Abstract This paper discusses Gustave Dore's set of forty-two engravings that accompany the story depicted in Samuel Taylor Coleridge's poem "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner." The paper quotes passages from the poem and describes how the accompanying engravings enhance the telling of Coleridge's story, in order to paint a more vivid picture for the reader.
From the Paper "The engraving depicting the detention of the wedding guest at the beginning of the story sets the stage for the whole tale. Coleridge uses the frame story convention in order to enhance the story. The poem begins with the ancient mariner stopping a guest on the way to a wedding in order to tell the tale of his adventure at sea. This drawing is definitely on land, and serves to illustrate the contrast between land and sea that Coleridge intended. The background depicts a foreboding city scene, and the looks on the faces of the men in the engraving enhance the ominous atmosphere."
Abstract All of us must age one day, and many of us worry about it. While we all have to expect that there will be an inevitable decline in our physical bodies and appearance, many of us hope that at least we will be able to retain our mental capacity and so grow both older and wiser. However the reality is that aging is often accompanied by a decline in mental capacity. Worse still it can be accompanied by a gradual deterioration in our memories. This paper discusses the very real fear that many of us will have to cope with a deteriorating mental capacity and a decline in cognitive abilities as we enter old age.
This paper discusses not only the history and custom of Amish barn raisings, but deals with theoretical work on feasting that often accompanies group work projects in less "modern" cultures.
5,425 words (approx. 21.7 pages), 4 sources, 2001, $ 133.95
Abstract This paper examines the Amish barn raising feast within Dietler's and Herbich's theoretical framework of the Collective Work Event (CWE) and elucidates the role of the feast within the barn raising event, as well as the event itself within a broader social context. The investigation begins with a description of barn raisings within the Old Order Amish community of Goshen, Indiana and then discusses the concepts of the Work Feast and Work Exchange beneath the CWE rubric. Finally, barn raising as an ethnographic object is analyzed using Dietler's and Herbich's six descriptive factors to determine the relevance of the framework to the Amish and to uncover other aspects relevant to a larger discourse of feasting.
Abstract This paper investigates the implication of how a media oligopoly affects the American media audience in terms of which stories are chosen for broadcast and the implication of control that accompanies the presence of joint media control. There is a focus on how a single media force could potentially affect the political spectrum.
From the Paper "The concept of a media conglomeration is simple to define yet difficult to prove. The image of a "media conglomeration" smacks of outright conspiracy, where the image of several angry, older Caucasian males sitting in a room and determining the fate of the media comes immediately to mind. However, there is a growing amount of evidence that serves to indicate that there is indeed some growing form of an outright central media that is owned and operated by a core group of companies. If this is indeed the case, then this provides grounds for concern where the media is no longer seen as an impartial witness to major events and less-newsworthy social happenings."
This paper presents a financial overview of Harley-Davidson, the motorcycle manufacturer; included are many charts, graphs, and timelines to support the text.
5,014 words (approx. 20.1 pages), 17 sources, 2001, $ 126.95
Abstract This paper presents a financial overview of Harley-Davidson, the motorcycle manufacturer. The author provides background of the company including a timeline and many supporting charts. Statistical data and financial breakdowns accompany the text.
From the Paper "In Milwaukee, William Harley and Arthur Davidson started experiments to take the work out of bicycling. After being joined by the Arthur brothers, Walter and William, they came up with the idea of putting a motor and a bicycle together. Many changes were made to the engine design before its builders were satisfied. In 1903, they created the first Harley-Davidson motorcycle and produced three that year. In 1907, Harley produced 150 motorcycles."
Abstract This paper discusses how Dr. Victor Frankenstein's creation, thought to be impossible by many, may not be so far fetched in the real world. The author makes comparisons between the monster's creation and modern medical techniques, such as transplantation and cloning.
From the Paper "Mary Shelley's Frankenstein portrays an epic description of immortality. In this movie, many questions are raised dealing with the possibility of raising the dead and living forever. Is this scientifically possible? Is this morally right? Would we be able to handle having this knowledge and only using it when it became appropriate, and in what cases would it ever be appropriate? The answers to these questions are unknown at this moment in time but soon may be unveiled by the flourishing knowledge of science."
An outline of the responsibilities and research of the renewable energy source ESEP group. In addition to describing the roles and each member of the group, the proposal explains the urgency and significance of perfecting non fossil fuel energy sources.
5,415 words (approx. 21.7 pages), 23 sources, 2001, $ 133.95
Abstract This research discusses the world's current energy crisis. Fossil energy comprises the majority of the world's energy source; however, these fuels pose threats to the environment and do not provide a renewable source of energy. Analysts predict that the world will run out of fossil fuels in forty to fifty years. Due to this impending crisis, experts research and attempt to determine renewable energy sources that meet the world's growing energy needs while considering the technical, environmental, financial, and social impact of these alternatives. This report summarizes four of the most developed renewable energy options that could feasibly replace fossil fuels as a source of energy, including fuel cells, solar power, wind power, and hydroelectric power. Fuel cells use substances such as methanol and oxygen to react and provide energy; however, obtaining a clean, reliable hydrogen source and lowering the cost must precede implementation. Solar power harnesses the sun's thermal with photovoltaic cells to produce electricity; the paper focuses on concentrating solar technologies and the addition research required to employ this alternative fuel source. Wind power uses turbines situated in a field to capture the kinetic energy of the wind; as one of the most frequently used renewable energy resources, this solution may become feasible as prices decrease. Hydropower uses flowing water through a system of turbines and generators to produce vast amounts of clean energy, but its environmental impacts are serious and widespread. All of these renewable energy sources have advantages and disadvantages when it comes to producing energy on a large scale. Some of these factors include cost, efficiency, environmental factors, and political and social factors. The report recommends an increase in research for each of these fields, and concludes that these renewable energy sources will only develop if society as a whole accepts the financial burden that accompanies them. Overall, the financial burden of renewable resources does not compare to the devastating effects that continued fossil energy usage will leave on the environment.
From the Paper "As the global energy crisis worsens, scientists and researchers internationally race to refine and implement renewable energy resources to provide societies basic power needs that do not depend upon the consumption of natural resources. Within the next century, if energy consumers continue to rely on resources such as coal, petroleum, and other fossil fuels at the current rate, society will deplete its fuel reserves, specifically petroleum, to the extent that alternate power sources become necessary to maintain current standards of living based on power sources. Environmentalists, scientists, and the general public target fossil fuel usage as the primary cause for the environment's poor condition; renewable resources will offer an opportunity to prevent and possibly improve damage caused by pollution from power procurement. Globally, consumers are ill-prepared for our inevitable reliance upon renewable energy resources; moreover, developing countries in the process of electrifying their citizens will not have the means to progress in the same energy-technology development cycle and cannot base their tenuous energy dependence on a rapidly waning fuel source. In the absence of fossil fuels, people must rely on new forms of transportation and energy to power our increasingly
technology-based society. Renewable resources, such as fuel cells, solar power, wind power, and hydro power offers an environmentally-savvy alternative to fossil fuels, yet many of these technologies require further research, refinement, and optimization before we can rely upon them as a substitute for fossil fuels in basic power needs (SolarPACES 1). The problem involves ensuring global preparedness when low energy reserves mandate the use of renewable energy resources through proper allocation of renewable energy technology, ethical support from the public and the government, financial flexibility, and environmental sustainability."
Abstract This is a paper that summarizes the observations of journalist, Glenn Zorpette, who accompanied engineering majors from the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) who studied heat convection in artificial gravity by building a spinning assembly that produces centrifugal force in a test cell.
From the Paper "The scientific research was conducted in the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's world-renowned Vomit Comet, a KC-135A aircraft that is flown so as to provide weightlessness in 25-second snippets. The plane is usually used for research conducted on a professional basis but undergraduate students are allowed to make use of the plane and conduct studies related to weightlessness. "
Abstract This paper examines the reasons why the Federal Reserve Open Market Committee at its October 2000 meeting decided to leave the Federal Funds Rate target (and by extension the money supply target) unchanged as well as looking at what might have prompted the Fed Open Market Committee to increase the Federal Funds Rate or Discount Rate as well as what might have prompted them to decrease the Federal Funds Rate or Discount Rate ? and what other actions might have accompanied either an increase or decrease.
From the paper:
"To understand the Fed's decision in October it is necessary to understand how the office functions in general. As the central banking authority of the United States, the Federal Reserve acts as a fiscal agent for the U.S. government; it also serves as custodian of the reserve accounts of commercial banks, makes loans to commercial banks, and is authorized to issue Federal Reserve notes that constitute the entire supply of paper currency of the country. The system comprises the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, the 12 Federal Reserve banks, the Federal Open Market Committee, the Federal Advisory Council, and, a Consumer Advisory Council along with several thousand member banks. The Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System determines the reserve requirements of the member banks within statutory limits, reviews and determines the discount rates established by the 12 Federal Reserve banks, and reviews the budgets of the reserve banks."
Abstract This paper defined disease as anything impairing the normal state or functioning of the body as a whole or of any of its parts, explaining how certain diseases are short lived, but severe, others chronic. The author classifies diseases by their cause and how infectious they may be.
From the paper:
"Disease can be defined as anything impairing the normal state or functioning of the body as a whole or of any of its parts. Some diseases are short lived, but they are accompanied by severe symptoms. Others are chronic, or diseases that last a long time. Diseases are classified by their cause; this could be a virus, bacteria, rickettsias, or protozoa. Fungi and parasitic worms can also cause diseases. Human, certain animals and insects, and infected objects can transmit only infectious diseases. Chemical and physical agents such as drugs, poisons, and radiation can also cause disease."
Abstract This paper is an in-depth examination of a person's legal rights when dealing in negotiable instruments. Negotiable instruments are checks, promissory notes, COD's and drafts, all of which must be in writing. The paper also examines the issues of fraud, forgery and liability which can sometimes accompany the use of negotiable instruments. The author also examines some of the legal remedies available to victims of these types of crimes.
From the Paper "There are many defenses to avoid liability on negotiable instruments and elements associated with forgery, fraud and alterations in relation to negotiable instruments. One of the provisions in UCC Article 3-119 states that the defendant should give the third person written notice of litigation and other person should receive a similar notice. If the notice says that the person notified should appear to defend themselves, and that person does not appear that person would be held responsible. Other defenses are not of a material alteration, change was authorized, unauthorized completion, original terms, negligence, customer negligence to examine report, one-year bar and statute of limitations."
Tags: notes, checks, drafts, cods, liability, defenses, alteration, theft, bank, fraud, forgery, contracts, statement, legal, breach, grace, period
Abstract This paper studies muscle cars and their accompanying culture. It details the emergence of muscle cars in the 1960's and how the industry met the public needs, and their fall in the 1970's. It concludes that the enforcement of government emissions standards, combined with the switch to lower octane gasoline eventually lead to the death of the muscle car.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
The Industry
Individuality
Muscle Cars Emerge
The End of an Era
Conclusion
Interview
From the Paper "Car culture has been around as long as the automobile. For over 100 years the automobile has been an icon in American history and in people's lives. People have a long history of defining themselves by the car they drive, and judging others in this same way. What you drive can mean different things to different people, but it always means something. It reflects financial and social status, as well as personal expression. For people who wanted to be thought of as sexy, bold, and fast"the muscle car was the answer. After the end of World War II, Americans became obsessed with the automobile. Suddenly, cars become more than just tools, more for just transportation"they became identity to some people. People were what they drove. ?It was only natural that such a state of devotion to an inanimate/animate object should lead to a prominent sub-culture of super-fanatics.? (Anselmi, 1984) That love of the automobile became the catalyst for securing its place into pop culture and ultimately what has been the driving force behind the auto industry ever since. The muscle car was conceived by this driving force."
Abstract This compilation was written by Jon Sciezka and illustrated by Lance Smith. It is an interesting example of this phenomenon of how in much of children's literature; a text cannot be separated by the illustrations that accompany it. This paper shows that the stories may touch children's imaginations and hearts, but they are also aimed at the adult audience due to the way they contain a parody of certain elements of children's literature.
From the Paper "Children's literature aimed at young children poses a unique challenge for an individual attempting to analyze a work of fiction. Normally, the student of fiction can quote from the text with a reasonable expectation that the attitude of the text can be conveyed to the reader of the essay. Simply by reading the selected, quoted passage the reader of the essay ought to get a sense of the book. However, when discussing a picture book, conveying the tone of a work becomes more difficult because the illustrations and the words are inexorably linked. Often, to a very young or pre-literate child reading the book, the pictures are even more important than the words."
Abstract A paper discussing the role of the Praetorian guard which was established in Rome as an elite squad of personal bodyguards of the Roman emperors. This guard accompanied the Emperor on all his campaigns. The paper gives examples of how emperors who had better control over their guards were known to have better control over their entire empires.
From the Paper "A Roman emperor had to earn the respect of his subjects; and, at the same time, expect his commands to be obeyed. The Praetorian Guard acted as intermediaries between the emperor and the people. The Guard commanded a stature higher than the Roman legions and the auxiliaries. Their role was to maintain order in Rome. They also acted as the police force for the country of Italy. They were normally recruited from the city of Rome itself and not from its neighboring provinces?unlike the legions and auxiliaries."
Abstract This paper accounts for the problems that afflicted the new central American state, Mexico, during its first half-century of existence. This paper argues that the underlying problem was the absence of a shared political-constitutional vision within the country's creole elite. It further explains that what the new state needed to realize its potential was a period of sustained peace accompanied by the implementation of a consistent political-constitutional vision. From the point of view of nation building, it was not important whether the vision of the nation was liberal or conservative.
From the Paper "Although the constitutional settings to enable the new state to function smoothly had been laid down by the federalist constitution of 1824, during the first few decades after independence the elite grew increasingly divided over matters of political direction. A division manifested itself between liberals and conservatives. However, neither side ever remained in power long enough to impose its particular vision of political order upon Mexican society. Historically, dangerous divisions of this kind have been resolved or suppressed by a stable period of authoritarian, "strong man" rule. A peculiarity of the Mexican situation was that Mexico's greatest strong man in this period, General Santa Anna, did not use his power and popularity to create a consensus in favor of either liberalism or conservatism. Without elite consensus on constitutional fundamentals, however, there was not the least chance of successfully incorporating the Indians into the new order. The "caste war" of Yucatan was the most dramatic outcome of the Mexican elite's inability to establish an elementary consensus about the principles and character of the new republic."