1. Stating the problem: Calculate the value of the expression $$(3^3 - 5) + \frac{102}{2} - \left( \frac{140}{70} \right)$$. 2. Formula and rules: Use order of operations (PEMDAS/BODMAS): parentheses, exponents, multiplication/division (left to right), addition/subtraction (left to right). 3. Calculate powers and parentheses: $$3^3 = 27$$ $$3^3 - 5 = 27 - 5 = 22$$ 4. Calculate divisions: $$\frac{102}{2} = 51$$ $$\frac{140}{70} = 2$$ 5. Substitute back into the expression: $$22 + 51 - 2$$ 6. Perform addition and subtraction: $$22 + 51 = 73$$ $$73 - 2 = 71$$ 7. Final answer: $$\boxed{71}$$