Physics of Techniques for Roadbuilding on Permafrost Essay -- physics

Building safe, adequate, durable roads over permafrost soil presents unique challenges to the construction industry. It is not suprising that the mechanisms that lie behind these challenges are explained by the laws of physics. Consequently, as concerned professionals from the engineering community look for inovative ways to deal with the permafrost specter, it is in the realm of physics where they look for the elusive techniques that will enable the extension of the transportation infastructure into the northcountry in a safe, efficient, wise, and economic way. This paper will explore the techniques used to build road embankments over frozen soil. In exploring these techniques, every effort will be made to demonstrate the physical concept that is pertinent. But prior to our examination of diferent methods of permafrost resistent roadbuilding techniques we must start by going back to basics. To understand the construction methodology of arctic roadbuilding we need to understand the mechanics and properties of permafrost. It's All About Heat * What is Permafrost? Permafrost is defined as ground that has been at a temperature below the freezing point of water for more than two years. A large portion of the ground in Alaska is defined as permafrost (some estimates say as much as 80 percent). Permafrost can extend to a depth of several hundred feet, or it can be as little as several feet deep. * Is there permafrost in Fairbanks? Yes. We live in an area defined by "discontinuous" permafrost. This classification refers to the fact that some of the ground is frozen, and some of it is not. Also, it is important to note that the permafrost in this area is known as "warm" permafrost. Warm permafrost is at a temperatur... ...ely be used. Both of these systems are currently being experimented with. Time will tell if these promising techniques provide an economical means of constructing roads over frozen ground. Bibliography Experimental Roadways on Permafrost, McHattie, Esch, Zarling, Conner, Goering, State of Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities, July 1983 ACE and Thermosyphon Design Features Loftus Road Extension Project, Goering, State of Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities, December 2001 Permafrost at the Geological Survey of Canada, http://sts.gsc.nrcan.gc.ca/permafrost/ Alaska DOT Deals With Permafrost Thaws, Stidger, Ruth,Better Roads , June, 2001 Permafrost, A Problem of Building in Alaska, Seibert, Alaska Co Operative Extension Service The Permafrost Investigation ,Jernstrom, Alaska Housing and Finance Corporation

Clearer Understanding of the Stress Phenomenon

The word stress has been used al lot nowadays. To us stress means something that puts pressure on some part of our life. However this is just a small piece in the puzzle. Stress is an explanatory factor in numerous personal or social problems. In other words Stress is the normal response of your body to any change. We feel it when we pass from a warm to a cold room, when we run for a bus. Stress prepares us for change by pumping adrenaline into your system. In this process our muscles get tense, our heart pounds, our blood pressure rises. We use this mechanism for adapting and surviving. However if this response is constantly triggered and surpasses illness or even death may follow. We as humans cannot avoid stress, we can nonetheless learn to use to our advantage. Many people have numerous problems that occurred from stress. Problems like cholesterol, insomnia, high blood pressure, and stomach ulcers, chronic back pain and other very serious and fatal diseases. However you can learn to make life easy for yourself by many stress management techniques such as breathing right, eating right, exercising, and using relaxation techniques. In the early 19th century, scientists tried to explain the phenomena of how humans are affected by our surroundings and daily activities. Claude Bernard was one of those scientists that tried to prove the body†s motions during a stress related event. He emphasized how the underlying conditions affect free and in depended life. He said â€Å"every living animal tends to maintain a state of internal stability in spite of changes in the external environment†. Scientist Walter Cannon was another pioneer in the studies of psychology that gave his work recognition in today†s society. He concluded from his work that animals or primate men, when confronted by danger to their internal equilibrium, would either prepare to fight or to take flight. However it took the work of Hans Selye to provide clearer understanding of the stress phenomenon. He noted that various factors like chills, traumas, and infections produced a stereotyped syndrome characterized by hypertrophy and hyperactivity. Then in 1950 he introduced the symptoms as â€Å"stress†. Today we still don†t have the unanimous definition of the term stress. Many people give different definitions to the word. Some give it the meaning that is, the group of biochemical changes, which typically occur in the organism when the internal equilibrium is threatened. Others psychologists use the term â€Å"stress† to talk of a stimulus. There are many psychological reactions to stress. These biochemical reactions may be benign, but in some cases they alter the body†s functioning to the point of inducing illness or death. Many of the reactions are well known like the heart rate increases, muscles tend to contract and a lot of the time perspiration increases. All of these reactions are very little for importance. Emotional and behavioral reactions to stress are often more apparent than psychological reactions since everyone could see. That†s why when a human being reacts to a stimulus you can see if he or she laughs cries, jumps. Emotions and behaviors due to culture vary, personality varies and time period always changes. Another very important criteria that help define stress are the present of stimuli or other agents that make us react to stress. However this criterion varies because of different traits that the human being may have. Many laboratories testing on humans have been done to show that humans react to different stimuli in different ways. Humans in many testing were subjected to loud noises or sometimes would be shown stimuli like a dog barking or even a snake. All of these things were great stimuli†s that affected the human in different ways. Stress may not be triggered by all the stimuli to which we are exposed but by the action of certain psychological factors, which make us perceive certain stimuli as dangerous, or threatening to life. Also perceptions of danger depend on many things. For example, past experiences, cognitive expectations which is the way you interpret the situation, personality, and your emotional factors. Many researchers have found several general rules that depict stress agents. One is that pervious experiences of stress agents diminish the stress felt. It has also shown that the greater the stimulation the greater the stress felt. Another stimuli is emotions. With the increase of emotional intensity of an experience the lower the stress level becomes. However the stress level can never be at zero because that means that you†re dead. When a person has a very low stress level it isn†t good. Low levels of stress can cause symptoms similar to those of intense stress. Many researchers use the word stress to describe not only reactions that humans or animals give off, but also the many internal pressures that provoke these reactions. Another name for this is â€Å"stress agent†. Hans Selye defined the stress agent as any demand made on the mind or body. Some people think that only life threatening situations are stressful for human beings. I personally believe that stress has to do with the individual person and how he perceives the stressor. Stress agents can be negative or positive, pleasant or unpleasant. Some say that anticipation of an event is more stressful then the actual event. One example of this is skydiving. When you get to specific height and you have to jump you become so stressed that you are afraid to jump. Even if you know you won†t die. On the other hand an unexpected occurrence can cause greater stress on a person. Like a car accident can cause great stress because of amnesia or sometimes even comas. When a human is stressed it is being in a state of psychological alert. This provides a better perception of danger. When confronted with a dangerous situation we as humans think of two things that we can do flight or fight. We use fight when we want to defend ourselves, or flight when we want to live or survive the danger by not interfering with it. However a very high level of activation can bring about a state of physical or psychological distress. In today†s world fight or flight response is very useful. It can help us to escape a fire or survive a disaster. When the body prepares for a fight or flight response, the adrenal gland releases hormones into the body, increasing the heart rate as well as the blood pressure. In many cases digestion stops eyesight is sharpened and muscles tense. Stress doesn†t only cause physical illness but also mental illness. Some symptoms are benign and common but such as fatigue and muscles however too much stress can bring on depression and even schizophrenia. According to Epstein moderate stress can help achieve self-concept. However heavy stress can rapidly unbalance self concept functions like threat to physical integrity and loss of self-esteem. He defined many of these functions as â€Å"maintaining new experiential data and maintaining self esteem. If an imbalance occurs, the individual may become defensive in order to keep his self-concept enact, and varying degrees of pathological symptoms appear†. Many psychologists agree that defense mechanisms are ways of facing stress. A good defense mechanism that has been proven to work is humor and jokes. Another example of a defense mechanism is denial. Denial can either help or hurt you. For example if a women has breast cancer and she is in denial that she has this disease, she then can hurt herself by not going to the doctor and trying to solve the problem and try to treat it. However she can be in denial and not do something that can alter her well being permanently like taking her own life as a means of escape from the illness. There are many psychological disorders however the two most known and common are macro-stressors and micro stressors. A serious accident or a very stressful experience are very good examples of macro-stressors. Reactions to these stressors are so intense that it causes temporary chronic traumatic neurosis. A good example of micro-stressors is depression. These stressors may vary because of daily criticism, unrealistic goals, and sometimes lack of social communication. Both of these stressors bring on difficulties in breathing, frequent sighing, and a lot of the times emptiness in the stomach. In most cases these symptoms disappear with time however for some people this becomes into a chronic condition and it disturbs their every day life. They lose all interests in everyday activities, develop problems at work and live in a state of mind where they are afraid of their own self-confidence. To control stress Psychologist say that stress management is the only way to go. The reason for this is because managing stress through special techniques will reduce the stress that affects your health in a bad way. Self-management comes from a belief in internal rather then external controls of ones life. Many people think that their lives are directed by destiny. However this has never been proven. In my opinion and many psychologist opinion is that self determination of ones power to maintain or modify your behavior according to your goals will overcome any obstacles. A lot of what stress management consists of is in the body. Selye believed that adaptation energy is limited and the cause of most deaths related to stress. However we see in many cases that this isn†t true because we as humans know that being in good physical and mental condition helps us overcome daily difficulties and traumatic life events. Managing stress is a very important thing. However their is a limit on the right way to manage internal factors that act on stress is to take care of your body with the following. Exercising is the primary stress reducer that we are exposed too. Exercise is a very important factor in keeping physically fit. Exercising acts directly on hart efficiency, blood circulation in the lungs and in the vascular system. Exercising lets us digest better look better and feel better. Another important aspect to reducing stress is eating properly. A good diet gives the body the right amount of nourishment that it needs to survive. Eating the wrong foods stress the body because it lacks normal functioning and harms the body†s cells. Another very important and crucial aspect of stress reduction is relaxation and relaxation techniques. Never ending activities and daily worries are constant sources of tension. Because of this we need to relax. To relax many people often smoke cigarettes or even weed. Other use tranquilizers and drink liquor. In today†s society we find out that these types of â€Å"stress reducing agents† are wrong and sometimes fatal. About 20-30% of Americans smoke and this increases the lung cancer risk by 700%. Smoking also brings on other dangerous problems with the liver kidneys and poor heart and blood circulation. Many relaxation methods more natural and safer than drugs should be used. The right methods reduce the psychological effects of tension. This helps to slow down adrenal secretions and allow the parasympathetic nervous system to work with ease. Physical conditioning was only introduced to us in the beginning of the 19th century when scientist found a correlation between health and fitness. Exercises help people consentrate, improve sleep and get rid of aggression that gives us stress. Exercising also gives us a feeling of personal control and provides us with greater bodily awareness. Physiologists say that sports act as medicine for relieving most stressful situations. It takes your mind away from pain and lets you relieve it. When people exercise it also gives them more energy to do other things because you get tired less quickly. All of this is a very beneficial stress reducing agent. However if you don†t exercise you can increase your risks of obesity, bad digestive functioning, back pain, and other problems of the body. For our body†s to function well we need a good diet. A good diet consists of carbohydrates, fats, protein, minerals and water. To have all of these aspects you need a balanced diet. There has been a lot of evidence that having a poor diet increases stress levels. When a person doesn†t eat right that stresses the body by preventing normal metabolism. To reduce stress you have to eat the right food. If you have low calcium levels you should start eating more dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurts. Many dieticians prefer eating whole grain products because they contain alimentary fibers needed for digestion. Fruits and vegetables are another source of healthy foods. They provide us with vitamins we need for living. You should reduce the fat content by about thirty percent because the more fat you eat the more stress you are putting on the functioning organs in your body like the heart. There are many relaxation techniques that you can do. Some have to do with playing a sport or some you can do while doing nothing at home. The most important and the most affective relaxation techniques have to do with ones control over mind and body. Meditation is one thing you can do that helps to achieve a stress free environment. Meditation has to do with centering your attention on one thing. The two main goals that are tried to reach during meditation are states of a deep relaxation and a mental state of awakening and alertness. When you reach a state were you feel relax your body also relaxes and takes time out for itself. The body slows down and you feel warm and comfortable. However there is no scientific proof of this but it works and helps to relieve stress. Another very affective way to achieve peace within your body is to tighten specific muscles. You must first learn what muscles you have to relax, and then you begin the process. When you find the muscles and tighten them you then let the muscle loose up, which gives a very comfortable feeling. This feeling is equivalent to taking a hot bath after exercising. Laboratory tests have shown that this exercise really reduce stress a lot. Stress cannot be avoided, however we can limit the amount of it that is subdued on us. Each time the body reacts to a stressor, numerous biochemical changes occur. If the stressor goes beyond the available adaptive abilities, illness or even death may occur. We as humans instead of battling stress need to reduce the amounts that we are exposed to. We should do what we need to stop the hurting of our body. We need to adopt a lifestyle that is stimulating and maintain a physical and mental state which gives a resistance to stressors.

Correlation of Fast food culture

Correlation of Fast Food Culture and the High Rate of Teenage Obesity Nowadays, food is easily accessible In the united States. All we have to do to obtain food Is open the refrigerator, go to the supermarket, or stop at drive- through (Closer and Wilson 208), Fast food even became a trend replacing regular food since decades ago. Every time when we stand In front of a fast food shop, the typical smiling face of a cartoon Like Ronald McDonald always warms our heart. The golden-fried chip, big, juicy, meaty hamburgers together with different sorts of sweetened icy beverages could easily appeal to our appetite.They come fast, delicious and satisfying, which makes it hard for us to resist. However, when we taking the money out of our pocket to purchase for a big luscious meal, we often ignore the sweeping adverse effects that ensue from this kind of sweet, salty and fatty food. As the time went by, the occurrence of fast food was changed from a positive purpose of providing rushing cust omers a convenient halfway stop for food to a problematic culture that arise various physiological problems, with obesity being on the top of the list.According to the latest statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there as been a remarkable escalation of obese people In the US, from averagely 10% to 14 % In 1990 to over 30% In 2010. Although fast food Is Indeed a shortcut to cater for our fast working pace, It alters our traditional way of eating homemade food. The phenomenon of overconfidence on fast food passes onto the next generation, shaping people's preference for a wider acceptance of the convenience brought along by it at the expense of their health.As everyone knows, fast food culture attracts mixed audience, from children to middle-class white-collar workers as well as high- level officials. But with the chains' cent tactic marketing strategy on kids and parents' attitude toward pampering their children, adolescent obesity rate is remarkably escalating. Many chains now mostly set children as target consumers due to the multiple profits brought along by them.Those restaurants certainly know the theory to achieve a successful business Is to give away toys, which Is the most attractive come-on for children. Companies usually Introduce different versions of the same toy, so that kids will nag their parents to evils the same store again, whose act can bring in both parents that the adults try every means to satisfy their kids' desires regardless of their health. In most cases, both parents and kids fall prey to the selling strategies of fast food chains.Restaurants take the money and the public risk their health. It can be seen there is a close relationship between the marketing tactics on kids and the compromising temptation of parents toward the kids' excessive Correlation of Fast food culture By Aliquot food is easily accessible in the United States. All we have to do to obtain food is open Every time when we stand in fro nt of a fast food shop, the typical smiling face of a orator like Ronald McDonald always warms our heart.The golden-fried chip, big, has been a remarkable escalation of obese people in the US, from averagely 10% to 14 % in 1990 to over 30% in 2010. Although fast food is indeed a shortcut to cater for our fast working pace, it alters our traditional way of eating homemade food. The Those restaurants certainly know the theory to achieve a successful business is to give away toys, which is the most attractive come-on for children. Companies usually introduce different versions of the same toy, so that kids will nag their parents to visit

Free Essays on Alexander The Great

Alexander the Great By: Robin Fox Lane Alexander the Great, king of Macedonia, conqueror of the Persian Empire and one of the greatest military geniuses of all times, had many books written about his life and deeds. The book that was read for this term paper was a biography called, â€Å"Alexander the Great.† Robin Lane Fox wrote this biography in 1974. The book goes into great detail about Alexander’s early life, to his intense and magnificent battles, to his sensitive and generous personality. In this paper, I will describe how Alexander came to be king of Macedonia, his conquests to unite Asia, and his mental weakness that drove him to die a lonesome death. In an amazing eleven-year journey of conquest, Alexander the Great, of Macedonia, conquered all the way from Egypt to India. Following his reign came Greek institutions and the Greek language, which became the standard way of the ancient world. On the day that Alexander was born, the temple of Diana at Ephesus burned to the ground. People thought that this was an omen, or a sign that the force that would eventually destroy Asia had entered the world. That force was young Alexander. Alexander was born in Pella, the ancient capital of Macedonia. He was the son of Philip II, the king of Macedonia, and of Olympias, a princess of Epirius. Philip and Olympias had noticed that their son had matured very early and had potential for greatness. They quickly started to plan his education. His first teacher, Leonidas, was a relative to the family and was very harsh on Alexander. He taught him how to survive off very simple living, which would later help him in his journey to conquer Asia. His next teacher was Lysimachus, who taught Alexander about music, poetry, and drama. This was not enough for Alexander, and Philip and Olympias wanted only the best for their son, so when he was thirteen, they hired Aristotle to be Alexander’s personal tutor. Under Aristotle, Alex... Free Essays on Alexander the Great Free Essays on Alexander the Great Alexander the Great By: Robin Fox Lane Alexander the Great, king of Macedonia, conqueror of the Persian Empire and one of the greatest military geniuses of all times, had many books written about his life and deeds. The book that was read for this term paper was a biography called, â€Å"Alexander the Great.† Robin Lane Fox wrote this biography in 1974. The book goes into great detail about Alexander’s early life, to his intense and magnificent battles, to his sensitive and generous personality. In this paper, I will describe how Alexander came to be king of Macedonia, his conquests to unite Asia, and his mental weakness that drove him to die a lonesome death. In an amazing eleven-year journey of conquest, Alexander the Great, of Macedonia, conquered all the way from Egypt to India. Following his reign came Greek institutions and the Greek language, which became the standard way of the ancient world. On the day that Alexander was born, the temple of Diana at Ephesus burned to the ground. People thought that this was an omen, or a sign that the force that would eventually destroy Asia had entered the world. That force was young Alexander. Alexander was born in Pella, the ancient capital of Macedonia. He was the son of Philip II, the king of Macedonia, and of Olympias, a princess of Epirius. Philip and Olympias had noticed that their son had matured very early and had potential for greatness. They quickly started to plan his education. His first teacher, Leonidas, was a relative to the family and was very harsh on Alexander. He taught him how to survive off very simple living, which would later help him in his journey to conquer Asia. His next teacher was Lysimachus, who taught Alexander about music, poetry, and drama. This was not enough for Alexander, and Philip and Olympias wanted only the best for their son, so when he was thirteen, they hired Aristotle to be Alexander’s personal tutor. Under Aristotle, Alex... Free Essays on Alexander The Great Why hello. Thank you for taking an interest in my life, as you already know I am Alexander the great. You’re probably wondering why I have such a cool nickname as â€Å"the Great† huh? Well, stick around and listen to what I have to say about myself and then you can be the judge on whether or not I should be known as Alexander the Great, or Alexander the Best. Sorry, just a little joke. Obviously I can’t give you a life story day by day, so here’s my life in a nutshell. The miraculous year that I was born was 356 B.C. That makes me (pretty damn old) 2,358 years young. I was born into royalty in Pella, Macedonia, being my father was King Philip II, and my mother Queen Olympias. As most of you already know all great figures want the best for their children, so for my education I was tutored by Aristotle; one of the greatest minds to ever live. Since I was heir to the thrown I supported and backed my father 100%. I fought many campaigns for my father, but after I let my temper loose one time I was sent into exile with a few of my companions. I returned after the death of my father in 336 B.C., in which Darius had believed to be involved in, and was hailed as king, although I was careful to eliminate any possible rivals to the throne. This started the path to becoming â€Å"the Great.† I had to clean up so to speak, what my father had already started and undertook the invasion of Asia. Now with me as the â€Å"commander-in-chief† my first goal was to restore a sense of stability back to the League of Cornith (the League of Cornith was a league formed of Greek city-states, held together by treaties and alliances) that was starting to break apart. I felt it was my job to prove myself to my followers, townspeople, and most of all my father. I began by executing all potential enemies of Philip in court. My father would have been so proud of me for that (sniffle, sniffle). My next mission was to regain support of all ... Free Essays on Alexander the Great Alexander the Great, was born in June, 356 BC, in Pella, the ancient capital of Macedonia. His parents were Philip II and Olympia. Some say that Zeus was his father but it is probably just a myth. Aristotle taught Alexander in his early teen years. He stimulated his interest in science, medicine, and philosophy. In the summer of 336 BC, Alexander's father was assassinated, and Alexander ascended to the Macedonian throne. He found himself surrounded by enemies at home and threatened by civilizations all over. But Alexander disposed of quickly of all his enemies by ordering their execution. Then he took off to Thessaly, where partisans of independence had gained ascendancy, and restored Macedonian rule. Before the end of the summer of 336 BC as general of the Greeks in a campaign against the Persians, originally planned by his father before he croaked, he carried out a successful campaign against the defecting Thracians, penetrating to the Danube River. On his return he crushed in a single week the threatening Illyrians and then again took of to Thebes, which had revolted. He took the city by storm and razed it, sparing only the temples of the gods and the house of the Greed lyric poet Pindar, and selling the surviving inhabi ¬ tants, about 8000 in number, into slavery. Alexander's promptness in crushing the revolt of The ¬ bes brought the other Greek states into instant submission. Alexander began his war against Persia in the spring of 334 BC by crossing the Hellespont (now Dardanelles) with an army of 35,000 Macedonian and Greek troops: his chief officers, all Macedonians, included Antigonus, Ptolemy, and Seleucus. At the river Granicus, near the ancient city of Troy, he attacked an army of Persians and Greek soldiers which totaled 40,000 men. His forces slatured the enemy and according to tradition, only lost 110 men! After this battle all the stated of Asia Minor submitted to Alexander. Continuing south,... Free Essays on Alexander The Great Alexander the Great was a great military leader for many reasons. His life was filled with events that would provide him with valuable experience. The people with whom he was close while growing up urged him to try his hardest, and this also contributed to his great leadership. In the following paper, I will explain how Alexander’s parents and education, among other things, helped him to gain the necessary experience and qualities of a good leader, and how he used this experience as he got older and became a greater military leader. Alexander’s youth played a great role in his development into a great military leader. Many aspects of his youth contributed to this development, including his parents, his education, and the military experience he had early on in his life. Alexandros was born in the summer of 356 BC to Philip II and Olympias (â€Å"Alexander the Great† 1). Alexander’s parents both wanted him to become a great leader, both pushing him to do his best. When Alexander was young, his mother, Olympias, poisoned Philip’s other son so that he could not compete with Alexander. She also once commanded Cleopatra to commit suicide, and then threw Cleopatra’s infant son into a fire (Roselle 28). Alexander received not only support from his mother, but probably inherited her hot temper. One of the men who played the greatest role in Alexander’s life was his father, Philip II. As Alexander was growing up, Philip always treated him like an adult, and Alexander in turn treated him with respect (Gunther 8). This bond between father and son was never broken, although it was weakened by one event. When Alexander was a teenager, his father and he got into an argument, and Alexander then ran away from home. Alexander soon returned, and although he and his father made peace, he never actually forgave his father (â€Å"Alexander the Eckert 2 Great† 1). There was one other man who affected Alexander’s life near ly as much as Philip did. ... Free Essays on Alexander the Great Voltaire quickly chose literature as a career. Advertisement He began moving in aristocratic circles and soon became known in Paris salons as a brilliant and sarcastic wit. A number of his writings, particularly a lampoon accusing the French regent Philippe II, duc d'Orlà ©ans of heinous crimes, resulted in his imprisonment in the Bastille. During his 11-month detention, Voltaire completed his first tragedy, Å’dipe, which was based upon the Å’dipus tyrannus of the ancient Greek dramatist Sophocles, and commenced an epic poem on Henry IV of France. Å’dipe was given its initial performance at the Thà ©Ãƒ ¢tre-Franà §ais in 1718 and received with great enthusiasm. The work on Henry IV was printed anonymously in Geneva under the title of Poà ¨me de la ligue (Poem of the League, 1723). In his first philosophical poem, Le pour et le contre (For and Against), Voltaire gave eloquent expression to both his anti-Christian views auuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuucreed. A quarrel with a member of an illustrious French family, the chevalier de Rohan, resulted in Voltaire's second incarceration in the Bastille, from which he was released within two weeks on his promise to quit France and proceed to England. Accordingly he spent about two years in London. Voltaire soon mastered the English language, and in order to prepare the British public for an enlarged edition of his Poà ¨me de la ligue, he wrote in English two remarkable essays, one on epic poetry and the other on the history of civil wars in France. For a few years the Catholic, autocratic French government prevented the publication of the enlarged edition of Poà ¨me de la ligue, which was retitled La Henriade (The Henriad). The government finally allowed the poem to be published in 1728. This work, an eloquent defense of religious toleration, achieved an almost unprecedented success, not only in Voltaire's native France but throughout all of the continent of Europe as well. III. Popularity at CourtP... Free Essays on Alexander The Great Alexander the Great was king of the Macedonians and one of the greatest generals in history. Alexander was born in 356 as the son of the Macedonian king Philip II (359-336). Alexander the Great was born in 356 B.C. His father, Philip, was the brother of King Perdiccas III of Macedon or Macedonia, in northern Greece. His mother was Philip's wife Olympias, daughter of King Neoptolemus I of Epirus, in modern Albania. Alexander had a younger sister, Cleopatra (not the famous Egyptian queen). Unfortunately for Alexander and Cleopatra, their parents hated each other. In keeping with Macedonian tradition, Philip had several lesser wives, and Olympias regarded these other women and their children with great animosity. When one of her rivals gave birth to a retarded son, Philip Arridaeus, it was rumored that Olympias had caused his disability with poison. Olympias told Alexander that Philip wasn't his real father, but this probably wasn't true. Philip certainly seems to have believed that Ale xander was his son. He made sure the boy was well educated; the great philosopher Aristotle was one of Alexander's tutors. At the age of 13, Aristotle was hired to be Alexander’s private tutor. Aristotle inspired interests of politics, other races of people and countries, plants and animals, and a great love for literature in Alexander. He was an outstanding athlete and excelled in every sport of his time. In 338 B.C., at the age of 18, Alexander led the cavalry of his father’s army in the Battle of Chaeronea, which brought Greece under Macedonian control. At the age of 20, Alexander’s father was murdered by one of his bodyguards, and Alexander succeeded the throne as king of Macedonia. After his father's murder in 336 B.C. Alexander became King Alexander III. After Alexander’s father died, some Greek cities under Macedonian rule revolted. In 335 B.C., He had several rival claimants to the throne executed, including his cousin Amyntas, whose t... Free Essays on Alexander the Great Alexander the Great By: Lynn E-mail: moninghoff@yhoo.com Who is â€Å"Great†? In history there are few people who can be termed â€Å"Great† and even fewer who deserve to be called so. Alexander, the son of King Phillip of the Macedonians, was one of these truly â€Å"Great† people. He not merely ruled the largest know empire, was declared a God, lead his troops in battle, and conquered foreign cities, his first being at the age of sixteen, but he did it all within a thirteen year time period. Not only did he do all of this, but also it was done within thirteen years. When Alexander became the new King of Macedonia, many believed him to be to young to rule. They felt that he didn’t have the experience needed to be their new leader. They had no way of knowing of the many things that he would come to accomplish in such a short time period. Alexander’s first great accomplishment occurred when he was just sixteen years old. At this time, his father went away to war leaving Alexander to serve as a regent of Ma cedon. During his father’s absence, Alexander led an expedition to a wild region that is now known as modern day Bulgaria. Once there, he subdued the rebellious barbarians and established his first city, Alexandropolis. On the return from his trip, King Philip was so impressed by his son’s achievement that he appointed him a general in the royal army. (www.mrdowlings.com) When Alexander turned his attack towards Persia, his forces were much smaller than his opponent’s. Alexander’s army conquered Persia anyway, by winning a series of battles in which his troops were better trained and organized than the Persian army. His soldiers also admired Alexander because of his personal participation in the battles. He led his soldiers into battle instead of remaining behind the lines as was common for military leaders to do at that time. This allowed the troops to see that Alexander was sharing their danger, and was not asking the... Free Essays on Alexander The Great Alexander the Great, Hybris – Nemesis Life In the life of Alexander the Great, one could examine that he had a hybris-nemesis effect on the world. As a great conqueror and warrior Alexander resembled the mind a hyberistic man that created a nemesis world view in his Hellistic world. Throughout his life time one can evaluate that Alexander had a great unchecked pride that was never tested till the gods took his soul. We can also see that because of his hybris view that he could only create a world of nemesis all around him, just like that of the man that he chased all throughout his crusades of Persia the King of Kings, Dorias who may have been his greatest adversary. It is without a doubt Alexander the Great definitely lead a Hybris lifestyle that led to a Nemesis world view like the other conquerors before him. As stated by John Porter, â€Å" hybris is a tricky word. Today it is used to refer to â€Å" overweening pride,† often in very Christian terms. In antiquity, however, hybris was a form of violent arrogance or aggression that displayed itself, not in one’s attitudes, but in one’s actions.† This is exactly what Alexander the Great resembled both in life and the battlefield. When in battle Alexander would rush into battle, weather he outnumbered the enemy or the enemy outnumbered him, with battened disregard for the safety of his men or himself. In the Battle of Issus in 333 B.C. Alexander and his men charge through Dorias’ Persian army directly at Dorias, who in fear retreats and abandons his family and army. Dorias’ army discuses the battle and his family is captured and kept as Alexander’s personal servants. In these actions Alexander resembles the meaning of a â€Å"hybristic man,† as also defined by John Porter â€Å"was n ot simply a proud or arrogant man (as we have seen, the Greeks did not regard justifiable pride as a character flaw) but treated others with violence that suggested that they were in effect mere... Free Essays on Alexander the Great Alexander the Great was the king of Macedonia, conqueror of the Persian Empire, and one of the greatest military leaders of all times. Even at an early age, Alexander showed that he would a great leader. Through all his victories and conquests, he has become a great hero and has had a large impact on history. Alexander, born in 356 B.C. in Pella, the ancient capital of Macedonia, was the son of Philip II, king of Macedonia. Alexander's tutor, Aristotle, taught him from age 13 to 16 in medicine, science, and philosophy. When the time came, he was well prepared to take over the throne. In the summer of 336 B.C. Philip was assassinated, and Alexander became the new ruler of Macedonia. He soon showed his power when the large city of Thebes revolted in 335. He charged the city with mighty force and took 30,000 people as slaves. Alexander’s next attempt was to defeat Persia because he could never be the dominant force in Europe as long as the Persian ruler Darius was still living. A fter beating Persia the second and final time in 332, Darius, who managed to survive, fled to the mountains. He died in the mountains when one of his own men killed him. With Darius dead, Alexander was crowned King of Persia and became known as the king of all Asia. Babylon surrendered after Gaugamela, and the city of Susa was soon conquered. In midwinter, Alexander forced his way to Persepolis, the Persian capital. After plundering the city of its treasuries and taking other rich â€Å"booty†, however he burned the city during a drunken rage, which completed the destruction of the ancient Persian Empire. His empire now extended along and beyond the southern shores of the Caspian Sea, including modern Afghanistan and Baluchistan, and northward into Bactria and Sogdiana, the modern Western Turkistan, which is also Central Asia. It had taken Alexander only three years, from the spring of 330 B.C. to the spring of 327 B.C., to gain control of this vast empire. In or... Free Essays on Alexander The Great â€Å"Alexander the Great: Hunting For A New Past?† Paul Cartledge attempts to tell the history of the myth and legend of Alexander the Great in this article. Alexander was born to Olympias and Philip of Macedon, or was he, in 356 at the Macedonian capital of Pella. Olympias claims that Alexander was conceived not by Philip, but by the Egyptian God Amun. So the legend begins. As a teenager Alexander is said to have tamed a fiery and exorbitantly expensive Thessalian stallion called Bucephalas. This was Alexander’s horse for hunting and war. Bucephalas and Alexander were unfortunately separated when the steed died in Pakistan at the age of thirty. Alexander loved his horse so much that he named a city after him. At the age of sixteen Alexander was appointed regent of Macedon while his father was away on a campaign. To upstage his father, Alexander waged war on the Thracian people and established a new capital named after, of course, himself. To become a man though Alexander had not to conquer a city, but to hunt and kill a wild boar and a human enemy. This allowed him the right to recline at social gatherings rather than sit straight up. It is said that alcohol may have played a factor in Alexander the Great’s early death. Some scientists say that he may have become a clinical alcoholic. This cannot be proven today, but according to Cartledge his drinking habit may have led him to kill his personal companion and senior cavalry commander. Alexander was taught by Aristotle, the greatest intellectual of his time. Aristotle advised Alexander to treat all non-Greeks as barbarians. He obviously did not pay much attention to this because of his many wives were of non-Greek people. Despite all his wives it is said that Alexander may have had interest in the opposite sex. How they can prove this I am not sure, but the author wrote that he may have had at least two lovers of the opposite sex. One was a boyhood fri...

How to Prepare a Winning Business Pitch

How to Prepare a Winning Business Pitch How to Prepare a Winning Business Pitch To get a business idea off the ground, you may need some investment. And this means you’ll need to convince investors that you have a great business plan. But what goes into a good business pitch? A few things to consider when pitching a business include: The type of business pitch you’re preparing (e.g., verbal or written) Details to include, such as your target customers, market research, etc. Who you’re pitching your idea to and what they’re seeking. Who you are and who you’re working with in the business venture. How much to include in your pitch (as compared to a full business plan). So let’s take a closer look at how to prepare a winning business pitch. 1. Written vs. Verbal Pitches If you’ve been asked to pitch your business, make sure you know what type of pitch to give. The main distinction here is between written and verbal pitches: A written pitch is a short document, typically between one and three pages, where you outline the nature of your business for investors. A verbal pitch is a presentation you give to potential investors in person. This could be a short elevator pitch, which would last up to two minutes. Or it could be a full presentation with backup visuals and documentation. Chances are you’ll need to use both at different points of pitching a business (e.g., selling the idea with a short elevator pitch before writing a written pitch to flesh out the details). Thus, you should try to find out what kind of pitches investors are seeking and tailor yours accordingly. If you are preparing any written documents as part of your pitch, , moreover, make sure to have them proofread. This will ensure they are error free and easy to read, demonstrating your attention to detail. 2. The Essentials of a Business Pitch The exact content of your business pitch will depend on the kind of business you’re pitching and the type of pitch you’re delivering. However, there are at least a few details that any business pitch should include, such as: A brief overview of your business idea and your overall goals (this could be the introduction for a longer presentation or written document, but it might be the entirely of an elevator pitch). Your target customers and how your business idea will serve them. The market you’re entering and the opportunities it presents. How your business will distinguish itself from existing competitors. Your financial projections, including revenue and profit forecasts. Key team members and any partners you will work with in your business. How much investment you’re seeking and how you will spend it. Remember, though, that a business pitch is not a business plan. It’s about selling an idea. As such, telling a compelling story can be more important than the pure details. For instance, when outlining your business, you could tell an anecdote that demonstrates the need for your product. This can help your pitch resonate on a personal level – it’s about how your business will help real people, not just how much money you hope to make. 3. Do Your Research on Investors It always pays to do some basic research on investors before preparing a pitch. This will give you a better idea of what different people and groups are looking for in a business, as well as giving you a sense of the kind of pitch investors are expecting. Try to find out: Whether they typically invest in certain business types or areas, especially if this matches the profile of your proposed investment. If they usually invest in specific geographic regions. How much they usually invest and what they seek in return. Whether they take a hands-on or hands-off approach to companies they invest in and how this might affect your proposed business. This will help you pick the right investors for your business idea. 4. Sell Yourself Don’t forget you’re part of your business pitch! In fact, some investors focus more on the people pitching a business idea than what they are pitching. A great idea can be worthless in the wrong hands, after all, so you need to show investors they can trust you with their money. As such, you should include something about you and your team’s past achievements in your pitch. If possible, focus on success stories that show you know how to start and run a business. 5. Don’t Overload on Information Finally, when you’ve prepared a first draft of your pitch, cut it down to the essentials. The most common error when pitching a business is trying to cram too much in, especially in a verbal pitch, where you may end up rushing. Remember: this is a pitch, not a plan. So rather than launching straight into a full five-year financial breakdown, focus on key details that make your idea appealing. Another tip is to use visual aids, such as charts and tables, which can stop your presentation becoming too wordy. Ideally, your visual aids will be more detailed than this. In other words, your priority in a pitch is to make investors interested in your idea. And you won’t be able to do this if they’re struggling to keep up with reams of information. Of course, if all goes well, the people you’ve pitched to may ask follow-up questions. Or they may ask for a full written plan. This is when you’ll need the in-depth research you’ve prepared. But try to keep things engaging until you know the investors are already hooked!

German Holidays and Customs in May

German Holidays and Customs in May The first day in the lovely month of May (Camelot) is a national holiday in Germany, Austria, and most of Europe. International Workers Day is observed in many countries around the globe on May 1. But there are other German May customs that reflect the end of winter and the arrival of warmer days. Tag der Arbeit - 1. Mai Oddly, the widespread custom of celebrating Labor Day on the first of May (am ersten Mai) was inspired by events in the United States, one of the few countries that do not observe Labor Day in May! In 1889, a congress of world socialist parties was held in Paris. The attendees, sympathizing with striking workers in Chicago in 1886, voted to support the United States labor movements demands for an 8-hour day. They selected May 1, 1890, as a day of commemoration for the Chicago strikers. In many countries around the world May 1 became an official holiday called Labor Day- but not in the U.S., where that holiday is observed on the first Monday in September. Historically the holiday has had special importance in socialist and communist countries, which is one reason it is not observed in May in America. The U.S. federal holiday was first observed in 1894. Canadians also have observed their Labor Day since September 1894. In Germany, May Day (erster Mai, May 1st) is a national holiday and an important day, partly because of Blutmai (bloody May) in 1929. That year in Berlin the ruling Social Democratic (SPD) party had banned the traditional workers demonstrations. But the KPD (Kommunistische Partei Deutschlands) called for demonstrations anyway. The resulting bloodbath left 32 people dead and at least 80 seriously injured. It also left a big split between the two workers parties (KPD and SPD), which the Nazis soon used to their advantage. The National Socialists named the holiday Tag der Arbeit (Day of Labor), the name still used in Germany today. Unlike the U.S. observance, which cuts across all classes, Germanys Tag der Arbeit and most European Labor Day observances are primarily a working-class holiday. In recent years Germanys chronic high unemployment (Arbeitslosigkeit, over 5 million in 2004) also comes into focus each May. The holiday also tends to be a day of Demos that often turn into clashes between the demonstrators (more like hooligans) and the police in Berlin and other large cities. If the weather allows, nice, law-abiding people use the day for picnicking or relaxing with the family. Der Maibaum In Austria and many parts of Germany, especially in Bavaria, the tradition of raising a Maypole (Maibaum) on May 1 still serves to welcome spring- as it has since ancient times. Similar Maypole festivities also can be found in England, Finland, Sweden, and the Czech Republic. A Maypole is a tall wooden pole made from a tree trunk (pine or birch), with colorful ribbons, flowers, carved figures, and various other decorations adorning it, depending on the location. In Germany, the name Maibaum (May tree) reflects the custom of placing a small pine tree atop the Maypole, which is usually set up in a towns public square or village green. Traditional dances, music, and folk customs are often associated with the Maypole. In small towns virtually the entire population turns out for the ceremonial raising of the Maypole and the festivities that follow, with Bier und Wurst of course. In Munich, a permanent Maibaum stands at the Viktualienmarkt. Muttertag Mothers Day is not celebrated at the same time around the world, but Germans and Austrians observe Muttertag on the second Sunday in May, just as in the U.S. Learn more on our Mothers Day page. Walpurgis Walpurgis Night  (Walpurgisnacht), the night before May Day, is similar to  Halloween  in that it has to do with supernatural spirits. And like Halloween, Walpurgisnacht is of pagan origin. The bonfires seen in todays celebration reflect those pagan origins and the human desire to drive away the winter cold and welcome spring. Celebrated mainly in Sweden, Finnland, Estonia, Latvia, and Germany,  Walpurgisnacht  gets its name from Saint Walburga (or Walpurga), a woman born in what is now England in 710.  Die  Heilige  Walpurga  traveled to Germany and became a nun at the convent of Heidenheim in Wà ¼rttemberg. Following her death in 778 (or 779), she was made a saint, with May 1 as her saint day. In Germany, the  Brocken, the highest peak in the Harz Mountains, is considered the focal point of  Walpurgisnacht. Also known as the  Blocksberg, the 1142-meter peak is often shrouded in mist and clouds, lending it a mysterious atmosphere that has contributed to its legendary status as the home of witches (Hexen) and devils (Teufel). That tradition predates the mention of the witches gathering on the Brocken in Goethes: To the Brocken the witches ride... (Die Hexen  zu  dem Brocken  ziehn...) In its Christian version, the former pagan festival in May became Walpurgis, a time to drive out evil spirits- usually with loud noises. In Bavaria Walpurgisnacht is known as  Freinacht  and resembles Halloween, complete with youthful pranks.

Exam questions Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 2

Exam questions - Essay Example The use of technology enhanced the invention of machines that increased the productivity of workers. Technology also enhanced the growth of enterprises to large scale producers. Food products were, therefore, produced in masses that fed the society. End products were produced at cheaper costs and less time than in the recent times. Due to the changes the standards of living of the citizens were improved and also recorded a social change. People moved from suburb areas to the cities thus land was left vacant for production of food. At times people who lived in the urban areas and worked in the factories lived in filthy conditions due to overpopulation in the urban areas (Goloboy 2008, p.58). Increased food production is essential for industrialization in any state. Labor is essential for the growth of industries and the state to maintain a sufficient number of laborers it needs to device ways of producing enough food to feed the population. Industrialization in Europe was due to sustainable methods of food production. Industrialization in Britain occurred between 1750 and 1830. Britain had perfect conditions for industrialization to occur. Mineral resources, labor and technology, were present in Britain and facilitated the industrial revolution (Goloboy 2008, p.67). Britain had made the use of wood as a source of heat for a long time it thus had plenty of coal deposits remaining and were used in new ideas. The source of heat was used in the industries. Britain was also a colonial master of many nations, the raw materials that could not be found in Britain could be imported from the colonies at cheap costs. The colonies also provided markets for the end products. Other factors that contributed to industrialization in Britain were the plenty natural resources in Britain. The government of Britain also improved the transportation in Britain enhancing the movements of finished goods and raw materials. The growing population in