Seven Wonders Of The Ancient World Essays - , Term Papers

Seven Wonders Of The Ancient World How many individuals can name the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World? These ancien, man made monuments were compiled into a list considerable in their enormous size or some other unusual quality (Donovan 325). We should not let these legacies be left behind in the past, because each of these Seven Wonders has a story hidden within their ruins, or in one case, within its remains. Picture these architectural structures as I uncover the legends of The Statue of Zeus, the Colossus of Rhodes, the Pyramids of Egypt, the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, and the Temple of Artemis. The first full modern version of the list appeared less than four centuries ago in Italy in 1608 (Romer IX). After that the lists varied, sometimes naming ten wonders, but always keeping the honored name of The Seven Wonders of the World (IX). The listing of these wonders initiated by Greeks and Romans listed memorable things that they thought travelers should see (Donovan 325). The origianl authorship of the list is not completely proven, but it is believed to be composed by Bede and Philo (Romer X). Philo's list is the most impressive, because of it's uncomparable text, in length, poetry, and information given (Romer X). At one time, classical writers argued over the true list, but today there is one most commonly used (Virtual Tours 1). Few drawings or sketches exist of the vanished monuments, so archeologists have relied on ancient tales and literary works to get an idea of appearance and history (2).Every one of the seven wonders is connected to the legendary King Alexander (Romer XII). He founded Egyptian Alexandria, the city of Pharos; he stormed Halicarnassus, the city of the Mausoleum; the Rhodian of Colossus was cast in his image; he died in Babylon, the city of the Hanging Gardens, and all of them stood within his shortlived Empire (Romer XII). Apart from the Statue of Zeus in the west and the Hanging Gardens in the east, they all lay in the center of the Greek Empire (McLeish 4). In the Fourth Dynasty, built 4600 years ago, the Giza Pyramids came known as the greatest of the Seven Wonders (Grigson 18). These pyramids are the largest of the 70-odd pyramids built (18). The largest of the three Giza Pyramids is the Pyramid of Cheops (18). Its base is 57,000 square feet and has 2,300,000 limestone blocks each weighing two and one-half tons (18). It is made up of a King's Chamber, Queen's Chamber, grand gallery, vents, ascending and descending passages, and a Greaves Shaft (Krystek 4). Cheop's Pyramid is surrounded by rows of low flat tombs, mastabas, and three small pyramids in which his family and other high officials were buried (Grigson 20). The second pyramid is called the Pyramid of Chephren and the third if the pyramid of Mycerinus (20). These pyramids all have an astonishing accuracy in their construction (18). There is only about eight inches difference between the longest and the shortest baseline and teh four corners make an almost perfect right angle (18). It is believed that the Eyqyptians worked by observing teh stars because all the sides are aligned to face the cardinal points of the compass (18). Richard Procter, and astronomer, observed hat the descending passage could have b een used to observe transit stars and he grand gallery could have been used to map the sky when on the top (Krystek 3). The pyramid is probably connected with Egyptain sun worship and a pyramid stone, the benben, symbolizes the sun god ( Grigson 20). When the sun's rays breaks through at exactly the angle of teh Giza Pyramids, the Egyptians regarded that as a stairway to heaven for their kings (20). They believed the body was the spirit's house and so they want to perserve the body as long as they can (Mc Leish 5). Priests began by removing all the soft parts of the body, such as the brain, lungs, heart, liver, and intestines (5). A great archeologist, Sir Flanders Petrie, estimated that it took 100,000 men to haul stones and another 4,000 to work on the actual construction (Grigson 20). They used no pulleys, but must have used an incline plane to raise the blocks (20). How the inside of teh pyramid is built is unknown (20). The center of the pyramid is the home of Cheop's burial chamber (20). Before and after the construction of the Pyramids, Egyptians interned

Free Essays on From Adolescence to Adulthood

From Adolescence to Adulthood The excerpt â€Å"Handed My Own Life† depicts a child learning the art of perception and how it applies to their adult life. At first, the child can only see what is placed right in front of him. For Christmas he wanted a microscope and thought that upon receiving the microscope complete with test tubes he would be able to recognize such things as â€Å"hay infusion† and â€Å"diatomaceous earth.† When he tried to see them and encounters difficulty, he learns that you must look past the obvious. It took him years to fully understand what that meant. In the spring when he finally finds an amoeba that he has been looking for since fall, he runs upstairs to share the exciting news with his family. His parents were in the living room relaxing and let him know that they were happy he had found what he was looking for but were going to remain upstairs. Although nothing was said directly, the boy understood that he was now an individual, no longer a dependant of his parents for moral support. He had essentially been, â€Å"Handed [his] own life† (Dillard 149). He understood that having his own life did not mean that his parents had abandoned him, rather that â€Å"[his] days and nights were [his] own to fill† (Dillard 149). His parents were done setting rules and making decisions for him. â€Å"Anything was possible. The sky was the limit† (Dillard 149). In many ways this story is reminiscent of the journey from adolescence to adulthood. The child in this story is learning that eventually decision making becomes a part of life and that the choices to be made are based on individual judgment. The author’s purpose in writing the story was an internal need to express feelings that may have been repressed. The approach was self expressive with a creative approach. The story does not come out and talk bluntly about growing up but does it through a young child’s tale of receiving a microscope and ... Free Essays on From Adolescence to Adulthood Free Essays on From Adolescence to Adulthood From Adolescence to Adulthood The excerpt â€Å"Handed My Own Life† depicts a child learning the art of perception and how it applies to their adult life. At first, the child can only see what is placed right in front of him. For Christmas he wanted a microscope and thought that upon receiving the microscope complete with test tubes he would be able to recognize such things as â€Å"hay infusion† and â€Å"diatomaceous earth.† When he tried to see them and encounters difficulty, he learns that you must look past the obvious. It took him years to fully understand what that meant. In the spring when he finally finds an amoeba that he has been looking for since fall, he runs upstairs to share the exciting news with his family. His parents were in the living room relaxing and let him know that they were happy he had found what he was looking for but were going to remain upstairs. Although nothing was said directly, the boy understood that he was now an individual, no longer a dependant of his parents for moral support. He had essentially been, â€Å"Handed [his] own life† (Dillard 149). He understood that having his own life did not mean that his parents had abandoned him, rather that â€Å"[his] days and nights were [his] own to fill† (Dillard 149). His parents were done setting rules and making decisions for him. â€Å"Anything was possible. The sky was the limit† (Dillard 149). In many ways this story is reminiscent of the journey from adolescence to adulthood. The child in this story is learning that eventually decision making becomes a part of life and that the choices to be made are based on individual judgment. The author’s purpose in writing the story was an internal need to express feelings that may have been repressed. The approach was self expressive with a creative approach. The story does not come out and talk bluntly about growing up but does it through a young child’s tale of receiving a microscope and ...

Economic Growth Models Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Economic Growth Models - Essay Example Y = AKL1-, 0where A measures the level of technology. Output per worker, y = Y/L, is thus given by y = Ak where k denotes the capital-labor ratio. Capital accumulation is given by k = sy - (n + )k, 0 where s denotes the propensity to save, n > 0 the exogenous rate of population growth, and the rate of depreciation of physical capital(Agnor and Montiel 1999, p.671). The Solow-Swan growth model predicts that growth should be uncorrelated with the ratio of national investment to total output (gross domestic product or GDP). If capital markets are open, the model predicts instantaneous convergence of output per capita across countries. Convergence is achieved by capital flows from rich to poor countries and a consequence of these flows is that the ratio of national savings to GDP in each country should differ substantially from the ratio of investment to GDP since there is no reason to expect that countries with high savings rates should be those with large investment opportunities. In the presence of capital market imperfections, such as the inability to borrow to finance human capital accumulation, convergence is predicted to occur more slowly (Farmer and Lahiri, 2003). Figure 1. Equilibrium in the Solow-Swan Model Source: Kalyvitis (n.d., p.6) Assuming that all regions possess similar technology and similar preferences, and that there are no institutional barriers to the flow of both capital and labor across state borders, the Solow-Swan neoclassical growth model predicts that states would have similar levels of real per capita income in the long run (convergence). Across regions of a given... Assuming that all regions possess similar technology and similar preferences, and that there are no institutional barriers to the flow of both capital and labor across state borders, the Solow-Swan neoclassical growth model predicts that states would have similar levels of real per capita income in the long run (convergence). Across regions of a given country that share such a common long-run level of real per capita income, convergence of per capita incomes is driven by diminishing returns to capital. That is, each addition to the capital stock generates large increases in output when the regional stock of capital is small. If the only difference between regional economies lies in the level of their initial stock of capital, the neoclassical growth model predicts that poor regions will grow faster than rich ones—regions with lower starting values of the capital-labor ratio will have higher per capita income growth rates. Other channels through which convergence can occur are interregional capital mobility; the diffusion of technology from leader to follower economies; the redistribution of incomes from relatively rich regions to relatively poor regions of a federal country by its central government; and flows of labor from poor to rich regions (Cashin and Sahay 1996, p.49).Agà ©nor and Montiel (1999, p.677) note that the neoclassical growth model only predicts â€Å"conditional† convergence, that is a tendency for per capita income to converge across countries only after controlling.

Birth Control in the USA Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Birth Control in the USA - Essay Example A recent study has proved that 42% of teenage girls living in urban society involved in sex before they reach 15 and 26% of them having sex at the age of 14 (Guttmacher Institute, 2012). The statics reveals that it would be beneficial if the young girls get the access to protective contraceptives and condoms. Elders believe that young school going students must not found involved in sex and therefore, birth control pills are not something for them (Eichner 129). According to them, if the teenage girls get the easy access to condoms or contraceptives, there is a likelihood that the trend might get reach to the peak as it will surely encourage them to have sex whether safe or not. No matter what people think, the sad part is that teenagers are not going to stop the sex activities and therefore, it would be ideal to accept the reality and allow them to have protective sex in order to counter the harsh consequence in term of pregnancy. Many hospitals and doctors have the rule of parent’s permissible note from the teenage group girls so that they can prescribe the pills. However, there are some clinics that offer birth control pills or condom with family insurance without the note to young teenage girls of age 15 and above without seeing their parents. Family insurance helps when the girl using condom or pill accidentally gets pregnant. So, the discussion is very clear that if a teenage girl wants to involve in sexual activities, she has complete right to have the access to the preventive material so that she can avoid unwanted pregnancy. It is also good for the society where a new addition is not needed for the time being from a young girl or the school going teenage girl faces a dropout.  

Continuous Flow in Lean Manufacturing

Continuous Flow in Lean Manufacturing Continous Flow In the majority of the lean manufacturing production systems, a U-shaped workcell is used.   This is because with a worker positioned in the interior of the U, one would save time by minimising movement of both the parts and of the worker by simply turning around and sending it to the next work station. In the case of very heavy parts,   mechanised conveyor belts are usually added to help the parts along from one value adding process to the next at a constant rate, however it is to be noted that manual push or gavity conveyors are the ideal method for moving parts, as their reliability is very high and their down times are low owing to their lack of complexity in their design. The corners of this workcell can cause alot of problems, as they have a tendency to slow down the production rates by holding some parts in that possible dead space.   For this reason, a ball roller transfer section is generally used to combat the dead space areas around the corners of the system. There may some instances where non-cyclical work has to be done to a part.   If this were to be passed through the system like normal, it would cause disruptions to the system.   To fix this problem, these operations are done outside the cell by support workers. Simplicity To cater for continuous-flow, one-at-a-time manufacturing each work station is made as compact as possible to reduce the waste of space, as well as to reduce possible storing space of parts and sub-assemblies, making batched processes imposible in this confiuration whilst also eliminating useless steps by the worker whilst in operation. To reduce the ammount of   floor space used, one must avoid standardised machines and instead specially designed machine bases must be used.   It is important to note that each machine base can vary from workstation to workstation to further optimise assembly subprocesses.   For the sake of convienience, modularity and cost, extruded aluminium members are bolted together to form the above mentioned machine bases.   Another essential reason   why the above set up is very effective is that due to its flexibility, it allows for quick and continuous improvements, which therefore directly impacts the set up time of the machine. Workplace Organization To ensure that no time is wasted looking for misplaced tools, all tools used at a work station has its own designated toolholder.   This would ensure the immediate detection of a displaced tool.   To further improve on this idea, some plants use modular tools holders to add more flexibility to the work station and therefore increasing the utility of the said workstation. Another trick used to reduce the downtime is to have backup tools available to the worker, but also out of their way   until they are required.   To this end, many companies tend to use tool holding structures that can be swung or slid into or out of the workspace with little to no effort required. So as to help the workers make fast decisions and to put them into effect, an information board is used.   The information board is a simple way of supplying relevant information at the workplace with anything from assembly processes, to production targets.   This feature takes out the need to chase down a busy supervisor, thus dramatically reducing the production downtime.   So as to increase its flexibility in the workplace and reduce waste, it is generally modular and reusable. Parts Presentation To reduce the number of interruptions to a minimum, all parts are generally supplied to each workstation outside of the workcell via gravity feed bins.   These bins are designed with simplicity and high reliability in mind to reduce the down times of the production line.   To make the bins even more flexible, they are usually designed to be stackable and to be fastened using key studs, thus further increasing the reconfigurability of the production line. In the case of larger parts however, the above system is shunned and a system of gravity feed conveyors are used instead.   On the other hand when parts are very heavy, a case lifter is used to raise the parts to the work station using electricity, pneumatics, or hydraulics. Reconfigurability To reduce the time wasted in the setting up of the line, reconfigurability is a very important factor to take in account when designing a workcell.   In light of this, quick-change fixtures are used due to their rapid changeover process.   Another perk of using this type of fixture is that since it is very compact, many fixtures can be stored at the workstation, further shortening of the changeover time is experienced. This arrangement allows for quick reconfiguration and movement to different parts of the workcell to accomodate for a new product, whilst also facilitating the change of the machine or workstation by using lockable casters. Quality One of the advantages of one-at-a-time manufacturing is the fact that a visual inspection can be done for every assembly.   In the case that gages are required, they would be mounted to the workstation while still allowing for quick and easy replacement. Some of the quality problems encountered may come from a malfuntioning machine or a faulty process.   These problems can be quickly solved be restructuring the machine frame system via the replavement of the bolted members. In the case of a faulty machine, this can also be quickly fixed, by first disconnecting all of the pneumatic or electric lines and then disconnecting the said machine to the frame via the lockable casters, eliminating the reluctance to change and improve the machines.   This in turn increases the quality of the assembly appreciably by not allowing anyone to settle for a part that is almost right. Maintainability So as to drastically reduce down times due to maintainance, a modular structural framing system is used.   This is to ensure that whilst the machine, or the machine frame is being serviced, another can easily take its place, minimising the already small downtime   of the reconfigureable defective part in question. By using this approach, one can standardize the components for most of the machine bases, guards, and workstations.   This significantly reduces the number of tools needed   to maintain the work cell, which in turn reduces the time needed to maintain the said structures.   It is also important to note that since most of the parts are standardised, the company needs less inventory space to house the spare parts needed for maintainance. Ease of Access By using aluminium framing system discussed above, all components can be easily accessed and the positions of the various accessories such as the bins, shelves and tool holders can be optimised to increase efficiency. Another advantage of using the above system is that not only is it possible to insure accessability for every worker by adding and repositioning components, but it also greatly increases the ease of maintainance of the work station by removing the parts in question via simple hand tools.

The Bean Trees – Tone

Don’t Be Too Serious Let’s say that someone handed you something unexpected. It could be anything: a computer, book, even a guitar! However, what if it was something of great value? What if it was a baby that was handed to you? Odds are, you’d probably freak out and hand the baby over to the authorities or something similar to that. But not Taylor Greer in the novel The Bean Trees! The words that Barbara Kingsolver chooses to use show a tone of informality and humor. One way Kingsolver establishes an informal tone is by using long, run on sentences and everyday words.When Taylor gets a job at Tuscon after she stops traveling, she says, â€Å"I lasted six days at the Burger Derby before I got in a fight with the manager and threw my red-so-called jockey cap in the trash compactor and walked out. I would have thrown the whole uniform in there, but I didn’t feel like giving him a free show† (Kingsolver 88). In this quote, Kingsolver shows informality b y making the first sentence extremely long, and the second sentence shows humor when Taylor jokes about not wanting to give him a â€Å"free show. † Kingston also uses words that people use in everyday conversations, thus creating an even more informal tone.Another way Kingsolver shows humor is by what Taylor names the baby that is handed to her. When Taylor first meets Lou Ann, she asks, â€Å"’How do you know her name’s Turtle? ’† Taylor replies, â€Å"’I don’t. I named her that’† (Kingsolver 97). The fact that Taylor chose to name the baby â€Å"Turtle† shows humor. Taylor could have chosen any other name†¦ A name â€Å"suitable† for a baby girl. However, she chose the name â€Å"Turtle. † Turtles are sea animals, and it’s rare for someone to be named â€Å"Turtle. † Why would Taylor have chosen that particular name for the baby? Kingsolver most likely wanted to convey a light, humorous tone for herAn informal tone is created by Kingsolver when Taylor speaks. When she tells Estavan about feeling like a foreigner, she says â€Å"’Sometimes I feel like a foreigner too†¦ People don’t look the same, talk the same, nothing’† (Kingsolver 181). The first sentence is relatively normal. However, in the second sentence, Kingsolver reveals an informal tone by the way Taylor speaks. The way she talks to people is very informal. Because of this, we know that Kingston is purposely avoiding making Taylor a serious, somber character like she could’ve been. Another way that Kingsolver creates an informal tone is by the things Taylor does. I lifted Estevan’s hand from my ribcage and kissed his palm† (Kingsolver 189). This quote reveals an example of how Kingsolver establishes an informal tone through Taylor’s actions. In this particular quote, Taylor falls asleep with Estevan on a couch. When she wakes up, she thin ks about what Esperanza has been through, and makes a conscious decision to leave. Kingsolver could have simply stated, â€Å"I got off the couch and went to my own bed. † However, she chose to create a more informal tone by showing what exactly Taylor did when she was getting off the couch.In this novel, The Bean Trees, by Barbara Kingsolver, a humorous – but more informal – tone is created by the sentence structure, characters’ dialogue, and description of events. The tone was effective because it made the novel more interesting, and less dull. Also, it was easy to see that Kingsolver used lots of informality and humor in this novel, so that made the tone more noticeable. Because of the tone that Kingsolver created, the main character Taylor Greer was able to go through the negative events in her life a bit better than a more serious character would have been able to.

Poems, American Culture and Values Essay

The poems â€Å"America† written by Allen Ginsberg and Langston Hughes’ â€Å"I, Too† are two of the most controversial pieces in American Literature. The two poems acquire such attention because of the subject they discussed and the points and issues they presented. Ginsberg’s â€Å"America† and â€Å"I, Too† by Hughes tackled values and ethics that is deeply embedded in the American Culture. They integrated in their writings issues about racism and various social problems that has plagued the American system, and has characterized American way of life. However, although the two poems raised identical issues, the manner in which they were presented was different. Furthermore, the prevailing emotion from the two poems was different as Ginsberg work showcased raged, anger, hatred and hopelessness to the system while in Hughes work hope for better future for things is evident. The poem America is conversational in tone and discusses the grievances and disappointments of the writer to the existing American System during that time. Ginsberg is a member of a group called the Beat Writers and the rage he expressed in writing the poem is the organization’s manifestation of hatred to the State of American Culture (Foster, 1992). As one reads the poem he may found himself lost to the illogical manner of presentation of different ideas of the poem. This hopeless illogical way of presentation, mirrors the hopeless and illogic state of American Culture. He even pointed out the insanity of American society going to war such as the â€Å"cold war†. He expressed the ridiculousness of the country, bragging itself as the â€Å"home of the free†, but is in the forefront of oppressing various countries and minority groups. All in all, Ginsberg presented irritations and frustration and how people have lost their individuality with the advent of mass media and technology. On the other hand, Hughes â€Å"I, Too† provided a different view of the social problems present in American Culture. The primary topic is oppression of minorities particularly the isolation of African Americans and whites. The use of â€Å"I† was empowering since it discusses separation and segregation of the American Culture. It iterates that African Americans are also citizens of America and should be treated equally with whites. Unlike the poem America, I, Too states that although the author understand and knew the current social dilemma he is not worried. Hughes stated that the society is slowly realizing the problems at hand, and thus soon everything will turn out write. He does not complain and instead patiently wait for the day that everyone will recognized them as part of America and eventually see how wonderful and beautiful they are as an integral part of the country. As Ginsberg’s work presented hopelessness to the present system, Hughes poem is a picture of great expectations as he viewed a better society for the American people. References Foster, E. H. (1992). Understanding the Beats. South Carolina: University of South Carolina Press.