In the year 490, Wu Tzu-hsiu sent his son away to safety in the kingdom of Ch'i. In doing so he sent the king a signal that he disapproved of the war, and that he believed the king's selfish ambition was leading Wu to ruin. The king, sensing betrayal, lashed out at his minister, accusing him of a lack of loyalty and, in a fit of anger, ordered him to kill himself. Wu Tzu-hsiu obeyed his king, but before he plunged the knife into his chest, he cried, "Tear out my eyes, oh King, and fix them on the gate of Wu, so that I may see the triumphant entry of Yueh."
The war began with great fanfare and several victories, but it soon bogged down. A victory on one front would leave the Wu armies vulnerable on another. The king's chief minister and adviser, Wu Tzu-hsiu, warned him that the barbarous state of Yueh, to the south, was beginning to notice the kingdom of Wu's problems and had designs to invade. The king only laughed at such worries one more big victory and the great Middle Kingdom would be his.
Learning programming concepts with p5.js and creative coding opens up many exciting ways to understand coding fundamentals. Here’s a detailed breakdown, with a few additional concepts included:
1. Variables
Variables store information that your program can use, manipulate, or display. For instance, in p5.js, variables can keep track of an object's color, location, or size. Declaring a variable is like creating a “bucket” to hold specific data that you can use throughout your sketch. Syntax example: let x = 10;.
2. Data Types
Different types of data need unique ways of handling. Key data types include:
Integer (int): Whole numbers like 5 or -20.
Float: Decimal numbers, such as 3.14.
String: Text, e.g., "Hello".
Boolean: True or false values, such as true.
Knowing which data type to use is essential for creating responsive and functional sketches.
3. Operators
Operators perform operations on data, which helps in calculations or manipulations. Types of operators include:
Arithmetic operators: +, -, *, /.
Comparison operators: ==, !=, >, <.
Logical operators: && (and), || (or).
Example: x = y + 5 adds 5 to y and stores the result in x.
4. Functions
Functions are blocks of code that perform specific tasks, making your code modular and easier to read. In p5.js, you start with setup() (runs once) and draw() (loops continuously), the two main functions for creating interactive sketches. Additional functions can be written to organize code, such as defining custom behaviors for objects.
Example: function greet() { console.log("Hello!"); }
5. Conditionals
Conditionals allow your program to make decisions based on certain conditions, using if, else, and else if. For example, conditionals can make an object turn red if a user clicks on it.
Example: if (mouseX > width / 2) { fill(255, 0, 0); } else { fill(0, 255, 0); }.
6. Loops
Loops are used to repeat a block of code multiple times. They’re essential for tasks like drawing grids or processing multiple objects.
For loop: Repeats a set number of times.
While loop: Continues while a condition is true.
Example: for (let i = 0; i < 10; i++) { ellipse(i * 10, height / 2, 10, 10); }
7. Arrays
Arrays hold multiple values in a single variable, helpful for managing groups of objects. For example, if you’re drawing multiple shapes, an array can store their positions.
Example: let colors = ["red", "green", "blue"];
8. Objects
Objects group properties (data) and methods (functions) into one entity, representing real-world items, like a “ball” object that has a position, speed, and color.
Example: let ball = { x: 50, y: 100, radius: 20 };
9. Control Flow
Control flow directs the order in which code executes. Using conditionals and loops, you can control when and how certain blocks of code run.
10. Compiler/Interpreter
The interpreter in p5.js (JavaScript) reads code line by line and executes it, letting you see results instantly. An interpreter is helpful for experimentation and quickly testing new ideas.
11. Syntax
Syntax refers to the rules and structure of a programming language. In p5.js, correct syntax is essential, such as using semicolons to end lines and matching curly braces. Syntax errors are common for beginners, so paying attention to syntax rules is key.
12. Animation
Animation in p5.js involves updating objects’ positions, colors, or shapes over time, creating a sense of movement. This is managed through the draw() loop, which automatically refreshes the canvas.
Example: x += 1; inside draw() will make an object move continuously.
13. Interactivity
Interactivity makes your sketches responsive to user inputs like mouse clicks or keyboard presses. In p5.js, functions like mousePressed() or keyPressed() enable such responsiveness.
Example: function mousePressed() { background(255, 0, 0); }
14. Debugging and Console Log
Debugging helps locate errors. Using console.log() to print values can show what’s happening in the code, allowing you to track bugs more easily.
These core programming concepts will give you a solid foundation to create dynamic, interactive, and visually engaging sketches in p5.js, taking you from beginner to intermediate understanding in creative coding. Each builds on the last, so you can gradually create more complex and exciting projects as you progress!
Concentrate Your Forces
Transgression Of The Law
In China in the early sixth century B.C., the kingdom of Wu began a war with the neighboring northern provinces of the Middle Kingdom. Wu was a growing power, but it lacked the great history and civilization of the Middle Kingdom, for centuries the center of Chinese culture. By defeating the Middle Kingdom, the king of Wu would instantly raise his status.
When power deserts you, it is best to ignore this Law's reversal. Leave martyrdom alone: The pendulum will swing back your way eventually, and you should stay alive to see it.
Yet martyrdom, surrender's reversal, is a messy, inexact tactic, and is as violent as the aggression it combats. For every famous martyr there are thousands more who have inspired neither a religion nor a rebellion, so that if martyrdom does sometimes grant a certain power, it does so unpredictably. More important, you will not be around to enjoy that power, such as it is. And there is finally something selfish and arrogant about martyrs, as if they felt their followers were less important than their own glory.
I paint.
I eat.
I swim.
I sit.
I run.
I read.
I sleep.
I like pizza.
I like apples.
I like bananas.
I like carrots.
I like eggs.
I like cookies.
I like cake.
I like my dog.
I like my fish.
I like my cat.
I like my car.
I like my ball.
I like my plane.
I like my books!
I see my dog.
I like my dog.
I see my cat.
I like my cat.
I see my fish.
I like my fish.
I like my pets!
I can see my ball.
I like my ball.
I can see my duck.
I like my duck.
I can see my car.
I like my car.
I like my toys!
I can see the dog.
I like the dog.
I see the cat.
I like the cat.
I can see the fish.
I like the fish.
The fish can swim.
I see the bus.
The bus can go.
I can see the car.
The car can go.
I see my bike.
My bike can go.
I like my bike!
I can see a hat.
I like the hat.
I see a balloon.
I like the balloon.
I can see a cake.
I like my cake!
Reversal
The point of surrendering is to save your hide for a later date when you can reassert yourself. It is precisely to avoid martyrdom that one surrenders, but there are times when the enemy will not relent, and martyrdom seems the only way out. Furthermore, if you are willing to die, others may gain power and inspiration from your example.
Authority: Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth: But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let them have thy cloak also. And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain, (Jesus Christ, in Matthew 5:38 41)
Ask and it shall be given to you seek and you shall find knock and it shall be opened unto you
Image: An Oak Tree. The oak that resists the wind loses its branches one by one, and with nothing left to protect it, the trunk finally snaps. The oak that bends lives longer, its trunk growing wider, its roots deeper and more tenacious.
Power is always in flux since the game is by nature fluid, and an arena of constant struggle, those with power almost always find themselves eventually on the downward swing. If you find yourself temporarily weakened, the surrender tactic is perfect for raising yourself up again it disguises your ambition; it teaches you patience and self-control, key skills in the game; and it puts you in the best possible position for taking advantage of your oppressor's sudden slide. If you run away or fight back, in the long run you cannot win. If you surrender, you will almost always emerge victorious.
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Newspapers have been considered the most reliable news source for more than a
century but in recent decades newer forms of media have supplanted their influence.
Some feel that these new sources of news are better but in my opinion, newspapers are
by far better because of the amount of time and research that writers put into their
articles.
The main reason that many people prefer newer media outlets is that they deliver news
more quickly across a variety of convenient platforms. The most notable example of this
is online news. The vast majority of people get their news from Facebook and other
social media websites which aggregate articles from various online publishers,
including the online version of print newspapers in some cases. The problem here is
that websites are solely concerned with increasing traffic and getting news up as fast as
possible. It is a common occurrence for a website to publish news quickly in order to
beat others to the scoop before it has been properly verified or even thoughtfully
analysed. The result is hordes of people clicking on links to amuse themselves for a
minute without casting a critical eye over the veracity of the news. These articles are
then shared online or by word of mouth and false information spreads rapidly.
Despite the conveniences of online media, the news that is printed in newspapers has
been better researched and verified in most cases. Newspapers frequently devote entire
departments to long-term investigative journalism. A standout example of this would be
the Boston Globe’s years long investigation into sexual abuse by the Catholic church.
They carefully interviewed victims and put together a convincing case which led to
long-lasting reforms and convictions of some individuals. They also published stories on
the topic for over a year which allowed for detailed and thoughtful analysis of the
problem, suggestions for solutions, and articles on wider societal implications. This type
of reporting is anathema to the fervent pace of online media.
In conclusion, even though newspapers are a dying industry I think they are more
informative and trustworthy than the largely online institutions that are replacing them.
This trend is irreversible and will have consequences for the future of democracies
around the world as people become less informed.
A candle is an ignitable wick embedded in wax, or another flammable solid substance such as tallow, that provides light, and in some cases, a fragrance. A candle can also provide heat or a method of keeping time. Candles have been used for over two millennia around the world, and were a significant form of indoor lighting until the invention of other types of light sources. Although electric light has largely made candle use nonessential for illumination, candles are still commonly used for functional, symbolic and aesthetic purposes and in specific cultural and religious settings. A variety of different materials have been developed in the modern era for making candles, including paraffin wax, which together with efficient production techniques, made candles affordable for the masses. Various devices can be used to hold candles, such as candlesticks, or candelabras, chandeliers, lanterns and sconces. A person who makes candles is traditionally known as a chandler.
Exploring Modern America Through the Eyes of Whitman and Dickinson
Imagine Walt Whitman and Emily Dickinson living in today's world, their voices lending insight to our culture, democracy, technology, and individuality. Both are poets with distinctive visions, yet each explores the human experience profoundly. If they were alive today, Whitman might celebrate America’s diversity, seeing it as a testament to democracy and unity, while Dickinson might delve into the quieter struggles of modern life, capturing the loneliness and search for identity in a technology-driven society. Through their perspectives, we could gain unique insights into the challenges, successes, and true nature of contemporary America.
If Whitman were writing today, he would likely see America’s diversity as one of its greatest strengths. Just as he did in Leaves of Grass, Whitman would use his verse to embrace people of every race, culture, and background. In today’s multicultural landscape, he would revel in the blend of languages, religions, and traditions that form the American identity. Whitman would likely draw on the imagery of urban centers filled with vibrant neighborhoods, and in rural towns where different traditions meet. For him, this diversity would reflect the beauty of democracy—the "self" that thrives when connected to the "whole." His celebration of humanity’s differences would likely inspire readers to embrace a shared destiny, advocating for an inclusive society.
Moreover, Whitman’s belief in democracy would resonate strongly with the challenges of today’s society. In a time of political polarization, Whitman might write about the importance of dialogue and understanding across ideological divides. He would value every voice, seeing each citizen as a vital part of a grand democratic experiment. Whitman’s verses might emphasize that, despite our differences, the strength of America lies in its commitment to unity and resilience. He would remind us that democracy requires active participation, a dedication to justice, and a recognition of each individual's dignity. In this way, Whitman’s poems would inspire Americans to look past their divisions and embrace a collective spirit.
Dickinson, on the other hand, would likely write about the introspective side of modern life, particularly the impact of technology on human relationships and identity. Known for her reflections on isolation, she would find much to explore in a world where technology can both connect and separate us. Dickinson might write about the paradox of social media, where people often feel more isolated despite their virtual connections. Her poems could reveal the quiet despair of scrolling through curated lives, the yearning for true connection hidden beneath carefully constructed online personas. In her succinct, sharp style, Dickinson would capture the loneliness that lingers behind screens and text messages, resonating with readers who feel disconnected in the digital age.
In addition to loneliness, Dickinson would explore identity in today’s complex world. Just as she examined the self in her quiet life, Dickinson would be fascinated by the questions of identity shaped by a society that often values image over substance. She would likely write about the pressure to conform to society’s expectations, questioning the authenticity of a life that seeks validation from others. Her poetry would probe into the soul’s longing for meaning amid a world full of distractions. Dickinson’s quiet strength, her commitment to authenticity, would shine through, encouraging readers to seek self-understanding in a society that often obscures it.
Another theme that would likely captivate Dickinson is resilience. Living through the uncertainties of the modern world, she would write about the strength required to navigate life’s trials. Dickinson’s poems might address the courage needed to face personal hardships, the quiet battles people endure that often go unnoticed. She would explore the idea that strength doesn’t always manifest as grand gestures but as the daily acts of persistence, the refusal to let adversity define one’s spirit. In her deeply introspective style, Dickinson would find beauty in resilience, reminding readers that inner strength can overcome even the most challenging circumstances.
Together, Whitman and Dickinson would paint a complex portrait of modern America. Whitman’s hopeful vision would offer optimism, urging Americans to embrace their shared humanity and democratic values. In contrast, Dickinson’s reflections would shed light on the emotional landscape of modern life—the loneliness, identity struggles, and resilience that often go unspoken. Through their distinct lenses, they would reveal the multifaceted nature of American society, capturing both its ideals and its struggles.
In the end, Whitman and Dickinson would remind us that America is a nation of contrasts—bold yet introspective, diverse yet united, resilient in the face of adversity. Their voices would call us to appreciate our differences, embrace our strengths, and look within ourselves for the courage to face an uncertain future. Their poetry would serve as a reminder of the timeless human spirit, resonating as powerfully today as it did in the nineteenth century. Through Whitman’s expansive vision and Dickinson’s quiet insight, we would find a deeper understanding of who we are and who we aspire to be.
If you like short quotes, this is not the paragraph for you. Your fingers will be short-circuiting almost to the point of falling off entirely.
Surrender can also offer a way of mocking your enemies, of turning their power against them, as it did for Brecht. Milan Kundera's novel The Joke, based on the author's experiences in a penal camp in Czechoslovakia, tells the story of how the prison guards organized a relay race, guards against prisoners. For the guards this was a chance to show off their physical superiority. The prisoners knew they were expected to lose, so they went out of their way to oblige miming exaggerated exertion while barely moving, running a few yards and collapsing, limping, jogging ever so slowly while the guards raced ahead at full speed. Both by joining the race and by losing it, they had obliged the guards obediently; but their "overobedience" had mocked the event to the point of ruining it. Overobedience surrender was here a way to demonstrate superiority in a reverse manner. Resistance would have engaged the prisoners in the cycle of violence, lowering them to the guards' level. Overobeying the guards, however, made them ridiculous, yet they could not rightly punish the prisoners, who had only done what they asked.
"We're going back in time to the first thanksgiving to get turkeys off the menu, that's right. We're going back in time to the first thanksgiving to get turkeys off the menu,"
Jak, Free Birds (2013)
People in all modern societies use drugs, but today's youth are expertimenting with both legal and illegal drugs, and at an increasingly early age. Some sociologists claim that parents and other members of society often set a bad example. Discuss the causes and some effects of widespread drug use by young people in modern day society. Make any recommendations you feel are necessary to help fight youth drug abuse.
Model Answer:
Youth drug abuse is a serious problem nowadays in many cultures. Not only is illegal drug use on the rise, but children as young as 10 years old are experimenting with alcohol and tobacco. The reasons for this behaviour are unclear, but certain sociologists blame the examples set by their elders.
Parents who drink and smoke to excess are, in effect, telling their children that it is acceptable to abuse their bodies with drugs. Consequently, children may have a similar view towards illegal drugs, even if their parents are against their use. In addition, drug use shown on television and in films can only confuse children who are also taught at school that drug abuse is wrong.
The pressure on young people to perform well at school in order to compete for jobs is a possible cause of the problem. Many believe they cannot live up to their parents' expectations, and feel a sense of hopelessness. Also, the widespread availability of drugs means teenagers are faced with the temptation to experiment. Drugs are used as a means of expressing dissatisfaction with the pressures they face in society.
The effects of drug abuse are well known. Many young people's talents are wasted, and addiction to hard drugs can cost a user his or her life. Furthermore, those who drink and drive may be involved in fatal road accidents. The cost to society is great, and enormous amounts of money are spent on convicting drug dealers and on education programmes.
To conclude, I recommend that the only sensible way to solve this problem is to educate young people about the dangers of drug use, and to take steps to reduce the pressure of competition placed upon them.
