What is engineering Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

What is engineering - Essay Example In that context, the scope of engineering is very expansive and ubiquitous. If one tries to grasp the attributes of engineering in a very simple and concise manner, it is a science that has to do with making things happen. If I take a casual look at most of the machines and products that I use are it the kitchen stove, elevator, water heater, computers, smart phones or automobiles, these are the gadgets that do certain specific things. These are the products or machines that solve many human problems, and these machines or gadgets have been made possible by the science or discipline of engineering. Hence, I strongly believe that engineering is a science that helps humanity solve or deal with the difficult tasks and problems it faces in the everyday life. Engineering does so by using the available scientific knowledge to contrive technologies, which help in the invention and production of varied innovative products and gadgets. These gadgets or machines may vary from being simple bicycles to space ships and rockets. In that sense I simply cannot help marvell ing at the versatility of the science of engineering. The amazing thing is that engineering is a discipline which I believe has revolutionized every aspect of the modern life. I cannot find any aspect of the contemporary life that has not been influenced by engineering. For instance computer engineers have to do with the designing and fabrication of the computer hardware and software, which could be used to solve many complex issues and tasks. Automobile engineers design and make varied cars and automobiles that are intended to fulfil specific aims and objectives like assuring minimal fuel consumption or having the ability to run on alternative fuels. When I look at such astounding technologies, I cannot help believing that many of the comforts and wonders of the modern life would never have been possible, but for

Analysis Of Scientific c Essay Example for Free

Analysis Of Scientific c Essay The first step in the scientific method is to perform some background research and in the news article (â€Å"Engineers Create New,† 2008). It is implied that this step had been followed because it mentions that other researchers have already made several studies and experiments and have been doing it for several years. It is obvious that the scientists in the current study have performed a background analysis of previous efforts to develop other adhesives. The second step is the formulation of the hypothesis and in this particular news, the hypothesis is whether it is possible to formulate an adhesive that emulates the capability of the hairs on the toes of the gecko lizard that are able to clean themselves without having to use water or chemicals. This would be an interesting result because normally, dirt would stick to an adhesive and it would lose its stickiness in the process. Fearing explains that the ultimate goal is to develop an all-terrain robot that can emulate the gecko lizard that could walk on dirty surfaces along walls and ceilings (â€Å"Engineers Create New,† 2008). The next step in the scientific method is to conduct several experiments to test the hypothesis and the news article provides a rough sketch of the experiments that the engineers had conducted, where they use microfibers made from stiff polymers to represent the toe hairs and microspheres with diameters ranging from three to 10 microns to simulate dirt (â€Å"Engineers Create New,† 2008). After the experiments, an analysis of the results was made, and it was mentioned that it was indeed possible for the microfibers to get rid of some of the dirt after every simulated step of a gecko lizard. As a conclusion, it is indicated that it is possible to make an adhesive that cleans itself but further studies have to be made with other kinds of surfaces because in these experiments, only glass was used. Looking at the scientific soundness of the news article, we can see that there is no mention of the sample size, which is quite common in such kinds of articles. As we can see, this article is lacking in this respect but it could be assumed that this is mentioned in the actual report made by the scientists. As for the control group, there is no specific mention of the researchers actually performing an experiment where common adhesive materials are used instead of the microfibers being studied. The news report is also lacking in this respect but it could have been assumed that it is the common knowledge of the reader that with the usual adhesive, dirt accumulates until it is no longer sticky. In the study, the independent variables are the range of the sizes of the microspheres and the characteristics of the glass surface and the microfibers. The dependent variable is the quantity of microspheres that get deposited on the glass surface every time the simulated step of a gecko is performed on it. Another dependent variable is the adhesion strength of the new adhesive material after several steps have been done. There would be some suspicion of bias in the part of the researchers if a particular result would serve to benefit them. Taken in this light, almost everyone could be suspected of bias but in this study, the scientists are scholars who appear to be genuine in their desires to create something useful for humanity. References University of California Berkeley (2008, September 10). Engineers Create New Gecko-like Adhesive That Shakes Off Dirt. ScienceDaily. Retrieved June 23, 2009, from http://www. sciencedaily. com/releases/2008/09/080910090610. htm

Review Of Im Nobody! Who Are You?

Review Of Im Nobody! Who Are You? Thesis Statement: Emily Dickinson poem, Im Nobody! Who Are You?, is successful on influencing readers that the best ideas can come from nothing. Introduction: I chose this as one of the famous poets known poem, which is found at Chapter 10.1, entitled: The Speaker (Persona) in a Poem. It can also be found from Thomas H. Johnsons (1960) Book of Complete Poems as its 288th entry: Im Nobody! Who are you? Are you- Nobody-Too? Then theres a pair of us! Dont tell! theyd advertise, you know. - How dreary-to be- Somebody! How public-like a frog- To tell ones name- the livelong June- To an admiring bog! What about the poems form, language, content, or other dimension do you find engaging?: I find engaging its genre of lyrical form, English language using informal diction and bearing a very good rhyme scheme (o sound in lines 1 and 2 with g in 6 and 8) with 2 stanzas. The theme shows how one can find the identity of self and gather the best ideas can come from only doing nothing. It uses the simile and metaphor figure of speeches, because it was able to compare or equate unlike things in similarity (Nobody vs Famous persons) and used the word like in line 6 in the second stanza. Moreover, to dissect the poem, when the word they was mentioned in line 4, wherein the poet was pertaining to famous people or any person situated in high levels the of society (Essay on Emily dickinson i am nobody! who are you? para. 1). With a very short content of only 8 lines, Dickinson was able to quickly reach out to others who would want to have the same privacy she experienced and also gain fruitful o utcomes from this choice. Doing this is actually not seen as usual in famous persons or high level situated bodies. How does the poems use of language compare to that of everyday speech?: I can say that in terms of both modern and classic writing on poetry, it still uses informal diction, though there certainly will be a difference in the use of words if one can write it today. To site a modern view on Dickinsons way of writing in the Im Nobody! Who Are You? poem, Jessica Writes (2007) wrote an online essay saying that, it is evident here that she is referring to a friend that she had relationships kept in private, but were foretold mostly by her corresponding letters. Indeed she is successful in her field. Wherein, she was productive during times she was alone, nursing the gardens inside their yard, writing poetry and reading. Since, she preferred to be named as an anonymous poet to her poems; it shows a personal assessment as A Nobody in the society, being a direct reflection of ideals as a non-conformist to the society. Its psychological nature are greatly affecting to people and objects geared towards seeing themselves in this way in life. With todays social pressures, even the smallest poem can help. Back in the old days, wherein classic literature are given birth to, renaissance and revolutions are greatly affected with writers who seek for a new beginning and freedom thru their writing skills. How do the differences and/or similarities between speech and poetic form affect your experience of the poem?: Domhnall Mitchell (2000), a very good critic of literature, mentioned in his book, that the poem Im Nobody! Who Are You? is a form of confessional poetry. Wherein, I agree with this thought. That is why it uses the simile and metaphor figure of speeches, because it was able to compare or equate unlike things in similarity, which is the Dickinson and akin others being the Nobody type of persons judged against the Famous type of persons (who would not likely to favor practices of a Nobody.) At first, a reader would have taught that Dickinson was talking about herself, but there is a quick turn of mood when the poem becomes about the reader. I find this interesting. This can be seen after the 1 line was said, which is a statement about Dickinsons poetic self, and then there is a following string of questions pertaining to the readers own selves. Lastly, the poems 2 immediate co ncerns are: the readers asking who we are, as well as the how is the relationship existing between the reader and the poet (pp. 157-158). Do these differences and/or similarities influence how you think or feel about the subject matter of the poem?: In terms of familiarity, I can say that this poem is reflective of Dickinsons life and not the persons she sites in her poem. It is more personal in nature. For instance, Arthur Versluis (2001), another very good critic of literature in history, mentioned the opinion of John Cody, in his own book, that her works are pronouncing of her madness as a result. That is why the poem, Im Nobody! Who Are You?, has certain negativity touch on it. It was also quoted, one will inevitably misunderstand and trivialize much of Emily Dickinsons life and poetry if one fails to grasp the full intensity of her suffering and the magnitude of her collapse. For this reason let me state at the onset my thesis that the crisis Emily Dickinson suffered following the marriage of her brother was a psychosis (p. 175). Conclusion: Yes, I agree that the best ideas can come from nothing. You can occupy your time with writing poetries like what Emily Dickinson is known for during her time. Yet, even if one decides a secluded life, society will hunt. Dickinsons writes in such a way that she dictates and forces the readers mind to think the same and view society like her opinion. The advantage I can see here is that it is leading to a self-evaluation and growth in uniqueness as individuals. On the other hand, a disadvantage of her way of writing (as well as thinking) is that it fails to show the right personality for an individual. When, maturity takes place, when one knows his or her purpose in life, then the best ideas can come in, one can make fruitful outcomes and one can reach success. Even the quietest moments or disturbing scenes takes self-confidence and trust, a parallel thought to both being a Nobody and a Famous person.

Is Taxation is Theft? Essay -- essays research papers

Taxation, the government acquisition of property from the individual has mixed support in any Western democratic system. To make its way into the good will of the majority, taxation has surrounded itself with doctrines of justification. No law which lacks public approval or acquiescence is enforceable, and to gain such support it must address itself to our sense of correctness. This is particularly necessary for statutes authorizing the taking of private property. Sometimes depicted as ‘theft’ by those who are subject to taxation, the accusation is commonly based on the sentiment what do I get from it? However, one chooses to live in a democratic welfare state and to take up the services society has to offer the individual; the argument of free-will is combated here by the necessities of the individual. Often misunderstood by the tax-paying individual, taxation is not solely a legal obligation, but a social obligation as well; one has a duty to protect the weaker member s of society in any welfare state. Taxation is justified through constitutional law and social convention, and so any rejection of taxation’s legitimacy is a direct condemnation of the legitimacy of the law, the legitimacy of the State, and the appropriateness of this social convention. Any claim that denies the legitimacy of such responsibilities and powers is a claim in favour of anarchy. Thus, the claim taxation is theft has the inferential meaning that government is illegitimate. Theft is conceptually reliant on social convention and legal definition, and so without government or social obligation, the concept of theft is void. Governmental power is entrusted in the State by the people it represents, and government policy in any democratic state is intended to represent public interests . As taxation is within government policy, and such policies represent the will of the people, taxation is therefore, the will of the people. Theft, lexically defined as taking property without permission or legal right , is an incorrect classification for taxation, as taxation is legitimized through constitutional law. Taxes are part of a social contract, an agreement between voters and government to exchange money for the government's goods and services. Even libertarians agree that breach of contract legitimates a police response. So the real question is not whether a crime should be met with forcible i... ... tide over the rough times, and this establishes a smooth-running economy that benefits us all. One has a moral and social obligation to ensure the weakest members in society are protected, and taxation is one way of regulating this social contract. Taxes are part of an agreement that voters make with government, a contract in which citizens agree to exchange their money for the government's goods and services. To consume these goods and services without paying for them is itself theft, and is rightly punished as breach of contract. Some may object that they have not agreed to the contract, but if so, then they must not consume the government's goods and services. Furthermore, contract by majority rule is better than by minority rule, one-person rule or anarchy (which results in kill-or-be-killed). Opponents of taxation under democracy are therefore challenged to find an improvement on democracy. REFERENCES Heywood, A. Political Theory: An Introduction, Third Edition, Palgrave Macmillan, New York, 2004. Mill, J.S. On Liberty, Penguin, London, [1859] 1974. Pearsall, J. (ed.), The New Oxford Dictionary of English, iFingerâ„ ¢ online editon. Oxford University Press, Oxford, 1998.

If I Knew Then, What I Know Now

I am a thirty three year old teen mother. Sixteen years ago, at the age of 17, I became pregnant with a child that would eventually dictate, run, and be the deciding factor of who I would become. Well, let’s be honest, still defining who I will be. Today, I feel the effects of how a teenage pregnancy, now glorified by reality TV, has truly impacted my life now as an adult. How did this happen?At seventeen I entered my junior year of high school with a plan, I would graduate early, midyear at seventeen and head off to Kent State University, where only a select few, yes I was one of them, would be omitted into the architectural program. My father had always wanted to be an architect, but a civil war and its effects took a toll on my grandparent’s lives leaving my father responsible to help contribute to the family of six at an early age, so off into the work force he went, but he never let me forget that was his dream.So as a young girl I had a talent for drafting, drawin g, and really enjoyed architecture as a focus in high school. My father couldn’t have been prouder. So as a Sophomore I made the decision to move on from high school as fast as I could and get into a really mature grown up life by graduating early, as a junior, and being accepted into a prestigious program with Kent State. My father was proud! I remember the day I had to tell my parents I was pregnant and at seventeen, I would still graduate early and possibly still go onto Kent for my program, but they knew different.I saw the disappointment in their eyes and their tone. My father although disappointed was there to help me how ever I saw fit. So at seventeen I graduated with honors in January, gave birth in March and instead of entering Kent State University in August, I got married to the father of my daughter. What a mistake. Five months later, devastated by deceit and lack of involvement I left my husband and moved back into my parent’s home. I decided I had to get back on track and I tried hard.The years that followed where lead by hard emotional court battles, disappointing relationships with boys that had no interest in being with a girl who was a mother of a then two or three year old, so I decided to ask my father for a job, if I couldn’t live out his dream as an architect then I maybe I could follow in his life time achievement with an auto company that had helped him develop a name and reputation for himself, in our time. He was thrilled I wanted to work for him and hired me immediately. One year into my employment with my father, I met my husband of 11 years, He did not seem to care of my past or how I got to where I was.He seemed only interested in how we could grow as a blended family into a whole family without judgment. So we Married shortly after meeting and have been married for eleven years. However that doesn’t mean there hasn’t been a price to pay. I’d like to say that it all works out in the end. I’d like to tell all those sixteen and seventeen year olds that it will all work out, but I would be a lie. After sixteen years of struggle and hardships I find myself alone again with my daughter trying to make it work.The action I took as a seventeen year old have an impact on my thirty four year old life. I am continue to struggle to define who I and more importantly who â€Å"we† are, my daughter and I. If I could look back and tell that sixteen year old one thing it would ne not to be in such a rush to grow up and to truly listen to what my parents have to say. But I realize I do that that opportunity now to tell her that, and so I do every opportunity I get. I tell my daughter to plan a life for her and love, family and children will come, without remorse.

Beginners Guide to the Aztec Empire of Central Mexico

Beginners Guide to the Aztec Empire of Central Mexico The Aztec Empire was a group of allied but ethnically different city states who lived in central Mexico and controlled much of central America from the 12th century AD until the Spanish invasion of the 15th century. The main political alliance creating the Aztec empire was called the Triple Alliance, including the Mexica of Tenochtitlan, the Acolhua of Texcoco, and the Tepaneca of Tlacopan; together they dominated most of Mexico between 1430 and 1521 AD. The capital city of the Aztecs was at Tenochtitlan-Tlatlelco, what is today Mexico City, and the extent of their empire covered almost all of what is today Mexico. At the time of Spanish conquest, the capital was a cosmopolitan city, with different ethnic groups from all over Mexico. The state language was Nahuatl and written documentation was kept on bark cloth manuscripts (most of which were destroyed by the Spanish). A high level of stratification in Tenochtitlan included both nobles and commoners. There were frequent ritual human sacrifices, part of the military and ritual activities of the Aztec people, although it is possible and perhaps likely that these were exaggerated by the Spanish clergy. Timeline of the Aztec Culture AD 1110 - Mexica leave their homeland (Aztlan)AD 1110-1325 - Mexica travel throughout what is now Mexico, looking for a place to settleAD 1325 - Mexica settle TenochtitlanAD 1372-1391 - Rule of Acamapichtli, the first king of TenochtitlanAD 1391-1415 - Rule of Huitzilihuitzli; alliance with  Tepanecs AD 1415-1426 - Rule of ChimalpopocaAD 1428-1430 - Tepanec WarAD 1430 -  Triple Alliance  established between Mexica, Tepaneca of the city of Tlacopan, and Acolhua of the city of TexcocoAD 1436-1440 - Rule of ItzcoatlAD 1440-1468 - Rule of Motecuhzoma I (also called Montezuma)AD 1468-1481 - Rule of AxayactlAD 1481-1486 - Rule of TizocAD 1486-1502 - Rule of AhuitzotlAD 1492 -  Columbus lands in Santa Domingo AD 1496 - Columbus second voyageAD 1502-1520 - Rule of  Motecuhzoma II AD 1510 - Tenochtitlan floodsAD 1519 -  Spanish conquistador Hernan Cortes lands  on the Yucatan peninsula and begins his assault on AztecsAD 1520 - Rule of CuitahuacAD 1520 - First smallpox epidemic; Cuitahuac diesAD 1520 - Rule of Cuauhtemoc AD 1521 - Tenochtitlan falls to the Spanish A Few Important Facts about the Aztec Empire Population:  In 1519, the population of the Basin of Mexico was estimated at 1 million inhabitants, between 100,000 and 200,000 in the capital city alone Extent:  Thirty-eight provinces were submitting tribute to Tenochtitlan in 1519, according to the  Codex Mendoza State Language:  Nahuatl, a Uto-Aztecan language Life Expectancy:  37 years, due to high  birth rates  and high infant mortality rates Writing:  State documents concerning administrative details such as the amount of tribute paid to the capital city by each province were preserved on colorfully painted bark cloth paper, made by soaking and pounding the inner bark of the fig or mulberry tree. Calendars:  Like the Maya and other American civilizations, the Aztecs had two cycles to their  calendar, one a 365-day solar year and one a 260 ritual year. Combined, they made a 52-year Calendar Round. The Aztecs believed bad things happened at the end of a Calendar Round. Marriage:  Men could take as many wi ves as they could afford. The first wife was principal, but all wives spun thread and wove cloth, both sources of wealth for Aztec families. Ethnographic Data:  The best information we have on the Aztecs today comes from the writings from members of the Spanish colonization force, such as  Bartolome de las Casas  and  Fray Diego Duran. Aztecs Ritual and the Arts Intoxicants:  Pulque, from fermented agave sap;  peyotl  buttons, datura, psilocybin, black nightshade,  tobacco, morning glory seeds,  chocolate  in a drink, sometimes flavored by  chili peppers  and/or  vanilla Lapidary Arts:  Jadeite,  obsidian, chalcedony,  spondylus  shell Metallurgy:  Two bronzes, one of combined copper and tin, and one of copper arsenic; cast bells,  rings,  and tweezers; some gold and silver. Much was imported from west Mesoamerican  mines,  and metalworkers;  craft work in Tenochtitlan  included hammering, filigree and lost wax methods. The Feathered Serpent:  This pan-mesoamerican fantastic creature was called Quetzalcoatl in the Aztec language. Tlachtli Ball Game:  Played with a rubber ball in a masonry court, the ball game called tlachtli was so important to the Aztecs that 16,000 balls were imported from the Maya lowlands into Tenochtitlan annually. Aztecs and Economics Markets and Trade Network:  Cortes reported that he found a  large market system  in place in the Aztec capital city, where 60,000 people came to trade goods. During the Aztec Empire (1325-1520), the distribution of goods was so widespread that many of the materials traded were mass-produced in villages. A  long-distance trade  exchange system was in place throughout the Aztec Empire, with professional traders called  pochteca  carrying goods such as bird feathers, cacao beans and, most importantly, information. Currency:  Gold jewelry, textiles, cacao beans, and beaten copper axes. Cultivated Crops:  Maize, beans, salvia, squash, tomatoes, cactus, cotton, chile, manioc, goosefoot, amaranth,  cacao (chocolate), avocado, agave Domesticated Animals:  Turkey, duck,  dog Agriculture:  The chinampa system of agriculture used by the Aztecs consisted of a raised planting platform built in a shallow swampland and irrigated through a series of dikes. Aztecs and Warfare Weaponry:  Bow and arrow,  atlatl, oak broadswords with obsidian blades, thrusting spears, round shields of fire-hardened cane, quilted cotton armor, and shield and armed canoes. Ritual  Sacrifice:  According to written records by the Spanish, prisoners of war were led to the top of the Great Pyramid in Tenochtitlan and sacrificed by having their hearts cut out. Their bodies were then thrown down the steps of the pyramid, where they were decapitated, dismembered and eaten by Aztec warriors. This may have been exaggerated by Sahagun, but there is no doubt that ritual sacrifice was part of the rituals of Aztec war. Ritual  Bloodletting  Bloodletting, or auto-sacrifice, was a personal ritual performed by Aztec elites. Empire:  The Aztec mode of imperialism was to conquer a new territory, and then put in a leader over the existing system, rather than replace the entire ruling leadership. This unique blend of force and bribery was extremely effective in maintaining a  far -flung empire. Important Archaeological Sites of the Aztec Empire Tenochtitlan  - Capital city of the Mexica, founded in 1325 on a swampy island in the middle of Lake Texcoco; now underneath the city of Mexico city Tlatelolco  - Sister city of Tenochtitlan, known for its huge market. Azcapotzalco  - Capital of the Tepanecs, captured by the Mexica and added to the Aztec hegemony at the end of the Tepanec War Cuauhnahuac  - Modern day Cuernavaca, Morelos. Established by Tlahuica ca AD 1140, captured by Mexica in 1438. Malinalco  - Rock cut temple built ca 1495-1501. Guiengola  - Zapotec city on the Isthmus of Tehuantepec in Oaxaca state, allied with the Aztecs by marriage Xaltocan, in Tlaxcala north of Mexico City, founded on a floating island Study Questions Why would the Spanish chroniclers of the Aztecs exaggerate the violence and blood of the Aztecs in their reports back to Spain?What advantages are there to placing a capital city on a marshy island in the middle of a lake?The following English words are derived from the Nahuatl language: avocado, chocolate, and  atlatl. Why do you think these words are the ones we use today?Why do you think the Mexica chose to ally with their neighbors in the Triple Alliance rather than conquering them?What role do you think disease played with the fall of the Aztec empire? Sources on the Aztec Civilization Susan Toby Evans and David L. Webster. 2001. Archaeology of Ancient Mexico and Central America: An Encylopedia. Garland Publishing, Inc. New York.Michael E. Smith. 2004. The  Aztecs. 5th edition. Gareth Stevens. Gary Jennings. Aztec; Aztec Blood and Aztec Autumn. Although these are novels, some archaeologists do use Jennings as a textbook on the Aztecs. John Pohl. 2001. Aztecs and Conquistadores. Osprey Publishing. Charles Phillips. 2005. The Aztec and Maya World. Frances Berdan et al. 1996. Aztec Imperial Strategies. Dumbarton Oaks .