The Task :: essays research papers

It was a quiet afternoon so crudely interrupted by a knock at the door. A messenger had come with a letter. I took the letter and began reading. It was from my father. The old man was ill and had requested my immediate presence. I gathered my things and mounted my best horse.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  I arrived at my fathers house before nightfall and was let in by one of his illustrious maids. Her name was Margarette`. She had been tending to my father for many years now. A tall, young lady yet always bleak and deteriorating. She led me strait to his chamber which was filled with the aroma of medicines and ails. The physician was also present as were a few maids. Upon seeing my arrival the old man made a weak attempt to sit up, coughing as though his lungs were filled with smoke from a thousand chimneys, and motioned for me to come closer. It was painful for me to see my once strong, cunning and seemingly invincible father in this state. In his youth, his strength had equaled ten men but now he had been reduced to a thin and withering, pale, old man. I greeted him warmly, hiding my true feelings of disgust and immorality.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  My father instructed all to leave us and began talk of death nearing him. My father was not a poor man and had said to be leaving a greater portion of his wealth to me and the rest being divided amongst the maids and my sister who after marriage had moved to Spain. However before the fortune was upon me I would have to complete a task—to kill the one man who had wronged my father. The old man instructed me to take a key from his neck and open his personal drawer with it. From there I would take his prized dagger and use it to slay my fathers adversary. The jewel was wrapped in fine cloth and was not to be opened until I face my enemy in combat. My father spoke of great evil that was in the heart of this beast and only that dagger which had been soaked in his own blood could destroy him. He bid me be careful and keen with my task as this man wore a mask of kindness that I should not fall under.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Automatically I dispersed my fathers warnings, questioning his sanity and left to retire before my journey.

Octavia E. Butler. Parable of the Sower Essay

Octavia E. Butler. Parable of the Sower Introduction   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The novel, parable of the sower was authored by Octavia E. Butler. The novel was published in 1993. It is the first book in a two-book series of science and fiction books written by Octavia E. Butler which is set in a prospect where the government has collapsed. The novel is centered on Lauren Olamina a young woman who has the ability to feel and perceive pain and many other sensations of others. She develops a benevolent religious and philosophical religion in her childhood in the remaining parts of a gated community in Los Angeles (the writer has dubbed this hyperempathy). During that time, there is increased resource scarcity and high levels of poverty which has led the civil society to revert to relative anarchism. As soon as the community’s security is compromised, her home is shattered and her family is murdered. After the incidence that led to loss of her parents, Lauren Olamina travels to North together with other survivors to go and try to start a new community where her faith- Earthseed can grow and thrive. The novel describes the conditions the society is going through in the city of California in 2024. The city has turned to hell and this has led to creation of three classes of people who are miles apart financially and in their societal status .i.e. the poor, the middle class and the rich. The poverty and insecurity levels not only in California but also in the whole of America are very high with different politicians giving empty promises on how they will alleviate the situation. Against such unpleasant background, Butler presents her intelligent heroine, Lauren who is believed to be thoughtful and independent girl who apart from thinking about herself she suffers from what the writer terms as â€Å"hyperempathy syndrome†- She is exceedingly sensitive to the agony of others, feeling it as if it were her own. It is this feeling that keeps pressuring her to change not only the belief system but also economically change the society and redeem her people from the anguish they are going through. Lauren does not acknowledge the belief system of her elders but make an effort to start her own system that is true according to her experience and that is accorded with common sense and observation. From the novel we get to know that Lauren acquired the â€Å"hyperempathy syndrome.† from her drug-addicted mother who died while giving birth to her.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   There is no freedom in Laurent’s society. At the onset of the novel, we find Lauren, her family and other families that live within the walled neighborhood living as virtual prisoners.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Any time they want to go outside they must be armed. They live under endless siege resulting from drug addicts and thieves who aimlessly wander the streets outside. These drug addicts are desperate and many a times they break into their neighborhood, burn, steal and rummage whatever they can. In Laurent’s society, there are is no potentials for the young that are within the walls-they will continue to get poor due to lack of jobs and their lives continue to worsen slowly. For example what Bianca Montoya-seventeen year old expects when she marries is to live in a garage-like house. The national government is helpless to improve the condition. The sole option for Laurent’s people is moving to urban of Olivar’s company. But for the people who consider this option, they do so for the sake of their security and not for freedom reasons since the company will assume responsibility of each part of their lives- Lauren refuses t o go to Olivar. She instead journeys to the north for freedom despite the fact that she is aware of the danger of thejourneyand she does not clearly know her endpoint. Most of those people that travel with her are doing so as to escape virtual slavery. For example Zahra Moss escaped frequent fight from her husband, Allie Gilchrist and Jill were escaping slavery from their father who had forced them to prostitution and Jill and Allie Gilchrist was running from her employer who is enslaving her due to her debtr. Laurent’s arrival at Bankole’s property gives her to choose on of whether to stay there or not. Though survival in this new place is challenging, they have the privilege of freeing from outside oppression unlike their counterparts who sojourned to Olivar. (Butler 204).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   From the novel, the author tries to point out the theme of Self-reliance. For instance, even when Laurent is young of age (at the age of fifteen years) she already has the knowledge of the state of her community-that it is doomed and that no one is ready to deliver it from the turmoil. This encourages her to live a self-reliant life and not to depend on any external authority to help her such as the police who are very corrupt-the rule of law in the community has broken down. This also encourages her to read everything that would help her know how to continue to exist when the time is ripe for her to leave Robledo (her community). For example, she learns how to use guns and how to handle medical emergencies. Once they start sojourning, Laurent and her group survive because of attentive and using their resources in a more wise way. After reaching the land where they intend to build their first Earthseed community, they still require to be s elf-reliant. Since there are no careers in this new area where they build their first Earthseed community, they have to nearly start from scratch and upkeep themselves by what they can cultivate and sell. Self-reliance therefore becomes a basic principle of the Earthseed religion. According to this religion which was founded by Laurent, it is imprudent for people to foolishly wait upon God to come and help them –they have to toil so as to bring food onto their table. It is their obligation to mold their own destiny based on their personal efforts. (ch. 11).According to Butler (158), the novel also shows the collapse of community and the steady reconstructing of another one. Societal orders are almost broken in Robledo in 2024 and the only places where community seems to exist is within the walled areas in which the middle class and the rich people live a normal live. Though the people in the walled areas where the middle class live do not like one another, they take the respo nsibility to defend their neighborhood. This community is doomed and at the end when it is invaded; there is nothing left but pandemonium and anarchy. In this chaotic world, Laurent and her community must learn the links of affection and trustworthiness that bring bond people in unison. In Laurent’s new community, there is sense of community-hood, togetherness and loyalty to the ideals of the society. For example, after Jill Gilchrist is killed, Lauren consoles and comforts Jill’s sister, Allie (Ch. 24). This is advancement on the process of forming the Earthseed community of people that share common values and value one another. (Butler 182).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The novel also reveals a poor religion which Laurent is against. According to the Baptist religion where Laurent’s father is a minister, they foolishly depend on God. They believe that their God can do everything for them and therefore there is no need for struggle. This kind of religion has contributed to the increased levels of poverty in the community. This is why Laurent challenges her father’s faith. She completely rejects his father’s religion and instead creates her own-Earthseed which exclusively believes in toiling for one’s survival instead of foolishly waiting upon God. (ch. 7).Contrary to Laurent’s success after challenging her father’s religion, Keith-Laurent’s young brother after challenging his father religion chooses a detrimental course which ends in his demise. He struggles to be independent by running from his father’s religion but this independence costs him his li fe (ch. 9).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   According to Margalit (6), Even though America is still in presumption democracy, there is no one in Laurent’s family and neighborhood that is ready to vote except her father. Basic goods are scarce and high-priced. Outside the enclosed neighborhoods, there is anarchy. People have entered in all types of depression. For example, drug addiction and disease is rampant, corpses lie all over the streets and many people are starving and homeless. The federal government keeps talking about alleviating the situation, but it is basically immaterial to most people’s lives. The police have worsened the situation also as they charge a fee before investigating a crime. References Octavia E. Butler. Parable of the Sower. United States: Four Walls Eight Windows press, 1993.Print. Fox, Margalit. â€Å"Octavia E. Butler, Science Fiction Writer, Dies at 58†³ journal of science fiction, (2003). Source document

A Manifesto on Been the Senior Prefect of Your School Essay

Give unto me that wisdom that is constantly around Thy throne, and cast me not out from among Thy children. For I am Thy servant, and the son of Thy hand-maiden, a weak creature of a short existence, and too weak in understanding, in right, and in the law. Send it down from Thy high heaven and from the throne of Thy glory that it may abide with me and labor with me, that I may know and do the things that are pleasing unto Thee. For Thy wisdom knoweth and understandeth all things, and let it lead me in my works and protect me in its glory, and my labors will be acceptable unto Thee. When I was yet in my youth I sought wisdom without fear in my prayer. I prayed for it in the temple, and will seek it to my end. My heart rejoiceth over it as when the young grapes ripen. Thou art my Father, my God, and my Shepherd, who helpest me. Thy hand created and prepared me; teach me that I may learn Thy com-mandments; open my eyes that I may behold the wonders of Thy law. Remember, Lord, Thy covenant, and teach me what to say and think. Instruct me and so shall I live. Lord, show me Thy ways, lead me in Thy truth, and teach me. I am Thy servant, teach me that I may un-derstand Thy evidence. Console me again with Thy help and let the happy spirit sustain me. Thou lover of life, Thy immortal spirit is in all things. Teach me to work in a manner that is well pleasing unto Thee, for Thou art my God. Let Thy good spirit lead me in pleasant paths. With Thee is the living fountain and in Thy light we see the light. Let my goings be established, and let no unrighteousness rule over me. Teach me wholesome manners and enlighten me, for I believe Thy com-mandments. Lead me in Thy truth and teach me, for Thou art the God who helps me, and I wait daily before Thee. Let Thy countenance shine upon Thy servant and teach me to know Thy justice. Let me behold Thy glory, for Thou, Lord, art my light, and Thou wilt turn my darkness into day. Wilt Thou join Thyself with me in eternity, and trust me in right-eousness and in judgment, in grace and mercy, yea, wilt Thou join me in faith that I may know Thee, the Lord. Lord, let my complaints come before Thee. Instruct me according to Thy word. Let my prayers come before Thee, rescue me according to Thy word. Show me Thy ways, oh, Lord, that I may walk in Thy truth. Keep my heart in singleness that I may fear Thy name. I will remember Thy name from childhood, therefore, all people will thank Thee forever and ever. Amen.

Earth and Yuri Gagarin

In my presentation I will tell you about the first cosmonaut. The purpose of this presentation to know more about the life of Yuri Gagarin and his exploits. Also explains how Gagarin prepared to fly into space, the process of this important event and what happened with the first cosmonaut after he made his flight. And in the presentation contains different photos of Gagarin with his family and friends. Career in the Soviet space program It was on the 12th of April, 1961, when the first flight by man into cosmic space took place. Yuri Gagarin, the first cosmonaut in the world, he was a 27 years old Air Force pilot at that time. The space ship flew at the speed of 300 miles a minute. That’s six times faster than man ever travelled before. His flight lasted 108 minutes, but a circuit round the Earth took 89 minutes. It was a brilliant achievement on the part of our scientists and technologists, and on the part of Gagarin who risked his life to achieve a victory for his country. This is what Yuri Gagarin said at this press conference: â€Å"On my flight around the Earth was clearly seen: the continents, island and seas. Flying over the land I could clearly see the big squares of fields and it was possible to distinguish which was meadow and which was forest I could not see as well as from an airplane. I saw for the first time with my own eyes the Earth’s shape. I must say that the view of the horizon is very beautiful. You can see the noticeable change from the light surface of the Earth in to completely black sky in which you can see the stars. It is very gradual and lovely. In space the shines ten times more brightly than on the Earth. The stars can be seen very well. I felt excellent as I entered space. Everything was easier to do when weightlessness . My legs and arms weighed nothing. Objects swam in the cabin. During this state of weightlessness I ate and drank and everything was the same as on the Earth. The passage back from weightlessness to the force of gravity happened smoothly. Arms and legs feel the same as during weightlessness, but now they have weight. When I returned to the Earth I was full of joy. † Death and legacy After the flight Gagarin became a worldwide celebrity. He went around the globe with press conference and everywhere people were impressed by his charming smile, inelegance and simplicity. In 1962, he began serving as a deputy to the Supreme Soviet. Unfortunately, he tragically died during a training flight on an airplane. But he is remembered throughout Russia forever. American astronauts Neil Armstrong and Edwin Aldrin left one of Gagarin's medals on the moon as a tribute. Moreover in Russia there are a lot of streets, squares, schools and colleges bear his name.

Joint Venture Essay

Joint ventures are business ventures formed by two or more companies to achieve aspecific, but limited, objective. An example would be the development of an offshore oil field, where a group of companies combines to build and operate a drilling platform and related pipeline. The project is owned equally by the affiliated enterprises and its management could be controlled either by one of the partners or by a separate management could be controlled either by one of the partners or by a separate management organisation established just for the project. The venture may be organised as a partnership ,a corporation ,a joint-stock company or some other legal form, and it can contunieindefinetly.The rational for a joint venture is usually to diversify risk among the members and or to combine expertise and assets that none of the participants provide alone. : Roy L.Crum,Eugene F.Brigham& joel.F.Houston.(2005)Fundamentals of international finance.1st edn. THE ADVANTAGES OF JOINT VENTURES: * Access to expertise and contacts in local markets, each partner agrees to ajoint venture to gain access to the other partner’s skills and resources. Typically the international partner contributes financial resources, technology or products. The local partner provides the skills and knowledge required for managing a business in its country. * Reduced market and political risks * Economies of scale by pooling skills and resources(resulting in e.g. lower marketing costs) * May avoid local tariffs and non-tariffs barriers * Shared risk of failure * Possibly better relations with national governments through having a local partner. THE DISDVANTAGE OF JOINT VENTURES: * Objectives of the respective partners may be incompatible ,resulting in conflicts * Contributions to joint ventures can become disproportionate * Los of control over foreign operations * Completion might overburden a company’s staff * Partners may become locked into long term investments from which it is difficult to withdraw * Cultural differences may result in possible differences in management culture among participating firms * Problems of management structures and dual parent staffing of joint ventures. * Transfer pricing problems as good pass between partners Sven hollensen.(2004)global marketing(adecision-oriented approach).3rd edn.

Distance Leaning Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Distance Leaning - Essay Example That distance learning paradigms can benefit from the aforementioned is emphasised by Alan Tait, a faculty member at the Open University, UK, whose article is the primary focus of this critique. Commencing with a historical overview of the evolution of open and distance learning in the United Kingdom and Europe, Tait (2003) identifies transportation technology as having played a pivotal role in the development of the stated phenomenon. A railway system supported by an organised and efficient postal and mail services enabled tutors to guide, direct and educate students across distance. Certainly, as Tait (2003) concedes, the system was fraught with a number of challenges, most of which stemmed from the absence of any form of interpersonal communication between students and tutors. With the evolution of such information and communication technology tools such as the home computer and the internet, open and distance learning became e-learning. Reputable higher educational institutions began to offer courses, degree and certificate programmes over the web. Within the context of open and distance learning, e-learning stands out as a revolutionary development for several reasons. In the first place, and as Tait (2003) emphasises, while earlier forms of distance learning had partially overcome the challenges posed by space and distance, web-based learning obliterated distance. In the second place, while open and distance learning, as delivered through correspondence, partly overcame the challenges posed by distance, it was not able to do so vis--vis time. Web-based learning, on the other hand, annihilated this particular challenge just as it did as regards distance. In other words, web-learning is a revolutionary development within the context of open and distance learning because it enabled cross-distance interpersonal communication and immediacy of delivery (Tait, 2003). Despite its numerous advantages and even though it successfully overcame many of the more significant of the challenges which confronted earlier distance learning paradigms, e-learning has to be restructured towards higher levels of student-orientation. As Tait (2003) notes, facts and figures indicate that the field is highly competitive, on the one hand, and there are high non-completion, or student drop-out rates on the other. Universities or educational institutes which offer web-based services must, both as a response to competition and high non-completion rates, need to focus on the improvement of their delivery paradigm through the integration of student support systems (Tait, 2003). Besides the fact that student support systems should be integrated into the e-learning delivery paradigm because it is a popular student demand, the imperatives of integration emanate from the fact that it will significantly improve and facilitate e-learning and will, additionally, reduce non-completion rates. Student support systems will function to support the learning process through the provision of more immediate tutor-student mentoring and guidance as would extend the learning and emotional support which would encourage students to complete the programme, on the one hand, and bring e-learning closer to the levels of efficiency and effectiveness attained

Shawshank Redemption Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Shawshank Redemption - Essay Example Several scenes from the movie Shawshank Redemption give rise for ethical reflection. In the scene where Andy Dufresne (Tim Robbins) offered financial advice to Captain Hadley (Clancy Brown), Andy almost got himself killed trying to argue his point across. Eventually, Andy was able to secure his position among the guards and, also, his inmates by giving them a "night of freedom", drinking beers on the rooftop. Andy's "self-sacrifice" proves to be questionable based on Kant's Ethics on Good Will. According to Kant, an action can only be perceived as done in "good will" if the rational being has the right reasons behind his actions-the right reason being honor bound by duty to do the right thing when a person is in power to affect a change. Since the motive behind Andy's actions is questionable, the act is therefore, morally incorrect. On the other hand, from the virtue theorists' point of view, the nature of man is too complex to put an exact science upon. For them, the question of ethics relies heavily upon a man's character and since Andy Dufresne is dominantly good, he is bound to act morally and perform good deeds. This theory is further strengthened in the part where Andy helped a new inmate, Tommy Williams (Gil Bellows), gain his high school diploma in the In addition and, in sharp contrast against Kant's theory, ethical egoism allows for the