Thais of Friendship free essay sample

It had been a long time since I had seen that battered little book. Created from loose leaf paper and bound by staples, the book pokes out from among the mountain of papers. The title is scrawled across the blue construction paper cover in purple ink: â€Å".† I’m not sure what that says anymore, but I do know that it’s Thai.Abandoning my mother to her spring cleaning, I rescued the packet from the ever-growing pile of trash and disappeared to flip through its tattered pages. The first page contains the alphabet. The dainty looping scripts of the forty-four Thai letters are roughly copied numerous times by my own, much less aesthetic, handwriting. Numbers follow letters, and phrases occupy the third page.I chuckle to myself, remembering the time in the fifth grade when I had begged my best friend to teach me her native tongue. She had shown up the next day with this homemade Thai primer. We will write a custom essay sample on Thais of Friendship or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Under her tutelage, I diligently practiced every character and memorized each pronunciation. When I had learned them to her satisfaction, we practiced speaking simple phrases to each other over games of badminton in the park. The syllables rolled off her tongue like musical notes, the high and low tones creating a melody. The notes stumbled off of mine like a piano badly in need of tuning. Of course, that didn’t matter; we were having fun and I was helping my best friend remember who she was.By and by, the little blue book was set aside and forgotten. I can’t remember now how to write ‘hello’ in that lovely intricate script, or whether the up intonation of a particular word means ‘rice’ or ‘newspaper.’ She can’t remember either. Thai has been lost to her over the years, as have many other things. Laughing together over that homemade book made me realize how much had really changed over the years; however, one thing remains steadfast, and that is our friendship.It’s this person, this friendship, that has had the most influence on me. From my first encounter with the shy adopted Thai girl in my third grade class to the email I sent her just five minutes ago, she has consistently been the friend I can rely on no matter what. Her hardships and the perpetual smile and ever-enduring optimism with which she faces them are inspiring, and she is always nearby to offer words of support and encouragement. We are practically polar opposites, but we balance each other perfectly. She has taught me so much, and I still have much to learn.Although I can no longer read that little blue book of ours, I keep it here on my bookshelf nestled in amongst my favorite books. It sits in wait for me to reopen its pages and remember what I’ve forgotten and what’s important. On page five there’s a proverb, : friends for a meal are easy to find, friends for life are hard to find.

A New Spin on the Old Controve essays

A New Spin on the Old Controve essays The Da Vinci Code and its Role in Religious Society Dan Brown's The Da Vinci Code has caused infinite controversy in its thrilling account of conspiracies by the Catholic Church. In the novel, Teabing states, ...Almost everything our fathers taught us about Christ is false(Brown 235). The novel has been the source of much criticism by Christians and officials of the Catholic Church. Reverend John Sewell says of The Da Vinci Code, It is filled with delicious Christian heresies (Sewell 3). As critic Cathleen Falsani reminds readers, Heres the thing about Browns novel: Its a novel. Fiction, not fact (Falsani 2). While this novel may be just fiction, it has caused many to reconsider everything they think they know about their religion. The novel is introduced by a page stating, All descriptions of artwork, architecture, documents, and secret rituals in this novel are accurate (Brown ix). Dan Brown was born to a math professor and scientist who gave him his early interests in religion and scientific paradoxes. Later he went on to study art history at the University of Seville that he says first got him interested in Leonardo Da Vinci and the many irregularities in his paintings, especially The Last Supper. The Da Vinci Code required a lot of research and history, which his wife, an art historian and painter, helped him with by accompanying Brown to the Louvre (Morris 1). Before becoming an author, Brown began his career as an English teacher. He later began to focus fully on his writing (Brown Site). The Da Vinci Code is a thrilling murder mystery in which the protagonists, Robert Langdon and Sophie Neveu, explore France and England on a search for the widely coveted Holy Grail. While most people believe the Grail to be a chalice, Langdon and old friend Leigh Teabing believe the Grail to be the ancient bloodline of Jesus Christ and Mary Magdalene. In anci...

Uses of the Verb to Do for ESL

Uses of the Verb to Do for ESL The verb to do is used in a number of different ways in English. Here are the main uses of the verb to do for reference, self-study and in-class use. To do can be used as an auxiliary verb, a verb to speak about action in general, as well as combining with many nouns to express taking care of various tasks. Examples: To Do - Main Verb To do is used as a principal verb in many set phrases used with the various tasks we do around the house and at work. To do is generally used to express tasks we do, rather than things we make. Of course, there are some exceptions to the rules. Here are some of the main set phrases about tasks we do: do gooddo the dishesdo sportdo exercisedo businessdo homeworkdo yard work Examples: Ill do the dishes if you make dinner.Sheila tries to do sport at least three times a week.Hes done that exercise a number of times. Note: To do exercise is used with a number of different types of exercise. Generally, we use play with competitive sports, go with activities such as walking, riding, and hiking. Do is used with exercises such as yoga, karate, etc. Examples: Jennifer did yoga for two hours this morning.I try to do some exercises like sit-ups and push-ups every morning.James does pilates at his local gym. To Do - Auxiliary Verb To do is also used as an auxiliary verb in the simple tenses. Remember that the auxiliary verb takes the conjugation in English, so the verb to do will change depending on the tense. Remember that to do is used as an auxiliary verb only in the question and negative form. Here is a quick review of the tenses that use to do as an auxiliary verb: Present simple: Examples: She doesnt like tofu.Do you enjoy rock n roll? Past Simple: Examples: Mary didnt visit her aunt last week.Did they talk about the economy? To Do - General Use Verb To do is used as the main verb when asking general questions about what happens, is happening, is going to happen, etc. Examples: What are you doing?What will you do?What have they done?What do you do on Saturdays?etc.

Oedipus and Creon Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Oedipus and Creon - Essay Example The trust Oedipus has for Creon is obvious from the first time he is mentioned. Oedipus explains, "I have sent Menoikeus' son, Creon, my own wife's brother, forth alone To Apollo's House in Delphi" (Sophocles 6). The city is in despair and the oracle is Oedipus's last hope, so he sends his most trusted companion on this important journey. Oedipus's faith in him is obvious, and Creon really seems to warrant this trust. His sensitivity to Oedipus is apparent when he says, "Shall I speak now, with all these pressing close, Or pass within" (Sophocles 7). Creon tactfully states he would not openly express anything that Oedipus would prefer to remain private. As Creon relates the news he's heard from the oracle, Oedipus hangs on every word, questions him about the particulars, and generally believes the story. At the scene's end, he has accepted everything Creon has told him, and announces his intent to act upon this news, saying, "It falls on me then. I will search and clear This darkness " (Sophocles 10). On Creon's advice, he also summons the seer, Teiresias, for further instructions. There is no doubt of the trust that exists in their relationship. Once Teiresias enters the picture, things begin to change. Threatened by the accusation, Oedipus grows paranoid and his relationship with Creon grows strained. The news is so awful and amazing that Oedipus cannot believe it. It's easier to suspect foul play, and his suspicions fall immediately on the man who stands to gain the most from his downfall. He asks Teiresias, "Ha! Creon!--Is it his or thine, this plot" (Sophocles 23) and refuses to believe it when the seer insists it is not a plot at all. "For this crown Creon the stern and true, Creon mine own Comrade, comes creeping in the dark to ban And slay me" (Sophocles 23), Oedipus insists. He insults Creon, calling him, "assassin" (Sophocles 30) and "robber of my crown" (Sophocles 30) as well as a coward, a snake, and an idiot. Creon defends himself against false charges, leading to a long argument. Eventually, even his patience wears out, and he tells Oedipus, "I see thou wilt not think" (Sophocles 35). The disagreement degenerat es into name-calling; Oedipus will not see reason and Creon will not admit to something he has not done. Only late in the play, when the shepherds have produced the evidence that convinces Oedipus of his crimes, does he realize that he has wronged his brother-in-law. Jocasta is dead, Oedipus has put out his own eyes, and Creon has returned, "Not to make laughter, Oedipus, nor cast Against thee any evil of the past" (Sophocles 81). This is true compassion on Creon's part. Not only has he been wronged, but he has learned that Oedipus is the cause of all the turmoil in Thebes, including his sister's death, and still he is kind. Even Oedipus doubts that Creon can deal kindly with him, saying, "How make him trust me more He hath seen of late So vile a heart in me, so full of hate" (Sophocles 81). Showing the same sensitivity as earlier in the play, when he asked whether he should make a public announcement of his findings, he offers Oedipus privacy, saying, "Quick within! Guide him. -- The ills that in a house have been They of the house alone should know or hear" (Sophocles 81). Creon's co mpassion is further demonstrated when Antigone and Ismene enter, and Oedipus shows his gratitude, saying, "Creon of his grace Hath brought my two, my dearest, to this

The Theories of Thomas Hobbes Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

The Theories of Thomas Hobbes - Essay Example Talking about Hobbes’s state of equality, he strongly believed that we as human tend to be very watchful of the differences that lie between all individuals: differences that distinguish the diverse individuals from each other. For example he said that some of us tend to perceive others as smarter or wiser than ourselves, however, what we fail to take into account is that the bulk of the people around us are more or less the same as ourselves, particularly in thought. Such was the way in which Hobbes defined equality of human nature, that given a particular situation many of the individuals would react to it much in the same way. Moreover, Hobbes felt that all human beings were materialistic beings, motivated by nothing so much as they are motivated by self-interest, thus the term egoism (Clarke, 1995). This self-interest which dominates human nature in Hobbes’s point of view is the root cause of all chaos and anarchy that has ever prevailed throughout human history. Hobbes believed that if ever in a dilemma, an individual will always choose the alternative which benefits him the most, irrespective the extent of damage that it may cause to anyone else. This egoism of man never allows him to be content with what he has. Rather it requires him to constantly desire more and more power than he already has. Consequently, Hobbes described his â€Å"State of Nature,† which was from the nature made by God as one would normally expect it to be. The Hobbes's State of Nature is one which any known State can undergo at a time of absolute chaos and anarchy.

The Debate Over Video Game Violence Essay -- Violent Video Games

Controversy surrounds almost every topic and has been around for centuries. Controversial topics usually involve different types of people that have two opposite points of view about a certain topic or idea. The widespread expansion of technology has allowed people all over the world to debate certain topics that they deem to have a correct understanding of. Unsurprisingly, the effect of video games on the human brain has been a controversy since video games were first released decades ago. Video games involve the use of body and mind, which causes the player to be "inside" of the game, and they can see the world through the eyes of the character of which they play. Some psychologists and other scientists suggest that violent video games can cause psychological disorders which can cause players to engage in violent behavior in real life. On the other hand, there have also been studies conducted that suggest violence in video games does not affect the brain in that kind of way. Peop le from both sides of the viewpoint bring up good arguments that support their claim and really brings into question our understanding of video games and the impact they have on our brains. These scientists have conducted experiments over the last couple decades but still don't have an answer to what the underlying cause of children and young adults to be violent in real life as a result of playing violent video games, or if it does at all. Unfortunately, many of the people viewing this subject point the finger at others to see who is responsible for getting the children into violent video games. Some may blame the manufacturers for targetting children with their advertising of violent video games, and others may blame the parents for purchasing the... ...mes+influence+aggressive+behaviour+kids+expert+warns/9812114/story.html>. Lejacq, Yannick. "'Call of Duty' maker gears up against 'violent video games' bill." NBCnews. NBC, 11 Sept. 2013. Web. 11 May 2014.. Rettner, Rachael. "Do Video Games Boost Aggression? Study adds fire to debate." Fox News. Fox, 25 Mar. 2014. Web. 11 May 2014. . "S. 134: Violent Content Research Act of 2013." 113th Congress. N.p.: n.p., 2013. GovTrack. Web. 11 May 2014.. Tobias, Greitemeyer, and Mugger Dirk. "Video Games Do Affect Social Outcomes." Sage Journals: n. pag. Sagepub. Web. 11 May 2014. .

Adam Smith`s American Dream: Of desire and debt by Peter C. Whybrow

The American dream is a complex notion that embodies traditions, social and personal values of people. This concept is closely connected with historical and economic development of America, its liberation movement and economic changes. Explaining the American dream it is possible to single out social, personal and economic dimensions that determine this concept. In the book â€Å"American Mania: When More Is Not Enough†, P. C. Whybrow tries to explain outcomes and consequences of the American dream for the entire population and a burden of debt faced by many Americans.Taking into account economic perspectives, American dream means opportunities for everyone to become rich and prosperous in spite of his background and origin. From the very beginning of American colonization period people see the continent as a special place where there is plenty of opportunity for someone to become wealthy. Today, it is possible to define the American dream from different perspectives, but in g eneral: the American dream is the idea that through persistence, hard work and self-determination people can achieve prosperity and high social status.This notion has created workaholic cults based on principles of the American dream. Following Whybrow (2005); â€Å"A polyglot nation of prodigious energy, we are held together by dreams of material progress† (p. 22). Consumerism has a great impact on the notion the American Dream. After the period of the Depression the reforms in the marketplace not only produced double-digit growth but also enabled ordinary citizens to nurture dreams and social networks that challenged official discourse and conventions through millions of daily commercial transactions.People received a chance to earn more and buy expensive goods. Their buying habits were transformed and became necessities. The workaholic cult makes the realization of American Dream simpler because new consumers created great demand for goods. A new version of capitalism bega n evolving in which creativity was not just perennial but constant, in which rapid-fire innovation and continuous improvement were the norm. Cultural changes had a great impact on the workaholic cult and customer wants.This process which took place in 1960s resulted in the development of the creative sector as an integral part of the American dream. Educational establishments were places where human creativity was cultivated and could flourish. Millions of Americans rather quickly acquired a steady job, a car, and a big house, and debts. Most of them had tried to achieve social mobility but failed limited by gender and racial prejudices, lack of education and financial support. Free-market capitalism supported (supports) a financial burden of struggling propositions.On the one hand, economic development led to increased possibilities of education and the opening up of a greater variety of life chances, but these chances were minor in contrast to high class opportunities. Also, rapid population growth of poor classes increased burden on the financial resources and social provisions reducing buying potential of a particular individual from poor regions. The ideas of prosperity enslaved many Americans who tried to test the American dream and achieve higher social status. Also, these ideas are heated by inequalities between the rich minority and the poor majority.Stressing the need to meet basic needs as the primary driving force towards development, sometimes imaginatively termed the basic needs approach, emphasizes that health and education are motors for productivity and that the basic needs of all sectors must be met. Today, the differences between middle class families and poor are inevitable supported by social and economic constraints and self consciousness of people. Following Whybrow â€Å"The scramble for â€Å"the dream† demands a lengthened workday, diminished sleep, continuous learning, unusual energy, and a high tolerance for financial insecu rity.To be â€Å"successful† is to be a multi-tasking dynamo† (Whybrow, 2005 p. 23). An American without a car and big house is an outsider, who is unable to settle his life. For this reason, millions of Americans take loans in order to meet the established criteria of prosperity. The main problem of Americans is that they spend more than they earn. This problem leads to large debts and psychological problems caused by hard working and financial pressure. The author explains that the debts and financial burden is a direct result of heavy advertising and fashion popularizing luxurious life style and prosperity.The author gives the following example of ‘modern’ advertisements: â€Å"t he photographs highlight the vehicle’s interior, a rich brown leather interior. â€Å"Think of it as chocolate, as another sweet spot in your life,† is the drift of the spin-doctor's advice† (Whybrow, 2005 p. 21). There is a false need fabricated by media an d advertisers popularizing luxurious life style and fashion. Most people become enslaved to the workplace prisoners, because they have to meet the highest possible standards established by media and society.The other problem is that people's occu ¬pations or market positions have abso ¬lutely no bearing on their self-understanding or interpretation of their social world and neither has any relation to their individual or collective actions, which are quite unpredictable on the basis of either. Social pressure is the main cause of financial debts and ‘free-will slavery’. â€Å"Many Fortune 500 companies, once considered havens of lifetime employment, have transformed themselves into profit-driven workaholic cults’(Whybrow, 2005 p. 22).If anything explains the goals people pursue it is the social conditioning they receive, high social classes are proud and seek power, the ordinary man is timid and seeks security. Most people do not understand that upward mobil ity is practically impossible for working class children and immigrants, because they cannot enter Universities and pay for their education. Also, â€Å"manic† is caused by racism and feminism organized via institutional frameworks especially within the state as part of the disciplinary power of state agencies like the police, but which is subject to ongoing contestations.Whybrow cites the example of a working mother who is enslaved and has no time for her daughter and family. The author comments that â€Å"It is the promise of special gifts and a magical holiday that finally proves convincing and, finishing the call, the mother sighs to herself and turns to reading† (Whybrow, 2005 p. 21). Most female employees are viewed as mothers and wives which create a glass ceiling for most of them, and force them to work hard for years to prove their professionalism and high level of responsibility.Also, the author underlines the role of technology and innovations in life of Ame ricans and their dreams. The great layer of information and varieties of technology become available now, but the present day situation is marked by such phenomenon as â€Å"technology stress†, which means that all technological advantages society is craving for are nothing more than ephemerally. In sum, the American dream and false social values resulted in the workaholic cult and financial burden for many Americans. Social and economic uncertainty creates new tensions while reinforcing existing ones.The basic principle of this process is that in social process systems, prosperity are interrelated with the human or social aspects. The basic social and economic processes such as competition, conflict, accommodation and assimilation lead to debts and financial pressure. However a consistent pattern is the great gulf that separates the rich from the poor, and the central role of the state in articulating the relationship between them. References 1. Whybrow, P. C. (2005).  "Adam Smith`s American Dream: Of Desire and Debt† American Mania: When More Is Not Enough. W. Norton & Company. pp. 21-48.