Fidel Castro :: essays research papers

Fidel Castro Ruz was born on August 13, 1926 (some sources give 1927), on his family's sugar plantation near Biran, Oriente, Province. His father was an immigrant from Galcia, Spain. He attended good Catholic schools in Santiago de Cuba and Havana, where he took the sparten regime at a Jesuit boarding school, Colegio de Belen. In 1945 he enrolled at the University of Havana, graduating in 1950 with a law degree. In 1948, he married Mirta Diaz-Balart and divorced her in 1954. Their son, Fidel Castro Ruz Diaz-Balart, born in 1949, has served as head of Cuba's atomic energy commission. Fidel Castro Ruz, Cuba's enduring "maximum leader," has held power since 1959. He is president (since 1976; formerly prime minister), first secretary of the Cuban Communist party, and commander of the armed forces. His decisions are final on matters of domestic and foreign policy. A member of the social-democratic Orthodoxo party in the late 1940s and 1950s, Castro was an early and vocal opponent of the dictatorship of Fulgencio Batista. In 1952, he ran for election to the Cuban House of Representatives. But troops led by Batista halted the election and ended democracy in Cuba. As a result of Batista's actions, Castro tried to start a revolution against the Batista dictatorship. He eventually succeeded on January 1, 1959 and took control of the Cuban govenment. Castro, who has no rivals for power, demands the absolute loyalty of those around him. As a lawyer by training, Castro led the Cuban Revolution and transformed the island into the first Communist state in the Western Hemisphere. He has been less than successful as an economic policymaker: Cuba remains a poor country in debt whose livelihood depended on sugar production and Soviet economic aid -- which was cut off after the demise of the Soviet Union.

Critique of Artificial Intelligence Essay

Journalist John Markoff wrote the article â€Å"Computer Wins On ‘Jeopardy!’: Trivial, It’s Not†. He discusses how the super computer â€Å"Watson† defeated the all time champion of â€Å"Jeopardy!† Ken Jennings. The author, throughout the article, agrees that the supercomputer â€Å"Watson† was a fair match against Ken Jennings. I disagree with Markoff for multiple reasons. This was in no way a fair match because the computer had a remarkable ability to answer questions at super speeds. Also, the computer has access to all available questions and the ability to answer them. This was in no way a fair battle between the computer and Ken Jennings. The author’s main idea of this article is mainly to say how the supercomputer was a fair match between the two. The computer has ways to answer questions that humans have no way of doing. The computer can answer questions within seconds and even milliseconds when the question is asked. It has a super speed ability to answer these questions, which gives no time for the competitor to even have a chance to answer the questions given. So, when the competitor has no time to even have an attempt to answer the question, there is no way to win. â€Å"Watson† is so smart that almost every question that is asked, he answers correctly. Since I don’t agree with Markoff’s statement about â€Å"Watson†, I don’t think his argument is valid. The reason I don’t believe his argument and points are valid is that a computer that has remarkable and inhuman-like abilities is obviously going to win in a competition of speed and knowledge. Ken Jennings had no chance against this computer. So, if a human has no chance against a machine, how can anyone call this a fair fight? Now, Markoff did define his terms clearly and specifically describe his reasons for why he thinks what he thinks, so I do give him credit for that. Still, I disagree with his argument. I disagree with most of Markoff’s view about the competition between the computer and Jennings. His main point of the fair competition is totally undebatable. â€Å"Watson, on the other hand, does not anticipate the light, but has a weighted scheme that allows it, when it is highly confident, to hit  the buzzer in as little as 10 milliseconds, making it hard for humans to beat† (Markoff 212). This statement made by Markoff proves that this was in no way possible for Jennings to beat the super computer. The computer can buzz in at amazing speeds as little as 10 milliseconds, which is way faster than any other human could possibly buzz in. Plus, the computer is programmed with so much information, that it would most likely be able to defeat Jennings, just because of the intelligence of this machine that the creators programmed into it. Overall, I do not believe that this piece published by John Markoff is in anyway valid. Markoff does however succeed in persuading people his ideas and describing his ideas and arguments very specifically. He does a good job with his argument and stating what he thinks. I do not agree with his argument though. My reaction to this piece is actually astonished because I am not sure how anyone could think that a computer competing against a very intelligent human was fair at all. The weakness of this passage is probably how it can be hard for someone to understand how a computer can manage to accomplish all this, but the strengths are good description and expression of the passage. Although he argues very well of his points, I in no way agree with his argument that the battle between â€Å"Watson† and Ken Jennings was fair.

Paul the Spirit and the People of God Essay

Paul, the Spirit, and the People of God by Gordon Fee lays out a prescription for true spiritual success to cure what ails churches of all kinds. The main treatment is the Holy Spirit-led life. Fee’s major work â€Å"God’s Empowering Presence† is foundational in the area of Pauline pneumatology. This book successfully condenses the heavy exegesis of the larger work into an easily readable text. Fee has a lot of poignant and challenging things to say concerning modern-day evangelicalism’s understanding of the Holy Spirit. The difference between Christians today and Paul is staggering. The same spirit that lives in Paul and Jesus is the same spirit that is in Christians today. The western culture of Christians in today’s world live in very similar environment that the early Greco-Roman Western environment of Paul’s day. Disconnection has occurred because as Fee states â€Å"is in the large part to their experience of the reality of the Spirit’s presence.† This presents a very concerning issue with the church today who sometimes take the either/or approach to the Spirit between the gifts and the fruit of Spirit. The Spirit was an empowering force to Christian in the early church era. This power was not limited to signs and wonders, healings, or tongues but it was to empower the whole life of a Christian to grasp the beauty of being made in the image of God. The Spirit of God was the fulfillment of all the Jewish prophesies on how God would return His Presence to mankind again. The Trinitarian views became grounded because of Paul’s revelation on the very real true nature of God. The triune nature of God as one shows the vital importance that God is a relational being. He desires relationships and He has sent His Spirit for the church to be unified as one bride. Even though individual people experience salvation and become children of God, the goal is not a set of individuals for heaven but to create one people that lived a life of heaven in this day and age. A people for His name and glory. Just as important as Christians experiencing the Spirit of God is the understanding of the â€Å"already/not yet† aspect of heaven. The future of heaven has begun by the outpouring of His spirit and it guarantees a future consummation of a new heaven and earth. The Spirit is the key in worship for the people of God, as it gifts people with different diverse gifts might build up the church to live in this state of already/not there yet heaven on earth until the final coming of God. Throughout todays western culture the thought of God and spirituality are separate entities to everyday life. To be spiritual means to read the Bible, listen to worship music, or pray. These ideas are reinforced by the pastors every Sunday and as well as during the weekly men’s, women’s, teen, and children ministry times. After church services Christians go about their life and try to spread the gospel of Jesus because if people believe in God they don’t go to hell. The Spirit of God is a powerful force that is used to speak in tongues, prophesy, and heal people. Westernized Christians see the Spirit as a powerful unreliable tool. The problem with the way this Western mindset is we interpret and see the scripture that Paul speaks of with a tainted eye. Paul sees the Spirit as Gods fulfillment of promise to His people, the people that He adores, and gave His sons life for. The fulfillment to this promise is that Gods presence would once again be among His people but if they accepted Him, He would indwell them and bring them to life! Paul never writes about what Christians should do as a doctrine but he instead is describing a process in how to connect with God. When Paul describes in 2 Corinthians chapter four about him encountering the Spirit of God. Not only is he beholding the Glory of God but he is being transformed into Gods likeness. This love that rushes like a mighty stream to his heart causes him to cry out daddy because of his adoration to God. The children of God are designed to be in a vulnerable relationship with God. They are designed to hear His voice and understand that He is not an impersonal being. The only way is through experience. The western mindset makes it tough to swallow some of Paul’s revelations about life. Especially about the how everyone is part of one body. In a culture that is all about personal achievement and looking out for ones-self, people get trapped in this self-absorbed mentality that has poisoned the church. This imagery that Paul presents to all believers are part of one body. This shows that the spirit brings all people who are children of God together in unity. God is about unity in relationships and according to Paul it is the Spirit that draws us into unity as one body. The amazing part is that the sins that grieve the Holy Spirit are the sins of discord of one another. The Holy Spirit wants the relationships of people to be so vibrant and alive! The denominational churches of today’s age grieve the Holy Spirit. The discourses of beliefs have caused the body of Christ to be ripped apart. Paul does not see Jew or Gentile when he sees people but he sees sons and daughters of God. The church might not see that truth about who they are but through the revelation of the Spirit, he grasps who people really are. As children of God being in Christ through the Spirit all a part of one body. The church must begin to realize and grasp the revelation of the work that the Spirit is doing and not quench it. Paul, the Spirit, and the People of God by Gordon Fee gives the readers a glimpse into the revelation of Paul in the New Testament. Revelation only comes by experiencing the Spirit of God. A remarkable book on how children of God can live in the here/not yet concept of Heaven on earth. Fee will challenge the way the readers view and interact with God and others in order for heaven to be brought down more in every life.

Analysis of Shrek 2 essays

Analysis of Shrek 2 essays A fairy tale is a story, either intended for children or narrated to children, concerning the adventures of mythical characters. Nearly all fairy tales have magic and supernatural characters. They have good versus evil; a villain versus a hero and in the end the good always triumphs.Sometimes fairy tales are simply miraculous entertainment but often, fairy tales are disguised morality tales. Fairy tales appeal to children perhaps because of the magical element and children therefore, enjoy watching and listening to them. Younger children are affected by what happens and if they like a character they expect them to win. All fairy tales are made especially for young children and they exclude swearing or any disturbing scenes. This is what the audience would expect from a fairy tale. The Shrek story begins when a fairy tale book opens. The opening sentence of the story is Once upon a time. The music is quiet and classical and suits a fairy tale. The books pages turn until the last page where it closes with and they lived happily ever after. This is exactly what an audience would expect of a fairytale. While the audience are enjoying this quiet moment, the page is ripped unexpectedly and the toilet is flushed, followed by rock music. The scene is changed completely and it erases the fairy tale beginning. Obviously this crushes the audiences expectations for the opening. In the story, Shrek is a big ugly ogre who is hated by everyone and lives alone. In addition he has his own swamp. He seems to be everything you would expect of a fairytale ogre. Shrek lives at the out skirts of the city where there arent many people passing by. He eats what no one else wants to and seems to relish. Donkey takes the role of a noble steed, however he is not a magnificent stallion , but a short, rather quirky looking donkey. He is Shreks friend who gets to know him by accident. Shrek didnt want t...

How to answer Where do you see yourself in 5 yearsÂÂ

How to answer Where do you see yourself  in 5 years   There’s a question that seems to pop up all the time, and you can count on hearing it from inquiring bosses, curious colleagues, friends and family members, and perhaps most often- and most importantly- on job interviews. It’s ‘Where do you see yourself in five years?† How you answer this can say plenty about you. Want to learn how to best handle this question if you’re ever confronted with it and there’s a lot depending on your answer, like possibly getting a new job? Typically, this question arises on interviews in an effort to gauge your long-term career aspirations, as well as your ability to be self-reflective and think quickly on your feet. If you were faced with this question, would you be able to competently answer it in a way that would reflect positively on you? You certainly should be, because your answer may reveal a lot about you to the hiring personnel who are evaluating you as a potential candidate.If you’re starting to ge t anxious about whether or not your ability to answer this question effectively passes muster, don’t be- there are several strategies you can take advantage of in order to handle it well and improve your position during interviews. The Balance published an article  that covers some helpful strategies for letting the world know where you see yourself in 5 years. Make the most of the advice presented here to knock this question out of the park when it comes your way.Be honestThe first thing to do when confronted with this question is to take a deep breath and relax. Why? Because it’s not a trick question and it’s not designed to be. You shouldn’t feel pressured into making up a fantastical answer that demonstrates a desire to be on some unrealistic career trajectory. At its core, of your answer should reflect an honest but carefully considered and logical look at how you’d like to see your professional goals expand and evolve over time. It’s ok to reflect a level of ambition; in fact, your answer should show a desire for growth- no one fully respects a stagnant mindset. Just make sure that your answer shows a deep understanding of the industry you’re pursuing, reflects a level of growth that someone can reasonably hope to achieve in 5 years (going from the mailroom to the CEO’s desk may not be the best response, even if it’s what you’re aiming for), and includes a plan for making it all happen if pressed to elaborate.Don’t hop over the position in front of youYes, you want your answer to this question to highlight the fact that your ambitious and hope to achieve professional growth over the next 5 years, but you don’t want your answer to make it seem as if the current job in front of you is merely a brief stepping stone that you hope to leapfrog past quickly. Make sure your answer doesn’t come across that way.Mind your body languageAlways be sure that your delivery is ju st as strong as the content of your answer, because your audience will certainly be paying attention. Be sure to answer confidently and succinctly with impeccable body language and focus, and you’ll be doing you and your well-thought-out answer a real service.Highlight your giftsWhenever there’s a good opportunity to highlight your skill set and abilities on a job interview you should take it- it really doesn’t hurt to remind an interviewer what makes you a great candidate who potentially stands out from the crowd of applicants. So make sure that you back up your 5-year plan with reasons how and why your talents will help make it all possible.A few good answersUptowork published an article that highlights several well-crafted answers to the question â€Å"Where do you see yourself in 5 years?† Consider adapting these sample responses to fit your situation and goals.â€Å"In five years, I want to complete the internal training program for my position. Iâ €™ve read about it on your website, and I think it’s a fabulous program. Not only would I get all the training for my role, but I would be on the fast track to becoming a project manager. That’s my top career goal. Plus, my ideal path would include working abroad for a couple of years. I understand that it’s of value to you to find people prepared to do so.†Ã¢â‚¬Å"One of the reasons I want to work for PG is because I find your personalized approach to training attractive. I’m excited about the opportunity to work with a mentor and immerse myself in learning new skills. I’m also the type of employee that likes to hit the ground running and jump into projects as soon as possible. So, over the next five years, I see myself taking on as many complex assignments as the position would allow. By the end of that period, I want to say that I’ve built lasting client relationships. I want to say that I’m one of the best Salespeople on the team. I wouldn’t mind becoming someone who could train and mentor others when the time comes as well.†Ã¢â‚¬Å"As a marketing professional, I want to develop my skill set. At the end of the next five years, I want to know how to use software like Photoshop or InDesign. I want to have a better understanding of social media and video marketing. Plus I’d like to get into project management. I would like to learn on the job. Regardless, I want to look into online or evening courses. My hope is that I can apply my new skills to my job with you.†There’s no need to get nervous at the thought of having to tackle the (almost inevitable) question â€Å"Where do you see yourself in 5 years?† on interviews and other high-stakes situations. Use the strategies and advice presented here to put your best foot forward when answering this classic question. Good luck!Source: [zety.com]

Conducting Conversations in English Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Conducting Conversations in English - Essay Example These expressions may also include tone variation. Hence people do not just speak in English; rather, they may use these facial antics. Daniel Allington points out that there is an emphasis in use of institutional, social, physical, interpersonal and cultural context when people are talking. Through this, there is an effect on how one interprets the meaning of the interaction. Interactive talks reveal how language in use every day reflects as well as influencing identities and relationships of the user. These factors lead to many actions that involve the use of English language all over the world. For people to control and organise their language flow, there is the use of poetic and rhetorical features when speak. This ensures that there is the infusion of human communication. In speech and writing, there are sounds and marks that make the words recognisable. Speech experiencing in regard to old people includes face to face expressions as well as screens, telephone, books and screens . In regard to the preservation of one’s own self during a conversation there is consideration of the facial expressions in use including gestures. This may also include tone variation, which is, a vital aspect in ensuring that a person’s tone maintains it originality. ... P.23-27). In the context of language use, the term appropriateness indicates the necessity of the language when conversing. For one to ensure that there is the appropriateness in the language, one should consider the people who they are conversing with, the situation that leads to the conversation as well as the media of conversation. Appropriateness is different from correctness because the former indicates how able is it to use a certain language, while the later indicates whether the language in use is acceptable. In the use of English, there is creativity each day. There is creativity and play in the use of English while speaking and writing. Through the use of these phenomena’s, there is persuasion to an audience in making a point and in the conceding of a point. In human communication, there is the infusion of rhetorical and poetic characteristics. This is in reference to the conversation between Yael, Etham and Nahla where they use persuasion. This is when Yael asks Eth an, â€Å"What are doing.† This ensures there is creativity in conversing in English (Matthews, 2010, p. 34-36). In making an English conversation, there is consideration of digital English and material English, as the technology advances, the wording changes. In making a conversation, there should be an opening and a closing statement to ensure that the conversation has no fragments. Through it, there is a distinction between the linguistics utterances and the action of uttering it. The utterances help perform many social functions. Most opening and closing utterances are effective in a telephone conversation where the subjects use English language to converse. For an

Design and planning of commercial and domestic buildings in the UK Essay

Design and planning of commercial and domestic buildings in the UK - Essay Example Precisely this report examines the designing and planning of commercial and domestic buildings in the UK. The UK has set aggressive national goals in the building industry meant to increase efficiency and safety of buildings. It has identified emission reduction targets for 2020 and 2050 to be 34 percent and at least 80 percent in that order (Willars 2011, p. 1). To ensure that buildings are playing their role in achieving these targets, regulations have been put in place to ensure that designing and planning is undertaken in a manner that will make buildings environmental friendly. DESIGNING AND PLANNING OF BUILDINGS IN THE UK Designing and planning of buildings take place in different phases. In all these phases there are procedures which ought to be followed. Basically as shown in the diagram below designing and planning of building projects is undertaken in four stages: prepare, design, construct and use. Table 1 (Different standards for planning and designing in the UK) It is ad visable that these phases are followed so that the construction work is completed to the set standards. Failure to follow regulations set is a violation of the law and is punishable. Importantly, such negligence will likely cost the public in one way or another. Building regulations are categorized into 14 sub-categories: Part A - structural safety Part B - fire safety Part C - site preparation Part D - toxic substances Part E - sound insulation Part F - ventilation Part G - hygiene Part H - drainage and waste disposal Part I - combustion appliances Part J - protection from falling and impact Part K - energy efficiency Part L - access to and use of land Part M - glazing Part N - electrical safety This report will utilize the RIBA Plan of Work 2007 in discussing the designing and planning of commercial and domestic building in the UK. The RIBA Plan of Work is chosen because it will enable the achievement of the objective of the report in the best manner possible since it has been the â€Å"definitive UK model for the building design and construction process since 1963† (RIBA 2013, para. 2). RIBA Plan of Work 2013 is due to be released mid this year therefore the 2007 is appropriate for this report. However, much care is taken to integrate the ideas from Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment (CABE), OGC Gateways (Scottish Government 2013), PFI procurement stages and National Audit Office Framework where necessary. The RIBA Plan of Work 2007 is divided into five phases with a total of eleven sections. The five phases are: preparation (A & B), design (C, D & E), pre-construction (F, G & H), construction (J & K) and use (L) (RIBA 2007, p. 1). The following sections examine each of these phases in great details, pointing out the technicalities involved and the expectations. Care is taken to ensure that each section addresses the requirements of domestic and commercial buildings as per the UK regulations. PREPARATION PHASE Under the prepare pha se, as categorized by CABE, the activities which cut across the board for RIBA plan of works, OGC Gateways and National Audit Office Framework are basically those involving getting ready to start off the project. They can basically be said to be feasibility tests to find out if the project can be completed. According to CABE (2011), a client needs to be very much engaged in running a building project especially in the very initial stages. It is important that the procurement process is understood well by the client. CABE has gone ahead to outline the skills that