Roman Achievements essays

Roman Achievements essays Where would the world be today without the founding of the Roman Household and the idea of paterfamilias, advances in science and medicine, and the many changes in Christianity and marriage practices? It is hard to imagine what our society would be like without a head of the household, medicine for illness, science for technology, and Christianity along with marriage practices. The Romans made many advances in science and medicine. Archimedes of Syracuse founded the formulas of spheres and cylinders, the actual number of pi which is used mostly for a circles circumference, as well as other discoveries in astronomy and engineering (Osheim and Roberts 138). Archimedes also invented the water snail which was a screw like device to raise water for irrigation...which made it possible to irrigate previously barren land (Osheim and Roberts 138). The idea of astronomy first came from advances in mathematics (Osheim and Roberts 138). The Romans used to believe that the sun revolved around the earth, when in 275 B.C., Aristarchus of Samos made the hypothesis that the earth really revolves around the sun, and then in 135 B.C., Hipparchus of Nicaea proved this hypothesis correct (Osheim and Roberts 138). Many other medical advances were made around this time, such as cross-fertilization and the first dissection of a human. The scientists would practice dissecting on criminals that were condemned to death (Osheim and Roberts 138). One of the leading scientific beneficiaries was Herophilus of Chalcedon, a practicing physician in Alexandria, for he found that the brain was the center of the nervous system, as well as the first dissection of the human, and the discovery of the ovaries (Osheim and Roberts 139). Scientific discoveries helped the army with technology. They were able to build engines and bombs for war, ways of transportation, and many other industrial wonders. ...

49 Opinion Writing Prompts for Students

49 Opinion Writing Prompts for Students One of the most common essay types is the opinion, or persuasive, essay. In an opinion essay, the writer states a point of view, then provides facts and reasoned arguments to support that viewpoint. The goal of the essay is to convince the reader to share the writer’s opinion. Students arent always aware of how many strong opinions they already hold. Use the following opinion writing prompts to inspire them to start thinking and writing persuasively. Prompts About School and Sports School- and sports-related topics often elicit strong opinions in students. Use these writing prompts to kick off the brainstorming process. Ch-ch-ch-changes. What is one thing about your school that needs to change? Is bullying an issue? Do students need longer breaks or a dress code? Choose one vital issue that needs to change and convince school leaders to make it happen.Special guest. Your school is trying to decide on a famous person to give a speech or presentation to students. Who do you think they should choose? Write an essay to convince your principal.Oxford or bust. Is the Oxford comma essential or obsolete?Scribble scrabble. Do students still need to learn cursive handwriting?Co-ed conflict. Would students perform better if more schools were single-gender rather than co-ed? Why or why not?Participation awards. Should there be winners and losers in sports, or is participation the ultimate goal?Homework overload. Write an essay to convince your teacher to assign less homework.Sports. Which sport (or team) is the best? What makes it better than the others?No slacking. Write an essay persuading a fellow student to do their homework. Class trip. This year, students get to vote on where to go for a class trip. Write an essay convincing your fellow students to vote for the place you’d like to go.Superlatives. Which would you rather be: a top student, a talented athlete, or an accomplished artist?Virtual athletes. Video games competitions are often aired on TV and treated like sports competitions. Should video games be considered sports?Class debate. Should classes that students may not use or that don’t interest them (such as physical education or foreign language) be required? Prompts About Relationships Friendships, dating, and other relationships can be both rewarding and exasperating. These writing prompts about relationships will help students explore their feelings about both the positive and the negative moments. Snitch. Your best friend tells you about his plan to cheat on a test. Should you tell an adult? Why or why not?Give it a chance. Your best friend is convinced that she would hate your favorite book, even though shes never read it. Convince her to read it.Friendships vs. relationships. Are friendships or romantic relationships more important in life? Why?Driving age. What age do kids start driving in your state? Is that age too old, too young, or just right? Why?Truth or consequences. Your best friend asks your opinion about something, but you know that a truthful answer will hurt her feelings. What do you do?Who chooses? Your best friend is visiting, and you want to watch TV together, but his favorite show is at the same time as your favorite show. Convince him that your show is a better choice.Fun times. What is the most fun thing you and your best friend have ever experienced together? Why does it deserve the top spot?Dating. Are long-term dating relationships good or bad for teens ? New friends. You want to spend time with a new student at school, but your best friend is jealous. Convince your friend of the importance of including the newcomer.Be mine. Is Valentine’s Day worthwhile or just a scheme for the greeting card and chocolate industry to make more money?Debbie Downer. Should you cut ties with friends or relatives who are always negative?He loves me not. Is it really better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all?Elders. Should you respect your elders merely because they are older, or is respect something that must be earned? Prompts About Family, Pets, and Leisure Time The following writing prompts related to family, furry friends, and free time will help students reflect on preferences, ethics, and integrity. Self-reflection. This time, youre the one who needs convincing! Write an essay to persuade yourself to start a healthy habit (or kick a bad habit).Paper wars. Should toilet paper hang with the loose end resting on the top of the roll or hanging from the bottom?Movie vs. book. Choose a book that has been made into a movie. Which version is better, and why?Weekend wanderings. Do you prefer to stay home on the weekends or get out and do things around town? Write an essay to convince your parents to let you do what you prefer this weekend.Sweepstakes. A travel agency is hosting an essay contest to give away an all-expenses-paid trip to the one place in the world you’d most love to visit. Craft a winning essay that convinces them they need to choose you.Zoo debate. Is it ethical to keep animals in zoos? Why or why not?Presence of pets. Should there be limits on the types of places pets can go (e.g. airplanes or restaurants)? Why or why not?Inspiring stories. What is the most inspir ing book you’ve ever read? Why is it so inspiring? Dollar discovery. You find a $20 bill in the parking lot of a crowded store. Is it okay to  keep it, or should you  turn it in to customer service?Vacation day. What is the very best way to spend an unexpected day off from school and why is it the best?Digital or print? Is it better to read books in print or digitally? Why? Prompts About Society and Technology The people and technology around us have a significant impact on our lives. These writing prompts encourage students to consider the effect that society and technological advances have on our day-to-day lives. Reverse technology. Pick one technological advancement that you think the world would be better off without. Explain your reasoning and persuade the reader.Out of this world. Do aliens exist? Why or why not?Social media. Is social media good or bad for society? Why?Emoji. Has the use of emoji stunted our ability to express ourselves in writing, or does it help us identify our emotions more precisely?Auto safety. Have advancements like self-driving cars, blind spot indicators, and lane departure warning systems made driving safer, or have they just made drivers less attentive?Exploration Mars. Write a letter to Elon Musk convincing him that you should be part of a colony to Mars.Fundraisers. Is it okay for kids to stand outside stores and ask shoppers for money for their sports teams, clubs, or band? Why or why not?Inventions. What is the greatest invention ever made? Why is it the best?Important cause. In your opinion, what global problem or issue deserves more attention than it curr ently receives? Why should more time and money be invested in this cause? Minimalism. Does living a minimalist lifestyle make for a happier life? Why or why not?Gaming gains. Are video games generally a positive or a negative influence? Why?Rose-colored glasses. Is the current decade the best era in history? Why or why not?Paper or plastic. Should plastic bags be outlawed?

Solid Waste Management Program Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Solid Waste Management Program - Term Paper Example It is commonly believed that solid waste management is a state function. Although the government has the obligation to lead solid waste programs in the country, combined efforts of people, communities, and organizations are necessary to address this issue successfully. Authors like Nemerow et al opine that solid waste management is a complex process that comprises of many technologies and disciplines (177). Solid waste management is not such a big deal in villages because most of the waste materials except plastic wastes can be managed through composting and recycling. However, it is a great challenge for local governments in developing countries as they lack adequate transportation facilities and other equipments. Recently, a concept called integrated solid waste management has been developed for managing municipal solid waste through a number of interrelated activities. Solid Waste Management Programs in the Region of Peel Comprehensive solid waste management programs are being imp lemented in the Region of Peel, City of Mississauga, Ontario, Canada. The region’s solid waste management is based on a ‘5Rs Waste Hierarchy’ where the 5Rs are ‘rethink, reduce, reuse, recycle, and recover’ (Region of Peel). First, people must rethink about their waste management practices and try to adopt environmentally-friendly purchase habits. For instance, people may buy rechargeable batteries instead of single use batteries and buy fewer other single use products. Secondly, individuals must try to reduce the waste they generate. For this, it is better to use reusable lunch boxes, travel mugs, and products with less packaging if possible. Third, people have to reuse their products in different ways or to share them with others. To illustrate,... From the above discussion, it is clear that the Region of Peel has developed some well structured practices to address its solid waste management needs. Curbside waste collection, special event waste recycling, waste reuse services are the major activities of the region’s Waste Management Division. Although the region’s solid waste management seems effective, it runs at huge net expenditure and the situation may threaten the operational efficiency of the region in the long run. The situation points to the need of rapid move both in terms of strategies and financial planning. It is recommendable for the Peel Region to adopt advanced waste to energy technologies, for this approach would reduce the costs associated with its operation to a great extent. This paper makes a conclusion that this proposed policy is energy neutral and hence it can promote environmental sustainability in the long run. Waste to energy method would assist the region to increase its revenues and to meet the growing electricity demand in the region. In order to convince the people regarding the necessity of this project, the region’s Waste Management Division must organize public awareness campaigns. Finally, the Peel Region must be vigilant in choosing proper waste to energy technique, because some of those methods like direct combustion can have adverse impacts on the environment. The effective implementation of this project would assist the Waste Management Division to improve its net expenditure level significantly.

Fleet Risk Management and Nigerias Transport System Dissertation

Fleet Risk Management and Nigerias Transport System - Dissertation Example The purpose of this paper is to provide an analysis of this country, along with recommendations for which the firm Risk Frisk Ltd. can introduce its software, the FleetRiskProfiler, which can help in the effective management of the transport system. Risk Frisk aimed to help organisations solve management problems and provide avenues for normal self-management. Before it makes its entry, the firm has to conduct a detailed study of the country that will touch on the risks, the causes of failures, possible costs, and find solutions for the problems. There are a number of transport firms operating in Nigeria in which Risk Frisk can conduct a joint venture in the implementation of the software FleetRiskProfiler. This paper used secondary research in acquiring data and information about Nigeria, ABC Transport, the local firm in which Risk Frisk Ltd. can conduct joint venture and other aspects of internationalisation and small-and-medium enterprises. Nigeria has many problems with its trans port system. Analyses of some lo

Train Surfing in Indonesia Essay Example for Free

Train Surfing in Indonesia Essay Train surfing is practised by many over various countries in the world. It involves riding on the outside of a moving train, and is considered illegal in many countries, but not all. The illegality or acceptance of the act is dependent on the demographics of the country, with it being considered a norm in the more destitute societies of the world (Nazam, 2010) , some of which consider it illegal, and an antisocial behaviour, and criminal activity in prosperous countries. The behaviour is innately dangerous and is associated with many risks including electrocution, falling and being crushed by the moving locomotive, all of which ultimately result in critical injury or death (Wisegeek, 2012). Despite these risks, and attempts to discourage individuals from engaging in the pursuit by authorities (Hannah, 2013), many continue to par-take in the activity for a multiplicity of reasons and attractions, which extend from economic reasons, to individual motives, such as thrill seeking. These variances in motivation across countries and amongst individuals may be explained by the criminological theories of Edgework (Lyng, 1990) ; and the Anomie-Strain Theory (Agnew, 1995) in association with Social Learning Theory (Bandura Mcclelland, 1977) . The motivations behind train surfing tends to be subjective to the culture of those who participate. In countries such as India, Africa and Indonesia, where the activity is quite prominent, those who train surf typically do so due to overpopulated trains, and in some cases, in order to avoid purchasing a ticket. In central Jakarta, during rush hour, when the platforms are swarmed with individuals pushing their way through the crowds in order to obtain a place on the next departing train, hundreds of individuals climb down from, and back up onto, the roof of the train (Morgan, 2013). Romie, who is amongst the crowd, claims that he must â€Å"train surf every day to get work. † Despite being aware of the risks associated he reveals â€Å"he has no choice – there are not enough seats inside during peak hour† (Morgan, 2013). Clearly, Romie reasons that he must engage in this activity due to the economic disadvantage of the country and lack of space on trains. This is consistent with the idea of Strain Theory, which posits that individuals engage in criminal activity due to an inability to satisfy conventional goals set by society (Agnew, 1994), and the justification that to attain these ambitions and conform to society, they must partake in criminal activity. Whilst Strain theory typically embodies the areas of crime which result in direct monetary benefit, such as theft, it is difficult to immediately ascertain said benefit from train surfing. However, the value exposes itself when it becomes understood that individuals such as Romie, must train surf as a means of transporting to work to satisfy these goals, which inherently may be associated with the Conformity aspect of Strain Theory (Merton, 1968). The phenomenon may be further understood with the consideration of Social Learning Theory (Bandura, 1977) in that by transporting on the outside of the vehicle, the negative stimuli of overcrowding during the trip is removed, and the act remains rewarded by the arrival to the destination at the same time as other commuters who have used the train in a legal manner. Typically Strain Theory may refer to a rapid upheaval and change in society and societal norms (Agnew, 2001), however, Merton (1968) elucidates a theory referred to as Social Structural Strain, which refers to the function of deviance in societies and culturally accepted views, versus accepted means. 23-year-old Ahmad Fauzi, an Indonesian man who, like Romie, train surfs in order to get to work, says I know its dangerous but theres no other choice. When the train is crowded its impossible to squeeze inside. (AFP, 2013). In these cases, ultimately, these individuals utilise the socially accepted means of public transport to travel to work, another socially and culturally accepted aspect of life in Jakarta. However, delving further into the public transport system and ideas about accepted goals versus accepted means, it is clear that the accepted goal in this case is use of the public transport system, and the accepted means being travelling within the vehicle.

Ballet :: essays research papers

?Audience: Parents who want to enroll their children in a ballet class for the first time.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  As a child I was very active in ballet. When I first asked my parents to let me enroll in a ballet class, they were skeptical. They weren’t too sure of what a ballet class consisted of or what kind of exercise I would have to undergo. My parents researched in books and magazines, but they didn’t understand the ballet terminology. When they went to speak to a ballet instructor, they got a better understanding of what I would be doing in class. Now that I am older and have started to teach my own ballet class, I want my students’ parents to understand what the class consists of. I have written an easy-to-understand overview of a ballet class.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Technique levels in ballet fall into three categories: beginner, intermediate, and advanced. Students advance through the different levels according to their skill level. This is much like football. A football player begins playing in junior high, then moves up the high school level, and then the collegiate level.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Next, we move onto the barre, a rigid piece of wood or metal longer than it is wide. A barre is used to help give support; it may also be used as a handle. The barre is a well-designed step-by-step process which brings out the best in dancers muscular and mental receptivity. We will begin working with the feet, then the legs, hips, upper back, and torso. The barre helps the student concentrate on one leg at a time. It also helps the students gain confidence to help them balance on one leg at a time.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  There are various exercises that can be performed on the barre (e.g., warming up the calf muscles or warming down after class). The tendu exercise helps to warm up the achilles tendon and calf muscles. The French word tendu means to slide the foot without lifting the toe from the ground while keeping both knees straight.

Differences in Competencies Between Associate Degree and Baccalaureate Degree Nurses Essay

Differences in Competencies Between Associate Degree and Baccalaureate Degree Nurses Nursing education can be confusing because there are so many ways to become a nurse. However, throughout history, nurse leaders have advocated the importance of higher education for nurses. But as nursing shortages developed, the need for more and more nurses became apparent. To help solve the nursing shortage problem, Mildred Montag developed the associate degree of nursing program (ADN) in 1952. It was designed to be completed in two years and provide a balance of general nursing education along with clinical courses. The original program designed by Mildred Montag was for associate degree nurses to work under the supervision of professional baccalaureate prepared nurses. Due to confusion, the graduates of the associate degree nursing program were allowed to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN). This NCLEX exam was the same exam given to baccalaureate degree nurses (Creasia & Friberg, 2011). Now, associate degree nurses can be found in almost every setting from hospitals to long term care facilities. However, even though associate nurses have the skills to provide adequate patient care, the advanced education of the baccalaureate degree nurse provides leadership skills, advanced critical thinking skill and improved patient outcomes (Lane & Kohlenberg, 2010). Therefore, in recent years the difference in competencies between the associate degree nurse and the baccalaureate degree nurse has been examined, resulting in a push for more nurses to obtain a bachelors degree (BSN). Associate degree nursing programs teach the technical aspect of nursing care. An associate prepared nurse can function well at the bedside. She can monitor the patient’s needs and record the outcomes of treatments. An associate prepared nurse can use critical thinking skills to determine her best course of action in most situations. But the constantly changing field of healthcare is demanding higher educated nurses. It is demanding nurses that are more professional and have an understanding of theory based practice. Nursing and medical organizations across the nation are recommending that all RNs advance their education. An advanced level of education can improve patient safety and quality of care (â€Å"Fact Sheet: Creating,† 2013). This has been evidenced by numerous studies on the correlation between higher educated nurses and patient outcomes. Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania conducted a study that found surgical patients had 14% lower odds of dying as an inpatient within 30 days when being cared for by higher educated nurses. Another study conducted at the University of Toronto found hospitals that increased their pool of baccalaureate prepared nurses by just 10% had a decrease in death of discharged patients (â€Å"Fact Sheet: Creating,† 2013). To fully understand the differences in competencies between an ADN and a BSN, it may be necessary to evaluate how each would perform in a specific patient care situation. For example, a 66 year male is hospitalized with an open wound on his leg. The wound is positive for MRSA and the patient is diabetic. The associate degree nurse dresses the wound properly, and teaches the patient how to take care of the wound. She helps manage the patient’s diabetes and teaches him how to manage it at home. The patient is discharged home with instructions and prescriptions. He is re-admitted a week later with high blood sugars and a worsening leg wound. The same patient is cared for by a nurse with a BSN. During his stay the nurse dresses his wound properly, and manages his blood sugar levels. During her time with him, the nurse questions the patient about his family and his home. Through casual conversation she discovers the patient lives alone, but his daughter lives close by. She also learns he is unable to clean his home properly, but he is adamant about staying there. With the patient’s permission, the nurse contacts the patient’s daughter to learn more about the challenges the patient faces in caring for himself. After talking with the daughter, the nurse discovers the patient has not had an eye exam in 5 years and his vision is poor. He does not follow a diabetic diet and prefers to eat out rather than cook at home. Armed with this new information, the nurse talks with the patient. She tactfully points out his vision problems and poor diet choices. The patient admits he needs new glasses, but cannot afford them. He admits to having trouble seeing the numbers on his insulin syringe. He also states following a diabetic diet is too difficult so he doesn’t bother. The nurse takes this information to the hospital’s case management team and together they get home health care that will help him with his dressings. They also manage to find help to clean his home and funding to get him new glasses. The nurse then makes an appointment for the patient for diabetic teaching provided by the hospital. Prior to discharge the nurse teaches the daughter how to change the wound dressing and how to give insulin injections. She encourages the daughter to go with  the patient to diabetic education classes. The BSN nurse did more than just discharge the patient. She used the metaparadigm of nursing model to treat the patient as a whole. The metaparadigm consists of person, environment, health, nursing and how they all interact with each other. (Gunther, 2011). She recognized the patient was an individual person with individual health needs. She discovered his physical and environmental challenges and learned how they were affecting his health. Utilizing the information she obtained she found the patient the appropriate help for his situation. The associate degree nurse is certainly capable of taking care of patients in almost any healthcare setting. However, healthcare is changing rapidly with increased acuity and short lengths of stay and nursing must change with it by producing more professional, well-educated nurses. References Creasia, J. L. , & Friberg, E. E. (2011). Pathways of Nursing Education. In M. Iannuzzi, & R. Richman (Eds. ), Conceptual foundations: The bridge to professional nursing practice (5th ed. (pp. 23-26). [PageBurst]. Retrieved from www. elsevier. com Fact sheet: Creating a more highly qualified nursing workforce. (2013). Retrieved from http://www. aacn. nche. edu/media-relations/fact-sheets/nursing-workforce Gunther, M. (2011). Theories and frameworks for professional nursing practice. In M. Iannuzzi, & R. Richman (Eds. ), Conceptual foundations: The bridge to professional nursing practice (5th ed. (pp. 97-99). [PageBurst]. Retrieved from www. elsevier. com Lane, S. H. , & Kohlenberg, E. (2010). The future of baccalaureate degrees for nurses. Nursing Forum, 45(4), 218-227. doi:10. 1111/j. 1744-6198. 2010. 00194.

Research Paper the Maltese Falcon: Existentialism Essay

Dashiell Hammett, father of the American hard-boiled genre, is widely known for producing a suffocating world of realism in his works (â€Å"Hard-boiled fiction†). According to Paul Abraham’s â€Å"On re-reading The Maltese Falcon,† the realistic atmosphere of Hammett’s third novel is reactionary to the post-war turmoil in which the work was born (97). This provides the ideal foundation for subtle philosophical concepts of existentialism such as, quests for truth, self identification, and the significance of existence to build throughout the novel. Richard Layman, in his critical review of Hammett’s novel (also titled The Maltese Falcon), proposes that the philosophies of Hammett’s generation can be found within the text of his novel (71). Hammett conveys an existential theme in his work The Maltese Falcon through his use of themes of inquiry and self absorbed characters as well as his Flitcraft parable. Existentialism, in a simple form, is a philosophy concerning existence and its significance. Layman asserts that â€Å"[existentialism] had its roots in the mid-nineteenth century and flourished in the United States from the 1930s until the 1960s† (71). According to the web-article â€Å"World War I† from the New World Encyclopedia, subsequent to the Great War, â€Å"the optimism for world peace of the 1900s was entirely gone. † Therefore, without the blinders of social optimism, American society could question ideas such as, the occurrence of mass destruction in a â€Å"just† world and the significance of existence in such a world. Hammett’s firsthand experience with the existential crisis—caused by what the historical context from the website â€Å"The Maltese Falcon† presents as global wars, the Great Depression, and other struggles of the 1930s—leads Hammett to employ different techniques throughout his work, providing subtle allusions to existentialism. One method through which Hammett conveys existentialistic thought is through his themes of inquiry in The Maltese Falcon. The plot is centered on the continuous quest for an idolized icon—the Maltese falcon, a precious bejeweled bird. Hammett incorporates an ecclesiastical theme through this pursuit of an icon. The quest for their icon ultimately leads to the demise of the characters involved in its search. It steals the identity and climatically the life of the mob-boss Gutman. Brigid, the femme fatale, also loses in this pursuit, for she is left to the mercy of the law in the final pages. Whether death or imprisonment plagues the characters involved, the quest for an icon consumes their lives. Hammett illuminates the detrimental consequences of such quests through the aforementioned loss of identity, life, and freedom. This message is countered by the existentialistic denouncement of all icons. Existentialism provides a simple solution for such futile quests: lives are not wasted in the search of an icon. In pursuit of a precious icon, all characters lose themselves—a root of the existentialist crisis: loss of self, questioning of existence (â€Å"Existentialism†). Another theme of inquiry in Hammett’s novel deals with the constant search for the truth. Spade, the protagonist, is tormented by the ambiguity of truth throughout the novel. Spade is forced to discern lies from the truth within the first pages of the novel, where he meets Brigid, or rather â€Å"Miss Wonderly† as she is dubbed upon primary introduction. Brigid, notorious for her deceitful ways, confesses to Spade, once an invested relationship is established between the two: â€Å"I am a liar. I have always been a liar† (353). Layman observes that â€Å"the challenge for Spade in the book is to make up the rules as he goes along; to decide for himself, without outside guidance, what he believes and what he believes in† (71). These decisions shape Spade’s actions and help to define his character. Spade, concerning himself â€Å"with the quest for relevance and authenticity,† as David Pickus writes in his expose on existentialism, is not the only character involved in the search for truth (17). Brigid, Gutman, Cairo, and Wilmer are forced to come to terms with the quest for truth and authenticity when it is discovered their falcon is a mere fabrication of the true Maltese falcon. After shaving the black enamel from the base of the falcon Gutman exclaims â€Å"it’s a fake. † Gutman reacts with his â€Å"breath [hissing] between his teeth† and â€Å"his face [becoming] turgid with hot blood† (430). This is representative of the anger Gutman possesses upon the realization of this on-going search for authenticity. Another method in which Hammett unveils existentialistic undertones is through his self-absorbed characters. Layman writes about Spade: â€Å"He is defining who he is. That is the simplest statement of the philosophy of existentialism†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (71). Spade relies solely on himself and often stretches the hands of the law. He undermines the police in order to prevent interference within his investigations, denouncing their authority. For example, when Dundy, a police officer tells Spade, â€Å"You’ve gotten away with this and you’ve gotten away with that, but you can’t keep it up forever. † Spade nonchalantly replies: â€Å"Stop me when you can† (341). The article from the Philosophy website, titled â€Å"Existentialism† states that â€Å"an existentialist believes that a person should be forced to choose and be responsible without the help of laws, ethnic rules, or traditions. † Spade epitomizes this idea with his actions throughout the novel. Brigid is another character who does not function within the realm of laws and rules; however, she is a less responsible character than Spade. Brigid’s efforts are invested into self-preservation. She continuously fights to stay one step ahead of everyone through creating a web of lies, which ultimately becomes a defining element of her character. Her deceitfulness and obsession with obtaining her desires without concern for consequence or reputation demonstrates her loss of self in pursuit of something worthless; she becomes nothing more than a wanton woman with no true identity. In addition to his characterization, Hammett also utilizes the Flitcraft parable as a means of conveying existentialistic thought. Martin Harris writes: â€Å"The Flitcraft parable has been examined closely by those who see the story providing an important key to Hammett’s feelings about the meaning (or lack thereof) of human existence† (241). The Flitcraft parable tells the story of a man who completely changed his life in consequence of one random event. Flitcraft, a satisfied family man, encountered a near death experience via a construction beam plummeting into his path. This event made him contemplate the randomness of life—there are no certainties. Spade tells Brigid: â€Å"[Flitcraft] felt like somebody had taken the lid off life and let him look at the works† (335). Flitcraft understood the uncertainty of life after this experience. With this epiphany Flitcraft began a new life; he took the randomness of life and incorporated it into his existence. Aware of mortality and the significance of one’s identity, Flitcraft exposed himself to an alternate life. While Flitcraft ultimately ended up settling back into his prior lifestyle, the afterglow of his near death experience permitted him to revel in existentialism, for according to the web-article â€Å"Existentialism† the search of self-being is a fundamental element of the existential philosophy. Whether it is through various themes, characters, or a well placed anecdote, the undertones of existentialism exist within the pages of Hammett’s novel. Hammett effectively incorporated themes from his era into his literature. In a time where the â€Å"spirit of optimism in society was destroyed,† Hammett acknowledged realism within the text of his art (â€Å"Existentialism†). While existentialism no longer has an intoxicating hold on modern society, it lives in the pages of influential authors. The Maltese Falcon’s subtle cues to such great philosophical ideas assist in the significance that Hammett’s works hold to this day. Works Cited Abrahams, Paul P. â€Å"On re-reading The Maltese Falcon. † Journal of American Culture 18. 1 (1995): 97-107. Academic Search Premier. EBSCO. Web. 15 July 2010. Dooley, Dennis. Dashiell Hammett. New York: F. Ungar Pub. , 1984. Print. â€Å"Existentialism. † Philosophy. AllAboutPhilosophy. org, 2010. Web. 01 Aug. 2010. . Hammett, Dashiell. The Novels of Dashiell Hammett. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 1965. Print. â€Å"Hard-boiled Fiction. † Encyclop? dia Britannica, 2010. Web. 30 July 2010. . Harris, Martin. â€Å"Hammett’s Flitcraft Parable, The Stepfather, and the Significance of Falling Beams. † Literature Film Quarterly 34. 3 (2006): 240-248. MLA International Bibliography. EBSCO. Web. 15 July 2010. Layman, Richard. The Maltese Falcon. Detroit: Gale Group, 2000. Print. â€Å"The Maltese Falcon. † The Big Read. National Endowment for the Arts, 2010. Web. 16 July 2010. . Metress, Christopher, ed. The Critical Response to Dashiell Hammett. Westport, CT: Greenwood, 1994. Print. Pickus, David. â€Å"Paperback Authenticity: Walter Kaufmann and Existentialism. † Philosophy and Literature 34. 1 (2010): 17-31. Philosopher’s Index. EBSCO. Web. 31 July 2010. â€Å"World War I. † New World Encyclopedia. 09 May 2008. Web. 06 Aug. 2010.

Understanding Modern Evolutionary Synthesis

Understanding Modern Evolutionary Synthesis The theory of evolution has itself evolved quite a bit since the time when Charles Darwin and Alfred Russel Wallace first came up with the theory. Much more data has been discovered and collected over the years that have only helped to enhance and sharpen the idea that species change over time. The modern synthesis of the theory of evolution combines several different scientific disciplines and their overlapping findings. The original theory of evolution was based mostly upon the work of Naturalists. The modern synthesis has the benefit of many years of research in Genetics and Paleontology, among other various subjects under the biology umbrella. The actual modern synthesis is a collaboration of a large body of work from such celebrated scientists as J.B.S. Haldane, Ernst Mayr, and Theodosius Dobzhansky. While some current scientists assert that evo-devo is also a part of the modern synthesis, most agree it has so far played a very slight role in the overall synthesis. While most of Darwins ideas are still very much present in the modern evolutionary synthesis, there are some fundamental differences now that more data and new disciplines have been studied. This does not, in any way, take away from the importance of Darwins contribution and, in fact, it only helps support most of the ideas Darwin put forth in his book On the Origin of Species. Differences Between Original Theory of Evolution and Modern Evolutionary Synthesis The three main differences between the original Theory of Evolution through Natural Selection proposed by Charles Darwin and the most current Modern Evolutionary Synthesis are as follows: The modern synthesis recognizes several different possible mechanisms of evolution. Darwins theory relied on natural selection as the only known mechanism. One of these different mechanisms, genetic drift, could even match the importance of natural selection in the overall view of evolution.Modern synthesis asserts that characteristics are passed down from parents to offspring on parts of DNA called genes. Variation between individuals within a species is because of the presence of multiple alleles of a gene.The modern synthesis of the Theory of Evolution hypothesizes that speciation is most likely due to the gradual accumulation of small changes or mutations at the gene level. In other words, microevolution leads to macroevolution. Thanks to years of dedicated research by scientists across many disciplines, we now have a much better understanding of how evolution works and a more accurate picture of the change species undergo over a period of time. Even though different facets of evolutionary theory have changed, the fundamental ideas are still intact and just as relevant today as they were in the 1800s.

Last Glacial Maximum - Last Major Global Climate Change

Last Glacial Maximum - Last Major Global Climate Change The Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) refers to the most recent period in earths history when the glaciers were at their thickest and the sea levels at their lowest, roughly between 24,000–18,000 calendar years ago (cal bp). During the LGM, continent-wide ice sheets covered high-latitude Europe and North America, and sea levels were between 400–450 feet (120–135 meters) lower than they are today. At the height of the Last Glacial Maximum, all of Antarctica, large parts of Europe, North America, and South America, and small parts of Asia were covered in a steeply domed and thick layer of ice. Last Glacial Maximum: Key Takeaways The Last Glacial Maximum is the most recent time in earths history when the glaciers were at their thickest.  That was approximately 24,000-18,000 years ago.  All of Antarctica, large parts of Europe, North and South America, and Asia were covered by ice.  A stable pattern of glacial ice, sea level, and carbon in the atmosphere has been in place from about 6,700 years.That pattern has been destabilized by global warming as a result of the Industrial Revolution.   Evidence The overwhelming evidence of this long-gone process is seen in sediments laid down by sea level changes all over the world, in coral reefs and estuaries and oceans; and in the vast North American plains, landscapes scraped flat by thousands of years of glacial movement. In the lead up to the LGM between 29,000 and 21,000 cal bp, our planet saw constant or slowly increasing ice volumes, with the sea level reaching its lowest level (about 450 feet below todays norm) when there was about 52x10(6) cubic kilometers more glacial ice than there is today. Characteristics of the LGM Researchers are interested in the Last Glacial Maximum because of when it happened: it was the most recent globally impacting climate change, and it happened and to some degree affected the speed and trajectory of the colonization of the American continents. The characteristics of the LGM that scholars use to help identify the impacts of such a major change include fluctuations in effective sea level, and the decrease and subsequent rise in carbon as parts per million in our atmosphere during that period. Both of those characteristics are similar- but opposite to- the climate change challenges we are facing today: during the LGM, both the sea level and percentage of carbon in our atmosphere were substantially lower than what we see today. We do not as yet know the entire impact of what that means to our planet, but the effects are currently undeniable. The table below shows the changes in effective sea level in the past 35,000 years (Lambeck and colleagues) and parts per million of atmospheric carbon (Cotton and colleagues). Years BP, Sea Level Difference, PPM Atmospheric Carbon2018, 25 centimeters, 408 ppm1950, 0, 300 ppm1,000 BP, -.21 meters -.07, 280 ppm5,000 BP, -2.38 m /-.07, 270 ppm10,000 BP, -40.81 m /-1.51, 255 ppm15,000 BP, -97.82 m /-3.24, 210 ppm20,000 BP, -135.35 m /-2.02, 190 ppm25,000 BP, -131.12 m /-1.330,000 BP, -105.48 m /-3.635,000 BP, -73.41 m /-5.55 The major cause of sea level drop during the ice ages was the movement of water out of the oceans into ice and the planets dynamic response to the enormous weight of all that ice atop our continents. In North America during the LGM, all of Canada, the southern coast of Alaska, and the top 1/4 of the United States were covered with ice extending as far south as the states of Iowa and West Virginia. Glacial ice also covered the western coast of South America, and in the Andes extending into Chile and most of Patagonia. In Europe, the ice extended as far south as Germany and Poland; in Asia ice sheets reached Tibet. Although they saw no ice, Australia, New Zealand and Tasmania were a single landmass; and mountains throughout the world held glaciers. The Progress of Global Climate Change Visitors walking on a trail that leads to the melting and rock-covered Pasterze glacier hike past a lake of glacier water in a rocky basin once filled at least 60 meters deep by glacier ice on August 27, 2016 near Heiligenblut am Grossglockner, Austria. The European Environmental Agency predicts the volume of European glaciers will decline by between 22% and 89% by 2100, depending on the future intensity of greenhouse gases.   Sean Gallup/Getty Images The late Pleistocene period experienced a sawtooth-like cycling between cool glacial and warm interglacial periods  when global temperatures and atmospheric CO2 fluctuated up to 80–100 ppm corresponding with temperature variations of 3–4 degrees Celsius (5.4–7.2 degrees Fahrenheit): increases in atmospheric CO2 preceded decreases in global ice mass. The ocean stores carbon (called carbon sequestration) when the ice is low, and so the net influx of carbon in our atmosphere which is typically caused by cooling gets stored in our oceans. However, a lower sea level also increases salinity, and that and other physical changes to the large-scale ocean currents and sea ice fields also contribute to carbon sequestration. The following is the latest understanding of the process of climate change progress during the LGM from Lambeck et al. 35,000–31,000 cal BP- slow fall in sea level (transitioning out of Ã…lesund Interstadial)31,000–30,000 cal BP- rapid fall of 25 meters, with rapid ice growth especially in Scandinavia29,000–21,000  cal BP- constant or slowly growing ice volumes, eastward and southward expansion of the Scandinavian ice sheet and the southward expansion of the Laurentide ice sheet, lowest at 2121,000–20,000 cal BP- onset of deglaciation,20,000–18,000 cal BP- short-lived sea level rise of 10-15 meters18,000–16,500 cal BP- near constant sea level16,500–14,000 cal BP- major phase of deglaciation, effective sea level change about 120 meters at an average of 12 meters per 1000 years14,500–14,000 cal BP- (Bà ¸lling- Allerà ¸d warm period), high rate of se-level  rise, average rise in sea level 40 mm annually14,000–12,500 cal BP- sea level rises ~20 meters in 1500 years12,500–11,500 cal BP- (Younger Dryas), a much-reduced rate of s ea-level  rise11,400–8,200 cal BP- near-uniform global rise, about 15 m/1000 years8,200–6,700 cal BP- reduced rate of sea-level  rise, consistent with the final phase of North American deglaciation at 7ka 6,700 cal BP–1950- progressive decrease in sea level rise1950–present- first sea rise increase in 8,000 years Global Warming and Modern Sea Level Rise By the late 1890s, the industrial revolution had begun throwing enough carbon into the atmosphere to impact the global climate and start the changes that are currently underway. By the 1950s, scientists such as Hans Suess and Charles David Keeling began to recognize the inherent dangers of human-added carbon in the atmosphere. The global mean sea level (GMSL), according to the Environmental Protection Agency, has risen nearly 10 inches since 1880, and by all measures appears to be accelerating.   Most early measures of current sea level rise have been based on changes in tides at the local level. More recent data comes from satellite altimetry that samples the open oceans, allowing for precise quantitative statements. That measurement began in 1993, and the 25-year record indicates that the global mean sea level has risen at a rate of between 3/-.4 millimeters per year, or a total of nearly 3 inches (or 7.5 cm) since records began. More and more studies indicate that unless carbon emissions are decreased, an additional 2–5 feet (.65–1.30 m) rise by 2100 is likely.   Specific Studies and Long-Term Predictions U.S. Fish and Wildlife ecologist Phillip Hughes inspects dead buttonwood trees which have succumbed to salt water incursion in Big Pine Key, Florida. Since 1963, the Florida Keys upland vegetation is being replaced by salt tolerant vegetation.   Joe Raedle/Getty Images Areas already impacted by sea level rises include the American east coast, where between 2011 and 2015, sea levels rose up to five inches (13 cm). Myrtle Beach in South Carolina experienced high tides in November 2018 which flooded their streets. In the Florida Everglades (Dessu and colleagues 2018), sea level rise has been measured at 5 in (13 cm) between 2001 and 2015. An additional impact is an increase in salt spikes changing the vegetation, due to an increase in inflow during the dry season. Qu and colleagues (2019) studied 25 tidal stations in China, Japan and Vietnam and tidal data indicate that the 1993–2016 sea level rise was 3.2 mm per year (or 3 inches).   Long-term data have been collected throughout the world, and estimates are that by 2100, a 3–6 feet (1–2 meter) rise in the Mean Global Sea Level is possible, accompanied by a 1.5–2 degree Celsius in overall warming. Some of the direst suggest a 4.5-degree rise is not impossible if carbon emissions are not reduced.  Ã‚   The Timing of the American Colonization According to the most current theories, the LGM impacted the progress of human colonization of the American continents. During the LGM, entry into the Americas was blocked by ice sheets: many scholars now believe that the colonists began entering into the Americas across what was Beringia, perhaps as early as 30,000 years ago. According to genetic studies, humans were stranded on the Bering Land Bridge during the LGM between 18,000–24,000 cal BP, trapped by the ice on the island before they were set free by the retreating ice. Sources Bourgeon L, Burke A, and Higham T. 2017. Earliest Human Presence in North America Dated to the Last Glacial Maximum: New Radiocarbon Dates from Bluefish Caves, Canada. PLOS ONE 12(1):e0169486.Buchanan PJ, Matear RJ, Lenton A, Phipps SJ, Chase Z, and Etheridge DM. 2016. The simulated climate of the Last Glacial Maximum and insights into the global marine carbon cycle. Climate of the Past 12(12):2271-2295.Cotton JM, Cerling TE, Hoppe KA, Mosier TM, and Still CJ. 2016. Climate, CO2, and the history of North American grasses since the Last Glacial Maximum. Science Advances 2(e1501346).Dessu, Shimelis B., et al. Effects of Sea-Level Rise and Freshwater Management on Long-Term Water Levels and Water Quality in the Florida Coastal Everglades. Journal of Environmental Management 211 (2018): 164–76. Print.Lambeck K, Rouby H, Purcell A, Sun Y, and Sambridge M. 2014. Sea level and global ice volumes from the Last Glacial Maximum to the Holocene. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sci ences 111(43):15296-15303. Lindgren A, Hugelius G, Kuhry P, Christensen TR, and Vandenberghe J. 2016. GIS-based Maps and Area Estimates of Northern Hemisphere Permafrost Extent during the Last Glacial Maximum. Permafrost and Periglacial Processes 27(1):6-16.Moreno PI, Denton GH, Moreno H, Lowell TV, Putnam AE, and Kaplan MR. 2015. Radiocarbon chronology of the last glacial maximum and its termination in northwestern Patagonia. Quaternary Science Reviews 122:233-249.Nerem, R. S., et al. Climate-Change–Driven Accelerated Sea-Level Rise Detected in the Altimeter Era. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences 115.9 (2018): 2022–25. Print.Qu, Ying, et al. Coastal Sea Level Rise around the China Seas. Global and Planetary Change 172 (2019): 454–63. Print.Slangen, Aimà ©e B. A., et al. Evaluating Model Simulations of Twentieth-Century Sea Level Rise. Part I: Global Mean Sea Level Change. Journal of Climate 30.21 (2017): 8539–63. Print.Willerslev E, Davison J, Moora M, Zobel M, Coiss ac E, Edwards ME, Lorenzen ED, Vestergard M, Gussarova G, Haile J et al. 2014. Fifty thousand years of Arctic vegetation and megafaunal diet. Nature 506(7486):47-51.

Feminist approach to The Awakening Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Feminist approach to The Awakening - Essay Example ark gender inequalities between men and women, and so awakened women like Edna chooses suicide over a life of limitations that her womanhood brings to her. Birds stand for imprisonment and the possibilities of being free. The mockingbird and parrot at Madame Lebrun’s house represent one of the freedoms that women lack: freedom of speech. These chattering birds irritate Là ©once: â€Å"Mr. Pontellier had the privilege of quitting their society when [these birds] ceased to be entertaining† (Chopin 2). He shares the sentiments of other men who find women’s stories as inane. At the same time, the power to leave women as they talk represents the power of men over women’s freedom of expression. They can overlook the female voice and get away with it. Women, on the contrary, are forced to listen to and to obey what men tell them. Birds, in addition, stand for the feeling of being trapped as a woman. A woman is ensnared already as a woman, and more so, when she is married. One time, Edna weeps after Là ©once charges her for being an irresponsible mother, and she feels: â€Å"An indescribable oppression, which see med to generate in some unfamiliar part of her consciousness, filled her whole being with a vague anguish† (Chopin 14-15). She slowly realizes that her gender has put her inside a strong figurative cage. Birds also signify freedom. The ability to open one’s wings and to fly is an action of complete freedom. Mlle. Reisz tells Edna to develop stronger wings for her artistic desires. Wings represent the strength of flight; it suggests the lack of boundaries in the sky. As a married woman, nevertheless, Edna cannot stretch her wings and fly, because she is in a cage of her gendered roles as a wife and a mother. The sea stands for Edna’s yearning for escape. Edna sees the ocean as her only escape from her limited world. In the sea, she can swim and flee from her husband’s controls of her actions. She can leave behind her roles as a mother too. She believes