To Protect Privacy

It’s true that the state has the right to protect its citizens. But this shouldn’t come at the expense of taking away their privacy. In authoritarian countries, the rights of people have been taken away in the name of peace and security. Providing information about yourself is necessary on occasion. But too much personal data is not.

It’s not uncommon to hear of personal information being taken away and used for blackmail or making threats. For the layman, this is the main reason why minimal government is necessary. Too much information in their hands can lead to trouble.

To Prevent Abuse of Power

Too much power will inevitably lead to abuse. By keeping the function of a regime to the bare essentials, it won’t harbor thoughts of extending power. The opposite will happen if too much authority is given them.

There is a saying that absolute power corrupts absolutely. Too often this has proven to be true. For this reason, power is shared in democratic countries: executive, judiciary and legislative. Even then, their functions should be kept to the basics.

So Business Can Profit

For businesses, there are other reasons why minimal government is necessary. Foremost is that the state is usually a poor business partner. This doesn’t always hold true, but in most cases it does. The problem is that most government agencies aren’t familiar with the current business atmosphere.

The key to surviving in a tough business climate is adaptation. Government agencies are notorious for their inability to adapt to the changing environment. The state also tends to work with a different mentality.

For this reason a lot of companies don’t like it when an administration steps in. Because of the state’s inability to manage, a company will lose money. In some countries, state run businesses often end up losing money or being in debt.

To Avoid Bureaucratic Red Tape

Aside from plain incompetence, another reason why minimal government is necessary is to avoid hassle and red tape. Anyone who has tried to conduct a transaction in a government agency will attest to this. If these agencies were given more control and power, it could cause a gridlock in commerce and trade. As it is, getting permits and paperwork done can take a long time.

To Lessen Corruption

Graft and corruption in government happens in virtually every country. There’s a reason why people place more trust when private companies are involved. It doesn’t matter if the project involves bridge construction, railways etc.

Most believe that the project will be of poorer quality when the state is involved. The reason is corruption. Unscrupulous officials get low quality products so they can kickback the money.

There are other explanations as to why minimal government is necessary. But the above-mentioned should be sufficient to show the less the government is involved, the better for everyone.

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The Resurrection of Jesus

For a lot of Christians, the reason remains the same. It is the day in which Jesus rose from the dead. After being crucified and dying, Jesus rose from the dead promising eternal life to those who believe in him.

Among many Christian denominations, the day is commemorated with prayers and hymns. Some Protestant groups start their observation on the night of Holy / Black Saturday. They light candles and at daybreak. For these Christians, the reason why people celebrate Easter (or should) is to remember the risen Christ.

Egg Hunting Time

In a lot of cultures, the feast means it’s time for the egg hunts. Communities, schools or malls usually organize the egg hunts. Colorful eggs are hidden in various spots. Kids look for them and get corresponding prizes. Exactly when this practice originated is unclear. Some have pointed to Pennsylvania as the starting place. However, it’s also very likely that the belief had its roots in Europe.

Whatever its origins may be, one of the main reasons nowadays why people celebrate Easter is the egg hunt. .

Family Time

For the non religious, it has become a time to get together with the family. Usually at this time there are special promos in shopping malls, restaurants or entertainment centers. As such, it becomes a great opportunity for families to spend time together. While they may not be celebrating any religious event, what most do is celebrate family life itself.

Egg Rolling

Egg rolling is another reason kids look forward to this day. The practice in the United States started in the late 1880s. Originally, the egg rolling took place in the Capitol. After officials said that it was damaging the grass, the First Lady had the kids come over to the White House lawn and do it there instead. This practice has continued to this day and is one of the reasons why people celebrate Easter in the United States.

Parades

Parades are also part of the feast in the US. During the early days, people would take a walk after going to church. Usually people would be dressed in their best clothes. In time this led to parades, the most notable being the ones in New York City.

Other Ways it is Observed

Countries observe the festival in different ways. Among Catholics, it’s usually met with prayers and giving of thanks. However most also take time out to join the egg hunts. Other countries are also starting to hold parades during the feast.

There are many reasons why people celebrate Easter. The bottom line is that how it’s observed is up to you. As with other feasts and celebrations, it has come down to the individual to decide what to make of it.

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Causes of Fluid Build Up in the Lungs

The human body produces a small amount of pleura liquid in order to lubricate the surfaces of the pleura. Pleura refers to the thin tissue that surrounds the lungs and lines the chest cavity. When an abnormal or excessive collection of this fluid occurs, it leads to pleural effusion.

Transudative pleural effusions: When there is an increased pressure within the blood vessels or when their protein content is low, it could lead to transudative effusions. The most common cause for this condition is congestive heart failure. Heart attacks or abnormal heart valves can lead to an abnormal accumulation of blood in the lungs’ blood vessels. This in turn can lead to the excessive fluid build up in the alveoli which will affect the gaseous exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide.

Exudative pleural effusions: Some of the causes of exudative pleural effusions are :-

• drug reaction
• injury to the lungs
• inhalation of toxins
• blocked blood vessels
• kidney failure or kidney diseases
• cancer
• pulmonary embolism (blockage of lung blood vessels)
• viral infection
• bacterial pneumonia
• High altitude

Symptoms of Fluid Build Up in the Lungs

Some of the symptoms of fluid build up in the lungs include:

• shortness of breath and difficulty in breathing
• coughing that may produce blood or frothy sputum
• excessive sweating
• paleness
• If the cause is related to cardiac conditions, the patient may suffer from palpitations or chest pain.
• restlessness and anxiety
• feeling of being deprived of ‘air’ or ‘drowning’. This might happen while the patient is sleeping when he  / she suddenly gets up and tries to catch his / her breath. This is described as paroxymal nocturnal dyspnea.
• fatigue, dizziness or weakness

Treatment for Fluid Build Up in the Lungs

The treatment options for pulmonary edema will depend on the cause of the condition. Depending on the severity of the condition, the doctor may choose to either hospitalize the patient or treat him / her as an outpatient by prescribing oral medications. If the cause of the pulmonary edema is related to the heart, then appropriate medicines are given to stabilize the heart. Appropriate medications may be prescribed to strengthen the muscles of the heart, regulate its rhythm or to control its pressure. Water pills or diuretics may be given to relieve the body of excess fluids.

Oxygen supplementation might be administered to the patient if the oxygen level in the blood becomes too low. For noncardiogenic pulmonary edema, treatment will be advised according to the cause. For example, if the cause is related to kidney failure or kidney disease, the doctor will take the necessary steps to address these issues. Similarly, antibiotics will be given to the patient to deal with infections if the cause of the fluid retention is due to an infection.

Complications that can arise due to pulmonary edema are severe oxygen deprivation to different organs of the body such as the brain. This will require the patients to use a breathing machine.

Preventing Fluid Build Up in the Lungs

If a person develops pulmonary edema, it is vital to take all medication according to the doctor’s instructions. One should also make a conscious effort to eat healthy and exercise regularly. It is best to avoid smoking. Regular check ups will also help the doctors identify any possible indication of trouble and give timely treatment.

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As one of the super powers in the past, it is highly interesting to know the Soviet Union collapsed. It was considered as the legitimate successor of the Russian Empire. Throughout the world, it was then famous for the advanced scientific research that it conducted on weaponry and space technology. More importantly, this country was famous because it provided aid to developing countries, economic stability and military strength. It was also part of the United Nations Security Council, which served as one of the most influential nations in the world.

The Collapse of the Soviet Union

Why did the Soviet Union collapse? Two major factors caused this massive break down, namely the weakened political structure and economic problems. The United States, under former President Ronald Reagan, convinced Saudi Arabia to reduce their oil prices. In doing so, the U.S.S.R cannot profit from its very own oil products. This move resulted in the depletion of the hard currency reserves of the Soviet Union.

In 1985, Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev introduced the Glasnost and Perestroika. These economic policies aimed for a much-needed improvement. The Glasnost eventually led to greater freedom of information. More importantly, it opened up the minds of the public about the mistakes and limitations of the government. Aside from a bad economy, some of satellite states in the eastern part of Europe started to abandon the ideals of communism. These factors pressured Gorbachev to put an end to the Cold War.

With all the problems of the country, Gorbachev decided to end its war with Afghanistan in 1988. After that, the leader ordered not to offer military aid in defense of former satellite states. The situation only got worse as various communist regimes gained control in these highly important states. Later on, West Germany and East Germany settled their differences, which led to the destruction of the Berlin Wall.

In the closing years of the 1980s, its constituent republics cried for sovereignty. Estonia and Latvia declared full independence in August 1991. The Belavezha Accords was signed by Belarus, Ukraine and Russia on December 8, 1991. This deal ordered the establishment of the Commonwealth of Independent States, which replaced the dissolved Soviet Union.

Gorbachev resigned as president on December 25, 1991. Boris Yeltsin assumed his position as Russian president. The following day, the collapse and bankruptcy of the Soviet Union was declared officially. This event concluded the end of the Soviet Union. Thereafter, numerous organizations remained in place such as the police forces and the Soviet Army. However, they were phased out slowly sometime in the second half of 1992.

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Bead Throwing

Bead throwing actually began in the 1920s. The krewe were in charge of the parades. Moving across the streets, they would hurl cheap beads at the crowds. The practice caught on, and today it has become an integral part of carnival festivities. Most of the time beads thrown are made of glass, but nowadays some use plastic or other material.

Flashing of Breasts

Another common feature are women flashing their breasts. This actually has its roots in Roman practices. During the Lupercalla feast it was customary for the high priests to throw animal skin at women whom they came across. According to those who have studied the traditions of Mardi Gras, being touched by the animal skin would induce fertility.

Women clamored for the piece of skin. It was supposed to be thrown at random, but women often flashed their breasts to entice the priests to throw it at them.

As the years went by, the practice persisted minus the throwing of animal skin. Very few are probably aware of its origins. Those who do it probably do so because it’s fun, it is part of the tradition or both. As breast flashing became commonplace, it followed that women (and men) started wearing scanty outfits at the carnival. Its origin as a fertility ritual has been well established.

Wearing Masks

Other traditions of Mardi Gras are the wearing of masks in balls. The practice probably started following the fall of Rome. As Christianity spread, the loose morals prevalent in Rome were replaced by the strict codes of Christianity.

This didn’t stop the people from participating in carnivals though.
However, the participants started donning masks to conceal their identities. By hiding their identities, they could still participate in the various activities of carnival without fear of exposure.

Some have suggested that masks became popular because it allowed people to be someone else. Living in society that imposed rules on class and gender, the mask meant they could assume another identity for a while and do other things.

Eventually the masks became used more as an ornament than concealing identity. Some researchers suggest that the masks led to the development of more elaborate costumes.

Drinking and Merrymaking

Of all the traditions of Mardi Gras, the most prevalent is drinking and dancing. Whatever the difference between the floats and parades, the frenzied atmosphere is the one constant. Its origin is thought to be the Roman feast of Lupercalla and / or Saturnalia.

The Saturnalia featured a deformed man who was made king for a day. The man was usually a slave. He was allowed for the day to get drunk, indulge in food and debauchery. At the end of the day he was executed. This probably explains why some floats to this day still incorporate images of an ugly man in their designs.

The traditions of Mardi Gras are numerous. Each of them has a unique background and can be as fascinating as the carnival itself. Studying them gives you more insight into history as well.

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Nightcrawlers are commonly known as earthworms as well as megadriles. These creatures, which belong to the phylum Annelida and class Oligochaeta, are popular for their distinct burrowing action. The species tend to live underground because exposure to direct sunlight is harmful and fatal to earthworms. To know why do nightcrawlers come out in the rain, it is necessary that we take a look at the different theories that are conceptualized by some scientists to explain this unique behavior of earthworms.

Theories Related to the Burrowing Action of Earthworms

Why do nightcrawlers come out in the rain? Scientists have developed various theories concerning this unique behavior of earthworms. One of the most popular theories related to the burrowing action of nightcrawlers is that rainwater can affect the supply of oxygen underground so earthworms come out to survive. Some scientists believe that when soil absorbs rainwater, a shortage in oxygen happens. To get enough supply of oxygen, nightcrawlers come out in the rain.

Another interesting theory that can explain this distinct behavior of nightcrawlers is that these creatures go out of soil right after rain so they can transfer to other place easily because the ground or soil at this time is wet. Earthworms take this opportunity to build new colonies in other locations, which is most of the time important to their survival. In addition, this is the best time to transfer to other places since most predators stay inside their shelters after rain.

Aside from these theories, some experts also agree that the rainwater causes the soil to become acidic. When the soil becomes acidic, staying or living underground can be fatal to these creatures. For this reason, nightcrawlers come out in the rain to prevent from suffering the harmful effects of acidic soil.

Important Information About Earthworms

The burrowing action of nightcrawlers is beneficial to humans. This distinct behavior of creatures is important to enhance soil fertility. Some studies in America found that when earthworms stay underground, these creatures excrete casts that improve the nutrients in soil. Some of the important nutrients present in nightcrawler casts are nitrogen, phosphates as well as potash.

Above all, when nightcrawlers come out in the rain, the creatures open channels or passages that allow other nutrients and minerals to be enter and be absorbed in soil. With all these information, it is safe to conclude that the burrowing behavior of earthworms is very important to enhance the soil nutrients that are essential to the successful cultivation of plants.

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There are a lot of facts about worms that people are not aware of. Most just think of them as these slithering and disgusting creatures. But there is more to them than meets the eye.

Why the Worm is Slimy

The reason is that their bodies are lathered with mucus. This dissipates and turns into oxygen. It goes into their bodies, allowing them to breathe. In other words the creatures inhale and exhale through the skin. That’s why they need to be wet. It’s the only way they can breathe. If the mucus is removed, the earthworm will die.

Characteristics

Other important facts about worms that should be realized is that the term doesn’t just refer to one type. There are earthworms, roundworms and flatworms. Caterpillars and maggots are also sometimes included. In general usage, any creature that has a cylindrical body and is legless is classified as a worm. Other characteristics include body segments and bristles.

Other Facts and Figures

Their sizes vary greatly. The longest in the US is the Nightcrawler. It can reach lengths of up to 30 centimeters. Those in Canada can reach lengths of up to 120 cm. Some of the longest ones are in Australia. Some adult species can go beyond 300 cm. Based on current studies there are over 2,500 variants in the world today.

Other interesting facts about worms are their varying sizes. In an acre of land, there can be half a million or a million of them. Most of them live in moss, damp areas and beneath the ground. Some of them are of the parasitic type.

On the average, a typical worm can live for 13 years. But some have been known to survive for 50 years or more. Some types have as many as five hearts. Contrary to popular belief, cutting them in half doesn’t mean they will divide in two. The rear end will not survive. The one with the head will, because it will generate a new tail.

Movement

The bristles act as their legs. These body parts allow them to move around various surfaces. Another interesting fact about worms is that they are able to sense light. They are able to do this with the help of receptor cells. These are very sensitive to light and also detect vibrations in the ground. All of them can move in forward or backward directions. However the tendency is go forward.

Reproduction

The common belief is that they are asexual. More accurately however, they are hermaphrodites. Even though they possess male and female genitalia, a partner is still required for reproduction to take place.

Benefits

They may be repulsive, but these creatures perform a vital function. They can be used to remove dirt and scraps. They also help in fusing vital components in the soil. This helps plants grow. In some cultures, they are seen as delicacies and are eaten by people.

These are just some of the facts about worms. As with other organisms in nature, it goes to show that every creature has a purpose.

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To Cover Parts of Our Body

For modern societies its primary function is to cover certain body parts. It’s a fact though, that primitive societies don’t consider this a necessity. There’s no clear theory as to when civilizations decided that modesty meant putting on garments. Sociologists, the religious people and scientists all have their own views and opinions.

The fact though, is that at some point this rule was established. It has continued to the present day, and it is one of the main reasons why people wear clothes.

To Appear Beautiful

Aside from modesty issues, the need to look beautiful was and is another motivation. You don’t need to look far to see evidence for this. There are magazines, TV shows and advertisements saying how lovely you would look wearing this or that.

This really isn’t new. Even during ancient times, dresses were used to enhance one’s appearance. During the Middle Ages in Europe, balls and parties were held by royals just to show their latest dresses and costumes.

Paintings and portraits of the time reveal how elaborate these garments were. Even today, one reason why people wear clothes is to look more beautiful. From parties to award shows, great emphasis is placed on the garments that are worn.

To Make Identification Easier

Another reason is to allow people to know what they do. Nurses, soldiers and cops wear distinct uniforms. This makes identification easier. This also applies to people in other lines of work.

For Protection

Some scientists believe that the garments were invented out of necessity. When it happened is uncertain but at some point man realized that he needed them. The first garments were made from animal skin. This indicates that it was used as protection against the extreme cold.

Next to the weather, it was used as protection against fellow men. A look at history will show that one reason why people wear clothes is for protection from bodily harm.

The Roman soldiers wore special armor designed to protect them from arrows and swords. This practice continued in the Middle Ages. Costumes made of armor were developed. In the modern era, special suits have been made for military personnel.

In some cases health hazards are the reason why garments are worn. Firemen wear special suits for fire protection. Medical personnel, divers and astronauts don special suits because their job requires it.

For Special Days and Events

Costumes have also become part and parcel of entertainment. Some rock bands wear colorful costumes during their shows to add to their appeal. Fiestas, birthdays and holidays are times when people dress up too.

There are many other reasons why people wear clothes. You may have other reasons for wearing them. But the one fact is that they are here to stay, albeit in ever changing forms and styles.

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Reasons for the Assassination of the U.S. President Abraham Lincoln

Why did John Wilkes Booth kill Abraham Lincoln?

John Wilkes Booth passionately resented the consistent efforts made by Lincoln to promote the rights of black people to vote. On the 11th of April in 1865, he attended a speech of the president that seriously backed the voting rights of black people. The speech went directly against the principles of the Confederates. After this, John Wilkes Booth carefully designed and organized a plan to assassinate the president.

Aside from being a popular actor during that time, Booth also worked as a spy for the Confederates. The initial plan was to kidnap the president. They would then use him in exchange for the release of captured Confederates. When he heard about the president’s call to grant blacks their voting rights, Booth decided to kill the president instead of kidnapping him.

A chance came when he learned about the president’s plan to watch the play, Our American Cousin. The show was performed at Ford’s Theatre in Washington D.C. on April 14, 1865. The plan also included the assassinations of Secretary of State William H. Seward and Vice-President Andrew Johnson. As Lincoln was busy enjoying the play, Booth waited for the moment when the president’s bodyguard was not around.

When this moment arrived, he then made his way to the special box where the president was seated. He timed the assassination perfectly. Once he was in position, he drew the 0.44 caliber Derringer that he had brought with him. He fired a single shot which hit the back of the president’s head. At some point after the assassination, he fought Major Henry Rathbone before he was able to escape. Before leaving the scene, he clamored the words ‘sic semper tyrannis’, which mean ‘thus always to tyrants’.

For 12 long days, Federal agents conducted a manhunt. When they finally caught up with Booth, they cornered him and then shot him to his death. Bullet fragments entered his skull and into his brain. He was in a state of coma until he died the following day, which was April 15th, 1865.

Some More Facts About the Lincoln Assassination

The following are some more noteworthy facts about the Lincoln assassination.

• Abraham Lincoln was the first president in the U.S. history to be successfully assassinated.
• John Wilkes Booth was an actor, son of famous British actor, Junius Brutus Booth.
• Booth is believed to have said that he enjoyed playing the role of Brutus  whom he described as ‘the slayer of a tyrant’.
• Abraham Lincoln is said to have had a nightmare about being assassinated, a few days before his death. He described seeing himself in a casket, with inconsolable people mourning around his dead body.
• Ironically, Edwin Booth, the older brother of John Wilkes Booth, saved Lincoln’s son’s life when he fell between the platform and the train tracks.

• There are some bizarre coincidences between the Lincoln and Kennedy assassination. For instance, both of them were shot with a single bullet, on the back of their heads. Both of them were killed on a Friday. Kennedy was elected to Congress in 1946, exactly 100 years after Lincoln (1846). Also, both their successors were named Johnson (Andrew Johnson and Lyndon Johnson).

The assassination of Abraham Lincoln is one of the most tragic and significant losses in the American history. There are several conspiracy theories that surround this assassination and till date, the interest to know more information about what happened in 1865 is still pursued with fervor.

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Also known as megadriles, earthworms belong to the class of Oligochaeta in the Annelida phylum. Some of the common terms that people use to refer to earthworms are angleworms, night crawlers, rainworms and dew-worms. The species have multilayered clitellum and are usually have lengths of 8 to 12 feet. In present times, scientists have discovered approximately 6,000 species of megadriles. Earthworms have unique behavior, actions and characteristics. One of the distinct behaviors is that the species commonly come out in the rain. To know the truth behind this unique behavior of megadriles, it is important to have a look at some theories related to their survival instincts.

Theories

Why do earthworms come out in the rain? There are several reasons why megadriles come out in the rain such as for survival. These worms do not come out during daytime because the sunlight has harmful effects on their skin. The skin of megadriles gets dried up when the worms have been exposed to direct sunlight. To prevent exposure from sunlight, earthworms dig holes and stay underground. Some scientists agree that rainwater can lessen the supply of oxygen underground so earthworms come out in the rain to survive.

Another reason why the species come out in the rain is that megadriles take advantage of moist surface or soil to travel to other locations faster and easier. Because of humid and moist conditions after rain, earthworms will not become dehydrated even if they stay above ground for a long time.

Some scientists believe that megadriles come out in the rain because there are less predators present. There is a big chance that they can establish colonies in other areas at this time. Another theory explaining this distinct behavior of earthworms is that rainwater can cause the soil to become more acidic, which is fatal for the species.

Other Relevant Information About Megadriles

Even if megadriles have distinct behaviors and activities, the species are beneficial to farmers because the worms can improve the fertility of soil by transforming organic matter to humus. In addition, the burrowing actions of earthworms are also important to enhance soil nutrients. According to some studies done by some scientists and experts in the United States, earthworm casts are rich in potash, phosphates and nitrogen. Another benefit from this unique and interesting behavior of megadriles is that the burrowing action is opens passages as well as channels that are important to provide the water and air needed to enhance soil nutrients.

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