Closing the Output Gap in the United Kingdom Essay

Closing the Output Gap in the United Kingdom - Essay Example Of course, actual output is the recorded GDP of a given time that can be in nominal or real values. The nominal value refers to the prefers of the GDP synchronic to the prices or price reference of a given year while the real GDP can be valued in terms of a base or a reference prices of a reference year. Dornbush et al. (2008, p. 15) explained that the concept of an output gap provides a way of measuring the magnitude of the cyclical deviations of actual output from the potential output. The concept â€Å"potential output† is also interchangeable with the term â€Å"trend output† (Dornbusch et al. 2008, p. 15). From the economic perspective of Dornbusch et al., the output gap is negative during a recession and positive during an expansion (2008, p. 15). In a recession, resources are unemployed and actual output is below potential output. In contrast, during a positive gap or expansion, workers overtime and machineries are utilized more than the usual (Dornbusch 2008, p. 15). Positive gap or expansion is also known as an economic recovery (Dornbusch 2008, p. 15). For Mankiw (2006, p. 425), potential output or full employment output is more accurately the natural rate of output because â€Å"it shows what the economy produces when the unemployment is at its natural or normal rate†. At the same time, Mankiw pointed out that â€Å"the natural rate of output is the level of production toward which the economy gravitates in the long run† (2004, p. 425). According to classical viewpoint, the potential output or the natural rate of output depends on labour, capital, natural resources, and technological knowledge and, therefore, shifts in the potential output or natural rate of output depend on changes in the said variables (Mankiw 2004, p. 425). An output gap can promote price volatility.  

Artificial Heart, History and Function Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Artificial Heart, History and Function - Essay Example Artificial Heart, History and Function This prompted Dayton of Ohio to develop a polymer that would be accepted by the body of a human being. July 3, 1952, a successful heart surgery was done by use of the mechanical heart acting as a substitute during the operations. That was at the Harper University Hospital, Wayne State University in Michigan, USA. A machine called Dodrill-GMR was used during the operation’s success. The doctor’s in operation, Dr. Forest Dewey Dodrill and Dr. Matthew Dudley noted that this was the first operation that an artificial machine had fully replaced the functions of the heart during an operation. This discovery did set the pace for other inventions and experiments in the same field. In 1949, Yale school doctors, William Glenn and William Sewell made a pre cursor to this artificial heart-pump that was seen to bypass the heart of a dog for more than one hour. Many other inventions have followed since these discoveries were made. This created discoveries both in the USA and in other places all over the world leading to the now fully functional artificial heart. Patients eligible for receiving these hearts are those whose hearts are on the verge of collapsing due to a collection of problems associated with heart failures. The main disadvantage of these hearts is that they do not operate like the natural hearts where they have to be powered making the user to lack ability to continue with active life.

Life of a Chinese Farmer Essay Example for Free

Life of a Chinese Farmer Essay If I were a Chinese farmer in 2006 I would be continuing my livelihood that I have done all of my life even when I was a child helping my family. I later got married and I now have 6 children ranging in age from 4 to 18. We all live in a village called Xinzhuang (Village of Xin) in China. This is a farming village that is about 1481.3 miles outside of Shanguani, China that is the closest well known city. My typical day starts out at 7:15 AM when I get up and eat breakfast with my family and then I go out into the garden and pick the vegetables that are ready and we use these vegetables for our dinner that evening. Then I have time to do some other things around the house including laundry and household repairs that need to be completed. Our normal meals consist of rice and vegetables unless I have the money to purchase some meat from one of the small shops in the village. For entertainment we normally visit with others in the village, sing songs, and occasionally we are able to access the internet, and watch television. The biggest concerns that I have for my family is are we going to have enough food and is our farm going to be taken over and built on so that we don’t have enough room to grow our vegetables. I also worry about my family and their health because we do not have a doctor in our village. We must travel to Shanguani for any healthcare issues that arise with our family. REFERENCES www.chinatoday.com/entertain/entertain.htm www.chinadaily.com.cn/english/doc/2004-11/19/content393991.htm

Buddhist And Christian Ethics Theology

Buddhist And Christian Ethics Theology Buddhism and Christianity are religions with comprehensive and contrasting ethical laws and customs. Throughout this essay the ethical practices of both religions will be described in detail, with an exploration of their similarities and differences presented. Description of Buddhist Ethical Practices Seven weeks after Prince Siddhartha Gautama had attained enlightenment whilst meditating under a bodhi tree, he delivered his First Sermon to his five former ascetical companions under that same tree. The contents of that initial sermon are knows as the Four Noble Truths, which are essentially the foundation of the religion. They are as follows: (Gwynne 2011, p. 93) 1. Suffering: Now this, monks, is the noble truth of suffering: Birth is suffering, ageing is suffering, sickness is suffering, death is suffering; union with what is displeasing is suffering; separation from what is pleasing is suffering; not to get what one wants is suffering; in brief, the five aggregates subject to clinging are suffering. 2. The Source of Suffering: Now this, monks, is the noble truth of the origin of suffering: It is the craving which leads to renewed existence, accompanied by delight and lust, seeking delight here and there; that is, craving for sensual pleasures, craving for existence, craving for extermination. 3. The Cessation of Suffering: Now this, monks, is the noble truth of the cessation of suffering: It is the remainder-less fading away and cessation of that same craving, the giving up and relinquishing of it, freedom from it, and non-reliance on it. 4. The Way to the Cessation of Suffering: Now this, monks, is the noble truth of the way leading to the cessation of suffering: It is this Noble Eightfold Path: that is, right view, right intention, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, and right concentration. Like its parent religion Hinduism, Buddhism teaches that the ultimate goal of the lives of adherents is to break free from the wheel of reincarnation and attain nirvana. Where it differs from Hinduism is instead of stressing the importance of obligations related to caste, gender and age (varna ashrama dharma), it stresses the embodiment of the sublime truth that was rediscovered by Prince Siddhartha on his night of enlightenment, which was imparted to his early followers in his First Sermon. The essence of Buddhist dharma (as opposed to Hindu dharma) is the Four Noble Truths which, along with the Buddha himself and the community of adherents (Sangha), make up the Three Jewels of Buddhism. The last of the Four Noble Truths, the Noble Eightfold Path, is often divided into three categories: 1. Wisdom (panna) right view and right intention 2. Meditation (samdhi) right effort, right mindfulness and right concentration 3. Virtue (sila) right speech, right action and right livelihood. This category specifically provides ethical instruction for Buddhists, insisting that adherents must refrain from abusive, deceitful or divisive words through right speech; calling buddhists to be generally righteous in their actions; and implying that certain occupations may be immoral and hence unsuitable. (Gwynne 2011, pg. 92) Buddhism lacks a clear belief in a supreme being, resulting in Buddhist morality being based upon the degree as to which thoughts and actions will advance or impede ones quest for final liberation. It is not based upon commandments issued by a transcendent God which are to be unquestionably followed by adherents, as is the case in the Abrahamic religions. Without a God to dictate what is good and evil, Buddhists refer to certain actions as skillful (kausalya) or unskillful (akausalya) rather than right or wrong. Buddhist morality is based upon considerations of individual progress on the road to liberation from the wheel of reincarnation rather than practicing the will of a divine God. The cornerstone of Buddhist ethical teaching is the Pancasila, the five precepts. They are as follows: I refrain from destroying living creatures I refrain from taking that which is not given I refrain from sexual misconduct I refrain from false speech I refrain from intoxicants which lead to carelessness. (Gwynne 2011, p. 94) These precepts provide a basic moral code for Buddhists, so integral that they are often recited on a daily basis by the laity, chanted by monks at crucial moments such as birth, marriage and death, and are a popular sermon topic. The Pancasila can be interpreted in a variety of ways. In one sense it provides a basic definition of goodness or skilfulness in Buddhist faith, reflecting the virtues of a spiritually advanced person. In another sense it is understood as the five training rules (pancasikkha) as they were sometimes referred to as by the Buddha. In this view the Pancasila can be seen as a list of practical guidelines to ethically guide the individual Buddhist toward a more liberated state of being, rather than a set of moral commandments cast down from the heavens by almighty God. The Pancasila is mostly negatively phrased, focusing on what actions should be avoided rather than encouraging virtuous actions. However, upon closer inspection one notices that with every negative, I refrain from phrase, there is a positive phrase to compel the adherent to strive for higher spiritual advancement, getting closer and closer to enlightenment. Thus the first precept is to refrain from killing living beings, not just humans but also animal and even plant life. This idea fits perfectly with the wheel of reincarnation as within the Buddhist world view one may be reincarnated as other life forms. (Gwynne 2011, pg. 95) The second precept forbids theft, stemming into the obsessive desire of material objects which leads to stealing. This positively encourages adherents to be generous in all aspects of life, not just financially but in their time and energy. The third precept discourages sexual misconduct, making it known that sexual desire is such a strong human instinct that it poses a considerable threat to ones spiritual path. It is not considered unskilful for adherents to have sexual relations, but it is known that celibacy is a higher form of spiritual existence. The fourth precept forbids any lying or form of deceit, forging a reverence for truth which is a crucial component of individual enlightenment. Finally, the fifth precept prevents the consumption of any intoxicant, instilling on adherents the importance of clarity of mind, an essential quality for Buddhists who are serious about their spirituality. (Gwynne 2011, pg. 96) Description of Christian Ethical Practices Jesus, when approached by a teacher of religious law and asked which of the commandments is most important, answered The most important commandment is this: Hear, O Israel! The Lord our God is the one and only Lord. And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength. The second is equally important: Love your neighbour as yourself. No other commandment is greater than these. (Mark 12:29-31, NLT) The commandment for Jews to love the one and only God with all their being is found in Deuteronomy, with Leviticus stressing the importance of loving ones neighbour. What Jesus said was not revolutionary, he merely reinstated the ethical values that are symbolized in the Jewish Decalogue. A comparative table of the Decalogue in its various forms is provided below (Gwynne 2011, p. 102): Jewish Catholic and Lutheran Orthodox and Protestant 1. I am the Lord your God who brought you out of the house of slavery. I am the Lord your God and you shall have no other gods before me. I am the Lord your God and you shall have no other gods before me. 2. You shall have no other gods besides me. You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God. You shall not make for yourself any graven image. 3. You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God. Remember to keep holy the Lords day. You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God. 4. Remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy. Honor your father and mother. Remember to keep holy the Lords day. 5. Honor your father and your mother. You shall not kill. Honor your father and mother. 6. You shall not murder. You shall not commit adultery. You shall not kill. 7. You shall not commit adultery. You shall not steal. You shall not commit adultery. 8. You shall not steal. You shall not bear false witness against your neighbour. You shall not steal. 9. You shall not bear false witness against your neighbour. You shall not covet your neighbours wife. You shall not bear false witness against your neighbour. 10. You shall not covet anything that belongs to your neighbour. You shall not covet your neighbours goods. You shall not covet anything that belongs to your neighbour. Jesus himself demystifies any misunderstandings that may occur regarding the Christian perspective of the Jewish ethical teachings in Matthew 5:17 with Dont misunderstand why I have come. I did not come to abolish the law of Moses or the writings of the prophets. No, I came to fulfil them. (NLT) Like its parent religion Judaism, the Christian mindset involves an intelligently designed world in which humans have the opportunity to live out Gods divine plan for them, to have eternal communion with him. Moral behaviour is an integral component of this divine plan, being part of the final judgement each person must face. However, as can be seen in other religions, Christianity acknowledges that all human beings have an instinctive moral code regardless of their faith or lack of faith (Gwynne 2011, pg. 101). This inner morality is mentioned by St Paul in Romans 2:14-16 When outsiders who have never heard of Gods law follow it more or less by instinct, they confirm its truth by their obedience. They show that Gods law is not something alien, imposed on us from without, but woven into the very fabric of our creation. There is something deep within them that echoes Gods yes and no, right and wrong. Their response to Gods yes and no will become public knowledge on the day God makes his final decision about every man and woman. The message from God that I proclaim through Jesus Christ takes into account all these differences. (The Message Bible) Although the existence of this instinctive moral code is confirmed throughout Christian denominations, there is debate over the extent as to which it can be distorted by human sinfulness. The Catholic church takes a rather accepting stance on the issue, acknowledging the existence of natural law within its moral teachings, while Protestant and Orthodox churches tend to be more suspicious of non-religious sources of ethics. All the denominations are however united in their belief that Christian ethical teaching are a more comprehensive guide to moral living. The Old Testament, as aforementioned, is the essential first step towards Christian moral living, whilst Jewish customs and practices such as kosher, Sabbath laws and circumstances were abandoned by the early church as they were deemed unnecessary in the development of ethical living practices within the religion. As important as the Jewish tradition is in providing a moral base for Christians, they are often deemed insufficient in the eyes of Christians. Evidenced in the writings in St Paul, the law of Moses is respected as good and holy yet somehow incomplete, lacking the motivation that drives Christian ethics. Christians believe in the importance of a new law which provides the motivation behind embodying the type of ethical practices expressed in the Decalogue, faith that Jesus is the incarnate Son of God and Saviour of humankind. (Gwynne 2011, pg. 93) The ethical practices of Christianity are unsurprisingly christocentric. Christians view Jesus as sinless and perfect, making him the ultimate model for Christian living. The Christian understanding of the next stage of pre-established Jewish ethics were unveiled through Jesus, and a standout instance of his moral instruction is contained within his Sermon on the Mount. The comprehensive sermon notably contains moral instruction on the topics of anger, adultery, divorce and, strikingly, love for ones enemies. A selection of verses particularly relevant to Christian ethical practices is presented below: You have heard that the law of Moses says, Do not murder. If you commit murder, your are subject to judgement. But I say, if you are angry with someone, you are subject to judgement! Matthew 5:21-22 (NLT) You have heard that the law of Moses says, Do not commit adultery. But I say, anyone who even looks at a woman with lust in his eye has already committed adultery with her in his heart. Matthew 5:27-28 (NLT) You have heard that the law of Moses says, A man can divorce his wife merely by giving her a letter of divorce. But I say that a man who divorces his wife, unless she has been unfaithful, causes her to commit adultery. And anyone who marries a divorced woman commits adultery. Matthew 5:31-32 (NLT) Again, you have heard that the law of Moses says, Do not break your vows; you must carry out the vows you have made to the Lord. Just say a simple, Yes, I will, or No, I wont. Your word is enough. Matthew 5:33-37 (NLT) If you are slapped on the right cheek, turn the other, too. Matthew 5:39 (NLT) You have heard that the law of Moses says, Love you neighbor and hate your enemy. But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! Matthew 5:43-44 (NLT) Similarities and Differences Although Buddhism and Christianity may outwardly seem very different, it may come as a surprise to some to learn that at the heart of their morality, as is the case with all the major religions, they are very similar. This is largely due to what the Catholic church refers to as natural law, the inner sense of morality which is shared throughout humanity. Perhaps the most important piece of evidence for this concept is the fact that the Golden Rule of ethics in both religions (and the other major religions) is essentially the same: (Gwynne 2011, pg. 111) Comparing yourself to others in terms such as Just as I am so are they, just as they are so am I, he should neither kill nor cause others to kill. (Sutta Pitaka) In everything, do to others as you would have them do to you; for this is the law and the prophets. (Gospel of Matthew) Although the ethical practices taught in both religions are similar, perhaps the most striking difference between the two religions in the role that God plays in their ethical practice. Christian ethics are viewed as the result of divine intervention through the prophets and the human incarnation of God himself. Obedience to the will of a omniscient, omnipresent and omnipotent divine being is undoubtedly a crucial component of Christian morality. This is a stark contrast with Buddhism as it is the only major religion which does not acknowledge the existence of a God at all. Buddhist ethics are not handed down by almighty God, they are teachings designed to guide the individual on their path towards attaining enlightenment in accordance with the eternal dharma. It is also worth noting that Buddhist teachings are generally understood to be less strict than their Christian counterparts, more like suggestions of how to live a spiritually advanced life than divine commandments. While Christianity and Buddhism differ considerably in regards to the contrasting ideas of living a single life then facing judgement versus the wheel of reincarnation (Samsara), both religions are concerned about the repercussions that an individuals morality will have on their spiritual status. Christian ethics are understood by adherents to be a set of guidelines put in place to achieve and maintain eternal communion with God in heaven (Gwynne 2011, pg. 110), and are a crucial aspect of the criteria used in their final judgement, while the aim of Buddhist ethics are to guide the Buddhist throughout their journey towards nirvana. Although the practicalities and world views of the two religions are contrastingly different, the concern for the individuals spiritual progress and future is a common theme. Perhaps the strongest similarity in the ethical laws and customs of Christianity and Buddhism is the total emphasis Jesus Christ and Sakyamuni are given. Both are infallible models for adherents to base their morality upon, and in both cases they single-handedly (along with their early followers) provide the next stage of religious ethics of their parent religions, as well as abolishing former practices that were deemed unnecessary, inadequate, or even counter-productive. Much of the New Testament is devoted to narrating the life of Jesus and the lessons to be learnt from it, and Buddhists are even able to study the previous lives of the Buddha through the Jataka Tales in addition to the close study of his final incarnation before reaching nirvana. In conclusion, through the exploration of the two contrasting religions, Christianity and Buddhism, an immense ray of apparent similarities appear among what one would expect from a clash of western and eastern philosophies. One can argue that their differences can be set aside to make way for the common ethical laws and customs they both share, with their pivotal figures, Jesus Christ and The Buddha, providing examples of morality which are very similar in nature. The end result of this is Christians and Buddhists leading ethical lives which both have their own merits and most importantly a common love for humanity.

Jack the Ripper Essay -- Serial Killer Essays

Jack the Ripper was one of the most famous and renowned killers in history. Even though he was not the first serial killer, he was the first killer to strike on a metropolis setting. Jack the Ripper was in his prime at a time when the media had a strong control over society and society as a whole was becoming much more literate. Jack started his killing campaign at a time of political controversy between the liberals and social reformers along with the Irish Home rule partisans. The reports of Jack the Ripper were collected and reported by the police, but then the different newspapers with their political influences slightly distorted the stories to give them their own effect. It has been more the one hundred years since the last murder and there is no longer any more original evidence, and the â€Å"facts† about the stories have changed over time due to different writers or differing sources. The press changed Jack the Ripper from being a depressed killer of prostitutes to on e of the most romantic figures seen throughout history. One fact that most sources agreed upon was that the Ripper was a killer who wanted nothing more than to strike fear into the entire city by horribly mutilating his victims and then leaving them in locations where they were sure to be seen. Jack was the type of killer that wants fame and loved the fact that his â€Å"name† was on everyone’s lips and was able to strike fear into anyone and everyone’s heart. In the late 1800’s â€Å"Jack the Ripper† began his rampage of killings. He was a serial killer who murdered several prostitutes in the East End of London in 1888. The people of London, mainly the press at the time, dubbed this killer, â€Å"Jack the Ripper.† The name was given to the killer because at the time of the murders, a person wrote a letter to the police and press claiming to be this serial killer, and he had called himself, â€Å"Jack the Ripper.† These killings took place in the districts of Aldagate, City of London proper, Spitalfields, and Whitechapel which all happen to be within a mile radius of each other. Within these different districts, he was given different names depending on the stories that were told about the killings some of these other names that the serial killer â€Å"Jack the Ripper† was given were Whitechapel Murderer, which was an extremely creative and original name, and â€Å"Leather Apron,† which is presumed to reference the... ...se â€Å"search parties† one can find on the internet is board-line obsessive and insane. What people need to learn to accept is that their questions and puzzles they stubble upon in life will not always be answered. They need to realize that this was some lonely, crazed man that enjoyed killing defenseless individuals, but even so he was bright enough to get away with the crimes. It is a very sick and sadistic cycle of being deranged enough to plan out a murder so that no one will be able to catch that person, but at the same time being smart enough to be able to do all this. So basically, â€Å"Jack the Ripper† was a crazy, smart guy that enjoyed killing young and attractive women. Works Cited Barbee, Larry S. â€Å"Casebook: Jack the Ripper.† Ryder, Stephen P. and Thomas Schachner.  ©1996-2014. http://www.casebook.org/intro.html. Cornwell, Patricia. â€Å"Portrait of a Killer: Jack the Ripper—Case Closed.† Berkley Publishing Group. October 28, 2003. Montaldo, Charles. â€Å"Crime/ Punishment: Jack the Ripper.† A PRIMEDIA Company.  ©2014. http://crime.about.com/od/history/a/ripper040721.htm. Sugden, Philip. â€Å"The Complete History of Jack the Ripper.† Carroll and Graf. January 9, 2002.

Triumph of Good in Captain Corellis Mandolin Essay -- Captain Corelli

Triumph of Good in Captain Corelli's Mandolin  Ã‚   Despite a backdrop of war, many characters in "Captain Corelli's Mandolin" are essentially good. This goodness in many characters overcomes the difficulties within relationships and the difficulties posed by war. De Bernià ¨res shows the triumphant nature of this goodness through his characters as they interact and develop relationships with one another. The island of Cephallonia has been able to survive through a history full of invasions. Its population has triumphed and shows itself to be basically good. Although at one point they ridicule Father Arsenios when Velisarios humiliates him by lifting him up, there is no malice in their actions. They come to the church to leave "tokens of apology" for Father Arsenios and their goodwill to one another continues throughout the course of the novel. Despite the prejudice of society not allowing Carlo Guercio to live as freely as a homosexual as he would wish, his goodness triumphs as he is able to care for those he loves. When his love, Francesco, dies, Guercio's kind and loving nature comes through as he buries him with his mouse and goes to his mother to tell her of her son's death. He is kind enough to spare her from the truth about the brutality of her son's death, saying that "he died with a smile on his lips". Despite losing his loved one, Guercio's strong character and goodness allow him to go on and love again. This time the object of his affection is Captain Corelli, for whom he eventually sacrifices his life. Captain Corelli's goodness is evident from his first appearance despite the fact that he is a captain of the occupying force. As he marches his troops through the streets of Cephallonia, he breaks the tension by... ...elagia lives to the end of the novel, surviving the war and an earthquake . During the wartime, she and her father socialise with Italian and German soldiers. She uses her medical knowledge to help Mandras and the captain. Pelagia seems to have time for anything and has passionate feelings. She cares deeply for Lemoni and her pets too. The triumphant goodness of human life is evident in many character's lives as they overcome obstacles through their own determination and goodwill. Characters such as Carlo Guercio live not only for themselves, but to comfort others too as he ensures that he tells Francesco's mother that her son died peacefully. The generosity of many characters transcends timeframes as well as age barriers meaning that they help people through their lifetime meaning that more people than just themselves are able to achieve their aims in life.   

Save Fuel

The higher the speed, the higher the fuel consumption. Slow down, relax, and enjoy the ride. Driving at a moderate speed will always help save fuel. Check tree pressure. Check your tree pressure regularly. Trees lose pressure over time (about 1 SSI per month) due to temperature and other factors. Trees with lower pressure will have more rolling resistance resulting In increased fuel consumption. Filling fuel: The more fuel you have In your tank. The less alarm occupying capacity It will have in the empty space. Petrol evaporates very fast. While filling up fuel, do not squeeze the trigger of the nozzle In a fast mode.If you are pumping on a fast rate, some of the liquid that goes to your tank will become vapor. Accelerate with moderation. If you accelerate speedily and often, the less fuel you save. You should drive with required moderate speed and use your brakes less often to save fuel. Slow speed and attention to regular bumps will serve the purpose. Use stock tree. Before changin g your tree to the modern style thick ones, think again. The more the width, the higher the rolling resistance offered and higher the fuel consumption. Park your vehicles in shade since it will take less time for the car to cool down once you start riving again. SE gears wisely. Higher gears at low speed and vice versa will lead to lose of more fuel. Shift gears carefully and according to the desired speed.