still dealing with the kind of data that never leave a graduate student's notebook. Again, what data do you want, a table containing the exact same information every day ''(June 6, 1999 - Checked turbidity of cultures. They were turbid. June 7, 1999 - Checked turbidity of cultures. They were turbid. June 8, 1999 - Che...)''? Or would only scans of graduate students' notebook pages suffice? --[[User:Codyc|Codyc]] 20:54, 5 July 2008 (EDT)

== "Lenksi's biographical sketch does not exhibit any background or experience in mathematics or statistics. " ==

This dirt-digging is getting ridiculous, IMO. Prof. Lenski got his doctoral degree in Zoology. His thesis was "Effects of competition and disturbance on ground beetle populations". That area and evolutionary biology are math intensive with a substantial emphasis in statistics. His second and third papers are: Lenski, R. E., and P. M. Service. 1982. '''The ''statistical analysis'' of population growth rates calculated from schedules of survivorship and fecundity'''. Ecology 63:655-662. and Service, P. M., and R. E. Lenski. 1982. '''Aphid genotypes, plant phenotypes, and genetic diversity: a ''demographic analysis of experimental data'''''. Evolution 36:1276-1282. Did the person who wrote the headline comment even read any of Lenski's works? I would suppose not.--[[User:Argon|Argon]] 14:00, 13 July 2008 (EDT)

== uhhh ==

How would you obtaining E. Coli samples help? I don't think any of the editors or sysops here have the qualifications or the equipment to do anything with them. [[User:Jirby|Jirby]] 11:55, 20 August 2008 (EDT)
perhaps if the sysops presented the entire paper then they could have a more concrete basis for their disagreements and put their questions into full context rather than raising arguments that leave the reader blind to the whole situation. For instance you could have the paper and then say we disagree with this and here's why blah blah blah, instead of pulling random sentences from the paper without context and dissecting them. Because when you think about it critically it only undermines the sysops's arguments with the research. [[User:superstudent|superstudent]] 10:16 22 September 2008

== Lenski's Position ==
I put in the title of the chair that he holds. The information is in his biographical sketch. Why was it changed? I thought a completely accurate description of Lenski was the point of this, or am I wrong? Does mentioning that he's the Hannah Distinguished Professor of Microbial Ecology, as it says on his web page somehow violate a tenate of Conservapedia? The information can be found on his homepage and verified by looking at the web page of the University. Without any idea of why we should not mention his possession of a named professorship, I'm going to put that back in. If this is wrong to do, please tell me. [[User:ArnoldFriend|ArnoldFriend]] 23:05 25 September EDT

==Lenski's Atheism==
This article mentions Lenski's "...unabashed atheism", but provides no citation. I read his two pieces on religion and science (https://myxo.css.msu.edu/lenski/history/science_and_religion.pdf and https://myxo.css.msu.edu/lenski/history/science_church_and_state.pdf), as well as his responses to Aschlafly's letters. Nothing in those documents backs up the atheism claim. Is there something else that supports it? Should this claim be removed? --[[User:Martib|Martib]] 22:49, 15 November 2008 (EST)

==Lenski's Position II==
Why the removal of the mention of his position again? I figured that having a named professorship was something noteworthy in the article. (Noteworthy in what way is up to the reader. I view it as more of a black mark on MSU's case than in favor of Lenski, especially given his refusal to actually disclose his data. If this should be explicit in the entry, please tell me and I'll do my best to put it in.) For the moment, I'm not touching the page, but I am confused as to why an edit I made close to a month ago was changed back now. [[User:ArnoldFriend|ArnoldFriend]] 21:14, 17 November 2008 (EST)

: The academic titles are silly and misleading, particularly when there is no explanation of the process behind the title. He's a professor, and that does have a well-established meaning. Beyond that someone has to make a case for explaining the significance of an additional title before including it.--[[User:Aschlafly|Aschlafly]] 21:23, 17 November 2008 (EST)

:: Ok, that makes sense. Sorry if I came across as harsh, I was just a confused by having one of my edits called "senseless liberal puffery," (which was not its intention). [[User:ArnoldFriend|ArnoldFriend]] 22:00, 17 November 2008 (EST)

::: The John Hannah Distinguished professorships are '''endowed''' professorships that were created in 1966 by the Board of Trustees to honor John Hannah and his 25 years of service to the university. They are teching and research positions. The professorships are “dedicated to the encouragement of continued outstanding scholarship, creative activity, and teaching.” [from MSU ] [[User:Markr|Markr]] 17:07, 18 November 2008 (EST)

== Apologies... ==

I just completely edited the page, posted a paragraph full of nought but my opinion and luckily it was promptly changed... I was very angry upon reading that reprort and its article on Conservapedia and broke a Conservapedia Commandment... I'm sorry.

:You may wish to recreate your account with a real name if you are going to contribute positively instead of just vandalizing articles. [[User:Sulli|Sulli]] 20:12, 12 January 2009 (EST)

Dance Dance Revolution

2009-01-13T01:10:42Z

Sulli: more info

'''Dance Dance Revolution''', or DDR, ([[ESRB]] rating: E) is a series of popular [[video games]] originating in [[Japan]], and popular around the world.

The series encourages gamers to hit [[button]]s with their feet, in time with the directions on the screen, and rewards them with "points" and encouraging messages, such as the word "PERFECT!" The game features many songs for the players to dance to, including popular current or classic songs and songs created just for the game.

DDR is considered a good form of aerobic exercise, and represents a positive trend towards healthier video games.

[[Category:Video Games]]

Richard Lenski

2009-01-13T01:04:09Z

Sulli: Undo revision 608957 by MisterMxyzptlk (Talk)

'''Richard Lenski''' is a professor of microbial [[ecology]] at Michigan State [[University]].<ref>Richard Lenski Biographical Sketch [http://myxo.css.msu.edu/BioSketch.html]</ref><ref>Richard Lenski Homepage [https://www.msu.edu/~lenski/]</ref> He holds a B.A. from Oberlin College (but does not disclose his field of study in his biographical sketch), and a [[doctorate]] in zoology<ref>Purpose in Evolution symposium Participants [http://www.templeton.org/humble_approach_initiative/Purpose_in_Evolution/part6.html]</ref> from the [[University of North Carolina]].<ref>[https://www.msu.edu/~lenski/]</ref>
When Lenski started graduate school at UNC in 1977, his father, professor Gerhard Lenski, was the Chair of the Division of Social Sciences at the same school. <ref>http://hirr.hartsem.edu/ency/lenski.htm</ref>

Richard Lenski is best known for his 20-year old E. coli experiment in which he claims to have captured evolution in progress, saying that bacteria made minor changes in the long-term laboratory study while insisting that it was not due to contamination.

The 2008 paper he co-authored was [[peer review]]ed in 14 days, sparking obvious questions regarding potential problems <ref>See [[Conservapedia talk:Lenski dialog]].</ref> about the thoroughness of the review. The statistical analysis in Lenski's paper has been criticized for having serious flaws.<ref>See [[Flaws in Richard Lenski Study]].</ref>

When Richard Lenski received a public request for the [[data]] underlying for his published claims, he did not provide the actual data even though his study was taxpayer-funded and even though the request was made in part to enable review of the data by students of the requestor.<ref>[[Conservapedia:Lenski dialog]].</ref>

Undisclosed or obscured data for Lenski's 2008 paper are noted below (pp. 2-3 from paper, superscripts omitted):<ref>For those wishing to review the paper personally it may be found at [http://myxo.css.msu.edu/lenski/pdf/2008,%20PNAS,%20Blount%20et%20al.pdf this link] from Lenski's website.</ref><ref>A Lenski defender has asserted that this table format is copyrighted under [[GFDL]], which imposes overly complex rules for reuse.</ref>

<includeonly>
{{DEFAULTSORT:{{PAGENAME}}}}
</includeonly>
__NOTOC__
<TABLE width=100% cellspacing=2 cellpadding=2>
<TR><TD width=50% valign=top bgcolor=#003366 align=center><font color="#f6f7ff" size="+1">Undisclosed Data</font>
</TD><TD width=50% valign=top bgcolor=#000000 align=center><font color="#f6f7ff" size="+1">Some Questions about the missing data</font></TD></TR></table>

====Visual inspection====
<TABLE width=100% cellspacing=10>
<TR><TD width=50% valign=top>
Evolution of Cit Function in Population Ara-3. The LTEE populations are transferred daily into fresh medium, and the turbidity of each is checked visually at that time. ...
</TD><TD width=50% valign=top>
Data on these observations?

</TD></TR></table>

====Turbidity====
<TABLE width=100% cellspacing=10>
<TR><TD width=50% valign=top>
...the cultures are only slightly turbid when transferred. Occasional contaminants that grow on citrate have been seen over the 20 years of this experiment.
</TD><TD width=50% valign=top>
Data? When and how many?
</TD></TR></table>

====Contaminants???====
<TABLE width=100% cellspacing=10>
<TR><TD width=50% valign=top>
These contaminated cultures reach much higher turbidity owing to the high concentration of [[citrate]] in the medium, which allows the contaminants to reach high density. (When contamination occurs, the affected population is restarted from the latest frozen sample.)
</TD><TD width=50% valign=top>
Data for when that occurred, and how often?

A Richard Lenski defender says, "If interested in a thorough review, contact the group directly, with a legitimate request for data. Otherwise, the disclaimer is a more than adequate description of the sample handling process."

In fact, two requests were made directly to Lenski for data, without success. His [[Conservapedia:Lenski dialog#Second_Reply|second response]] was rude and insulting.
</TD></TR></table>

====The Numbers Please?====
<TABLE width=100% cellspacing=10>
<TR><TD width=50% valign=top>
After 33,127 generations, one population, designated Ara-3, displayed significantly elevated turbidity that continued to rise for several days (Fig. 1).
</TD><TD width=50% valign=top>
Higher resolution data underlying figure not provided despite request.
</TD></TR></table>

====More missing Numbers====
<TABLE width=100% cellspacing=10>
<TR><TD width=50% valign=top>
A number...
</TD><TD width=50% valign=top>
Data? How many? Statistically significant?
</TD></TR></table>

====Trust us====
<TABLE width=100% cellspacing=10>
<TR><TD width=50% valign=top>
of Cit clones were isolated from the population and checked for phenotypic markers characteristic of the ancestral E. coli strain used to start the LTEE: all
</TD><TD width=50% valign=top>
Data? How many? Statistically significant?
</TD></TR></table>

====Missing Characteristics====
<TABLE width=100% cellspacing=10>
<TR><TD width=50% valign=top>
...were Ara, T5-sensitive, and T6-resistant, as expected (2)
</TD><TD width=50% valign=top>
Data about these and other characteristics?

A Richard Lenski defender says, "Interested parties should consult the literature on these topics. It is not within the scope of this paper to address the significance of these markers."

What is missing from disclosure are the data that the markers were actually observed in a reliable and conclusive manner in this study.
</TD></TR></table>

====DNA====
<TABLE width=100% cellspacing=10>
<TR><TD width=50% valign=top>
DNA sequencing also showed...
</TD><TD width=50% valign=top>
DATA??

A Richard Lenski defender says, "The inclusion of this data would be considerably more extensive than appropriate for the inclusion in this paper."

No one asked for the data to be printed in the paper. What is missing is disclosure of the data on the website, or upon public request.
</TD></TR></table>

====More missing data====
<TABLE width=100% cellspacing=10>
<TR><TD width=50% valign=top>
...that Cit clones have the same mutations in the pykF and nadR genes as do clones from earlier generations of the Ara-3 population, ...
</TD><TD width=50% valign=top>
Data about these and other characteristics?

A Lenski defender cites to general information unrelated to this study: Available in other publications,
pykF <ref>[http://www.ihop-net.org/UniPub/iHOP/gs/519955.html "IHOP-pykF"]</ref> and
nadR <ref>[http://www.ihop-net.org/UniPub/iHOP/mgi/447129.html "IHOP-nadR"]</ref>.

A Richard Lenski supporter also cites an earlier claim (perhaps also unsupported by public release of the data) by Lenski's group: See also the reference for the sequence identification which Blount ''et al.'' list as reference #30 in their paper: Woods, R., D. Schneider, C. L. Winkworth, M. A. Riley, and R. E. Lenski. 2006. Tests of parallel molecular evolution in a long-term experiment with Escherichia coli. PNAS, USA 103:9107-9112.<ref>http://www.pnas.org/cgi/content/abstract/0602917103v1</ref>.
</TD></TR></table>

====More missing data====
<TABLE width=100% cellspacing=10>
<TR><TD width=50% valign=top>
...and each of these mutations distinguishes this population from all the others (30).
</TD><TD width=50% valign=top>
Data distinguishing "This population from all the others"?
</TD></TR></table>

====Fast Tracked====
<TABLE width=100% cellspacing=10>
<TR><TD width=50% valign=top>
Therefore, the Cit variant arose within the LTEE and is not a contaminant.
</TD><TD width=50% valign=top>
The astoundingly short 14-day [[peer review | PEER REVIEW]] period, measured from the day the paper was sent out for review to the day of formal contribution by Lenski after acceptance, raises questions as to whether there was any meaningful peer review of this at all.
</TD></TR></table>

====Sample Sizes?====
<TABLE width=100% cellspacing=10>
<TR><TD width=50% valign=top>
Cit<sup>+</sup> cells constituted [about] 0.5% of the population at generation 31,500, then 15% and 19% in the next two samples, but only [about] 1.1% at generation 33,000.
</TD><TD width=50% valign=top>
What were the sample sizes and where are the actual data for this sampling?
</TD></TR></table>

Lenski's paper was published in the Proceedings of the [[National Academy of Sciences]], a professional society of scientists with a strong bias towards [[atheism]] and [[evolutionism]]. <ref>http://www.stephenjaygould.org/ctrl/news/file002.html</ref> <ref>http://www.answersingenesis.org/docs/3506.asp</ref>

Lenski's work has been criticized in the past also. In a paper Lenski published in ''Nature'' in May 8, 2003 entitled "The Evolutionary Origin of Complex Features," he described a computer simulation that contained no actual biology. In fact, the discussion section of the paper stated:

:"Some readers might suggest that we 'stacked the deck' by studying the evolution of a complex feature that could be built on simpler functions that were also useful. However, that is precisely what evolutionary theory requires ...."

Dr. William Dembski explained, "In other words, the computer programmers built into the simulation what they thought evolution needed to make it work. The validity of this study therefore depends on whether the simulation faithfully models biological reality."<ref>http://www.designinference.com/documents/2003.09.UncDiss_Intro_Contribs.pdf</ref>

Others have commented on Lenski's work while taking it at face value.<ref>[[Michael Behe]] wrote, in ''[[The Edge of Evolution]]'', "I had argued that the extreme rarity of the development of chloroquine resistance in malaria was likely the result of the need for several mutations to occur before the trait appeared. Even though the evolutionary literature contains discussions of multiple mutations (5), Darwinian reviewers drew back in horror, acted as if I had blasphemed, and argued desperately that a series of single beneficial mutations certainly could do the trick. Now here we have Richard Lenski affirming that the evolution of some pretty simple cellular features likely requires multiple mutations." Behe also said, "If the development of many of the features of the cell required multiple mutations during the course of evolution, then the cell is beyond Darwinian explanation. I show in The Edge of Evolution that it is very reasonable to conclude they did."[http://www.amazon.com/gp/blog/post/PLNK3U696N278Z93O]</ref>

==See Also==

*[[Conservapedia:Lenski dialog]] (letters requesting data, and Lenski's responses)
*[[Conservapedia talk:Lenski dialog]] (discussion of Lenski controversy<ref>See [[Liberal style]] point 1</ref>)
*[[Letter to PNAS]]
[[Category:Biology]]
[[Category:Scientists]]
[[Category:Academics]]
[[Category:Conservapedia Dealings with PNAS and Lenski]]
[[Category:Evolution]]
[[Category:Deceit]]

{{evolution}}

==References==
<references/>

{{DEFAULTSORT:Lenski, Richard}}

H. P. Lovecraft

2009-01-12T15:31:30Z

Sulli: racism

[[Image:998907809.jpg|right|thumb|He is in the picture]]
'''H. P. Lovecraft''' (1890-1937) was an [[United States of America|American]] author of fantasy and horror tales. He is the author who created the [[Cthulhu]] mythos, a fantasy world adapted by many subsequent authors. Lovecraft horror took many influences from [[Edgar Allan Poe]], [[Satanism]] and violent visions. On his ''At the Mountains of Madness'' he defends [[evolutionism|evolutionist religion]] as a truth.

Lovecraft has been accused of racism against Africans, Asians, and Arabs, as well as antisemitism for his portrayal of foreigners as keepers of evil secrets.

==Works==
*''Dagon''
*''The Call of Cthulhu''
*''The Other Gods''
*''The Shadow Over Innsmouth''
*''At the Mountains of Madness''

{{DEFAULTSORT:Lovecraft, H. P.}}
[[Category:Authors]]
[[Category:Horror]]

Talk:Essay:Quantifying Mental Strength

2009-01-09T14:46:17Z

Sulli: /* Liberal Tips */ some of it is conservative wisdom

==Second citation==

The public school link is exclusively for American public schools but the citation was for Canadian psychiatrists. It only gave a percentage of those psychiatrists that prescribed "Atypical" antipsychotics (one particular kind of psychiatric drug) not the number of prescriptions for children compared to the total number of kids in Canada (which is immaterial since we are talking about American schools). It makes no link between public schools at all and these psychiatrists (which admittedly there probably is) but this does not state a number therefore this cannot be used as justification for the blurb.--[[User:Lynus|Lynus]] 16:19, 3 January 2009 (EST)

: Lynus, we don't take kindly to [[censorship]] here. Don't delete information. If you think something is deficient, then improve it by finding ''more'' information, not less. Thanks.--[[User:Aschlafly|Andy Schlafly]] 16:22, 3 January 2009 (EST)

::How is this censorship when I am simply deleting a reference to an article that does not address the point it is making? I will certainly be glad to withhold on outright deletion and instead use the talk page but is taking a citation out of an article talking about crime statistics in America by citing Crime statistics in Singapore censorship? I really do not understand this Andy.--[[User:Lynus|Lynus]] 16:27, 3 January 2009 (EST)

::: Lynus, Canada is similar to the U.S. on this point. But more importantly, you're wasting my time. This is a project for open-minded people to contribute knowledge or insights. You've done neither in what I've seen of your edits. Build the encyclopedia, or please leave. Thanks.--[[User:Aschlafly|Andy Schlafly]] 16:56, 3 January 2009 (EST)

==Suggestions==
First, I think that this article is not quantifying as much as doing a qualitative analysis. I think it is important for the readers to know the difference between the two and for the article to not misstate something. I have not changed it so we can discuss it.

Second, the references to Christianity are fine but they don't do much. It seems that that is strictly for Christians and therefore in order to make a broader essay we should include tips that include everybody. If these tips help in the conversion of someone then we would need to address issues that pertain to the unsaved. I will try to include some soon.

The public school blurb is just that, a blurb. Certainly a case can be made for the overmedication of children but to say that the "main" way that schools address these issues are drugs needs a citation. But even if it is the case that it is the "main" way, which I don't believe, shouldn't we include the other ways schools address these issues, more studying, encouragement, reward and punishment etc. The sentence is way to broad to encompass every teacher and school in the public system.--[[User:Lynus|Lynus]] 14:41, 3 January 2009 (EST)

==Thrives==
Do you think "excels" might be a better word than "thrives" in the opening line? [[User:Corry|Corry]] 11:20, 19 October 2008 (EDT)
:How about "is obsessed with"? [[User:Human|Human]] 19:23, 19 October 2008 (EDT)
::Maybe "delights?" --[[User:ToJones|ToJones]] 19:25, 19 October 2008 (EDT)

::: Physical fitness is a good thing. Mental fitness would be even better. I don't see how the alternatives would be improvements.--[[User:Aschlafly|Aschlafly]] 19:38, 19 October 2008 (EDT)
::::Right now it reads as if our society thrives off the quantifying of physical fitness, not off the actual physical fitness. I understand your point, but it is hidden within the second half of your second sentence. Perhaps a better way of saying it would be "Our society thrives on our physical fitness and mental fitness. To help us improve our physical fitness, we quantify our physical strength [then the list of how we do it]. It is long overdue to create a similar system for mental fitness: ----[[User:ToJones|ToJones]] 19:42, 19 October 2008 (EDT)

::::: OK, good point. Will add now.--[[User:Aschlafly|Aschlafly]] 20:21, 19 October 2008 (EDT)

== Rename second half? ==

:The second half is approaches to improving mental strength? Maybe change section heading to reflect this? The way the article is now that section should be approaches to quantifying mental strength. Just change heading to "Approaches to Improving Mental Strength" ? ----[[User:ToJones|ToJones]] 20:04, 19 October 2008 (EDT)

:: Good suggestion. Will do.--[[User:Aschlafly|Aschlafly]] 20:21, 19 October 2008 (EDT)

== Dog attacks ==

I'm not sure about the inclusion of "dog attacks" in the irrational fears bullet point. Assumedly if a dog is attacking you, you should at least be concerned, especially if the dog is big, snarling, and has big teeth. That's a pretty rational concern. Do you mean fear of dogs in general? I know a girl who had some incident with a dog when she was young and now is deathly afraid of any dogs, even chihuahuas! -[[User:Foxtrot|Foxtrot]] 23:57, 20 October 2008 (EDT)

:I would argue that not wanting a large dog to chase you or not wanting to get shot are both very rational fears. I think you're trying to link gun control policies with lacking "mental strength," and I don't think it's a good comparison. There's a big difference between being afraid of being shot (if you were in a combat zone, wouldn't you be?) and believing that less guns in society as a whole would reduce crime. [[User:Corry|Corry]] 10:45, 21 October 2008 (EDT)

:: This obviously refers to an irrational or exaggerated fear of dog attacks, or guns. There may be legitimate fears of flying in airplanes, but the "fear of flying" obviously refers to an irrational or exaggerated fear.--[[User:Aschlafly|Aschlafly]] 12:33, 21 October 2008 (EDT)

:::That's fair- I have friends who are afraid of my little housecat, for example. Maybe a phrase could be included to discuss that the fear becomes debilitating in what would normally be a non-threatening situation. I think it would be good to leave out guns, however, because part of being taught how to responsibly use a gun is inculcating a certain fear and respect for the damage they can do. My father certainly drilled this into me as a child, and I think that it is irrational to have no fear of guns at all. While I can think of many situations where an irrational fear of something can alter normal behavior- refusing to stay on the thirteenth floor of a hotel, for example, I can't think of such scenarios with guns. [[User:Corry|Corry]] 13:04, 21 October 2008 (EDT)

:::: Irrational fear is worth getting rid of even when it is not "debilitating". People who have an exaggerated fear of dog attacks would much prefer not to have that fear, and improving mental strength is a way they can get over their fear.

:::: Guns are analogous to dog attacks, and the same logic applies to irrational fear of guns. Some people are too fearful of guns even to use them in self-defense, and they pay too high a price for that.--[[User:Aschlafly|Aschlafly]] 13:09, 21 October 2008 (EDT)

==If==
I've always found Kipling's poem 'If' inspirational, and a great source of mental strength, with the (admittedly very major) caveat that the strength given by God and by faith is not mentioned. [[User:Bugler|Bugler]] 18:17, 18 December 2008 (EST)

: Do you have a cite to it?--[[User:Aschlafly|aschlafly]] 18:18, 18 December 2008 (EST)

::http://www.kipling.org.uk/poems_if.htm [[User:Bugler|Bugler]] 18:20, 18 December 2008 (EST)

==Liberal Tips==

I know this is an essay, and as such should remain however the authors wish it to. However, the tips given by the APA are not actually particularly liberal (although there is no denying that the organization is). While it may not be useful to those in great distress, focusing on improving familial relationships, and increasing involvement in civic and religious groups is good advice that would benefit most liberals, who certainly could benefit from improved mental strength.

The vast majority of the recommendations, perhaps restated for clarity, could be given by a well-meaning conservative and be valuable. But on their face, these recommendations are far more conservative than the organization is. [[User:Sulli|Sulli]] 22:39, 3 January 2009 (EST)

: No, I don't think so. Most of the recommendations are quite [[liberal]] and harmful, such as urging someone in crisis to become ''more'' self-centered.--[[User:Aschlafly|Andy Schlafly]] 22:40, 3 January 2009 (EST)

::True, which also seems directly contradictory to the ones I mentioned from the article. Perhaps incorporating those into the essay separately would be a good solution? Certainly familial involvement is helpful. [[User:Sulli|Sulli]] 00:02, 4 January 2009 (EST)

:: Who wants to bet that if I had attributed this to Focus on the Family Andy would have had no problem with it? Andy with all due respect, this type of rant is why people think that this site is a joke. It would be OK if you could actually back it up or had substantive arguments but if it smells and looks like a rant...--[[User:Lynus|Lynus]] 23:03, 3 January 2009 (EST)

::: The rant is yours, not mine. My criticisms are well supported. Don't insult Focus on the Family by implying they would propose such an absurd and hurtful set of recommendations.--[[User:Aschlafly|Andy Schlafly]] 23:34, 3 January 2009 (EST)

Problem is is that you only view 3 of them as potentially harmful, namely the 2 you say are new agey and the one which you think is calling for self-centeredness. But you said that I shouldn't insult FotF by saying that they would advocate stuff like this. Well lets see what they actually have to say. Focus is italicized, APA is in bold.

''Instead of mourning our current state of affairs, we can be part of a new order. We can become agents of the new rather than apologists for what is passing away.''

'''Try looking beyond the present to how future circumstances may be a little better. Note any subtle ways in which you might already feel somewhat better as you deal with difficult situations.'''

''It is always more painful and risky to do something than to talk about it. But breaking the cycles of futility means we have an obligation to engage the problem.''

'''Take decisive actions. Act on adverse situations as much as you can. Take decisive actions, rather than detaching completely from problems and stresses and wishing they would just go away.'''

''In order to rid ourselves of real guilt, most of us will need to clean up after past sins, mistakes and transgressions. This usually includes a real apology and, in order to create one, we need self-awareness, humility and courage.''

'''Look for opportunities for self-discovery. People often learn something about themselves and may find that they have grown in some respect as a result of their struggle with loss.'''

''Isolating himself, on the other hand, is not healthy. Isolation may be symptomatic of depression, drug or alcohol use, anxiety or illegal behavior.''

'''Make connections. Good relationships with close family members, friends, or others are important. Accepting help and support from those who care about you and will listen to you strengthens resilience.'''

''Do the difficult tasks in phases. Often a "first draft" will get you 80 percent of the way along. Time for "topping off" the finished product can be better foreseen, and meeting the deadline seems less of a task.''

'''Move toward your goals. Develop some realistic goals. Do something regularly -- even if it seems like a small accomplishment -- that enables you to move toward your goals.
'''

I could go on but you get my point.

References:
[http://www.focusonthefamily.com/lifechallenges/emotional_health/depression/no_teen_is_an_island.aspx http://www.focusonthefamily.com/lifechallenges/emotional_health/depression/no_teen_is_an_island.aspx]
[http://www.focusonthefamily.com/lifechallenges/emotional_health/stress.aspx http://www.focusonthefamily.com/lifechallenges/emotional_health/stress.aspx]
[http://www.focusonthefamily.com/lifechallenges/emotional_health/changing_an_angry_spirit/winning_the_war_against_anger.aspx http://www.focusonthefamily.com/lifechallenges/emotional_health/changing_an_angry_spirit/winning_the_war_against_anger.aspx]
--[[User:Lynus|Lynus]] 10:52, 5 January 2009 (EST)

::::Although Lynus may be a liberal/vandal, some of the quotes he found are valuable. I believe I was right in saying that some of this advice is truly conservative wisdom, at worst slightly distorted by the messenger, and that it is not so easily discounted. [[User:Sulli|Sulli]] 09:46, 9 January 2009 (EST)

Reincarnation

2009-01-07T17:33:05Z

Sulli:

'''Reincarnation''' means "to come again in the flesh", and refers to the belief that, after a person's death, their soul may be born again as another person, animal or other creature. belief in reincarnation is common in many Eastern religions, including [[Hinduism]], [[Sikhism]] and [[Buddhism]]. Less commonly, certain [[Jewish]] sects have believed in either common or extremely rare reincarnation.

==References==
<references/>
[[category:religion]][[category:philosophy]]

Reincarnation

2009-01-07T17:32:43Z

Sulli: Jews and reincarnation

'''Reincarnation''' means "to come again in the flesh", and refers to the belief that, after a person's death, their soul may be born again as another person, animal or other creature. belief in reincarnation is common in many Eastern religions, including [[Hinduism]], [[Sikhism]] and [[Buddhism]]. Less commonly, certain Jewish sects have believed in either common or extremely rare reincarnation.

==References==
<references/>
[[category:religion]][[category:philosophy]]

Debate:AntiSemitism

2009-01-07T17:22:08Z

Sulli: overgeneralizations help noone

{{debate}}

The central belief in Christianity is that Jesus Christ died for the sins of all mankind. Thus the path to Heaven and God is through Christ alone. Given that God sent His only begotten Son to save humanity, the event leading to Christ's crucifixion and death were anticipated. Many Christians still believe that the Jews killed Christ, using Romans (or others) to do the deed [http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2027;&version=9;]. If the Jews were indeed responsible for killing Christ (I understand that this is NOT true), were they not doing God's bidding? After all, was not Christ's human sacrifice to save humanity from our sins? Why is that even after 2000 years, there is still simmering and often overt anti-semitism? And why is it that the children of Abraham - Jews, Christians and Muslims forget their common ancestry? [[User:kchittur|kchittur]]

:I've heard the same said about Judas-- that he made the ultimate sacrifice-- his own eternal soul in order to fulfill Jesus's plans. Or something like that. Also, I'm not sure if it's policy here, but it'd be helpful if you signed your posts with four tildes. [[User:IMFromKathlene|IMFromKathlene]] 03:37, 20 March 2007 (EDT)
:: (Oops, yes, I should have signed my name - policy OR not ...I noticed that someone edited MY post (look above) by adding the reference to biblegateway - but he/she DID NOT sign his/her name - It is one thing not to sign your name to your own post, quite another (worse IMHO) to edit someone's and not take credit/blame - so whoever posted that reference to biblegate, 'fess up) [[User:kchittur|kchittur]] 7:35, 20 March 2007 (CDT)
:::Sorry! Thought this was an article page. Didn't realise it was folks comments. I thought the [[Conservapedia_talk:AntiSemitism|Discussion]] page was for that. I'm confused.
:::"If I be wicked, woe unto me; and if I be righteous, yet will I not lift up my head. I am full of confusion; therefore see thou mine affliction;" (Job 10:15)
:::[[User:BillyBoy|BillyBoy]] 08:47, 20 March 2007 (EDT)
:::And your point is? [[User:kchittur|kchittur]] 07:55, 20 March 2007 (CDT)

:How do we reconcile these two passages?
::''No man hath seen God at any time ''(John 1:18) [http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=2&chapter=33&verse=11&version=9&context=verse]

::''the LORD spake unto Moses face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend.'' (Exodus 33:11) [http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=2&chapter=33&verse=11&version=9&context=verse] [[User:RobS|RobS]] 11:41, 28 March 2007 (EDT)

::::Remember that the Living God is a Trinity. It is probable that Moses spoke to another member of the Trinity and not to God the Father, whom no one has ever seen.[[User:Bohdan|Bohdan]] 23:23, 31 March 2007 (EDT)

:::::''we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. 13Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; '''comparing spiritual things with spiritual'''. 14But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned....16For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? but we have the mind of Christ.'' [http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=53&chapter=2&version=9&context=chapter]

:::::IOW, ''no '''nartural''' man hath seen God at any time''. Moses had the mind of Christ. [[User:RobS|RobS]] 01:35, 1 April 2007 (EDT)

First we must define what a "Jew" is. An ethnicity, religion, or cultural group. Also, Semites aren't all Jews. A Semite is anyone who speaks a Semitic language. Semitic languages include: Hebrew, Arabic, Amharic, Maltese, Akkadian, and Tingrinya.
[[User:neocorporatist|neocorporatist]]

I have always felt such disgust when I hear the naive and ignorant spout "Jews killed my Christ!" Not only disgust at their blatant anti-Jewish sentiments, but at the most basic level I am disgusted by their complete ignorance. Saying "Jews killed Jesus" is rednered meaningless when one takesd into account the fact that Jesus was a Jew, living in Jewish lands, subject to Jewish law of the time (when it was convenient for Rome that is...). Some ignoramuses scream "The Jews killed Jesus!" to incite "righteous" indignation and scorn towards Jews when truth in fact stating "Jews killed Jesus" is no more poignant and special than saying "the British killed Oliver Cromwell." To put it simply, it is one big "DUH!" [[User:Jros83|Jros83]] 21:37, 22 June 2007 (EDT)

Listen! I'm prbably the only jew on this site right now. Since the majority of you have brought up the the whole jews killed Jesus, I have to bring up the fact that the only people living in eretz yisrael at the time were jews and romans. So please talk about something besides the bible, like the holocaust, for instance!-- [[user_talk:Irish16]]

*Perhaps [[user:Fox|Fox]] (among others) will disagree with you! :p --[[User:TK|<small>Sysop-</small>TK]] <sub>[[User_talk:TK|/MyTalk]]</sub> 14:30, 17 July 2007 (EDT)
Antisemitism is just another form of hatred of God.... [[User:Pandeism|Pandeism]] 22:22, 14 March 2008 (EDT)

no, its not its just another form of racism (usually)-[[User:Greenmeanie|Greenmeanie]] 23:07, 22 May 2008 (EDT)

I`m not even sure what Antisemitism spans from all I know is that its a hatred of jewish people and its result, the holocaust and other rascist actions
*[[Liberal Christian]]s are anti-Semitic. --[[User:RickD|RickD]] 11:04, 7 January 2009 (EST)

Maybe some are, but I know many liberal Christians that have no problems with Jews. I've only been subjected to antisemitism from some atheists. I am surrounded by both, there are pretty big differences. [[User:Sulli|Sulli]] 12:22, 7 January 2009 (EST)

Philosophy of mind

2009-01-07T15:13:52Z

Sulli: added more

'''Philosophy of mind''' is the analysis of the nature of the [[mind]], [[consciousness]] and its relationship to the physical [[body]].

There are a number of different schools of thought generally addressing the philosophy of mind, including dualism, monism, behaviorism, identity theory, eliminative materialism, and functionalism.

==Dualism==

Dualism is thought to be the most common, natural view of the mind-body relationship. There are many different types of dualism. In it's most common form, substance dualism, dualists argue that the world is made up of at least two distinct substances: the material and whatever makes up the mind (generally, but not always, called the spirit).
Nobel Prize winner [[John Eccles]] is a proponent of [[dualism]].

==Monism==

Monism refers to the philosophical view that there is only one type of material. While this could be physical (see: eliminative materialism and identity theory), monism is generally used to refer to the school of thought where only the spiritual substance exists. These monists are often philosophical skeptics: because they think, they know the mind exists, but everything else could be illusory.

==Behaviorism==

Behaviorism is the philosophical school (closely related to the psychological school) that holds that there is no such thing as a mind. Instead, they replace what we call minds with descriptions of behavior.

==Identity Theory==

Identity theorists argue that mental states (such as the feeling of love) are identical with physical states (such as brain activity in the parietal lobe).

==Eliminative Materialism==

Eliminative materialism is the argument that our concept of mind is misguided from the start. Our 'folk psychology' describing emotions and sensations is full of bad descriptions, and further developments in neuroscience should eliminate talk of these mental states.

==Functionalism==

Functionalism is a school of thought that is not explicitly dualist or materialist. Functionalists argue that what is important about a mental state is the function it serves. One consequence of functionalist philosophy is that there could two races of humans that appear identical to each other. One group, called the identity theorists, are purely physical beings who feel like we humans do. The other group, called the dualists, are a combination of physical and mental substances who feel like we humans do. To a functionalist, pain in one group is the same in the other group, since it serves the same purpose as it does in humans in both. Although functionalism is open to dualism, most functionalists take a materialist route, generally along the lines of identity theory.

==See also==
*[[Metaphysics]]
*[[Mind and Brain]]
[[Category:Philosophy]]

Kwanzaa

2009-01-07T14:51:38Z

Sulli: moved info and added information about founder

[[Category:Observances]][[Kwanzaa]] is an [[African-American]] [[holiday]] consisiting of one week of celebrating, in honor of African-American heritage. The most well known-symbol of Kwanzaa is the Kinara, a candle holder with seven candles, which bears a similar, though not necessarily intentional, appearance to the [[Jewish]][[Category:Holidays]] [[menorah]] used during [[Hanukkah]]. Kwanzaa was created in 1966 by radical Black activist [[Ron Karenga]], a felon convicted of assault and false imprisonment after he tortured two women.

Its purpose is both to honor African-American heritage and to provide a holiday especially for African-Americans, so that they don't have to accept existing traditions. Dr. Karenga explains in his following quote: "...it was chosen to give a Black alternative to the existing holiday and give Blacks an opportunity to celebrate themselves and history, rather than simply imitate the practice of the dominant society." <ref>http://www.believersweb.org/view.cfm?ID=917</ref>

==Seven Principles of Kwanzaa==

Each day of the week-long celebration is dedicated to one of Dr. Karenga's "Seven Principles of Kwanzaa":

*Umoja (Unity) To strive for and to maintain unity in the family, community, nation and race.
*Kujichagulia (Self-Determination) To define ourselves, name ourselves, create for ourselves and speak for ourselves.
*Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility) To build and maintain our community together and make our brothers' and sisters' problems our problems and to solve them together.
*Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics) To build and maintain our own stores, shops and other businesses and to profit from them together.
*Nia (Purpose) To make our collective vocation the building and developing of our community in order to restore our people to their traditional greatness.
*Kuumba (Creativity) To do always as much as we can, in the way we can, in order to leave our community more beautiful and beneficial than we inherited it.
*Imani (Faith) To believe with all our heart in our people, our parents, our teachers, our leaders and the righteousness and victory of our struggle. <ref>http://www.holidays.net/kwanzaa/principles.htm</ref>

==Criticism==

Some criticize Kwanzaa as being a [[secular]] celebration, a major purpose of which is to detract from the [[religious]] meaning of [[Christmas]] and [[Hanukkah]]. One article questions why Dr. Karenga popularized Kwanzaa in winter if it is a harvest festival, the proper celebration time of which is Fall. Some people use the proximity of Kwanzaa to Christmas as an excuse to replace the greeting of "Merry Christmas" with the "inclusive", non-religious "Happy Holidays". <ref>
http://www.helium.com/items/353256-why-people-criticize-kwanzaa
</ref>

==References==
<references/>

Violin

2009-01-07T14:03:28Z

Sulli: see also fiddle

[[Image:Violinrange.PNG|thumb|right|Violin standard tuning]]
The '''violin''' is the smallest and highest pitched [[String Instruments|stringed instrument]] used in [[western orchestra|western orchestras]]. It has four strings, pitched G-D-A-E (from lowest to highest), which is an arrangement of the Circle of Fifths. The 'A' is pitched to Concert A at 440 Hz. Typically, a bow (''arco'') is drawn across the strings to produce a sound on the instrument, and a wide variety of bowing techniques can provide unique sounds, such as the bouncing ''spiccato'' or the broad ''legato''. The strings may also be plucked, similar to a [[mandolin]] or [[guitar]] (''pizzicato''), but only by the flesh of the finger (not with the aid of a plectrum).

An orchestra will typically contain two violin sections - a First and Second. Today the First Violins are usually situated at the front of the orchestra, immediately to the [[conductor]]'s left. The Second Violin section will be located adjacent to the Firsts. While there is no specific purpose for each section, the First Violin section will generally be given the [[melody]] in a musical work, and will generally play in a higher [[octave]] than the Seconds. The Seconds will either double the melody in a lower register, [[harmony|harmonize]] the melody, or contribute an effect to layer the orchestral sound.

The instrument developed in the mid 1500s in Italy. The most famous makers of violins include G.P. Maggini (1580-1632), the Amati family of Cremona, the Guarneri del Gesù family of Venice, Jacob Stainer of the Austrian Tyrol and, above all, Antonio Stradivari. The violins by those makers are very highly regarded and still used by the greatest players. Almost all new violins are made to follow the patterns of these old masters, although some adaptations have been made to support the metal strings and higher pitches of modern performance.
Famous violinists include Niccolò Paganini, Joseph Joachim, Jascha Heifetz, Sir Yehudi Menuhin, Itzhak Perlman, Isaac Stern, Joshua Bell, Nigel Kennedy and Igor Oistrakh.

The violin is also used in folk and popular music and is traditionally called a [[fiddle]]. It is just as valid a name as "violin"; in fact both words have a common origin: both derived from the Latin ''vitula,'' by separate paths.<ref>[http://www.cello.org/Newsletter/Articles/celloetymology.htm The Etymology of the Words Violin and Cello]</ref> Because it is often used to accompany dance, it gained the nickname 'the devil's instrument'. In fact, the violin has always been used for both sacred and secular music. It has spread throughout the world and everywhere it goes it is adapted to the local musical styles.

Before the widespread use of synthetic materials, violins used strings made of a fibrous material called ''catgut''. Catgut is derived from the intestines of sheep - not cats, as implied by the name. In modern times, most violinists prefer metal strings, typically a nickel core wrapped with an alloy to prevent corrosion and to achieve a desired tension; it's also not uncommon for a violinist to use a gold-plated or gold-cored E-string to provide a richer tone in the highest registers of the instrument. A small group of violinists, particularly those involved with recreating and reviving traditional [[Baroque]] sounds, will opt to play with the older catgut strings. While it is regarded as the smallest of the string family, there are even smaller versions intended for instruction for children.

==Notable works for violin==

* [[Bach]] - Concerto in A minor, BWV 1041; Concerto in E major, BWV 1042; Concerto in D minor (2 violins), BWV 1043; 6 Sonatas and Partitas for solo violin
* [[Barber]] - Concerto, op. 14
* [[Bartok]] - Concerto No. 1; Concerto No. 2
* [[Beethoven]] - Violin Concerto in D, Op. 61; Romances for violin and orchestra; 10 sonatas for violin and piano
* [[Brahms]] - Violin Concerto in D, Op. 77; 3 sonatas for violin and piano
* [[Bruch]] - Concerto No. 1; Concerto No. 2; Concerto No. 3
* [[Mendelssohn]] - Violin Concerto in E minor, Op. 64
* [[Mozart]] - Violin Concertos 1-5; 14 sonatas for violin and piano
* [[Prokofiev]] - Concerto No. 1; Concerto No. 2; 2 sonatas for violin and piano
* [[Stravinsky]] - Violin Concerto in D
* [[Tchaikovsky]] - Violin Concerto in D, Op. 35

==See also==
*[[Fiddle]]

==References==
<references/>

[[Category:String Instruments]]

Fiddle

2009-01-07T14:02:40Z

Sulli: bridge!

'''Fiddle''' is a colloquial name for the musical instrument the [[violin]]. While the two names are often used interchangeably, sometimes fiddle is used to denote a violin with a flatter bridge, which makes certain playing styles easier.

[[Category:Musical Instruments]]

Talk:Asperger syndrome

2009-01-06T20:55:32Z

Sulli: merge and rename

This page should be called '''Asperger's Syndrome'''. [[User:JY23|JY23]] 19:46, 6 December 2008 (EST)

The merger is not a good idea, because though AS is on the spectrum, it's actually quite different from total autism, mostly based on intelligence/maturity. [[User:JY23|JY23]] 19:56, 6 December 2008 (EST)

:I think it would be best to merge them into one page: Autism spectrum disorder. Having both redirect to it would be helpful, and perhaps most accurate. [[User:Sulli|Sulli]] 15:55, 6 January 2009 (EST)

IPhone

2009-01-06T20:43:23Z

Sulli: update

The [[Apple Inc.|Apple]] '''iPhone''' is a next-generation [[cell phone]] built with [[internet|web]] capability in "true-web" fashion: rather than viewing "mobile" versions of web-pages, as common on other mobile devices, using a [[touch screen]] panel, the iPhone enables the user to navigate a full-size [[web page]].

== Other Applications ==
Aside from cellular phone capabilities, and web-viewing, the iPhone also offers (through partnership with [[Google|Google Maps]], a full-featured map application that users can use anywhere in the [[United States]], over AT&T's [[EDGE]] data network. Other standard [[Personal Digital Assistant|PDA]] capabilities were included, too, such as [[Microsoft Outlook]] synchronization capability.

== Release and Price Controversy ==
The iPhone was release in the United States on 29 June 2007 in the [[United States]], to wide acclaim. At release the iPhone was capable only of usage on the [[AT&T]] network, and retailed (depending on hard disk size) for $500 and $600. The pricing of the device made it a quick luxury and status symbol, although it restricted availability to most other users.

Only 69 days after the release, though, on 5 September 2007, Apple slashed the prices of the device to $400 for the model formerly priced at $600, and discontinued selling the lower-capacity $500 model. This quick price cut - aside from being very uncommon in Apple's tradition of delayed price cuts - inflamed the tempers of so-called "early adopters," or those who had purchased the iPhone in the preceding two months, and now had no recourse against Apple's seemingly capricious price cut. Apple founder [[Steve Jobs]], conscious of his company's image, quickly offered a $100 credit to the [[iTunes]] Music Store to every early adopter who could not otherwise obtain price relief from a return or exchange.

== Notable Oversights ==
Despite the iPhone's technological breakthroughs, it lacks several features that users have come to expect of [[Personal Digital Assistant|PDAs]], such as a copy and paste feature, [[Bluetooth]] synchronization capability, and a customizable ringtone. The latter of these two features, within one week of the iPhone's release, was available to users who were willing to "[[hack]]" their device to add such functionality.

Also, many AT&T customers were befuddled that the iPhone's designers had not taken the chance to use AT&T's [[3G]] mobile data network, a considerably faster and more usable framework than the included EDGE compatibility. The newer version of the iPhone is now capable of utilizing the 3G network.

[[category:technology]]

Apple Inc.

2009-01-06T20:40:52Z

Sulli: /* The Macintosh */ grammar

[[Image:Apple-logo.png|right|thumb|150px|Apple Inc. logo]]
To see Apple, the fruit, go [[Apple (Fruit)|here]].

'''Apple Inc.''' is a liberal <ref>http://www.osnews.com/story/20432/Google_Apple_Openly_Support_Fight_Against_Proposition_8_</ref> corporation based out of Cupertino, California, that deals primarily in computer hardware, software, and their line of [[MP3]] players, [[iPod]]s. Founded on April 1st, 1976, by [[Steve Wozniak]] and [[Steve Jobs]], its first product was the Apple I. The two Steves founded the company in their garage and have since became one of the biggest tech companies around. On January 9th, 2007, Apple Computer Inc. officially changed its name to Apple Inc to include their other non computer products. That same day, they announced the revolutionary [[iPhone]], which according to Apple, combines "a revolutionary mobile phone, a widescreen iPod with touch controls, and a breakthrough Internet communications device with desktop-class email, web browsing, maps, and searching." <ref>http://www.apple.com/iphone/</ref>

==Politics==
Apple supported the [[homosexual agenda]]<ref>http://www.osnews.com/story/20432/Google_Apple_Openly_Support_Fight_Against_Proposition_8_</ref> and named its operating system [[Darwin]].<ref>http://www.opensource.apple.com/darwinsource/</ref>

==Original computers==
===The Apple I===
The Apple I was the first apple computer. The Apple I started out with just being a circuit sold to computer hobbyists. Later Apple realized that they could make more money by selling the Apple I all developed and put together instead of having the consumer build it themselves.
=== The [[Apple II]] ===

In 1977, however, Apple released the [[Apple II]], which was one of the first computers that came completely contained within a plastic case, motioning towards ''user-friendliness''. The main difference, however, was the screen display. Instead of just being able to display text, it would display graphics, charts, and eventually, color. Many small companies were buying these for use in their offices, but Steve Jobs had ambitions to expand.

=== The Apple III ===

The Apple III was created in response to Steve Jobs' wanting to move ahead with new innovations. He wanted to innovate, and as such, provided some questionable designs to the employees, such as it being shipped without a cooling fan, because Steve Jobs felt that having a loud obnoxious fan would interfere with his meditation. This particular defect caused the computer to break down, usually before it had reached its destination. Thousands were recalled.

===The Lisa===
The Lisa was named after Steve Job's illegitimate daughter Lisa. The company had contests to come up for a computer acronym using the letters LISA. The Lisa was a failure because it was more expensive and not as powerful as the Macintosh.

=== The [[Macintosh]] ===

In 1984, the next huge Apple computer was released. Apple paired with Adobe to create Adobe [[PageMaker]], the first [[desktop publishing|Desktop Publisher]] ever created. Using it, small companies could make official-looking documents, a milestone in technology history. The application ran exclusively on the Macintosh. The Macintosh was famous for it's "1984" [[Super Bowl]] advertisement. The Macintosh was the first device to have a Graphic User Interface (GUI). The name of the device was taken from Steve Job's favorite type of apples the McIntosh apples. Despite the difference in spelling the name was also used by McIntosh Labs who brought certain legal problems into play. <ref> iCon: Steve Jobs </ref> The Macintosh was a great computer but there were three major flaws. First, it only had six applications. Secondly the Macintosh did not have an internal hard drive to save to, so users constantly had to do the "Floppy disk Olympics." Lastly, the device was not expandable.

=== The Apple IIg ===

The Apple IIg was a mix between the two, but its main feature was that it was mouse driven. This was an amazing and unheard of innovation.

==John Scully==
[[John Scully]] was appointed CEO of Apple by Steve Jobs because they would not let him run the company. Jobs picked Scully because he knew nothing about computers and would need to depend on Jobs for all decisions. This backfired on Jobs when he was forced to leave the company leaving control into the hand of a man who knew nothing about computers. When Jobs left the company was sent into despair. There was no vision and Scully was barely able to keep the company alive.

== References ==
<references/>

[[Category:information technology]]
[[Category:Computers]]

Apple Inc.

2009-01-06T20:38:21Z

Sulli: capitalization

[[Image:Apple-logo.png|right|thumb|150px|Apple Inc. logo]]
To see Apple, the fruit, go [[Apple (Fruit)|here]].

'''Apple Inc.''' is a liberal <ref>http://www.osnews.com/story/20432/Google_Apple_Openly_Support_Fight_Against_Proposition_8_</ref> corporation based out of Cupertino, California, that deals primarily in computer hardware, software, and their line of [[MP3]] players, [[iPod]]s. Founded on April 1st, 1976, by [[Steve Wozniak]] and [[Steve Jobs]], its first product was the Apple I. The two Steves founded the company in their garage and have since became one of the biggest tech companies around. On January 9th, 2007, Apple Computer Inc. officially changed its name to Apple Inc to include their other non computer products. That same day, they announced the revolutionary [[iPhone]], which according to Apple, combines "a revolutionary mobile phone, a widescreen iPod with touch controls, and a breakthrough Internet communications device with desktop-class email, web browsing, maps, and searching." <ref>http://www.apple.com/iphone/</ref>

==Politics==
Apple supported the [[homosexual agenda]]<ref>http://www.osnews.com/story/20432/Google_Apple_Openly_Support_Fight_Against_Proposition_8_</ref> and named its operating system [[Darwin]].<ref>http://www.opensource.apple.com/darwinsource/</ref>

==Original computers==
===The Apple I===
The Apple I was the first apple computer. The Apple I started out with just being a circuit sold to computer hobbyists. Later Apple realized that they could make more money by selling the Apple I all developed and put together instead of having the consumer build it themselves.
=== The [[Apple II]] ===

In 1977, however, Apple released the [[Apple II]], which was one of the first computers that came completely contained within a plastic case, motioning towards ''user-friendliness''. The main difference, however, was the screen display. Instead of just being able to display text, it would display graphics, charts, and eventually, color. Many small companies were buying these for use in their offices, but Steve Jobs had ambitions to expand.

=== The Apple III ===

The Apple III was created in response to Steve Jobs' wanting to move ahead with new innovations. He wanted to innovate, and as such, provided some questionable designs to the employees, such as it being shipped without a cooling fan, because Steve Jobs felt that having a loud obnoxious fan would interfere with his meditation. This particular defect caused the computer to break down, usually before it had reached its destination. Thousands were recalled.

===The Lisa===
The Lisa was named after Steve Job's illegitimate daughter Lisa. The company had contests to come up for a computer acronym using the letters LISA. The Lisa was a failure because it was more expensive and not as powerful as the Macintosh.

=== The [[Macintosh]] ===

In 1984, the next huge Apple computer was released. Apple paired with Adobe to create Adobe [[PageMaker]], the first [[desktop publishing|Desktop Publisher]] ever created. Using it, small companies could make official-looking documents, a milestone in technology history. The application ran exclusively on the Macintosh. The Macintosh was famous for it's "1984" [[Super Bowl]] advertisement. The Macintosh was the first device to have a Graphic User Interface (GUI). The name of the device was taken from Steve Job's favorite type of apples the McIntosh apples. Despite the difference in spelling the name was also used by McIntosh Labs who brought certain legal problems into play. <ref> iCon: Steve Jobs </ref> The Macintosh was a great computer but there were three major flaws. One it only had six applications and Two the Macintosh did not have an internal hard drive to save to, so users constantly had to do the "Floppy disk Olympics", Three the device was not expandable.

=== The Apple IIg ===

The Apple IIg was a mix between the two, but its main feature was that it was mouse driven. This was an amazing and unheard of innovation.

==John Scully==
[[John Scully]] was appointed CEO of Apple by Steve Jobs because they would not let him run the company. Jobs picked Scully because he knew nothing about computers and would need to depend on Jobs for all decisions. This backfired on Jobs when he was forced to leave the company leaving control into the hand of a man who knew nothing about computers. When Jobs left the company was sent into despair. There was no vision and Scully was barely able to keep the company alive.

== References ==
<references/>

[[Category:information technology]]
[[Category:Computers]]

Consciousness

2009-01-06T20:37:02Z

Sulli: references

'''Consciousness''' is the quality or state of being aware. <ref>http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/consciousness</ref> To be conscious in the philosophical sense means to have mental processes that are self-directed <ref>http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=fDMNg2y9UN8C&pg=PA161&dq=consciousness+%22self-directedness%22</ref> and which provide a locus of subjective experience.<ref>http://www.consciousentities.com/bats.htm</ref> [[Animal]]s are alleged to possess a form of consciousness <ref>http://psyche.cs.monash.edu.au/v5/psyche-5-16-saidel.html</ref> although this is not necessarily to be equated with the [[Christian]] notion of having [[moral]] worth or an immortal soul.<ref>http://www.apologeticspress.org/articles/448</ref>

[[category:philosophy]]
[[category:psychology]]

==References==
<references/>

Philosophy of mind

2009-01-06T20:32:28Z

Sulli: /* Dualism */

Philosophy of mind

2009-01-06T20:31:33Z

Sulli: /* See also */ fix

Philosophy of mind

2009-01-06T20:31:19Z

Sulli: /* See also */ mind and brain

Philosophy of mind

2009-01-06T20:28:04Z

Sulli: /* Monism */

Philosophy of mind

2009-01-06T20:10:49Z

Sulli: some more

Goth (subculture)

2009-01-06T19:24:14Z

Sulli: /* Criticism from the Christian point of view */ While quite possibly unhealthy, it is not clear that goth can be seen as a cult. Perhaps certain subgroups, but not the whole 'culture'.

'''Goth''' in modern usage is a term often given to a style of music, a type of dress, and/or a subculture; all of which were originally derived from bands such as Siouxsie & The Banshees, Bahaus, and the Cure. Goth fashion typically consists of a conspicuous affection for black clothing, black/red hair dye, painted nails and eyeliner on both genders, pale skin or powder makeup, and striking application of cosmetics.

Most of those are young women, many of whom dress bizzarely. Very often they have black hair, black leather clothes with references to 18th century clothing, black boots and make up making them like look demons. Goth women normally make up their face very white, attempting to look like vampires. While for many this is only a style, some do it because they worship vampires/other demons and death. Satanic clothing is also rebellion against Christianity.

== Criticism from the Christian point of view ==

It is often labeled as [[Satan]]ic or anti-[[Christian]] in nature, although a large Christian Goth community exists, and Goths are not necessarily anti-Christian.( see christiangoth.com )

Though some goths are Christian, some of them are atheists, [[Anti-Christianity|anti-Christians]] and even [[Satanist]]s. Often these non-Christian goths walk beside normal youngsters.

Goth culture has its roots in music. It comes from gothic/death/punk rock and from gothic metal, which are very doomish styles of music, without hope and fun. This kind of music makes it listener melancholic. Also, many goths like to play [[role-playing games]] and especially [[LARP]]s. They play vampires and so on in these games. When they come to home, they can not stop 'playing' demons, because since they started the game, they are under [[possession]].

[[Category:Culture]]

Philosophy of mind

2009-01-06T17:07:47Z

Sulli:

Philosophy of mind

2009-01-06T17:04:44Z

Sulli: some more, will add further later

Philosophy of mind

2009-01-06T16:55:36Z

Sulli: work in progress, more to be added on different schools of thought

Metaphysics

2009-01-06T16:53:25Z

Sulli: added see also

'''Metaphysics''' is the branch of [[philosophy]] concerned with the fundamental nature of reality. <ref>[http://www.rep.routledge.com/article/N095 Routledge Encyclopedia of Philosophy]</ref> It draws its name from from the [[Greek]] meta ta phusika, meaning literally 'beyond physics', because the book comes after the [[Physics (Aristotle)| Physics]] in the order assigned by an editor of Aristotle's works, [[Andronicus of Rhodes]], about the year A.D. 70. The term metaphysics was unknown to Aristotle, and he variously called this branch of philosophy "first science", "wisdom" [[Theology | theological science]]" (theologikê) and "first philosophy" (prôtê philosophia)<ref>[http://www.seop.leeds.ac.uk/entries/metaphysics/ Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy].</ref> Metaphysics includes topics such as philosophy of mind, identity, philosophy of space and time (including cosmogeny), free will, and the difference between necessity and possibility.

In common usage, Metaphysics can also refer to philosophical speculation of any kind, even when not strictly philosophical, such as [[mysticism]] or [[New Age]].

[[Category:Philosophy]]

==See also==
*[[Philosophy of mind]]
==References==
{{reflist}}

Metaphysics

2009-01-06T16:52:25Z

Sulli: references fix

Molecule

2009-01-06T16:41:02Z

Sulli: diamond and graphite are carbon

A '''molecule''' is a group of two or more [[atom]]s which form one unit
linked together by [[covalent bond]]s.
Molecules can have as as many as several thousand atoms, as in a [[polymer]] (see also [[DNA]]).
A molecule typically does not have electrical [[charge]] (see also [[polyatomic ion]]).

Most molecules are composed of two or more elements, but they can also be composed of multiple atoms from the same element. Single element, bimolecular molecules which are more commonly known as homonuclear diatomic molecules <ref>http://xbeams.chem.yale.edu/~batista/vvv/node33.html</ref><ref>http://www.chem.purdue.edu/gchelp/gloss/homodiatomic.html</ref> include many elementary [[gas]]es, such as [[oxygen]] (O<sub>2</sub>), [[hydrogen]] (H<sub>2</sub>) and [[fluorine]] (F<sub>2</sub>). Single element compounds also include man-made compounds such as [[buckminsterfullerene]]s, which are "balls" of 60 carbon atoms, as well as natural carbon compounds like [[graphite]] and [[diamond]]s, and most [[metal]]s.

Molecules are typically specified by indicating what atoms they are made of and how many of each they possess. If there is more than one of an atom, its count is given by a subscript. Water has two [[hydrogen]] atoms and one [[oxygen]] atom, so it is H<sub>2</sub>O.

Often part of the molecule is listed separately in order to show some of its properties. There are more complex, but still text based, ways of "describing" the molecule's entire structure. We also use three dimensional "ball and stick" or "space filling" diagrams to show the complete physical arrangement of the atoms in the molecule.

==See Also==
*[[Chemical formula]]

[[category:physics]]

[[Category:Chemistry]]

==References==
<small><references/></small>

Molecule

2009-01-06T16:35:26Z

Sulli: removed table salt: it is an ionic compound, not really a molecule. It's bonds are far more ionic than covalent in character.

A '''molecule''' is a group of two or more [[atom]]s which form one unit
linked together by [[covalent bond]]s.
Molecules can have as as many as several thousand atoms, as in a [[polymer]] (see also [[DNA]]).
A molecule typically does not have electrical [[charge]] (see also [[polyatomic ion]]).

Most molecules are composed of two or more elements, but they can also be composed of multiple atoms from the same element. Single element, bimolecular molecules which are more commonly known as homonuclear diatomic molecules <ref>http://xbeams.chem.yale.edu/~batista/vvv/node33.html</ref><ref>http://www.chem.purdue.edu/gchelp/gloss/homodiatomic.html</ref> include many elementary [[gas]]es, such as [[oxygen]] (O<sub>2</sub>), [[hydrogen]] (H<sub>2</sub>) and [[fluorine]] (F<sub>2</sub>). Single element compounds also include man-made compounds such as [[buckminsterfullerene]]s, which are "balls" of 60 carbon atoms, as well as natural compounds like [[graphite]], [[diamond]]s, and many [[metal]]s.

Molecules are typically specified by indicating what atoms they are made of and how many of each they possess. If there is more than one of an atom, its count is given by a subscript. Water has two [[hydrogen]] atoms and one [[oxygen]] atom, so it is H<sub>2</sub>O.

Often part of the molecule is listed separately in order to show some of its properties. There are more complex, but still text based, ways of "describing" the molecule's entire structure. We also use three dimensional "ball and stick" or "space filling" diagrams to show the complete physical arrangement of the atoms in the molecule.

==See Also==
*[[Chemical formula]]

[[category:physics]]

[[Category:Chemistry]]

==References==
<small><references/></small>

Talk:Essay:Quantifying Mental Strength

2009-01-04T05:02:29Z

Sulli: /* Liberal Tips */

Talk:Essay:Quantifying Mental Strength

2009-01-04T05:02:04Z

Sulli: /* Liberal Tips */

==Second citation==

The public school link is exclusively for American public schools but the citation was for Canadian psychiatrists. It only gave a percentage of those psychiatrists that prescribed "Atypical" antipsychotics (one particular kind of psychiatric drug) not the number of prescriptions for children compared to the total number of kids in Canada (which is immaterial since we are talking about American schools). It makes no link between public schools at all and these psychiatrists (which admittedly there probably is) but this does not state a number therefore this cannot be used as justification for the blurb.--[[User:Lynus|Lynus]] 16:19, 3 January 2009 (EST)

: Lynus, we don't take kindly to [[censorship]] here. Don't delete information. If you think something is deficient, then improve it by finding ''more'' information, not less. Thanks.--[[User:Aschlafly|Andy Schlafly]] 16:22, 3 January 2009 (EST)

::How is this censorship when I am simply deleting a reference to an article that does not address the point it is making? I will certainly be glad to withhold on outright deletion and instead use the talk page but is taking a citation out of an article talking about crime statistics in America by citing Crime statistics in Singapore censorship? I really do not understand this Andy.--[[User:Lynus|Lynus]] 16:27, 3 January 2009 (EST)

::: Lynus, Canada is similar to the U.S. on this point. But more importantly, you're wasting my time. This is a project for open-minded people to contribute knowledge or insights. You've done neither in what I've seen of your edits. Build the encyclopedia, or please leave. Thanks.--[[User:Aschlafly|Andy Schlafly]] 16:56, 3 January 2009 (EST)

==Suggestions==
First, I think that this article is not quantifying as much as doing a qualitative analysis. I think it is important for the readers to know the difference between the two and for the article to not misstate something. I have not changed it so we can discuss it.

Second, the references to Christianity are fine but they don't do much. It seems that that is strictly for Christians and therefore in order to make a broader essay we should include tips that include everybody. If these tips help in the conversion of someone then we would need to address issues that pertain to the unsaved. I will try to include some soon.

The public school blurb is just that, a blurb. Certainly a case can be made for the overmedication of children but to say that the "main" way that schools address these issues are drugs needs a citation. But even if it is the case that it is the "main" way, which I don't believe, shouldn't we include the other ways schools address these issues, more studying, encouragement, reward and punishment etc. The sentence is way to broad to encompass every teacher and school in the public system.--[[User:Lynus|Lynus]] 14:41, 3 January 2009 (EST)

==Thrives==
Do you think "excels" might be a better word than "thrives" in the opening line? [[User:Corry|Corry]] 11:20, 19 October 2008 (EDT)
:How about "is obsessed with"? [[User:Human|Human]] 19:23, 19 October 2008 (EDT)
::Maybe "delights?" --[[User:ToJones|ToJones]] 19:25, 19 October 2008 (EDT)

::: Physical fitness is a good thing. Mental fitness would be even better. I don't see how the alternatives would be improvements.--[[User:Aschlafly|Aschlafly]] 19:38, 19 October 2008 (EDT)
::::Right now it reads as if our society thrives off the quantifying of physical fitness, not off the actual physical fitness. I understand your point, but it is hidden within the second half of your second sentence. Perhaps a better way of saying it would be "Our society thrives on our physical fitness and mental fitness. To help us improve our physical fitness, we quantify our physical strength [then the list of how we do it]. It is long overdue to create a similar system for mental fitness: ----[[User:ToJones|ToJones]] 19:42, 19 October 2008 (EDT)

::::: OK, good point. Will add now.--[[User:Aschlafly|Aschlafly]] 20:21, 19 October 2008 (EDT)

== Rename second half? ==

:The second half is approaches to improving mental strength? Maybe change section heading to reflect this? The way the article is now that section should be approaches to quantifying mental strength. Just change heading to "Approaches to Improving Mental Strength" ? ----[[User:ToJones|ToJones]] 20:04, 19 October 2008 (EDT)

:: Good suggestion. Will do.--[[User:Aschlafly|Aschlafly]] 20:21, 19 October 2008 (EDT)

== Dog attacks ==

I'm not sure about the inclusion of "dog attacks" in the irrational fears bullet point. Assumedly if a dog is attacking you, you should at least be concerned, especially if the dog is big, snarling, and has big teeth. That's a pretty rational concern. Do you mean fear of dogs in general? I know a girl who had some incident with a dog when she was young and now is deathly afraid of any dogs, even chihuahuas! -[[User:Foxtrot|Foxtrot]] 23:57, 20 October 2008 (EDT)

:I would argue that not wanting a large dog to chase you or not wanting to get shot are both very rational fears. I think you're trying to link gun control policies with lacking "mental strength," and I don't think it's a good comparison. There's a big difference between being afraid of being shot (if you were in a combat zone, wouldn't you be?) and believing that less guns in society as a whole would reduce crime. [[User:Corry|Corry]] 10:45, 21 October 2008 (EDT)

:: This obviously refers to an irrational or exaggerated fear of dog attacks, or guns. There may be legitimate fears of flying in airplanes, but the "fear of flying" obviously refers to an irrational or exaggerated fear.--[[User:Aschlafly|Aschlafly]] 12:33, 21 October 2008 (EDT)

:::That's fair- I have friends who are afraid of my little housecat, for example. Maybe a phrase could be included to discuss that the fear becomes debilitating in what would normally be a non-threatening situation. I think it would be good to leave out guns, however, because part of being taught how to responsibly use a gun is inculcating a certain fear and respect for the damage they can do. My father certainly drilled this into me as a child, and I think that it is irrational to have no fear of guns at all. While I can think of many situations where an irrational fear of something can alter normal behavior- refusing to stay on the thirteenth floor of a hotel, for example, I can't think of such scenarios with guns. [[User:Corry|Corry]] 13:04, 21 October 2008 (EDT)

:::: Irrational fear is worth getting rid of even when it is not "debilitating". People who have an exaggerated fear of dog attacks would much prefer not to have that fear, and improving mental strength is a way they can get over their fear.

:::: Guns are analogous to dog attacks, and the same logic applies to irrational fear of guns. Some people are too fearful of guns even to use them in self-defense, and they pay too high a price for that.--[[User:Aschlafly|Aschlafly]] 13:09, 21 October 2008 (EDT)

==If==
I've always found Kipling's poem 'If' inspirational, and a great source of mental strength, with the (admittedly very major) caveat that the strength given by God and by faith is not mentioned. [[User:Bugler|Bugler]] 18:17, 18 December 2008 (EST)

: Do you have a cite to it?--[[User:Aschlafly|aschlafly]] 18:18, 18 December 2008 (EST)

::http://www.kipling.org.uk/poems_if.htm [[User:Bugler|Bugler]] 18:20, 18 December 2008 (EST)

==Liberal Tips==

I know this is an essay, and as such should remain however the authors wish it to. However, the tips given by the APA are not actually particularly liberal (although there is no denying that the organization is). While it may not be useful to those in great distress, focusing on improving familial relationships, and increasing involvement in civic and religious groups is good advice that would benefit most liberals, who certainly could benefit from improved mental strength.

The vast majority of the recommendations, perhaps restated for clarity, could be given by a well-meaning conservative and be valuable. But on their face, these recommendations are far more conservative than the organization is. [[User:Sulli|Sulli]] 22:39, 3 January 2009 (EST)

: No, I don't think so. Most of the recommendations are quite [[liberal]] and harmful, such as urging someone in crisis to become ''more'' self-centered.--[[User:Aschlafly|Andy Schlafly]] 22:40, 3 January 2009 (EST)

::True, which also seems directly contradictory to the ones I mentioned from the article. Perhaps incorporating those into the essay separately would be a good solution? Certainly familial involvement is helpful. [[User:Sulli|Sulli]] 00:02, 4 January 2009 (EST)

:: Who wants to bet that if I had attributed this to Focus on the Family Andy would have had no problem with it? Andy with all due
respect, this type of rant is why people think that this site is a joke. It would be OK if you could actually back it up or had substantive arguments but if it smells and looks like a rant...--[[User:Lynus|Lynus]] 23:03, 3 January 2009 (EST)

::: The rant is yours, not mine. My criticisms are well supported. Don't insult Focus on the Family by implying they would propose such an absurd and hurtful set of recommendations.--[[User:Aschlafly|Andy Schlafly]] 23:34, 3 January 2009 (EST)

Talk:Essay:Quantifying Mental Strength

2009-01-04T03:39:35Z

Sulli: Many of the tips could be read conservatively, I really do not think this is particularly deceitful, even if much of the APA is.

Public schools in the United States

2009-01-03T04:00:53Z

Sulli: To make clear what the percentages refer to. The schools do not fail to graduate or do illegal drugs, students do.

[[Public schools]] in the [[United States]] are [[liberal]] and [[atheistic]]<ref>[http://www.exodusmandate.org/art_exodus_from_public_schools_gets_helping_hand.htm Exodus from "public schools" gets a helping hand], Exodus Mandate, Sept 15, 1998</ref><ref>For example, "in 2005, officials at East Brunswick High School adopted a policy prohibiting representatives of the school district from participating in student-initiated prayer." [http://www.worldnetdaily.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=61806]</ref><ref>From 2004 to 2006, a [[public school]] banned [[Bible]] study by children ... ''during recess''. A teacher complained about the use of the Bible and the principal then censored the study activity, according to a sworn statement by a teacher told to stop it. Principal "Summa, having learned of a complaint by a teacher and of the students' Bible study, told fourth-grade teacher Virginia Larue to nix the group's recess meeting. ... Larue later told one of Luke's Bible study colleagues the group could no longer meet at recess."[http://knoxnews.com/news/2008/jan/03/recess-bible-study-spurs-lawsuit/]</ref><ref>[[Atheists]] routinely impose their views on [[public schools]], though liberals deny it. For example, a court prohibited a moment of silence in [[Illinois]] "Township High School District 214 after atheist activist Rob Sherman challenged" it.[http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-moment_of_silence_bothmay30,0,7722271.story]</ref>
government institutions that employ 3 million people and spend $411.5 billion annually at a cost of $10,770 per student.<ref>[http://www.edreform.com/index.cfm?fuseAction=section&pSectionID=15&cSectionID=97 Statistics about education]</ref> Spoken [[prayer]], the [[Ten Commandments]], and sharing of [[faith]] are expressly forbidden in public schools' classrooms during school hours, and teaching of [[morality]] is implicitly disfavored.<ref>''See, e.g.'', ''[[Stone v. Graham]]'' (1980) (excluding Ten Commandments from public school).</ref><ref>A public school banned [[Bible]] study by children ... ''during recess''. A teacher complained about the use of the Bible and the principle then censored the study activity, according to a sworn statement by a teacher told to stop it. [http://knoxnews.com/news/2008/jan/03/recess-bible-study-spurs-lawsuit/]</ref> Homosexual indoctrination is common as early as elementary school in more [[liberal]] states.<ref>http://www.massresistance.org/media/video/brainwashing.html</ref>

Public school students in America have these characteristics:

*30% fail to graduate<ref name="graduate">"Only 70% of all students in public high schools graduate, and only 32% of all students leave high school qualified to attend four-year colleges."[http://www.manhattan-institute.org/html/ewp_03.htm]</ref>
*Nearly 70% are unqualified to go onto college<ref name="graduate"/>
*77% do illegal drugs, and fatal overdoses are common but underreported; public schools are required to present drug "education" to kids<ref>"In 1991, 62 percent [of 8th through 12th graders] had used illicit drugs. In 2007, the number jumped to 77 percent."[http://www.battlecreekenquirer.com/article/20081207/NEWS08/812070305/1002] Fatal overdoses are common, although often underreported.[http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9B01E5DB123EF932A25750C0A9629C8B63 Reporting of a heroin overdose by 16-year-old [[public school]] student was an exception to the underreporting].</ref>
*More than 60% of public school teenagers (in one regional study) watch more than 3 hours of television a day, compared with a national average of 35%<ref>http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2008/dec/01/memphis-youth-make-progress-on-risky-behavior/ (study of Memphis students)</ref>
*About 10% of the girls become pregnant in a typical school; about half have [[abortion]]s, and about half give birth; public schools "educate" kids about sex<ref>"There is zero shame" to teenage pregnancy at public school, the school nurse observed.[http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/12/12/AR2008121203507.html]</ref>
*About 160,000 students miss school daily because they [[fear]] being [[Bully|bullied]]," and in [[Hawaii]] students viciously fight each other and post videos of it on [[YouTube|Youtube.com]].<ref>One victim is now "being [[homeschooled]] at state expense."[http://starbulletin.com/2008/05/18/news/story01.html]</ref>
*20% go on dangerous "binge drinking," and 50% drink illegally<ref name="Oregon">http://www.mlive.com/chronicle/news/index.ssf/2008/12/ottawa_co_youth_survey_surpris.html</ref>
*10-20% become addicted to cigarettes<ref name="Oregon"/><ref>http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2008/dec/01/memphis-youth-make-progress-on-risky-behavior/</ref>
*35% are overweight<ref name="health">http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2008/nov/29/students-health-needs-attention/</ref>
*Nearly 10% have mental health problems<ref name="health"/>
*More than 10% of public high schools have a pro-homosexual student club

In response to the perception that public schools have stopped teaching morality, many state education departments have or are in the process of developing "morality" that avoid good and evil, right and wrong, and instead present under the heading of "character" education.<ref>[http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qa3971/is_199910/ai_n8866284]</ref> The lack of appreciation for right and wrong can surprise outsiders, and even school principals. When one public school student was charged with [[felony]] [[computer crime]] for altering the grades of 20 students, the principal said, we "want to teach them what's right and wrong, and it's tough for some kids to catch on to the idea that changing grades is the wrong thing to do."<ref>http://cw2.trb.com/news/kwgn-student-grade-felony,0,7871401.story</ref> The impact of the removal of morality from the [[public school]] curriculum (which is also used in private schools) is that "more than one in three boys (35 percent) and one-fourth of the girls (26 percent) — a total of 30 percent overall — admitted stealing from a store within the past year."<ref>http://charactercounts.org/programs/reportcard/index.html</ref>

== History and Terminology ==

In 1647, [[Massachusetts]] [[Puritans]] enacted the second law, after Scotland in 1616,<ref>The Social, Economic & Political Reasons for the Decline of Gaelic in Scotland [http://www.scottishhistory.com/articles/highlands/gaelic/gaelic_page1.html]</ref> establishing universal public [[school]]s in the English-speaking world to block the attempts by "ould deluder Satan to keepe men from the whole knowledge of the Scriptures".<ref>''Family Encyclopedia of American History'' (Reader's Digest 1975)</ref> Each settlement larger than 50 families was required to pay a [[teacher|schoolmaster]] to teach reading, writing and religious doctrine to the [[children]] in the community. Beginning in 1670, Massachusetts provided [[taxation|tax]] funding for school maintenance. This model was then copied throughout the colonies, and even throughout the world.

Many children did not attend public school for the first two centuries. It was not until 1852 that Massachusetts became the first state to require attendance by students aged 6 through 16, and it was not until 1918 that all states had [[compulsory attendance]] laws. High schools did not generally exist until after the [[Civil War]], and [[kindergarten]] did not exist until it was created in St. Louis in 1873.

In the [[United Kingdom]], the term "public school" means the exact opposite of its American usage, and refers to the most expensive and prestigious ''private'' schools, such as [[Eton College]], [[Harrow]], and a few others.
== Student Prayer in Public Schools ==

The White House announced the release of Revised Religious Guidelines for America's Public Schools on May 29, 1998. Within this announcement, President Clinton stated, "Nothing in the First Amendment converts our public schools into religion-free zones, or requires all religious expression to be left behind at the school house door." --President Clinton, July 12, 1995<ref>http://www.ed.gov/PressReleases/05-1998/wh-0530.html</ref>

In 2003, the Education Department released the following guidelines that clarified and added requirements to Public Schools to ensure the religious rights of students.<ref>http://www.freedomforum.org/templates/document.asp?documentID=17550</ref>
<blockquote>
Schools that don’t allow students to pray outside the classroom or that prohibit teachers from holding religious meetings among themselves could lose federal money, the Education Department said late last week.<br />
<br />
The guidance reflects the Bush administration’s push to ensure that schools give teachers and students as much freedom to pray as the courts have allowed.<br />
The department makes clear that teachers cannot pray with students or attempt to shape their religious views.
The instructions, released by the department on Feb. 7, broadly follow the same direction given by the Clinton administration and the courts. Prayer is generally allowed provided it happens outside the class and is initiated by students, not by school officials.<br />
<br />
The department, however, also offered some significant additions, including more details on such contentious matters as moments of silence and prayer in student assemblies. And for the first time, federal funds are tied to compliance with the guidelines. The burden is on schools to prove compliance through a yearly report.
</blockquote>

== Public schools and declining literacy ==
Since the rapid expansion and liberalization of public schools after [[World War II]], students' [[literacy]] levels have dropped significantly. While the average 14-year-old had a vocabulary of 25,000 words in 1945, the equivalent student in 2000 had a vocabulary of only 10,000 words, a severe disadvantage in an increasingly textual world.<ref>''Utne Reader'' (July-August 2000), 28-9.</ref>

==Teaching the Bible in Public Schools ==
The [[National Council on Bible Curriculum in Public Schools]]<ref>http://www.bibleinschools.net/</ref> (NCBCPS) provides a program for teaching the Bible in public schools. Currently, the NCBCPS's Bible curriculum has been voted into 462 school districts (over 1,900 high schools) in 38 states. Over 210,000 students have already taken this course nationwide, on the high school campus, during school hours, for credit.
==Effect of liberal mindset on textbooks==
Textbooks (K-12) have been systematically analyzed in a study funded by the U.S. government. The 1986 findings were that massive, systematic [[liberal]] bias exists, resulting in several information blackouts in four key areas of modern American life—marriage, religion, politics, and business. While an actual conspiracy was then ruled out, the cause was found to be a "a very widespread secular and liberal mindset" pervading "the leadership in the world of education [and textbook publishing]"<ref> ''Censorship: Evidence of Bias in Our Children's textbooks'', [[Paul C. Vitz]], Servant Books, 1986, ISBN 0-89283-305-X</ref>.

==Pre-1962 Graduates ==
Given that [[public schools]] educate about 90% of [[Americans]], it is astounding how few prominent Americans attended public school after the banning of school prayer in 1962. Nearly all the examples of prominent Americans who attended public school predate 1962 in their attendance:

*[[Ronald Reagan]]<ref>http://www.dixonil.com/reagan/reagan2.htm</ref> graduated from Dixon High School, Illinois
*[[Dwight D. Eisenhower]]<ref>http://www.eisenhower.archives.gov/press_releases/2007/PR07_11_August_02_2007_Eisenhower_Co_Sponsor_Little_Rock.pdf</ref> attended Abilene High School in Abilene, Kansas
*[[Richard M. Nixon]]<ref>http://www.nndb.com/edu/836/000068632/</ref> attended Fullerton and Whittier High Schools, California
*[[Gerald Ford]]<ref>http://www.visitgrandrapids.org/ford-facts.php</ref> attended Grand Rapids South High School, Michigan
*[[Lyndon B. Johnson]]<ref>http://www.nndb.com/people/062/000023990/</ref> attended Johnson City High School, Texas
*[[Harry S Truman]]<ref>http://www.nps.gov/nr/twhp/wwwlps/lessons/103truman/103visual1.htm</ref> attended Independence High School, Missouri
*[[H. Ross Perot]]<ref>http://www.famoustexans.com/rossperot.htm</ref> attended public schools and Texarkana Junior College, Texas
*[[Richard Cheney]]<ref>http://www.nndb.com/people/598/000022532/</ref> graduated from Natrona County High School in Casper, Wyoming.
*[[Colin Powell]] graduated from Morris High School, NY in 1954 and received his B.A. in geology from the City College of New York in 1958 <ref>http://gale.cengage.com/free_resources/bhm/bio/powell_c.htm</ref>
*[[Billy Graham]] graduated from Sharon High School, NC in May 1936<ref>http://online-bibleconcordance.com/Ministers/BillyGraham.aspx</ref>
*[[Michael Medved]] graduated from Palisades High School, CA <ref>michaelmedved.townhall.com/About.aspx</ref>
*[[The Wright Brothers]] attended public schools in Richmond, India and Dayton OH but did not graduate <ref>http://www.kyrene.org/schools/brisas/sunda/inventor/wright/index.html</ref>
*[[Roy Jay Glauber]], Nobel laureate, graduated from Bronx High School of Science, Bronx, NY in 1941. <ref>http://www.nndb.com/people/738/000138324/</ref>
*[[Frederick Reines]], Nobel laureate, attended Union Hill High School, NJ, during the late 1930's. <ref>http://www.nndb.com/people/052/000099752/</ref>
*[[Oliver North]], US Army Officer, political commentator, graduated from Ockawamick High School in 1961. <ref>http://libraryoflibrary.com/E_n_c_p_d_Ollie_North.html</ref>

==Post-1962 Graduates==
Celebrities, Businessmen, Astronauts, Nobel Laureates, Medal of Honor Recipients, and Candidates who attended public school after prayer was banned in 1962 include:

*Pat Tillman, NFL football player and US Army soldier graduated from Leland High School CA <ref>http://www.biography.com/search/article.do?id=197041</ref>
*Jeff Bezos, founder of Amazon.com, attended Miami Palmetto Senior High School FL.<ref>http://www.achievement.org/autodoc/page/bez0bio-1
</ref>
*Jerry Yang, co-founder of Yahoo.com, graduated from Sierramont Middle School, and Piedmont Hills High School, CA. <ref>http://goldsea.com/Innovators/Yangjerry/yangjerry3.html</ref>
*David Filo, co-founder of Yahoo.com graduated from Sam Houston High School TX. <ref>http://www.nndb.com/people/301/000123929/</ref>
*Kathryn D. Sullivan, NASA astronaut and first American woman to walk in space, graduated from Taft High School, Woodland Hills, California, in 1969. <ref>http://www.jsc.nasa.gov/Bios/htmlbios/sullivan-kd.html</ref>
*S. Christa Mcauliffe, astronaut participant, graduated from Marian High School, Framingham, Massachusetts, in 1966. <ref>http://www.jsc.nasa.gov/Bios/htmlbios/mcauliffe.html
</ref>
*Mae C. Jemison, NASA astronaut and first African-America woman in space, graduated from Morgan Park High School, Chicago, Illinois, in 1973. <ref>http://www.jsc.nasa.gov/Bios/htmlbios/jemison-mc.html
</ref>
*Ellen Ochoa, NASA astronaut and the first Hispanic-American woman astronaut, graduated from Grossmont High School, La Mesa, California, in 1975. <ref>http://www.jsc.nasa.gov/Bios/htmlbios/ochoa.html</ref>
*Jeana Yeager, aviator, graduated from Commerce High School GA in 1970.<ref>http://www.tamu-commerce.edu/mrp/pdf/today/12-07-05.pdf
</ref>
*[[Brad Pitt]], actor, graduated from Kickapoo High School in Springfield, Missouri, 1981. <ref>http://www.rolemodel.net/brad_pitt.cfm
</ref>
*[[Tom Cruise]], actor, attended several public high schools including Glen Ridge High School, New Jersey during the 1970's. <ref>http://www.nndb.com/people/791/000022725/
</ref>
*John Sununu, Senator, graduated from Salem High School in the 1970's. <ref>http://www.sununu.senate.gov/biography.html
</ref>
*[[John Edwards]], politician, attended public school in Robbins, N.C. during the 1960's.<ref>http://www.pbs.org/newshour/vote2004/primaries/edwards_bio.html</ref>
*Spike Lee, producer, actor, graduated from John Dewey High School, Brooklyn, NY.<ref>http://movies.nytimes.com/person/99175/Spike-Lee/biography</ref>
*[[Bill Gates]], founder of Microsoft, ''left'' public school after attending in Seattle until the age of twelve.<ref>http://www.thocp.net/biographies/gates_bill.htm</ref>
*[[Rush Limbaugh]] graduated from Central High School, MO in 1969 and attended Southeast Missouri State University for two semesters <ref>http://www.phillytalkradio.com/shows/show.php?show_id=limb</ref>
*Frank Wilczek, Nobel laureate, attended Martin Van Buren High School, Queens, NY, during the late 1960's. <ref>http://www.nndb.com/people/720/000140300/</ref>
*Sgt. 1st Class Randall Shughart, U.S. Army, Battle of Mogadishu hero, Medal of Honor recipient; graduated from Big Spring High School in Newville, PA in 1976. <ref> http://www.pbs.org/weta/americanvalor/stories/shughart.html\</ref>
*Sgt. 1st Class Paul Ray Smith, U.S. Army, Iraq War hero, Medal of Honor recipient; graduated from Tampa Bay Vocational Technical High School, FL in 1988. <ref>http://www.army.mil/medalofhonor/smith/profile/index.html</ref>
*Cpl. Jason Dunham, U.S. Marines, Iraq War hero, Medal of Honor recipient; graduated from Scio High School NY, in 2002.<ref> http://copthetruth.typepad.com/cop_the_truth/2007/03/uss_jason_dunha.html</ref>
*Lt. Michael Murphy, Navy SEAL, Afghanistan War hero, Medal of Honor recipient; graduated from Patchogue-Medford High School in 1994. <ref> http://www.pat-med.k12.ny.us/Schools/HS/articles/0708/murphy/index.html</ref>
*Laura Bush attended James Bowie Elementary School, San Jacinto Junior High School, and Midland Lee High School in Midland, Texas (Graduated 1964).{{fact}}
*John Cromwell Mather, Nobel laureate, graduated from Newton High School, Newton, NJ in 1964. <ref>http://www.nndb.com/people/915/000137504/</ref>
*George Fitzgerald Smoot, Nobel laureate, graduated from Upper Arlington High School, Upper Arlington, OH in 1962. <ref>http://www.nndb.com/people/921/000137510/</ref>
*Hugh David Politzer, Nobel laureate, graduated from Bronx High School of Science, Bronx, NY in 1966. <ref>http://www.nndb.com/people/716/000140296/</ref>
*[[William J. Clinton]]<ref>http://www.hotsprings.org/things_to_do/historic_hotsprings/presidents_hometown.asp</ref> graduated from Hot Springs High School in Arkansas in 1964

==References==
{{reflist}}

==See Also==

*[[Public school culture]]
*[[Teacher Pay]]

[[category:education]]
[[category:United States History]]

Christian Identity

2008-12-27T18:44:35Z

Sulli: see talk. i am really unsure if it makes sense to call them liberals. maybe better to say they have some liberal characteristics?

[[Image:Wickstrom nazi.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Leading Christian Identity pastor James Wickstrom: "''The only way to totally eliminate racial strife in the United States and throughout the world is to bury every Jew on earth.''"]]
'''Christian Identity''' is a white supremacist movement which asserts that the "[[Aryan]]", or white people of [[Europe|European]] descent, are the descendants of the [[Lost Tribes of Israel]] of the [[Bible]], and that the [[Jews]] are not, but are rather the offspring of [[Satan]]. They believe that while [[Adam]] and [[Eve]] were white people created in the image of [[God]], non-white people ("mud people") were created separately from whites, and they generally assert that [[salvation]] is only available to white people. While they claim Christianity as their religion, the Christian community rejects their claim and find their position to be abhorrent and at odds with Christian beliefs. Christian Identity groups or churches can be found in virtually every region of the United States, although they are small in number, having between 2,000 to 50,000 adherents. It has also engaged in [[crime|criminal]] behavior ranging from [[hate crime]]s to acts of [[terrorism]].

==Background==
The religion grew from '''British-Israelism''' and moved to the [[United States]] in the 1930s, becoming increasingly [[Anti-Semitism|anti-Semitic]] under the leadership of [[Wesley Swift]] who founded the [[Church of Jesus Christ Christian]]. Within Christian Identity some adherents believe in Swift's "two-seed" theory that the [[seduction of Eve]] by the Serpent was sexual, resulting in the conception of [[Cain]] who was the father of the Jewish people; thus all Jews are descendants of the devil. Some Identity adherents assert a "one-seed" theory. The religion also incorporates [[millennialism]] or the belief that the world is in its final days.

Lenny Zeskind, research director of the Center for Democratic Renewal: "Identity is based on the premise that the Jews are literally Children of Satan - the seed of Cain, that people of color are 'pre-Adamic' mud people - God's failures before perfecting Adam, and that white Christian Aryans are the 'Lost Sheep of the House of Israel' - God's chosen people, and therefore America is the biblical promised land... Christian Identity binds together a number of previously isolated groups...Important sections of the [[Ku Klux Klan]], the [[neo-Nazi]] movement, the [[Posse Comitatus]], the [[Aryan Nations]], and other groups have adopted Identity theology."<ref>Berlet, Chip [http://www.publiceye.org/rightist/idennlns.html ''A New Face for Racism & Fascism''] Political research associates. Accessed 1 march 2008</ref>

Many Identity adherents believe Jews, blacks, [[Communism|communists]], [[Homosexuality|homosexuals]] and race-traitors have seized control of the United States. They refer to [[Washington, D.C.]] as the '''Zionist Occupational Government''' (ZOG). The novel "''[[The Turner Diaries]]''" in which an underground white army leads a revolution against ZOG is popular among them.

Not all Ku Klux Klan groups adhere entirely to Christian Identity, but those that do call themselves the '''Fifth Era Klan''', which was introduced to mark what they hoped would be the fifth period of growth by the Klan since its inception.

==General beliefs==
Persons who believe in Christian Identity generally:
* support White Power & Aryan Supremacy
* believe in black [[gene|genetic]] inferiority
* believe in a [[fiction]]al romanticized notion of Aryan culture
* are virulently anti-communist;
* manifest a [[jingoism|jingoistic]] [[patriotism]]
* mistrust [[government]] & [[law enforcement]];
* fear black power
* see media coverage of non-Aryans as a Jewish-Communist Plot
* believe black politicians are pawns of Jews;
* believe black activism is directed from [[Moscow]] or [[Tel Aviv]]
* often practice armed [[survivalism]] as a defensive necessity.

==Anti-Semitism==
Leading Christian Identity [[pastor]] [[James Wickstrom]], regarding the Nazi story, [http://aish.com/holocaust/overview/he05k06a.htm "The Poisonous Mushroom"]has stated:
<blockquote> ''Just as poisonous mushrooms spring up everywhere, so the Jew is found in every country in the world. Just as poisonous mushrooms often lead to the most dreadful calamity, so the Jew is the cause of misery and distress, illness and death. The above tale tells the truth about the Jewish poison mushroom. They show the many shapes the Jew assumes. They show the depravity and baseness of the Jewish race. They show the Jew for what he really is: The Devil in human form.''</blockquote>

On the Jews as "a mongrel blood race" Wickstrom states:<blockquote>''And it is proven fact, that the jews and Whites are of a different race. It also shows in itself as to how the jews have financed the Blacks, who were unknowing of the jews plan to use them against the Whites. The jews are of Asiatic blood. They are a mongrel blood race, whose desire is to destroy all pure races on this earth using racial mongrelization (diversity and pluralism), mainly against the White race, the Black race, and the Oriental Race.</blockquote>

Wickstrom advocates the mass killing of Jewish people: the Southern Poverty Law Center cited an interview<ref>Buchanan, Susy [http://www.splcenter.org/intel/intelreport/article.jsp?aid=507 ''Return of the Pastor''] SPLC. Accessed 11 March 2008</ref> with Wickstrom in which he proposed giving Jewish people "the holocaust they rightly deserve:"<blockquote>''I'd like to see these Jews all be brought to the VA [Veterans Administration hospital] and wooden chairs be put down on the lawn. Tie the Jews in. Bring these veterans down who have been mutilated, physically mutilated, their lives ruined without the opportunity of a family or children, and give them baseball bats and let them beat these Jews to death! Every one of them! Take these chairs and Jews after they're beaten to death, throw 'em in the wood chipper! And from the wood chipper let the remains go into a big incinerary truck, which is right behind the wood chipper, and give them the holocaust they rightly deserve!''</blockquote>

==Terrorism==
In North Dakota in 1983, Identity believer Gordon Kahl killed two U.S. Marshals who had come to arrest him for a parole violation. A four-month manhunt ended in another shootout in [[Arkansas]], where Kahl killed a local sheriff before he himself was killed.

The same year, the white supremacist terrorist group known as '''The Order''' began a series of armed robberies, murders and counterfeiting operations. Several members of the gang belonged to Christian Identity, including David Tate, who in 1985 killed a Missouri State Highway Patrol officer attempting to reach an Identity survivalist compound called ''The Covenant, the Sword, and the Arm of the Lord'' (CSA). An ensuing standoff resulted in the demise of the CSA and the arrest of its leadership. Subsequently, several Christian Identity groups attempted to follow in the footsteps of The Order, including '''The Order II''' and the '''Arizona Patriots''', who committed bombings and an attempted armored car robbery, respectively.

In the 1990s, Christian Identity criminal activity included efforts by an [[Oklahoma]] Identity minister, Willie Ray Lampley, to commit a series of bombings in the summer of 1995 in the wake of the [[Oklahoma City bombing]] by [[Timothy McVeigh]]. The following year, the '''Montana Freemen''', whose leaders were Identity, made headlines for their "paper terrorism" tactics and their 81-day standoff with the federal government. In 1998, Eric Rudolph, who had been associated with Identity ministers such as Nord Davis and Dan Gayman, became a fugitive after bombing gay bars, the Atlanta Summer Olympics, and an [[abortion]] clinic. The following year, Buford Furrow went on a shooting spree at a Jewish Community Center in [[Los Angeles]], wounding four children and an adult, and later killing a Filipino-American postal worker

Another example of Christian Identity terrorism can be found in the concept of the '''Phineas Priesthood''', set forth by Richard Kelly Hoskins in his 1990 book ''Vigilantes of Christendom''. The Priesthood is based on the concept of the obscure Biblical character [[Phinehas]], an Israelite who used a spear to slay a "race-mixing" fellow Israelite and the Midianite woman with whom he had sex. Hoskins conjured up the idea of an elite class of "Phineas Priests," self-anointed warriors who would use extreme measures to attack race-mixers, gays, or abortionists, among other targets. Over the years, some have committed crimes using the Phineas Priest label, including a group of about eight who committed bombings and bank robberies in the [[Spokane]], Washington, area in 1996 (four of whom were caught and sentenced to lengthy prison terms). In 2002, two Aryan Nations splinter groups openly adopted Phineas Priest names or symbols.<ref>[http://www.adl.org/learn/ext_us/Christian_Identity.asp?xpicked=4&item=Christian_ID ''Christian Identity''] ADL. Accessed 11 March 2008</ref>

==Christian Identity influences==
*[[Howard Rand]]
*[[William Cameron]]
*[[Wesley Swift]]
*[[Bertrand Comparet]]
*[[Richard Butler]]
*[[William Potter Gale]]
*[[James K. Warner]]
*[[Sheldon Emry]]
*[[Dave Barley]]
*[[Pete Peters]]

==Known Christian Identity organizations==
*America's Promise Ministries
*Aryan Nations
*Aryan Nations/Tabernacle of the Phineas Priesthood
*Christian Research
*Church of Israel
*Church of the True Israel
*Fellowship of God's Covenant People
*Gospel Ministries
*Imperial Klans of America
*Kingdom Identity Ministries
*Mission to Israel
*[[New Christian Crusade Church]]
*Our Savior's Church (Gainesville, MO)
*Present Truth Ministries
*Scriptures for America/La Porte Church of Christ
*Sheriff's Posse Comitatus
*Stone Kingdom Ministries
*Thomas Robb Ministries/Knights of the Ku Klux Klan
*Virginia Christian Israelites
*Virginia Publishing Company
*White Camelia Knights
*Elohim City (Adair County, OK)

==References==
{{reflist|small}}

==Sources==
* Kaplan, Jeffrey. ''Radical Religion In America'' (Syracuse University Press, 1997).

[[Category:Hate Groups]]
[[Category:Heresies]]

Talk:Christian Identity

2008-12-27T18:43:55Z

Sulli: I do not think they are a liberal group.

How can they be liberals if they are anti-communist, commit "hate crimes" against liberal protected groups (such as blacks), and appear to be anti-gun control? Liberals are, basically, communists who use hate crime legislation to silence free speech and like restricting people's ability to defend themselves. It also sounds like they follow some sort of messed up interpretation of the Bible (which would be a liberal trait) which makes it sound like they certainly wouldn't promote evolution. I question whether they really are liberals since they are against so many strong liberal traits. I would say they are something else altogether. Keep in mind, just because liberals believe a lot of incorrect bad things does not mean that all people who believe incorrect, evil things are liberal. [[User:Sulli|Sulli]] 13:43, 27 December 2008 (EST)

Talk:Evolution syndrome

2008-12-27T18:22:31Z

Sulli:

Evolutionists have a compulsion to censor opposing or alternative views. This can be seen, among other places, on wikis. So, hypothetically, if there was a wiki whose pro-evolution was locked to prevent editing by anyone except for a single sysop, and where anyone who attempted to add alternative views was reverted or blocked, would that be an example of the type of censorship you have in mind? [[User:Eoinc|Eoinc]] 08:52, 17 September 2008 (EDT)
:"insist that their belief in evolution must somehow be true" Isn't "their belief" superfluous? "Believing" something is "holding it to be true", so someone must believe it's true to believe it at all. --[[User:Toffeeman|Toffeeman]] 09:06, 17 September 2008 (EDT)

:: The locking is due to the prevalence of [[evolution syndrome]]. If someone can propose a solution, I welcome it.

:: No, "their belief" is not superfluous. There are are different beliefs about evolution, but the person who has [[evolution syndrome]] insists that ''his'' belief is true to the exclusion of other beliefs. Most normal people do not take that attitude.--[[User:Aschlafly|Aschlafly]] 09:21, 17 September 2008 (EDT)

::: But there is a difference between asserting that the theory of evolution is true (I.E. that it is factual), and a person asserting that their ''belief'' in it is true (I.E. that they ''truly'' believe in it). The text currently suggests that evolution syndrome is an insistance that one has a true belief in evolution. Are you implying that sufferers of this 'syndrome' do not actually truly believe in evolution despite insisting that they do? [[User:Sideways|Sideways]] 15:15, 17 September 2008 (EDT)
::::Since there's been no response, I have taken the iniative & changed the wording. I am assuming that the intended meaning is that sufferers of this "syndrome" insist that evolution itself is true, not only that they truly believe in it. [[User:Sideways|Sideways]]

==Most atheists to many atheists change==

While most atheists certainly believe in evolution as the article states, it seems unlikely that most also contribute 90% edits about evolution. That only leaves 10% for other liberal atheist issues like promoting abortion, etc. [[User:Sulli|Sulli]] 13:22, 27 December 2008 (EST)

Evolution syndrome

2008-12-27T18:20:36Z

Sulli: Changed most atheists to many atheists. See talk for explanation.

'''Evolution [[syndrome]]''' is the tendency of some people to insist compulsively that human [[evolution]] from animals must somehow be true, and to spend nearly all of their time pushing that belief on others. It is reflected on the Internet by people who devote over 90% of their edits and postings to pushing their belief in evolution and insisting on [[censoring]] alternative views of the issue. They are particularly against teaching any alternative theories to children in school. A childish insistence on [[last wordism]] is a common characteristic of evolution syndrome.

Evolution syndrome particularly afflicts people who have some educational background without having the intellectual depth of more accomplished peers.
Evolution syndrome can be seen on [[wiki]]s, [[Usenet]] groups, faculty positions below full professorships, and some less selective doctoral programs.

There is a high incidence of [[atheism]] among this group and indeed, many atheists suffer from evolution syndrome.

Keeping an open mind, not obsessing about one's own views and avoiding the insistence that others should share his/her view is the key to avoid suffering from evolution syndrome.

== See Also ==

[[Richard Dawkins]]

[[category: Syndromes]]
[[Category:Conservapedia Terms]]

Jefferson Bible

2008-12-27T15:56:58Z

Sulli: new page from redlink.

''The Life and Morals of Jesus of Nazareth'', better known as the ''Jefferson Bible'' is a interpretation of the New Testament by [[Thomas Jefferson]]. The highly controversial interpretation removes many passages and any reference to the divinity of Jesus.

Damages

2008-12-27T15:36:24Z

Sulli: Undo revision 595080 by DrewB (Talk) vandalism

'''Damages''' consist of money awarded by a [[court]] to a [[plaintiff]] injured by the unlawful actor [[negligence]] of another person.

Damages can also be awarded to a [[defendant]] who filed a [[counterclaim]] against the [[plaintiff]].

== See also ==

*[[Legal process]]
*[[Civil action]]
*[[Claim]]

[[Category:Legal Terms]]

10th and Wolf

2008-12-27T15:35:41Z

Sulli: Undo revision 595081 by DrewB (Talk) vandalism

'''10th & Wolf''' (2006) is a film about the son of a made member of the [[Mafia]] who tries to escape the world of [[organized crime]] by joining the [[Marines]]. He feels let down when the government 'cuts a deal' to leave Saddam in power and gets himself thrown out of the Marines, only to be offered an FBI deal if he'll rat out the mob in his old neighborhood.

When Tommy comes back to the neighborhood, he's welcomed by his aunt, his brother Vincent, and his cousin Joey, who owns a strip club with a tall one-legged murderer named Junior. Joey knows that Junior murdered Willy, but refuses to tell his widow Brandy anything; instead, he offers her a bartending job at the club, which is managed by Vincent.

[[category:movies]]

Stephen King

2008-12-24T13:09:40Z

Sulli: /* Biography and first works */

'''Stephen Edwin King''' is a best-selling American novelist and short story writer, often considered the "Master of Horror". His books have been translated into 33 different languages and published in over 35 different countries. There are over 300 million copies of his novels in publication. Some of his novels take on [[occult]] themes.

== Biography and first works==
{{Uncited}}

Stephen King was born in 1947, in Maine. He attended Lisbon High School in Lisbon.

King's amateur press, Triad and Gaslight Books, published a two part book titled "The Star Invaders" in 1964. He made his first published appearance in 1965 in the magazine ''Comics Review'' with his pulp story "I Was a Teenage Grave Robber." The story ran about 6,000 words in length.

In 1966, King graduated from high school and took a scholarship to attend the University of Maine. Later that summer he was already working on a novel called "Getting It On", about some kids who take over a classroom and try unsuccessfully to ward off the [[National Guard]]. During his first year at college, King completed his first full length novel, "The Long Walk." He submitted the novel to Bennett Cerf/Random House only to have it rejected. King took the rejection badly and filed the book away. "The Long Walk" would later be published under King's pseudonym, Richard Bachman.

It was around those times that he made his first small sale with his story "The Glass Floor" for the amount of thirty-five dollars.

In June 1970, King graduated from the University of Maine with a Bachelor of Science degree in English and a certificate to teach high school.

His next idea came from the poem by [[Robert Browning]], "Childe Roland to the Dark Tower Came." Due to his lack of income he was unable to further pursue the novel at great length and it too was filed away. King took a measly job of pumping gas earning $1.25 an hour. Also he earned money for his writings by submitting his short stories to men's magazines such as ''Cavalier''.

== Writing Career ==

On January 2, 1971, Stephen King married Tabitha Jane Spruce. In the fall of 1971, King took a teaching job at Hampden Academy earning $6,400 a year. The Kings then moved to Hermon, a town west of Bangor, Maine.

Stephen King then began to work on a short story about a teenage girl named Carietta White. After a completing a few pages, King decided it was not a worthy story and crumpled the pages up and tossed them into the trash. Fortunately, his wife took the pages out and read them. She encouraged her husband to continue the story.

In January 1973, King submitted '''Carrie''' to Doubleday. In March, Doubleday bought the book and sold the paperback rights to New American Library for $400,000. Based on the book contract, Stephen King would get half of that. King quit his teaching job to pursue writing full time.

Since then, King has had numerous short stories and novels published and movies created from his work, sometimes directed by high-profile names. Worth mentioning are the film versions of "Carrie", directed
by Brian de Palma; "The Shining", by Stanley Kubrick; "Misery", by Rob Reiner; and "The Shawnshank Redemption", by Frank Darabont. In his review of "The Green Mile", award-winning critic Roger Ebert wrote that ''"Stephen King, sometimes dismissed as merely a best-seller, has in his best novels some of the power of [[Charles Dickens|Dickens]], who created worlds that enveloped us and populated them with colorful, peculiar, sharply seen characters. King in his strongest work is a storyteller likely to survive as Dickens has, despite the sniffs of the litcrit establishment."''<ref>http://rogerebert.suntimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/19991210/REVIEWS/912100302/1023</ref>

In June 1999, Stephen King was severely injured in an accident that left him in critical condition with injuries to his lung, broken ribs, a broken leg, and a severely fractured hip. After three weeks of operations, he was released from the Central Maine Medical Center in Bangor, Maine. Stephen continued to be bedridden and required intensive rehabilitation over the remainder of this year. He is expected to be able to walk about 9-12 months after the accident. Due to Stephen King's injuries, his projects were delayed at least a year.
He relives this incident in ''The Dark Tower'', the final book in the ''Dark Tower'' series, in which his life is saved by Jake Chambers.

In 2003, he was awarded The National Book Foundation's Medal for Distinguished Contribution to American Letters, and currently collaborates for ''Entertainment Weekly'' magazine.

== Recent Controversy ==

On April 4, 2008, King made comments which have been criticized as elitist and anti-military. While addressing a symposium of high school students, he stated that "The fact is if you can read, you can walk into a job later on. If you don't, then you've got the Army, Iraq, I don't know, something like that." These comments were criticized by Noel Sheppard, a conservative blogger. <ref>http://newsbusters.org/blogs/noel-sheppard/2008/05/05/writer-stephen-king-if-you-cant-read-youll-end-army-or-iraq</ref> King has since refused to apologize for the comments, blaming the controversy on conservative commentators and claiming that Sheppard and other conservatives "...take their cues from [conservative commentators Rush] Limbaugh and [Bill] O’Reilly, who are adept at shifting discussion from what they don’t want to talk about, such as the failures of the war in Iraq, to what they want to talk about..." According to King, "[Conservative commentators] shift the discussion away from education to who’s supporting the troops. Of course, I support the troops. In this country, there’s an equating of intelligence with elitism, and elitism with being unpatriotic. But smart people love the U.S., too." <ref>http://bangornews.com/news/t/city.aspx?articleid=164062&zoneid=176</ref>

== List of Stephen King's works ==

*Carrie (1974)
*Salem's Lot (1975)
*Rage (as Richard Bachman) (1977)
*The Shining (1977)
*Night Shift (1978)
*The Stand (1978)
*The Dead Zone (1979)
*The Long Walk (as Richard Bachman) (1979)
*Danse Macabre (1980) - Non-fiction
*Firestarter (1980)
*Cujo (1981)
*Roadwork (as Richard Bachman) (1981)
*Creepshow (1982)
*Different Seasons (1982)
*The Dark Tower: The Gunslinger (1982)
*The Running Man (as Richard Bachman) (1982)
*Christine (1983)
*Pet Sematary (1983)
*The Talisman (1984)
*Thinner (as Richard Bachman) (1984)
*Cycle of the Werewolf (1985)
*Skeleton Crew (1985)
*The Bachman Books (1985)
*It (1986)
*Misery (1987)
*The Dark Tower II: The Drawing of the Three (1987)
*The Eyes of the Dragon (1987)
*The Tommyknockers (1987)
*The Dark Half (1989)
*Four Past Midnight (1990)
*The Stand: The Complete & Uncut Edition (1990)
*Needful Things (1991)
*The Dark Tower III: The Waste Lands (1991)
*Dolores Claiborne (1992)
*Gerald's Game (1992)
*Nightmares and Dreamscapes (1993)
*Insomnia (1994)
*Rose Madder (1995)
*The Green Mile: All 6 Parts (1996)
*The Regulators (as Richard Bachman) (1996)
*Dark Tower IV: Wizard and Glass (1997)
*Six Stories (1997)
*Apt Pupil (1998)
*Bag of Bones (1998)
*Hearts in Atlantis (1999)
*Storm of the Century (1999)
*The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon (1999)
*On Writing (2000) - Non-fiction
*Secret Windows (2000)
*Black House (2001)
*Dreamcatcher (2001)
*Everything's Eventual (2002)
*From a Buick 8 (2004)
*Cell (2006)
*Lisey's Story (2006)
*Blaze (as Richard Bachman) (2007)
*Duma Key (2008)
==References==
{{reflist}}

==External Links==
[http://www.stephenking.com/ Stephen King: The Official Website]

[[Category:Authors|King, Stephen]]
[[Category:Horror]]

Al Sharpton

2008-12-20T19:48:12Z

Sulli: unnecessary comma

'''Al Sharpton''' (born 1954) went right into making a living stirring up race issues, bypassing getting a job. Finding incidences where there was racial tension or possibly could be, he would help fan the flame. Indeed, he has even been called a 'racial arsonist'. Some of his notable 'cases' were the Howard Beach incident and the Tawana Brawley incident. In both cases Sharpon got the defendants to refuse to cooperate with the police that could have led to quick indictments and justice and instead called for grand jury investigations. The Tawana Brawley case was later determined to be a fraud, 7 months into a grand jury investigation and after a waste of taxpayer money and bitter racial strife.

Sharpton was licensed as a minister at the age of 9 as a [[Pentecostal]] and again as an adult as a [[Baptist]]. He has no formal religious training. As Sharpon's notoriety has increased he has spread out, running for President as a [[Democrat]] in 2004. Part of the joke of the late night talk show circuit was that Sharpton wanted his very first job to be [[President of the United States]]. Today he is a radio talk show host focusing almost exclusively on racial issues.

[[Image:Sharpton boycott.jpg|600px]]
{{Clear}}
Sharpton has owed the IRS back taxes for many years. Counting penalties it is currently 1.5 million dollars.<ref>http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,354846,00.html</ref>

==References==
<References/>

==External Links==
*[http://www.aim.org/wls/author/al-sharpton/ What Liberals Say - Al Sharpton], [[Accuracy In Media]]

{{DEFAULTSORT:Sharpton,Al}}

[[Category:Activists]]

[[Category:Liberals]]

Stephen C. Meyer

2008-12-17T18:08:17Z

Sulli: capitalized Geology as Physics was

'''Stephen C. Meyer''' is an American philosopher of science. Stephen C. Meyer is also director and Senior Fellow of the [[Center for Science and Culture]] at the [[Discovery Institute]]. <ref>http://www.discovery.org/scripts/viewDB/index.php?command=view&isFellow=true&id=11</ref>

Meyer earned his doctorate in the History and Philosophy of Science from [[University of Cambridge|Cambridge University]] for a dissertation on the history of origin of life biology and the methodology of the historical sciences. In addition, Dr. Meyer worked as a geophysicist with the Atlantic Richfield Company after earning his undergraduate degrees in Geology and Physics. <ref>http://www.discovery.org/scripts/viewDB/index.php?command=view&isFellow=true&id=11</ref> Before taking his current position at the Discovery Insitute, he was an associate professor of philosophy at Whitworth College in [[Washington]].

==Intelligent Design==

Meyer is a major proponent of [[intelligent design]] theory, which he regards as independent of [[Creationism]]. <ref>Intelligent design is not creationism [http://www.telegraph.co.uk/opinion/main.jhtml?xml=/opinion/2006/01/28/do2803.xml]</ref> In an interview with [[Ben Wattenberg]], Dr. Meyer said,

{{quotebox|Intelligent design is an inference from biological data, not a deduction from religious authority. <ref>http://www.discovery.org/v/22</ref>}}

== Peer Review Controversy ==

In August of 2004, Meyer's article "The Origin of Biological Information and the Higher Taxonomic Categories”, appeared in the Proceedings of the Biological Society of Washington, making it the first article in support of intelligent design to be published in a peer reviewed journal. <ref>[http://www.discovery.org/scripts/viewDB/index.php?command=view&id=2177 Intelligent Design: The Origin of Biological Information and the Higher Taxonomic Categories]</ref>
Shortly thereafter, the journal's publisher released a statement retracting the article, stating it had not met the journal's scientific standards and had not been properly peer reviewed. <ref>[http://www.biolsocwash.org/id_statement.html STATEMENT FROM THE COUNCIL OF THE BIOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF WASHINGTON]</ref> The statement also endorsed American Association for the Advancement of Science's resolution that there is no credible scientific evidence supporting ID.

== References ==

<References/>

== External Links ==

[http://www.discovery.org/scripts/viewDB/index.php?command=submitSearchQuery&query=Stephen%20C.%20Meyer&orderBy=date&orderDir=DESC&searchBy=author&searchType=all&includeBlogPosts=true Articles by Stephen C. Meyer]

{{DEFAULTSORT: Meyer, Stephen C.}}

[[Category:Intelligent Design Theorists]]
[[Category:Philosophers]]

Shame

2008-12-16T15:16:00Z

Sulli:

'''Shame''' is the sense of [[embarrassment]] and regret felt when one is aware of having done something [[sin]]ful, stupid, or wrong. A sense of shame is essential if one is to have a mature, adult sense of responsibility. [[Liberal]]s frequently lack a developed sense of shame. Instead of taking responsibility for their own actions, they prefer to blame any negative consequences of their actions on society, economic forces or other people. At the same time, they attempt to instill shame in those that hold conservative values.

==Shame in the Bible==
The first recorded instance of shame was in the [[Garden of Eden]]. After [[Adam and Eve]] ate from the [[Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil]], they realized their [[nudity]] and felt shame. Thus, shame is a naturally intended part of all of us and we must use it to develop [[humility]].

[[Category:Virtues]]

Field spaniel

2008-12-13T16:00:35Z

Sulli:

A '''Field Spaniel''' is a breed of [[dog]] originally descended from the English [[Cocker Spaniel]]. Field Spaniels are rare, especially in America, but are known for their calm disposition and friendly nature. Field Spaniels are bird dogs, members of the sporting group that were originally used to retrieve ducks and similar fowl after a hunter shot them.

[[category:Dog Breeds]]