The United States Naval Observatory Flagstaff Station

Percival Lowell came to Flagstaff in 1894, Arizona was still a territory, and Flagstaff had a population of less than 1,000 people (Putnam). In 1930, Flagstaff was put on the map with the discovery of Pluto, using Lowell’s calculations, and became the first planet discovered outside of Europe. People flocked to the up and coming science-based town, revitalizing the population to 8,000 by 1955. As the population boom was upon this quiet wooded town, the U.S. Naval Observatory Flagstaff Station was established, as was the U.S Geological Survey in 1963. With more observatories being built and the advancement of the natural sciences, the need for the preservation of dark skies in Flagstaff became apparent (Flagstaff’s). The first†¦show more content†¦This allowed, for the first time, to accurately determine Pluto’s mass and diameter (Putnam). However, during this time, even the U.S. Naval Observatory Flagstaff Station located on the outskirts of town was being taking over by the overpowering monster of light emanating from city streets. So in 1986, Tucson and Pima County again took the initiative to jointly update their lighting codes, requiring low-pressure sodium (LPS) lights and to ban all mercury vapor lights. During the same time, the City of Flagstaff began a trial experiment: replacing the streetlights on Santa Fe Avenue with LPS lights. This allowed for the city and its residents to adjust to different lighting styles and evaluate the effectiveness of these lights. The response was extremely favorable: nine out of ten Flagstaff residents were ready to switch all streetlights to LPS by 1987 (Flagstaff’s). With the retirement of the previous director of Lowell Observatory, Wes Lockwood, a dark sky activist, arose to the occasion and began to rethink Flagstaff’s lighting codes and the impacts of its growing population. When Lockwood became Lowell’s director in 1986, Christian Luginbuhl, an astrono mer, began working on lighting issues at the U.S. Naval Observatory Flagstaff Station. Both astronomers agreed, â€Å"city officials and many citizens recognize the importance of astronomy to Arizona and Flagstaff, and understand the danger The United States Naval Observatory Flagstaff Station Percival Lowell came to Flagstaff in 1894, Arizona was still a territory, and Flagstaff had a population of less than 1,000 people (Putnam). In 1930, Flagstaff was put on the map with the discovery of Pluto, using Lowell’s calculations, and became the first planet discovered outside of Europe. People flocked to the up and coming science-based town, revitalizing the population to 8,000 by 1955. As the population boom was upon this quiet wooded town, the U.S. Naval Observatory Flagstaff Station was established, as was the U.S Geological Survey in 1963. With more observatories being built and the advancement of the natural sciences, the need for the preservation of dark skies in Flagstaff became apparent (Flagstaff’s). The first upward battle in the establishment of dark skies that Flagstaff faced was in 1958. A new telescope was set to be built, but because of the increase in light pollution that was creeping up Mars Hill, the Anti-searchlight law went into effect. The Anti-searchlight law allowed officers to fine individuals $300 when in possession of a searchlight, or receive 90 days in jail. By June 1972, Tucson had adopted Arizona’s second lighting law – all lights had to be pointed downward – and Pima County developed a similar law soon after. The City of Flagstaff was next to follow suit (Putnam). Light from Flagstaff’s growing city continued to prove difficult for astronomers. In 1980, most of Lowell’s research work and discoveries were made on top ofShow MoreRelatedThe United States Naval Observatory Flagstaff Station1741 Words   |  7 PagesLowell came to Flagstaff in 1894, Arizona was still a territory, and Flagstaff had a population of less than 1,000 people (Putnam). In 1930, Flagstaff was put on the map with the discovery of Pluto, using Lowell’s calculations, and became the first planet discovered outside of Europe. People flocked to the up and coming science-based town, revital izing the population to 8,000 by 1955. As the population boom was upon this quiet wooded town, the U.S. Naval Observatory Flagstaff Station was established

Ideas to Reduce Corruption Free Essays

To reduce the level of corruption in our countries, we, as the next generation, must take the lead to make our desire of change public to each government. At the same time community leaders must be used to spread the idea of a progressive change. As my first step to do so, I will convince my sector leaders to increase education in people, youth and childhood, starting from just a few and going up in the whole country. We will write a custom essay sample on Ideas to Reduce Corruption or any similar topic only for you Order Now After that, work with the example to other countries and make the change visible and desirable.Corruption is such a major problem in our societies. For bad luck we are daily inmerse in cases where we have to face corruption and of course we will do it depending on the circumstances. Sometimes I think that we already live with corruption as a normal standard of living, how sad! Therefore instead of falling into the trap we should in first place think about what we are doing and the repercussions that my acts are going to have in a long term.The first step is to think if there is correct way to do things, maybe it is difficult but our problem is that we feel comfortable and we forget that we can think outside the box. We should start letting our voices out, and let them be heard, and of course even if it sounds as a utopia, the change starts with us and how are we willing to face this new challenges. It? not going to be easy and we are not going to be able to change it in one day, but slowly, with a noble heart, with passion and desire, small actions can do gigantic things. Last but not least in my particular case, if someday I become what I’m wishing for; Ministry of Agriculture of Ecuador from that position at least I will be able to give back a little bit to my community and to the agricultural sector, and I will try my best to do things right for my country.To reduce corruption is not an easy thing, it requires a lot of effort, but the change should begin by getting people to acknowledge that corruption is not something distant, allusive only to politicians or people in power; sadly, corruption is enrooted in the culture of our countries at all levels; it is like cancer that spreads slowly killing ethical and moral values of citizens. I think the only way to stop the vicious circle of corruption is to raise the awareness among people that corruption must not be consid ered a common practice, corruption is a problem and the solution is in the hands of each and every one of us.It is in us the responsibility to say no to corruption, to build a better and fairer society. What I propose is to make a social awareness campaign which encourages people to say no to corruption, starting with simple things, like respecting the lines, not offering or receiving bribes, respecting the traffic police, acting with empathy, etc. ; the idea is that this small wins in the day to day activities of people set in an environment in which the vicious circle of corruption can be broken. This campaign should frame its message in civic pride and the desire for improvement, something like: â€Å"I am Latin American, and I say no to corruption†.This has to be visual; I can imagine employees putting an emblematic sign of the â€Å"I say no† campaign in front of their desks just to let know others they are not willing to make bad businesses, or policemen wearing I say no badges to let know drivers they won’t accept bribes and posters of â€Å"I say no† in court rooms. Of course this campaign should be based on real actions, such as the improvement of laws, severe penalties for corrupt public functionaries, education in schools and colleges of ethics, improvement of public services, among others.Even though such movement can be sponsored by the government, an ONG, the private sector or any group, the most important is that it must get the support of all constituencies and the message must really get to touch the mind and hearts of people to ach ieve the impossible, to be part of something special, and to create an â€Å"I say no† culture. The best way to change Latin America is to supply basic needs in the communities. Until the basic requirements of healthcare, nourishment and safety are met the more complex building blocks that would inoculate the communities from corruption cannot be achieved.To do this we need to raise the wealth and more importantly distribute it fairly. A simple solution is not available, little steps must be taken to improve governmental entities, private sector, education with example and action. Tactics like micro financing can develop the most vulnerable communities and igniting a culture of respect for those well off individuals who do affect those communities in a positive way. Whenever the benefits of taking the corrupt road outweigh the costs of taking it, the propensity of corruption among public institutions will be present in a significant way.Today in Latin America most our countries are left at the mercy of the only effective deterrent for corruption we are able to find: ethics. And as effective as they are, history has proved us that relying on them is not only naive but kind of irresponsible. So in order to get rid of this awful disease, more is needed to generate change. Going back to the first idea, individuals make their decisions considering the costs and benefits of a particular path. So in order to influence such decisions, incentives must be created to increase the benefits or increase the costs.Either way would prove to be an effective way of influencing behavior. Then what we could do is try to increase the costs of corrupt behavior. How can a society do so? By modifying their current institutions, in order to create a set of rules applicable to everyone, and creating enough will power to enforce this rules. People talk a lot of the role of culture in the corruption dilemma. Nevertheless institutions also help to shape culture. In order to change culture we first have to change our institutions. Which institutions to change, and how to change them, goes beyond the scope of the writer’s intention, but an opinion is clearly defined towards changing institutions as a way of eliminating corruption in our countries. First of all we need to act as we talk; we need to really step up and act upon our words on a positive way. Secondly we need to rely on education and values for our society. We need to start positively influencing our inner circle (Family and friends) and start working our way out (Work ad society). Corruption is something that must be change with time.You cannot change it in one week or month, even one year. The Key is culture and institutions and strong competitive market. In order to eliminate corruption you have to prepare the coming generation with new values, habits and thinking so you begin to create an environment of respect for the society.. The second thing is that it is necessary to guarantee and strong State that applies the law, but also an institution that develop new way to be more efficient and respond to a highly demand society.Finally, it is need to create incentive for people, if the people’s needs are not fulfill are not totally fulfill, t is likely to fall in corruption; one way to avoid this is with real competitive market, and if there is a unfair situation, the State has to react. Assuring this three ideas it is more probably you can have a better society in the future generation. To reduce corruption in Central America we all have to do our part. If you get to deal with a corrupt person, always do the following two things; first don’t comply with the corruption. Then speak up. Don’t keep it to yourself. If you keep quiet, the corruption will never stop. Doing these two things, one person at a time, will make this a better region for everybody. How to cite Ideas to Reduce Corruption, Papers

Music Reaction Essay Example For Students

Music Reaction Essay In 1905, Johnnys brother John Roseland Johnson set the words of this poem to USIA. It was not long after that this song ended up in almost every church hymnal across the country. Therefore, it was typically performed via organ or piano along with drums. The music to this song is well organized. Being that the song was originally written as a poem is does have some parts that rhyme. The song is broken up into three paragraphs. The first stanza of each part has a different melody than the second stanza. The set up is the same for the other two parts. I feel that the way the music was written for this poem it also portrays the lyrics. The song talks about he past and it seems as though on some of the parts the music tone is low which makes you think of something dark or depressing and the times this song was written in were dark and gloomy. I think I was attracted to reviewing this piece of music because I attend a predominantly African American church and this song is sung every year the month of Black History. I was interested in learning more information about it. One thing I really like about this piece of music is the lyrics are truly meaningful. It describes where groups of people were and where they wanted to be in the future. One weakness I think this song has is sometimes as the music is being sung it makes it difficult to hear what the actual words are. This song does show that it possesses lasting value because it is still being sung over 100 years later. The cultural significance this piece of work has is it described the place that African Americans came from in slavery and the freedom they were walking into. References The Black National Anthem. (2012, October 7). Retrieved from Black History: http:// blacklisting. Com/content/62362/the-black-national-anthem Music Reaction By watchstraps

Taming Of the Shrew Essay Example For Students

Taming Of the Shrew Essay The method Petruchio uses to tame his shrew, Katherina, to put it simply, is reverse psychology, along with starving her and not allowing her to sleep until she acts like a proper lady. His strategy is basic, but his plan takes time to bring about results.  During act two scene one, Petruchio outlines his plan to Baptista. He states that he will say the opposite of what Kate does. Say that she rail, why then Ill tell her plain she sings as sweetly as a nightingale. This is called reverse psychology. At the beginning of act three scene two, it is Katherinas appointed wedding day and her father, Baptista, is seen worrying that Petruchio, the groom to be, will not turn up. It is threatening to become very embarrassing for both Katherina and her whole family. Katherine fears she will become a laughing stock. Now must the world point at poor Katherine. Much later, after Katherina has already left, Petruchio arrives. We will write a custom essay on Taming Of the Shrew specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now He is dressed in tattered and torn clothes, riding upon a sick horse. He looks more like a poor beggar than a man about to be married. This too is part of Petruchios many step plan to tame the shrew. By turning up late, it threatens to embarrass Katherina on her wedding day in front of all that know her. So, Petruchio changes Katherina from a reluctant bride to one who only wishes for her groom to show up. This is a brilliant move. Petruchio refuses to change his clothes. He uses the excuse that there is no time and that he has been away from his bride too long. But where is Kate? I stay too long from her. In the middle of Act three scene two, Tranio starts to work out Petruchios plan. He hath some meaning in his mad attire.  Petruchio makes a mockery of the wedding ceremony, knocking the bible out of the priests hand when smacking him in the face. He throws wine at one of the clergy and loudly kisses Katherina on the mouth. As soon as the ceremony, if it could be called that, is over he states that although the guests assumed that he would stay for the party, he has to leave. This too is part of his plan to tame Katherine. She is shocked and upset by the news of him leaving before the party and asks if she can entreat him to stay. Let me entreat you. This is very polite and is not the language that a shrew would use. So, the taming process has obviously started to take effect. When her efforts to entreat Petruchio to stay fail, she relies on his love for her to keep him at the party. When this too fails, she returns to her shrewish ways and affirms that she will not leave until she pleases herself. Nay then, do what thou canst, I will not go today, no, nor tomorrow, not till I please myself. Kate goes onto say that the guest shall go forward to the bridal dinner. By this she means that she will join them, but Petruchio takes this very literally and acts as if he is only doing what Katherine wishes. They shall go forward, Kate, at thy command. He assumes that she will be joining him and not their guests. He takes Kate away as if he is protecting her from the guests that may force her to attend her party, even though it is at the party that Kate wishes to be and not with Petruchio. Kate is dumbfounded and cannot say anything, because Petruchio, it seems, is doing this all for her. This too is part of Petruchios plan to tame Katherina. He is reacting and acting in the opposite way to which Katherina would expect him to act. .u5a5144fe0916fe19b1fde40b415e4c6d , .u5a5144fe0916fe19b1fde40b415e4c6d .postImageUrl , .u5a5144fe0916fe19b1fde40b415e4c6d .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .u5a5144fe0916fe19b1fde40b415e4c6d , .u5a5144fe0916fe19b1fde40b415e4c6d:hover , .u5a5144fe0916fe19b1fde40b415e4c6d:visited , .u5a5144fe0916fe19b1fde40b415e4c6d:active { border:0!important; } .u5a5144fe0916fe19b1fde40b415e4c6d .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .u5a5144fe0916fe19b1fde40b415e4c6d { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .u5a5144fe0916fe19b1fde40b415e4c6d:active , .u5a5144fe0916fe19b1fde40b415e4c6d:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .u5a5144fe0916fe19b1fde40b415e4c6d .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .u5a5144fe0916fe19b1fde40b415e4c6d .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .u5a5144fe0916fe19b1fde40b415e4c6d .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .u5a5144fe0916fe19b1fde40b415e4c6d .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .u5a5144fe0916fe19b1fde40b415e4c6d:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .u5a5144fe0916fe19b1fde40b415e4c6d .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .u5a5144fe0916fe19b1fde40b415e4c6d .u5a5144fe0916fe19b1fde40b415e4c6d-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .u5a5144fe0916fe19b1fde40b415e4c6d:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: What makes Emily Dickinson EssayWhen speaking to the guests, Petruchio refers to Kate as his possession. She is my goods, my chattels, she is my house, my household stuff my any thing. This gives the idea that Katherina is not a person and cannot think for herself. She is just one of Petruchios possessions.  In the beginning of Act four scene one, Grumio tells Curtis of how Kates horse fell and she fell underneath the horse and was covered in mud. Petruchio, who was there at the time, did nothing to help poor Katherina, but instead beat up Grumio because the horse had stumbled. Katherine went to pull her husband off Grumio. Petruchio swore and Katherine prayed. Perhaps t his might also be part of Petruchios plan. Curtis states that according to what Grumio just told him, Petruchio is more of a shrew than Katherina. By this reckoning he is more shrew than she. Of the pair, one has to be responsible and sensible and since Petruchio is acting so shrewish, Katherina feels that she has to be the responsible and sensible one. This is part of Petruchios taming process.  At the beginning of Act four scene three, Katherina is complaining to Grumio about the way Petruchio is treating her. The more my wrong, the more his spite appears. What, did he marry me to famish me? I am starved for meat, giddy for lack of sleep. To this, Grumio replies with an offer of meat and when she accepts he decides she should not have it because it is too choleric. Grumio obviously knows Petruchios plan. Katherina becomes fed up with Grumio and his nonsense and sends him away, just as Petruchio and Hortensio enter. Petruchio brings meat for Katherina and she quickly eats it with Hortensio. When they have finished, Petruchio tells Katherine that they should leave to her fathers house and dress in fine clothes. When the tailor comes, he brings with him a cap for Katherina, which she likes but Petruchio does not. Fie, fie, tis lewd and filthy. He asks for a bigger cap but Katherina refuses to have it any bigger saying that it is fashionable. This doth fit the time, and gentlewomen wear such caps as these. She is using proper language and referring to herself as a gentlewoman. Therefore Petruchios plan is working. Yet Petruchio does not believe she is gentle yet. When you are gentle, you shall have one too, and not till then. This is too much for Katherine and she finally speaks her mind, telling Petruchio that she is not a child and that she is angry and if she doesnt anything her heart will break. It goes on and Petruchio pretends he has selective hearing to what Katherine says. She is obviously angry with him yet he pretends to think that she is angry with the tailor and when the tailor corrects him, he scolds at him and calls him names. Thou liest, thou thread, thou thimble, thou flea, thou nit, thou winter-cricket thou!  Petruchio tells Kate that they should go to her fathers house first by horse and when they arrive at a certain point, they shall go on by foot and arrive at the destination by dinner time. Katherina does not want to do as Petruchio asks and Petruchio becomes mad and orders that she do what he says. During Act four scene five, Katherine and Petruchio bicker about whether it is the moon or the sun that shines brightly. I say it is the moon that shines so bright. Hortensio advises Katherina to agree with Petruchio or else they will never leave. So Katherina agrees with Petruchio that it is the moon that shines brightly and Petruchio changes his mind and says that it is the sun that shines brightly, so Katherine agrees to this as well. She does not put up a fight and argue any further with Petruchio and she does not become angry or frustrated with him when he changes his opinion, so perhaps she is tamed, or at least she is showing all the signs of being tamed. .u1ed511400e60da819d0373a72b3bdfd5 , .u1ed511400e60da819d0373a72b3bdfd5 .postImageUrl , .u1ed511400e60da819d0373a72b3bdfd5 .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .u1ed511400e60da819d0373a72b3bdfd5 , .u1ed511400e60da819d0373a72b3bdfd5:hover , .u1ed511400e60da819d0373a72b3bdfd5:visited , .u1ed511400e60da819d0373a72b3bdfd5:active { border:0!important; } .u1ed511400e60da819d0373a72b3bdfd5 .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .u1ed511400e60da819d0373a72b3bdfd5 { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .u1ed511400e60da819d0373a72b3bdfd5:active , .u1ed511400e60da819d0373a72b3bdfd5:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .u1ed511400e60da819d0373a72b3bdfd5 .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .u1ed511400e60da819d0373a72b3bdfd5 .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .u1ed511400e60da819d0373a72b3bdfd5 .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .u1ed511400e60da819d0373a72b3bdfd5 .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .u1ed511400e60da819d0373a72b3bdfd5:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .u1ed511400e60da819d0373a72b3bdfd5 .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .u1ed511400e60da819d0373a72b3bdfd5 .u1ed511400e60da819d0373a72b3bdfd5-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .u1ed511400e60da819d0373a72b3bdfd5:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Analysis of Richard Cory EssayDuring Act Five Scene One, Katherina asks her husbands permission to follow the others and he allows her to on the condition that she kisses him. When she refuses, he asks if she is ashamed of him. What, in the midst of the street? What, art thou ashamed of me? Katherine of course answers no and states that Got forbids it and that she is only ashamed to kiss. So, Petruchio proclaims that they shall return home, so Katherina gives in and agrees to kiss Petruchio. He replies with a combination of two proverbs, Better late than never and It is never too late to mend. Better once than never, for never too late.  At some point near the end of Ac t Five Scene Two, Katherina gives her final speech which is addressed to the audience as well as the husbands, but is mainly directed towards the wives of the husbands.

The Atanasoff-Berry Computer

The Atanasoff-Berry Computer John Atanasoff once said to reporters, I have always taken the position that there is enough credit for everyone in the invention and development of the electronic computer.   Professor Atanasoff and graduate student Clifford Berry certainly deserve some credit for building the worlds first ​electronic digital computer at Iowa State University between 1939 and 1942.  The Atanasoff-Berry Computer represented several innovations in computing, including a binary system of arithmetic, parallel processing, regenerative memory, and a separation of memory and computing functions. Atanasoff’s Early Years   Atanasoff was born in October 1903, a few miles west of Hamilton, New York. His father, Ivan Atanasov, was a Bulgarian immigrant whose last name was changed to Atanasoff by immigration officials at Ellis Island in 1889.   After John’s birth, his father accepted an electrical engineering position in Florida where  Atanasoff completed grade school and began  understanding the concepts of electricity- he found and corrected faulty electric wiring in a back porch light at the age of nine- but other than that event, his grade school years were uneventful. He was a good student and had a youthful interest in sports, especially baseball, but his  interest in baseball faded when his father purchased a new Dietzgen slide rule to help him at his job. The young  Atanasoff became totally fascinated with it. His father soon discovered that he didnt have an immediate need for the slide rule and it was forgotten by everyone- except young John. Atanasoff soon became interested in the study of logarithms and the mathematical principles behind the operation of the slide rule. This led to studies in trigonometric functions. With the help of his mother, he read A College Algebra by J.M. Taylor, a book that  included a beginning study on differential calculus and  a chapter on infinite series and how to calculate logarithms.   Atanasoff completed high school in two years, excelling in science and mathematics. He had decided that he wanted to be a theoretic physicist and he entered the University of Florida in 1921. The university did not offer a degree in theoretic physics so he began taking electrical engineering courses. While taking these courses, he became interested in electronics and continued on  to higher mathematics. He  graduated in 1925 with a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering. He accepted a teaching fellowship from Iowa State College because of the institutions fine reputation in engineering and sciences.  Atanasoff received his masters degree in mathematics from Iowa State College in 1926. After marrying and having a child, Atanasoff moved his  family moved to Madison, Wisconsin where he had been accepted as a doctoral candidate at the University of Wisconsin. The work on his doctoral thesis, The Dielectric Constant of Helium, gave him  his first experience in serious computing. He spent hours on a Monroe calculator, one of the most advanced calculating machines of the time. During the hard weeks of calculations to complete his thesis, he acquired an interest in developing a better and faster computing machine. After receiving his Ph.D. in theoretical physics in July 1930, he returned to Iowa State College with a determination to try to create a faster, better computing machine. The First â€Å"Computing Machine† Atanasoff became a member of the Iowa State College faculty as assistant professor in mathematics and physics in 1930. He felt he was well equipped to try to figure out how to develop a way of doing the complicated math problems he had encountered during his doctoral thesis in a faster, more efficient way. He did experiments with vacuum tubes and radio and with examining the field of electronics. Then he was promoted to associate professor of both mathematics and physics and moved to the school’s Physics Building. After examining many mathematical devices available at the time, Atanasoff concluded that they fell into two classes: analog and digital. The term digital was not used until much later, so he  contrasted analog devices to what he called computing machines proper. In 1936, he engaged in his last effort to construct a small analog calculator. With Glen Murphy, then an atomic physicist at Iowa State College, he built the Laplaciometer, a small analog calculator. It was used for analyzing the geometry of surfaces.   Atanasoff regarded this machine as having the same flaws as other analog devices- accuracy was dependent upon the performance of other parts of the machine. His obsession with finding a solution to the computer problem built to a frenzy in the winter months of 1937. One night, frustrated after many discouraging events, he got in his car and started driving without a destination. Two hundred miles later, he pulled into a roadhouse. He had a drink of bourbon and continued thinking about the creation of the machine. No longer nervous and tense, he realized that ​his thoughts were coming together clearly. He began generating ideas on how to build this computer. The Atanasoff-Berry Computer After receiving a $650 grant from Iowa State College in March 1939, Atanasoff was ready to build his computer. He hired a particularly bright electrical engineering student, Clifford E. Berry, to help him accomplish his goal. With his background in electronics and mechanical construction skills, the brilliant and inventive Berry was the ideal partner for Atanasoff.  They worked at developing and improving the ABC or Atanasoff-Berry Computer, as it was later named, from 1939 until 1941.   The final product was the size of a desk, weighed 700 pounds, had over 300 vacuum tubes, and contained a mile of wire. It could calculate about one operation every  15 seconds. Today, computers can calculate 150 billion operations in 15 seconds. Too large to go anywhere, the computer remained in the basement of the physics department.   World War II   World War II started in December 1941 and work on the computer came to a halt. Although Iowa State College had hired a Chicago patent lawyer, Richard R. Trexler, the patenting of the ABC was never completed. The war effort prevented John Atanasoff from finishing the patent process and from doing any further work on the computer. Atanasoff left Iowa State on leave for a defense-related position at the Naval Ordnance Laboratory in Washington, D.C. Clifford Berry accepted a defense-related job in California. On one of his return visits to Iowa State in 1948, Atanasoff was surprised and disappointed to learn that the ABC had been removed from the Physics Building and dismantled. Neither he nor Clifford Berry had been notified that the computer was going to be destroyed. Only a few parts of the computer were saved. The ENIAC Computer   Presper Eckert and John Mauchly were the first to receive a  patent for a digital computing device, the ENIAC computer. A 1973 patent infringement case, ​Sperry Rand vs. Honeywell, voided the ENIAC patent as a derivative of Atanasoffs invention. This was the source for Atanasoff’s comment that there is enough credit for everyone in the field. Although Eckert and Mauchly received most of the credit for inventing the first electronic-digital computer, historians now say that the Atanasoff-Berry Computer was the first. It was at an evening of scotch and 100 mph car rides, John Atanasoff also told reporters, when the concept came ​for an electronically operated machine that would use base-two binary numbers instead of the traditional base-10 numbers, condensers for memory, and a regenerative process to preclude loss of memory from electrical failure. Atanasoff wrote most of the concepts of the first modern computer on the back of a cocktail napkin. He was very fond of fast cars and scotch. He died of a stroke in June 1995 at his home in Maryland.

Beethoven Biography

Ludwig van Beethoven is perhaps the most famous and Influential of all the pianist composers of his time. He was considered instrumental In the transition of between the classical and romantic eras In Western Art Music. Beethoven was born on December 1 6th, 1770 In Bonn (now called Cologne, Germany) to parents of Belgian descent. HIS father, Johann, was a musician at the court of Bonn, and his mother, Maria, whom he later deemed as his best friend, was described as a warmhearted gentle women.There were seven children born into his family, only three survived, in which Ludwig was the oldest. Johann supplemented his income by teaching piano and violin and so took an interest in teaching Ludwig from a very early age. He began to see Ludwig as prodigy, a young Mozart. Ludwig gave his first public performance at the age of 7-1/2, In cologne, however, his father exploited his son, announcing that he was only 6. Because of this, Beethoven was always thought of as being younger than he actually was. Ludwig soon outgrew the teachings of his father and began to study with Christian Gotten Neff, who was the Courts organist.Neff taught Ludwig about composition and by March of 1783, had helped him write his first published composition: a set of keyboard variations. He then began working with Neff as an assistant organist and published three piano sonatas. By his teenage years, Beethoven had become influenced by the political philosophies of the time, such as freemasonry and Order of the Illuminate. In 1787 Beethoven traveled to Vienna, as Vienna was becoming a beacon of culture and music. He had hoped to be able to study with Mozart. It is unclear if Beethoven actually met or studies with Mozart.After two weeks, Ludwig learned that his mother was dying and so went back home. HIS mother died shortly thereafter. His father turned to alcohol and left Beethoven to care for his younger siblings for 1 OFF He then returned to Vienna and was introduced to many influential people during this time. Franz Wiggler, a young medical student, introduced Ludwig to the von reining family, where he taught piano to some of the children. Beethoven would eventually come to marry one of the von Briefings young daughters. Everyone in the musical and aristocratic world would come to admire the young composer. They Nerve indeed Beethovens greatest supporters. He often became angry with one or all of them, however, his talents often excused his excessive, impulsive behavior. In 1796 Beethoven began to lose his hearing (the cause of this is unknown, but recent tests on Beethovens hair indicate he may have had lead poisoning). He was lust 26 years of age. He also suffered from ringing in the ears, this made if hard for him to hear music. Because of this, he often avoided conversation. In 1800, Beethoven organized a concert in Vienna, including among his other Norms, his first symphony. At the time, this symphony was considered strange, overly extravagant, and even risquà ©. At this very young age, Beethoven was pushing the boundaries of music for the times. In 1801, Beethoven confessed to his friend that he feared he was becoming deaf. On advice from his doctor, he moved to a small town called Halogenated in an attempt to come to terms with his deafness. Over time, his hearing loss became profound. There is a well known story about Beethoven that at one of his concerts, he had to be turned around to hear the thunderous applause from the audience, but upon hearing nothing, he wept.However, it did not stop him from composing music. He continued to compose, although playing concerts became impossible, after an attempt to play his symphony #5 at a concert in 1811, in which he failed miserably, he never played biblically again. He tried many types of hearing aids, IEEE. , a special ear horn but to no avail. By 1814 Beethoven was totally deaf, so he devised a plan to have a conversation book, in which his friends wrote down their conversations to be able to communicate with him. He could then respond orally or in the book.Out off total 400 conversation books, 264 books were altered to destroyed after Beethovens death by Anton Schneider (Beethovens biographer) , who wished only an idealized biography of the composer to survive. In 1807, Beethoven wrote his third symphony for Bonaparte. Bonaparte was seen as a liberator of people, which then opened the door of hope for all people. However, thieving became angry and when the First Consul declared himself emperor and put that anger into his music, spewing out his name from the musical score.It was During this time period, Ludwig was commissioned by the Viennese government o begin composing an opera, entitled Lenore. This would be the only opera he Mould compose. Critics speculate it is because he was not skilled in this area. It Net through several revisions and was retiled Fiddled, against his wishes. It debuted on November 20th, 1805 to a very small audience of French officers under Napoleon. From the 1805 onward, Beethovens productivity increased dramatically, having reached his musical maturity. He had become regarded as one of the most important in a generation of young composers, following Hayden and Mozart. Thieve continued to teach students, and one student, Franz Lists, premiered dovecotes fifth piano concerto, entitled The Emperor in 1812. Beethoven had been supported in Vienna by many wealthy benefactors in order to be able to pursue his love of music freely. However, that came to an end when Prince Lobotomize fell into financial difficulty, and Prince Sink died. Thereafter, Beethoven had to struggle for money and financial independence. In 1813, Johann Envenom Emanuel, inventory, made contact with Ludwig, creating arioso devices to help Beethoven with his hearing. Beethoven created The Victory of Wellington, a work written for a mechanical instrument created by Emanuel called the pan harmonica, but it was above all the metronome, which helped evolve music and Beethoven took an interest immediately, and this helped him to play music as he Niches it to be played, with his hearing deficits. 1814, Beethoven wrote his seventh and eighth symphonies, and also re-worked his opera, renaming it Fiddled, gaining popularity with the new version. In November 1815, Ludwig life would take a dramatic change. His brother died, paving custody of his son, Karl, aged 9, to be shared by both his wife and Beethoven.He found it very hard to raise the child, being deaf and unable to understand him. He often was in conflict with his sister in law. In 1816, Carl Czerny (past student of Beethoven) became Karts music teacher, but he did not find him to be talented, as Beethoven had wished him to be. At this time, thieving would draft the first theme as to what would become his ninth and final be his greatest, and considered by some to be the greatest piece of music ever ruttier. It was commissioned by the Philharmonic Society of London, and debuted n 7th of May, 1824 in Vienna.Unfortunately, the ninth symphony was not financially rewarding. Financial problems continued to undermine the composer. At this time, he began to compose the last quartet, in the midst of failing health. He was now 54. He was ill and bedridden, however, he was able to complete the Fifteenth quartet during this time. Slow to recover, he continued on to complete the remainder of Thirteen, Fourteen and Sixteen, when he took sick again and remained In bed for many months. Beethoven died on March 26, 1827 at the age of 56, during a thunderstorm.An autopsy revealed that he had significant liver from alcohol. It is estimated that he composed over 650 pieces of music, including nine symphonies, nine concertos and 32 piano Sonatas, and many other unfinished Norms. There is no clear agreement among critics and scholars as to Beethovens most significant contribution to classical music. This, more than anything else, speaks to the composers true greatness and talent. It cannot be disputed that Beethoven played an essential role in influencing composers to this day because his achievements were so numerous and his scope of music was so vast.

Homeless Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Homeless - Essay Example These provisions may pertain to clothing, food, water and others. It is the place with a four corner framework made suitable for subsistence and constant dwelling. That’s why an individual can be considered homeless in the absence of these fundamental physical features. As a result, such person is moving from place to place. On the other side, being homeless can also mean that the person has a house but he or she does not have a company in times of exigencies and loneliness. In other words, the individual is just living alone. Moreover, it is commonly accepted that a home is not a home in the absence of a family residing therein. Therefore, having a family is recognizing the fact that humans need the company of others to live and reproduce. This is the basis of the difference between a residence and a home. A residence is more of the physical existence while a home is more of the social existence. Accordingly, there are two essential elements that can be inferred from the word homeless: the individual self and the absence of a home or a residence. Thus, a home has a dual purpose: physical and social