14 Notable European Scientists Throughout History

Essay on Frankenstein Movie To Book - 795 Words

How can we think of Frankenstein and ignore the film classic of 1931? Yet the celebrated film does not follow the novel by Mary Shelley. Although the scene of a futuristic laboratory entrances movie audiences with the mad Dr. Frankenstein and his faithful assistant Igor, the scene is derived from twentieth century imaginations and interests, not the novel itself. For good reason, the novelist chose not to begin her story with the chilling event of the dreary night in November. Instead of a major event, the book opens with a series of letters from Robert Walton. It is not his want for the voyage of discovery, but his obsession with fame, that drives him to the unknown in hopes of being credited with expanding mankinds knowledge and†¦show more content†¦Remove Walton from the story and no audience remains for the important lines; the wider implications of the scientific experiment fail to affect the viewer. The parallel stories, one of attempting to discover the secret of life and the other of forcing nature to open her secrets to man, disappear from the film. The events on screen remain remote from the viewer. The absence of Walton diffuses the warning to consider the final effects of scientific exploration and experimentation. The reader discovers the dangers inherent in defying the natural order, while the movie audience watches an ugly thing lumbering about the countryside. The film creates an image of the creature as a silent; malevolent being because a thoughtless young scientist creates a powerful object, yet provides no measures for guidance and control. Victor seems unfairly persecuted by the dreadful fiend he created. His initial dreams of benefiting mankind and creating a race, which would be grateful to him, are emphasized, rather than focus on his own disdain for that which he brought to life. In the novel the reader’s sympathy shifts for the monster when he confronts Victor with a demand for reasons for his abandonment and hatred. Even more startling is the beings extraordinary range of ideas, precise vocabulary, and concept of justice and obligations. The articulate figure challenges his maker: bothShow MoreRelatedFrankenstein Book And Movie Similarities1162 Words   |  5 Pagesmother to a terrible disease. What he intended to do was create something that would bring her back to him. The book Frankenstein by Mary Shelley, and the movie â€Å"Frankenstein† have many similarities like: characters, plots, conflicts, and so on that will be stated in this essay. There are a great deal of differences, more than there are similarities. Reading the book and watching the movie are very important so the audience can understand and discover new things that are alike and different, becauseRead MoreDisappointing Frankenstein Movie After Reading the Book by Mary Shelley861 Words   |  4 Pagesso much you think the movie will be mind-blowing with all the special effects bringing something to life; however after you saw it you were stunned about how much they left out of the novel with Hollywood putting their own crazy spin on the story? This is how I felt after enjoying reading Frankenstein by Mary Shelley, so much then watching the movie. Surprisingly it really disap pointed me, which is sad because when most Americans think of Frankenstein they think of the movie version and not the novelRead More Novel/Movie Difference Mary Shelleys Frankenstein Essay512 Words   |  3 Pages In reading the book Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, and watching the by the same title, I discovered several large differences. Primarily, the edited and modified parts were changed to make the movie more interesting. In the book, Marry Shelley described everything in great detail. She included details that may not pertain to novel’s storyline directly, but more to the timeframe of the novel. When a movie comes out made after a specific novel, the screenplay eliminates most of these minute differencesRead MoreFrankenstein Movie Comparison921 Words   |  4 PagesMary Shelleys novel Frankenstein published in 1818, was the crucial influence of the 1994 Frankenstein movie directed by Kenneth Branagh. Kenneth was extremely successful and had a lot of ambition to portray the real horror image Shelley wrote about in her novel. Before the 1994 movie, there were numerous vague interpretations based on the novel. I believe the 1994 films intent to be the most relative to the novel than any other film produced. The movie did a considerable job following the schematicsRead MoreFrankenstein, By Mary Shelley1040 Words   |  5 Pages In 1818, a book titled Frankenstein was published anonymously, mysteriously dedicated to William Godwin, a prominent journalist and political philosopher of his time. The immediate reviews of the novel were mixed, most edging towards critical, although no one knew who the book was written by. However, while Frankenstein failed to gain popularity immediately, no one had any idea the lasting impact this novel would have on the world. Despite the lukewarm reception at its debut, it soon proved to beRead MoreDr. Mary Shelly s Frankentein And The 1994 Adaptation Of The Novel 1176 Words   |  5 PagesBranagh had taken away from the original novel. In the book, Victors mother dies from scarlet fever that she has gotten from Elizabeth. As quoted from the book, â€Å"She died calmly, and her countenance expressed affection even in death. I need not describe the feelings of those whose dearest ties are rent by that most irreparable evil, the void that presents itself to the soul, and the despair that is exhibited on the countenance.† In the movie, Victor’s mother dies from childbirth. Victor is far lessRead More Mary Shelleys Frankenstein Essay1231 Words   |  5 PagesMary Shelleys Frankenstein After reading the book Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, and then seeing several adaptations done for the silver screen, there are changes that the films make to the book. The most evident change that jumps out at me is the portrayal of Dr. Victor Frankenstein. The common missing element in all of the film versions of the classic novel is the way they treat the character of Victor. The films all tend to downplay what a â€Å"monster† Victor is and instead stress how much ofRead MoreComparing and Contrasting Shelleys Frankenstein with Brooks Young Frankenstein1031 Words   |  5 PagesComparing and Contrasting Shelleys Frankenstein with Brooks Young Frankenstein The 1818 book Frankenstein by Mary Shelley and the 1972 movie Young Frankenstein by Mel Brooks both portray the differences in feminism regarding the cultural times through the character of Elizabeth. When Mary Shelley wrote the book Frankenstein, she was on a mission to pursue equal rights in education for her daughter. In Shelleys time, the only way to show feminine empowerment was to be literate and well-poisedRead MoreEssay on Mary Shelleys Frankenstein1643 Words   |  7 PagesMary Shelleys Frankenstein In 1818 a novel was written that tingled people’s minds and thrilled literary critics alike. Frankenstein was an instant success and sold more copies than any book had before. The immediate success of the book can be attributed to the spine-tingling horror of the plot, and the strong embedded ethical message. Although her name did not come originally attached to the text, Mary Shelley had written a masterpiece that would live on for centuries. Read More Comparing Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein and Kenneth Branaghs Frankenstein1212 Words   |  5 PagesShelley’s Frankenstein and Kenneth Branaghs Frankenstein Most Americans have some idea of who Frankenstein is, as a result of the many Frankenstein movies. Contrary to popular belief Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein is a scientist, not a monster. The monster is not the inarticulate, rage-driven criminal depicted in the 1994 film version of the novel. Shelley’s original Frankenstein was misrepresented by this Kenneth branagh film, most likely to send a different message to the movie audience than

What is forensic science Free Essays

string(220) " states that the force of the ID \(the instinctive part of the mind\) is not sufficiently controlled by the ego \(the mediator between our desires and prohibitions of the superego, the area that controls our impulses\)\." Forensic science is one of the three applications of medical knowledge applied to solving crime, over recent years forensics has become more advanced and better technology used to assist in criminal cases. Forensics alone is not a preventative to crime but can be seen as a hindrance to criminal activity. Unless criminals become clever and become forensically aware, it would be impossible to leave some trace evidence at a crime scene. We will write a custom essay sample on What is forensic science? or any similar topic only for you Order Now Forensics is not only just about finding the perpetrator(s) of a crime but can also be used to prove a persons innocence using DNA and forensic evidence. I’m sure those who have suffered a mis-carriage of justice fully appreciate being cleared of a crime they didn’t commit thanks to the use of DNA and other forensic techniques. Forensics used in conjunction with policing can provide vital evidence along with eyewitness statements, alibis etc to provide prosecution teams with the necessary evidence to convict. Collating information obtained from other crime scenes and producing a database for cross-reference is a major break-through. This allows police and other agencies to compare similar cases and possibly find links to previous unsolved cases. All the information is collected and placed on various databases stored for future reference. A forensic investigator must be impartial and assume no one is guilty unless the evidence states otherwise. They are not there to find the assailant but to collate any evidence from a crime scene, which is vital to naming the perpetrator. It certainly is a tool most useful in crime prevention and detection and in time will save the police a lot of time on cases trying to piece together all the evidence when specialist forensic teams can speed up this process through experience and knowledge. In turn moving on to other cases, spending less time on each case but still providing the same outcome. More cases solved, criminals will no doubt think twice about crime unless they want to get caught. With the help of the police and a pathologist (a scientist who is skilled in identifying the cause and progress of diseases by examining tissue and fluid from the body. Especially one who determines the cause of someone’s death by conducting an autopsy), together they investigate the cause of death with suspicious circumstances. The forensic scientist assists the pathologist by determining the blood type, DNA profile, identifying other samples such as hair, fibres, semen, and any other substances found on the body, which may have been deposited by the assailant. All evidence collected is vital in proving guilt or innocence. Other forms of forensic identification include: * Fingerprints – scraping debris from under the nail beds can sometimes contain relevant DNA. * DNA – DNA can be collected from blood samples or blood spatter and compared to the national DNA database where matches can be found. * Forensic Odontology – from teeth marks and bites, matches can be found through dental records or identification can be made from moulds made of teeth if no identity is known. * Facial Recognition system – this is identifying person(s) from photographs or video footage. By analysing specific actions i.e. style of walk. * Voice Recognition – if audio recording available, this can be analysed and compared to other voice samples for comparison. * Handwriting Analysis – by studying styles of writing, loops, height of letters etc it can be established if a signature is fake or real. * Ballistics analysis – identifying weapons used from bullet cartridges found, and looking for unusual markings that can tie a bullet to a particular weapon. Markings found on shell casings are like fingerprints but in the ballistics world, each weapon fired leaves distinctive markings. * Document Analysis – characterising the composition of the type of paper used and ink. The age of the paper can be established and the manufacturer. * Typewriters – the type can be identified by minor variations to the positioning and wear and each letter. * Paper shredders – unless a cross shredder is used; it is easy to piece together relevant documents for information. * Copiers – computer printers each have an identification number, which is embedded on printouts. Also computer printers have an individual banding pattern, which helps to identify a particular machine used to print a document. * Network Analysis – this involves using bank records, telephone records and postal records to check financial status and/or phone records to trace last phone numbers called or retrieve vital messages. * Radio Transceivers – can be identified by minute variations of their output signal. * CCTV – this is very useful as CCTV has been used in most major town centres and known hot spots where there is trouble. CCTV has been used to solve a number or valuable cases and is also useful in identifying automatic number plates recognition as it is linked to the DVLA database. * Computer Analysis – identification can be made via an IP address or MAC address. Using criminal psychology that uses psychological theories and methods of understanding, explaining and predicting criminal behaviour can assist the police in determining an assailant’s guilt or innocence. By examining their motivation and extreme behavioural habits they can assess the complexity and severity of what they are dealing with. Criminal psychologists do not work on the understanding that a person is solely driven by inner thoughts or ideas or controlled by other means. Mostly they concentrate on the theory of experience and learning as the main principle to explain their actions and accepting that their social conditions, unconscious motivations and their biological pre-dispositions are all factors. Many still pursue research into the theory of genetics relating to human behaviour. Is it possible that our genetic make-up is responsible in some way for our behaviour? It has been found that psychopaths have an extra Y chromosome instead of having the XY chromosome they have XYY, but this is not conclusive. Sigmund Freud (1856-1939) looked at the theory of psychoanalysis arguing that unconscious forces drive behaviour and criminal behaviour is the result of these unresolved conflicts. He states that the force of the ID (the instinctive part of the mind) is not sufficiently controlled by the ego (the mediator between our desires and prohibitions of the superego, the area that controls our impulses). You read "What is forensic science?" in category "Papers" This is why he based all his theories on crime being a psychic rather than materialistic need. Freud originally tried to explain his workings of the mind in terms of physiology and neurology thinking as a scientist would. Freud’s methods of psychoanalysis were based on his theory that people have repressed, hidden feelings. The psychoanalyst’s goal is to make the patient aware of these subconscious feelings. Childhood conflicts that are hidden away by the patient become revealed to both the analyst and the patient, allowing the patient to live a less anxious, healthier life. Methods of hypnosis were originally used by Freud to find the cause for anxiety, but he dismissed them as being too inaccurate. He started to use methods of free association to delve into the patient’s sub-conscious. By assessing the patient’s reactions to the analyst’s suggestions, Freud saw that the analyst could help the patient become consciously aware of his repressed childhood conflicts and impulses. By interpreting the patient’s dreams, the analyst can provide an insight into the patient’s conflicts as well. The therapist’s interpretations of the patient’s free associations and dreams are known as psychoanalysis. Freud’s theory of psychoanalysis, however, does have its problems. One of its drawbacks is that it is based on the assumption that repressed conflicts and impulses do in fact exist. Today this assumption is being challenged, and is provoking intense debate. Freud first developed these methods of psychoanalysis when he met with patients whose disorders did not make neurological sense. A patient, for example, may have suddenly gone blind. The problem is that there is no damage to either of his eyes. Freud began to wonder if this disorder might be psychological rather than physiological. A patient not wanting to see something that aroused anxiety might have caused his own blindness, he hypothesized. In order to find out what the anxiety stemmed from, he used methods of free association where the patient would say whatever came into his mind. Through the slips made when the patient was told to carry out the free-association process, and some of the patient’s beliefs and habits, Freud could delve into the patient’s subconscious. These thoughts produced a chain directly into the patient’s subconscious, and unearthed memories and feelings. This process soon became known as psychoanalysis. Freud also believed that dreams were an important way of getting into the patient’s subconscious. By analyzing dreams, he could reveal the basis of conflict within the patient. Freud believed the mind was made up of three main parts: the conscious, the preconscious, and the subconscious. The conscious region is the part that people are most aware of and what others can see. The preconscious region holds thoughts and feelings that a person can become aware of but that are mostly hidden away. Finally, the subconscious region consists of thoughts and feelings which are completely hidden away and which one is mostly unaware of. Some believe that the preconscious region is really a small part of the much larger subconscious region. Freud said that the mind is like an iceberg, with most of it, the subconscious, hidden away, and only a small part, the conscious, showing above the water, able to be seen. Why, then, would the majority of the mind be hidden; why is the subconscious region so much larger than the conscious region? Freud explained that the answer is that one forcibly blocks thoughts and feelings that he does not want others to become aware of. Although the person is not fully aware of these feelings, he still expresses them in disguise through the way he makes his choices. Using psychoanalytic methods, Freud was able, he said, to learn what feelings the patient had blocked and hidden in his subconscious. Freud developed one of his most famous theories of the mind when he realized the source of conflict in a person. He theorized that there were three interacting systems within the mind: the id, ego, and superego. The id is the largest part of the unconscious, and operates mainly on the need to gain pleasure and satisfaction. The ego can be seen as the moderator between the id and superego. Finally, the superego is the region of the mind that is mostly conscious. The superego forces the ego to consider the most ideal way of dealing with a problem. It is made up of morals, values, and culture’s influence on a person. The superego’s demands are very much opposed to those of the id, and it is the ego that must struggle to balance the ideas of the two. To live in a society one must be able to control the sexual impulses of the id. The roots of the anxiety in most of Freud’s patients, he discovered, had usually come from conflicts that they had been subject to in early childhood. He concluded that in a growing child, the id begins to focus on certain pleasure-seeking areas of the body. These areas Freud called the erogenous zones. So it seems that using a combination of forensic techniques, psychoanalysis and criminal profiling, together this makes a more accurate way to crime solving than just plain policing. As crimes become more creative in some cases, police and forensics need to have the means to manage and cope with the never-ending original scenarios. So as some criminals become more creative and aware of new technologies with forensics, so must the forensic teams ensure they are always one step ahead when it comes to analysing evidence and finding improved techniques and use technology to enhance an ever-increasing field. It has been suggested by many that maternal deprivation is a factor in producing criminals. Being deprived of any attachments and bonding create emotionless and non-affectionate individuals. Child-rearing techniques is an important area of research and seen as a preventative towards breeding more criminals. Forensics may be seen as a preventative in today’s society because it has become so vast that virtually anything can be analysed and identified by scientists. Ensuring you don’t leave any form of physical evidence at a crime scene is not impossible to get away with crime, but you would either have to have extensive knowledge of forensic science or be very meticulous or take time and a lot of preparation to ensure no DNA or trace evidence is left at the crime scene. I’m sure there are those that feel it is possible to create the perfect crime and never be caught, as we know some crimes remain unsolved due to lack of evidence or witnesses not reliable enough. How to cite What is forensic science?, Papers

A Research Analysis Of Media And Violence Essay Example For Students

A Research Analysis Of Media And Violence Essay In a research analysis of Media and Violence, studies show that â€Å"Although the typical effect size for exposure to violent media is relatively small . this ‘small effect’ translates into significant consequences for society as a whole† (â€Å"Media and Violence: An Analysis of Current Research†, 2015). This states violent behaviors can come from the smallest variables, or clips from videos, which is why it is important for parents to control what their kids see, read, and watch, and limit the amount of violence exposure.There are two types of media that are published, including mainstream media which gives politically correct news media or unrealistic ideals. But on the other hand, there are alternative media, which tends to be information given from a less biased point of view, and tend to target a smaller audience. In the final chapter, we will show an example alternative media and how differs from the content of mainstream media.Alternative media are a source of media that are known for publishing information from their own perspective or beliefs, including minorities and underprivileged groups, and raise awareness to the public. One example of alternative media is Internet websites, including Sleuth Journal, which exposes corruption, and produces truthful news to the public. Through articles and structures, we will examine why Sleuth Journal is an alternative media. Alternative media are a source of media that differs from the content of mainstream media. Alternative media are known for publishing information from their own perspective or beliefs, including minorities and underprivileged groups, and raise awareness to the public. One example of alternative media is Internet websites, including Sleuth Journal, which exposes corr. . with. The media is an important form of communication which influences people across the world on different topics and issues. Media has been used for attaining money, stopping the negativity of violence, showing how one person impacts an organization and giving our own perspectives on certain topic conveyed to the public. The purposes of media and communication are vital for the entire public to use because it gives equality, and not allow one person or group to dominate a society. If not for media, we would not be able to see the negative effects hurting a society such as minority groups, genders, age, or class. We have used telegrams, landline phones, and now are using social media, the internet, and new technological devices, where news can be reached instantly. Media has been a part of history, and will to continue to evolve for further generations to come.

Ulysses S. Grant Essays (1125 words) - , Term Papers

Ulysses S. Grant Ulysses S. Grant Ulysses S. Grant was an American general and 18th president of the U.S. Grant was born in Point Pleasant, Ohio, on April 27, 1822, the son of Hannah Simpson and Jesse Grant, the owner of a tannery. Taken to nearby Georgetown at the age of one, he was educated in local and boarding schools. In 1839, under the name of Ulysses Simpson instead of his original Hiram Ulysses, he was appointed to West Point. Graduating 21st in a class of 39 in 1843, he was assigned to Jefferson Barracks, Missouri. There he met Julia Dent, a local planter's daughter, whom he married after the Mexican War. During the Mexican War, Grant served under both General Zachary Taylor and General Winfield Scott and distinguished himself, particularly at Molina del Rey and Chapultepec. After his return and tours of duty in the North, he was sent to the Far West. In 1854, while stationed at Fort Humboldt, California, ?Grant resigned his commission because of loneliness and drinking problems, and in the following years he engaged in generally unsuccessful farming and business ventures in Missouri.?(Grant Moves South, 18) He moved to Galena, Illinois, in 1860, where he became a clerk in his father's leather store. At the outbreak of the American Civil War, Grant was appointed colonel, and soon afterward brigadier general, of the Illinois Volunteers, and in September 1861 he seized Paducah, Kentucky. After an indecisive raid on Belmont, Missouri, he gained fame when in February 1862, in conjunction with the navy; he succeeded in reducing Forts Henry and Donelson, Tennessee, forcing General Simon B. Buckner to accept unconditional surrender. The Confederates surprised Grant at Shiloh, but he held his ground and then moved on to Corinth. In 1863 he established his reputation as a strategist in the brilliant campaign against Vicksburg, Mississippi, which took place on July 4. After being appointed commander in the West, he defeated Braxton Bragg at Chattanooga. Grant's victories made him so prominent that he was promoted to the rank of lieutenant general and in February 1864 was given command of all Union armies. Grant's following campaigns revealed his determination to apply merciless pressure against the Confederacy by coordinating the Union armies and exploiting the economic strength of the North. While Grant accompanied the Army of the Potomac in its overland assault on Richmond, Virginia, General Benjamin F. Butler was to attack the city by water, General William T. Sherman to move into Georgia, and General Franz Sigel to clear the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. Despite the failure of Butler and Sigel and heavy losses at the Wilderness, Spotsylvania, and Cold Harbor, Grant continued to press the drive against General Robert E. Lee's army. After Sherman's success in Georgia and the conquest of the Shenandoah Valley by General Philip H. Sheridan, Grant forced Lee to abandon Petersburg and Richmond and to surrender at Appomattox Court House on April 9. As commander of the army, Grant soon became trapped in the struggles between President Andrew Johnson and Congress. Because of the president's clear Pro-Southern tendencies, the general gradually moved closer to the radicals and cooperated with Secretary of War Edwin M. Stanton in carrying out the congressional Reconstruction plan for the South. Grant accepted appointment as secretary ad interim after Johnson's dismissal of Stanton, but clashed violently with the president when the Senate ordered Stanton reinstated. Then, as the country's best-known military leader, he became the Republican candidate for president in 1868 and defeated his Democratic rival, Horatio Seymour. Grant's military experience ill prepared him for his new duties. Faced with major problems of Reconstruction, civil service reform, and economic adjustment, he did not know how to choose proper advisers or to avoid the pitfalls of an age of corruption. Encouraged by the final restoration of all the Southern states to the Union, he honestly tried to carry out congressional Reconstruction, but in the long run was unable to sustain it. Irregularly trying to protect the rights of the freed slaves, he repeatedly intervened but could not prevent the reappearance of white supremacists in all but a few Southern states. Other problems were equally troublesome. In 1871 Grant appointed a civil service commission headed by

Battle of Short Hills in the American Revolution

Battle of Short Hills in the American Revolution Battle of Short Hills - Conflict Date: The Battle of Short Hills was fought June 26, 1777, during the American Revolution (1775-1783).   Ã‚   Armies Commanders: Americans General George WashingtonMajor General William Alexander, Lord Stirlingapprox. 2,500 men British General Sir William HoweLieutenant General Lord Charles CornwallisMajor General John Vaughanapprox. 11,000 men Battle of Short Hills - Background: Having been expelled from Boston in March 1776, General Sir William Howe descended on New York City that summer.   Defeating General George Washingtons forces at Long Island in late August, he then landed on Manhattan where he suffered a setback at Harlem Heights in September.   Recovering, Howe succeeded in driving American forces from the area after winning victories at White Plains and Fort Washington.   Retreating across New Jersey, Washingtons beaten army crossed the Delaware into Pennsylvania before halting to regroup.   Recovering late in the year, the Americans struck back on December 26 with a triumph at Trenton before achieving a second victory a short time later at Princeton. With winter setting in, Washington moved his army to Morristown, NJ and entered winter quarters.   Howe did the same and the British established themselves around New Brunswick.   As the winter months progressed, Howe commenced planning for a campaign against the American capital at Philadelphia while American and British troops routinely skirmished in the territory between the encampments.   In late March, Washington ordered Major General Benjamin Lincoln to take 500 men south to Bound Brook with the goal of collecting intelligence and protecting farmers in the area.   On April 13, Lincoln was attacked by Lieutenant General Lord Charles Cornwallis and forced to retreat.   In an effort to better assess British intentions, Washington moved his army to a new encampment at Middlebrook. Battle of Short Hills - Howes Plan: A strong position, the encampment was situated on the south slopes of the first ridge of the Watchung Mountains.   From the heights, the Washington could observe British movements on the plains below which stretched back to Staten Island.   Unwilling to assault the Americans while they held the high ground, Howe sought to lure them down to the plains below.   On June 14, he marched his army Somerset Courthouse (Millstone) on the Millstone River.   Only eight miles from Middlebrook he hoped to entice Washington to attack.   As the Americans showed no inclination to strike, Howe withdrew after five days and moved back to New Brunswick.   Once there, he elected to evacuate the town and shifted his command to Perth Amboy. Believing the British to be abandoning New Jersey in preparation for moving against Philadelphia by sea, Washington ordered Major General William Alexander, Lord Stirling to march towards Perth Amboy with 2,500 men while the rest of the army descended the heights to a new position near Samptown (South Plainfield) and Quibbletown (Piscataway).   Washington hoped that Stirling could harass the British rear while also covering the armys left flank.   Advancing, Stirlings command assumed a line in the vicinity of Short Hills and Ash Swamp (Plainfield and Scotch Plains).   Alerted to these movements by an American deserter, Howe reversed his march late on June 25.   Moving quickly with around 11,000 men, he sought to crush Stirling and prevent Washington from regaining a position in the mountains. Battle of Short Hills - Howe Strikes: For the attack, Howe directed two columns, one led by Cornwallis and the other by Major General John Vaughan, to move through Woodbridge and Bonhampton respectively.   Cornwallis right wing was detected around 6:00 AM on June 26 and clashed with a detachment of 150 riflemen from Colonel Daniel Morgans Provisional Rifle Corps.   Fighting ensued near Strawberry Hill where Captain Patrick Fergusons men, armed with new breech-loading rifles, were able to force the Americans to withdraw up Oak Tree Road.   Alerted to the threat, Stirling ordered reinforcements led by  Brigadier General Thomas Conway forward.   Hearing the firing from these first encounters, Washington ordered the bulk of the army to move back to Middlebrook while relying on Stirlings men to slow the British advance. Battle of Short Hills - Fighting for Time: Around 8:30 AM, Conways men engaged the enemy near the intersection of Oak Tree and Plainfield Roads.   Though offering tenacious resistance that included hand-to-hand fighting, Conways troops were driven back.   As the Americans retreated approximately a mile toward the Short Hills, Cornwallis pushed on and united with Vaughan and Howe at Oak Tree Junction.   To the north, Stirling formed a defensive line near Ash Swamp.   Backed by artillery, his 1,798 men resisted the British advance for around two hours allowing Washington time to regain the heights.   Fighting swirled around the American guns and three were lost to the enemy.   As the battle raged, Stirlings horse was killed and his men were driven back to a line in Ash Swamp. Badly outnumbered, the Americans were ultimately forced to retreat towards Westfield.   Moving quickly to avoid the British pursuit, Stirling led his troops back to the mountains to rejoin Washington.   Halting in Westfield due to the heat of the day, the British looted the town and desecrated the Westfield Meeting House.   Later in the day Howe reconnoitered Washingtons lines and concluded that they were too strong to attack.   After spending the night in Westfield, he moved his army back to Perth Amboy and by June 30 had fully departed New Jersey. Battle of Short Hills - Aftermath: In the fighting at the Battle of Short Hills the British admitted to 5 killed and 30 wounded.   American losses are not known with accuracy but British claims numbered 100 killed and wounded as well as around 70 captured.   Though a tactical defeat for the Continental Army, the Battle of Short Hills proved a successful delaying action in that Stirlings resistance allowed Washington to shift his forces back to the protection of Middlebrook.   As such, it prevented Howe from executing his plan to cut the Americans off from the mountains and defeat them in open ground.   Departing New Jersey, Howe opened his campaign against Philadelphia late that summer.   The two armies would clash at Brandywine on September 11 with Howe winning the day and capturing Philadelphia a short time later.   A subsequent American attack at Germantown failed and Washington moved his army into winter quarters at Valley Forge on December 19. Selected Sources The Battle of the Short HillsRevolutionary War New Jersey - Short HillsBattle of Short Hills Historic Trail

Working as General Practitioner How You Stop smoking in pregnant women Essay

Working as General Practitioner How You Stop smoking in pregnant women ( health Promotion cessation of smoking During Pregnency) - Essay Example The use of tobacco and oral contraceptives often leads to stroke, venous thrombosis, and pulmonary embolism. There is also a growing awareness of the smoking that occurs during pregnancy. Smoking during pregnancy has been associated with growth retardation of the fetus, increased infant death rate and sudden infant death syndrome. Not only does smoking by-products pass through the placental barrier but they also are transmitted to the baby in breast milk. Breast milk production is also often decreased when mom smokes. Statistics show that mothers who smoke are less likely to breast feed. [1] Therefore both mothers and babies miss out on the importance of this process. Infants who have been exposed to tobacco have an increased risk of low birth weight and death at the time of birth. Low birth weight babies can also be very prone to a number of disorders including learning disabilities, diminished attention span, and increased risk of medical problems. [1] There are also a number of birth defects that are associated with smoking during pregnancy. Those include cleft lip/palate, clubfoot and limb defects. Children’s risks continue with increased childhood infection, bronchitis, negative impact on the overall respiratory health and lung development. It causes a reduction in pulmonary function and development which affects ability to exercise later in life. Last, the fact that mother smokes increases the risk that the child will be a smoker. [1] Haslam and Draper (2001) published a white paper on the need to stop smoking in pregnancy. The Secretaries of State for Health published in 1998 a paper that was reviewed by Haslam. The target set at that time was to reduce the amount of smokers during pregnancy by 15% by the year of 2010. At the time semi-structured interviews were held with pregnant women who smoke in one practice. There were 40 participants. The aim was to understand what motivates someone who is pregnant to smoke. The age range of the

Private Securities Litigation Reform Act's Essay

Private Securities Litigation Reform Act's - Essay Example Plaintiffs also allege that they incurred substantial personal losses due to their respective purchases of Daou stock at fraudulently inflated prices (2005). The district court held that the plaintiffs had failed to state sufficiently particularize claims under the 1933 Securities Act and the 1934 Exchange Act (2005). Hence, Plaintiffs now appeal the district courts dismissal of their Third Amended Complaint (â€Å"TAC†) with prejudice (2005). Plaintiffs contend that Daou fraudulently inflated the price of its stock by reporting revenues before they were earned, in violation of GAAP (2005). They claim that the said company employed an accounting method known as the percentage-of-completion (â€Å"POC†) method, which is used primarily to account for progress on long-term projects (2005). Under this method, revenue from these projects could only be recognized based on the percentage of labor costs incurred to date compared to the total estimated labor costs for the project (2005). Plaintiffs allege, however, that defendants would prematurely recognize revenue in contravention of the POC method (2005). Hence, because of such artificial inflation of the price of Daou stock, Plaintiffs allege that Daou was able to acquire eleven companies, and Daou executives and their respective family members were able to sell nearly 2.5 million shares for a total of $54.67 million in improper proceeds (2005). Plaintiffs also allege th at to their detriment they purchased their Daou shares during the class period at artificially inflated prices and that, had they been aware of Daous true financial results and condition, they would not have purchased their shares, or at least not at the prices paid (2005).

Ethical Relativism and Rights, Equality and Justice Essay

Ethical Relativism and Rights, Equality and Justice - Essay Example This essay discusses that to Hamas, the conflict is all about responding to an aggressive and oppressive neighbor since it refused to recognize Israel and past Palestinian agreements regarding the border and settlements thus escalating the existing border tensions since 2006. The Palestinians living in Gaza Strip and West Bank have equal rights to express their opinions, practice their religion and access basic human services such as food and gas. Accordingly, the Palestinians must be treated equally with respect and dignity. Israel blockade in Gaza has created a humanitarian crisis since 2007 since all border crossing and naval pathways have been restricted in the territory it controls. Although Israel has claimed the goal of the blockade is to diminish Hamas capability of building rockets and mortars, such move has led to the suffering of thousands of Palestinian civilians since it has restricted access to basic services such as healthcare, food, electricity, gas and construction m aterials.Israel asserts that the airstrikes and ground incursion into Hamas is a retaliation of the teenage boys abducted by Hamas and perceives Hamas as a threat since it has launched numerous rockets into Israel territory. Hamas claims that Israel has no moral right of self-defense since it has occupied Palestinian land and implemented a blockade that has led to the humanitarian crisis. However, the best action by the United States is to call for the end of the current hostilities and conflicts that have claimed lives of innocent civilians.

Types of Elections in Texas

Types of Elections in Texas Michael Dean Jalal Nejad, Ph.D. The election process is a staple of American politics, though on the national level it only applies to the Presidency and Congressional elections. In Texas though, citizen vote for all three branches of states government offices. There are three main types of elections in Texas, the primary election, general election, and special elections. The primary elections are held on the second Tuesday in March of even-numbered years (Champagne Harpham 135). They are the first step in the electoral cycle, the primaries are used to determine the political parties candidate for the general election. There are three other types of primaries which are the runoff, open, and closed. The runoff primary is when a no candidate wins by majority. When a runoff primary happens if a Democrat voted in the regular primary they cannot in the Republican runoff primary, if there is one. The same goes for Republicans trying to vote in a Democratic runoff. An open primary is where a registered voter can vote for either party, it doesnt matter their affiliation. However, they cannot vote in both primaries. The last type is a closed primary in which one must vote for their registered party. This works by having the voter declare their party before voting. Though voters need to declare their affiliations before voting, it does not bind them to voting f or that specific party in future elections. The next type of election is the general election. The general election is held the first Tuesday following the first Monday in November of even-number years (Champagne Harpham 136). During the general election the main candidate of both parties run against each other for certain offices. The major officials such as governor and attorney general are elected during years that the presidential election is not occurring. Though most of the time it is the main two parties, Republican and Democrat, sometimes third part or independent candidate run as well. Other elections for smaller offices such as school boards, city councils, and local positions are held usually in the beginning of November (Champagne Harpham 136). The last type of major election is special elections. Special elections are used to fill empty official positions, approval of borrowing large sums of money, and amending the Texas Constitution (Champagne Harpham 136). The specific dates for these elections are made by the legislature of Texas. An example of this would be if a Texas Congressman resigns or gets fired, the governor would have to call a special election to fill the void left by their resignation. Another example would be if the Texas legislature wanted to amend the Texas Constitution they would first have to propose the amendment, the voters would have a special election to actually ratify it into the Constitution. To summarize there are three main types of elections in Texas. There is the primary election where nominees of each party go against each other to see who will represent the party in the general election. The primary elections are held on the second Tuesday in March of even-numbered years. The next type of election would be the general election. In the general election the nominees of the Democratic and Republic parties face off to see who will gain the specific office they are going for. Though the general election focuses on the two main parties, there are usually third party or independent candidates running against them as well. The general elections for major offices are held the first Tuesday following the first Monday in November of even-number years, where the minor offices get elected earlier in November. The last type of election is the special election, these kinds of election take place when there is a vacancy in office, a large loan needs to be taken, or an amendment to the Texas Constitution is proposed. Work Cited Champagne, Anthony, and Edward J. Harpham. Governing Texas:. New York: W.W. Norton Company, 2013. Print.

William Faulkners Absalom, Absalom! Essay example -- Faulkner Absalom

William Faulkner's "Absalom, Absalom!" William Faulkner’s novel entitled Absalom, Absalom! is a book which systematically utilizes the concept of discovering the past in the present. Faulkner’s use of the past in the present is pertinent in both the construction of the plot of Absalom, Absalom! as well as the extension of its interpreted meanings. Furthermore, Faulkner’s writing of Absalom, Absalom! appears to have been motivated by the great ills and conflicts of the American South, which was most poignant during the American Civil War, while the title, as well as its implications, was simultaneously conceived in Faulkner’s mind. The fact that the story of Absalom in the Old Testament and the plot of Absalom, Absalom! are so strikingly similar suggests that, in Faulkner’s mind, there is no separation between the past and the present. For Faulkner, time is a continuum in which there is no past, so the only time in which people and things exist is either in the present or in the pro jected future. In fact, Faulkner’s Absalom, Absalom! demonstrates how the tribulations of the past are often the ills of the present, and, when people, including readers, are able to understand and depart from the failures of human nature, the future holds the possibility of truth and insight. Considering that, for Faulkner, the past is never just the past, there are recognizable parallels betwixt the caricatures of Faulkner in Absalom, Absalom! and the story of Absalom in the Old Testament. For instance, Faulkner’s character Thomas Sutpen absorbs certain traits of both Absalom and his father King David from the Old Testament. Because Thomas Sutpen has the characteristics of both, he is powerful and rules a dynasty like King... ...alid insight into the affairs of the prejudicial and slave stained South. In fact, as Wallace Steven’s suggests in his poem â€Å"Thirteen Ways to of Looking at a Blackbird,† it is the fourteenth view which is the truthful and insightful interpretation, causing a cathartic experience in the individual who perceives it (class notes). However, for those related to and descended from Sutpen, they have similar views of the world, which is embittered by the South’s intolerance for blacks, and they, including Henry, Judith, and Clytemnestra, have grown to abhor the South’s past and, therefore, themselves. As Faulkner’s Absalom, Absalom! proves, the inhibitions of the past are often inherited into the present. Works Cited Faulkner, William. Absalom, Absalom! New York: Vintage, 1986. Spoto, Dr. Mary T. Class Notes. ENG 433. 28 March 2006.

A Place Where the Sea Remembers: Character Like Candelario Marroquin Essay

In A Place Where the Sea Remembers, the author talks about a lot of unique characters. Candelario Marroquin is a man who has had a very hard life, but now that he has been promoted it looks like his life with Chayo, his wife, is looking up. He is a big character in the book and is greatly affected by fate.In the opening of the book, when Candelario Marroquin is first introduced in the story, he is painting the door of his house blue as a celebration that he has just gotten promoted to a salad maker. It is expressed that Cande is very fond of the color blue and all of its meaning to him. As the story goes on, Cande gets fired from the job after he makes an inedible salad, although his boss, Don Gustavo, is the one who had created it.Candelario is affected by many things that go on in the story. For instance, he is indirectly affected by rape because his sister in law, Marta, gets raped. This also ties in with abortion because Marta wants to get an abortion, but Cande offers to take ca re of the baby once it is born. When he finds out that Chayo also gets pregnant he decides not to take Marta’s baby because they are unable to take care of both, so then Marta is forced to have the baby and take care of it on her own as a single parent. Moreover, she becomes desperate and puts a spell on their unborn baby. Later on in the story, his nephew Richard, Marta’s son, dies in a terrible storm and gets washed away into the sea. It can be considered karma that Marta’s son dies. Candelario’s wife Chayo is connected with all of these events as well. It is fate for them that they have a baby and therefore cannot take care of Marta’s baby, which cause her to do what she did and put a spell on their baby. It is also fate for them that Cande got fired from his job as a salad maker. Most of the events related to Cande that I earlier mentioned are also fate for Marta. Marta and Cande’s action are closely related. It is also fate that Marta goes to Rememdios to ask her to pu t a spell on Cande to change his mind and take her baby. However, Remedios does not want to do that because she does not want Marta going to â€Å"El Norte†, she thinks it will ruin her. Remedios is indirectly affected by rape in this sense. Remedios is someone who is indirectly affected by everything through other characters. People go to her when their relatives die, she is the one who knows how to wrap them up and bury them. She is affected by fate because she is the â€Å"curandera†, the healer, which brings all the people from Santiago to her, and it is fate that brings her to the sea. Cesar Burgos is not affected by rape or abortion but he I extremely affected by single parenthood and death. Cesar had a wife and three young sons, but one day his wife and two of his kids went on a trip and they died in a car accident. He then had to be a single parent and raise his remaining son, Beto. Fate affects him through these two major events. It is fate that his wife and two kids died, which causes his son to change and make him feel guilty for their death. Don Justo is also not affected by rape or abortion, but he is affected by single parenthood and death. He had a wife who died, and had five children at a time and only two survived. Don Justo is forced to take care of his two remaining daughters, he also ends up remarrying As the story continues, he receives a telegram that his oldest daughter Justina died. This causes him to get drunk and he then unwillingly kills his own bird. A time after, his dog also dies of old age. All of this is related to fate, it is fate that his life is looking down because of having so much death in his life, but in the end he picks his life back up and lives on. Rafael Beltran is only affected by rape and single parenthood. Rafael does not have a father figure and he lives with with his mother because she is sick. He meets Esperanza through his mother because she has is her nurse. Rafael is indirectly affected by rape because Esperanza was raped when she was 17. Rafael ends up falling in love with Esperanza and they get married. His mother also brings Ines into his life because she is her maid, he teaches her how to write, with that he is able to grow and let go of only being focused on his job and his mother. It is fate that he lives with his sick mother, which brings Esperanza and Ines into his life. Esperanza is only affected by rape and fate. It is fate that she was raped when she was 17 because this causes her to leave her boyfriend at the time and go into a depression. She also takes nursing classes which lead her to become a nurse. This lets her and Rafael fall in love and be together.

English Atonement essays

English Atonement essays Atonement is a fund concept in the Jewish and Christian religions. 'Yom Kippur', the day of atonement is the most sacred day in the Jewish calendar. The need for atonement arises when an individual has committed a crime about which he feels guilty and for which he wishes to make amends, to the wronged party. Christmas too are required to atone for their sins if they want them to be forgiven by the confessor. She needed to atone for the crime she committed at the age of thirteen. Within the half hour Briony would commit her crime. When Briony appears in the fountain and library scene, she misinterprets what she sees. Though she was very young, she genuinely believed in Robbie's guilt even if that belief was based upon a mixture of childish ignorance and indignation. However, Briony was not helped to reexamine her story but felt only encouragement to stick with it, since she was desperate for adult attention and convinced that she knew better than her sister Cecilia, and she could protect her. Thus, she will later be tortured by remorse. It is the night of the attack and early morning that followed that will trouble her more than the legal processes. Her own vile excitement. Briony center stage. She takes the letter from Cecilia's bedroom and give it to the inspector. Also she shows them where she had seen Robbie attacking Cecilia ; that could earn her praise. The inspector tells her just as you see me, You saw him with your own eyes. Briony tells him Yes, I saw him. Yes she was a child. But not every child sends a man to prison with a lie. Briony's atonement starts when she abandons her ambition to go to Girton College, Cambridge , choosing to the humble job of nursing instead. Cecilia says I get the impression she's taken on nursing as an act of penance. Briony's novel has been My fifthy-nine year assignment.&qu...

Presentation Of Iago In Othello English Literature Essay Essays

Presentation Of Iago In Othello English Literature Essay Essays Presentation Of Iago In Othello English Literature Essay Paper Presentation Of Iago In Othello English Literature Essay Paper The secret plan of the drama Othello is that the Moorish soldier Othello and a immature Venetian lady Desdemona in secret marry. Her male parent is nt happy by this secret ceremonial and warns Othello that if she can lead on her ain male parent she might some twenty-four hours do the same to him. Iago subsequently uses Desdemona against Othello in the drama. He does this because he is covetous of Othello who became promoted to the occupation he feels he should hold got. To finish this secret plan of his, he speaks many prevarications and returns in many incidents to convert Othello that Desdemona is being unpatriotic to him by holding an matter with another man-Cassio. In Act 1 Scene 2 Iago starts off talking to Othello. He is seeking to derive his trust by stating Othello all the things he has done incorrect and all of his declinations. He speaks about him being with Desdemona and so he goes onto stating that he thinks she is bewraying him. Iago is seeking to do Othello surmise Desdemona for being unfaithful to him and gives Othello images he can visualize in his caput ( which so relates back to when Othello saw Desdemona and Cassio dancing together ) . Cassio so walks in, this makes Iago s program go even better for him even though it was nt what he planned to go on. Cassio comes in inquiring Othello to travel to Cyprus because the duke would wish to hold an visual aspect from him. Iago so says that Othello can non travel because he is married. Shakespeare has done this so Iago can do it look like Cassio is seeking to direct Othello off so he can be with Desdemona. In Act 1 Scene 3, Shakespeare has revealed Iago s full program. He is believing out loud so the whole secret plan is revealed to us. It shows that Iago wants retaliation on Othello because when he is talking to Roderigo he says: I hate the Moor ; Let us be conjunctive in our retaliation against him . Then subsequently in the scene he reveals his program, stating that Desdemona is the love of his life and that she is his lone failing. So if she is made to look that she is kiping with Cassio so he will travel to Iago and state him he was right wholly along and thank him for gaining it. If Iago s program went to how he wanted, so this would intend that out of thankfulness for gaining what he could nt see, Othello would so make anything to refund him. In Act 2 Scene 1 Iago is once more entirely with Roderigo, they are talking about Desdemona, and because Roderigo is so frantically in love with her, Iago can still utilize this to his advantage. In this scene, Iago says first, I must state thee this Desdemona is straight in love with him . Shakespeare is still demoing how Iago can do things sound and how he can utilize the people he is pull stringsing. Iago so moves on to Othello and attempts to derive his trust. He is seeking to acquire Othello to swear him so he will subsequently believe him about Desdemona kiping with Cassio. In Act 2 Scene 3 Iago is with Cassio and Iago is seeking to acquire Cassio rummy so he can do Cassio do stupid errors so his program will be more convincing. Iago says If I can fix but one cup upon him, with that which he hath intoxicated to-night already, he ll be as full of wrangle and offense as my immature kept woman Canis familiaris . Shakespeare has presented Iago in this manner because he is discreetly doing Cassio imbibe without him taking any notice of what he is making. Iago has now given Cassio many cups of vino and Cassio becomes aggressive towards Montano, Iago so tells Roderigo to travel and describe to Othello of Cassio s province, this is so Othello will free all trust in Cassio for going so raucous. Cassio says to Othello I pray you, excuse me ; I can non talk Othello now thinks that now he can non swear him because he is easy persuaded. He now trusts Iago more because he was the 1 who purportedly stopped him acquiring out of control. Subsequently in the scene, Iago is with Cassio, and Cassio is experiencing like his life is a muss. Iago tells him to travel and see Desdemona because she can screen out his life. Cassio has evidently gained Iago s trust because he takes his advice and goes to see her. He is despairing to screen his life out and will make anything to acquire it back in order. William Shakespeare has portrayed Iago as a intriguing individual who will make anything in order out of malice and green-eyed monster. Iago s character can derive any individual s trust in such a discreet manner, he can give them advice and they will take it. This is why Iago s program goes right because everyone believes him until last minute when it is excessively late to alter things. The audience is prepared for Iago s character because you see his evil side, particularly when he speaks his program out aloud to the audience at the terminal of Act 1 Scene 3 ; he announces his green-eyed monster and hatred for Othello which makes you prepared for the stoping.

Operations Management Case Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Operations Management Case - Essay Example Aggregate planning, a medium-range capacity planning system that typically covers a time horizon of anywhere from 3 to 18 months, has as its goal that of achieving a production plan that effectively utilizes the firm’s resources to satisfy expected demand. Decisions have to be made on output rates, employment and inventory levels and changes, back orders, and subcontracting, in effect determining not only the output levels planned but also the appropriate resource input mix to be used. Before we tackle the solution, we summarize the basic assumptions for our calculations. Basic Assumptions Table 1 contains the 12-month demand forecast and our assumptions. Aside from the total output, number of workers, cost assumptions, and labor force parameters given in the problem, we would like to highlight some key assumptions not indicated in the statement of the problem but which have an effect on the solution. The first is the capacity cushion, which determines how much excess inventory we would like to have at the end of the month to act as a buffer for potential variations in demand. A high cushion level would entail inventory costs, while a low level would entail stock-out costs that were neither given. The given initial inventory level of 200 units is equivalent to 22 percent of maximum demand (900 units in October) and 29 percent of year-end demand (600 units). Working on the principles of zero stock-outs and the maximization of resources, we calculated the standard deviation in monthly demand as plus or minus 20 percent and made the convenient assumption to keep the capacity cushion at this level of production capacity or roughly 100 units per month.

Contemporary issues in managment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Contemporary issues in managment - Essay Example One cannot thus separate a corporation from the community in which it operates and as such, whatever it does should be for the collective good of that communities for happiness to be achieved. A corporation in this case is itself a citizen and has an intrinsic responsibility as a social entity; that is, it should be socially responsible. This is in contradiction to economists such as Milton Friedman who viewed corporations as individual entities whose sole responsibility was to make profits. Corporate social responsibility (CSR) was traditionally associated with philanthropy and charity but later came to be associated with stakeholder interests. Carroll and Shabana consider it a post-World War II phenomenon defined as the â€Å"economic, legal, ethical and philanthropic expectations that a society has of organisations at a given point in time† (2010: 89). For McGuire (1963), CSR extends beyond those four expectations such as reputation and company image. Whatever the case, suc cess of CSR depends on commitment from senior management as well as low-level staff and its implementation varies from company to company depending on its context. The aim of this paper is to critically discuss and evaluate an environmental issue that an organisation addresses using the framework presented by Wood (1991). In this case, the orgnisation to be discussed is Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. The first section will give a brief background of the organisation. The Second section will be a brief background of CSR. Third section will discuss the business case for CSR followed by analysis of the environmental issue using the corporate social performance model and finally, a brief summary will be given. Wal-Mart Stores, Inc is the world’s number one retailer with 100 million U.S. shoppers a week visiting their stores. It was founded in 1962 with a commitment to make a difference in the lives of its customers. It has 11,000 stores with 71 banners in 27 countries and e-commerce in

Why marijuana should be legalized Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Why marijuana should be legalized - Essay Example Thesis: Marijuana is a drug; however this drug is similar to drugs that are already legal such as caffeine and tobacco. Many with health problems can benefit from the use of marijuana and marijuana is safer than most commonly prescribed drugs. The Legalization of Marijuana To much of the public, marijuana is known as a drug. To those who use marijuana, it is known as medicine. This medicine does many things and helps many. Marijuana is used to treat cancer symptoms and eating disorders, and that is just the start of the benefits marijuana has to offer. Overall, it is believed that a large amount of time and money is wasted by drug task force agencies in the aid to prevent the sale and use of marijuana. Legalizing marijuana would lessen the need to waste funding on these agencies. Marijuana is a drug; however this drug is similar to drugs that are already legal such as caffeine and tobacco. Many with health problems can benefit from the use of marijuana and marijuana is safer then mos t commonly prescribed drugs. To understand why some would like for marijuana to be legal, it is important to understand the history of marijuana. Marijuana is an all natural plant that grows naturally. Marijuana in its natural form is said to date back to 2737 B.C. Throughout history marijuana was used to create a euphoria effect. In 1942, marijuana was listed by pharmaceutical companies and used to treat many different disorders. Not soon after the drug was used for common medical problems was it then labeled in the same drug class as heroin. The government then banned marijuana claiming it was a â€Å"gateway† drug. Marijuana was at one point legal, just like many other commonly known drugs. Since marijuana is used for medicinal purposes, it needs to be treated like other prescription drugs. This means, keeping it in a safe area, and only using when prescribed. Those who have abused the drug and shared with teenagers could have contributed to harsh government regulation whi ch caused the ban of marijuana in the first place. It is important to be smart with any and all prescription drugs. This is why with the correct amount of education, marijuana should again become legal and used for its created purposes. There is so much money spent by American, Mexican, Canadian and other authorities to try and prevent the growing, use and distribution of marijuana. The amount of money spent by America alone is billions each year. For a government trying to make budget cuts, legalizing marijuana would free up a large amount of money that could be used to get America out of debt. This billions of dollars doesn’t even cover the cost of inmate housing. Since distribution, possession and use of marijuana is punishable by jail, many are sent to prison because marijuana is illegal. Punishing those who use marijuana only creates more spending to house inmates and contributes to prison overcrowding. Eating disorders and cancers are another common problem that marijua na helps with. Those who suffer from bulimia, anorexia, and lack of appetite from chemotherapy, benefit from using marijuana. Marijuana allows the brain to tell the body that it is hungry and may be the only thing that works to help those who normally would not be able to eat. Legalizing the use of marijuana for these disorders improves the quality of life and betters the chance of survival for the ones battling the disorders. Marijuana creates euphoric effects. These euphoric affects help many concentrate. Those who struggle with ADHD, ADD and who are generally excitable can use marijuana to relax and better focus. This is much safer to use then commonly prescribed medicines such as Aderal, Ridalin and anti anxiety medications. Many commonly use medicines used to help people concentrate have caused heart attack and

Ethics Goes To Hollywood Essay Example for Free

Ethics Goes To Hollywood Essay When we think of ethics with regards to Hollywood, some people might even question if there really are any left? With the growing number of moralists and critics that easily target Hollywood, ethics has become an important factor that seems to be set aside. Many of the movies that are being shown today presents violence, nudity and lack of values incorporated with the film. But there can always be an argument about how is ethics really perceived through the movie industry? Some might doubt but actually when we look pass through over-all violence and those unacceptable factors to moralists, some movies do posses ethics in them. Most of the time, those ethics are just overlooked by the over-all presence of the movie. When we analyze and breakdown a movie and study the characters there is a great opportunity to realize the moral fiber of the film. In recent memory, there are only a few movies that have produced an unusual style of presentation in the silver screen. One of those movies showed up during 2007 through a film titled â€Å"300†. It was based from Frank Millers graphic novel also named â€Å"300†. This movie adaptation of the novel is also based from the Battle of Thermopylae that was retold in a fictional sense. To further analyze the movie, the following paragraph will showcase the movies summary. Beginning with the presentation on a how a Spartan boy grows up and how he emerges to be king of Sparta, the movie was narrated by Dilios, a spartan soldier who was able to live and tell the tale. After years of being Spartas king, Leonidas received a messenger who was sent by the Persian ruler Xerxes. The messenger presented an offer that enraged king Leonidas, leading the messenger kicked down a seemingly bottomless pit. The message was sent clear, the Persian army is about to come, to invade Sparta and add it up to their growing territory. King Leonidas then consulted the Ephors, priests who consult the oracle for answers from the gods. Proposing a plan to block the Persian army by defending the Hot Gates of Thermopylae, King Leonidas was furious by the Ephors advice of not to fight because the oracle said that it was forbidden and the gods will get enraged if they do. Despite all of this, Leonidas stood strong with his firm decision to defend the Hot Gates. He gathered 300 of the greatest Spartan soldiers and assembled a party that would hold off thousands of Persians. As they have reached the Hot Gates, they defended it for days just to protect Sparta. King Leonidas courageously led the way by standing strong to his principles until the end. The number of the Persian army was too much for the 300 Spartans and eventually led to their deaths. Only one soldier was tasked to return to Sparta to tell the tale, Dilios, who forever made Leonidas and the 300 Spartans, remembered. LEONIDAS AND HIS VIRTUES The whole essence of the story evolved in Leonidas answer to his ethical dilemma that concerned with his decision to push through despite a number of people prohibiting him. One example was when he was discouraged by the Ephors or priests to pursue his plan because it was the time of the Carneian festival. His ethical dilemma would be is that if he pushes through with his plan, he would be disrespecting the Carneian but he would be able to salvage some time to defend Sparta. Despite the senates disapproval of sending the whole Spartan army, Leonidas faced his dilemma by standing strong with his beliefs and forming an army of 300 to continue his plan. Another example would be seen during the scene where the Persians were negotiating with Leonidas. First was during the arrival of the Persian messenger who offered Leonidas salvation of the Spartans from the Persian army if he yields. Another was during their stay at the Hot Gates, when King Xerxes himself talked to Leonidas personally and again proposed to have them spared if he yields to the Persians. Both of these instances presented a same result, Leonidas refusing to give up and standing strong to his principles. Choosing the side of whats right than whats wrong, suggests Leonidas firm ethical correctness and proper morality virtues. OTHER ETHICAL THEORIES PRESENTED Egoism is also depicted in the movie as seen in Xerxes motivation to rule and conquer the world. His actions towards self-interests boost his drive to invade and gain territories. In one instance, he even called himself the king and ruler of the world. A little bit of Egoism can also be attributed to Leonidas. His strong desire to win and his confidence to bring only 300 soldiers despite knowing that his enemy would be thousands in number suggests a showing of Egoism. CONCLUSION When we analyze the definition of ethics we easily incorporate it with whats write and whats wrong. Most of it solely depends on how we make that decision. The movie â€Å"300† despite its over-all violent nature still possessed that essential factor of morality and the integration of ethics through the characters, most especially Leonidas. Being the Spartan king, his decision to protect his kingdom by defending the Hot Gates despite disagreements by the senate and the priests caused his ethical dilemma. By overcoming this dilemma and choosing what he knows is right, it created a chain of events that lead to his popularity and immortality through the help of the story thats still known up to today. Despite Xerxes tempting offers in order for him to surrender, Leonidas strong principles carried him all the way to legendary proportions. Driven by a kings instincts, Leonidas died for the people of Sparta which caused them to be more inspired and more driven to defeat the Persian army that arrived pass the Hot Gates. All in all, despite Hollywoods descending reputation in accordance with moralists, people can still find ethics in movies. People just need to look pass through and analyze the details to get the even bigger picture. References Mackie, J L. (1977). Ethics: Inventing Right and Wrong. New York: Penguin Books. Simpson, R. H. (1972). Leonidas Decision. Phoenix (Vol 26, pp. 1-11).

Essay --

â€Å"Love VS Power: The Wife of Bath and Miller’s Comparison† In the Geoffrey Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales, Chaucer illustrates the different perspective between men and women on the concept of marriage and love. In The Wife of Bath’s tale, it is shown the woman appreciating marriage and wanting to be able to love a man unconditionally as where in The Miller’s Tale, love isn’t anything, but sex with the man in the story. In accordance with Chaucer, the complication with marriage is that men are consumed by sexual desire and are easily abused by women like The Wife of Bath. As noticed, The Miller’s Tale is all about adultery. â€Å"Just like men, the wives have secrets, as does God†, says the Miller. Both have information that the other do not know about that are sacred and better left unsaid. The idea of supremacy and dignity are both present in The Wife of Bath’s Tale making it the central concept throughout the entirety of her story. It is assumed that her primary marriage was organized by her parents, even though The Wife of Bath does not mention them in her prologue, â€Å"experience, though no authority/ were in this world, is right enough for me/to speak of the woe that is in marriage; /for, my lords, since I was twelve years of age.† (Chaucer 285). In that time period, it is considered that the men, such as a father, husband or even a brother are supposed to protect the women in the family. Even though The Wife of Bath does not believe in being ruled by a man, she does however like to be married to one. One will notice that when a husband passed away or left, The Wife will move to her next husband. A marriage where the wife conquers over the husband is a perfect, blissful one according to The Wife of Bath. She discovers that it’s not too... ... The Miller portrays Alison as a "wild and young" (205) woman throughout the entire tale, making it clear that she does not respect the relationship with her husband at all. It can also suggest that she is not an angel or the â€Å"good wife† that she likes to pretend to be. It is obvious that Alison likes to use her beauty and body in ways to make it easier to obtain the things that she desire just like The Wife of Bath indirectly hints in her tale. Though Chaucer showed multiple tales of various characters in The Canterbury Tales, the Miller’s and Wife of Bath’s tale surpassed them all on their concept of marriage and love. Both allow the reader to understand where they are coming from and their perception. While one does not seem to believe too much in love, the other does. However, both clearly believe that women control the game of love in their own respective ways.

Islams Appeal Essay -- Islam Middle East Islamic Essays History

Islam's Appeal Islam revolutionized the way people thought in the Middle-East. The Prophet spewed forth â€Å"The Word of God† (Cleveland 8) amid reflection, whether his own or that of God, concerning â€Å"the problems which afflicted Meccan society† (8). The subsequent production of the Quran fostered discipline and promoted spiritual growth. Mohammad, under the banner of Islam, united nomadic, feuding tribes in the barren plains of Arabia. The Seal of Prophets brought new rights to women and renewed a commitment to aid the destitute. All Muhammad’s revelations brought welcome change. One thousand years later, the message has not changed in any significant respect. One-time innovation was Islam’s blessing- but is now its curse. In my opinion, steadfast refusal of the ulama reduces the overall appeal of Islam. Sometime in the tenth century, the ulama shut the door on modernization by halting the modification of the shari’ah. Beforehand, the academic community was able to make additions to Islamic law through consensus, or ijma (30). Some three hundred years after the foundation of t...

The Lost Symbol Chapter 26-29

CHAPTER 26 Professor Langdon?† Sato said. â€Å"You look like you've seen a ghost. Are you okay?† Langdon hoisted his daybag higher onto his shoulder and laid his hand on top of it, as if somehow this might better hide the cube-shaped package he was carrying. He could feel his face had gone ashen. â€Å"I'm . . . just worried about Peter.† Sato cocked her head, eyeing him askew. Langdon felt a sudden wariness that Sato's involvement tonight might relate to this small package that Solomon had entrusted to him. Peter had warned Langdon: Powerful people want to steal this. It would be dangerous in the wrong hands. Langdon couldn't imagine why the CIA would want a little box containing a talisman . . . or even what the talisman could be. Ordo ab chao? Sato stepped closer, her black eyes probing. â€Å"I sense you've had a revelation?† Langdon felt himself sweating now. â€Å"No, not exactly.† â€Å"What's on your mind?† â€Å"I just . . .† Langdon hesitated, having no idea what to say. He had no intention of revealing the existence of the package in his bag, and yet if Sato took him to the CIA, his bag most certainly would be searched on the way in. â€Å"Actually . . .† he fibbed, â€Å"I have another idea about the numbers on Peter's hand.† Sato's expression revealed nothing. â€Å"Yes?† She glanced over at Anderson now, who was just arriving from greeting the forensics team that had finally arrived. Langdon swallowed hard and crouched down beside the hand, wondering what he could possibly come up with to tell them. You're a teacher, Robert–improvise! He took one last look at the seven tiny symbols, hoping for some sort of inspiration. Nothing. Blank. As Langdon's eidetic memory skimmed through his mental encyclopedia of symbols, he could find only one possible point to make. It was something that had occurred to him initially, but had seemed unlikely. At the moment, however, he had to buy time to think. â€Å"Well,† he began, â€Å"a symbologist's first clue that he's on the wrong track when deciphering symbols and codes is when he starts interpreting symbols using multiple symbolic languages. For example, when I told you this text was Roman and Arabic, that was a poor analysis because I used multiple symbolic systems. The same is true for Roman and runic.† Sato crossed her arms and arched her eyebrows as if to say, â€Å"Go on.† â€Å"In general, communications are made in one language, not multiple languages, and so a symbologist's first job with any text is to find a single consistent symbolic system that applies to the entire text.† â€Å"And you see a single system now?† â€Å"Well, yes . . . and no.† Langdon's experience with the rotational symmetry of ambigrams had taught him that symbols sometimes had meanings from multiple angles. In this case, he realized there was indeed a way to view all seven symbols in a single language. â€Å"If we manipulated the hand slightly, the language will become consistent.† Eerily, the manipulation Langdon was about to perform was one that seemed to have been suggested by Peter's captor already when he spoke the ancient Hermetic adage. As above, so below. Langdon felt a chill as he reached out and grasped the wooden base on which Peter's hand was secured. Gently, he turned the base upside down so that Peter's extended fingers were now pointing straight down. The symbols on the palm instantly transformed themselves. â€Å"From this angle,† Langdon said, â€Å"X-I-I-I becomes a valid Roman numeral–thirteen. Moreover, the rest of the characters can be interpreted using the Roman alphabet–SBB.† Langdon assumed the analysis would elicit blank shrugs, but Anderson's expression immediately changed. â€Å"SBB?† the chief demanded. Sato turned to Anderson. â€Å"If I'm not mistaken, that sounds like a familiar numbering system here in the Capitol Building.† Anderson looked pale. â€Å"It is.† Sato gave a grim smile and nodded to Anderson. â€Å"Chief, follow me, please. I'd like a word in private.† As Director Sato led Chief Anderson out of earshot, Langdon stood alone in bewilderment. What the hell is going on here? And what is SBB XIII? Chief Anderson wondered how this night could possibly get any stranger. The hand says SBB13? He was amazed any outsider had even heard of SBB . . . much less SBB13. Peter Solomon's index finger, it seemed, was not directing them upward as it had appeared . . . but rather was pointing in quite the opposite direction. Director Sato led Anderson over to a quiet area near the bronze statue of Thomas Jefferson. â€Å"Chief,† she said, â€Å"I trust you know exactly where SBB Thirteen is located?† â€Å"Of course.† â€Å"Do you know what's inside?† â€Å"No, not without looking. I don't think it's been used in decades.† â€Å"Well, you're going to open it up.† Anderson did not appreciate being told what he would do in his own building. â€Å"Ma'am, that may be problematic. I'll have to check the assignment roster first. As you know, most of the lower levels are private offices or storage, and security protocol regarding private–â€Å" â€Å"You will unlock SBB Thirteen for me,† Sato said, â€Å"or I will call OS and send in a team with a battering ram.† Anderson stared at her a long moment and then pulled out his radio, raising it to his lips. â€Å"This is Anderson. I need someone to unlock the SBB. Have someone meet me there in five minutes.† The voice that replied sounded confused. â€Å"Chief, confirming you said SBB?† â€Å"Correct. SBB. Send someone immediately. And I'll need a flashlight.† He stowed his radio. Anderson's heart was pounding as Sato stepped closer, lowering her voice even further. â€Å"Chief, time is short,† she whispered, â€Å"and I want you to get us down to SBB Thirteen as quickly as possible.† â€Å"Yes, ma'am.† â€Å"I also need something else from you.† In addition to breaking and entering? Anderson was in no position to protest, and yet it had not gone unnoticed by him that Sato had arrived within minutes of Peter's hand appearing in the Rotunda, and that she now was using the situation to demand access to private sections of the U.S. Capitol. She seemed so far ahead of the curve tonight that she was practically defining it. Sato motioned across the room toward the professor. â€Å"The duffel bag on Langdon's shoulder.† Anderson glanced over. â€Å"What about it?† â€Å"I assume your staff X-rayed that bag when Langdon entered the building?† â€Å"Of course. All bags are scanned.† â€Å"I want to see that X-ray. I want to know what's in his bag.† Anderson looked over at the bag Langdon had been carrying all evening. â€Å"But . . . wouldn't it be easier just to ask him?† â€Å"What part of my request was unclear?† Anderson pulled out his radio again and called in her request. Sato gave Anderson her BlackBerry address and requested that his team e-mail her a digital copy of the X-ray as soon as they had located it. Reluctantly Anderson complied. Forensics was now collecting the severed hand for the Capitol Police, but Sato ordered them to deliver it directly to her team at Langley. Anderson was too tired to protest. He had just been run over by a tiny Japanese steamroller. â€Å"And I want that ring,† Sato called over to Forensics. The chief technician seemed ready to question her but thought better of it. He removed the gold ring from Peter's hand, placed it in a clear specimen bag, and gave it to Sato. She slipped it into her jacket pocket, and then turned to Langdon. â€Å"We're leaving, Professor. Bring your things.† â€Å"Where are we going?† Langdon replied. â€Å"Just follow Mr. Anderson.† Yes, Anderson thought, and follow me closely. The SBB was a section of the Capitol that few ever visited. To reach it, they would pass through a sprawling labyrinth of tiny chambers and tight passages buried beneath the crypt. Abraham Lincoln's youngest son, Tad, had once gotten lost down there and almost perished. Anderson was starting to suspect that if Sato had her way, Robert Langdon might suffer a similar fate. CHAPTER 27 Systems security specialist Mark Zoubianis had always prided himself on his ability to multitask. At the moment, he was seated on his futon along with a TV remote, a cordless phone, a laptop, a PDA, and a large bowl of Pirate's Booty. With one eye on the muted Redskins game and one eye on his laptop, Zoubianis was speaking on his Bluetooth headset with a woman he had not heard from in over a year. Leave it to Trish Dunne to call on the night of a play-off game. Confirming her social ineptitude yet again, his former colleague had chosen the Redskins game as a perfect moment to chat him up and request a favor. After some brief small talk about the old days and how she missed his great jokes, Trish had gotten to her point: she was trying to unmask a hidden IP address, probably that of a secure server in the D.C. area. The server contained a small text document, and she wanted access to it . . . or at the very least, some information about whose document it was. Right guy, wrong timing, he had told her. Trish then showered him with her finest geek flattery, most of which was true, and before Zoubianis knew it, he was typing a strange-looking IP address into his laptop. Zoubianis took one look at the number and immediately felt uneasy. â€Å"Trish, this IP has a funky format. It's written in a protocol that isn't even publicly available yet. It's probably gov intel or military.† â€Å"Military?† Trish laughed. â€Å"Believe me, I just pulled a redacted document off this server, and it was not military.† Zoubianis pulled up his terminal window and tried a traceroute. â€Å"You said your traceroute died?† â€Å"Yeah. Twice. Same hop.† â€Å"Mine, too.† He pulled up a diagnostic probe and launched it. â€Å"And what's so interesting about this IP?† â€Å"I ran a delegator that tapped a search engine at this IP and pulled a redacted document. I need to see the rest of the document. I'm happy to pay them for it, but I can't figure out who owns the IP or how to access it.† Zoubianis frowned at his screen. â€Å"Are you sure about this? I'm running a diagnostic, and this firewall coding looks . . . pretty serious.† â€Å"That's why you get the big bucks.† Zoubianis considered it. They'd offered him a fortune for a job this easy. â€Å"One question, Trish. Why are you so hot on this?† Trish paused. â€Å"I'm doing a favor for a friend.† â€Å"Must be a special friend.† â€Å"She is.† Zoubianis chuckled and held his tongue. I knew it. â€Å"Look,† Trish said, sounding impatient. â€Å"Are you good enough to unmask this IP? Yes or no?† â€Å"Yes, I'm good enough. And yes, I know you're playing me like a fiddle.† â€Å"How long will it take you?† â€Å"Not long,† he said, typing as he spoke. â€Å"I should be able to get into a machine on their network within ten minutes or so. Once I'm in and know what I'm looking at, I'll call you back.† â€Å"I appreciate it. So, are you doing well?† Now she asks? â€Å"Trish, for God's sake, you called me on the night of a play-off game and now you want to chat? Do you want me to hack this IP or not?† â€Å"Thanks, Mark. I appreciate it. I'll be waiting for your call.† â€Å"Fifteen minutes.† Zoubianis hung up, grabbed his bowl of Pirate's Booty, and unmuted the game. Women. CHAPTER 28 Where are they taking me? As Langdon hurried with Anderson and Sato into the depths of the Capitol, he felt his heart rate increasing with each downward step. They had begun their journey through the west portico of the Rotunda, descending a marble staircase and then doubling back through a wide doorway into the famous chamber directly beneath the Rotunda floor. The Capitol Crypt. The air was heavier here, and Langdon was already feeling claustrophobic. The crypt's low ceiling and soft uplighting accentuated the robust girth of the forty Doric columns required to support the vast stone floor directly overhead. Relax, Robert. â€Å"This way,† Anderson said, moving quickly as he angled to the left across the wide circular space. Thankfully, this particular crypt contained no bodies. Instead it contained several statues, a model of the Capitol, and a low storage area for the wooden catafalque on which coffins were laid for state funerals. The entourage hurried through, without even a glance at the four-pointed marble compass in the center of the floor where the Eternal Flame had once burned. Anderson seemed to be in a hurry, and Sato once again had her head buried in her BlackBerry. Cellular service, Langdon had heard, was boosted and broadcast to all corners of the Capitol Building to support the hundreds of government phone calls that took place here every day. After diagonally crossing the crypt, the group entered a dimly lit foyer and began winding through a convoluted series of hallways and dead ends. The warren of passages contained numbered doorways, each of which bore an identification number. Langdon read the doors as they snaked their way around. S154 . . . S153 . . . S152 . . . He had no idea what lay behind these doors, but at least one thing now seemed clear–the meaning of the tattoo on Peter Solomon's palm. SBB13 appeared to be a numbered doorway somewhere in the bowels of the U.S. Capitol Building. â€Å"What are all these doorways?† Langdon asked, clutching his daybag tightly to his ribs and wondering what Solomon's tiny package could possibly have to do with a door marked SBB13. â€Å"Offices and storage,† Anderson said. â€Å"Private offices and storage,† he added, glancing back at Sato. Sato did not even glance up from her BlackBerry. â€Å"They look tiny,† Langdon said. â€Å"Glorified closets, most of them, but they're still some of the most sought-after real estate in D.C. This is the heart of the original Capitol, and the old Senate chamber is two stories above us.† â€Å"And SBB Thirteen?† Langdon asked. â€Å"Whose office is that?† â€Å"Nobody's. The SBB is a private storage area, and I must say, I'm puzzled how–â€Å" â€Å"Chief Anderson,† Sato interrupted without looking up from her BlackBerry. â€Å"Just take us there, please.† Anderson clenched his jaw and guided them on in silence through what was now feeling like a hybrid self-storage facility and epic labyrinth. On almost every wall, directional signs pointed back and forth, apparently attempting to locate specific office blocks in this network of hallways. S142 to S152 . . . ST1 to ST70 . . . H1 to H166 & HT1 to HT67 . . . Langdon doubted he could ever find his way out of here alone. This place is a maze. From all he could gather, office numbers began with either an S or an H depending on whether they were on the Senate side of the building or the House side. Areas designated ST and HT were apparently on a level that Anderson called Terrace Level. Still no signs for SBB. Finally they arrived at a heavy steel security door with a key-card entry box. SB Level Langdon sensed they were getting closer. Anderson reached for his key card but hesitated, looking uncomfortable with Sato's demands. â€Å"Chief,† Sato prompted. â€Å"We don't have all night.† Anderson reluctantly inserted his key card. The steel door released. He pushed it open, and they stepped through into the foyer beyond. The heavy door clicked shut behind them. Langdon wasn't sure what he had hoped to see in this foyer, but the sight in front of him was definitely not it. He was staring at a descending stairway. â€Å"Down again?† he said, stopping short. â€Å"There's a level under the crypt?† â€Å"Yes,† Anderson said. â€Å"SB stands for `Senate Basement.' â€Å" Langdon groaned. Terrific. CHAPTER 29 The headlights winding up the SMSC's wooded access road were the first the guard had seen in the last hour. Dutifully, he turned down the volume on his portable TV set and stashed his snacks beneath the counter. Lousy timing. The Redskins were completing their opening drive, and he didn't want to miss it. As the car drew closer, the guard checked the name on the notepad in front of him. Dr. Christopher Abaddon. Katherine Solomon had just called to alert Security of this guest's imminent arrival. The guard had no idea who this doctor might be, but he was apparently very good at doctoring; he was arriving in a black stretch limousine. The long, sleek vehicle rolled to a stop beside the guardhouse, and the driver's tinted window lowered silently. â€Å"Good evening,† the chauffeur said, doffing his cap. He was a powerfully built man with a shaved head. He was listening to the football game on his radio. â€Å"I have Dr. Christopher Abaddon for Ms. Katherine Solomon?† The guard nodded. â€Å"Identification, please.† The chauffeur looked surprised. â€Å"I'm sorry, didn't Ms. Solomon call ahead?† The guard nodded, stealing a glance at the television. â€Å"I'm still required to scan and log visitor identification. Sorry, regulations. I'll need to see the doctor's ID.† â€Å"Not a problem.† The chauffeur turned backward in his seat and spoke in hushed tones through the privacy screen. As he did, the guard stole another peek at the game. The Redskins were breaking from the huddle now, and he hoped to get this limo through before the next play. The chauffeur turned forward again and held out the ID that he'd apparently just received through the privacy screen. The guard took the card and quickly scanned it into his system. The D.C. driver's license showed one Christopher Abaddon from Kalorama Heights. The photo depicted a handsome blond gentleman wearing a blue blazer, a necktie, and a satin pocket square. Who the hell wears a pocket square to the DMV? A muffled cheer went up from the television set, and the guard wheeled just in time to see a Redskins player dancing in the end zone, his finger pointed skyward. â€Å"I missed it,† the guard grumbled, returning to the window. â€Å"Okay,† he said, returning the license to the chauffeur. â€Å"You're all set.† As the limo pulled through, the guard returned to his TV, hoping for a replay. As Mal'akh drove his limo up the winding access road, he couldn't help but smile. Peter Solomon's secret museum had been simple to breach. Sweeter still, tonight was the second time in twenty-four hours that Mal'akh had broken into one of Solomon's private spaces. Last night, a similar visit had been made to Solomon's home. Although Peter Solomon had a magnificent country estate in Potomac, he spent much of his time in the city at his penthouse apartment at the exclusive Dorchester Arms. His building, like most that catered to the super-rich, was a veritable fortress. High walls. Guard gates. Guest lists. Secured underground parking. Mal'akh had driven this very limousine up to the building's guardhouse, doffed his chauffeur's cap from his shaved head, and proclaimed, â€Å"I have Dr. Christopher Abaddon. He is an invited guest of Mr. Peter Solomon.† Mal'akh spoke the words as if he were announcing the Duke of York. The guard checked a log and then Abaddon's ID. â€Å"Yes, I see Mr. Solomon is expecting Dr. Abaddon.† He pressed a button and the gate opened. â€Å"Mr. Solomon is in the penthouse apartment. Have your guest use the last elevator on the right. It goes all the way up.† â€Å"Thank you.† Mal'akh tipped his hat and drove through. As he wound deep into the garage, he scanned for security cameras. Nothing. Apparently, those who lived here were neither the kind of people who broke into cars nor the kind of people who appreciated being watched. Mal'akh parked in a dark corner near the elevators, lowered the divider between the driver's compartment and the passenger compartment, and slithered through the opening into the back of the limo. Once in back, he got rid of his chauffeur's cap and donned his blond wig. Straightening his jacket and tie, he checked the mirror to make sure he had not smeared his makeup. Mal'akh was not about to take any chances. Not tonight. I have waited too long for this. Seconds later, Mal'akh was stepping into the private elevator. The ride to the top was silent and smooth. When the door opened, he found himself in an elegant, private foyer. His host was already waiting. â€Å"Dr. Abaddon, welcome.† Mal'akh looked into the man's famous gray eyes and felt his heart begin to race. â€Å"Mr. Solomon, I appreciate your seeing me.† â€Å"Please, call me Peter.† The two men shook hands. As Mal'akh gripped the older man's palm, he saw the gold Masonic ring on Solomon's hand . . . the same hand that had once aimed a gun at Mal'akh. A voice whispered from Mal'akh's distant past. If you pull that trigger, I will haunt you forever. â€Å"Please come in,† Solomon said, ushering Mal'akh into an elegant living room whose expansive windows offered an astonishing view of the Washington skyline. â€Å"Do I smell tea steeping?† Mal'akh asked as he entered. Solomon looked impressed. â€Å"My parents always greeted guests with tea. I've carried on that tradition.† He led Mal'akh into the living room, where a tea service was waiting in front of the fire. â€Å"Cream and sugar?† â€Å"Black, thank you.† Again Solomon looked impressed. â€Å"A purist.† He poured them both a cup of black tea. â€Å"You said you needed to discuss something with me that was sensitive in nature and could be discussed only in private.† â€Å"Thank you. I appreciate your time.† â€Å"You and I are Masonic brothers now. We have a bond. Tell me how I can help you.† â€Å"First, I would like to thank you for the honor of the thirty-third degree a few months ago. This is deeply meaningful to me.† â€Å"I'm glad, but please know that those decisions are not mine alone. They are by vote of the Supreme Council.† â€Å"Of course.† Mal'akh suspected Peter Solomon had probably voted against him, but within the Masons, as with all things, money was power. Mal'akh, after achieving the thirty-second degree in his own lodge, had waited only a month before making a multimillion-dollar donation to charity in the name of the Masonic Grand Lodge. The unsolicited act of selflessness, as Mal'akh anticipated, was enough to earn him a quick invitation into the elite thirty-third degree. And yet I have learned no secrets. Despite the age-old whispers–â€Å"All is revealed at the thirty-third degree†Ã¢â‚¬â€œMal'akh had been told nothing new, nothing of relevance to his quest. But he had never expected to be told. The inner circle of Freemasonry contained smaller circles still . . . circles Mal'akh would not see for years, if ever. He didn't care. His initiation had served its purpose. Something unique had happened within that Temple Room, and it had given Mal'akh power over all of them. I no longer play by your rules. â€Å"You do realize,† Mal'akh said, sipping his tea, â€Å"that you and I met many years ago.† Solomon looked surprised. â€Å"Really? I don't recall.† â€Å"It was quite a long time ago.† And Christopher Abaddon is not my real name. â€Å"I'm so sorry. My mind must be getting old. Remind me how I know you?† Mal'akh smiled one last time at the man he hated more than any other man on earth. â€Å"It's unfortunate that you don't recall.† In one fluid motion, Mal'akh pulled a small device from his pocket and extended it outward, driving it hard into the man's chest. There was a flash of blue light, the sharp sizzle of the stun- gun discharge, and a gasp of pain as one million volts of electricity coursed through Peter Solomon's body. His eyes went wide, and he slumped motionless in his chair. Mal'akh stood up now, towering over the man, salivating like a lion about to consume his injured prey. Solomon was gasping, straining to breathe. Mal'akh saw fear in his victim's eyes and wondered how many people had ever seen the great Peter Solomon cower. Mal'akh savored the scene for several long seconds. He took a sip of tea, waiting for the man to catch his breath. Solomon was twitching, attempting to speak. â€Å"Wh-why?† he finally managed. â€Å"Why do you think?† Mal'akh demanded. Solomon looked truly bewildered. â€Å"You want . . . money?† Money? Mal'akh laughed and took another sip of tea. â€Å"I gave the Masons millions of dollars; I have no need of wealth.† I come for wisdom, and he offers me wealth. â€Å"Then what . . . do you want?† â€Å"You possess a secret. You will share it with me tonight.† Solomon struggled to lift his chin so he could look Mal'akh in the eye. â€Å"I don't . . . understand.† â€Å"No more lies!† Mal'akh shouted, advancing to within inches of the paralyzed man. â€Å"I know what is hidden here in Washington.† Solomon's gray eyes were defiant. â€Å"I have no idea what you're talking about!† Mal'akh took another sip of tea and set the cup on a coaster. â€Å"You spoke those same words to me ten years ago, on the night of your mother's death.† Solomon's eyes shot wide open. â€Å"You . . . ?† â€Å"She didn't have to die. If you had given me what I demanded . . .† The older man's face contorted in a mask of horrified recognition . . . and disbelief. â€Å"I warned you,† Mal'akh said, â€Å"if you pulled the trigger, I would haunt you forever.† â€Å"But you're–â€Å" Mal'akh lunged, driving the Taser hard into Solomon's chest again. There was another flash of blue light, and Solomon went completely limp. Mal'akh put the Taser back in his pocket and calmly finished his tea. When he was done, he dabbed his lips with a monogrammed linen napkin and peered down at his victim. â€Å"Shall we go?† Solomon's body was motionless, but his eyes were wide and engaged. Mal'akh got down close and whispered in the man's ear. â€Å"I'm taking you to a place where only truth remains.† Without another word, Mal'akh wadded up the monogrammed napkin and stuffed it into Solomon's mouth. Then he hoisted the limp man onto his broad shoulders and headed for the private elevator. On his way out, he picked up Solomon's iPhone and keys from the hall table. Tonight you will tell me all your secrets, Mal'akh thought. Including why you left me for dead all those years ago.