The Constitution Unit

Planning the next Accession and Coronation: FAQs

Will Prince Charles become King Charles III?

Will Camilla become Queen Camilla?

Under common law the spouse of a King automatically becomes Queen. But there are two possible reasons why Camilla might not assume the title. The first is the argument voiced by the Daily Mirror and the Daily Mail Online, that Camilla cannot become Queen because her 2005 civil marriage to Prince Charles was not valid. The argument runs as follows: because the Marriage Acts from 1753 have explicitly excepted royal marriages from their provisions, the only valid marriage which a member of the royal family could contract in England was a religious marriage in the Church of England. The Lord Chancellor in 2005 defended the validity of the Prince’s civil marriage, as did the Registrar General. But if Camilla became Queen, it might provoke further legal challenges.

Will Prince William become Prince of Wales?

Will Prince Charles become Head of the Commonwealth?

Yes. In a statement issued by the Commonwealth Heads of Government after their retreat at Windsor Castle on 20 April 2018, they said “We recognise the role of the Queen in championing the Commonwealth and its peoples. The next head of the Commonwealth shall be his Royal Highness Prince Charles, the Prince of Wales”. This followed the express wishes of the Queen, when she said “It is my sincere wish that the Commonwealth will continue to offer stability and continuity for future generations, and will decide that one day the Prince of Wales should carry on the important work started by my father in 1949”.

Why cannot we have Prince William as King?

Might Prince Charles abdicate in favour of William?

Don’t other European monarchs abdicate on a regular basis?

But the Scandinavian monarchies do not practise abdication. King Harald of Norway, who reached the age of 80 in 2017, said “I took an oath on the Norwegian constitution. For me, this oath applies to my entire life”. Similarly, Queen Margrethe II of Denmark (aged 78, and recently widowed) has said “I will remain on the throne until I fall off”.

What happens in Parliament on Accession?

Parliament is recalled for parliamentarians to take their oaths of allegiance to the new sovereign. Peers in the House of Lords have to take a new oath. MPs in the Commons are not required to do so (because their oath is to ‘bear true allegiance to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, her heirs and successors’), but they may if they choose. Parliament will then mourn the death of the Queen in debates led by the Prime Minister.

Which other European monarchies have a coronation?

Will the coronation be like the Royal wedding?

Could we have a multi-faith coronation?

Why should a new ceremony of modernised homage be considered?

Historically, coronations have included homage where the senior members of each order of the peerage have knelt to the new monarch and paid homage for their order. Homage is not part of the religious rite but a survival from the feudal age and a residue of the old aristocratic constitution. In 1953 this tradition led to peers and their wives being still the largest single group attending the coronation. Few hereditary peers are nowadays members of the legislature and it seems right to try to think again about how the idea can be made to reflect the modern constitution.

For some time suggestions have been made to take homage out of the coronation and relocate it in a different form elsewhere. Essentially, the idea is to institute a non-religious event where representatives of civil society including every ethnic group meet with the new sovereign in a ceremony of mutual recognition and respect, possibly under Parliamentary auspices in, say, Westminster Hall. Making the change would not be without difficulty but it could reinforce right at the beginning of the new reign that the monarch relates equally to the whole community regardless of status, aristocratic or otherwise. The germ of this idea can be seen in the suggestion for the 1953 coronation by Opposition Parties in a rejected proposal that the Speaker should give homage on behalf of the common man.

What are Prince Charles’s views about the Accession and Coronation oaths?

We don’t know. As the oath taker, he is entitled to have views, and to say if he finds any of the oaths objectionable. The last time a monarch did that was in 1910, when King George V objected to the strong anti-Catholic wording of the (then) Accession declaration oath. Asquith’s government agreed, and the wording was changed in the Accession Declaration Act 1910.

What happens if the Queen becomes so old and infirm that she cannot perform her royal duties?

That would lead to a regency, with Prince Charles (as the next in line of succession) becoming Regent. The Regency Acts 1937 and 1953 established a procedure for declaring that the Queen has become incapable by reason of infirmity of mind or body. The people who can make a declaration of incapacity are at least any three of the Queen’s consort (Prince Philip), the Lord Chancellor, the Speaker of the House of Commons, the Lord Chief Justice, and the Master of the Rolls. Any declaration of incapacity needs to be supported by medical evidence.

What would happen if Prince Charles as Regent himself became incapacitated?

The Regency Acts provide that the person next in line (Prince William) would become Regent. The same procedure is followed for making a declaration of incapacity, with the same people.

What will happen in the 15 other realms where Charles is due to become King? Will any of them become Republics?

Each of the realms will recognise the accession in their own way, in accordance with their own laws and customs. Australia and Jamaica have considered becoming republics. In 1999 Australia held a referendum on the issue: the proposal to become a republic was defeated by 45:55. The co-founder of the Australian Republican Movement, Malcolm Turnbull, is now Prime Minister. In 2016 he said the issue would be raised again after the Queen’s death; but republicans would need first to decide whether the new head of state should be directly elected by the people, or selected by Parliament (divisions on this issue led to defeat in the 1999 referendum).

In Jamaica successive Prime Ministers have long advocated that Jamaica should become a republic, and several have committed to achieving that. Both major parties want Jamaica to become a republic. The difficulty lies in the Jamaican constitution, which has very high thresholds for constitutional change: two thirds majorities in the House of Representatives and the Senate, and any change to the monarchy must also be submitted to referendum.

Does the requirement to swear to be a true and faithful Protestant disqualify non-Protestants from succession?

Yes: only those who are ‘in communion with’ the Church of England may succeed to the throne. Roman Catholics are barred specifically by law (Bill of Rights Act 1689), and others – non-Trinitarian Christians (such as Unitarians), non-Christian believers and all non-believers - are barred because they cannot satisfy the requirement of the Act of Settlement 1701 that they should be in communion with the Church of England. The former ban from 1689 on heirs otherwise qualified but married to Roman Catholics was lifted by the Succession to the Crown Act 2013.

Charles once said he would like to be known as Defender of Faith, not the Faith. What does this mean in practice?

This was a gloss Charles once put on the sovereign’s title Fidei Defensor [English translation: ‘Defender of the Faith’]. Originally conferred by the Pope in 1517 before the English Reformation, the title became exclusively associated with the Church of England. Charles was making the point that, in a country with many religions now present, the sovereign should be concerned to see all religion defended and not just the Church of England. Because Latin has no definite article, he offered ‘Defender of Faith’ as an alternative and viable translation to signify how a sovereign should nowadays understand the contemporary meaning of the title.

In practice, religion is protected by laws made by Parliament or as a result of international agreements like the European Convention on Human Rights. But drawing attention to the need for protection in this and other ways is how the sovereign can reinforce society’s support for the principle of religious freedom.

Why doesn’t the UK become a republic?

  • This would be for Parliament endorsed by a referendum to decide.
  • Some of the Commonwealth countries where the UK sovereign was also their monarch (the realms) have become republics (Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Ghana, South Africa and The Gambia) and others have held unsuccessful referendums to do so (Australia. Tuvalu, St Vincent and the Grenadines); but there are still 15 Commonwealth countries that remain realms. It is likely that a number of the realms may look at the possibility after the death of the present Queen, who has always made it clear that the decision is entirely for the countries themselves.
  • In Britain support for a republic has rarely exceeded 20 per cent, and support for the monarchy has rarely dropped below 80 per cent.
  • Apart from the current continuing popularity of the monarchy, it is thought the lack of support for a republic in the UK is associated with the fact that, for most intents and purposes, the UK already possesses all the attributes of a republic except for retaining an hereditary head of state. Bagehot thought that in 1867 (‘A Republic has insinuated itself beneath the folds of a Monarchy’); and Tennyson called the UK ‘a crowned republic’ in 1873.
  • None of this means that the UK will never become an explicit republic but it is difficult at present to foresee the circumstances in which it might happen. In modern times monarchies have been overthrown following revolution (France), catastrophic loss or devastation in war (Germany, Italy and Yugoslavia) or as the result of military coup (Greece).


Random Stuff: 3 silver colored & chrome things of the day, and a song…

My silver flats belt and necklace [looking down from above]

I love flats but I love heels too… look at this “ziggurat” pyramsilverflatsid below.

Dubai-based architecture firm Timelinks has developed plans for a million person ziggurat. What the hell’s a ziggurat? “A ziggurat was a temple tower of the ancient Mesopotamian valley and Iran, having the form of a terraced pyramid of successively receding stories or levels. Some modern buildings with a step pyramid shape have also been termed ziggurats.”

It may sound like just another concept that’ll never be a reality, but Timelinks already set about patenting the design as well as the technology that would make it possible. The structure, nearly a whole square mile by design, would use a combination of steam, wind, and other alternative energy-gathering methods to keep itself entirely off the grid. There would also be “green spaces” that would provide the pyramidal city with agricultural space, to provide food and green-based commerce.

Source: http://www.geekologie.com/2008/08/24-week/

Oh…and in case you may feel your flame start to blow out,  something to ignite it and guide you through the dark nights.

Song of the Day:

I just want to be your “Lovergirl”


Politicos offer condolences over Sridevi's sudden demise

Politicians including Piyush Goyal and Hema Malini offered condolences over Bollywood actor Sridevi's sudden death. A Padma Shri recipient, Sridevi passed away at 54 on Saturday night due to a cardiac arrest in Dubai. Minister of Railways and Coal Piyush Goyal said, "I was shocked to hear the news of her demise. She played an important role in the field of performing arts. We all have seen her capabilities on the screen. This is a huge loss for the nation." Hema Malini said, "Yeh khabar sunke bahot shock laga. Humne kabhi socha bhi nahi tha. Unhone apne talent se kaafi logon ko prabhaavit kiya. She was a wonderful actress and unhone apna sthaan banaya hindi film industry mein. It is a big loss for Bollywood."


Video: „Root causes of radicalization“

Alexander Ritzmann addressed the EuroMeSCo Annual Conference in Barcelona on 1-2 June. The conference gathered senior policymakers and researchers to discuss violent extremism in the Euro-Mediterranean region, its manifestations, drivers, impact and how it can be curbed.

Alexander speaks starting minute 33.

EURACTIV, March 22, 2017

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„Preventing radicalisation in schools“

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“Focus on hard measures might even have fostered radicalization”

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The need to counter extremist propaganda more effectively

The Parliament Magazineby Alexander Ritzmann on 13 December 2016

Propaganda, the art of twisting information to make it fit your interests or ideology, always plays a role. Extremists are often attracted by the clear cut messages that can give simple meaning to an otherwise complex life. Extremist narratives aim to generate a world view where everything is black and white, where one is either in or out of a group. And they promise emotional and social benefits such as belonging to a new family or brotherhood in the fight for a supposedly just cause.

Propaganda is effective when it is close to a perceived truth of the targeted audience.  Ideology, whether for white supremacists or Islamists, plays a key role in legitimising the strategies and actions of the extremists which would otherwise simply be criminal acts. In some cases, ideology makes the difference between someone committing suicide or driving a truck into a group of people.

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Programs >

Neighbors Helping Neighbors

Neighbors Helping Neighbors is a program of CUOC. It used to be called Brighter Christmas, and always addressed needs that could easily fall through the cracks during the Christmas season.

We don't give gift, but things such as help with dentures, dental work, home needs, and so much more. Now, NHN operates all year long but we still focus on the “difficult to meet” needs this time of year.

The NHN committee, thanks to the generosity of the Courier Tribune, runs letters on a daily basis starting the first Sunday after Thanksgiving through the first of the new year to bring some needs “out in the open”  that we just can’t meet with our normal resources.  We are so grateful for those who serve faithfully on this committee, representing many different organizations and ministries.

Since Christmas of last year NHN has assisted 37 households.  Many times the NHN funds pay for materials and volunteers to the labor for things such as ramps, minor home repair, roof repair, making a home handicap accessible, and other times, we provide the volunteer labor and other agencies, such as Regional Consolidated Services,  provide the funds.   It is always a great partnership experience!

We have provided mattresses, appliances, dental care, referrals to other resources when the need far exceeds our budget, floor repair, vehicle repair, vehicle for work, ramps, roof repair, plumbing, power lift chairs, glasses, and so much more.

We cherish the partnerships we have with our donors, volunteers, and other agencies that work with us to make sure people can continue living a healthy safe life in Randolph County!

The NHN program met over $10,000 worth of monetary requests this year and provided appliances, car parts, new mattresses, and volunteer labor through In-kind donations.


Gov't is "interested" in minimum distance cyclist overtaking law - BikeBiz

Gov't is "interested" in minimum distance cyclist overtaking law

Cycling minister says DfT is "interested" in an Australian-style safe passing law.
Publish date:

In an answer to a parliamentary question the minister for roads and cycling said the Government was "interested" in a minimum distance cyclist overtaking law, and would be keeping the idea "under review". Robert Goodwill was answering a question from Alberto Costa, the Tory MP for South Leicestershire who sits on the justice select committee.

Costa asked Goodwill "what assessment his Department is planning of cycle passing spaces in South Australia and by when he plans to complete that assessment." This question was put to the minister thanks to a petition calling for a safe passing distance between motorists and cyclists. This currently has 16,429 signatures – and the Government was obliged to answer it once it reached 10,000 signatures.

The petition was started by Tony C Martin. He wrote: "The lack of a clear specification may result in a personal decision what a "plenty of room" means in terms of distance. Therefore, introducing a minimum legal passing distance when overtaking cyclists will considerably reduce the number of cyclist casualties, aiding in a safe cycling practice. Suggestion of 3.28 ft (1 m) when overtaking cyclists on roads with speed limits up to and including 30mph. On roads with higher speed limits, the minimum passing distance should be 4.9 ft (1.5 m)."

Other countries have "minimum passing distance laws" to protect cyclists. In 2015 South Australia mandated the minimum overtaking distance, as part of a range of "safe cycling measures". The law requires motorised road users to allow at least a one metre gap on roads with speed limits of up to 60km/h, and 1.5 metres for anything above that speed. Drivers are allowed to cross centre lines, straddle lane-lines and drive on painted islands, provided that "it is safe to do so." However, the introduction of the passing law was "balanced" with a stipulation that cyclists had to carry ID at all times, and the fines for traffic violations – such as running red lights – were made equal for both cyclists and motorists, in effect increasing the possible fines for cyclists, including for not wearing cycle helmets. "Roadie" organisations which helped draft, and supported, the new rules were bitterly opposed by commuter cycling organisations.

Queensland’s 1.5 metre passing law – also known as the ‘Split Rule' – has been cited in cases against motorists, with prosecutions brought after evidence was supplied from "helmetcam" footage. Under the Split Rule, drivers in Queensland can face a maximum penalty of AU$4,400.

Pedal Power Association of South Africa launched a “stay wider of the rider” campaign in 2015, based on a 1.5 metre safe passing distance campaign running since 2011.

In the UK, rule 163 of the Highway Code states that motorists should give cyclists (and pedestrians and equestrians) as much space as they would give a motor vehicle when overtaking but does not specify a set distance. Last year Olympian Chris Boardman starred in an industry-funded video which reminded drivers that “People on bicycles are flesh and blood, they’re mums and dads, sons and daughters, brothers and sisters.” He stressed that motorists need to “give them plenty of space when overtaking.”

In the video Boardman also talks about the “dynamic envelope”, or wobble room that cyclists need on the road.

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In its response to Martin's petition the Government said it "currently does not have plans to legislate on a set minimum space e.g. 1 metre on roads with a speed limit of up to 30mph when overtaking a cyclist."

The answer added: "This type of legislation would be extremely difficult to enforce and the Government does not believe that it would add to the existing rules and guidance, including those set out in the Highway Code, which advises drivers to give cyclists “at least as much room as you would when overtaking a car”.

However, "we are keeping this position under review," said the Government and is "interested in learning from the experience of places where legislation of this type has been introduced. One example is South Australia, where since 25th October 2015, drivers are required to give a minimum of one metre when passing a cyclist where the speed limit is 60km/h (37.3mph) or less or 1.5 metres where the speed limit is over 60km/h (40mph). The penalty for drivers caught disobeying this rule is a $287 (£148) fine, plus a $60 (£31) victim of crime levy and 2 demerit (penalty) points."

The Government said it "will take time to understand the benefits and impacts of this legislation on cyclists and other road users."

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Sampling Techniques: Choosing a Representative Subset of Population

Sampling is one of the very important aspects of market research. From a general perspective, sampling involves selecting a relatively small number of elements (characteristics) from a larger defined group of elements and expecting that the information gathered from the small group will provide accurate judgement about the larger group.

Determining sample size is a complex task and involves much clarity with regard to the balance between the resources available and number or accuracy or information obtained. Since data collection is generally one of the most expansive components of any research project various factors play a crucial role in determining the final sample size. Several qualitative and quantitative factors are considered when determining the sample size. The qualitative issues considered may include factors such as:

  • Nature of research and expected outcome
  • Importance of the decision to organization
  • Number of variables being studied
  • Sample size in similar studies
  • Resource/budgetary constraints

Various quantitative measures are also considered when determining sample size such as:

  • Variability of the population characteristics (greater the variability, larger the sample required)
  • Level of confidence/ Degree of precision desired (higher the confidence desired, larger the sample required)

Classification of Sampling Techniques

 How to obtain a sample is an important issue relating to research design. There are two basic sampling designs:

  1. Probability sampling
  2. Non-probability sampling

Of these two techniques, probability sampling is more robust in comparison as in this technique each sampling unit has a known, certain chance of getting selected in the final sample. Nonprobability techniques on the other hand, do not use chance selection procedure. Rather, they rely on the personal judgement of the researcher. The results obtained by using probability sampling can be generalized to the target population within a specified margin of error through the use of statistical methods. Put simply, probability sampling allows researchers to judge the reliability and validity of the findings in comparison to the defined target population.

In case of nonprobability sampling, the selection of each sampling unit is unknown and therefore, the potential error between the sample and target population cannot be computed. Thus, generalizability of findings generated through non-probability sampling is limited. While probability sampling techniques are robust in comparison, one of the major disadvantages of such techniques is the difficulty in obtaining a complete and accurate listing of elements of target population.

Both probability and nonprobability sampling procedures can be further sub-divided into specific sampling techniques that are appropriate for different circumstances.

Sampling Classification.png

I. Probability Sampling

a. Simple random sampling

Simple random sampling is a probability sampling technique wherein each member of the population is assigned a number and the desired sample is determined by generating random numbers appropriate for the relevant sample size. This ensures that each sampling unit has a known, equal and nonzero chance of getting selected into the sample.

b. Systematic random sampling

In systematic random sampling the sample is chosen by selecting a random starting point and then picking each ith element in succession from the sampling frame. The sampling interval i, is determined by dividing the population size N by the sample size n and rounding to the nearest integer. For example, if there were 10,000 owners of a washing machine and a sample of 100 is to be desired, the sampling interval i is 100. The researcher than selects a number between 1 and 100. If, for example, number 50 is chosen by the researcher, the sample will consists of members 50, 100, 150, 200, 250 and so on.

c. Stratified sampling

Stratified sampling is distinguished by the two-step procedure it involves. In the first step the population is divided into mutually exclusive and collectively exhaustive sub-populations, which are called strata. In the second step, a simple random sample of members are chosen independently from each group or strata. This technique is used when there is considerable diversity among the population elements.

In proportionate stratified sampling, the sample size from each stratum is dependent on that stratum’s size relative to the defined target population. Therefore, the larger strata are sampled more heavily using this method as they make up a larger percentage of the target population. On the other hand, in disproportionate stratified sampling, the sample selected from each stratum is independent of that stratum’s proportion of the total defined target population.

d. Cluster sampling

Cluster sampling is quite similar to stratified sampling and the major difference is that in stratified sampling, all the subpopulations (strata) are selected for further sampling whereas in cluster sampling only a sample of subpopulations (clusters) is chosen.

II. Non-Probability Sampling

 The selection of probability and nonprobability sampling is based on various considerations including, the nature of research, variability in population, statistical considerations and operational efficiency. Nonprobability sampling is mainly used in product testing, name testing, advertising testing where researchers and managers want to have a rough idea of population reaction rather than a precise understanding.

a. Convenience sampling

As the name implies, in convenience sampling, the selection of the respondent sample is left entirely to the researcher. Many of the mall intercept studies use convenience sampling. The researcher makes assumption that the target population is homogenous and the individuals interviewed are similar to the overall defined target population. This in itself leads to considerable sampling error as there is no way to judge the representativeness of the sample. Furthermore, the results generated are hard to generalize to a wider population. However, it is the most cost-effective as well as least time-consuming among all methods.

 b. Judgement sampling

Judgement sampling is an extension to the convenience sampling. In this procedure, respondents are selected according to an experienced researcher’s belief that they will meet the requirements of the study. This method also incorporates a great deal of sampling error since the researcher’s judgement may be wrong however it tends to be used in industrial markets quite regularly when small well-defined populations are to be researched.

c. Quota sampling

Quota sampling is a procedure that restricts the selection of the sample by controlling the number of respondents by one or more criterion. The restriction generally involves quotas regarding respondents’ demographic characteristics (e.g. age, race, income) or specific behaviors (e.g. frequency of purchase, usage patterns).

d. Snowball sampling

In snowball sampling, an initial group of respondents is selected, usually at random. After being interviewed however, these respondents are asked to identify others who belong to the target population of interest. Subsequent respondents are then selected on the basis of referral. Therefore, this procedure is also called referral sampling. Snowball sampling is used in researcher situations where defined target population is rare and unique and identifying the target respondents is a difficult task. For example, if the target respondent are owners of second hand washing machines, it will be extremely difficult to identify and hence, snowball sampling may provide a way forward.

Topics: Market Research


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Africa Moving Past Trump's Slur, Says African Union Official

U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson shakes hands with African Union Commission Chairman Moussa Faki on Thursday, March 8, 2018 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Jonathan Ernst/AP

(Published 6 hours ago)

(Published Friday, June 22, 2018)

Tillerson later met with his Ethiopian counterpart Workneh Gebeyehu and at a press conference voiced his belief that Ethiopia's ongoing unrest should be solved with more freedom, not less. The top U.S. diplomat also raised alarm over a state of emergency Ethiopia has declared to deal with widespread anti- government protests that engulfed much of the restive Oromia region.

"We do firmly believe the answer is greater freedom for people, not less," said Tillerson. "We recognize the transition there is underway in Ethiopia, the first ever voluntary transfer of power. I view this as a very positive symbol of the strength of this burgeoning democracy in Ethiopia."

Anti-government protests calling for wider political freedoms have been raging in a number of regions in Ethiopia since November 2015, claiming the lives of several hundred people. A state of emergency was subsequently declared in October 2016 that led to the arrest of at least 22,000 people, the majority of whom released since. The government declared a second state of emergency in mid- February.

Tillerson repeated a recent U.S. Embassy statement expressing "concern" over the government's decision to impose a second state of emergency in two years. "This is because it puts restrictions on fundamental rights, like assembly expression," he said. "We also discussed in our exchanges the importance of ensuring that security forces remain disciplined in maintaining law and order and preventing violence."

(Published Friday, June 22, 2018)

On Thursday, Ethiopia unveiled a special investigative unit to deals with complaints regarding illegal detentions within the latest emergency rule.

Ethiopia's prime minister, Hailemariam Desalegn, resigned amid the protests and a new leader is expected to be sworn in the coming few days.

Ethiopia is currently one of Africa's best performing economies and a strong U.S security ally but the government is often accused of stifling dissent and arresting journalist, activists and opposition figures.


WIFI IOT Multi Sensor and IO module

This versatile device allows you to connect sensors quickly and inexpensively to the internet.Various sensors can be connected to the device eg. Temperature , humidity, water leaks , multiple dry input contacts and multiple analog inputs. The device can switch multiple output contacts for eg. Opening doors , switching ON/OFF of lights and other devices and can be powered with batteries or a dc power supply. It can connect to multiple RS485 sensor hubs to increase the number of sensors to monitor. The device connects the physical world to your smart phones, tablets and any Web browsers anywhere in the world with Internet access.

WiFi IoT Multi sensor


You have to walk the property
to get a feel for the shape of it,
a trapezoid filled with dozens
of trees.  Along one sloping side
rises a low ridge.  A two-lane
macadam fronts the longest side.
A farm field edges the shortest.

I dress in old clothes to mow
because the Yazoo is dirty
and greasy, its red paint faded
and peeling, the deck piled
with musty dried grass cuttings.

Filling gas tanks that look like
two saddlebags, I check the oil.
Then swing a leg over the center
post as I start up the engine,
which turns over with a snort
of smoke and an uncertain shudder
before settling into a mechanical roar.

Engaging the blades, I mindfully
settle into the task ahead of me,
starting a circuit of the property that
follows the bordering perimeter.
At each tree encountered, I swing
around its circumference, outside
leg hung out for balance as the
zero-turning-radius mower
makes its tight circle.

Daring the length of the slope,
I lean into its height as I travel
 the angling hillside.  I follow
the edge of each mowed swath
pass-by-pass as I continue to circle
the perimeter, slowly arcing inward.
Pass after pass.  Round and round I
mow, letting my mind wander as I go.


Oscillatory Effects of Common Hard Nonlinearities on Systems Using Two-Impulse ZV Input Shaping

Input shaping is an effective method for reducing the oscillatory motion of linear systems. However, hard nonlinearities, such as saturation, rate limiting, backlash, and dead-zone, can reduce the effectiveness of input shaping at suppressing oscillation. This paper quantifies these detrimental effects and presents mitigation strategies.

  • Presentations referencing similar topics


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Saturn Incense

Saturn Incense

Saturn is the second largest planet of the solar-system, most famous for its rings. Until the discovery of Uranus and the other outer planets Saturn represented the boundary of the known solar-system, for it is the last planet which can be seen with the naked eye. He was respected, yet feared for no-one could escape his rule over the cycles of time and the laws of karma. Saturn is the reaper- he kills the grain, but in doing so sustains life. Saturn is a God of boundaries and limitations and of the most physical, mundane aspects of life, which may not be 'fun' but provide the basic foundation for our existence.
Astrologically, Saturn represents responsibility, duty and conscience. It is the principle of growing-up, which demands an individual to face up to reality and take responsibility for the consequences of their actions. Each of us reaps as we sow. Saturn also signifies inhibitions and fears and may be experienced as ‘that which holds us back’.

The planets are the wandering stars that travel around the Zodiac and in astrological terminology include Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn. Modern astrology has added Uranus, Neptune and Pluto to the list. The ancients regarded them as a pantheon of deities whose dynamic interactions had their repercussions in our world. People worshipped and honoured the Gods with rituals and ceremonies or prayed for their divine support in their various endeavours: to win a battle or a maiden's heart, or grant a plentiful harvest and send good weather. Modern astrologers tend to 'psychologize' these deities and regard the planets as parts of the personality.

Magical Collections

Our Planetary Incense consists of various Herbs, Gums, Resins and Pure essential Oils blended to create an aroma that reflects the ambiance of each planet. They are potentised with our Magical Collections gathered from the corresponding parts of the Glastonbury Zodiac in accordance to the phase of the moon at the appropriate times of the year.

In ritual settings Star Child Planetary Incense can be used to invoke the Planetary archetypes. Attune in meditation with their lessons or energies to gain a better understanding as to how they manifest in your life. Burn the Planetary Incense, Space Aroma or Candle corresponding to the natal Sun sign in order to strengthen it while under a difficult transit, or, if you are familiar with your horoscope, you can work with the aromas that correspond to a transiting planet or area of the chart that is being transited in order to better understand and integrate their lessons.

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Easy Feng Shui Decorating Tips

Is your relationship with your home starting to resemble that old Righteous Brothers tune "You Lost that Loving Feeling?" If so, the powers and principles of Feng shui are the perfect tonic to revitalize, refresh and reinvigorate your home.

Your home is often the most important place in your life. It's where you can create a loving safe haven away from the rest of the world so why not use the simple rules of feng shui to help you fall in love with your home all over again.

When I say romancing your home, I don't mean an "extreme home makeover." I'm talking about implementing a few easy to do changes that will get the positive energy flowing again. It's all about creating a harmonious, eye appealing living space by expressing your own personal taste. In case you're not sure where to start, here are a few suggestions to get the proverbial ball rolling.

Simply put, the principles of feng shui are all about enhancing the positive energy flow in a particular space. One of the best ways to do this in your home is to make it family friendly. A happy family carries a positive vibration that fills the home and spills over into all other areas of the house. Simple things like having a round dining table rather than the traditional rectangle. This encourages a smooth even flow to dinner time conversation. Happy family - happy home!

Wherever possible, utilize open spaces in your house. One of the worst ways to defeat the power of feng shui is to clutter your house up with unneeded furniture and knick knacks. Keep your home organized and neat with obvious lines of travel between rooms.

Displaying symbols of romance and love is a powerful way to increase the energy in the home. Where possible, display your things in pairs: two candles or two figurines. Pictures or statues of love birds or mandarin ducks are symbols of loving relationships. You can also put the philosophy of Yin and Yang (opposites) to work by displaying pictures of things like mountains and water side by side.

One of the best and easiest ways to change the energy of a room is a paint job. While your personal taste in color is definitely important, use the following as a guide to pick the right energy producing color.

Pink is not my personal favorite as it brings up childhood memories of Grandma's house but, it is the color of love and gives your room an approachable softened feel.

Painting a whole room red might be a bit over powering as it is such a passionate color but red accents or possibly one wall in red can generate a lot of energy and passion in the room.

Blue and green are calming colors that give a sense of stability.

By far the most common color is white. It does create a fresh feel to the room but can also be a bit frosty, so why not warm it up a bit by using slightly off-white tones or an accent wall to add something to catch the eye.

We in the West think that Feng Shui is strictly an Asian phenomenon used only in far away countries and "strange" cultures but in reality, nothing could be farther from the truth.


Marcos siego

Marcos Siega

Marcos Siega (born 8 June 1969 in New York City) is a film, television, commercial, and music video director. He has also worked as a producer and a musician.

He was a recurring director for Showtime's series DEXTER.

Director Edit

Season Two:

Season Three:

Season Four:


Sada El Balad : Saudi-US relationship will continue to grow، says charge d’affaires (طباعة)
Saudi-US relationship will continue to grow، says charge d’affaires
آخر تحديث: الأربعاء 14/02/2018 10:44 ص Edited By: Nada Moustafa
Saudi-US relationship
Christopher Henzel، the charge d’affaires of the US Embassy in Riyadh، reaffirmed on Monday that the relationship between Saudi Arabia and the US is based on fundamental shared interests including economic prosperity، security and stability، Arab News reported.

Speaking at a function to celebrate the 242nd year of the independence of the US on Monday at Quincy House، the official residence of the US ambassador in the Diplomatic Quarter، Henzel said the US strongly supports Saudi Arabia’s ambitious goals.

“As the Saudi Arabian government implements its vision، we believe that both sides will continue to benefit from our unique bilateral relationship، and that partnership will continue to grow،” he said.

“The government’s plans for the further development of the Kingdom continue at an impressive rate.”

Welcoming guests including Riyadh Gov. Prince Faisal bin Bandar، Henzel said، “2017 witnessed remarkable developments in the relationship between Saudi Arabia and the US، with Riyadh welcoming President Donald Trump on the first stop of his first overseas trip، which brought together 55 heads of state at the Arab-Islamic-American Summit.”

Henzel said security cooperation was one of the key areas of the partnership، both historically and at present.

“Countering violent extremism is a very high priority for both of our governments،” he added.
He went on to stress the strength of the two countries’ economic ties، pointing out that bilateral trade in goods between the US and the Kingdom amounted to $35 billion last year.

“Our two countries have long shared a strong economic relationship، with ties in trade and investment that have created jobs for thousands of Americans and Saudis،” he said.

Saudi citizens and companies hold major investments in the US that employ thousands of Americans. For example، Saudi Aramco now owns the largest refinery in the US states، in Port Arthur، Texas، Henzel explained، adding that US companies are working with Saudi partners on additional investment projects in energy، infrastructure، defense، health care، and many other sector.

Henzel also highlighted the increased cultural exchange over the past year، thanks in part to Vision 2030.

US performance artists including Blue Man Group، Nelly and Toby Keith، have all performed in the Kingdom recently، while events such as Monster Jam made history in the Kingdom as part of Saudi Arabia’s new initiative to offer more entertainment options to citizens and residents.

Meanwhile، the embassy has sent a number of Saudis to the US on cultural exchanges.

Another important facet of the US-Saudi relationship is cooperation in the field of education، Henzel pointed out.

“Right now، there are roughly 66،000 Saudi students in American universities،” he said. “The Saudi government is making an incredible investment in the future of its country and I am proud that American higher education is able to play such an important role in that effort.”


Benefits and Disadvantages of Freshwater Algae

If you happen to thought that algae could be simply recognized, you have been mistaken indeed. Algae have a various group that can’t be simply identified or seen by bare eye. Although they appear to look an identical, algae have varied shapes, sizes, and roles in the marine ecology. Thousands or even hundreds of thousands of identified and unidentified species might be found in both recent and marine waters all over the world. Most species of contemporary water algae float in the water, while others cling on rocks, aquatic crops, and pond’s surfaces. However, some species of fresh water algae are harmless and manageable, but other sorts provoke problems and are difficult to combat.

Algae, usually, function crucial organisms within the lake or pond ecosystem. They help steadiness the meals chain that’s important to the marine life by offering food, energy, and shelter among fish, zooplanktons, and different marine organisms. What’s more is that they help take in the heavy metals trapped in ponds or lakes.

The most well-liked teams of contemporary Chaeto water algae are green algae, diatoms, and blue-green algae. The green algae are the largest and most various group of algae. In response to scientists, green algae came terrestrial plants and contain vibrant, green pigments. Nevertheless, these varieties can contaminate clear, wholesome water into “cotton candy” clouds.

Diatoms produce yellow-green or yellow-brown pigments in ponds or lakes. The cell wall of diatoms are composed of two separate valves or shells made from silica. The silica valves make diatoms seem in beautiful shapes and colors when seen below the microscope. Diatoms multiply via cellular division, and they produce offspring that can create new cell walls. Some forms of diatoms release toxins referred to as domoic acid. Domoic acid usually attacks shellfish and are poisonous to people and different marine animals. However, fresh water diatoms don’t produce domoic acid.

Blue green algae or cyanobacteria contain green, blue, and red pigments. Excessive blooms of blue-green algae cause problems in pond and lake environment. Different types of algae are euglenoids, dinoflagellates, brown algae, stoneworts, and desmids.

Sure, it’s true that contemporary water algae have some advantages in pond or lake setting, but most individuals consider them as a mere problem. Contrary to their benefits, fresh water algae should notable for his or her disadvantages. They’ll affect the health of human and marine life in which they trigger fish kills, dying, and depletion of water systems.

Contemporary water algae change into a problem when excessive blooms occur. This usually occurs throughout summer time when the weather is hot and the vitamins are rife for the fresh water algae to consume. Most pond or lake owners neglect the small inhabitants of contemporary water algae for the belief that their occurrence is regular; nevertheless, these seemingly benign creatures could take the lifetime of your particular possessions.

What are the signs that recent water algae are getting problematic? Fresh water algae normally begin with a small inhabitants, but given with profuse solarlight and required nutrients, they develop regularly in massive groups. They also produce “scums” and result in the discoloration of water. When left untreated, these algae may suffocate fish and have an effect on your entire marine environment.


LAE 6637

The activity descriptions provided in this summary of ESOL infused activities or assignments is intended to provide you with information about what pieces of evidence you may include in your TESOL-in-Progress notebook. It thus concentrates on the ESOL component of the activity or assignment, and may not reflect all portions of each class assignment or activity. Carefully read through the entire assignment description in your syllabus to ensure that you fulfill all assignment requirements for this course.

ESOL Performance Standard(s) and Indicator(s)3.1, 5.1, 5.2, 5.3
Activity ObjectiveTo become familiar with scholarly articles and research topics in professional journals in the field of teaching English.
Activity DescriptionCandidates will select and review two issues of Research in the Teaching of English and one issue of TESOL Quarterly. After reading each issue, candidates will write a review following the guidelines listed below: Guidelines for writing book /journal review: Summarize: Write a personal summary of the issue, noting particular articles of interest. Analyze: What do you feel are the most useful points the authors make? Note specific examples with page numbers, (where appropriate). Connect: What connections can you make between your reading and your prior knowledge? Be sure to give specific examples with page numbers from our text and the journal articles, where appropriate. Apply: How might you use what you are learning from reading of this research in your own teaching? What strategies might you use? What ideas would you share with colleagues? Discuss: In our e-mail discussion, discuss your journal review with the independent study group. Additional guidelines for the TESOL Quarterly Review: One of the TESOL Quarterly articles must address Domain 5, Standards 1-3. Consider current trends and issues related to the testing of linguistic and culturally diverse students when using testing instruments and techniques. Candidates must discuss current research-based assessment techniques of culturally and linguistically diverse students.
ESOL-specific Reading(s)Freeman, D. & Freeman, Y. Teaching English as a Second Language
Generic Syllabus URLN/A
Detailed Assignment Description URLN/A
Electronic Portfolio AssessmentYES


Culling To Conserve: A Hard Truth For Lion Conservation
April 2017, Volume 15-2

People that don’t live in Africa tend to learn about wildlife conservation in easy-to-understand terminology. But safeguarding animal species like lions is often more complex than mainstream media sound bites would have their audiences believe.

The National Post recently reported that management from Zimbabwe’s Bubye Valley Conservancy was considering a controversial move to cull upwards of 200 lions out of a rough population of 500 in order to ensure the reserve’s wildlife biodiversity.

It was also reported that since the growing calls to end trophy hunting, due in large part to the killing of Cecil the lion in Zimbabwe’s Hwange National Park last year, conservancies like Bubye are no longer seeing the funding necessary to adequately cover conservation costs, which includes fence maintenance, financing local schools and health clinics, and providing meat to local people.

Given the many challenges conservationists face in Africa, coupled with culling and trophy hunting being such contentious issues, I decided to reach out to Dr. Byron du Preez, a Bubye Valley Conservancy project leader and member of the Wildlife Conservation Research Unit (WildCRU), in the Department of Zoology at Oxford University.

Specifically, I was hoping for clearer answers regarding the potential paradox that increasing calls for hunting bans in Africa have on existing lion populations, and how that may be playing out within the recent culling conundrum.

Fortunately, Du Preez went one step further by clearing up what was initially reported, clarifying the proposed cull, explaining how culling works, and elaborating on the dangers of promoting single species management. The following is his official statement:

Clarification on the Proposed Lion Cull

I am an independent scientist working on the Bubye Valley Conservancy, focused on lion ecology, which actually means just about every aspect of the ecosystem, such is the influence that lions have. I am neither pro- nor anti-hunting. I simply focus on practical conservation solutions that actually work in the real world.

We are hopeful that we will be able to translocate some lions, although all previous attempts to translocate lions out of the Bubye Valley Conservancy have been derailed by factors entirely out of our control. However, if the species was in as much trouble as the sensationalist reports like to focus on, one would think that it would be a lot easier to find new homes for these magnificent animals than it actually is. ‘There is basically no more space left in Africa for a new viable population of lions.’ The fact remains that habitat destruction is their biggest enemy, and there is basically no more space left in Africa for a new viable population of lions.

The Science of Culling

A cull is not a once-off fix (neither is translocation, nor contraception), but would be more of an ongoing management operation conducted on an annual basis. When given adequate space, resources, and protection, lion populations can explode, such as they have done on the Bubye Valley Conservancy.

Reducing numbers to alleviate overpopulation pressure does nothing to permanently solve the problem, nor halts the species’ breeding potential; [it] only slows it down for a relatively short time until their population growth returns to the exponential phase once again.

Culling is a management tool that may be used for many species. That includes: elephants, lions, kangaroos, and deer, basically animals that have very little natural control mechanisms other than disease and starvation, and that are now bounded by human settlements and live in smaller areas than they did historically. As responsible wildlife managers who have a whole ecosystem full of animals to conserve (not just lions), we have therefore discussed culling as an option for controlling the lion population, but have agreed that, for now, this is not necessary just yet and we will continue to try and translocate these animals until our hand is forced.

As already mentioned, there is very little space left in Africa that can have lions but doesn’t already. Also, where lions do occur, especially in parks and private wildlife areas, they often exist at higher densities than they ever did historically. This is mainly due to augmented surface water supply resulting in greater numbers of non-migratory prey that now no longer limit lion nutrition and energy availability, allowing the lion population to rapidly expand. For example, successful hunting to feed cubs all the way through to adulthood and independence is one of the greatest stresses for a lion, and often results in dead cubs and reduced population growth. In turn, a high density of lions can severely reduce the density of their prey, ultimately leading to the death of the lions via disease and starvation—far more horrific than humane culling operations conducted by professionals.

The Dangers of Single Species Management

Lions are the apex predator wherever they occur, and as such exert a level of top-down control on the rest of the ecosystem. Lions prey on a wide variety of species, and we are starting to see declines in even the more common and robust prey such as zebra and wildebeest—not to mention more sensitive species such as sable, kudu, nyala, warthog, and even buffalo and giraffe.

Apart from their prey, lions are aggressively competitive and will go out of their way to kill any leopard, cheetah, wild dog, or hyena that they encounter, and have caused major declines in these species, not just on the Bubye Valley Conservancy, but elsewhere in Africa where lion densities are high. According to the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), cheetah are listed as vulnerable, and wild dogs are endangered.

It is easy to simply focus on the number of lions remaining in Africa that has fallen steeply over the last century from ~100,000 to ~20,000 today, but which is directly linked to the reduction in available habitat. Simply focusing on increasing the abundance of one species at the cost of another cannot be considered a conservation success—assuming that holistic conservation for the benefit of the entire ecosystem is the end goal—no matter how iconic that species is. Luckily, lions kill lions, resulting in more lion mortality than any other species—including man on the Bubye Valley Conservancy—and in an ideal world the lion population would level off at a putative carrying capacity where lions control their own numbers (deaths from conflict equal or exceed new births). However, it is possible and probable (man-made water points increase the carrying capacity of — and therefore also the competition and conflict between—all wildlife species) that this would still be at the cost of certain other sensitive species.

Ecosystem stability is related to size (and conversely ecosystem sensitivity is inversely related to size) and smaller areas need to control their lion numbers a lot more carefully than large areas such as the Bubye Valley Conservancy, which is over 3,000 square kilometers [1,160 square miles]. In fact, small reserves in South Africa alone culled over 200 lions in total between 2010 and 2012, according to the 2013 report from the Lion Management Forum workshop.

Understanding Carrying Capacity

The Bubye Valley Conservancy does not rely on trophy hunting to manage the lion population. I will discuss the economics of hunting in brief. The most recent and robust lion population survey data calculate a current lion population on the Bubye Valley Conservancy of between 503 and 552 lions (it is impossible to get a 100 percent accurate count on the exact lion number — which also changes daily with births and deaths).

Carrying capacity is an extremely fluid concept, and changes monthly, seasonally, and annually depending on all sorts of factors including rainfall, disease (both predator and prey), and economics. It is estimated that 500 lions eat more than US$2.4 m. each year (meat value calculated at very conservative $3/kg–compare that to the price of steak in a supermarket, and then remember that the Bubye Valley Conservancy used to be a cattle-ranching area, and if wildlife becomes unviable, then there is no reason not to convert it back to a cattle ranching area once again).

To give the question of carrying capacity a fair, if necessarily vague, answer, I would personally estimate that the upper carrying capacity of lions on the Bubye Valley Conservancy would be around 500 animals—assuming that they are allowed to be hunted and therefore generate the revenue to offset the cost of their predation.

Remember, lion numbers can get out of hand. And if there was no predation, then thousands upon thousands of zebra and wildebeest and impala would need to be culled to prevent them from over grazing the habitat, leading to soil erosion, starvation, and disease. The ecosystem is a very complex machine and whether anyone likes it or not, humans have intervened with cities, roads, dams, pumped water, fences, and livestock. The only way to mitigate that intervention is by further, more focused, and carefully considered intervention, for the sake of the entire ecosystem.

It is important to bear in mind that the wildlife here, and in the majority of other wildlife areas in Africa (hunting areas exceed the total area conserved by Africa’s national parks by more than 20 percent), does not exist as our, or anyone else’s, luxury.

The Bubye Valley Conservancy is a privately owned wildlife area, or to put it another way, it is a business. The fact that it is a well-run business is the reason why it is one of the greatest conservation successes in Africa, converting from cattle to wildlife in 1994 (only 22 years ago) and now hosting Zimbabwe’s largest contiguous lion population at one of the highest densities in Africa, as well as the third largest black rhino population in the world (after Kruger and Etosha).

This is only possible because it is a business, and is self-sufficient in generating the funds to maintain fences, roads, pay staff, manage the wildlife, pump water, and support the surrounding communities—all extremely necessary factors involved in keeping wildlife alive in Africa.

Author: Michael Schwartz

Michael Schwartz is a freelance journalist and African wildlife conservation researcher. Several of his articles have been published in African Indaba


Hey Kids, Comics! #170 - The Best Comics We've Ever Played

Note:  The numbering of this issue has been corrected, it was in fact issue 170.

Once more into the breach, fearless listeners!  HKC is back with issue 170:  The Best Comics We've Ever Played.  With Cole off to focus his boundless energy on what is sure to be an amazing All-Con (side quest), Andrew forges new alliances with old friends to continue the journey into the dark heart of all things Comics.  Joined by Hulking Barbarian, Kurt Maksay; and Guileful Gnome Tinkerer, Jordan Waag, the boys attempt to peel back the layers on the topic of Comic Book Games.  From vast fields of RPG to the peaceful valleys of board games this band plows forward to answer important questions like "Why hasn't Kurt played G.U.R.P.'s" and "Why is Heroclix so much like Freemasonry"?

So velcro on your cape, and set your GM Screen to stun, your adventure begins NOW...well as soon as you hit up the link below

This show gets a little blue, so maybe not so much for kids...yeah?


A termination provision in an employment agreement can be a valuable tool to limit the cost of terminating an employee on a without cause basis. An enforceable contractual termination clause rebuts the presumption that an employee is entitled to common law reasonable notice and, as such, can significantly reduce the quantum of notice or pay in lieu of notice owing. However, the Courts have made the enforcement of termination provisions challenging, often finding the clauses void for various technical reasons. The Ontario Court of Appeal recently released its decision in Wood v. Fred Deeley Imports Ltd. which provides further insight into the proper drafting and enforceability of termination clauses.

The plaintiff in Wood had been employed for approximately eight years at the time her employment was terminated. She was offered a severance package consisting of 13 weeks’ working notice, pro-rata incentive bonus payment, benefits coverage, outplacement services and an additional lump sum payment in exchange for her executing a full and final release. Despite the offer, the plaintiff commenced an action seeking damages equivalent to 12 months’ pay in lieu of notice.

At issue on appeal was the enforceability of a termination provision contained within the plaintiff’s employment agreement. The contractual provision at issue was as follows:

[The Company] is entitled to terminate your employment at any time without cause by providing you with 2 weeks’ notice of termination or pay in lieu thereof for each completed or partial year of employment with the Company. If the Company terminates your employment without cause, the Company shall not be obliged to make any payments to you other than those provided for in this paragraph, except for any amounts which may be due and remaining unpaid at the time of termination of your employment. The payments and notice provided for in this paragraph are inclusive of your entitlements to notice, pay in lieu of notice and severance pay pursuant to the Employment Standards Act, 2000.

The plaintiff argued, in part, that the termination clause was unenforceable as it failed to provide for the continuation of benefit contributions during the statutory notice period as required by the Employment Standards Act, 2000 (the “ESA”). The employer defended the clause on the basis that the reference to “two weeks’ notice of termination or pay in lieu thereof” was broad enough to encompass base salary and benefit contributions. The employer also argued that its payment of the benefit contributions for the statutory notice period following the termination should be considered when assessing whether the clause was valid.

The Court of Appeal rejected the employer’s arguments and ultimately found the clause void. The Court confirmed that a contractual provision which purports to rebut an employee’s entitlement to common law reasonable notice must be clear and unambiguous. In this regard, the words “pay in lieu” do not clearly include both base salary and benefits. The Court also found an employer’s conduct or payment post-termination cannot remedy an otherwise unenforceable termination clause. As such, the enforceability of the termination provision depends solely on the wording of the clause itself.

In reaching its decision, the Court differentiated the clause contained in the plaintiff’s employment agreement, referenced above, from that at issue in its decision of Roden v. Toronto Humane Society. In Roden, the Court of Appeal upheld a termination provision which was silent on benefits continuation. The Court in Wood noted that the contractual provision at issue was not only silent with respect to benefits continuation but also expressly restricted termination entitlements to those set out in the employment agreement. The express limitation of the employee’s termination entitlements to those which did not include benefits defeated any interpretation that the provision was compliant with the ESA.

The Court’s distinction between the clauses contained in Roden and Wood provides employers a small window to argue for the enforceability of clauses which do not expressly reference the continuation of benefits. Such an argument was successful in the recent decision of the Ontario Superior Court of Justice in Cook v. Hatch Ltd. The termination clause in Cook did not expressly reference benefits continuation. The clause also did not contain language which expressly limited the employee’s entitlements to those contained within the agreement. The Court in Cook upheld the termination provision, concluding the clause was similar to that in Roden. We will have to wait to see whether this argument will be embraced in future decisions and whether the Cook decision will be appealed to the Court of Appeal.

Lessons for Employers

Termination provisions provide an excellent opportunity for significant cost savings for employers at the time of termination. Employers should ensure employment agreements contain carefully crafted termination provisions to reduce the likelihood they will be found void upon judicial scrutiny. The Wood decision also signals the importance of regularly reviewing and updating employment contracts to ensure they remain consistent with jurisprudence and statutory requirements.


Decided April 21, 2015

Officer Struble, a K–9 officer, stopped petitioner Rodriguez for driving on a highway shoulder, a violation of Nebraska law. After Struble attended to everything relating to the stop, including checking the driver’s licenses of Rodriguez and his passenger and issuing a warning for the traffic offense, he asked Rodriguez for permission to walk his dog around the vehicle.

When Rodriguez refused, Struble detained him until a second officer arrived.

Struble then retrieved his dog, who alerted to the presence of drugs in the vehicle. The ensuing search revealed methamphetamine. Seven or eight minutes elapsed from the time Struble issued the written warning until the dog alerted.

Rodriguez was indicted on federal drug charges. Rodriguez filed a motion to suppress with regard to the evidence from the vehicle on the ground, among others, that Struble had prolonged the traffic stop without reasonable suspicion in order to conduct the dog sniff. The District court denied the motion to suppress, stating that, “prolonging the stop by seven to eight minutes for the dog sniff was only a de minimis intrusion on Rodriguez’s Fourth Amendment rights and was for that reason permissible.” Rodriguez enter a conditional guilty plea and was sentenced to five years in prison. The Eighth Circuit affirmed.

Issue: He moved to suppress the evidence seized from the vehicle on the ground, among others, that Struble had prolonged the traffic stop without reasonable suspicion in order to conduct the dog sniff.

Court Opinion:

Absent reasonable suspicion, police extension of a traffic stop in order to conduct a dog sniff violates the Constitution’s shield against unreasonable seizures.

A routine traffic stop’s “tolerable duration is determined by the seizure’s “mission,” which is to address the traffic violation that warranted the stop, Illinois v. Caballes, 543 U. S. 405, 407 and attend to related safety concerns.” The Fourth Amendment may tolerate certain unrelated investigations that do not lengthen the roadside detention, Johnson, 555 U. S., at 327–328 (questioning); Caballes, 543 U. S., at 406, 408 (dog sniff), but a traffic stop “become[s] unlawful if it is prolonged beyond the time reasonably required to complete th[e] mission” of issuing a warning ticket, id., at 407.

Beyond determining whether to issue a traffic ticket, an officer’s mission during a traffic stop typically includes checking the driver’s license, determining whether there are outstanding warrants against the driver, and inspecting the automobile’s registration and proof of insurance. Lacking the same close connection to roadway safety as the ordinary inquiries, a dog sniff is not fairly characterized as part of the officer’s traffic mission.

In concluding that the de minimis intrusion here could be offset by the Government’s interest in stopping the flow of illegal drugs, the Eighth Circuit relied on Pennsylvania v. Mimms, 434 U. S. 106. The Court reasoned in Mimms that the government’s “legitimate and weighty” interest in officer safety outweighed the “de minimis” additional intrusion of requiring a driver, lawfully stopped, to exit a vehicle, id., at 110–111. The officer-safety interest recognized in Mimms, however, stemmed from the danger to the officer associated with the traffic stop itself. On-scene investigation into other crimes, in contrast, detours from the officer’s traffic-control mission and therefore gains no support from Mimms.

The Government’s argument that an officer who completes all traffic-related tasks expeditiously should earn extra time to pursue an unrelated criminal investigation is unpersuasive, for a traffic stop “prolonged beyond” the time in fact needed for the officer to complete his traffic-based inquiries is “unlawful,” Caballes, 543 U. S., at 407.

Vacated and Remanded.

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The New Stuff

Freedom Debt Relief Reviews What Robo Advisors Are and Why They May Be Helpful

As you probably understand, investing is one of the most important things when it comes to personal finances. The more you invest now, the more you could have to spend on the things you want later in life. Investing can help grow your possibilities to new heights you never thought possible before, but it is critical you invest your money intelligently if you are not smart with your investments, you could end up losing money.

Many people who are not investing experts understand this risk of losing money, so instead, they avoid investing completely.  After seeing numerous consumers take this approach to their investments, almost every time, it does not work. If you are not investment savvy, there are resources available for simplifying your investments.

What is a Robo Advisor

A robo advisor is a software that acts as a financial advisor. By taking into consideration details you provide, such as your income, monthly expenses, and your goals, the robo advisor develops strategies that are likely to fits your needs. After years of research, trial, and error, the best robo advisors have become very good at making investment suggestions to individuals in any situation.

Just as you would with anything that pertains to your finances, you should make sure you are using a reputable robo advisor that has consistently good reviews from peers. You may provide sensitive financial information and make important decisions based on the robo advisor, so choosing a reputable advisor is the first and most important step.

Benefits of Robo Advisors

Robo advisors can come with a plethora of benefits if they are used correctly. If you are new to investing or have a small portfolio, it may be cost prohibitive to hire a financial advisor. But with a robo advisor, the fees are reduced and kept to a minimum since all the work is perfumed by a software. Even if you have a large portfolio, the savings and benefits are still available over a traditional financial advisor.

Outside of the savings, you will have access your robo advisor 24/7 and on your own schedule, if you have a busy schedule, a robo advisor is available when you need it, and without an appointment.

Robo advisors can help investors learn investing practices and even develop strategies for their unique situation. After your account is setup, the robo advisor will continue to monitor your account and make changes as necessary to keep you within the goals you set when opening your account.

Freedom Debt Relief Reviews How to Choose a Robo Advisor

As previously mentioned, choosing the correct robo advisor is the most critical decision, after you have chosen to go the robo advisor route. There are benefits to be had by choosing a robo advisor, but the maximum benefit can be realized by choosing the best robo advisor for yourself.

Freedom Debt Relief has found a careful review of your financial standing and your goals are important when choosing a robo advisor. Some advisors may have certain requirements for new customers, you need to make sure your goals and the requirements of your advisor align accordingly.

Freedom Debt Relief is not suggesting a robo advisor is for everyone, but for those who robo advisor is good for, there are significant benefits to be had. Investing is only one piece of the puzzle that is your financial freedom, you must be sure to properly handle debt alongside your investments if you want to ultimately change your financial future.

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How Facebook's internet beaming satellite will work

Eutelsat workers building a satellite.
Facebook is partnering with the European satellite company Eutelsat to beam the internet to large parts of sub-Saharan Africa that don't currently have access.

CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced the news on his Facebook page last week that the company will use Eutelsat's Amos-6 satellite to provide the coverage.

"The Amos-6 satellite is under construction now and will launch in 2016 into a geostationary orbit that will cover large parts of West, East and Southern Africa," Zuckerberg wrote on his Facebook page.

The move is part of Facebook's, a non-profit initiative to bring free internet services to people around the world.

Here's how the satellite will work.

The satellite Facebook is using, the Amos-6, will launch in 2016.

It will provide coverage to large parts of east, west, and southern Africa. The satellite is currently under construction.

The Amos-6 satellite will use the same technology as Eutelsat's KA-SAT, which orbits over Europe.

Eutelsat/ Corporate Brochure

Eutelsat currently has 39 satellites in orbit. The image above shows the orbital position of each device.

The KA stands for "Kurz Above," which refers to satellites that transmit a higher radio frequency.

The KA band satellites use a frequency that is 26.5 to 40 GHz. Satellites that use a KU band — referring to Kurz Unten or "underneath" — use lower frequencies in the 12 to 18 GHz range. The lowest frequency range a Eutelsat will use — known as L band satellites, like "low" — is in the 1 to 2 GHz range.

Why does a higher frequency matter?

Shutterstock/ zlikovec

Well, the higher the frequency the more bandwidth you can squeeze out of the system. And more bandwidth means a faster internet service.

That frequency is transmitted in small spot beams that will cover parts of sub-Saharan Africa.

The Amos-6 will provide service to the orange spot beams depicted in the photo. By transmitting the frequencies in a lot of small spot beams that cover an area, instead of one large spot beam, the transmittance is more powerful.

Users that fall within one of these small spot beams will receive the internet if they have a satellite dish outside of their building and a modem inside connected to a computer.

The above photo is the equipment used in Europe for the KA-SAT satellite, but users in Africa will have a different dish and modem setup that has not been determined yet.

The dish outside the building will receive and transmit data back and forth with the satellite.

It is unclear who will be supplying the dish to the buildings, but Zuckerberg wrote on his Facebook page, "We're going to work with local partners across these regions to help communities begin accessing internet services provided through satellite."

More: Features Eutelsat Facebook Satellites


Glass Bead

Glass Bead, an international research platform and journal, presents their project from the perspective of previous work and future plans. Considering art to be crucial for the invention of vehicles able to navigate among heterogeneous and changing epistemic landscapes, Glass Bead aims to bring disparate practices and ideas together in order to design complex transits between and within them. Although drawing inspiration from Herman Hesse’s novel, Glass Bead does not however incarnate its fiction. Glass Bead is engaged with the politics of knowledge: its generation, its expression, and its reception. Detached from any reference to the game as an overarching formula, Glass Bead works in immanent relation to the material dynamics shaping knowledge (i.e. morphologies), as much as it works with the geometry of knowledge (i.e. epistemologies).


AromaTouch Technique

The AromaTouch Technique is a clinical approach to applying essential oils in a very safe and effective way, producing consistent and measurable results. The oils used in the AromaTouch Technique have been selected for their individual characteristics and their ability to blend synergistically. These oils target stress management, immune support, inflammatory response, and homeostasis. Oils are applied to the back and the feet to create a feeling of overall wellness.


INTERVIEW: Honda's Stance On Self-Driving Is One Gearheads Will Love

Honda tell us why robots won't take over its cars and what it thinks about a new Civic Hybrid.

At the 2016 Paris Motor Show we spoke with Honda at length about the Civic Hatchback and the Type R prototype. But those two cars weren't the only topic of discussion during our roundtable interview with Civic head engineer Mitsuru Kariya. In between talk of AWD vs. FWD and the race to squeeze as much power out of small turbocharged engines as possible, both autonomous driving and eco-friendly cars came up. When it comes to autonomous driving, Honda wants to ensure there’s still room for humans to take the wheel.

“We surely believe in autonomous driving. It will come, definitely. But we believe, and we hope, that there will always remain a certain partition of driving by yourself,” Kariya-san said. The idea of a partition between robots and humans is one that really appeals to us and is something gearheads desperately want to hear automakers say when it comes to self-driving cars. When you want to drive you should be able to, and the car shouldn't hold anything back. We suspect that Kariya-san will push for the joy of driving to be preserved. He said the 10th-generation Civic’s “dynamic performance” was the aspect of the car he’s most proud of. You can’t really experience dynamic driving when a robot is calling the shots.

When it comes to the eco-friendly future of cars, Honda thinks much like Toyota. That is to say that both Japanese automakers see hydrogen fuel cells as the future, not EVs or hybrids. However, Kariya-san knows that electrification is the way forward in the short term. “As a long term future, we still believe, as we have been communicating all the time, our long-term propulsion system is still the fuel cell. From an efficiency point of view, from pollution point of view, from a performance point of view, from habit of handling point of view, from a practicality point of can just recharge in minutes. However, until that comes to be normal, and it’s still a long way, electrification is a very important aspect.”

Honda currently offers the Accord Hybrid and is planning to launch the Clarity Fuel Cell Vehicle sometime before the end of 2016. But its eco-friendly past is checkered. Both the Fit EV and the CR-Z hybrid hatchback lived short, uneventful lives. (RIP to the Insight as well.) That being said the Civic was previously offered as a hybrid. Is a revival in the works? “Talking about the current 10th-generation Civic platform, that platform is designed to incorporate a hybrid system. Although at the moment there’s no plan for a hybrid model. But it is designed to incorporate such a system. It was designed at the beginning to do so. But we’re ready, it just depends on the market. We believe in the future of electrification,” Kariya-san stated.

To us that sounds like a Civic Hybrid is in the beginning stages of being brought to life. Why would you design the Civic to incorporate such technology if you had no plans of implementing it? Honda is likely doing market studies to see where a hybrid Civic, plug-in hybrid and EV would do best. Here’s hoping that at least one variant of the Honda Civic Hybrid has a little Acura NSX in it, just to keep the whole dynamic performance feeling alive.

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With so many excellent political films out there, I found it impossible to implement them all into my ‘5 Favourite Overtly Political Films‘ list. So, let’s have a look at some more fantastic political movies:

A Clockwork Orange (1971)

A Clockwork

Is Kubrick the best director ever? Yep. A Clockwork Orange is just one of a number of highlights in his incredible career. This story about free will, based on Anthony Burgess’ novel of the same name, is a daunting, shocking, horrific, yet often hilarious delve into the mind of a psychopathic youth, who, despite his evil nature, turns out to be the unlikeliest of heroes. Whilst we shouldn’t support a murderous rapist, our loyalties are intelligently played with, as we begin to resent a society who suppresses the voices, no matter how awful, of its members.

Alex, Malcolm McDowell’s defining role, is one of the greatest ever anti-heroes. Despite his raping, stealing and ‘ultraviolence’, this deranged teenager still manages to evoke sympathy. Despite his evil, he remains a source of humour. This humour mostly comes through the strange ‘Nadsat’ language, created by Burgess, which is essentially a strange mixture of Russian and English. Just look at this:

Okay, yes, Alex is the definition of ‘evil piece of shit’. Buuuuuuut, he’s, well, hilarious and exudes tonnes of charisma. His language is absurd. Our loyalties shouldn’t lie with him but they do. Alex, after a botched effort at rape, is arrested and trialled under a new program. He is to have his desensitisation to violence reversed. He will literally be sick at the sight of violence. The film is a moral conundrum. Do you support the removal of free will for the public’s safety? Is that a greater violation than Alex’s? It reminds me of A Brave New World. Whilst they do remove societal issues and make life better, aren’t these issues part of living? Part of life is making mistakes and growing. Alex is evil but he learns his lesson.

We must give even the evilest amongst us the chance to redeem themselves. Whilst Alex is a bad person, humanity shines through. In a world where we are under constant surveillance and are constantly judged this message does ring true. You have to give people a chance. In the movie, ambiguity is used to create uneasiness about Alex’s future. However, the book wraps things up. After the government are forced to return Alex to his usual self he willingly chooses to shy away from violence as he is a more mature person now. We all make mistakes, and if Alex can overcome his demons, then surely we all deserve to be treated fairly. An eye for an eye is never the right answer to an issue.

Kes (1969)

I spoke of Ken Loach’s I, Daniel Blake in my other list of political films. However, when talking of politicism and Loach it would be wrong not to discuss Kes. Although he had previously directed Cathy Come Home in 1966, this is the film that catalysed the emergence of Loach, granting him a lengthy and illustrious career. This movie was essentially the offspring of the British New Wave, the first true period of overtly political British cinema. Kes, while by no means the first of its kind, has still become an essential part of British cinematic history.

This film displays the class divide and lack of opportunities for Northerners. Billy Casper has been demeaned his whole life, never given any kind of motivation. He is bullied and shunned at home by his mother and brother and belittled and pushed around at school by his teachers. However, he begins training a kestrel, ‘Kes’, a symbol of freedom and hope, attempting to expand his life beyond the confines of his birthplace. He doesn’t merely want to capitulate and accept the seemingly inevitable industrialist work he seems deemed to inherit. However, despite his best efforts, his dreams are dashed. His brother, who has accepted his fate, murders Kes. The film is symbolic of the lack of opportunities for those in industrialised Northern areas. The film is given a humanist feel by being delivered through the eyes of a young boy. He has done no wrong, yet is ill-treated and stands no chance at achieving his optimistic ambitions.

This film is still incredibly relevant to modern political concerns. The issue of the South being favoured over the North is still a prevalent one. With politicians promising a ‘Northern Powerhouse’, there is an acknowledgement of the issue, but it doesn’t look like being resolved. Poverty is still a huge issue, even in the so-called ‘developed’ world. Loach perfectly captured the pessimistic attitudes of those born into industrialised, near poverty stricken areas. Opportunities are scarce for many, but some have it worse than others. Billy can try as hard as he wants to soar and escape his harsh and gritty environment, but like Kes, he will always be tethered.

City of God (2002)

City of God.png

City of God is one of the most gritty and real portrayals of true poverty.  Few films have so ambitiously tackled the subject of crime and squalor with such vividness and intimacy. One of the main reasons for this authentic feel is the use of real slum inhabitants in the film and the use of a genuine slum. This is poverty. Although City of God is sleekly directed and produced this is as raw as cinema can get, and is an important call to arms. We must all face the poverty which, while hidden from us in the backstreets and dingy areas of even the most glamorous cities, is undoubtedly there.

City of God is an informative exercise for Western audiences and a huge subversion of our expectations. It is masterfully crafted, so much so that without the setting and actors it could be mistaken for a Western film. We don’t see cinema with Brazilian actors, and we definitely do not see a slum used as the setting. This intelligently grasps a non-Brazilian audience. In many ways, it does not feel distinctly Brazilian, but more universal. Poverty is a universal issue, not just one unique to Brazil, and it is not so alien to us as we might think despite the subtle differences. Children being involved in gangs, drug wars, fights for territory and gun violence, whilst maybe issues more common amongst the poverty stricken slums of Rio de Janeiro are issues that could arise anywhere. Like Mathieu Kassovitz’ La Haine, City of God, whilst technically a Brazilian film, does not have to be viewed from a solely Brazilian perspective.

City of God is crucial in conveying the universality of poverty. By making a film that works effectively for Westerners they effectively translated their message. We must all fight the poverty on our doorsteps. If we don’t fight this issue then there will be a neverending cycle of crime, like the one in the film. A gang dies, a new one instantaneously takes up the mantle. This is like poverty. A child is born into poverty, their children into poverty, and on we go. Without an acceptance of these horrific issues, which can happen even in richer parts of countries, like Rio de Janeiro, we can never combat them. City of God makes sure we stare this issue in the face.

A Separation (2011)

A Separation

If I haven’t convinced you by now that I’m a fan of Iranian cinema then I never will. Iranian films which reach the West are almost always political allegory. A Separation, whilst slightly more unsubtle than other Iranian efforts, keeps up this allegorical tradition. It’s a fascinating portrait of how women are treated in comparison to their male counterparts. The hyperreligiosity in Iranian society and the attitudes towards women are heavily critiqued. This Oscar-winning film is a standout political movie from a country lauded for its cinematic politicism.

A Separation documents the difficulty women face in forging their own paths or garnering any respect from males. Simin unsuccessfully attempts to divorce her husband, Nader, not for lack of love, but for her want to leave Iran to get their daughter away from oppression. This emphasises the societal issues in Iran. Women get so little respect that a mother feels her child incapable of thriving as a person in such an environment. On top of this issue is the problem of Nader’s father. A common theme in Iranian cinema is the old oppressing the young. Nader’s father is senile and the reason Nader refuses to leave Tehran. He therefore metaphorically serves as a representation of the clouded frame of mind of the old regime and is a barrier halting the young from prosperous lives. His carer, Razieh, is a pregnant woman and is criticised both for her decision to work and her decision to assist a male, regardless of his senility. She is even beaten for her actions by her husband and shoved by Nader. Women have so few liberties. They cannot make decisions for themselves and are forever tied to their husbands, who control them.

A Separation hammers home the problems Iranian women face. In no aspects of their lives are they treated as equals. They are merely there to bear children, not to have their own identities and ambitions. They are the tools of their husbands, made to be subservient by their societal treatment. Their daughter is representative of a potentially hopeful future, she is smart, emotionally intelligent, but lacks confidence. If she could have respect bestowed upon her then she may just gain the motivation to defy society and become an independent and strong woman. However, as long as the archaic old regime survives, this will never materialise.

Leviathan (2014)

Corruption destroys the house

Leviathan is an epic and crushing tale, conveying the havoc the powerful wreak upon the weak. This pessimistic portrait of societal oppression is symbolic of the destruction thrust upon the innocent by authority figures. No matter who you are or the nature of your personality, you are always vulnerable to the demands of those with more money and more power than yourself. Whether they be a religious figure, like the corrupt vicar, or a political figure like the mayor, those in possession of money can always be influenced towards a life of dishonesty.

Leviathan charts the inevitable downfall of a normal, hard working, honest family who attempts to stand firm against the demands of the powerful. The land this honest family possess is desired by a corrupt mayor. Despite Nikolai gaining the help of his savvy lawyer friend Dmitri, his family is still torn apart at the seams. Those with power will always have their way. Mayor Vadim intimidates and blackmails, splitting the family up, using his money and influence to have his way. He is merely a short, fat, pathetic, unimpressive man. However, like all powerful figures, he has strong, young individuals at his disposal. No matter how hard the family fight they could never fend off the powerful, and their house, a symbol of their respectable lives is quite literally destroyed. There is no such thing as a peaceful life in a world controlled by greedy, selfish patriarchs. Vadim does not see these people as individuals as they aren’t high-ranking like himself.

Leviathan is social commentary, commenting on the state of Russian society. Putin is a bully, and like all bullies, he takes what he wants regardless of the comments of others. As Putin encroaches on Ukrainian land, Vadim encroaches on private property. No matter what level the corruption occurs at, the strong will always beat the weak into submission. No matter where corruption occurs the results are always the same. In a capitalist world, all that matters is your money. The most virtuous among us will fall if they refuse to strive for gain. As Trump, Putin, May and Jong-un show, you can be detestable, but if you have money your character flaws are rendered irrelevant.


A mystery light explosion in the sky has led to fears of an explosion or a sonic boom having taken place.

The loud bang was heard at approximately 11pm on Sunday evening at dozens of homes in Manchester, with an image shared shortly afterwards on social media showing a large plume of smoke coming from Buile Hill Park in Salford.

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) and the fire service were called to the scene, but found nothing when they arrived.

The explosion has remained a mystery, with some questioning whether it could have been a sonic boom or firework going off, after the fire service and police failed to give any explanation for it.

A GMP spokesman said: “We were called at about 11.15pm last night to the Seedley area of Salford, to reports of a loud bang.

“We found nothing untoward to explain. We have gone along locally to make enquiries and not come across anything to explain it.”

Greater Manchester Fire Service said they received two calls from members of the public in Salford regarding a loud bang.

But following investigations, they could not find anything that would have been the source of the noise and advised callers it was "nothing to worry about", reports the Manchester Evening News .

The origin of the loud bang continues to baffle residents, with some claiming it felt like a gas explosion.

One Twitter user wrote: “Any news about the huge explosion sound an hour ago near Davyhulme? It shook all the houses here, sounded like a gas explosion.”

Michelle Mott posted on Facebook: “It sounded exactly like an industrial firework to me. If it was set off in Buile Hill park then that is up a hill that has a panoramic view of Salford, Trafford, etc as far as the eye can see. Any loud bang up there would travel miles especially with it being night time.”

Others have suggested the noise was a sonic boom which occurs when an object travels faster than the speed of sound.

Darren Wells wrote: “It’s clearly a noise generated from an aircraft. It’s a sonic boom, aircraft possibly underneath radar and breaking sound barrier.”


The officers shall say to the army: “Has anyone built a new house and not yet begun to live in it? Let him go home . . . Has anyone planted a vineyard and not begun to enjoy it? Let him go home . . . Has anyone become pledged to a woman and not married her? Let him go home . . . Is anyone afraid or fainthearted? Let him go home …” Deuteronomy 20:5-8

While military service was compulsory, there were exemptions given on four grounds. The first three were domestic concerns: home, establishing future provision, and family. God considered these valid reasons not to enlist and must have excluded a large number of men. However, it also emphasises the point that Israel didn’t need a large army, because they were trusting God for victory.

The fourth exemption is a little curious, “Is anyone afraid?” and the reason given is: “so that his fellow soldiers will not become disheartened too.” Being a discouragement was reason to stay home! The Israelite army was often lacking in personal and equipment, so it was important that their trust in God, wasn’t compromised by a discouraging person.


Essay Family Synthesis

A good conclusion should do a few things:

  • Restate your thesis
  • Synthesize or summarize your major points
  • Make the context of your argument clear

Restating Your Thesis

Summary or Synthesis

Explanatory essays

Explanatory essay belongs to the family of synthesis essays, therefore, the goal of explanatory essay is to explain a certain topic, phenomenon or a subject in a particular manner. The objective of explanatory essays is to present the descriptive information in an orderly, clear and succinct manner. To achieve the goal and objective the writer has to carry out proper synthesis of the existing sources, opinions, ideas, facts, and findings on the given topic and subsequently present it in a form of an explanatory essay. Since explanatory essay calls for preliminary synthesis of material and information that will be presented in the paper in an understandable and orderly manner,  the writer must choose how to break down the subject of the essay into constituent parts, that will be explored, researched, and analyzed, and based on the preliminary synthesis, put in the final version of the explanatory essay.

Explanatory essay requires explanations and supportive materials (facts, findings, data, quotes) so that the audience always understands everything from the beginning to the very end. This type of essay calls for objective explanation, therefore, it should not include unverified information, and should not be based on the writer’s personal opinion. If the writer considers his opinion to be of great importance, it is possible to include that opinion in the paragraph just prior to the conclusion, and note why this opinion matters and why it should be included. Otherwise, explanatory essay has a typical structure that most other essays have.

Introduction of explanatory essay.

The introduction of an explanatory essay sets the stage and explains what the paper (body part) will be about. It introduces the topic, the sub-topics, and the constituent parts that will be subsequently explored in the paper. Although there is no formal restriction, but generally an introduction should be limited to 5-7 sentences only.

Body of explanatory essay.

The body part of the explanatory essay directly addresses the topic and supports all facts and opinions with quotes and references. It is important to rely on the verified, quality, academic sources. The information should be presented in an unequivocal, unbiased and professional manner. There is no need to need to cover different points of view, so unlike, for instance, in argumentative papers, it is possible to focus on only those facts and references that support your position and explain the given topic, phenomenon or subject without having to mention contentious views and different opinions.

Conclusion of explanatory essay.

The conclusion of an explanatory essay summarizes what was said in the body part of the essay. This is where it looks similar to other types of essays. There is no restriction as to the length of a conclusion, but the rule of thumb is that it should not be over 10 sentences. What is more important, no new information should be presented in the conclusion. Conclusion of an explanatory essay only summarizes the findings that are already explained in the body part of the essay. professional writers can help you with your explanatory essay. We work since 2003 and our professional writers can write a successful essay. Do not procrastinate, order explanatory essay now!

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