Monday, January 27, 2020

Comparison of the Egyptian Pyramids and Roman Colosseum

Comparison of the Egyptian Pyramids and Roman Colosseum Chris Flathmann Whether it be shape, material, purpose, or significance, every piece of architecture is uniquely similar and uniquely different to every other piece. Despite being separated by both time and culture, the Roman Colosseum and the Egyptian Pyramids of Giza possess both unique similarities and differences to each other. Like most cultures, Roman architecture tends to derive some elements from previous cultures such as the Egyptian culture. The main similarities between the Colosseum and the Pyramids can be seen in the material used in construction due to similar natural recourses; however, the historical context and purpose of both religion and entertainment differentiate the two cultures architecture Both the Colosseum and Pyramids are great milestones not only in the world of architecture but also engineering. Like most cultures, both Roman and Egyptian architecture tends to use natural resources as materials in construction. The materials used by each culture can be explained by looking at the topography in which they reside. Since Egyptian culture primarily resided in desert regions near running water sources, materials such as limestone were heavily abundant and frequently used in construction. Due to the availability of water for some Egyptian cultures, clay would also be used. Both materials become popular not only because of their abundance but also their support strength and insulating properties. Romans also preferred using more local materials such as mortar, lime, clay, tuff, and travertine; however, Romans set themselves apart by developing cement for the purposes of construction.[1] The benefit of using cement for construction is the ease of formation. Even though bo th cultures had both similar resources, their construction process was highly different. In terms of visual characteristics, the Pyramids of Giza and the Roman Colosseum could not be further apart. The Pyramids of Giza are four sided with triangular faces. The Colosseum utilizes a circular shape to allow 360o spectating. Although the Colosseum uses the newly develop arch for support, many classical elements are still incorporated into it. One of the most noticeable aesthetic aspects of the Colosseum is the use of multiple different types of columns including Ionic and Corinthian. The Colosseum is also designed in layers with each layer consisting of a different type of column in order to show variety in architectural elements. On the other hand, the Pyramids of Giza are closed up and use flat faces rather than rounded construction. Although the exterior of the Pyramids of Giza appear plain, the true style of Egyptian culture can be seen on the inside. Burial chambers located inside the Pyramids were decorated with not only elaborate paintings but also prized possessions of the dead. This tendency to decorate interiors shows the importance that the afterlife played in Egyptian culture. Both the Colosseum and the Pyramids have become symbols of ancient civilization for both Rome and Egypt. The Roman Colosseum exemplifies the well-being and desires of the Roman people. Under emperor Vespasian, construction of the Colosseum began in order to reestablish the prominence of Roman rule after the death of Nero. This construction was started in order to celebrate the reestablishment of the empire and multiple militaristic victories. The Colosseum was primarily used for entertainment when it was first finished under emperor Titus.[2]A large society needs entertainment in order to keep happy citizens. The Roman people were very big into entertainment and extravagant shows; these vices were catered to by functions held in the Colosseum such as gladiator fights and fights against animals in order to show the strength of Romes citizens. This is the Primary difference between the Colosseum and the Pyramids. The Pyramids were primarily built in dedication to pharaohs who were cons idered gods and would need a resting place for the afterlife. Although Rome used architecture to show the power of its society, Egypt used it to show the power of its leaders. The Pyramids were also single use buildings that were used for burial places for fallen pharaohs such as Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaura. The Pyramids of Giza not only acted as burial places for pharaohs but also their families. These tombs would even be decorated and furnished for the dead to enjoy in the afterlife.[3] Since the pyramids were burial places, most were sealed off to the public. One the other hand, the Colosseum saw heavy use after its construction due to events so it was given a very open design to accommodate for large amounts of people. These differences show how cultural differences can result in major changes for both the purpose and the design of a building. The Egyptian Pyramids and Roman Colosseum show how a pieces of architectures building materials and construction process and heavily differ based on the purpose and historical context under which they were constructed. While Roman Culture primarily used architecture utilized large public space, the Egyptians tendency to dedicate buildings leaders led to large private constructions that were primarily used for display and spiritual purposes. Both the geographical and topographical separation between Egypt and Rome allowed Rome to create a unique style that still drew small elements from ancient cultures such as Egypt. Vespasian; Titus; Domitian, Roman Colosseum, 70 AD, Architecture (cement, Lime, Tile, etc†¦) Unknown, Pyramids of Giza, c. 2325 BC, Architecture (Limestone, clay) [1] The-Colosseum.net. Materials. [cited 2/14 2017]. Available from http://www.the-Colosseum.net/architecture/materials_en.htm√. [2] The-Colosseum.net. Materials. [cited 2/14 2017]. Available from http://www.the-Colosseum.net/architecture/materials_en.htm√. [3] The Editors of Encyclopedia Britanica. Pyramids of giza. in Britanica [database online]. 2016 [cited 2/15 2017]. Available from https://www.britannica.com/topic/Pyramids-of-Giza.

Sunday, January 19, 2020

Doctor of Philosophy Essay

Rich are not relevant to a general audience: â€Å"From the time I was small, I have been very active in defending our environment,† â€Å"From the first time I saw environmental protestors, I realized that they were all crazy. † Note that some of these topics could be converted into theses that would be arguable to a general audience if they were de-personalized and established as arguable issues. Also keep in mind that personal examples may play a significant supporting role in your essay–but not in the thesis or topic sentences. †¢ A thesis should be very clearly written in precise, familiar terms, avoiding language that is overly vague, broad, specialized, or technical. You can assume that your general audience consists of well-informed, intelligent adults with good, general vocabularies, but you cannot assume they are specialists in a particular subject–at least not in English 1A. Example of a vague and overly broad thesis: â€Å"In some cultures, aspects of the environment may play a role in life’s spiritual and metaphysical dimension. †Example of a thesis that is too specialized for a general reader: â€Å"The image of the child in eighteenth- and nineteenth-century scientific, historical, and literary narratives is often representing or figuring interiority, growth, historicity, and development. † (This thesis may be quite clear to advanced scholars of literature or history, but a general audience would probably find it too obscure. ) †¢ A thesis may reliably forecast the organization of the essay, letting the reader know what main supporting points will be covered and in what order. This forecast is sometimes called a plan of development (POD) or a blueprint. A POD is often a good idea, but it is not an obligatory part of the thesis in English 1A; you may present it in the sentence following the thesis, or you may skip it altogether Example of POD in thesis: Skateboarding should be limited to special parks because it poses a nuisance to pedestrians, leads to serious injuries, and causes thousands of dollars’ worth of damage to public and private property. Example of POD following thesis: Skateboarding is not just a harmless recreation and should, in fact, be limited to special parks. As it now stands, the sport poses a nuisance to pedestrians, leads to serious injuries, and causes thousands of dollars’ worth of damage to public and private property. The following thesis rules also apply to your essays in English 1A, but keep in mind that as your academic writing becomes increasingly skilled and sophisticated, you may outgrow these restrictions. And they may not apply to the essays you write in other courses (check with your instructors). †¢ Limit your thesis statement to one sentence. †¢ Do NOT frame your thesis as a question–it should be a declarative statement. †¢ Do NOT rely on an implied thesis. We will encounter some implied theses in our readings, but your essays must have an explicit thesis statement. †¢ The thesis must appear in the essay’s first paragraph (the introduction) at the end of the paragraph. †¢ Underline your thesis in English 1A to make it easier for me (and for you! ) to identify it.

Saturday, January 11, 2020

Legalization of Marijuana Essay

The terms ‘weed’ or ‘grass’ strike meaning to many Americans. When thinking of these terms, they are commonly associated with having the ‘munchies’ also known as being extremely hungry due to the side affects of smoking marijuana. What most Americans don’t realize is the benefits that can come from legalizing marijuana because their minds are clouded by the stereotypes associated with the average ‘pot smoker’. Dismiss the corny jokes and stereotypes for a second and consider the truths that are unveiled. In Timothy Egan’s â€Å"Give Pot a Chance,† Egan looks beyond the stigma of smoking weed and points out the benefits that will come from legalization. Although the government is wrongfully hindering us from legalizing marijuana, it should be a national wide policy due to the large benefit of tax regulations that will and has already arise. Egan starts his opinion with three main arguments: marijuana related drug wars, hypocrisy, and the most important argument he points out is the tax revenue that will be generated. Drug related wars are extremely prevalent today. Egan states that there are over 853,000 arrest made for marijuana related offenses. 60,000 people have been killed because of drug wars and violent crimes regarding the distribution of marijuana. Many people are being affected by the violence of the underground markets. He briefly goes over statistical numbers and significant data to further emphasize his argument for legalization. He quickly delves into the hypocrisy of not legalizing marijuana. He explains how our sports industry would completely collapse without all the legal drugs provided by various companies. Popular products include five-hour energy, red bull, and other pills for other uses. He points out how there were thousands of illnesses and fatalities regarding Five Hour Energy. This is an over the shelf product that can be obtained by anyone. In retaliation, Egan brings up how there are little to no people dying from marijuana ingestion. This also brings attention to one of the most common argument as to why people oppose legalization: that it is  unhealthy for the human body when taken in large doses. Although not explained very well, Egan points out the hypocrisy in the rationale of people thinking this way. Any substance taken in large doses is harmful to any human. Even something as healthy as water is bad in large doses. Although this is not a big part of his argument and does not explicitly say why marijuana is good for one or for the nation, it leads up to and adds to his claim of legalizing marijuana. The main argument for legalization and data that Egan gives is the tax revenue that will come from it. Egan arrives at this data by carefully studying the states that already have legalized medical marijuana including the District of Columbia and 18 other states. Washington State officials estimate that licensed marijuana stores will generate 532 million dollars in revenue every year. On top of that, legalization will decrease all the billions of dollars currently wasted on prosecuting and investigating marijuana cases. Money is being wasted on investigating marijuana cases while in reality most do not even get prosecuted or even fined. Since it is legal in some states and not others, enforcement of marijuana laws are clouded making the United States lose more money. If all states had the same rules it would be easier to regulate and gain an abundance of tax revenue from. Legalization of marijuana will benefit the United States as a nation. Egan agrees that a â€Å"whiff of positive and even monumental change is in the air†. He claims that legalization will benefit us tremendously in many ways, but specifically with the generation of revenue from tax. An influx of money from marijuana taxation would greatly help the United States with financial debt. Egan explicitly links his data to his claim by openly asking his audience to consider his data and apply it to the whole nation and then stating that the taxation would help the United States. He explains that the success from the state of Washington proves that other states will strive as well, thus adding to the success of the nation as a whole. Because there are so many issues and contradicting conflicts surrounding the issue of marijuana, Egan has to state his warrant to further emphasize his reasons for legalization and make apparent the change that could happen. The rhetor, Egan, suggests that the change will most likely happen by stating that â€Å"Obama is uniquely suited to make the argument for change. On his issue, he’ll have support from the libertarian right and the humanitarian left.† Egan implies that since 19 states have  already legalized the use of medical marijuana, many states will follow in their footsteps so it is only a matter of time. Unfortunately Egan had a very powerful qualifier that was not adequately explained. Egan implicitly argues that we, as a nation, should not wait for other states to slowly make the change to legalize. Obama and his administration have the power and more importantly the support to change it now. The lack of explaining this weakened a crucial part of his argument for national legalization. Egan believes national legalization should is needed soon rather than legalization by individual states. At the end of his speech he starts delving into his opinion he quickly adds how the law system is not enforced enough. Egan argues that with legalization nation wide, everyone would be on the same page, which is completely true. With nation wide legalization, the issue of use and abuse can be properly discussed and determined. He uses the example of alcohol and how campaigns against drunk driving have saved countless of lives when alcohol is so easy to obtain. This could be the same way as marijuana. With proper laws, marijuana could be regulated efficiently and safely. Unfortunately he only briefly states this and does not fully explain it clearly. He is implying that marijuana is a problem because congress has chosen to make it a problem because they decided not to deal with it. I thought this did not necessarily weaken his argument but left his audience thinking. Egan was successful at proving his point because of his strong claim, data, and warrant. He chose an engaging and interesting claim that is relatable to many Americans. The sets of data he chose to support his argument was tacitful because all Americans can benefit from money therefore everyone is in some way going to benefit from legalization. Egan makes clear the clouded stereotypes and stigma of marijuana and illuminates the truths involved. No matter our opinion or feelings on the issue, the presentation of information for the audience makes a very convincing argument. Work Cited: Egan, Timothy. â€Å"Give Pot a Chance.† Opinionator Give Pot a Chance Comments. New York Times, 22 Nov. 2012. Web. 27 Feb. 2013. .

Friday, January 3, 2020

Essay about Filial Ingratitude in Shakespeares King Lear

Filial Ingratitude in Shakespeares King Lear In Shakespeares King Lear, the main plot, which is focused around the error of King Lear, is mirrored by the subplot, which is based on the Earl of Gloucesters mistake. The main plot parallels the subplot in order to reiterate one of the main themes of the play, filial ingratitude. At first, both Gloucester Lear are unaware that their disloyal offspring are taking advantage of them, and they have wrongfully accused their virtuous heirs. When they discover their mistakes however, it is too late to correct them. In Act I, Scene I, Goneril claims, Sir, I love you more than words can wield the matter...a love that makes breath poor, and speech unable; beyond†¦show more content†¦Gloucester banishes his Edgar in a fit of passion, just as Lear banished Cordelia. Both were drawn to their evil childrens flattery. These children then display filial ingratitude when they betray their fathers by deceiving them. Lear and Gloucester both suffer for having trusted the children who flattered them. In Act II, Scene IV, Lear pleads with his daughters to allow him to keep some knights. He reminds his daughter Regan, I gave you all, line 245. She then replies, and in good time you gave it line 246. Though Lear gave his daughters everything they ask him in this argument, What need one? line 250. He begs them to reason not the need, but instead comply wish a simply request, but the selfish, heartless sisters refuse. Much like Lear, Gloucester looses his fortune to his child. Edmund betrays his father by giving a letter to Cornwall, and thus assumes Gloucesters title, This courtesy, forbid thee, shall the duke instantly know; and of that letter too: this seems a fair deserving, and must draw me that which my father loses; no less than all: the younger rises when the old doth fall act III, scene III, lines 18- 23. Lear goes insane, asking Tom OBedlem if he had give[n] all to thy daug hters? And art thou come to this? act III, scene IV, lines 48-49, andShow MoreRelatedDramatic Scene Illustrated in Shakespeares King Lear - Storm Scene891 Words   |  4 PagesShakespeare’s King Lear offers its audience an impossible number of dramatic and memorable scenes, but I have chosen the storm scenes in Act III Scenes 1, 2 and 4 as my key dramatic scenes. The storm provides a dramatic centre to the play. It is used to bring about change, to represent Lear’s inner unrest, to symbolise the power of nature and to expose the play’s characters under the intolerant conditions of thunder and lightning. The scenes in which the storm takes place are very different toRead MoreCharacters in Romeo and Juliet by Williams Shakespeare Essay1024 Words   |  5 Pagesisn’t caused by â€Å"the sun, moon, and stars†. It is the cause of one’s own actions, but people believe that when they suffer, it isn’t their fault, and they blame others. That, according to Shakespeare, is the idiocy of the world. In Shakespeare’s plays, specifically King Lear and Romeo and Juliet, grieving is a common theme, and it makes a greater point about humanity. Shakespeare makes people suffer in his plays to show his audience that suffering in universal and often the product of one’s poor decisionsRead More The Role of Femininity in Shakespeares Hamlet, Othello, and King Lear2337 Words   |  10 PagesThe Role of Femininity in Shakespeares Hamlet, Othello, and King Lear Hamlet, Othello, and King Lear similarly experience an unhooking (Tompkins) in the eponymous plays. These tragic figures struggle with internal and external femininity: after realizing their emotions and labeling them feminine, they identify women as the source of this negative femininity. Their inability to deal with the female gender in any form destabilizes their masculinity, causing an unhooking/unlatching within themRead MoreA Consideration of the Way Shakespeare Presents and Develops the Theme of Blindness in King Lear1563 Words   |  7 PagesA Consideration of the Way Shakespeare Presents and Develops the Theme of Blindness in King Lear Introduction ============ Throughout ‘King Lear’, Shakespeare uses the play’s characters to make judgements on society using blindness as a metaphor that runs through the play. He does this in a number of ways portraying characters that can be fooled by others’ flattery, or are easily manipulated or deceived, or simply have a lack of wisdom. As well as the horrific