Strong Response

Preserving What We’re Losing If you don’t like something the way it is, or if you think you can make it better, then you can change it. That is the mindset of most Americans. Not only do we apply this to our working and family life, but we also apply it to things that I believe should not be changed; nature and the wildlife around us. Why must we â€Å"fix† what is already set in harmony to our benefit? Edward Abbey explores this idea in his essay, â€Å"The Damnation of a Canyon,† published in Beyond the Wall: Essays from the Outside in 1971. In this piece he attempts to communicate with others who have either a small or great interest in the environment and to spark their concern to a greater level. Abbey talks about his disapproval towards technological changes on a place that was once a natural habitat, the Glen Canyon. He believes that the canyon he has grown to love over the years has been robbed of its wild beauty. He points out that even though the scenery is still pleasing to the eye, it is not the same if you look closely. He implies not only has the aesthetics been changed but access to Lake Powell only allows people in who can afford it. Also, because of the changes in the way the water moves, only motor boats are allowed and these are extremely expensive to rent. Before the dam was built all you needed was a raft to float down the river in and a friend to join yo u. A guide was not needed because there was no danger, just calm sailing. Abbey ends with an idea that he believes would make for a better environment. He would like there to be alternative ways for producing energy rather than dams. He believes that if the dam were to be taken out of Glen Canyon it would only be a matter of time before it would begin to restore itself back to its natural beauty. Even though Edward Abbey’s solution is far fetched and his points are a bit repetitive, I believe that this is an issue that cannot be ignored and people need to un... Strong Response Free Essays on Summary / Strong Response Preserving What We’re Losing If you don’t like something the way it is, or if you think you can make it better, then you can change it. That is the mindset of most Americans. Not only do we apply this to our working and family life, but we also apply it to things that I believe should not be changed; nature and the wildlife around us. Why must we â€Å"fix† what is already set in harmony to our benefit? Edward Abbey explores this idea in his essay, â€Å"The Damnation of a Canyon,† published in Beyond the Wall: Essays from the Outside in 1971. In this piece he attempts to communicate with others who have either a small or great interest in the environment and to spark their concern to a greater level. Abbey talks about his disapproval towards technological changes on a place that was once a natural habitat, the Glen Canyon. He believes that the canyon he has grown to love over the years has been robbed of its wild beauty. He points out that even though the scenery is still pleasing to the eye, it is not the same if you look closely. He implies not only has the aesthetics been changed but access to Lake Powell only allows people in who can afford it. Also, because of the changes in the way the water moves, only motor boats are allowed and these are extremely expensive to rent. Before the dam was built all you needed was a raft to float down the river in and a friend to join yo u. A guide was not needed because there was no danger, just calm sailing. Abbey ends with an idea that he believes would make for a better environment. He would like there to be alternative ways for producing energy rather than dams. He believes that if the dam were to be taken out of Glen Canyon it would only be a matter of time before it would begin to restore itself back to its natural beauty. Even though Edward Abbey’s solution is far fetched and his points are a bit repetitive, I believe that this is an issue that cannot be ignored and people need to un...

History of the Electric Blanket

History of the Electric Blanket The first crude electric blanket was invented in the early 1900s. The heated bed coverings bore little resemblance to the electric blankets we are familiar with today. They were big and bulky heating devices that were dangerous to use, and the blankets were really considered an oddity. An inventor called S.I. Russell patented an electric blanket and some consider him the inventor of the modern electric blanket. Use in Sanitariums In 1921, electric blankets started receiving more attention after being regularly used in tuberculosis sanitariums. Tuberculosis patients were routinely prescribed lots of fresh air, which included sleeping outdoors. The blankets were used to keep the patients warm. When any product comes to public attention, attempts to improve design begins and the electric blanket was no exception. Thermostat Control In 1936, the first automatic, electric blanket was invented. It had a separate thermostat control which automatically turned on and off, in response to room temperature. The thermostat also served as a safety device, turning off if hot spots in the blanket occurred. Later, thermostats were wired into the blankets and multiple thermostats were used. This basic design remained until 1984 when thermostats-free electric blankets were introduced. Warming Pads Heated Quilts That in 1946 the first automatic electric blanket went on sale in the US for $39.50, but the term electric blanket was not used until the 1950s- prior to that, these blankets used to be called warming pads or heated quilts Todays electric blankets can respond to both room and body temperatures. The blankets can even send more heat to your cold feet and less to your torso.