Saturday, November 30, 2019

Ways to Improve Architectural Practice

Certainly, architectural prime is fading away and thus putting the architectural practice in a secret crisis. Eventually, the profession has eradicated the integrity of building construction. When asked of what they exactly do, architects should not merely state that they design constructions. Architecture comprises wider matters and not just dealing with aesthetics or forms.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Ways to Improve Architectural Practice specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Therefore, architects ought to respond to an inquiry concerning what they do with creative thinking. As conceited as one might consider, architects are proud of their knowledge and their commitment shows it. Nevertheless, such achievements are currently not sufficient. Our opportunity for resolution is diminishing. We are short of flexibility in our performance and thus we give away more positions to other sectors of practice. Due to work sharing, which assumes a more holistic structure, the profession has broken down into several specialisations and consequently driven the development of architectural practice into a manifold that cannot be depicted in just a single sentence. In simple terms, architectural practice should show ability to acclimatise and lead other sectors to facilitate its survival in such transformations. Could lack of a unique contemporary theory of practice in present architectural offices contribute to this occurrence? Did we cause it ourselves as we attempted to outbid with deceptions of too much form and practice? Debatably, architects are frequently branded with interruption and thus the profession has the urge to progress outward, as if detaching from other standards. The present unclear function of architectural practice might be the reason for bad timing. Whatever the cause, architecture and its practices should embrace the inevitable transformation. The character of architecture has const antly been concerned with having authorisation from higher authorities. Accordingly, the connection with politics is indestructible as political roles come with profound accountabilities. In this regard, architects have detached themselves and with time, a stereotype has been built up. Architects have become less official and assume a more artistic project quality thus siding with contemporary architects taking in the fundamental idea; that is, the yearning to share information with others and extend knowledge by accommodating broad range of views. If an individual cannot make clear his or her intentions, then that individual cannot assume authority. An expected inquiry, concerning sharing as a means of survival for architectural practice, underscores the extent to which sharing should take place.Advertising Looking for essay on architecture? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Apparently, the notion of teamwork is not only to sha tter â€Å"I discern more than you† stunt, but also to move away from the predetermined constructions and focus on architectural practice and promote its principles. In other words, this aspect is a means of unlocking criticism. Philosophers have just interpreted the globe in different manners; the logic is, to transform. Sharing is not sufficient and thus an accurate teamwork tactic is necessary. Close attention to the sharing notion and sharing vital information by the project and its comrades are as well required attributes. Just as the initiative of â€Å"municipality, privatisation, and ownership† transformed the structure of constructions and the extent of political control necessitated constructions, such tactic might bring rescue to the architectural sector. This essay on Ways to Improve Architectural Practice was written and submitted by user Jazmin Sutton to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Tuesday, November 26, 2019

Religion as a cyber society essays

Religion as a cyber society essays The exponential growth of the Cyber society and Cyber culture within the Internet has not gone unnoticed by the religious community. As I write, church web sites are being published and electronic prayer groups zip by in modems and wire networks across the globe. Even isolated monasteries like the Monastery of the Christ in the Desert (see sidebar) are able to send their Benedictine messages from their cloister in New Mexico. New age religions also use the [virtual] soil of the Internet as the center of their virtual church (see end of the Cyber society Observation for links on religious web pages). With these in mind, it is safe to write that Religion has seamlessly incorporated itself within the realm of Cyber society. The presence of Religion in Net Culture is not an unforeseen trend. Although Religion and Modernity does not have the best relationship, Religion has learned that they need to conform with the current trends of technology to survive. Religion sees Modernity (in hand with secularization) as a threat to spiritual well-being and existence of its churches. Today for example, membership in Christian denominations is decreasing and the number of priests is on the downward slope as well. The declining trends are placed on modern individuals tendency to think of religion as neither good nor bad but simply irrelevant. (Encarta Religion) Another reason lies in the prestige appropriated to science, the body of knowledge that made no reference to spiritual gods and the foundation of all the technologies that made human life easier. The religious organizations recognize the decline in membership and religious passivity of the general populace. Instead of going condemning the technology, they adapted to it and used it to perform their evangelical work. Evangelicalism originally means personal commitment to Christ and the authority of the Bible (Encarta ...

Friday, November 22, 2019

7 tips to not letting work take over your life

7 tips to not letting work take over your life In this age of leaning in and working whatever hours it takes to get ahead, it can be increasingly easy to forget to take time for yourself. Doing anything but work can actually seem like laziness or self-indulgence- especially when it looks like everyone else is still working furiously while you’ve taken off for the day. However, burnout is real. If you’re not operating at full capacity because you’re mentally and physically exhausted, your work and personal life will suffer. The key is to find a  good balance between your hard work and your outside life. Here are a few strategies on how to do just that.1. Keep one day meeting-free.Lots of companies establish one day a week as â€Å"meeting-free,† where no one is allowed to schedule any kind of mandatory group gathering. If your company doesn’t do this, suggest it to your manager. Setting aside one work day that’s just for you to actually work will do wonders for your productivity. Youâ₠¬â„¢ll get more done during the day and take home less work (and stress) at night.2. Work from home if possible.If telecommuting is an option for you at your job, take advantage of it. If it isn’t yet, have a conversation with your boss. Even one day or half day a week can help keep you grounded and give you that little bit of extra space that keeps you centered.3. Protect your time away from the office.If you do have to take work home, make sure you set strict time limits for yourself, so it doesn’t eat up all of your out-of-office time. Triage the important stuff. Respond only to the most critical emails, then leave the rest for when you’re back at your desk. And unless it’s truly an emergency, try to make it a policy not to respond to work emails at all over the weekends. Your weekend time is your own.4. Fit in exercise.Build this into your work day, with something as simple as a half-hour walk during your lunch break. If that isn’t possible, bu ild an hour or two a week into your weekly routine. Exercise will keep you healthy, sharp, young, and full of endorphins. You can’t really afford not to find the time, so go ahead and make sure you do- your body and your brain will thank you. Taking care of your body takes care of so much else.5. Make family a priority.The people you love and who love you in your life aren’t expendable, and your job should know that. If emergencies come up, show up. Make time to be there for the people that you love as a rule, not as an exception.6. Take vacation.Seriously. Vacation and personal time exist for a reason. Take every day you are allowed. You’re supposed to use these days, and you (and your boss) will be glad you did. Your work and attitude will definitely improve after taking a break.7. Schedule blank time.Instead of scheduling yourself to the gills, from your alarm going off in the morning until bedtime, make sure you block off time in your schedule when you donâ €™t have anything to do- not even family obligations or doctors appointments. Let your brain really an truly relax,  and it will stay sharp and creative.You might not be able to give yourself a full half-hour or hour every day, but you can try. Even just twenty minutes to sit quietly and meditate or take a walk can make all the difference in your attitude and your health.

Thursday, November 21, 2019

The Introduction of Management Techniques and National Culture Research Paper

The Introduction of Management Techniques and National Culture - Research Paper Example HRM itself is the new avatar of ‘Personnel Management’. Personnel management was largely concerned with the technical aspects of hiring, evaluating, training, and compensating employees. HRM, on the other hand, leaves scope for career building of the employee, development of a professional relationship and the satisfaction aspect. It is no more a mere "staff" function in the organizations. The main reason for attempts to avoid bad publicity is because as per a recent study seventy per cent of world trade—â€Å"including one-third of all manufacturing exports, three-quarters of all commodity trade, and four-fifths of technical and management services trade†Ã¢â‚¬â€was accounted for by the 500 largest MNCs. Changes in almost every aspect of human life are taking place very rapidly in a pervasive and profound manner. This change is engulfing technologies, products, processes, materials and above all, People. Globalization leads the changing scenario, bringing in newer technologies, a new phenomenon of the knowledge worker and of course the competitive era. In view of the competition and globalization companies start exploring avenues for growth within and outside the borderline of their country of origination. Therefore, it is amply clear from the above diagram that companies are required to take care of a number of factors while planning to go global. Expanding business operations beyond national boundaries, while continuing the commitment to local markets requires more complex business structures. Large, worldwide businesses tend to evolve from international to multinational to global structures.

Tuesday, November 19, 2019

Finance executives recognize the benefits of method's green Essay

Finance executives recognize the benefits of method's green efficiencies - Essay Example The methods save the company money and reduce its liabilities in the long run by significantly reducing adverse environmental impacts of its business activities. Yes, other household supply companies now recognise the financial importance of adopting green products. Customers have become more concerned about the environment and want to associate with those companies that exhibit the best ethical practices. The customers want to be linked with companies that embrace green technology and have moral conscious about the environment. This is evident in the case study where Method, a green technology-oriented firm, has become popular among customers in the market. Consequently, competing firms have joined in the race by adopting green business technologies. In the case, it is estimated that eco-friendly household supplies is likely to grow from 3 percent in 2008 to 30 percent in 2013, which is a massive and positive trend towards the industry becoming green in the

Saturday, November 16, 2019

Carmen Marinache Essay Example for Free

Carmen Marinache Essay Assuming complex businesses in which company is part of: organising logistics operations ( railway transportation from station of departure to station of destination, reception of wagons at final station of destination, unloading the cargo from wagons and loading it into trucks / handling, delivery up to the client’s terminal); organising special transports such as munitions transportation in transit via Romania; organising cargo exports from Romania with guard protection on route; organising oversized transportation, export from Romania to different countries, which implies: obtaining loading drawing from an authorised company, obtaining approval for transportation from the railways and infrastructure, issuing CIM railway bills, coordinating the transport with foreign railways on traffic and obtaining all necessary traffic permission by keeping in touch with all our external partners, solving problems that might occur while transportation is performed; organising exports from Romania to different countries from exCIS in special SZD wagons (wagons from CIS countries), obtaining all traffic permissions, keeping in contact with clients and partners for a prompt solving of all difficult situations; organising transportation of wagons on their own wheels as well as of locomotives; participating to organisation of multimodal traffic Ex: cargo coming by vessel, unloading directly or indirectly to wagons and customs clearance through a sister company specialised in port in such kind of operations), railway trans portation up to one station in Europe, unloading of cargo and delivery by trucks to consignee, etc. ? Keeping in contact with Accounting and Financial Dept. in order to mutually solve problems related to the financial part of the business; ? Based on the information received from the Controlling Dept. , analysing and proposing to the Executive Manager personal evaluation for personnel; ? Monthly analysing the activity of the Railway Dept. calculating estimated operational profit, calculating the total tonnage, presenting the situations to Executive Director; ? Contacting and visiting potential clients; ? Taking part to set up of transport and freight forwarding contracts with Romanian and foreign clients/partners ; ? Representing the company within international exhibitions and fairs, in Romania and abroad, to Express Interfracht Holding own stand, and within conferences having as topic the improvement of railway transportation; ? Issuing the documentation of company presentation and representing the company within different tenders opened by big production companies in Romania, in o rder to choose logistic supplier.

Thursday, November 14, 2019

The V-chip :: essays research papers

The V-Chip What is a V-chip? This term has become a buzz word for any discussion evolving telecommunications regulation and television ratings, but not too many reports define the new technology in its fullest form. A basic definition of the V-chip; is a microprocessor that can decipher information sent in the vertical blanking of the NTSC signal, purposefully for the control of violent or controversial subject matter. Yet, the span of the new chip is much greater than any working definition can encompass. A discussion of the V-chip must include a consideration of the technical and ethical issues, in addition to examining the constitutionally of any law that might concern standards set by the US government. Yet in the space provided for this essay, the focus will be the technical aspects and costs of the new chip. It is impossible to generally assume that the V-chip will solve the violence problem of broadcast television or that adding this little device to every set will be a first amendment infringement. We can, however, find clues through examining the cold facts of broadcast television and the impact of a mandatory regulation on that free broadcast. "Utilizing the EIA's Recommended Practice for Line 21 Data Service(EIA-608) specification, these chips decode EDS (Extended Data Services)program ratings, compare these ratings to viewer standards, and can be programmed to take a variety of actions, including complete blanking of programs." Is one definition of the V-chip from Al Marquis of Zilog Technology. The FCC or Capitol Hill has not set any standards for V-chip technology; this has allowed many different companies to construct chips that are similar yet not exact or possibly not compatible. Each chip has advantages and disadvantages for the rating's system, soon to be developed. For example, some units use onscreen programming such as VCR's and the Zilog product do, while others are considering set top options. Also, different companies are using different methods of parental control over the chip. Another problem that these new devices may incur when included in every television is a space. The NTSC signal includes extra information space known as the subcarrier and Vertical blanking interval. As explained in the quotation from Mr. Marquis, the V-chips will use a certain section of this space to send simple rating numbers and points that will be compared to the personality settings in the chip. Many new technologies are being developed for smart-TV or data broadcast on this part of the NTSC signal. Basically the V-chip will severely limit the bandwidth for high performance transmission of data on the NTSC signal. There is also to be cost to this new technology, which will be

Monday, November 11, 2019

Lord Capulet Essay

Within the scene where Capulet is crossed by Tybalt at his masked ball, Capulet differs again. His mood suddenly changes from being humorous and charming to being hot headed and flying of the handle. I believe he is short tempered and is unable to control it; he becomes very angry towards Tybalt. â€Å"Why, how now, kinsman! Wherefore storm you so?† This demonstrates to the audience how infuriating he can be. I speculate the audiences learn that Capulet is a changeable character, as he is logical and caring but he becomes deadly serious when someone tries to challenge him. He assumes people should respect his authority. In act three, Lord Capulet informs his wife about the proposal. Lady Capulet deems Juliet will be overjoyed with the news â€Å"hath sorted out a sudden day of joy that thou expect’st not nor I look’d not for† she has a positive view to marriage and feels all she needs is a man. She reveals the news to Juliet. At first Juliet considers the proposal as good news. But she then says she would rather marry her enemy than marry Paris. This is amusing because she has previously married her enemy, Romeo, in secret. â€Å"I will not marry yet; and, when I do, I swear, I shall be Romeo, whom you know I hate, rather than Paris† This shows Juliet is intensely in love with Romeo. Lady Capulet says â€Å"here comes your father; tell him yourself.† I imagine she wouldn’t tell him, Presuming Capulet will go insane. As he evidently did so, â€Å"I will drag thee on a hurdle thither, out, you green- sickness carrion! Out, you baggage! You tallow -face!† This demonstrates how contrasting his thoughts really are, he can not believe she is being so ungrateful. Previously He was praising her up, saying how dearly he loves her and how divine she is. But now he states she is worthless that Juliet is like a curse and wishes she was no longer here. In addition he told Paris that it was Juliet’s decision if she’d like to marry him. He went back on his word and gave Juliet no choice of the matter, using his authority to over rule her, this is proof he was contradicting himself. In this time women were owned by their fathers until their time of marriage when they became property of their husbands. Capulet’s goal was to find a suitable match for his darling daughter, having so Juliet refused and Capulet became immoral, he bellowed wicked things to Juliet, which today no father would dare say. I presuppose Capulet thinks he has the right to speak to his daughter in such a way because she is his ‘property’ I don’t think this is right, nobody should be spoken to in that manner. I sense Juliet was distressed because of this. â€Å"I’ll to the friar, to know his remedy if all else fail, myself have power to die† Lord Capulet is an over powering man, he demands and receives what he w ishes, no matter if he hurts someone’s feelings, especially his own flesh and bloods. Overall I have discussed that Lord Capulet has two completely opposite sides to him. He can be kind, loving, and charming, e.g. scene one, but he can soon flip to becoming unmistakably hot- headed, controlling and malicious preparing us for his actions in scene five.

Saturday, November 9, 2019

A Cultural Criticism Of Kite Runner by Khaled Hoesseini Essay

How high could a kite fly?: a cultural criticism of Kite Runner by Khaled Hoesseini   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   There is a saying that cultural contacts sometimes bring the worst of two cultures. It could be true but it also an illusion because of unchanging thinking on the relationship between people.   And culture is all about relationship of people. What happens when people from different ethnic background and religions are caught up in cascading events in a changing world? What if the culture which binds or more accurate divides people is essentially ancient and has remain unchanged through the years, generation after, generation.   And what happens if the â€Å"now’s† world politics suddenly has suddenly broken the spell and subjected people to reality. This is the basic motif or thematic thread of the Kite Runner. See more: Foot Binding In China essay A novel set in Afghanistan, an ancient land, of ancient culture in the the 1960s up the 1980s when the Taliban came into power in Afghanistan, the Kite Runner chronicles a strange friendship between two people from different ethnicity, religion and socio-economic status. It is a study of contrasts as told by the main character Amir. To understand Amir and the characters set in a mosaic of contrasting and sometimes sharp contrast is to understand the cultural milieu of the ancient culture of Afghanistan based on Islam. This is no easy thing to do because of the matter of point of view. In the case of the Kite Runner or perhaps in any narrative, there are two point of views.   The point of view of the author and the point of â€Å"culture† as to the events and characters being described by the author. In the Kite Runner, the point of view is definitely modern – the narrative is excellent as shown by the superb weaving of the textual logic and the plot contemporary. The plot and characters As told by Amir, the story revolves around his friendship with Hassan the son of Amir’s father’s servant. It tells a story of betrayal, redemption and finally escape to freedom. Amir is Pashtoon and Hassan is Hazara. Pashtoon and Hazara are two of the ethnic groups in Afghanistan. From the novel, it appeared that the Hazara is discriminated upon or looked down on as revealed in the the following passage when Amir and Hassan are growing up:   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   One day, we were walking from my father’s house to Cinema Zainab for a new Iranian  movie, taking the shortcut through the military barracks near Istiqlal Middle School-Baba  had forbidden us to take that shortcut, but he was in Pakistan with Rahim Khan at the time.  We hopped the fence that surrounded the barracks, skipped over a little creek, and broke into  the open dirt field where old, abandoned tanks collected dust. A group of soldiers huddled  in the shade of one of those tanks, smoking cigarettes and playing cards. One of them saw  us, elbowed the guy next to him, and called Hassan.  Ã¢â‚¬Å"Hey, you!† he said. â€Å"I know you.†Ã‚  We had never seen him before. He was a squatty man with a shaved head and black stubble  on his face. The way he grinned at us, leered, scared me. â€Å"Just keep walking,† I muttered to Hassan. (Kite Runner, p 6-7)   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   â€Å"You! The Hazara! Look at me when I’m talking to you!† the soldier barked He handed  his cigarette to the guy next to him, made a circle with the thumb and index finger of one  hand. Poked the middle finger of his other hand through the circle. Poked it in and out.  In and out. â€Å"I knew your mother, did you know that? I knew her real good. I took her from behind by that creek over there.†Ã‚  The soldiers laughed. One of them made a squealing sound. I told Hassan to keep walking,  keep walking.  Ã¢â‚¬Å"What a tight little sugary cunt she had!† (Kite Runner, p 6-7) This passage revealed a lot on the circumstances surrounding the two friends. Hassan was called by a soldier, â€Å"Hazara† and specifically pointed at Hassan just to taunt him, telling him that his mother is prostitute. From this passage, the two lads are simply out to watch an Iranian movie partaking of what little leisure their culture has to offer when they are confronted by the soldiers.   It is understandable that Amir could not defend his friend and hence he took evasive action.   It also showed the meek character of Hassan. The characterization of Amir and Hassan is set early in the novel. The circumstances of their births are telling of the subjugation and desperation of an ethnic group. The contrast is revealed in this passage:   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   It was in that small shack that Hassan’s mother, Sanaubar, gave birth to him one cold winter day in 1964. While his mother hemorrhaged to death during childbirth, Hassan lost his less than a week after he was born. Lost her to a fate most Afghans considered far worse than death. She ran off with a clan of traveling singers and dancer. (Kite Runner, p 6-7)   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Both Amir and Hassan lost their mothers upon birth with Amir’s mother dying of hemorrhage giving birth while Hassan was born with not much problem as implied by the quick recovery of his mother. But she ran away apparently not wanting the responsibility of raising a child. This passage is revealing of the harsh reality of Hazara woman and how harsh her reaction could be as depicted in the novel.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   â€Å"the moment Sanaubar had given birth to Hassan. It had been a simple enough affair. No obstetricians, no anesthesiologists, no fancy monitoring devices. Just Sanaubar lying on a stained, naked mattress with Ali and a midwife helping her. She hadn’t needed much help at all, because, even in birth, Hassan was true to his nature: He was incapable of hurting anyone. A few grunts, a couple of pushes, and out came Hassan. Out he came smiling. As confided to a neighbor’s servant by the garrulous midwife, who had then in turn told anyone who would listen, Sanaubar had taken one glance at the baby in Ali’s arms, seen the cleft lip, and barked a bitter laughter. â€Å"There,† she had said. â€Å"Now you have your own idiot child to do all your smiling for you!† She had refused to even hold Hassan, and just five days later, she was gone.† (Kite Runner, p 9-10)   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   This early in the novel, how the characters would develop has already been foretold. The novel’s author, included the phrase â€Å"true his nature, incapable of hurting anyone† in referring to Hassan. A gentle soul, helpless and innocent amid the torrid racial, economic and political cauldron that is Afghanistan.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Ethnic intolerance is a pervading theme in Kite Runner and there are many scenes showing this. In another passage, Hassan was taunted and called him â€Å"flat-nosed† referring to the physical features of Hassan.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   It is interesting to point out, that this tale is in the point of view of Amir, a Pashtoon, an ethnic group which Amir found out later that his people have subjugated the Hazaras. This is the turning point of Amir’s understanding of Hassan and critical to the development of the novel and Amir’s actions much later in the book. The passage reflects the contrast between Amir and Hassan.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Then one  day, I was in Baba’s study, looking through his stuff, when I found one of my mother’s old  history books. It was written by an Iranian named Khorami. I blew the dust off it, sneaked it  into bed with me that night, and was stunned to find an entire chapter on Hazara history. An  entire chapter dedicated to Hassan’s people! In it, I read that my people, the Pashtoons, had  persecuted and oppressed the Hazaras. It said the Hazaras had tried to rise against the  Pashtoons in the nineteenth century, but the Pashtoons had â€Å"quelled them with unspeakable  violence.  (Kite Runner, p 9) This is no easy revelation to a child. Difficult to grasp the extent of racial tension and subjugation, of a horrendous history separating him from a childhood friend, almost a bond brother if not a loyal servant. This as mentioned earlier is the difficult part. Is Amir, undergoing a change as a benevolent master or into egalitarian person? The climactic culmination of the this relationship is portrayed in the kite contest wherein Hassan is the kite runner of Amir. Take note that the relationship of master-servant did not change so are the dreams of children. Winning contests or making a name to make someone happy. In this case, Amir wants to impress his father so he joined the contest. In one part of the novel is this passage showing that the relationship is still is master and servant. This is important in the understanding the construct of the Kite Runner. Finally, I had my kite in hand. I wrapped the loose string that had collected at my feet around the spool, shook a few more hands, and trotted home. When I reached the wroughtiron gates, Ali was waiting on the other side. He stuck his hand through the bars. â€Å"Congratulations,† he said. 1 gave him my kite and spool, shook his hand. â€Å"Tashakor, Ali jan.† â€Å"I was praying for you the whole time.† â€Å"Then keep praying. We’re not done yet.† (Kite Runner, p 67)   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Ali, here is the father of Hassan, note Amir’s dialogue: â€Å"I gave him my kite and spool, shook his hand.† It is plainly, a lad in confidence talking to a servant, as if saying, here take care of this will you? Like what Batman would have done with Alfred after a caper. â€Å"Here Alfred, take care of my boomerang will you?† The following passage shows the blissful innocence in triumph.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   I hurried back to the street. I didn’t ask Ali about Baba. I didn’t want to see him yet. In my head, I had it all planned: I’d make a grand entrance, a hero, prized trophy in my bloodied hands. Heads would turn and eyes would lock†¦ Then the old warrior would walk to the young one, embrace   him, acknowledge his Worthiness. (Kite Runner, p 67)   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The prize trophy being referred here is a blue kit which Amir won. Hassan is tasked to recover the prize in a kite war. But succeeding events in an otherwise happy occasion of winning which Amir wanted to share with Hassan is not allowed by the author and the illusion of a champion in kiting as clashed with reality is painted squarely by Hosseini when Hassan was violated by Assef, the nemesis of Amir who would figure as the dark symbol of the grim world of Afghanistan at the rise of the Talibans in the 80’s. The sexual violation or rape of Hassan, perhaps symbolizes the subjugation by use of powerful force over another. In one scene, perhaps to zero in on a contradiction in Afghan culture, Hosseini weaved this passage describing Amir as he looks for Hassan shortly after the kite contest and shortly before witnessing the violation of Hassan.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   By the time I reached the marketplace a few blocks away, from the Haji Yaghoub Mosque, the mullahbellowed azan, calling for the faithful to unroll their rugs and bow their heads west in prayer. Hassan never missed any of the five daily prayers. Even when we were out playing, he’d excuse himself, draw water from the well in the yard, wash up, and disappear into the hut. He’d come out a few minutes later, smiling, find me sitting against the wall or perched on a tree. He was going to miss prayer tonight, though, because of me. (Kite Runner, p 68)   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Here in this passage, Hassan is picture as a devotee of Haj Yaghoub Mosque, religious, true to his faith innocent. A simple child devoted to a friend performing for him the task of a kite runner. He performed his task and recovered the blue kite of Amir but was intercepted by Assef.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Amir saw the whole episode but did nothing.   Here is a symbolic twist in the novel.   The incapacity of Amir to act to protect not only Hassan but himself. As we noted earlier, Amir is both a master and a friend of Hassan in terms of relationships, cultural and personal. As a master, he backed down to the superior force of Assef and friends, he knows he could not win so he whimpers just watching. As a friend, he suffered internally at the sight of the violation.   The illusion of triumph in the kite contest shattered. When kites are let loose The resolution of the tale of ethnic strife Kite Runner is framed by the author in the succeeding generation. It would be the redemption of Amir, when he rescued Hassan’s child who was taken captive by Assef who became a Taliban official. Amir was able to escape to California with his wife and Hassan’s child. Hassan was revealed to have been killed by the Taliban. As far as handling the themes of conflict and its resolution, the Kite Runner showed us symbolically, how change is almost impossible in an ancient setting.   It would take perhaps generation after generation to a society more tolerant of each other’s differences.   The novel is rich in symbols. The kite is highly symbolic, there is a thread that keeps it afloat, there is the wind. Cutting loose has significant meaning as when Amir decides to escape to California. The kite of Amir has crossed the continents, from the ancient to the modern or post modern California. We are then left with one question, authenticity. It is not the objective of this paper to analyze what is Afghan culture and conflicts which tearing the country apart in flare ups of violence, we could only view the novel as woven by the author. Though in many ways, ethnic or racial discrimination has been a plague of mankind, and even stable techno-scientific economies has their share of racial disharmony and bigotry. Apartheid was just recently abolished in South Africa and there are racial and ethnic strifes in Eastern Europe. What Kite Runner did is to open our eyes to such problems and maybe in the future, youthful dreams would come true. Reference Hosseini, Khaled,   Kite Runner http://rahapen.org/RAHA_Literary_criticism_safar_hanifi2.htm (1 of 8)5/6/2006 1:30:29 PM RAHA PEN: A quick glance on Novel† The Kite Runnner† WIKEPEDIA.com

Thursday, November 7, 2019

Leadership in The Lord of the Flies essays

Leadership in The Lord of the Flies essays As Donald H. McGannon says, Leadership is action, not position. In the novel The Lord of the Flies, author William Golding shows how one boy, named Ralph, takes action from the beginning and is proven to be the best leader on the island in the end. Even though Jack takes control at the end of the novel, Ralph would overall make the best leader. At the end of the novel Jack takes control over the boys through force and leaves Ralph to fight for himself. Ever since the beginning Ralph is the leader of the boys and then Jack starts to be seen trying to establish order. For instance, at one point Jack and Ralph argue over who called the meeting. Ive called the assembly, said Jack, because of a lot of things. First of all you know now, weve seen the beast. We crawled up. We were only a few feet away. The beast sat up and looked at us. I dont know what it does. We dont even know what it is (125). Jack is leading the discussion and he addresses the fears of the boys, which shows that he is trying to win them over. He is starting to do things that Ralph would normally do. Jack also falsely accuses Ralph of things that he did not actually say just to make him look mean. Ive got the conch. Ralph thinks you are cowards, running away from the boar and the beast. And thats not all (126). First of all him having the con ch shows that he is taking order. He is also trying to make Ralph look bad so that the boys wont like Ralph and they will turn to Jack as a leader. At this point of the novel Ralph is now on his own and everyone is against him, not by choice but by popular demand. Samneric were savages like the rest; Piggy was dead, and the conch had smashed to powder (186). Now that Ralph is alone and has no control over anything, it is clear that Jack has completely taken over. Jack wins power by forcing the boys to beli...

Tuesday, November 5, 2019

Advantages and disadvantages of nationalising mines

Advantages and disadvantages of nationalising mines The Freedom Charter signed and preserved in June 1955 affirmed that the people shall share in the country’s wealth and more significantly ‘the mineral wealth below the soil, the banks, and monopoly industries shall be transferred to the ownership of the people as a whole†. There has been a lot of debate for the nationalisation of South African mines by members of the ANC who deem that it is now the ideal time to cement this item onto the ANC’s agenda for the 2012 Centenary Conference and for this to at last become government policy. According to a variety of reports, it is not the ANC’s national executive committee’s concern and as things stand today it is not government policy. Not everyone is as keen as Julius Malema to have mines nationalised (Mpho, 2011). Foreign investment has already declined due to Malema’s uncertain statements regarding the nationalisation of the South African mines. Advantages of nationalising mines A sector th at is nationalised, allows the government to have direct control over that sector. If the mining sector is nationalised, this would entice the government to sell more minerals within the South African borders rather than export these minerals to foreign countries. If mines were to be nationalised, then the revenue generated would be part of national revenue, and thus would benefit the entire country. Economic development and the total well being of the individual will be improved. South Africa has an unequal distribution of income, this extra revenue will allow government to redistribute income more equally, thus reducing poverty as well as lowering the unemployment rate. There will, however, be a substantial amount of legal and economic costs as well as costs which the government would have to face from the transferring of funds. All of these costs would occur in the short term, increasing government debt. However, in the long run, if the government flourishes, nationailasion of th e mines will benefit the entire nation. Disadvantages of nationailsation Nationalisation would create panic among foreign investors. South Africa has a history of state owned enterprises that haven’t been very successful, this would place more doubt in the mind of the foreign invertor. The mining sector, after nationalisation, could take a very long time to boast a profit. Resources are scarce, therefore during this time, resources may become depleted, resulting in huge losses for the South African economy. There are very large and vast costs that government would have to encounter if the mines of the country are nationalised. Some of these costs include the general operation and running of the mines, possible shutting down of the mines as well as developing the mines. If the government has not shown any signs of profit, these costs will still have to be incurred which could be detrimental to the economy and the well being of the individual South Afrrican. Debt of the governm ent would increase at tremendous rates and this will spill over and result in great fiscal deficits. Clive Coetzee, Kwazulu-Natal Treasury economist stated that the mining industry supports the four macroeconomic goals, economic growth, employment, a low inflation rate and a surplus in the balance of payments. He further states that in 2008 around 500 000 people were employed in the mining sector which contributes to 6, 1% of total non-agricultural formal employment. This is without the indirect effects of mining, if these effects are taken into account another 500 000 jobs are likely to exist. I believe that the private sector already has the necessary capital as well as human resource proficiency to maintain and sustain this sector. Therefore there is no reason to nationalize the mines in South Africa. Nationalisation has been tried in many countries. By looking at countries like Botswana, Zambia and Venezuela, one can clearly see that the nationalisation attempts of these countri es have failed.

Saturday, November 2, 2019

Interpretations of Tsuru no Sugomori Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Interpretations of Tsuru no Sugomori - Essay Example Upon my first two listens of the Japanese song Tsuru no sugomori (Nesting Crane), I found the song to be slightly therapeutic, while at the same time a bit irritating. I could make out the sound of a flute, and a stringed instrument. The flute at times seemed subtle then grew to be slightly annoying, as it raised in pitch. The stringed instrument tended to maintain a subtle pitch throughout the song, but it would occasionally increase in frequency. Being I can only judge from a western perspective, the song as a whole initially reminded me of what little I know about Eastern culture. I have a very extensive history listening to music. I’m a fan of multiple contemporary genres, such as Indie, Hip-Hop, Jazz (New wave down tempo and classic), classic rock etc†¦ I even played in a high school orchestra, in which I gained an understanding of multiple instruments. This experience has enhanced my appreciation of music. This must be taken into consideration when assessing my eval uation of the music. My initial reaction to the piece was one that embodies what I know of ancient Japanese or samurai culture. It specifically reminded me of the 1969 Japanese film Double Suicide in which the two main characters commit the sacred act of Shinju (double suicide) to profess their love to one another.