Ancient Mesopotamia and the Epic of Gilgamesh

The epic of Gilgamesh, one of the oldest epics known to man, reflects the challenges of life in ancient Sumer by dealing with them metaphorically. The most important challenges in ancient Sumerian life were deforestation and flooding. After Enkidu and Gilgamesh meet and become friends, Gilgamesh proposes that they go to the cedar forest and cut down all the trees. Though Gilgamesh’s reasoning for cutting down all the trees isn’t very reasonable, he still persuades Enkidu to come along with him. â€Å"At dawn Gilgamesh raised his ax and struck at the great cedar. When Humbaba heard the sound of falling trees, he hurried down the path that they had seen but only he had traveled. † 1 Gilgamesh and Enkidu cutting down trees was a metaphor for the ongoing problem of deforestation in ancient Mesopotamia. Because Gilgamesh and Enkidu cut down the trees that were sacred to the gods, the gods cursed mankind with fire and drought. â€Å"Civilization has never recognized limits to its needs. † 2 In ancient Mesopotamia, the land was savagely deforested. In this way, deserts formed, and civilization declined. Gilgamesh yearns for immortality, and chases after the dream of being immortal. When he fails to achieve immortality, he returns to his town and realizes that because he built the wall of Uruk and other constructions and because they would last long after he was gone, he would thereby gain immortality. â€Å"He looked at the walls, awed at the heights his people had achieved and for a moment- just a moment- all that lay behind him passed from view. † 3 In the epic of Gilgamesh immortality is a theme that frequently recurs, and is a metaphor for how Sumerians, as like all humans, desire immortality but cannot achieve it. Also, a possible explanation for the reason humans do not have immortality is because Gilgamesh did not obtain immortality. Humans living in ancient Mesopotamia had difficult relations with gods; they were responsible for natural disasters, which is how the people of ancient Sumer rationalized floods, drought, famine, and locusts. Supposedly, the gods had human emotions and could become stubborn, angry for no reason, jealous, and have other petty emotions. With the gods’ ability to create those natural disasters and at the same time harbor negative emotions, humans were fearful of the god’s wrath, since the gods could be easily provoked. Before the epic of Gilgamesh, a tremendous flood is released when the gods realize how imperfect humanity is. Utnapishtim had built a large boat and every living thing was stowed away inside of it while the flood raged. When the flood recedes, Utnapishtim is the only human left alive along with other animals. He lets the animals free, and Enlil blesses him with immortality. The power of the gods in the epic of Gilgamesh is a metaphor for the flooding of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. Because the gods were violent and unpredictable, they could create disasters among the Sumerians and they could grant immortality. ’Acts of God,’ such as flooding, drought, famine, or plagues of locusts, affected entire communities. Floods were generally local but extremely destructive, causing a high death rate. † 4 Floods were one of the largest problems in Ancient Mesopotamia. The rivers could also be harsh and unpredictable because their flooding devastated ancient Mesopotamia. Ancient Sumerians could also suffer from droughts, famine, locust, and other natural disasters. On the other hand, they could gain abundant harvest when nature was compliant. Many challenges of life in ancient Sumerian history are reflected in the epic of Gilgamesh. Deforestation and flooding were the main issues faced in ancient Mesopotamia. These challenges were woven into the epic tale of Gilgamesh as metaphors; â€Å"The epic of Gilgamesh shows an understanding of ecological processes and the consequences of human action on the earth†¦Ã¢â‚¬ 5 The epic of Gilgamesh was proof that Ancient Sumerians caused their own demise by deforestation, which also led to more flooding and other natural disasters.

Prenatal care and testing persuasive speech outline Essay

Introduction Attention: I. Attention: Imagine that you or a close loved one of yours is in the hospital about to give birth when suddenly, before you can even set eyes on the little one or hold them, the nurses rush them out of the room and your lives are turned upside down in a matter of seconds. II. Connect: Unfortunately this is something that happens to many unsuspecting families every day and could happen to you or someone that you know. Opposition: Some argue that prenatal care and testing is immoral and wrong because of the concern of women using it to prevent and abort babies with disabilities, but this is not the case at all. Prenatal testing is done to allow doctors to treat them early. Another argument is that the cost of prenatal care is just too much, but that is why there are many foundations to help mothers as well as health departments that offer free or no costs at all care. Preview: As a witness to one of these traumatic events I would like to show you why it is so important that women receive prenatal care and testing and encourage you and your loved ones to receive it. Body Main Point One-Need I. Sadly about one third of the women who give birth will have some kind of pregnancy related complication which is most of the reason why prenatal care is extremely important.  A. Receiving prenatal care reduces the risk of pregnancy-related complications such as anemia, preterm birth, preeclampsia, complications of diabetes, or poor growth of the baby in utero. B. Unfortunately one million women in the U.S. deliver babies without receiving prenatal care C. According to childtrends.org, mothers who receive late or no prenatal care are three times more likely to give birth to a low-weight baby. D. Babies whose mothers don’t receive prenatal care are five times more likely to die. Main Point Two-Satisfaction II. With prenatal care and testing doctors can spot health problems early when they see mothers regularly. A. The tests done for the mother are  generally done in the first trimester to determine things such as her blood type, whether she has diabetes, anemia, or other health conditions such as and STD. B. In a developing child testing can identify treatable health problems, characteristics of the baby, and the chance that the baby has certain birth defects, or genetic or developmental problems. Main Point Three-Visualization III. There are many benefits with receiving prenatal care. It can save lives if not better the chance at a great one. A. Everyday doctors are helping expectant mothers provide their developing child to get a great head start at a healthy life. B. There are many health problems that healthcare professionals have been able to take care of before the child is born or the problem gets worse. C. The chance of a child developing a birth defect is significantly lessoned when the mother receives prenatal care. Conclusion-Action I. So, I encourage you to please receive prenatal care or make sure your loved ones do so. II. If you or your loved one receives prenatal care your child will have the best chance possible to be born healthy.

Special Occasion Speech

Before beginning, I'd like to offer my sincerest gratitude to ChMlotte and Justin for allowing me 10 be pan oflhls special occasion. Aho, I wouJd like to say thank you 10 Charlotte' 1 parenU for . 11 that you've done to make this ! he special day tha! il is. And, of course. my gntefuln~ to Justin' s parentS for all oryour suppon and all that you've done to make this, by all accounts, the perfect day. I love 1 wedding – especially when it happens to such great people. From the moment [ saw you two together, Charlotte, I knew this would happen. Charlotte has been. great rriend in. w many ways. We've come to know one another so wen, that we have an undemanding that goes beyond wOf'ds. We don't judge. and we don't have 10 explain. So. when Clwiotte found her soul-mate, she didn't really have 10 say much to make it clear to me that Justin was the one and only for her. The love in her beart and the joy in ber spirit were obvious from the beginning. I've seen that same Jove and happiness in JUSlin. Charlotte and Justin, I am elCtremely happy for both of you. You truly complement one another. You rod u friends and it evolved into a love that so many people r1U'eIy find today. Love after a1~ doesn't make the world go around †¦ Love is what makes the ride wonhwhile. And it's a wonderful thing when two people who were made for each othefmanage to frnd each other and ! all io love. So, I'd like to make a toast. And I'd like to make it with this thought in mind: If there is such a thing as a good marriage, then it cqmes from unconditional and enduring love that grows from commitment and friendship. So this is to you, Justin and Charlotte, your love Bnd friendship have always been special and your future as busband and wife promises to be bright. Here's to a wonderful, enchanted life together rich with love and happiness . Special Occasion Speech Before beginning, I'd like to offer my sincerest gratitude to ChMlotte and Justin for allowing me 10 be pan oflhls special occasion. Aho, I wouJd like to say thank you 10 Charlotte' 1 parenU for . 11 that you've done to make this ! he special day tha! il is. And, of course. my gntefuln~ to Justin' s parentS for all oryour suppon and all that you've done to make this, by all accounts, the perfect day. I love 1 wedding – especially when it happens to such great people. From the moment [ saw you two together, Charlotte, I knew this would happen. Charlotte has been. great rriend in. w many ways. We've come to know one another so wen, that we have an undemanding that goes beyond wOf'ds. We don't judge. and we don't have 10 explain. So. when Clwiotte found her soul-mate, she didn't really have 10 say much to make it clear to me that Justin was the one and only for her. The love in her beart and the joy in ber spirit were obvious from the beginning. I've seen that same Jove and happiness in JUSlin. Charlotte and Justin, I am elCtremely happy for both of you. You truly complement one another. You rod u friends and it evolved into a love that so many people r1U'eIy find today. Love after a1~ doesn't make the world go around †¦ Love is what makes the ride wonhwhile. And it's a wonderful thing when two people who were made for each othefmanage to frnd each other and ! all io love. So, I'd like to make a toast. And I'd like to make it with this thought in mind: If there is such a thing as a good marriage, then it cqmes from unconditional and enduring love that grows from commitment and friendship. So this is to you, Justin and Charlotte, your love Bnd friendship have always been special and your future as busband and wife promises to be bright. Here's to a wonderful, enchanted life together rich with love and happiness .

Challenges for reworking corrections Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Challenges for reworking corrections - Essay Example This paper shall discuss the solution of reinvigorating a new correctional leadership. Various materials from different authors and discussions shall be used in this paper in order to support this student’s chosen solution. Clear, Cole, and Reisig (2009) discuss that a strong leadership is needed in order to solve our problems in our corrections system. They cite the case of Martin Horn who runs the New York City Rikers system. Horn’s strong leadership was able to prove that it is important for a corrections manager to act fairly and reasonably; maintain a drug-free prison system; and make transactions transparent in order to ensure the public’s confidence in it (Clear, Cole, & Reisig, 2009). The authors also point out that with strong leaders, solutions can easily and effectively be implemented through a strong and determined vision, the leader’s ability to put the right people into the right kind of work, and the leader’s strong ability to motivate people into doing their best (Clear, Cole, and Reisig, 2009). These leaders can be seen in almost every corner of the globe; and the challenge is to attract these people and entice them into joining the corrections system. In a paper submitted by Dobel (2006), and published by the US Department of Corrections, he points out the importance of a strong leader who is ethical and mindful of his values. The author sets forth that since a leader holds a position of authority, most especially in an important area such as corrections, he is bound into a complicated system of obligations and responsibilities. A leader has to answer and be responsible for and to his colleagues, superiors, peers, offenders, and other clients (victims, the family members of the victims, and the offenders themselves) (Dobel, 2006). If the leader and the different corrections staff fail, then the corrections system itself can suffer the consequences.

Positive Impacts of Free Trade on Economic Development Essay

Positive Impacts of Free Trade on Economic Development - Essay Example Free trade is particularly vital in aligning a country’s economy with the global partners. It is worth noting that countries which had initially centralized their economy lost many years of enormous benefits due to their politically driven isolation from the market economies. Today, they have aspired to tap into the benefits of joining the trading global system. However, active involvements in international trade present potential or associated risks. This is caused by active participation in global markets that are characterized by stiff competition. For instance, a country risks shutting down upcoming industries - those that are less competitive or adaptable - owing to the stiff competition presented by free trade. This is the greatest risk of free trade and has to be looked into carefully before opening up borders for free commerce (Sen., 2004). In addition to this, free trade encourages overdependence on foreign suppliers. This is unacceptable especially when dealing with sensitive supplies or those that play a crucial role in the country’s economy. A good example is supply of food commodities where many nations prefer stabilizing their food security supply so as to avoid crisis in the event of uncertainties such as war or shortage in the supplying nation. Although many countries have opted to have free trade, economists from developing countries argue that newly developed industries ought to be protected until a stage that they are less vulnerable to global competition. Therefore, some governments do so by opting to reduce the amount of imports or prohibit imports at all through trade barriers such as quotas. Additionally, imposing tariffs on imports makes it expensive hence imported...This paper offers a thorough review of numerous contributions of free trade to the economic development of countries. As it is shown in the essay, free trade contributes positively to economic growth and should be encouraged by all nations. In the last few decades trade has undergone transformation from the ancient traditional trading with goods for goods to modern exchange of goods and services for cash. Free trade can be defined as the cross boundary exchange of goods and services without government restrictions, taxes and tariffs. Every nation can find its own place in international labor division. Therefore, every country need to identify their path of supply based on her viable advantages, intensify it and make it the heart of their economic survival and progress. It is important to note that the cost and benefits of global trade is dependent on the magnitude of a nation’s domestic consumption. It is also dependent on the amount of natural resources at its disposal and the ease to tap such resources. The advantages free trade brings are, as follows. First, free trade encourages the theory of comparative advantage through specialization in goods that can be produced more efficiently. Secondly, reducing tariff barriers encourages development of trade. Thirdly, free trade encourages increased exports which are beneficial for domestic producers. Fourthly, free trade gives countries an opportunity to benefit from economies of scale. Finally, international trade enhances increased completion among nations.

FDA Approval Procedure Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

FDA Approval Procedure - Assignment Example From this paper it is clear that pre-clinical studies must showcase that the medication will not induce chromosomal damage when consumed in potentially effective doses. The results are filed to the FDA together with the IND (Investigational New Drug) application. Apart from the pre-clinical studies report, the IND application contains the information on pharmacologic properties, the proposal for clinical investigations, and clarification of safety measures for prospective volunteers.This essay discusses that after a drug has survived all the trials, an NDA (New Drug Application) is forwarded to the FDA. According to the 1992 Prescription Drug User Fee Act, standard applications are to be reviewed within the 12-month timeframe. Results on priority applications are usually released within six months. Sometimes, FDA may request to provide minor corrections or labeling adjustments. As soon as the product receives the FDA approval, it is allowed for sail. In case of rejection, the FDA pre sents the reasoning together with a list of recommendations. Certain approvals are given under the condition that further research must be conducted shortly after the initial marketing. For instance, the manufacturer may be requested to assess risks in patients with specific illnesses or to examine the long-term effects.  To conclude, drug approval is a lengthy and costly process that is strictly regulated by the FDA.

HRM(see below my topic) Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

HRM(see below my topic) - Essay Example The size of the labor market, the image of a company, the place of posting, the nature of job, the compensation package and a host of other factors influence the manner in which job aspirants are likely to respond to the recruiting efforts of a company. Through the process of recruitment, a company tries to locate prospective employees and encourages them to apply for vacancies at various levels. Recruiting thus, provides a pool of applicants for selection. (i) Transfer. It involves the shifting of an employee from one job to a one department to another or from one shift to another. Transfer is a good source of filling vacancies with employees from overstaffed departments or shifts. at the time of transfer, it should be ensured that the employee to be transferred to another .job is capable of performing it. In fact, transfer does not involve any drastic change in the responsibilities, pay and status of the employee. Transfers or job rotations are also used for training of employees in learning different jobs. (ii) Promotion. It leads to shifting an employee to a higher position, carrying higher responsibilities, facilities, status and pay. Many companies follow the practice of filling higher jobs by promoting employees who are considered fit for such positions. Filling vacancies in higher jobs from within the organization has the benefit of motivating the existing employees. It has a great psychological impact over the employees because a promotion at the higher level may lead to a chain of promotions at lower levels in the organization(Rao, 2005, p-148) Why should Internal Sources be used Filling vacancies in higher jobs from within the organization or through internal transfers has the following merits (Braver, 1998, p15-16): Employees are motivated to improve their performance. Morale of the employees is increased. Industrial peace prevails in the enterprise because of promotional avenues. Filling of jobs internally is cheaper as compared to getting candidates from external sources. A promotion at a higher level may lead to a chain of promotions at lower levels in the organization. This motivates the employees to improve their performance through learning and practice. Transfer or job rotation is a tool of training the employees to