The Olympic Games Essays - Panhellenic Games, Multi-sport Events

The Olympic Games The Olympic Games are a tradition of athletic events that take place every four years. They are a custom that was started many years ago, but are currently taken for granted. People from all over the world tune their televisions and radios to watch and listen to the events, but never question their existence. When were the Olympic games started? What was the first event? How did it grow? Where were the first games held? Why did they start? Did they have any political, social, or religious meanings? The games started about 3,500 years ago in the country of Greece. The first games were not called the Olympic games but the Classical games. They were held every four years as they are today. They were different from today's games, in that they were held at four different city-states. At each city-state, the games were given different names. They were the Olympic Games, held at Olympia; the Pythian Games at Delphi; the Nemean Games at Nemea; and the Isthmian Games at Corinth. These games later spread to over 150 cities as far as Rome, Naples, Odessus, Antioch, and Alexandria. Olympia still has records of its champions over 776 BC to AD 217. The champions of Olympia came from about a dozen cities in Greece, but mainly from Sparta and Athens. The first Olympic Games only consisted of one event. The first event was a stade won by Coroebus of Elis. A stade was a foot race of about 210 yards. Later, horse racing was added next followed by a long-distance race, wrestling, and the pentathlon. The first games held in Olympia were in honor of Zeus. The games, like all the Greek games, was an intrinsic part of a religious festival. Religion was the basis of a tradition that has out lasted time. All the games held in Greece were in the honor of one of their acknowledged gods. The first Olympic Games lasted only one day, but with the addition of events, the games were extended to four days of events and the fifth day was dedicated to a religious closing. All the events were competed in the total nude. This was to glorify the gods. It was a symbol of the perfect and pure body being offered to the god. Religion was a major part of the Greek culture. Thus, when games were held in tribute to gods they were well attended. Evidence proves that the games were grand celebration throughout Greece. There was even a sacred truce, or ekecheiria, that guaranteed athletes, officials, and spectators safe passage to Olympia. The carrying of the torch was a very religious event. It consisted of runners racing through the city attempting to lay a burning torch at the feet of the altar of the designated god. The winner was held with high regards. Religious ceremonies often followed the race. Even though the Olympic Games were held for religious reasons, most that we do not know, the torch race was never practiced during the games. The awards given to the athletes were far from expensive, but they were very honorable. The winner received crown of olive branches intertwined that was placed on the victors head. They were no ordinary olive branches, though, they were cut from the sacred olive tree. No one knows for sure where the tree was located, but many assume it was located in the coliseum. The coliseum was also designed to worship the gods. It contained a huge altar of Zeus at one end looking over everything. On his sides were small altars of less significant gods and goddess. Located in the middle of the track were many more gods and goddess with even less importance. So even the architectural work of the games had religious meanings inscribed in them. Even though the Olympics were founded on religion, like everything else, it changed to a matter of fame and fortune. The awards for the winners were initially more honorable than monetary. This, however, changed over the years. An athlete ran for the pride of his city-state, and in return the city-state took care of its winners. The games were financed and officiated by one man, usually a very wealthy individual. When one of the athletes from his city-state won he rewarded them with great wealth and fame. Other winners became jealous of the monetary awards. In return for their services, they demanded a ransom from their city-states when they were victorious. Some

6 Tips to Help You Get Through College

6 Tips to Help You Get Through College Sometimes, when you are bogged down with stressful homework assignments and you are unable to find a minute of free time, it is hard to remember that college is something you should absolutely enjoy. Its true! Sure, you are supposed to work and study hard as well, but you should also have a great social life and enjoy new experiences as well. Sadly, we often receive emails other messages from students who are struggling to get through college, let alone enjoy themselves. This is why weve decided to put together this list of college survival tips. After all, were not just the best college paper writing service. We also consider ourselves to be supporters of students who are struggling in any way. 1. Find Out Who Gives College Student Discounts That student ID card in your wallet is more valuable than you think. If you live in a college town, restaurants, bars, laundromats, and other businesses will often give you a decent discount if you show your ID. If you love going to the movies, check with your local theater. They frequently offer the best discounts of all. 2. Learn to Cook If you cook at least some of your own meals, youll save quite a bit of money. Sure, you may not have access to an oven or stove, but you can do some amazing things with a microwave, hotpot, and slow cooker. 3. Find a Few Places to Study Outside of Your Dorm Room Sometimes, when you have trouble concentrating, the best thing you can do is get a change of scenery. This is why it helps to have more than one study spot. Youll also establish some good will with your roommate if you can make an exit while they are entertaining guests. 4. Be Safe Make sure that you have emergency contacts on your phone. If you live far from home, make sure that at least one of those contacts is somebody who lives locally. If you go to a club or a party, watch your drink and keep make an agreement with your friends to keep tabs on each other. Finally, dont hesitate to ask campus security for an escort if you feel unsafe. 5. Dont Forget to Get Help From Reputable Writing Services Remember, if you check out college paper writing service reviews, you will find us at the top of many lists! You can also get help your schools writing lab and even your instructors. Wherever you get help, dont wait too long. You dont want to risk failing a class or dropping your GPA. 6. Dont Blow Off The Campus Tour The more familiar you are with campus the better off you will be. Your tour guide will likely show you a few off the beaten places that you may not learn about otherwise such as rarely used computer labs and rarely used student lounges which are great for taking a quick nap. College is a great life-experience. Do not miss your chance to enjoy due to shyness or lack of information!

Strategic Management and Strategic Competitiveness Essay - 12

Strategic Management and Strategic Competitiveness - Essay Example Through the years, the company’s evolution is a vivid example of corporate sustainability. Globalization allows the creation of links, both physical and virtual, among several locations in the world. Technology serves as a tool that facilitates the process of globalization. Union Pacific’s early years enjoyed significantly fewer technological processes in comparison to today’s technologically driven world. Furthermore, rapid globalization occurred in the 20th century and reached its peak in the current century. The company income as of December 2012 stood at $ 3.9 billion (Form 10-K, 2012). This is an all-time high during the several decades of existence. The company’s large revenue directly relates with the forces of globalization and technology advancement. Particularly, the interconnectivity of the firm through mobile communication and the internet facilitates the creation of a link between the US based railroad company with Canada and Mexico. The railroad currently serves in connecting the United States with these countries. The company employs an advanced Information Technology System that primarily controls all transportation operations through the establishment of a communication link. The fast establishment of communication between the company and the customers facilitate faster systems of service delivery. Moreover, the application of technology creates an efficient transportation control system. Globalization facilitates the exchange of goods among different areas of the world. Therefore, the area served by the railroad received larger volumes of produce from other areas in comparison to the period before globalizati on. The regions also export several products to other regions. Railroad transport through Union Pacific acts as a primary link during this operation. The age of globalization and technology serves in enhancing the importance of Union Pacific Corporation. The industrial organization approach views the firm’s external