Dwight Eisenhower Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Dwight Eisenhower - Term Paper Example ncomparable with other military leaders after him and it is only a few generals that were before that could possibly match his tremendous leadership skills. When he became the thirty-fourth President of the United States, his exemplary leadership skills played out as he efficiently carried out his obligation as the democratic leader of the US. As a result of the warnings of an impending war, Eisenhower was given the mantle to lead the Allied Forces in Europe as he became the Supreme Commander of the army alliance during the Second World War and the first supreme commander of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) forces (U.S. Army Center of Military History). It should be noted that it was his adept leadership skills that availed him this opportunity. The great General Dwight David Eisenhower is one of the greatest military leaders that history has ever known as this man was right there when the world needed his great leadership qualities as he helped save the world from the tyrannical Nazi regime of Adolf Hitler and this was achieved in collaboration with other great minds like himself. Eisenhower was a great military leader that had an unparalleled leadership quality and these attributes made him go through the ranks of the United States Military at a volatile period in world history. The period before the Second World War was a critical period in the history of the world and the United States of America and indeed a man in the mould of Eisenhower was needed to save the world from the shackles of tyranny and oppression as would have been the case if Hitler had succeeded in his bid to rule the world. Eisenhower made stern decisions that had an extensive effect on the United States and the world at large. He rose from obscurity to the platform of leadership and his ability to act as a mediator between two warring parties in the political and military spheres was top notch. As a Chief of Army Staff of the United States of America in 1945, the

Macbeth- The Witches Essay Example for Free

Macbeth- The Witches Essay It could be said that the witches in Macbeth, are possibly some of the best known characters in Shakespeares work. With famous words like Hubble, bubble, toil and trouble, it is true to say that they have probably heavily influenced the depiction of witches in later works to a great extent. The play derives from a time when witchcraft was something of great public concern. Extreme persecution of anyone found to be practising something that could be interpreted as black arts was common in Stuart society. (Old women who kept cats were in extreme danger of meeting the requirements for stereotypical witch) The play, which tells the fate, of the Scottish royal family, had real-life connections with the Scottish royal family at the time. The character Banquo was supposedly a relative of King James who was the King of Scotland. (Although it has been discovered that he never existed, he was made up at the birth of the Stuart dynasty) The heavy influences of the witches on the play, also matched King Jamess interest in Demonology. So the question has been asked was Macbeth written for King James? Throughout the 16th and 17th centuries witches, were terrifying but also fascinating to the general public. During this time hundreds of witches were persecuted, and were hung or burnt at stake. Witches were so greatly feared, because of the apparent powers which they possessed, which allegedly included; the ability to fly, the ability to raise storms and control the weather, possession of people, and an ability to kill livestock. However curiously inspite of these powers of deadly destruction, people took a great interest in the lives and ways of witches. (Rather like Macbeth when he meets them for the first time) Thousands of pamphlets were printed and sold with incredible sales; on a par with those achieved by a popular magazine or broadsheet today. These pamphlets contained gory accounts of witch trials, or sad stories from the victims of witchcraft. It is quite possible that these pamphlets were a catalyst for the problem with witches, by making everyone paranoid of supernatural threats. The cruel and unjust persecution of the witches was based on stereotypes. You may well have found yourself persecuted as a witch for example if you were; physically deformed or scarred in any way, old (especially if you were a woman, as many of the women persecuted as witches were old women who kept cats which were apparently familiars), mentally ill, or even if you just didnt fit in. In 1604, when Parliament passed an act, making the practice of witchcraft punishable by death, the situation got even worse. In Macbeth the witches appear four times; Act 1 Scene 1, Act1 Scene 3, Act 3 Scene 5, and Act 4 Scene 1. Although the originality of the appearance in Act 3 is controversial. It is thought that this scene and the character Hecate (who also briefly appears in Act 4) were not written by Shakespeare and that they were written into the script at a later date. In Act 1 Scene 1, the witches open the play in what is described in the text as a desolate place. The scene is brief, in the conversation that the three witches have, they decide to meet Macbeth on the heath. In Act 1 Scene 3, the three witches have gathered on the heath, and are awaiting Macbeth who is returning from battle. When Macbeth and his companion Banquo come by they move from their place of hiding and greet Macbeth: FIRST WITCH: All hail Macbeth, hail to thee, thane of Glamis. SECOND WITCH: All hail to Macbeth, hail to thee, thane of Cawdor. THIRD WITCH: All hail Macbeth, that shalt be king hereafter. (Act 1, Scene 3, lines 46-48) After the witches have given this prophecy, Banquo criticises the witches and makes jokes at them calling them not like the inhabitants of this earth. Macbeth however is intrigued but before he can find out anymore the witches vanish. Act 3 Scene 5, is the controversial Hecate scene. In the scene Hecate does most of the talking, and she warns that they should not have done what they did to Macbeth. In Act 4 Scene 1, the scene begins with the witches entering and casting a spell. Then Macbeth (who is now King) enters and confronts the witches, demanding to know more about his future. In response the witches show Macbeth three apparitions which reveal his fate. The three apparitions tell Macbeth this: Macbeth, Macbeth, Macbeth, beware Macduff. (First apparition) None of woman born shall harm Macbeth (second apparition) Macbeth shall never be vanquished until great Birnam Wood to high Dunsinane shall come against him (third apparition). Macbeth is pleased by what he hears. The witches then show Macbeth a show of eight kings, after Macbeth sees this he is angered, and curses the witches, but soon after they vanish. Right from the very first scene the witches make a dramatic impression on the play. To audiences the first scene has a wonderful way of captivating them, generating attention and interest in the play from the first word. The odd setting and droning language of the witches makes the dialogue interesting and unusual. On stage or in the cinema, use of smoke, lightning and thunder effects give an exciting feel to the opening moments. The short length of the scene means that the audience is listening all the time. (Research has shown that most audiences will stop listening after about a minute unless there is something to draw their attention back to the story) Another point about the first scene is that after all the smoke and thunder, the play moves to another much more friendly place, with a normal conversation, between normal people. The comparison between the witches supernatural appearance, and the normality of human life, is an excellent way of showing the contrast between ordinary and extraordinary, and good and evil. Which is a contrast that appears throughout the play. One place where these contrasts appear between ordinary and extraordinary is in the witches. Aside from adding their weird supernatural side to the plot they also contribute in a manner that brings the whole story together. If you took the witches away from the play then this is what the storyline looks like: Macbeth an ambitious thane, is returning from a hard fought battle, when he is told that he is to receive the title of thane of Cawdor. Seeing the potential of this new position, Macbeth sets his sights on higher things. Macbeth successfully assassinates the king with the help of his wife, and scares away the heirs to the throne. On the throne Macbeth is a harsh King and, as questions arise about the Duncans murder, he becomes a tyrant and many former friends are killed. Eventually his crimes are too much and Macbeth is overthrown and killed by the true heir to the throne. Much as this is a fairly good storyline, when you add in the witches it becomes a great story. (Indeed Macbeth is recognised as a theatrical masterpiece) The witches add many new dimensions and contrasts and raise many questions. Like is fate fixed? What is the balance between good and evil? What the witches do is enter the play and tell Macbeth his prophecy, by doing this they set Macbeth off exploiting an ambitious flaw in his personality. One question that surrounds the play is whether the witches possess Macbeth and make him commit the crimes, or whether they merely use an ability to predict the future, to set Macbeth off. After this Macbeths ambition drives him on to commit many murders and a regicide. Well there is certainly evidence within the play that Macbeth is possessed. When he meets the witches for the first time he is obsessed with them and maybe this is the beginning of his possession. Macbeth also shows stereotypical signs of possession in his behaviour and speech: in Act 1 Scene 3 when Macbeth first comes across the witches Banquo says look how our partners rapt because Macbeth appears to be entranced; which was a typical sign of possession. Also he shows an inability to pray, in Act 2 Scene 2 he says Amen, stuck in my throat being unable to pray was linked to the fact that according to 17th century folk-lore the possessed was being controlled by a minion of Satan. However there is also a possibility that Macbeth is in fact only inspired by the witches when he hears his fate. Then the witches coax him on with illusions, and tricks. Like the appearance of the dagger that leads Macbeth to King Duncans room in Act 2 Scene 1, Banquos ghost in Act 3 Scene 4, and perhaps the possession of Lady Macbeth. If this is the case then one has to ask would Macbeth have become King anyway if he just waited, and that his fate was fixed that he did become a legitimate King. However his knowledge of his fate led him off course. Whichever way (if either of them) it is definite that the witches were a changing part of Macbeths psychology. As has been mentioned, when Macbeths fate is prophesised by the witches in Act 3 Scene 1, he is entranced. Perhaps this due to a possession, perhaps this is due to some form of euphoria that has come over him after he finds out that he will become King. Either way he is very serious about the witches prophecies and he holds a high view of the witches as they can provide him with information about his future, which to Macbeth sounds very promising. This stands in direct contrast to Banquos opinion of the witches; he criticises the witches and ignores their predictions. Later on the scheme of events has played out and Macbeth is on the throne, again by possession or by ambition. By now Macbeth is starting to realise the potential mess he has got himself into, and so he goes to find the witches. After receiving new information, Macbeth is fooled by the witches, into thinking he has some sort of immortality. However he does not ignore their advice and he still respects what they say, so he is not feeling so powerful that he feels he can ignore the apparitions and the witches. For example in response to the apparitions warning, beware Macduff, Macbeth has Macduffs family murdered. However the sense of immortality soon fades. When he finds that Malcolm and his allies are marching to Dunsinane Castle, he realises the tricks that the witches have played on him. He sees that the apparitions were meant to fool him into thinking he was invulnerable to death, and he refers to the witches as juggling fiends. Macbeth realises the trap that he is caught in, and sees that he was part of the witches game. At this point whatever is driving Macbeth; possession or hatred dies and turns to hate for life. Although Macbeth may have been possessed he did not ask to be, however his wife Lady Macbeth did. Similarly to Macbeth though she could either be controlled by ambition, thinking that she was possessed or actually under possession. Her need for power begins when she reads Macbeths letter In Act 1 Scene 5, she (like Macbeth when he first hears the news of his destiny) is fascinated. In the same scene as she receives the letter she calls upon the power of the spirits to un-sex her and fill me from the crown to the toe topfull of direst cruelty. (Lines 37-52) She demands that her emotional weakness is removed and that she is filled with the evil intent to murder the king. It shows from this time until Duncans murder that she has indeed been filled with this evil. It is she who really pushes Macbeth to murder Duncan, possibly with a little help from the witches. However almost immediately after the King is murdered, this evil leaves her. In Act 2 Scene 2, an owl shrieks, and Lady Macbeth is terrified. Just earlier that evening she had been driving and pushing Macbeth to murder the King, who had just given Macbeth a title for being faithful to the crown! Indeed she becomes so unhinged that she goes completely mad. Some productions of Macbeth have Lady Macbeth playing one of the witches. Some people have also suggested that maybe Lady Macbeth is one of the witches, and that there has been a disagreement among the witches, and the tragic events of Macbeth are in fact the witches punishing Lady Macbeth. The witches stand out in Macbeth in many ways, not only in character, and appearance, but also in the way that they speak. Most of the play is written in iambic pentameter, or blank verse. The witches however speak in trochaic verse, which not only has a different rhythm to iambic pentameter, but rhymes as well. The fact that the witches are the only characters to rhyme their speech makes them stand out; the droning chant in the first scene is made really eerie by use of rhyming language, with long syllables. The frequent use of antithesis, which is the use of opposites in the same sentence, is also common within the language of the witches. For example in Act 1 Scene 1 when the battle is lost and won This use of contradictive language sounds unusual, and therefore alienates the witches further. Sometimes the witches also speak as one; they often chant lines as a group, particularly Hubble, bubble, toil and trouble. This can appear eerie to watchers, as it conveys strength in the form of unit efficiency. Sometimes the witches seem to have a telepathic ability, for example when Macbeth demands to know more about his destiny, in Act 5 Scene 1 the script looks like this: FIRST WITCH: Speak! SECOND WITCH: Demand! THIRD WITCH: Well answer. Of course a telepathic ability is certainly not normal, and therefore this also adds to the eerie feel that surrounds the witches. Macbeth is a not only an excellent play, but also manages to bring into question various philosophical and moral issues. The supernatural edge to Macbeth makes you wonder about witches and the power of evil. Are there forces of evil, which can influence us? Are good and evil internal or external? The main issue surrounding Macbeth is that of fate. Is it fixed, is our path in life set or can we change or at least influence it? What is the relationship between fate and time? If ones fate is discovered, will it influence us to either strive for this future, or if we dont like what fate holds in store, will we try to change it? However you perceive Macbeth, I believe it is summed up like this. Whatever it was that drove Macbeth, ambition, possession or something else entirely, it poisoned him. People are around whose ambition will be a threat to society, and if you feel it exists, then witchcraft is also a threat to society. Yet de spite of these threats, the forces of good are on the side of the innocent. Order will be restored to its rightful owners.

The Wife of Bath and the Battle of the Sexes Essay -- The Canterbury T

How far do you agree that in the battle of the sexes it is the wife of Bath who has the most effictive weapons and armour? The Wife sees the relationship between men and women as a battle in which it is crucial to gain the upper hand, 'Oon of us two must bowen, douteless' Her armour was indeed necessary, as in Medieval England, women definitley were second class citizens who were viewed as goods and chattels, with no financial independence. They were often beaten, and it is clearly in the Wife's nature to protect herself. She uses weapons like her sexuality and her youth to make her husbands suffer, so much so that they feel impotent. 'How pitously a-night I made hem swinke!' This weapon was highly effective with first three husbands who she managed to dominate, 'I hadde hem hoolly in myn hond' and they handed over 'lond and hir tresoor' as she with held sex in order to get her own way with them. The Wife also used a weapon of deceit and she clearly comments that women have this weapon from birth, 'Swere and lyen as a womman kan' She tells her audience tha... ...nce is that she is once again in control as 'he yaf me al the bridel in myn hond To han the governance of ous and lond' Although her marriage with her 5th husband is never resolved and there is no winner because he dies whilst she is on a pilgrimmage, she has a good battle, and probably the most difficult of all her husbands. The overall picture is of a Wife who has certainly fought the good fight. Not surprising as her astrological sign is Mars, implying strength in war. She is still confident and looking to welcome husband number 6.

J.R.R. Tolkiens The Lord of the Rings Essay -- Tolkien Lord Rings Ess

J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings J.R.R Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings strikes a cord with almost everyone who reads it. Its popularity has not waned with the passing of time, nor is its appeal centered on one age group or generation. Book sales would indicate that The Lord of the Rings is at least as popular now as it ever was, if not more so. Some estimates put it at the second highest selling work of all time, following only the bible. While it is certainly an exciting and well written work of fantasy, which cannot help but grip the imagination, all this would be for naught except for the poignancy of the themes which serve as its backbone. Foremost of these is Tolkien’s determination to show the natural world as the measure of all things. His world revolves around nature, and his character’s affinity to it determines their place in Middle-Earth. The structure of the history of Middle-earth is based on the natural cycle of life. Tolkien’s chronicle, stretching back through the various ages of the world, is at its heart a simple story of good vs. evil. The balance of power does not swing chaotically however. Tolkien sets the world on a cyclical system. As Gandalf says, â€Å"Always after a defeat and a respite, the Shadow takes another shape and grows again.†(Fellowship, 76). Additionally, the world is also divided into various ages, declining in their greatness as time passes. The First age for instance, is filled with greater beings, both good and evil, who inevitably clash, often eliminating themselves in the process. In earlier days the elves were still numerous, the dwarves ruled their great holdfast of Moria, and evil beings such as Sauron and the Balrogs were but servants to the great dark lord Mo... ...uity through art, a link which would preserve some of the faded glory of the past. (Stanton, 93) Tolkien tells us â€Å"Farie contains many things besides elves and fays, and besides dwarfs, witches, trolls, giants, or dragons: it holds the seas, the sun, the moon, the sky; and the earth, and all things that are in it: tree and bird, water and stone, wine and bread, and ourselves, mortal men, when we are enchanted.† ( On fairy Stories, 9). This applies well to The Lord of the Rings. Farie, representing nature, is an intrinsic part of our lives. To ignore it or destroy it can only bring us trouble. With nature man finds art, beauty, abundance, and joy. All good things from nature, and all evil comes from its lack and destruction. To Tolkien, a world without nature was no world worth living in, and in The Lord of the Rings, he doesn’t let us forget it. J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings Essay -- Tolkien Lord Rings Ess J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings J.R.R Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings strikes a cord with almost everyone who reads it. Its popularity has not waned with the passing of time, nor is its appeal centered on one age group or generation. Book sales would indicate that The Lord of the Rings is at least as popular now as it ever was, if not more so. Some estimates put it at the second highest selling work of all time, following only the bible. While it is certainly an exciting and well written work of fantasy, which cannot help but grip the imagination, all this would be for naught except for the poignancy of the themes which serve as its backbone. Foremost of these is Tolkien’s determination to show the natural world as the measure of all things. His world revolves around nature, and his character’s affinity to it determines their place in Middle-Earth. The structure of the history of Middle-earth is based on the natural cycle of life. Tolkien’s chronicle, stretching back through the various ages of the world, is at its heart a simple story of good vs. evil. The balance of power does not swing chaotically however. Tolkien sets the world on a cyclical system. As Gandalf says, â€Å"Always after a defeat and a respite, the Shadow takes another shape and grows again.†(Fellowship, 76). Additionally, the world is also divided into various ages, declining in their greatness as time passes. The First age for instance, is filled with greater beings, both good and evil, who inevitably clash, often eliminating themselves in the process. In earlier days the elves were still numerous, the dwarves ruled their great holdfast of Moria, and evil beings such as Sauron and the Balrogs were but servants to the great dark lord Mo... ...uity through art, a link which would preserve some of the faded glory of the past. (Stanton, 93) Tolkien tells us â€Å"Farie contains many things besides elves and fays, and besides dwarfs, witches, trolls, giants, or dragons: it holds the seas, the sun, the moon, the sky; and the earth, and all things that are in it: tree and bird, water and stone, wine and bread, and ourselves, mortal men, when we are enchanted.† ( On fairy Stories, 9). This applies well to The Lord of the Rings. Farie, representing nature, is an intrinsic part of our lives. To ignore it or destroy it can only bring us trouble. With nature man finds art, beauty, abundance, and joy. All good things from nature, and all evil comes from its lack and destruction. To Tolkien, a world without nature was no world worth living in, and in The Lord of the Rings, he doesn’t let us forget it.

Sony Strategy Analysis

SONY Strategy Case Analysis Executive Summary Sony is currently faced with the problem of low operating margin and stagnant market share in the videogame console industry. PlayStation3 of Sony is competing with Xbox360 of Microsoft and Wii of Nintendo. Despite the high technology, Wii outsells PlayStation in the market. This shows that the traditional strategy of Sony based on hardware should be reviewed according to the new trend. Considering gradually increasing market size and harsh competition, Sony should invest more on creating new customers and software. AnalysisAfter experiencing the five or six cycles defined by advancement of underlying technology, there are currently three main competitors in the videogame industry: Sony, Microsoft, and Nintendo. The PlayStation of Sony and the Xbox360 of Microsoft can be characterized by high technology and interoperability with other electronic products. Meanwhile, the Wii of Nintendo emphasizes innovative and user-friendly capabilities such as wireless motion-sensing controllers. Therefore, the Wii could appeal to more widespread customers such as senior people including traditional gamers.Based on enthusiastic reactions to Wii, the leading market share of PlayStation in the prior generation is replaced by the Wii of Nintendo. As of 2008, the Wii substantially outsells the two rivals. According to Five Forces Analysis, Sony has been faced with the following characteristics in the game industry. Suppliers: The bargaining power is relatively high since videogame console makers outsource the manufacturing of console. Also, they need the support of game developers. In this respect, the one of the main reasons why the PlayStation and PlayStation 2 could succeed as a new entrant would be the supplier-friendly strategy of Sony.Sony took the policy to license any PlayStation software as far as it does not clash with hardware. Also, Sony provided third-party developers with various development tools and soft libraries. Buy ers: Compared with past customers who could enjoy the limited game console suppliers, current customers could enjoy the various types of game platforms. Also, based on the high technologies, the games for every age or demographic are coming out to the market. Therefore, game console makers should ensure as many customers as possible to enjoy the economy of scale in the increasing market size.This gamer-friendly environment results in the high bargaining power of customers. Regarding customer-based viewpoint, Sony failed to captivate the people from all levels. Even though PlayStation software is targeted at a more mature audience, PlayStation of Sony has been usually used by the traditional gamers of young age. Threat of new entrants: In the game industry, the possibility of new entrants to succeed is very slim because new platform based on high technologies requires high cost and risk.Therefore, small or medium sized companies are very difficult to finance R&D and marketing. Also, it is very difficult for new entrants to find game developers. Three giant companies (Sony, Microsoft, Nintendo) overwhelmingly dominate the market of videogame console and there exists a big entrance barrier. It is the reality that a small company cannot help being pushed out by three major companies. Since Sony got into the game industry, the biggest threat of new entrants would be the appearance of new contender, Microsoft, in 2001.Threat of substitute products: There exists the high possibility of substitutes from other industries. Personal computers or mobile handheld devices could be the potential substitute of videogame consoles. The reality is that many people are enjoying games using other devices such as I-Phone or I-Pad over time. In addition, consumers don’t have to bear the additional cost when they change from game consoles to other substitutes. Considering the high diffusion rate of personal computers or mobile devices, potential substitute products could be hi gh threat to selling game consoles.Positioning among current competitors: Definitely, Sony is the major entity in the game console market. However, the market situation is not so bright as the past over time. As a new entrant in 2001, Sony could get a huge success through giant money, high technology, stylish design and support of game developers. However, Sony is now suffering from negative operating profit and turned over the status of top maker to the Wii of Nintendo. So, Sony needs to set up new strategies in the videogame industry. RecommendationFirst of all, Sony should broaden customer scope from traditional gamers to the general public. Game industry is still growing although the attractiveness is waning over time. Sony is trying to position the PlayStation as the ultimate hub for digital living room. However, the people are still not familiar with PlayStation and consider it just game machine. Therefore, Sony needs to enforce the marketing for family-friendly game console m aker. The one of the main reasons for Wii’s success is that Nintendo targeted the niche market that other competitors have ignored.Nintendo focused on the general public with the easy and simple game consoles instead of expensive and complicated ones. Wii contributed to letting the public general realize the fun of game. Now, Sony needs to leverage the opponent’s assets as a Judo Strategy as Sega did in the past. If the family-friendly image is added to the high technology of Sony, the PlayStation could appeal much more to the general public. Lastly, Sony needs to more invest on its software. Sony has been focused on the product itself based on high technology and attractive design.As Nintendo makes high margin based on the customer-friendly software forgoing high price of console, Sony needs to broaden available games for PlayStation. A wide range of Adult users could bring new Blue Ocean of profits. Utilizing the advantages of PlayStation, the high technology and int eroperability with other electronic devices, Sony could set up the new digital hub replacing TV and Computer at home. To do this, above all, Sony should establish the affluent in-house software associated with developers as Apple make additional profits through various apps.

Critical Thinking and Worldview

Critical Thinking and Worldview Buddhism worldview On the question of origin of life, Buddhism has no exact answer. Actually, Buddhism does not explain the origin of life. Its view is that life is too complicated for our minds to understand; Thera (n.d) quoted Bertrand Russel on this â€Å"The idea that things must have a beginning is really due to the poverty of our thoughts† (Thera, n.d, p. 1).Advertising We will write a custom critical writing sample on Critical Thinking and Worldview specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More According to Khyentse (2008), Buddhism identity is based on four facts â€Å"all compounded things are impermanent, all emotions are pain, all things have no inherent existence, and Nirvana is beyond concepts† (p. 3). Understanding these four facts and putting them into practice make one a Buddhist. The middle path teachings of Buddhism teach on the meaning and purpose in life. A person ought to live a â€Å"neutral, upright and center ed life† (Buddha Net, 1996, p. 1). To understand life, one is required to take a position that is unbiased and, as noted above, be neutral and upright. From this position, it becomes possible to critically examine life and the problems associated with it, and come up with sustainable solutions. Buddhism teaches on moral precepts (the Pancha Shila), noble qualities (the Paramita), the four sublime tests, teachings of Sigalovada Sutta and metta Sutta. All these teachings call for moral decency. They also emphasize being caring in words and actions, and living a simple life (Boeree, n.d). A person’s destiny is dependent on some factors. One of them is Karma. The present life is dependent on the past Karma. The practice of dhamma also contributes to one’s destiny (Jade Buddha Temple, 2013). Comparison of Buddhism to a Christian worldview Christianity views the origin of life in the creation carried out by God in the Garden of Eden where all animals, and Adam and late r Eve were created (Ge 1:24, New International Version). This is in contrast to Buddhism which views such ideas as being due poverty of thoughts. Christian identity has to do with believing that Jesus Christ is the son of God, he was crucified because of mankind’s sins and living according to the teachings of the bible (Rom 10:9). Buddhism, on the other hand, does not recognize Jesus but has a set of teachings that form its identity.Advertising Looking for critical writing on religion theology? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The purpose of life in Christianity’s view is to serve God. This is accomplished by following the ways of the bible and allowing the leadership of the Holy Spirit in one’s life (Isa 43:7). This contrasts with the Buddhism view which does not recognize the existence of Holy Spirit and God. Christianity advocates for uprightness in morals. It teaches that one should love his/ her neighbor as he loves himself/herself. It also advocates for caring for the less unfortunate in the society (Ex 20:12-17). There is a very big similarity between Christianity and Buddhism on the issue morality. The two worldviews advocate for uprightness in actions and thoughts. They also advocate for people to be accountable for their actions. The Christianity view on destiny is that every person has a predetermined life. To live this predetermined life depends on whether a person submits to the leadership of the Holy Spirit. It also teaches on after death life whereby there is paradise and hell. Living in one of the two depends on whether a person, in his/her first life, lived according to God’s will (Isa 43:7). This is a big contrast to the Buddhism view on destiny. References Boeree, C. G. (n.d). Buddhist Morality. Shippensburg University. Web. Buddha Net. (1996). Buddhism – The Middle Path. Buddha net Production. Web. Jade Buddha Temple. (2013). Buddha’s perspective of man’s destiny. Jade Buddha Temple. Web. Khyentse, D. J. (2008). What Makes You Not a Buddhist. Boston, MA: Shambhala Publications.Advertising We will write a custom critical writing sample on Critical Thinking and Worldview specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Thera, D. M. (n.d). The Origin of the World. Buddha Sasana. Web.

Biography of Saddam Hussein of Iraq

Biography of Saddam Hussein of Iraq Born: April 28, 1937 at Ouja, near Tikrit, Iraq Died: Executed December 30, 2006 in Baghdad, Iraq Ruled: Fifth President of Iraq, July 16, 1979 to April 9, 2003 Saddam Hussein endured childhood abuse and later torture as a political prisoner. He survived to become one of the most ruthless dictators the modern Middle East has seen. His life began with despair and violence and ended the same way. Early Years Saddam Hussein was born to a shepherds family on April 28, 1937 in northern Iraq, near Tikrit. His father disappeared before the child was born, never to be heard from again, and several months later, Saddams 13-year-old brother died of cancer. The babys mother was too despondent to care for him properly. He was sent to live with the family of his uncle Khairallah Talfah in Baghdad. When Saddam was three, his mother remarried and the child was returned to her in Tikrit. His new stepfather was a violent and abusive man. When he was ten, Saddam ran away from home and returned to his uncles house in Baghdad. Khairallah Talfah had recently been released from prison, after serving time as a political prisoner. Saddams uncle took him in, raised him, allowed him to go to school for the first time, and taught him about Arab nationalism and the pan-Arabist Baath Party. As a youth, Saddam Hussein dreamed of joining the military. His aspirations were crushed, however, when he failed the military school entrance exams. He attended a highly nationalistic secondary school in Baghdad instead, focusing his energy on politics. Entry into Politics In 1957, the twenty-year-old Saddam formally joined the Baath Party. He was selected in 1959 as part of an assassination squad sent to kill the Iraqi president, General Abd al-Karim Qasim. However, the October 7, 1959 assassination attempt did not succeed. Saddam had to flee Iraq overland, by donkey, moving first to However, the October 7, 1959 assassination attempt did not succeed.   Saddam had to flee Iraq overland, by donkey, moving first to Syria for a few months, and then going into exile in Egypt until 1963. Baath Party-linked army officers overthrew Qasim in 1963, and Saddam Hussein returned to Iraq. The following year, due to infighting within the party, he was arrested and imprisoned. For the next three years, he languished as a political prisoner, enduring torture, until he escaped in 1967. Free from prison, he began to organize followers for yet another coup. In 1968, Baathists led by Saddam and Ahmed Hassan al-Bakr took power; Al-Bakr became president, and Saddam Hussein his deputy.   The elderly Al-Bakr was nominally the ruler of Iraq, but Saddam Hussein really held the reins of power.   He sought to stabilize the country, which was divided among Arabs and Kurds, Sunnis and Shiites, and rural tribes versus urban elites. Saddam dealt with these factions through a combination of modernization and development programs, improved living standards and social security, and brutal suppression of anyone who caused trouble despite these measures.   On June 1, 1972, Saddam ordered the nationalization of all foreign-owned oil interests in Iraq. When the 1973 energy crisis struck the following year, Iraqs oil revenues shot up in a sudden windfall of wealth for the country. With this flow of money, Saddam Hussein instituted free compulsory education for all Iraq children all the way through university; free nationalized medical care for all; and generous farm subsidies. He also worked to diversify Iraqs economy, so that it would not be utterly dependent on volatile oil prices. Some of the oil wealth also went into chemical weapons development. Saddam used some of the proceeds to build up the army, party-linked paramilitaries, and a secretive security service. These organizations used disappearances, assassination, and rape as weapons against perceived opponents of the state. Rise to Formal Power In 1976, Saddam Hussein became a general in the armed forces, despite having no military training. He was the de facto leader and strongman of the country, which was still supposedly ruled by the sickly and aged Al-Bakr. Early in 1979, Al-Bakr entered into negotiations with Syrian President Hafez al-Assad to unite the two countries under al-Assads rule, a move that would have marginalized Saddam from power. To Saddam Hussein, the union with Syria was unacceptable. He had become convinced that he was the reincarnation of the ancient Babylonian ruler Nebuchadnezzar (r. 605 - 562 BCE)  and destined for greatness. On July 16, 1979, Saddam forced Al-Bakr to resign, naming himself president. He called a meeting of the Baath party leadership  and called out the names of 68 alleged traitors among those assembled.   They were removed from the room and arrested; 22 were executed. In the following weeks, hundreds more were purged and executed. Saddam Hussein was not willing to risk party in-fighting like that in 1964 that had landed him in prison. Meanwhile, the Islamic Revolution in neighboring Iran put the Shiite clergy in power there. Saddam feared that Iraqi Shiites would be inspired to rise up, so he invaded Iran. He used chemical weapons against the Iranians, tried to wipe out Iraqi Kurds on grounds that they might be sympathetic to Iran, and committed other atrocities. This invasion turned into the grinding, eight-year-long Iran / Iraq War.   Despite Saddam Husseins aggression and violations of international law, much of the Arab world, the Soviet Union, and the United States all supported him in the war against Irans new theocracy. The Iran/Iraq War left hundreds of thousands of people dead on both sides, without changing the borders or governments of either side. To pay for this expensive war, Saddam Hussein decided to seize the oil-rich Gulf nation of Kuwait on grounds that it was historically part of Iraq. He invaded on August 2, 1990. A US-led coalition of UN troops drove the Iraqis out of Kuwait just six weeks later, but Saddams troops had created an environmental catastrophe in Kuwait, setting fire to the oil wells. The UN coalition pushed the Iraqi army back well inside Iraq  but decided not to roll on to Baghdad and depose Saddam. Domestically, Saddam Hussein cracked down ever harder on real or imagined opponents of his rule. He used chemical weapons against the Kurds of northern Iraq  and tried to wipe out the marsh Arabs of the delta region. His security services also arrested and tortured thousands of suspected political dissidents. Second Gulf War and Fall On September 11, 2001, al-Qaeda launched a massive attack on the United States. US government officials began to imply, without offering any proof, that Iraq might have been implicated in the terrorist plot. The US also charged that Iraq was developing nuclear weapons; UN weapons inspection teams found no evidence that those programs existed. Despite the lack of any ties to 9/11 or any proof of WMD (weapons of mass destruction) development, the US launched a new invasion of Iraq on March 20, 2003. This was the beginning of the Iraq War, or Second Gulf War. Baghdad fell to the US-led coalition on April 9, 2003. However, Saddam Hussein escaped. He remained on the run for months, issuing recorded statements to the people of Iraq urging them to resist the invaders. On December 13, 2003, US troops finally located him in a tiny underground bunker near Tikrit.   He was arrested and sent to a US base in Baghdad. After six months, the US handed him over to the interim Iraqi government for trial. Saddam was charged with 148 specific counts of murder, torture of women and children, illegal detention, and other crimes against humanity. The Iraqi Special Tribunal found him guilty on November 5, 2006, and sentenced him to death. His subsequent appeal was denied, as was his request for execution by firing squad instead of hanging. On December 30, 2006, Saddam Hussein was hanged at an Iraqi army base near Baghdad. Video of his death soon leaked on the internet, sparking international controversy.

The Meaning of the Name Kovacs

The Meaning of the Name Kovacs Kovcs (КÐ ¾Ã ²Ã °Ã'‡) is a surname that means forger or smith in the Hungarian language, from the Slavonic Kovaà ¨. The Hungarian equivalent to the English surname Smith, Kovcs is the second most common surname in Hungary. Kovacs is the second most common Hungarian surname according to surname distribution data from Forebears. Surname Origin:  Hungarian, Slavic Alternate Surname Spellings:  KOVATS, KOVAC, KOVAT, KOVATS, KOVACH, KOWAL, KOVAL Fun Facts About the Kovcs Surname The Kovacs surname most commonly originates from Hungary, although this is not always the case. Similar surnames include Kovach (Carpatho-Ruthenian), Kowal (Poland) and Koval (Ukraine). The singular Kovac may be the original surname, an adaptation of Kovacs, or a shortened version of a longer name such as Dukovac. These are all just general guidelines, however. The specific surname variation used by your family may also be something as simple as a spelling change and have nothing to do with its original origin. Famous People With the Surname Ernie Kovacs, popular American television comedianLszlà ³ Kovcs, legendary cinematographerTom Kovach, American author and activistLuca KovaÄ , a fictional character (doctor) portrayed by Goran ViÃ… ¡njić on the American television series ER Genealogy Resources Kovacs/Kovats FamilyTree DNA ProjectThis Y-DNA project is open to all individuals with the surnames Kovacs, Kovats, or any derivative such as Kovaks, Kovak, Kovac, Kohen, Kohan, Kohn, Kovan, etc., of any ethnic or religious background.   Kovacs Family Crest - Its Not What You ThinkContrary to what you may hear, there is no such thing as a Kovacs family crest or coat of arms for the Kovacs surname.  Coats of arms are granted to individuals, not families, and may rightfully be used only by the uninterrupted male-line descendants of the person to whom the coat of arms was originally granted. Kovcs Family Genealogy ForumSearch this popular genealogy forum for the Kovcs surname to find others who might be researching your ancestors, or post your own Kovcs query. The Kovacs Genealogy and Family Tree PageBrowse genealogy records and links to genealogical and historical records for individuals with the popular last name Kovacs from the website of Genealogy Today. Source: Cottle, Basil.  Penguin Dictionary of Surnames. Baltimore, MD: Penguin Books, 1967. Dorward, David.  Scottish Surnames. Collins Celtic (Pocket edition), 1998. Fucilla, Joseph.  Our Italian Surnames. Genealogical Publishing Company, 2003. Hanks, Patrick and Flavia Hodges.  A Dictionary of Surnames. Oxford University Press, 1989. Hanks, Patrick.  Dictionary of American Family Names. Oxford University Press, 2003. Reaney, P.H.  A Dictionary of English Surnames. Oxford University Press, 1997. Smith, Elsdon C.  American Surnames. Genealogical Publishing Company, 1997.

PEOPLE RESOURCING Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

PEOPLE RESOURCING - Essay Example The group of six people headed by personnel dept. people, has done Job assessment. Initial investment cost was high. The same system of job evaluation is been maintained after change in the organizational structure also. This approach to job evaluation delivered a simple and controllable set of grades. But due to change in environment, competition and customers need organizational structure has to be changed accordingly. The present system seems to be inflexible and unsuited to the organizational needs. But due to change in the needs of the services of the people YBS later on YFS has to change accordingly. Analysis. Due to external as well as internal compulsions, organization has to change accordingly. In due course, organization YFS has to support the new business strategy to replace its old traditional hierarchy graded pay scales. YFS decided its pay structures flexible. The company first trying to define and categorized jobs accordingly with customer services in retail banking. An internal project team has been formulated and the team identified different nature of jobs, put them into separate categories, accordingly. After classifying jobs into different categories HR dept and live managers adjusted the existing job into classified categories and decided on the packages (cost to company) by analyzing the type of job offered to them. This process takes initially much more time and cost because almost all the activities have to be performed in the complete organization but later on time becomes half. IT has been proposed that the proposed system must evaluate generic categories for the job accordingly and time to time. The whole exercise has been done with complete details with keeping in mind the changing scenario of the market. The issue of pay, development, performance etc. has been properly addressed in the new system. The reward

Emergency Relief Activities in Pakistan Flood Affected Areas Essay

Emergency Relief Activities in Pakistan Flood Affected Areas - Essay Example The essay "Emergency Relief Activities in Flood Affected Areas of Pakistan" talks about the massive floods in the rainy season of August – September in Pakistan. Considering their appeal, we have planned to send a team of volunteers along with necessary supplies to Pakistan to assist in disaster relief activities there. The team will have doctors and paramedics with them and will carry medicine and relief goods. The team will carry more than 500 make – shift tents and houses to establish a small camp for 10,000 flood victims. Each tent will also have a water filtration plant designed by UNDP experts specifically for the flood-hit areas of Pakistan. A basic health unit will be established there which will provide treatment to more than 300 patients per day. A school for the elementary education of children will also be established with the help of local volunteers. The relief mission will provide the encampment of 10,000 people with food supplies bought from local market throughout the winter season. The mission will end its work in the flood-hit areas of February 2011 and will hand over the charge of the encampment to the Pakistan Security Forces which is already operating in the region for the relief work. The project is aimed at providing emergency relief to the homeless flood – affected people so that they can survive through the approaching winter season. The impact of this disaster is very widespread and covers a huge area around the largest river Indus, in Pakistan.... ants in the areas where fresh water supply has been cut off The impact of this disaster is very wide spread and covers a huge area around the largest river, the river Indus, in Pakistan. Hence a small area is selected for our relief activities. The city of Muzaffargarh and its adjoining areas in the southern part of the state of Punjab is one of the worst hit areas with more than 25 villages and towns being destroyed by flood waters. More than two million individuals are rendered homeless due to this devastation. Hence, we have decided to focus on this area. As mentioned earlier, Pakistan Security Forces are already operating in the region for the flood relief activities. They have assured security and logistics support to all the local and foreign volunteer teams involved there in relief activities. Relief camps have already been established by Security Forces. We have planned to join one of these camps and provide our services there. Coordination with the Red Cross society is under way for the volunteers for the team. The volunteers’ team will include the following persons/resources, Two doctors and three lady doctors Male and female paramedical staff, five each Helping staff both male and female, three each Small scale medical equipment Tents and food supplies for the volunteers team Cash for purchasing food from local market Packing material for the food supplies Portable tents and housing Medicine Small water filtration plants The deliverables for this disaster relief mission will be as follows, Establishment of a basic health unit Establishment of temporary shelter for 10000 individuals (500 camps approx.) Distribution of rations for the same individuals for a period of four months (winter season). Installation of 500 water filtration units in the same temporary

Drama- Glengarry Glen Ross a play by David Mamet Essay

Drama- Glengarry Glen Ross a play by David Mamet - Essay Example The drama contains many idioms that also emphasize the moral teachings that the author talks about in the book. In the drama, the characters use pauses and stammers that make the language vibrant (Mamet 73). The personality of the characters in the drama often changes and it both repulses and amuses the audience. The characters in the drama also have a comic effect because of their exaggerated personalities. I believe that the drama is a piece that reminds people on the need of not losing their humanity and morality. This is especially those caused by the current hardship of the economic world. The drama clearly depicts the life of people struggling to become financially stable. The script of the author uses some styles that make it extremely difficult to execute in a play. These styles are like the use of idioms and stammers (Mamet 73). However, the actors that play the roles should be able to execute the script with all the idioms and the musical language

Strategic Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 12

Strategic Management - Essay Example The model focuses on manufacturing hardware and software. This is mainly through contracting manufacturers such as Foxconn and also focusing on the integration of software in order to complete user experience (Hill & Jones 2013). However, the current expansion of its market has been supported by the changes in its business model. This is through changing its business model to accommodate selling of its products through the retail channel, playing the role of wholesaler, while also selling directly to its consumers who are located in different parts of the world. The Apple strategy to continue increasing its market share could not have been possible if the business model is only focused on a single market segment. For instance, the recent increase in the overall performance of the company in the market can be attributed to the support that emanates from the internal business model. Therefore, for the company to implement its strategy successfully, it must have a strong business model which is growth oriented. In order for the business to maximize its returns in this attractive market, focus should be on intensifying its competition levels in the market. This is through allocating funds to the marketing department in order to enable it to stage a strong campaign to persuade the customers to purchase the company’s products. The campaign should use audio, visual, and print media in order to reach all customers irrespective of their geographical location. The reason behind prioritizing the marketing of products is because increasing the level of production would not guarantee the company success if the customers are not aware of the existence of the product in the market. As a result, the financiers should prioritize making the company to be well known by the potential customers. This strategy would enable the firm to penetrate the market and position them strategically in the market. In

Describe and discuss see directions below Research Paper

Describe and discuss see directions below - Research Paper Example This privilege against Self-Incrimination can be implied for Federal Crimes. Witnesses however, do not receive any immunity from testaments; especially, those witnesses who are not defendants nor are likely to be. Witnesses cannot refuse to testify under any circumstances and it may lead to imprisonment on the crime of hiding the truth if they happen to do so. Some cases have also led to prosecution if the witness fails to testify. This was the case where the Supreme Court of United States used a defendant’s Fifth Amendment Right, which was against Self-Incrimination. Malloy who was the petitioner was sentenced to jail for a year for gambling. However, after three months, he was put on probation for two years and released from jail. On probation, he was made to testify for inquiry of the State into gambling and other unlawful activities and when he refused to do so, he was put back in jail to the time he testified. In his essay, ‘Are the courts in a trance?’ David Webert speaks of the history of Hypnosis as used by the authorities to empower themselves of the truth. Webert’s (2003) essay circulated around the admissibility of such a technique for procuring the truth, as well as the legality of such a method. Certainly, he views it as a violation of the Fifth Amendment Right since it is after all against the will of the human consciousness that such information is being procured. One can imagine under utmost duress when such a technique is used, however, it is a disaster to think of using such a technique as a regular practice by the authorities to procure information from criminals. Hypnosis is known to enhance memory that leads to better recollection of events, but the credibility of this method is still under question. More so, hypnosis can have its own set of perceivable dangers. There have been various viewpoints that have been presented for and against this stand. But as far as perceivable

Strategic Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 12

Strategic Management - Essay Example The model focuses on manufacturing hardware and software. This is mainly through contracting manufacturers such as Foxconn and also focusing on the integration of software in order to complete user experience (Hill & Jones 2013). However, the current expansion of its market has been supported by the changes in its business model. This is through changing its business model to accommodate selling of its products through the retail channel, playing the role of wholesaler, while also selling directly to its consumers who are located in different parts of the world. The Apple strategy to continue increasing its market share could not have been possible if the business model is only focused on a single market segment. For instance, the recent increase in the overall performance of the company in the market can be attributed to the support that emanates from the internal business model. Therefore, for the company to implement its strategy successfully, it must have a strong business model which is growth oriented. In order for the business to maximize its returns in this attractive market, focus should be on intensifying its competition levels in the market. This is through allocating funds to the marketing department in order to enable it to stage a strong campaign to persuade the customers to purchase the company’s products. The campaign should use audio, visual, and print media in order to reach all customers irrespective of their geographical location. The reason behind prioritizing the marketing of products is because increasing the level of production would not guarantee the company success if the customers are not aware of the existence of the product in the market. As a result, the financiers should prioritize making the company to be well known by the potential customers. This strategy would enable the firm to penetrate the market and position them strategically in the market. In

2 important issues for paralegals today licensing and unauthorzed Research Paper

2 important issues for paralegals today licensing and unauthorzed practice of law by non-lawyers - Research Paper Example For example in some states, it is regarded as a felony which can lead to a sentence of a minimum of five years, or a fine of not less than five thousand dollars, regardless of whether the unauthorized person had permission from court (Susan 2007 p 158). However, other states grant permission to unlicensed people to offer certain services such as selling legal forms, and providing common instructions and other services whereby the interest of clients may not be put at stake. They are preferred by clients because they charge lower prices than the attorneys. Blades and Vermylen (2004 p 642) observe that information technology has brought drastic changes in the legal profession. People are able to access critical information regarding legal issues from the internet. This has been a major improvement in enlightening the public regarding their legal rights. However, people are exposed to the wrong information generated by the unauthorized practicing lawyers that can jeopardize their rights. This is because both the authorized and unauthorized lawyers can post unlimited information on websites. The most risky part is where a client completes a deal in the website, where there is no interaction between the lawyer and the client. Such passive websites may be used by laymen and may not offer the correct information regarding legal matters, a problem that has recently raised concerns in many states (Tony 2004 p 227). However, secure methods such as the use of cautiously developed disclaimers are in use by lawyers in order to separate between th e unauthorized practices of law from the licensed lawyers. The use of measures for identification through the use of disclaimers have been significant in ensuring that only the authorized lawyers serve clients, but without any deals being completed in the website. They only provide general information, making it less attractive to people in the unauthorized practice of law (Blades

Posner & Petersen Essay Example for Free

Posner Petersen Essay With the advent of technology and the increasing complexity of the human machine interface, the demands on the attentional capacity of human operators in these evolving systems is very high. Broadbent (1958) was the first to propose a theory on attention; he argued that we have severe limitation on our ability to pay attention to more than one event. According to him the source of this limitation is an internal filter that accepts one message and rejects others. The view that our attention is limited comes from the presence of the cocktail party problem and air traffic controllers which are essentially attention-switching problems. Thus in our technologically advance world, where everything is a sensory experience, it is apparent that the stimulus overload in our sensory modalities may lead to diminished performance. The importance of attention to performance has been widely accepted, it is a necessary component in mental processing (Posner Petersen, 1990). In controlled laboratory experiments on dichotic listening (Cherry, 1953) which is more widely known as shadowing found that listeners could report much of what was presented to the attended ear but little if anything about the contents of the message in the unattended channel. We use our attention to choose and increase the processing of stimuli that are most significant at each moment. Directing attention to a stimulus leads to lower perceptual thresholds, faster reaction times and increased discrimination accuracy (Rorden Driver, 2001). However, the study of attention remains to be a challenge for most researchers due to its ambiguity and the difficulty in measuring it. Neurological and cognitive explanations of attention have abounded in recent years and have afforded us with a better way of understanding attention (Posner Petersen, 1990). Posner (1980) in his article devised a theory of understanding attention that gave us a deeper understanding of the human spatial attentional process in the perceptual domain. He proposed that understanding the mechanisms of orienting; detecting, locus of control and covert and overt orienting can be used in explaining how spatial attention functions. The most important of which is his differentiation of locus of control which are external and central controls, or for purposes of this study it is referred to as exogenous and endogenous processing. Exogenous processing refers to events controlling the orienting of attention outside the mechanisms or more specifically stimulus driven responses. For example when a stimulus draws the attention of the mechanism to a particular area in space the detection of other target events in that area become more likely. Meanwhile, endogenous processing is where the central mechanism alone directs the allocation of attention to a particular are in space through such means as instruction or probability of target events occurring in the appropriate area of space. Likewise, Posner also distinctly categorized orienting into overt and covert orienting. He said that being able to distinguish covert form overt orienting one must first be able to measure covert orienting without using overt head and eye movements. Previous studies on attention had focused on vision rather than other senses. The numerous studies on visual attention had based their assumptions on the localization of visual receptors and eye movement. Recently, the paradigms used to measure visual attention have also been applied to auditory attention. Researchers Spence and Driver (1994) had demonstrated in their experiments that the cuing paradigm can also be applied to auditory attention. They found that covert orienting does occur in human auditory system and that it influence localizations in the exogenous tasks and both localization and pitch discrimination in the endogenous tasks. Given the limited theories and scientific experiments on auditory attention it is of importance to replicate the said study to validate their findings and possibly explore new findings. However, in the present study, 3-dimensional audio is used to generate cues as opposed to the free-field cues used in the original experiments. Using 3-dimensional audio as opposed to free-field sound has been found to be more effective in controlling for front-back confusion, wherein the sound is identified as coming from an incorrect hemifield and given that high occurrence of this confusion can lead to localization errors thus the choice of using 3-dimensional audio (Parker, et. al. , 2004). However, early researches using 3-dimensional audio as compared to free-field sound have generated dubious results, like in a study where virtual and free-field sound was compared in terms of cues associated with movement of the head found that the front-back confusion rate for virtual sound have been double to that of the free-field (Wightman Kistler, 1989). Upon exclusion of front-back errors in the analysis, the localization errors were still greater for virtual sound. The conflicting results of auditory studies have led researcher Martin, McAnnaly and Senova (2001) to devise a system that would enable the use of virtual audio by ensuring that its quality is equivalent to that of free-field sound with respect to front-back confusion and localization errors. In contrast, it was found that non-individualized 3-dimensional audio is associated with an increase in front-back confusion, poor localization acuity and poor externalization (Begault Wenzekm 1993; Moller, et. al. , 1996, Wenzer, et. al. , 1993). Parker et al (2004) investigated the effectiveness of using virtual 3-D audio in a high workload flight simulation task. They supplemented the head-down displays with high-fidelity 3-D audio, and found that when the virtual 3-D audio was presented visual acquisition time was quicker. Furthermore they found with the virtual 3-D audio presented perceived workload was reduced and situational awareness was improved. Flanagan et al (1998) also used virtual 3-D audio in an experiment which compared an unaided search with visual and auditory search cues for targets outside the visual field. In the experiment they used both virtual audio (via headphones) and virtual visual cues (via helmet mounted display), and found that both the visual and auditory cues were effective in reducing search times for the targets. The present study would therefore make use of the system developed by Martin, McAnally and Senova (2004) to administer 3-dimensional sound using Spence and Driver (1994) experimental conditions. In order to gain a better understanding of the intricacies of the variables in this study and of how important the study of attention is, a review of the pertinent variables is presented. 1. 1 Attention System The attention system is difficult to explore, in cognition the various perceptual properties can be related to concrete perceptual systems like how perceptual illusions can be explained by the limitations of our optical system. While in the study of attention system one has to deal with it as a totally cognitive event without any physical substrate to refer to. In order to explore the properties of attention, the various components of the inner workings and cognitive processes need to be isolated; in the study of cognition, researchers can control the amount of input that the perceptual modalities process and even the physical and neurological structures of attention can be identified. Posner (1980) in his article devised a theory of understanding attention that gave us a deeper understanding of the human spatial attentional process in the perceptual domain. He proposed that understanding the mechanisms of orienting; detecting, locus of control and covert and overt orienting can be used in explaining how spatial attention functions. Orienting refers to the aligning of attention with a source of sensory input or an internal semantic structure stored in memory. Orienting can happen in an overt or covert manner. Detecting refers to the level with which the nervous system is made aware of a stimulus. It may be in a verbal or manual form. A very important distinction in the study of spatial attention is the locus of control. Posner (1980) define the process of control as either being external or central control of the orienting of attention. Other terms such as automatic vs. non-automatic and exogenous and endogenous have also been used to describe this process. Overt orienting refers to the observed head and eye movements when an organism attends to a stimulus, covert orienting refers to bodily processes that can be achieved only by the central mechanism and can be measured by experimental methods. Spatial attention has been related to overt movements of eyes, body, head and etc. but the relationship between movement and attention has been entirely unclear. A number of theories governing the degree of dependence of the attentional systems to eye movements have been postulated along the years. The common system says that attention movements are fixed to the movement of the eyes. However, the behavioral evidence suggests that attention can be shifted with the eyes fixed, this findings and together with results showing enhancement of evoked potentials (Eason, Harter White, 1969; Von Vorrhis Hillyard, 1977) and the firing rates of single cells (Bushnell, et. al. , 1978), have eliminated the idea that attention and eye movements are identical systems. The efference theory (Wurtz Mohler, 1976) proposed that attention shifts were programs for the movement of the eyes. Klein (1979) said â€Å"when attention to a particular location is desired , the observer prepares to make an eye movement to that location; the oculomotor readiness, via as yet unknown feedforward pathways , has the effect of enhancing processing in or from sensory pathways dealing with information from the target location†. In his experiments, Klein (1979) found that there are clearly conditions under which one gets no relationship between spatial attention shifts and eye movement latencies. Functional relation theory (Remington, 1978) found that under simpler testing conditions like those conducted by Klein (1979), a relationship between eye movement and spatial attention is present. He found that there is a strong tendency for attention to shift to the target position for an eye movement prior to the eye leaving the fixation point. He also found that just before and after the stimulus presentation that detection was high at both the peripheral targets. In general, the results suggest that the relationship between eye movements and attention is not as close as either a complete dependence or efference view. Klein’s findings that eye movements does not influence latencies of shifts of attention and Posner’s results showing that attention movements is in the opposite direction to eye movement programs, debunk the popular notion that attention can be measured through overt bodily movements. Nevertheless, the two orienting systems are not completely independent; it has been observed that attention can focus on the target prior to an eye movement even when detection signals are more probable for fixation. Posner (1980) concluded that eye movements have a functional relationship with the spatial attentional system. It seems that eye movements are programmed by an initial movement of attention to the new eye position well before the eyes actually begin to move. This presupposes the idea that even without moving, we are already using our attention system to process the target object. Further, Remington (1978) compared peripheral and central cues for eye movements in order to determine their relationship to shifts of attention. When he used a peripheral cue he found improved sensitivity in the vicinity of peripheral target after the cue and well before eye movement. When a central arrow was used to cue movement, there was no evidence of any change in sensitivity in the direction of the target until after the eye movement began. Thus, eye movement is not a reliable measure of attention shifts and in the same way overt attention cannot reliably demonstrate the mechanisms of attention, hence we turn our attention to covert attention. 1. 2 Covert Attention Posner (1980) emphasized that the study of spatial attention should focus on covert attention for it gives a better picture of how attentional systems work than overt attention which can be subjected to external influences. Overt attention is manifested through external movements and more often than not the person is aware of that behavior, hence results on overt attention may be due to various factors not related to attention. In studying covert spatial attention, Posner (1980) said that it is important to keep in mind the functions of orienting, detecting and the distinction between external and central control. Orienting is the ability of the individual to shift attention around the visual field; detecting is when the individual becomes conscious of the stimuli, external and central control identifies the process by which the individual is attending to the stimuli and overt and covert attention is the ways in which the individual process the stimuli. Thus, even before attention is directed to a target, the individual can orient his/her sensory receptors to focus on the stimuli, and when the attention has been oriented, the individual can now detect the stimulus and depending on the context with which the stimulus is presented may attend to the stimuli exogenously or endogenously. Based on Posner’s influential work, it can be deduced that the study of covert attention is more important and scientifically worthwhile than overt attention, hence the number of models used to explain and study covert attention. The three models used to study the covert spatial distribution of attention has been used in experiments on visual attention but since few researches focused on auditory tasks it is presented here as it can possibly used to explain other sensory modalities. The first model says that attention can only be directed to one visual field (Kinsbourne, 1993). This in essence means that we can only attend to one thing at a time; hence we can only see one movie at one time. However, the model is too simplistic to fully define visual attention. The human vision can accurately build a spatial model of the external environment and relevant objects will compete for selection with other objects. On the other hand, this model may be used in the study of auditory domains because its spatial distribution is lesser. Sound is composed of waves that travel in the air, it is quite dispersed and thus to attend to a sound cue is much faster than attending to a visual stimuli. Moreover, as we perceived it sound does not occupy a physical space much like objects, letters, and colors etc. that are used as visual stimuli. The second model states that attention can be divided in a graded manner with the maximum performance at the focus of attention, which gradually deteriorates, with the increasing displacement of the focus. This means that the quality of our attention to a target is at the most accurate if it is within our central focus and that our perception of the target deteriorates a sit moves further away. This model is much more suited in the study of auditory performance since it takes into account the graded allocation of attention with respect to sound and distance. It is interesting to explore at what point our attention to an auditory stimuli would decrease and to which it is strongest.

The Four PS: Product, price, place and promotion

The Four PS: Product, price, place and promotion The application of the marketing mix known as the four Ps product, price, place and promotion has been introduced over the past decades and has become widely recognized in the concept of marketing course today (McCarthy, 1971). These marketing mix elements are the key decisions areas that marketers must manage in order to aid the exchange or transfer goods, services to satisfy customer needs better than competition. A well defined definition by the American Marketing Association states that: â€Å"Marketing is the process of planning and executing the conception, pricing, promotion and distribution of ideas, goods and services to create exchange that satisfy individual and organizational objectives† (Bennett,1995). Conversely, certain academics have argued that this view of marketing have become outdated for use in the 21st century today and is only relevant to certain organizations (Hakansson et al, 1982). Success cannot arise exclusively from the elements of marketing mix but indeed by building long term relationship between the buyer and seller (Ford et al, 1986). As reported by Gronroos (1990), marketing mix approach is considered to be too limited. Hence, this has a led a discussions towards a paradigm shift where new approaches have been emerging in the marketing research focusing on the importance of customer retention, market economies and customer relationship economies. The aim of this essay is to critically assess whether the application of marketing mix is still relevant for contemporary approach to marketing today. To do this, new approaches towards the paradigm shift will be critically evaluated with support to reference of the literature and personal views on the understanding of the content. Lastly, a conclusion will be given on the summary of the essay. Towards a Paradigm Shift in Marketing: Although marketing mix is the foundation of most introductory textbooks, it is an incomplete framework for marketing today. As reported by Nichols and Woods (1997), 4 Ps misleads the theory of marketing that they are all that marketing requires. The main problem for this approach is the lack of coordination and cooperation across departments and functions. This result in low levels of business performance and low levels of customer satisfaction. As reported by Popovic (2006), the concept of 4 Ps is criticized as being a production-oriented definition of marketing and not customer-orientated. Moller (2006) have supported Popovic view and criticized that marketing mix does not consider on consumer behavior, does not allow interaction and capture relationships, works primarily as a simplistic device focusing the attention of management and it does not offer help for personification of marketing activities. This has led to a new paradigm shift on the focus of services and relationship ma rketing. Certain academics have suggested that the 4 Ps of marketing mix should be expanded depending on the context in which they are being used (e.g., Kotler and Bloom 1984; Shapiro 1985; Booms and Bitner 1981: Renaghan 1981). According to Booms and Bitner (1981), he proposed an idea of an expanded marketing mix for general use by service organizations. The expanded mix includes the new ones like physical evidence where the environment in which the service is assembled and where the firm and customer interact, people where all human actors play a part in the service delivery and thus influence the buyers perceptions and process where the actual procedures and flow of activities by which the service is delivered. The new mix variables will influence customer whether or not their marketing impact is appreciated and managed. Thus, in order to draw attention to them as variables of equal importance than traditional mix elements, the services marketing mix gave each of the new variables its own place. This was not meant to imply that the new variables are independent of the traditional mix elements, but rather that they are of expressed importance to service firm managers and therefore deserving focused attention in services marketing planning. However, in addition to the general criticism of the marketing mix, the specific concept of an expanded mix for services has also been criticized. Over the years, a number of writers have sought to enhance the four Ps by adding other items that they believed were critical to marketing management. Several writers have included research as an essential marketing management activity and even assigned it the alliterative nomenclature of â€Å"Probing† (Borden and Marshall 1959; Traynor 1985). Other elements suggested for inclusion into the marketing mix are Packaging (Patty 1997) and People (Baker 1997). It has also been suggested that the list be expanded to include â€Å"personnel, physical facilities, and process management† (Magrath 1986). One writer went so far as to suggest that as many as 12 â€Å"Ps† be included in the array of marketing variables (Johnson 1986). While each advocate for adding to the four Ps has championed that particular addition, none has made a persuasive case that the addition is essential to the exchange process or the creation of long-term elationships. Although none of the additions to the four Ps has had widespread acceptance, they do present a confused recipe to the student in some introductory Relationship marketing attempts to establish, develop, enhance and maintain relationships and involve people over the long term so that they are loyal and supportive of the organization. This results in a stronger link between the internal processes and the needs of customers, resulting in higher levels of customer satisfaction. It is one of the most leading new approaches to marketing which has entered the marketing literature (Gronroos, C., 1992). Today, most firms are moving towards this approach in order to be more creative, innovative, and cost-effective for retaining and building loyalty with their customers. This approach is to be known as the biggest shift in the development of marketing. One element of relationship marketing is the â€Å"promise† concept (Calonius., H, 1988). Organizations that fulfill promises will generally attract new customers. If promises are not fulfilled, the evolving relationships between the buyer and seller cannot be enhanced and maintained. It is a means of achieving customer satisfaction, retention of the customer base, and long term profitability (Reichheld, F.E., 1990). Another key element is trust where there has to be belief in the other partner trustworthiness that results from the expertise and reliability of that partner. Both these factors are vital in a form of relationship marketing as it strengthens the bond and helps avoid dissatisfaction. Relationship marketing is still seen in its infancy as a mainstream marketing concept, although it has established itself as a primary paradigm in industrial and services marketing. Kotler (1992) is of the view that â€Å"what we are witnessing today is a movement away from a focus on exchange in the narrow sense of transaction toward a focus building value laden relationship and marketing networks. It is all about how to hold our existing customers.† This is probably due to the global economic meltdown as firms are fighting for survival. Our thinking is therefore moving from a marketing mix focus to a relationship focus (Webster, Jr, F.E., 1992). As according to CRM today site, relationship marketing fails to captures the true change in the nature of network-enabled marketing exchanges. Relationship marketing makes the implicit assumption that firms creates and manage relationships, while customers play a passive role in the relationships. This assumption is no longer valid in the networked world of business. Customers are beginning to play anactive role in managing relationships. Value in marketing exchanges is no longer created by firms and delivered to customers. Rather, customers are becoming co-creators of value by participating directly in the marketing process. As customers contribute their expertise, time, and resources in marketing exchanges, we are witnessing the emergence of collaborative marketing. Collaborative marketing as the process of working together with customers to create value in marketing exchanges. Relationship marketing requires firms to think about relating to customers. In contrast, collaborative ma rketing requires firms to think about collaborating with customers and making customers an integral part of the firms marketing activities. In collaborative marketing, the network becomes the enabler of collaborative exchanges, which go beyond relational exchanges because they involve reciprocal dependence and maximization of mutual benefits. For instance, Procter Gamble has created the PG Advisors program to collaborate with customers in developing new products. Customers try new products and provide feedback, allowing PG to refine products and marketing plans. Before using the Internet, PG would spend $25,000 to test a new product concept, and it would take two months to complete the test. Now, PG can do the same test at a cost of $2,500 and get results in two weeks. PG is also using the Internet to take these new products to market. For example, in launching its Physique hair care products, PG invited consumers to register on its Physique.com Web site to sample the new products. Within 12 weeks, more than 5 million consumers visited the site, giving a strong start to the product launch. Similarly, the pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly has created a Web-based community called Innocentive, which has attracted 7,000 research scientists to work with the company to solve chemistry problems in return for cash bounties. This is an astounding number, considering that Lilly has only 300 such scientists on its payroll. Lilly plans to create communities of researchers who can collaborate with each other and with the company to solve difficult research problems. Firms that harness the power of collaborative marketing will be able to extend their enterprise downstream all the way to their end-customers and take their customer relationships to a higher level. This shows that organizations today are already moving towards this new approach and not just focusing on the product/services they offer, but providing a long term relationship with customers focusing on value. My considered opinion is that in todays troubled economic scenario this is perhaps the best resource for firms who have an existing customer loyalty base and therefore the need of retention is of primary concern. In contrast, some academics disagree on these researchers who attack on the meaning, philosophy and importance of the marketing mix approach. They feel that marketing mix is still valid and helpful in all industries such as service and manufacturing. If a company does not have the right price, product/service quality, promotion and place or any other right marketing mix elements, it cannot create or achieve the right relationship with a customer. The right marketing and relationship mix offers a company a good opportunity to create a good total relationship with existing and potential customers (Zineldin, 2000). Practionners of management and marketing still believe in the validity of 4Ps. Give them the freedom to believe and improve, reconsider and renew the temple instead of destroying it. Indeed, companies have to use the 4ps to create customer relationships. Relationship marketing combines elements of general advertising, sales, promotions, public relations and direct marketing t o create more effective and more efficient ways of reaching customers. It centers on developing a continuous relationship with customers across a family of related products (Copulsky and Wolf, 1990). The modern relationship movement leads organizations back to the pre-twentieth century with the global scale of the twenty first century through the 1960s (Borden 12 Ps and Kotler 4 Ps). Relationship marketing is not a new discovery but a re-discovery. The conclusion we draw that the paradigm shift is far from being dominant since ‘Kotlersims concept of the 4ps is still dominating. There is no evidence that relationship marketing is to recognize the subtle changes in the business environment and to adapt to them. In the near future, the relationship marketing paradigm certainly will be a focal point of marketing research, thus positioning itself as a leading marketing focus not only in services marketing and industrial marketing but in most or all marketing situations.

Free Essays - The Catcher In The Rye :: Catcher Rye Essays

Catcher In The Rye      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The Catcher in the Rye, starts off with the main character, Holden Caulfield being expelled from school once again.   Holden is a sixteen year old boy who has been expelled on numerous occasions from other schools.   This time he is being expelled from Pency Prep.   Before Holden goes home to his parents, he plans to spend a few days in New York.   His parents do not know of the expulsion, so he spends the weekend in a hotel.   Holden is a pretty strange kid who can always find a way to get himself into trouble.   Holden constantly talks about how he hates phony people and phony words.   He complains of how the head master Thurman of Pency Prep is a phony person.   Holden says he is the kind of guy who will treat you bad, but will act polite and nice to your parents when they visit.   Holden basically decides that almost everyone he meets in his life is a phony.   He even gets disgusted with the advertisement for Pency Prep.   The picture of the horse jumping over a fence is a false image in his opinion.   He says that he has never even seen a horse on the campus.   Holden is also very curious.   Of all things, he wonders where the ducks go when the pond freezes over in the park.   He loves his red hunting cap that he bought for a dollar. The cap serves as his way to be an individual.   Stradtler is his roommate and they are fairly good friends.   Stradtler is two years older than him so he is always going out on dates and has to listen to Holden question him.   One time Stradtler goes out with one of Holden$BCT(J long time friends, Jane Gallagher, and he has to listen to an earful from Holden.   Ackley is Holden$BCT(J neighbor and they are all right friends.   Ackley is the kind of guy though who can get on anybody$BCT(J nerves in a heart beat.   Ackley and Stradtler despise of each other and rarely talk.   Ackley is very nosy and Holden does not understand why he puts up with Ackley$BCT(J nonsense.   Holden has a dead brother Allie, an older brother D.B., who is a writer, and a younger sister

Discrimination against Black and Whites :: Essays Papers

Discrimination against Black and Whites This story, Black Boy is a great book that describes how the author, Richard Wright, suffered in the South of the United States during the time when there was still a lot of discrimination throughout the country. Since the author explained many of his horrible experiences in the past, this book cannot be written in a thin book. This thick book is full of his great experiences that wanted to be read by many people in the world in order to let everybody know the disasters of racism. This racism affected Richard Write a lot and he had to adapt to the environment that he was in, although he didn’t know how he should act in front of white people in the beginning of the story. There are not many examples in the beginning of the story since Richard was a little boy, and he still didn’t know about racism. He did know that something was different between black and whites, but he wasn’t able to understand it since he was too young. He even talks to himself in Pg. 49 that â€Å"I had heard that colored people were killed and beaten, but so far it all had seemed remote. There was, of course, a vague uneasiness about it all, but I would be able to handle that when I came to it. It would be simple. If anybody tried to kill me, then I would kill them first.† After this, he realized the harshness of racism around his society when Uncle Hoskins got shot by a white man when he was at the saloon. And the reason is just because a black man was earning a lot of money and the white man became jealous. Also after this scene, there is an another example in Pg. 172 where he met his classmate, Ned Greenley who had lost his brother since the whites shot him for a specific reason. Ned said, â€Å"Th-they said he was fooling with a white prostitute there in the hotel.† Richard was shocked since he could be in those kinds of situations at any time. Richards starts to think of really going to North soon as possible now. In Chapter nine, there is a scene that is really harsh where Richard sees it, but could do nothing. This scene is at the clothing store for black people where Richard worked.

Angels Demons Chapter 1-5

1 High atop the steps of the Pyramid of Giza a young woman laughed and called down to him. â€Å"Robert, hurry up! I knew I should have married a younger man!† Her smile was magic. He struggled to keep up, but his legs felt like stone. â€Å"Wait,† he begged. â€Å"Please†¦Ã¢â‚¬  As he climbed, his vision began to blur. There was a thundering in his ears. I must reach her! But when he looked up again, the woman had disappeared. In her place stood an old man with rotting teeth. The man stared down, curling his lips into a lonely grimace. Then he let out a scream of anguish that resounded across the desert. Robert Langdon awoke with a start from his nightmare. The phone beside his bed was ringing. Dazed, he picked up the receiver. â€Å"Hello?† â€Å"I'm looking for Robert Langdon,† a man's voice said. Langdon sat up in his empty bed and tried to clear his mind. â€Å"This†¦ is Robert Langdon.† He squinted at his digital clock. It was 5:18 A.M. â€Å"I must see you immediately.† â€Å"Who is this?† â€Å"My name is Maximilian Kohler. I'm a discrete particle physicist.† â€Å"A what?† Langdon could barely focus. â€Å"Are you sure you've got the right Langdon?† â€Å"You're a professor of religious iconology at Harvard University. You've written three books on symbology and – â€Å" â€Å"Do you know what time it is?† â€Å"I apologize. I have something you need to see. I can't discuss it on the phone.† A knowing groan escaped Langdon's lips. This had happened before. One of the perils of writing books about religious symbology was the calls from religious zealots who wanted him to confirm their latest sign from God. Last month a stripper from Oklahoma had promised Langdon the best sex of his life if he would fly down and verify the authenticity of a cruciform that had magically appeared on her bed sheets. The Shroud of Tulsa, Langdon had called it. â€Å"How did you get my number?† Langdon tried to be polite, despite the hour. â€Å"On the Worldwide Web. The site for your book.† Langdon frowned. He was damn sure his book's site did not include his home phone number. The man was obviously lying. â€Å"I need to see you,† the caller insisted. â€Å"I'll pay you well.† Now Langdon was getting mad. â€Å"I'm sorry, but I really – â€Å" â€Å"If you leave immediately, you can be here by – â€Å" â€Å"I'm not going anywhere! It's five o'clock in the morning!† Langdon hung up and collapsed back in bed. He closed his eyes and tried to fall back asleep. It was no use. The dream was emblazoned in his mind. Reluctantly, he put on his robe and went downstairs. Robert Langdon wandered barefoot through his deserted Massachusetts Victorian home and nursed his ritual insomnia remedy – a mug of steaming Nestle's Quik. The April moon filtered through the bay windows and played on the oriental carpets. Langdon's colleagues often joked that his place looked more like an anthropology museum than a home. His shelves were packed with religious artifacts from around the world – an ekuaba from Ghana, a gold cross from Spain, a cycladic idol from the Aegean, and even a rare woven boccus from Borneo, a young warrior's symbol of perpetual youth. As Langdon sat on his brass Maharishi's chest and savored the warmth of the chocolate, the bay window caught his reflection. The image was distorted and pale†¦ like a ghost. An aging ghost, he thought, cruelly reminded that his youthful spirit was living in a mortal shell. Although not overly handsome in a classical sense, the forty-five-year-old Langdon had what his female colleagues referred to as an â€Å"erudite† appeal – wisps of gray in his thick brown hair, probing blue eyes, an arrestingly deep voice, and the strong, carefree smile of a collegiate athlete. A varsity diver in prep school and college, Langdon still had the body of a swimmer, a toned, six-foot physique that he vigilantly maintained with fifty laps a day in the university pool. Langdon's friends had always viewed him as a bit of an enigma – a man caught between centuries. On weekends he could be seen lounging on the quad in blue jeans, discussing computer graphics or religious history with students; other times he could be spotted in his Harris tweed and paisley vest, photographed in the pages of upscale art magazines at museum openings where he had been asked to lecture. Although a tough teacher and strict disciplinarian, Langdon was the first to embrace what he hailed as the â€Å"lost art of good clean fun.† He relished recreation with an infectious fanaticism that had earned him a fraternal acceptance among his students. His campus nickname – â€Å"The Dolphin† – was a reference both to his affable nature and his legendary ability to dive into a pool and outmaneuver the entire opposing squad in a water polo match. As Langdon sat alone, absently gazing into the darkness, the silence of his home was shattered again, this time by the ring of his fax machine. Too exhausted to be annoyed, Langdon forced a tired chuckle. God's people, he thought. Two thousand years of waiting for their Messiah, and they're still persistent as hell. Wearily, he returned his empty mug to the kitchen and walked slowly to his oak-paneled study. The incoming fax lay in the tray. Sighing, he scooped up the paper and looked at it. Instantly, a wave of nausea hit him. The image on the page was that of a human corpse. The body had been stripped naked, and its head had been twisted, facing completely backward. On the victim's chest was a terrible burn. The man had been branded†¦ imprinted with a single word. It was a word Langdon knew well. Very well. He stared at the ornate lettering in disbelief. Angels & Demons â€Å"Illuminati,† he stammered, his heart pounding. It can't be†¦ In slow motion, afraid of what he was about to witness, Langdon rotated the fax 180 degrees. He looked at the word upside down. Instantly, the breath went out of him. It was like he had been hit by a truck. Barely able to believe his eyes, he rotated the fax again, reading the brand right-side up and then upside down. â€Å"Illuminati,† he whispered. Stunned, Langdon collapsed in a chair. He sat a moment in utter bewilderment. Gradually, his eyes were drawn to the blinking red light on his fax machine. Whoever had sent this fax was still on the line†¦ waiting to talk. Langdon gazed at the blinking light a long time. Then, trembling, he picked up the receiver. 2 â€Å"Do I have your attention now?† the man's voice said when Langdon finally answered the line. â€Å"Yes, sir, you damn well do. You want to explain yourself?† â€Å"I tried to tell you before.† The voice was rigid, mechanical. â€Å"I'm a physicist. I run a research facility. We've had a murder. You saw the body.† â€Å"How did you find me?† Langdon could barely focus. His mind was racing from the image on the fax. â€Å"I already told you. The Worldwide Web. The site for your book, The Art of the Illuminati.† Langdon tried to gather his thoughts. His book was virtually unknown in mainstream literary circles, but it had developed quite a following on-line. Nonetheless, the caller's claim still made no sense. â€Å"That page has no contact information,† Langdon challenged. â€Å"I'm certain of it.† â€Å"I have people here at the lab very adept at extracting user information from the Web.† Langdon was skeptical. â€Å"Sounds like your lab knows a lot about the Web.† â€Å"We should,† the man fired back. â€Å"We invented it.† Something in the man's voice told Langdon he was not joking. â€Å"I must see you,† the caller insisted. â€Å"This is not a matter we can discuss on the phone. My lab is only an hour's flight from Boston.† Langdon stood in the dim light of his study and analyzed the fax in his hand. The image was overpowering, possibly representing the epigraphical find of the century, a decade of his research confirmed in a single symbol. â€Å"It's urgent,† the voice pressured. Langdon's eyes were locked on the brand. Illuminati, he read over and over. His work had always been based on the symbolic equivalent of fossils – ancient documents and historical hearsay – but this image before him was today. Present tense. He felt like a paleontologist coming face to face with a living dinosaur. â€Å"I've taken the liberty of sending a plane for you,† the voice said. â€Å"It will be in Boston in twenty minutes.† Langdon felt his mouth go dry. An hour's flight†¦ â€Å"Please forgive my presumption,† the voice said. â€Å"I need you here.† Langdon looked again at the fax – an ancient myth confirmed in black and white. The implications were frightening. He gazed absently through the bay window. The first hint of dawn was sifting through the birch trees in his backyard, but the view looked somehow different this morning. As an odd combination of fear and exhilaration settled over him, Langdon knew he had no choice. â€Å"You win,† he said. â€Å"Tell me where to meet the plane.† 3 Thousands of miles away, two men were meeting. The chamber was dark. Medieval. Stone. â€Å"Benvenuto,† the man in charge said. He was seated in the shadows, out of sight. â€Å"Were you successful?† â€Å"Si,† the dark figure replied. â€Å"Perfectamente.† His words were as hard as the rock walls. â€Å"And there will be no doubt who is responsible?† â€Å"None.† â€Å"Superb. Do you have what I asked for?† The killer's eyes glistened, black like oil. He produced a heavy electronic device and set it on the table. The man in the shadows seemed pleased. â€Å"You have done well.† â€Å"Serving the brotherhood is an honor,† the killer said. â€Å"Phase two begins shortly. Get some rest. Tonight we change the world.† 4 Robert Langdon's Saab 900S tore out of the Callahan Tunnel and emerged on the east side of Boston Harbor near the entrance to Logan Airport. Checking his directions Langdon found Aviation Road and turned left past the old Eastern Airlines Building. Three hundred yards down the access road a hangar loomed in the darkness. A large number 4 was painted on it. He pulled into the parking lot and got out of his car. A round-faced man in a blue flight suit emerged from behind the building. â€Å"Robert Langdon?† he called. The man's voice was friendly. He had an accent Langdon couldn't place. â€Å"That's me,† Langdon said, locking his car. â€Å"Perfect timing,† the man said. â€Å"I've just landed. Follow me, please.† As they circled the building, Langdon felt tense. He was not accustomed to cryptic phone calls and secret rendezvous with strangers. Not knowing what to expect he had donned his usual classroom attire – a pair of chinos, a turtleneck, and a Harris tweed suit jacket. As they walked, he thought about the fax in his jacket pocket, still unable to believe the image it depicted. The pilot seemed to sense Langdon's anxiety. â€Å"Flying's not a problem for you, is it, sir?† â€Å"Not at all,† Langdon replied. Branded corpses are a problem for me. Flying I can handle. The man led Langdon the length of the hangar. They rounded the corner onto the runway. Langdon stopped dead in his tracks and gaped at the aircraft parked on the tarmac. â€Å"We're riding in that?† The man grinned. â€Å"Like it?† Langdon stared a long moment. â€Å"Like it? What the hell is it?† The craft before them was enormous. It was vaguely reminiscent of the space shuttle except that the top had been shaved off, leaving it perfectly flat. Parked there on the runway, it resembled a colossal wedge. Langdon's first impression was that he must be dreaming. The vehicle looked as airworthy as a Buick. The wings were practically nonexistent – just two stubby fins on the rear of the fuselage. A pair of dorsal guiders rose out of the aft section. The rest of the plane was hull – about 200 feet from front to back – no windows, nothing but hull. â€Å"Two hundred fifty thousand kilos fully fueled,† the pilot offered, like a father bragging about his newborn. â€Å"Runs on slush hydrogen. The shell's a titanium matrix with silicon carbide fibers. She packs a 20:1 thrust/weight ratio; most jets run at 7:1. The director must be in one helluva a hurry to see you. He doesn't usually send the big boy.† â€Å"This thing flies?† Langdon said. The pilot smiled. â€Å"Oh yeah.† He led Langdon across the tarmac toward the plane. â€Å"Looks kind of startling, I know, but you better get used to it. In five years, all you'll see are these babies – HSCT's – High Speed Civil Transports. Our lab's one of the first to own one.† Must be one hell of a lab, Langdon thought. â€Å"This one's a prototype of the Boeing X-33,† the pilot continued, â€Å"but there are dozens of others – the National Aero Space Plane, the Russians have Scramjet, the Brits have HOTOL. The future's here, it's just taking some time to get to the public sector. You can kiss conventional jets good-bye.† Langdon looked up warily at the craft. â€Å"I think I'd prefer a conventional jet.† The pilot motioned up the gangplank. â€Å"This way, please, Mr. Langdon. Watch your step.† Minutes later, Langdon was seated inside the empty cabin. The pilot buckled him into the front row and disappeared toward the front of the aircraft. The cabin itself looked surprisingly like a wide-body commercial airliner. The only exception was that it had no windows, which made Langdon uneasy. He had been haunted his whole life by a mild case of claustrophobia – the vestige of a childhood incident he had never quite overcome. Langdon's aversion to closed spaces was by no means debilitating, but it had always frustrated him. It manifested itself in subtle ways. He avoided enclosed sports like racquetball or squash, and he had gladly paid a small fortune for his airy, high-ceilinged Victorian home even though economical faculty housing was readily available. Langdon had often suspected his attraction to the art world as a young boy sprang from his love of museums' wide open spaces. The engines roared to life beneath him, sending a deep shudder through the hull. Langdon swallowed hard and waited. He felt the plane start taxiing. Piped-in country music began playing quietly overhead. A phone on the wall beside him beeped twice. Langdon lifted the receiver. â€Å"Hello?† â€Å"Comfortable, Mr. Langdon?† â€Å"Not at all.† â€Å"Just relax. We'll be there in an hour.† â€Å"And where exactly is there?† Langdon asked, realizing he had no idea where he was headed. â€Å"Geneva,† the pilot replied, revving the engines. â€Å"The lab's in Geneva.† â€Å"Geneva,† Langdon repeated, feeling a little better. â€Å"Upstate New York. I've actually got family near Seneca Lake. I wasn't aware Geneva had a physics lab.† The pilot laughed. â€Å"Not Geneva, New York, Mr. Langdon. Geneva, Switzerland.† The word took a long moment to register. â€Å"Switzerland?† Langdon felt his pulse surge. â€Å"I thought you said the lab was only an hour away!† â€Å"It is, Mr. Langdon.† The pilot chuckled. â€Å"This plane goes Mach fifteen.† 5 On a busy European street, the killer serpentined through a crowd. He was a powerful man. Dark and potent. Deceptively agile. His muscles still felt hard from the thrill of his meeting. It went well, he told himself. Although his employer had never revealed his face, the killer felt honored to be in his presence. Had it really been only fifteen days since his employer had first made contact? The killer still remembered every word of that call†¦ â€Å"My name is Janus,† the caller had said. â€Å"We are kinsmen of a sort. We share an enemy. I hear your skills are for hire.† â€Å"It depends whom you represent,† the killer replied. The caller told him. â€Å"Is this your idea of a joke?† â€Å"You have heard our name, I see,† the caller replied. â€Å"Of course. The brotherhood is legendary.† â€Å"And yet you find yourself doubting I am genuine.† â€Å"Everyone knows the brothers have faded to dust.† â€Å"A devious ploy. The most dangerous enemy is that which no one fears.† The killer was skeptical. â€Å"The brotherhood endures?† â€Å"Deeper underground than ever before. Our roots infiltrate everything you see†¦ even the sacred fortress of our most sworn enemy.† â€Å"Impossible. They are invulnerable.† â€Å"Our reach is far.† â€Å"No one's reach is that far.† â€Å"Very soon, you will believe. An irrefutable demonstration of the brotherhood's power has already transpired. A single act of treachery and proof.† â€Å"What have you done?† The caller told him. The killer's eyes went wide. â€Å"An impossible task.† The next day, newspapers around the globe carried the same headline. The killer became a believer. Now, fifteen days later, the killer's faith had solidified beyond the shadow of a doubt. The brotherhood endures, he thought. Tonight they will surface to reveal their power. As he made his way through the streets, his black eyes gleamed with foreboding. One of the most covert and feared fraternities ever to walk the earth had called on him for service. They have chosen wisely, he thought. His reputation for secrecy was exceeded only by that of his deadliness. So far, he had served them nobly. He had made his kill and delivered the item to Janus as requested. Now, it was up to Janus to use his power to ensure the item's placement. The placement†¦ The killer wondered how Janus could possibly handle such a staggering task. The man obviously had connections on the inside. The brotherhood's dominion seemed limitless. Janus, the killer thought. A code name, obviously. Was it a reference, he wondered, to the Roman two-faced god†¦ or to the moon of Saturn? Not that it made any difference. Janus wielded unfathomable power. He had proven that beyond a doubt. As the killer walked, he imagined his ancestors smiling down on him. Today he was fighting their battle, he was fighting the same enemy they had fought for ages, as far back as the eleventh century†¦ when the enemy's crusading armies had first pillaged his land, raping and killing his people, declaring them unclean, defiling their temples and gods. His ancestors had formed a small but deadly army to defend themselves. The army became famous across the land as protectors – skilled executioners who wandered the countryside slaughtering any of the enemy they could find. They were renowned not only for their brutal killings, but also for celebrating their slayings by plunging themselves into drug-induced stupors. Their drug of choice was a potent intoxicant they called hashish. As their notoriety spread, these lethal men became known by a single word – Hassassin – literally â€Å"the followers of hashish.† The name Hassassin became synonymous with death in almost every language on earth. The word was still used today, even in modern English†¦ but like the craft of killing, the word had evolved. It was now pronounced assassin.