Great Frankenstein Essay Topics and Questions

When attending literature classes, you might at some point be instructed to write about the novel â€Å"Frankenstein† by Mary Shelly’s. It is a combination of genres and themes all buried under an intriguing story. This guide, therefore, provides some of the topics you can use and some ideas for inspiration and coming up with your own topics. How to Select the Best Frankenstein Essay Topic? Here Is How The thing is that the process of selecting any essay topic is similar. The only difference in this particular case is that you are limited to one specific piece of literature. However, there is a gold mine hidden in the pages of the novel when it comes to themes, symbolism and other elements of the literature you can use when deciding on a topic. So what should you consider if you want to select a good Frankenstein essay topic? Complexity You should choose a topic that corresponds to your analytical skills. Experts can opt to go for complex topics and still manage to deal with them perfectly. If you choose a topic according to your level of expertise, you avoid getting stuck or encountering many difficulties working on your essay. Distinctness Try to select a unique topic. At the same time, when you are not limited to a specific work of literature, still try to be creative in the process of topic selection. Try to find an interesting aspect of the novel that has not been explored by many students. Is It Manageable? Figure out whether the topic you intend to choose is extensive, that is, before writing, make sure that there is what to write about on the given topic. Also, narrow down too broad subjects to evade writing too much information. Trigger Your Creativity with This List of Frankenstein Essay Topics Here are some essay topics to consider: Discuss loneliness in the novel â€Å"Frankenstein† Analyze the nature of betrayal in the novel â€Å"Frankenstein† Discuss any romantic elements in â€Å"Frankenstein† Analyze how the role of women is portrayed in the novel â€Å"Frankenstein† Compare the monster in â€Å"Frankenstein† and his creator in their relationships with the nature and desire for a family Discuss the comparison between Victor and Prometheus in the novel â€Å"Frankenstein† Discuss what ethical issues might arise in modern society because of Victor using animal parts for his research Analyze the theme of compassion in the novel â€Å"Frankenstein† Sample Frankenstein Essay Questions Numerous questions can be asked from the novel. Some of them include: Who is the real monster in Mary Shelly’s â€Å"Frankenstein†? Why was Frankenstein’s monster never given a name? Does Frankenstein deserve the honors of being called a masterpiece? What is the main message of Frankenstein? What are the literary devices used to create the image of the main character? What is the role of society according in the novel â€Å"Frankenstein†? Why is Mary Shelley’s novel â€Å"Frankenstein† also called â€Å"The Modern Prometheus†? Examples of Frankenstein Essay Prompts Derived From the Novel Essay prompts from the novel can emerge from a wide range of aspects. Here are some of the prompts: Science is portrayed in a bad light in the novel â€Å"Frankenstein†. The author implies that the direction that the civilization moves in is determined by what it understands about power. Analyze this statement in relation to the current society. Throughout Frankenstein, the weather is used to symbolize the mood of writing or the experience of a character. Identify at least three examples of how weather reflects the narrative and explain the connection. Frankenstein is highlighted as the modern Prometheus. Research the story of Prometheus and explain how Mary Shelly adapted the myth to her novel. Put an emphasis on the fire and light. Finally We Have Some Frankenstein Essay Ideas You Can Use The following are some ideas of what you can write about: Fear of industrialization and science. Mental illnesses. The theme of the â€Å"unwanted child†. The juxtaposition of nature and science. The lacking role of women in the novel. Gothic theme. The class systems in the novel. Still Have No Idea What to Write About? Get Expert Help Are you still out of ideas on the topic for your Frankenstein essay? You can get professional essay help here. We provide expert writing services. Contact us and get quality custom papers from our experts at affordable prices. Contact us today!

Arbor Day Calendar by State and Date

Arbor Day Calendar by State and Date Each states Arbor Day celebration starts with the signing of an Arbor Day proclamation by local officials and Arbor Day activities related to trees and tree planting. Celebrations are held as early as January and February in some southern states and as late as May in northern locations. National Arbor Day is observed on the last Friday in April. These dates were promulgated using a variety of special criteria. Politicians have grabbed dates out of thin air; a states tree deemed to be of significant import use their date of legal canonization, but most U.S. states opted for a reasonable date in spring. April was the choice for most as Arbor Day and May in colder latitudes. National Arbor Day is on the last Friday of April and celebrated at the same time by 28 other states. You can find out when your states Arbor Day is celebrated by reviewing the following calendar: January Arbor Day Celebrations Floridas Arbor Day - Third Friday in January (State Tree: Cabbage Palmetto)Louisianas Arbor Day - Third Friday in January (State Tree: Baldcypress) February Alabamas Arbor Day - Last full week in February (State Tree: Longleaf Pine)Georgias Arbor Day - Third Friday in February (State Tree: Live Oak)Mississippis Arbor Day - Second Friday in February (State Tree: Southern Magnolia) March Arkansas Arbor Day - Third Monday in March (State Tree: Pine)Californias Arbor Day - March 7-14 (State Tree: California Redwood)New Mexicos Arbor Day - Second Friday in March (State Tree: Pià ±on)North Carolinas Arbor Day - The Friday after March 15 (State Tree: Pine)Oklahomas Arbor Day - Last full week in March (State Tree: Eastern Redbud)Tennessees Arbor Day - First Friday in March (State Tree: Yellow Poplar) April Arizonas Arbor Day - Last Friday in April (State Tree: Paloverde)Colorados Arbor Day - Third Friday in April (State Tree: Blue Spruce)Connecticuts Arbor Day - Last Friday in April (State Tree: White Oak)Delawares Arbor Day - Last Friday in April (State Tree: American Holly)District of Columbias Arbor Day - Last Friday in April (District Tree: Scarlet Oak)Idahos Arbor Day - Last Friday in April (State Tree: Western White Pine)Illinois Arbor Day - Last Friday in April (State Tree: White Oak)Indianas Arbor Day - Last Friday in April (State Tree: Tuliptree)Iowas Arbor Day - Last Friday in April (State Tree: Oak)Kansas Arbor Day - Last Friday in April (State Tree: Cottonwood)Kentuckys Arbor Day - First Friday in April (State Tree: Tulip Poplar)Marylands Arbor Day - First Wednesday in April (State Tree: White Oak)Massachusetts Arbor Day - Last Friday in April (State Tree: American Elm)Michigans Arbor Day - Last Friday in April (State Tree: Eastern White Pine)Minnesotas Arbor Day - Last Fri day in April (State Tree: Red Pine) Missouris Arbor Day - First Friday in April (State Tree: Flowering Dogwood)Montanas Arbor Day - Last Friday in April (State Tree: Ponderosa Pine)Nebraskas Arbor Day - Last Friday in April (State Tree: Cottonwood)Nevadas Arbor Day - Last Friday in April (State Trees: Singleleaf Pinyon and Bristlecone Pine)New Hampshires Arbor Day - Last Friday in April (State Tree: Paper Birch)New Jerseys Arbor Day - Last Friday in April (State Tree: Northern Red Oak)New Yorks Arbor Day - Last Friday in April (State Tree: Sugar Maple)Ohios Arbor Day - Last Friday in April (State Tree: Ohio Buckeye)Oregons Arbor Day - First full week in April (State Tree: Douglas Fir)Pennsylvanias Arbor Day - Last Friday in April (State Tree: Eastern Hemlock)Rhode Islands Arbor Day - Last Friday in April (State Tree: Red Maple)South Dakotas Arbor Day - Last Friday in April (State Tree: White Spruce)Texas Arbor Day - Last Friday in April (State Tree: Pecan)Utahs Arbor Day - Last Friday in April (State Tree: Blue Spruce) Virginias Arbor Day - Second Friday in April (State Tree: Flowering Dogwood)Washingtons Arbor Day - Second Wednesday in April (State Tree: Western Hemlock)West Virginias Arbor Day - Second Friday in April (State Tree: Sugar Maple)Wisconsins Arbor Day - Last Friday in April (State Tree: Sugar Maple)Wyomings Arbor Day - Last Monday in April (State Tree: Cottonwood May Alaskas Arbor Day - Third Monday in May (State Tree: Sitka Spruce)Maines Arbor Day - Third full week in May (State Tree: Eastern White Pine)North Dakotas Arbor Day - First Friday in May (State Tree: American Elm)Vermonts Arbor Day - First Friday in May (State Tree: Sugar Maple) September Virgin Islands Arbor Day - Last Friday in September November Guams Arbor Day - First Friday in NovemberHawaiis Arbor Day - First Friday in November (State Tree: Kukui) December South Carolinas Arbor Day - First Friday in December (State Tree: Cabbage Palmetto)

Climate control system project Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Climate control system project - Term Paper Example This climate is therefore regulated by the environment switch systems, which manages how best to keep the existing environment favorable. Climate control systems are not restricted to houses; they can as well be installed in automobiles. Even if the execution is exclusive for each type, the global concept is essentially the same. Rheostat of air-conditioning is of utmost importance. You can now control and modify the air-conditioning when you leave your place of work to find a comfy climate when you return home. The incorporation of air-conditioning and heating control with the home-based automation and safety system will assist you to save energy by switching off or on automatically the air conditioning system and heating system in housings without use or when you leave your home. You will as well be able to regulate your air heating and conditioning, from wherever using your advantageous tablet or smartphone and catch a comfortable climate back at home. Platforms that deliver usage response and neighbor contrasts and that use investigational design to determine effects have been effective through numerous impact assessments and educational studies. The construction of a climate control system is majorly for easier remote controlled energy saving solutions for householders. An individual or a user of this program is capable to monitor and control the house temperature remotely using a mobile application. This project is also essential in monitoring peoples’ movements in a room. While one is away from home he or she can not only express what the temperature at home is, but also the number of persons in each given room. Built on the gathered information a person can modify the temperature and regulate accordingly. Also, the house owner could set the A.C to adjust hourly and monitor the number of occupiers of the house. It can as well be utilized to keep a vigilant eye on

Reflective Dairy Paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Reflective Dairy Paper - Essay Example There are steps designed to reduce the process waiting time. The first is analyzing g flowcharts of processes. Use of technology may be utilized to do away with unnecessary tasks that increase the time lug . An instance is the utilization of databases in place of manual and traditional filing systems for data storage in hospitals. Another step would be the use of flow cells or ordinary admission to all resources necessary for processing. I have also understood that in the ancient times, in order to produce a new product, it required company shut down and change. This set up time may be significantly lessened through preparation before the process. Over eighty percent decrease, in set up time is achievable through designing for preparations and manufacturability. Clear differences arise between traditional method of reducing downtime and JIT method. In the traditional method, there exists corrective maintenance, then experts carry out process, equipment speed is fast, and the method o nly runs one shift. On the other hand, JIT involves preventive maintenance, equipment operators carry it out, the equipment speed is slow, and the operations run for 24 hours. ... It also supports both process and product  improvement. In addition, employees are cross-trained for efficiency and flexibility. There  is also improved  communications, which enhance the dissemination of  vital  information about the process. Employees  are also empowered, and there is teamwork among employees. When it comes to suppliers, JIT partnerships occur when a  purchaser  and supplier work hand in hand to reduce costs and  remove  waste. The potential problems of using JIT are that it  is used  in continuous processes and  repetitive  operations. JIT also requires a high level of  discipline  for its effective implementation. The concept  is also based  on trust and cooperation. In addition, it requires a philosophy change. Lastly, JIT is not  highly  conducive to a scenario where the  true  market  position  entails unique products. In this scenario, MRP system is  more  applicable. Week 9- Transformation Systems Design an d Layout Analysis In week nine, I learnt that transformation Systems Design and Layout Analysis consider alternative forms of transformation and choose the best one based on the desired results. Layout analysis aims at maximizing the effectiveness and efficiency of operations. Flow shop is related to continuous process apart from distinct product produced. Other features are heavily computerised special purpose apparatus. Both products and services can utilize the flow shop mode of processing. The flow shop method has advantages such as low unit cost caused by focused equipment of high volume, reduced labour rates, bulk purchasing, low cost inventories conducted within the company, and easy managerial control. Disadvantages of flow shop are numerous. Some outputs have a high level of obtaining complexity.

Peer Pressure Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Peer Pressure - Essay Example The negative results of peer pressure can be quantified in terms of truancy, delinquency, contact with law enforcement, and eventual incarceration. Indeed, there is an explosion of youth deviance, sexual activity, and violence that affects us all. The results of peer pressure may be overt, but the causes are often more subtle and elusive. Understanding peer pressure is a critical factor in understanding the teenage years and mediating the potential bad decisions that are made by teenagers as they surrender their judgement to a group's expectations and norms. Peer pressure is a destructive force that has proliferated in the face of impersonal social institutions, diminished life choices, and families that fail to offer their children the emotional support necessary to develop a well-rounded sense of self-esteem and personal identity. The issue of peer pressure has gained increasing importance in recent years due to the proliferation of pop culture media, social networking, availability of drugs, and the easy access to guns in our society. This paper will use a review of the existing literature to determine the underlying vulnerabilities to peer pressure, and highlight the ways in which its social impact can be minimized. The representation of teenage socialization in the mass media often highlights the influence that peers have to corrupt teenage values, which "leads to deviant behaviors such as smoking, drinking, drug use, dangerous driving, violence, provocative dress, and sexual promiscuity" (Schwind, 2008, p. 1015). These social forces conspire to motivate teenagers to make decisions that they would otherwise reject if they based their behavior solely on family socialization, community values, and accepted social norms. However, it is the suspension of these beliefs in favor of a group's deviant values that results in poor decisions and behavioral problems. By the time a child reaches middle school, their friends are the biggest influence in their life, and peer acceptance or rejection is the number one predictor of their personal emotional safety (Hartnett, 2007, p. 37). By this age, the child has become aware of their status among their peers, uses gossip for information and retaliation, is concerned about rejection, and is willing to significantly modify their behavior to gain peer group acceptance (Deutsch, 2000, p. 333). When these forces result in a beneficial outcome, such as church attendance or volunteer work, it is called a positive influence. When the results are negative, it is labeled peer pressure and has the negative connotation of coercion. Though peer pressure affects all ages and has a wide range of outcomes, this paper will focus on the negative results from peer pressure during the teenage years. Peer pressure in adolescents has a dual motivational aspect, as it has the positive goal of gaining group acceptance, and expresses the negative motivation of the rebellion against the established power structure. As teenagers struggle to create and express their identity, the symbols of group alliance become a part of their personal individuality. These outward symbols may be the overt fashions and accessories that they wear, the use of

Success and Failure of Project Methods at Heathrow

Success and Failure of Project Methods at Heathrow This report is prepared to analyze the success and failure of the project methods and its process. For this purpose the project of Terminal 5 at Heathrow Airport is discussed. The Barry Leonard, 2009 explained about project management that it is a process of planning; organizing, allocating and controlling different resources to provide improved result of organizational project. It involves different set of activities to apply techniques and tools for achieving the targets of the project. The projects are carried out with the consideration of different factors which may be time or budget. The starting and ending time of project is always decided before its implication; which provide a benefit to produce successful results. The project manager carries out the planning and executing activities of the projects. It has to face many challenges regarding the organizational project. The achievement of project goals; completion of project on time; or utilization of input for obtaining expected output can be major challenges for it. The scope or cost can also become hurdles for meeting targets. The main responsibilities are assigned to project manger to fulfill the demands of clients. The Terminal 5 is a terminal at Heathrow Airport in London. It is having a structure to stand freely in air and considered a largest building for its standing. It is designed to cover about 35 million passengers each year. The glass and steel is used to build up it structure. Its design was offered in 1989, the United Kingdom passed its planning in 2001. The Queen Elizabeth II made its opening in mid of March 2008, and then its operations started at end of March 2008. PROJECT LIFE CYCLE There are five main phases of the Project Life Cycle, which provide a proper sequence to initiate or end up the project. It defines first that why there is a need to take a start of project, then problem relating to it, then the planning, controlling or monitoring processes take place to complete it. There can be many factors which create complexity to meet the basic objectives of the project; they may be related to the team performance, budget or size of project. There are mainly five phases of project life cycle, which are defining, planning, organizing, controlling, and completing. By following these different five phases, the project of Terminal 5 is analyzed here. Initiating or defining In this phase, the goals of objectives are defined with the combination of its scope. The list of its objectives is prepared to point out the involvement of the key factors for it. Then the statement of problem is provided to state the expected output by allocating the resources. All of the risks and assumptions are defined in this phase. The risks and uncertainties in mega projects provide a chance to implicate innovated techniques. The project manager is also appointed in this phase; which later on formulate a team after considering their abilities or experience according to the requirement of project. The main tools which are utilized in this phase are plans for business and framework of project (Kim, 2003). The Terminal 5 Heathrow is the greatest project of the Europe. Its main objective is to extend the range of airport for meeting the volume of its customers from 67 million passengers per year to the 95 million passengers. It is having a purpose to build up a strong structure of glass and steel with the combination of high security and safety to people. For this mega project, the BBA was assumed to select to apply their standard practices; utilize the capital appropriately and use technical competencies to avoid risks. It was targeted to connect the Terminal 5 with the other existing terminals. The risks estimated for the projects were quality of structure; safety for passengers; integrating the systems and working under budget. Its scope was to build up 270,000m ² terminal; two satellite buildings and 87 meter control tower for functioning in Heathrow. Planning Another phase is planning which is consisted of identification of different related activities of project. It also includes a task to estimate the time and cost; review the sequence of activities; and highlighting the critical actions. The specific criteria for achieving the project goals; and completing the task are specified in it. The most important process of writing the proposal is also performed in this phase. The planning phase of Terminal 5 project was started on 1986 and went up to 2001, when it was finalized that construction should be started now. By BAA, the project director was appointed at main board for handling and reporting from planning to controlling phase. The BAA selected appropriate set of tools for planning the project. It created an example to build up or construct the largest infrastructure within its defined capital and time. According to Flyvbjerg et al., 2003, its estimated investment was  £4.3 billion and time for its completion was expected year of 2008 for phase 1 and 2011 for phase 2. It was estimated to start it on 2002. It was planned very effectively to give a scope for complete the projects under estimated time and cost. Its planning phase started from 1986 and went up to the September, 2002. Organizing The Mishra (2006) described about third phase, that it is related to organizing activities, tasks or team of project. The basic needs are specified; the project manager and team are recruited under it. The work packages are also defined in it. The main task of organizing the team; and identifying the stakeholders are also performed under this phase. For Terminal 5 project, the BAA, private investment, HM Government was sponsored and Richard Rogers Partnership was appointed as Lead Architect. The advanced strategies were used by BAA and its different suppliers for organizing this mega project. The project manager Andrew Wolstenholme, had experience of dealing unexpected situations and risks while completing the Glaxco (GSK) project; he utilized all those methodologies and helped to provide his exceptional skills for T5 project. According to the Norman Haste, first project director of T5, there should be high investment on design for achieving successful completion. However, the design ing and the organizing phase started at 1989 and went up to around 2004. In the opinion of Andrew (2009) Single Model Environment (SME) was used for digitally designing; and integrating to the construction phase. Controlling This is an important phase of the project life cycle; because it is assured that all of the operations are performing under a control management. It is also known as execution phase because all of the plans are executed in it. The control tools are defined and status report of the tasks is prepared in it. The Harold (2009) demonstrated that during it, the plans and schedules are reviewed, and order may change according to the requirements. It may be considered as constructing phase for the T5. For Terminal 5, different designs were developed to bring in a real position. Its construction phase was divided into two phases: one was formation of building and infrastructure which started at 2001 and went up to 2008; other was connecting the systems and equipping the building which took time from 2006 to 2008. Its control tower was manufactured in 12 meter high sections to avoid the disturbance of aircrafts operations. It was built up by Richard Rogers Partnership. The control tower of  £50 million provided 360 degree cone to view which become the most technological controller in 2006 when started for functioning. In 2004, its first segment of single wave roof was placed on it, and then on 2005, sixth and last was on its position. The total weight of this roof was 26,000 tons which created its superstructure. Its high way design allowed passing away the cranes for constructing the other operations in airport. The staff of Terminal 5 was appointed by the BBA in 2008. The rail station was built up in it with six platforms; two of them were designed for London Underground Piccadilly Line extension; two for Heathrow Express extension; and other two were for connecting to west in future. The change order required in this project was to have some advancement in its road infrastructure. There was a need to have Airside Road tunnel (ART), which constructed in 2005. The Spur road from M25 was built by Balfour Beatty in 2008. To control the pollution and drainage the storm water outfall tunnel (SWOT) was arranged. It consisted of one bore tunnel which is having length of 4.1km. It was to recycle the wasted water by BAA. The automated people mover (APM) played their role to create a track transit system which provided facility of transformation between main terminal and satellite building. For providing benefit of transferring passengers and luggage, personal rapid transit (PRT) system of  £25 million was applied in July, 2009. Closure In last phase project manager should assure about the completion of project. It consists of different steps which are forming the agreements in documents forms; acquiring acceptance of clients; arrange deliverable in final form; comparing deliverable products with estimated; and allocating project resources. It also involves a step of informing about completing project to upper management (Michael, 2002). The allocation of different resources in this project enabled Terminal 5 to take about 30 million and Heathrow to take 90 million passengers a year. On Sep, 2006; two major transport milestones arrived on T5 when the project was completed about 85 percent. In 2007, the staff was trained and system was checked to provide deliverables. Around 40 million person hours were used for construction program since 2002. At T5 the availability of six cars was provided in start; and sixteen provided in 2008. The project was completed very successfully and its construction safety was on merit. In 2006, there were no reports regarding accidental situation of around 7000 work force. The official opening was held on 14th March, 2008; and it opened for passengers on 27th March 2008. IDENTIFICATION OF SUCCESS AND FAILURE Some of the successes and failures are discussed below: SUCCESS There were many chances of high risks and uncertainties in this project; but many advanced strategies were utilized to avoid them. Its main success is completion of project on time estimated for it. It was a great challenge for the project manager to arrange or allocate the resources with consideration of time. The budget programs were designed with most effective techniques and the cost plans were delivered very successfully. There were perfect tunnel bores and designs; the technical and mechanical activities were performed with deep consideration; structure was prepared with modern approaches. The Mott MacDonald performed their assigned task very efficiently while working on road tunnel. The designing; construction; and fabrication were much enhanced. The SME (Single Model Environment) proved to be very beneficial for these operations. The most innovative application helped to have stability in its operations. The quality level of providing the facilities to passengers was a great return on the high investment on the mega project; the shareholders achieved a great reward in it. There was a complete safety provision for the local inhabitant; passengers; and environment. The partnership with different parties was very successful which helped to remove the constraints. The exceptional plans were developed which helped to built up a control tower for serving all Heathrow. The integration was very strong to meet the projects goals. There were proper risk and control management to avoid failures in project. There were enhanced system of privacy; the finger prints were taken while crossing security gates which protect against illegal actions. There were strong IT systems for achieving success. FAILURE There were fewer failure regarding staff training, baggage handling and massive IT spread out. The main failure was the unfamiliarity of staff of BA which created many disruptions. Eventually, this problem was sorted out by BAA and BA later on. Initially, the baggage system not worked properly, the BA was blamed for it to not have sufficient staff. According to the BBC, there were many problems faced by the terminal staff for car parking in garages. There were high investment in the IT; there were 180 IT suppliers and 163 systems, about 9000 devices; 2100 PCs and a great mess of cables spread inside. According to British Airways CIO Paul, it is a smaller town filled with telecommunication system interrupting to build T5. CONCLUSION The mega projects always hold a risk of failure, however, the Terminal 5 Heathrow project was much successful and its phases were processed in proper sequence. The project management structure was very strong which helped to utilize the planning; managing and controlling methods effectively for completing the project. REFERENCES Andrew Devies, 2009, From Iconic Design To Lost Luggage: Innovation At Heathrow Terminal 5 Barry Leonard, 2009, GAO Cost Estimating and Assessment Guide, pg. 140-145. Flyvbjerg et al, 2003, mega projects and risk: an anatomy of ambition, Cambridge, Cambridge university press. Harold Kerzner, 2009, Project Management: A Systems Approach to Planning, Scheduling, and Controlling. Pg. 418-450. Kim Heldman, 2003, Project management jumpstart, pg. 18-25. Michael Greer, 2002, The project managers partner: a step-by-step guide to project management, pg. 23-69. R.C. Mishra, R C Mishra Tarun Soota, 2006, Modern Project Management, pg. 22-60.

Diamonds Are My Best Friend Essay -- essays research papers

“It is designed to break your heart. The game begins in spring, when everything else begins again. And it blossoms in the summer, filling the afternoons and evenings. And then as soon as the chill rains come, it stops and leaves you to face the fall alone.'; A. Bartlett Giamatti, the former commissioner of Major League Baseball. From the lush, green grass to the smell of an old leather glove, baseball is truly an extraordinary game. Let us look beyond the enormous salaries and free agency and examine baseball for what it really is: an outstanding form of entertainment. Baseball is incredibly important to me, as not only have I learned an enormous amount from it, I have experienced a whole spectrum of emotions during my love affair with the game. I have been a baseball fan all my life. I remember watching my beloved St. Louis Cardinals play in their robin’s egg blue uniforms in the early 1980’s. We had a birdfeeder in our backyard, and every morning, the same cardinal would stop for his breakfast. I named him Tommy Herr, after the Cardinals second baseman at the time. Tommy has long since retired, but I will always remember the little bird flying in my backyard. It is difficult for one to approach this subject without a sense of heroism and romanticism of it’s rich history. One of my favorite parts of going to the ballpark is listening to the fascinating stories of old timers, the men who have loved the game since childhood. They remember Musial, Maris, and Mantle. They can tell you stories of hearing Hank Aaron hitting his record breaking home run on the radio, or watching Lou Gehrig as a young child. Many of the greatest baseball stories can be heard from these men, living encyclopedias if what the game once was, and it today. Someday I will be sitting in the box seats of a ballpark, and a young child will take the seat beside me. I can captive his imagination with anecdotes of Cal Ripken Jr.’s remarkable streak, Ozzie Smith’s amazing back flips, Pedro Martinez’s menacing fastball, and the magical summer of 1998 when Sammy Sosa and Mark McGwire mystified the world with their long ball heroics. Only in recent years have I begun to truly appreciate the game for what it really is. While some go to the ballpark to see home runs, popular players, or fireworks, I find myself attracted to th... ... that next year, it will all begin again. A fresh new start. A brand new season. However, right now, it is fall. A pitcher grabs a coat to keep his throwing arm warm in this chilly rain, and soon the entire dugout is seen donning coats. The leaves start to change to brown. Kids go back to school. Football begins to creep onto the minds and lips of sports fans. The season comes to a close, and the spring looks terribly far away with an icy cold winter between now and the promises that lie ahead. Baseball has survived throughout the years. It has survived two World Wars. It has survived a depression. It will continue to survive throughout the next millennium. It has gone on strike and saw half it’s fans leave, then watched them come back to see truly great men exhibit even greater talent. Baseball is a sport for the ages. Eighty year old men who have watched this game for years come to the park and sit next to eight year old boys who have never seen a professional game in their lives. That’s what baseball is all about. It is extraordinary. Athletes rise above the compitition and achieve greatness while astonishing veteran fans and simultaneously earning new ones.