The movie Amadeus Review Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

The Amadeus - Movie Review Example The impression of Salieri is normal for some individuals in the general public who neglects to comprehend that now and again ability neglect to go along with notoriety. Because of the constrained presentation in the first gathering in Quite a while castle Salieri depends on the offstage unimportance side effects in Mozart and feels that there is little that can come out of such a character (Ebert 151-3).Their close collaboration uncovered the genuine picture of Salieri when Mozart hangs out in structure and execution. The capacity of Mozart essentially shakes the confidence of Salieri as he detects risk of being uprooted and losing the skirmish of melodic matchless quality to this new contestant. Salieri’s past misguided judgment depended on poor capacity to recognize notoriety and natural ability. He neglected to understand that God use individuals to communicate one of a kind contrasts and when Mozart scrutinizes and refine March of Welcome with prompt notoriety Salieri are amazed. It is obvious from the film that Salieri was a committed God dreading man who pivoted his whole fantasies about hitting the statures of music through serving in the court. It appears he showed up before Mozart and remained the sparkling beginning before his aptitudes are surpassed with the appearance of his apparent rival. Since Salieri was beforehand the best arranger in the court for the sovereign, he held the title of most splendid star in Viennas melodic life (Ebert 151-3). By possessing a focal spot in the core of the ruler most definitely, Salieri couldn't envision of getting tested until Mozart showed up. The discontent of Salieri in his capacity is seen from Mozart’s rise to re-try the creation of Salieri and transform it into what turns into the Non piã ¹ andrai which contacts even the consideration of Salieri’s own significant other. Envisioning of how God is utilizing Mozart to deliver a refined set piece in music drives Salieri desirous and ignores the commends he had got from the sovereign. The

A Defense of JTB free essay sample

A Defense Of JTB In Is Justified True Belief Knowledge? , Edmund Gettier contends that Platos hypothesis of information equalling Justification, truth and conviction is bogus. Inside Gettiers contention, he makes Justifications utilizing bogus thoughts. In this paper, I will contend that Gettiers contention falls flat since Justification can't be made on bogus thoughts and hence JTB Oustification, Truth, Belief) can keep on working as the meaning of information. Platos Theory of Knowledge expresses that if an individual S has a conviction P, in the event that P is really regret and S is Justified in having P, at that point S in certainty knows P. For instance, I accept that there is a Mac Book Pro before me. This is in certainty valid there is for sure a Mac Book Pro before me. I have Justification to accept that there is a Mac Book Pro before me since I am utilizing it to type this paper. We will compose a custom article test on A Defense of JTB or on the other hand any comparative subject explicitly for you Don't WasteYour Time Recruit WRITER Just 13.90/page In this manner, by JTB, I know there is a Mac Book Pro before me. To Gettier, be that as it may, the possibility of JTB doesn't comprise information. To show his point, Gettier preposes a model including two Job applicants, Smith and Jones. Smith and Jones have both gone after a similar Position. At work, Smith is told by the organization president that Jones will land the Position. He likewise observes Jones including the coins in his pocket, maybe to purchase a nibble with later, and see that Jones has ten coins in his pocket. In this way, Smith reasons that the individual who will land the Position has ten coins in his pocket, a Justified end. Notwithstanding, things being what they are, the president wasn't right and Smith in truth lands the Position. By sheer occurrence, Smith likewise discovers he has ten coins in his pocket. This implies Smiths conviction that the individual who lands the Position will have ten coins in his pocket is in reality obvious. In this model, Smith holds a conviction S that the man who will land the Position has ten coins in his pocket. He has support for accepting this in light of the fact that an individual with validity, the organization president said that Jones was landing the Position and he saw Jones including out the ten coins in his pocket. Furthermore, in truth, the man who landed the Position did in certainty have ten coins in his pocket. Along these lines, by JTB, Smith realized that the individual landing the Position would have ten oins in his pocket. Gettier brings up, in any case, this isn't a genuine instance of information. Smith was correct on the grounds that he lucked out, not on the grounds that he knew. In outline, the Smith case follows Gettiers contention as follows: (Pl) If JTB is information, at that point Smith realizes that the individual landing the Position has ten coins in his pocket (P2) JTB was not information for this situation, Smith just has ten coins on him by karma and gets the Job. (P3) Therefore, JTB isn't information. Nonetheless, Gettiers line of thinking is mixed up. The issue with his contention ies in the Justification J of JTB. For a plan to be genuinely Justified, the procedure used to go to that thought must be totally evident. For instance, let us state that I go into a store looking tor burlap s oes nave never purchased TOMS, yet reason I would t size ten since every one of my shoes are size ten. I inquire as to whether they have burlap TOMS in size ten. The business agent discloses to me that they do have burlap TOMS which are size ten. He brings them out and they for sure give off an impression of being burlap. I give them a shot, accepting from what the business assistant has said that they are size ten. They fit and I purchase the shoes and take them home. I Justifiably accept that I have purchased burlap TOMS. Since they fit my feet, I am Justified in believing the shoes to be size ten. Be that as it may, the sales reps was in certainty wrong and the shoes were size ten-and-a-half. This model shows that I can arrive at Justified bogus realities under bogus thoughts. Defense in the Smith model originated from bogus thoughts. Smith dishonestly accepted that Jones would land the position in light of what the president let him know. This persuade an individual ith ten coins in their pocket would land the Position since Jones has ten coins in his pocket. Therfore, Gettiers thinking could be viewed as erroneous on the grounds that his counter-model depends on convictions Justified by bogus thoughts. For instance of complete truth, let us return to my Mac Book Pro model. I can without a doubt realize that I have a Mac Book Pro in front me since nothing drove me off track when mentioning the entirety of my objective facts. As it were, no bogus thoughts prompted my Justified, genuine conviction that there is a Mac Book Pro before me. Consequently, I know by JTB that here is a Mac Book Pro before me. Taking everything into account, I have contended that Justification through bogus thoughts can't be utilized to refute JTB as a wellspring of information. Consequently, the Smith case introduced by Gettier bombs alongside his case that JTB can't connote information

Story Analisys by Etgar Keret Sample Essay

Story Analisys by Etgar Keret Sample Essay Let’s imagine that someone caught a goldfish. There’s no need in asking that person to tell us what three wishes he or she will make. Why? Because we know in advance that they will answer something like may all be healthy and happy and may peace rue in the world. Let’s consider another situation when that person isn’t in a hurry. Well start all over again. There is no one around. Not a soul. Only one human and the fish. And no one will ever know what he pr she has in mind. Quite other thoughts start to move, don’t they? Let’s consider another person who is over thirty for a long time. In the mirror he or she sees a face with wrinkles, the hair has turned gray or even noticeably thinned out. That human has achieved a lot in life and he or she is tired. Let’s imagine that he or she suddenly appeared again in the parental home and mom hurries him or her to wash hands and sit at the table. And on the table there is already the favorite dish as only the mother knows how to cook it. Its just a dream, and you need to wake up. But maybe you should not rush? How often do you lie? Never!, you will exclaim and you will be right. Of course, this is the most popular answer! And when the truth will hurt someone takes the second place. Well, you can not argue with that either. Most often, we do not even report to ourselves that we are not telling the truth. And, of course, we immediately forget that we lied. And what will you do if you suddenly find yourself in a parallel world created by your long-forgotten lie, the reality in which the invented by you people live and make good? This is how the modern Israeli writer Etgar Keret is unceremoniously tinkering in the readers soul. Kerets story about the golden fish and his question “What of this goldfish would you wish?” is both absurd and realistic. Fantasy interferes with life and makes one realize the reality. Keret makes you experience, and emotions change one another with incredible speed. Then you are sad, sometimes happy, sometimes ashamed, then almost physically hurt, and often its some kind of infernal mixture of love, anguish and something else. Etgar Keret is a recognized master of a short absurdist story. His works can not be taken literally as you need to read it abstracting yourself from reality and believing that the fish can speak, the moon can be just bought and bought for 10 bucks, and that even though the dinosaurs have already died, their eggs have remained in different places and If we find them and we have personal dinosaurs, we can go to school and give them names. Keret’s story about the golden fish won’t be too pleasant for everyone, but it doesn’t leave anyone indifferent.

Story Analisys by Etgar Keret Sample Essay

Story Analisys by Etgar Keret Sample Essay Let’s imagine that someone caught a goldfish. There’s no need in asking that person to tell us what three wishes he or she will make. Why? Because we know in advance that they will answer something like may all be healthy and happy and may peace rue in the world. Let’s consider another situation when that person isn’t in a hurry. Well start all over again. There is no one around. Not a soul. Only one human and the fish. And no one will ever know what he pr she has in mind. Quite other thoughts start to move, don’t they? Let’s consider another person who is over thirty for a long time. In the mirror he or she sees a face with wrinkles, the hair has turned gray or even noticeably thinned out. That human has achieved a lot in life and he or she is tired. Let’s imagine that he or she suddenly appeared again in the parental home and mom hurries him or her to wash hands and sit at the table. And on the table there is already the favorite dish as only the mother knows how to cook it. Its just a dream, and you need to wake up. But maybe you should not rush? How often do you lie? Never!, you will exclaim and you will be right. Of course, this is the most popular answer! And when the truth will hurt someone takes the second place. Well, you can not argue with that either. Most often, we do not even report to ourselves that we are not telling the truth. And, of course, we immediately forget that we lied. And what will you do if you suddenly find yourself in a parallel world created by your long-forgotten lie, the reality in which the invented by you people live and make good? This is how the modern Israeli writer Etgar Keret is unceremoniously tinkering in the readers soul. Kerets story about the golden fish and his question “What of this goldfish would you wish?” is both absurd and realistic. Fantasy interferes with life and makes one realize the reality. Keret makes you experience, and emotions change one another with incredible speed. Then you are sad, sometimes happy, sometimes ashamed, then almost physically hurt, and often its some kind of infernal mixture of love, anguish and something else. Etgar Keret is a recognized master of a short absurdist story. His works can not be taken literally as you need to read it abstracting yourself from reality and believing that the fish can speak, the moon can be just bought and bought for 10 bucks, and that even though the dinosaurs have already died, their eggs have remained in different places and If we find them and we have personal dinosaurs, we can go to school and give them names. Keret’s story about the golden fish won’t be too pleasant for everyone, but it doesn’t leave anyone indifferent.

The Trauma of Childhood Sexual Abuse Essay - 1694 Words

An estimated 39 million survivors of childhood sexual abuse exist in America today (Darness2Light, 2009a ). This figure continues to grow daily as perpetrators of this crime continue in this destructive path. The definition of child sexual abuse is the force, coercion, or cajoling of children into sexual activities by a dominant adult or adolescent. Sexual abuse of children includes touching (physical) sexually including: fondling; penetration (vaginal or anal using fingers, foreign objects or offenders organs; oral sex, or non-physical contact including: sexual comments; indecent exposures; masturbating in a child’s presence; child prostitution or child pornography (Child Welfare, 2009a). However, these sexual acts can occur in†¦show more content†¦It should be noted that statistics show that 1 in 4 girls is sexually abused before the age 18; 1 in 6 boys is sexually abused before the age of 18; 1 in 5 children are solicited sexually while on the internet (Darknes s2light, 2009c). Also children who are ill, disabled, or otherwise perceived as different are more likely targets of abuse(Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 2009). The physical sexual abuse of children is a sex crime that carries severe penalties by law. Additionally, a note should be made that over 75% of serial rapists report they were sexually abused as youngsters (Darkness2Light, 2009d). But even though there may be an overstatement of child physical sexual abuse (CPSA), its impact can cause severe psychological, and behavioral problems that threatens the family unit and society in general. Children who are physically sexually abused can experience trauma and impediments in the development of the brain. Additionally, Perry (2009) states that the majority of critical structure and functional organization takes place in childhood, and by the age of three the brain has reached 90% of adult size. During this time any experience the child undergoes will last a lifetime. Among th e psychological effects of CPSA are intense fear, depression, and anger. Victims also suffer from the long-term effects ofShow MoreRelatedConsequences Of Childhood Sexual Abuse1744 Words   |  7 PagesAbuse Circumstances The wide variety of potentially harmful consequences of Childhood Sexual Abuse (CSA) can also be better identified and understood when considering the abuse circumstances. Factors such as the severity of the abusive act, victim’s age, the frequency and duration of the abuse, the relationship the victim had with their abuser and if physical violence was involved are all key factors that contribute to the degree of trauma experienced by the victim and the varies long-term harmfulRead MoreChildhood Trauma Can Have A Significant Impact On The Behaviour1460 Words   |  6 PagesChildhood trauma can have a significant impact on the behaviour of an individual. Previous research has shown how trauma causes behavioral problems and can also result in mental disorders in the person. Studies conducted by Gabriele et al. (2002) and Sara et al. (2013) show how incidences of physical, sexual, and emotional abuse are widespread in patients with bipolar disorder. Gabriele et al. (2002) conducted the research to find out the impact of adverse childhood events, mainly physical andRead MorePsychological Aspects Of Sexually Abused Women And The Trauma Recovery And Empowerment1593 Words   |  7 Pagesabused women and the trauma recovery and empowerment. Sexual abuse can be well defined as sexual assaults and sexual exploitation of the individual, which include the following: Rape, Incest, Molestation and Voyeurism. An assortment of 15 empirical studies will compare and contrast their findings of psychological sexual abuse and trauma recovery. Individuals that are victims of sexual abuse can undergo many issues for the victim to inflict upon. Despite the fact that sexual abuse does mark males, womenRead MoreChildhood Trauma and the Impact of Adulthood1381 Words   |  6 Pagestheir childhood(s). Lenore C. Terr (January, 1999) states, Childhood trauma appears to be a critical etiological factor in the development of a number of serious disorder s both in childhood and in adulthood. To better understand childhood trauma, Terr defines this as, the mental result of one sudden, external or a series of blows, rendering the young person temporarily helpless and breaking past ordinary coping and defense operations (January, 1999). The statistics of childhood trauma is alarmingRead MoreHow Trauma Affects Coping : A Brazilian Study Of Twenty One Female Bipolar Patients1712 Words   |  7 PagesHow Trauma Affects Coping A Brazilian study of thirty-one female Bipolar patients, using the Child Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ), Ways of Coping Questionnaire, and Brief COPE, investigated the effect trauma had on coping and bipolar disorder. Of the participants, 80% of reported during childhood they had experienced emotional abuse, 68% reported physical abuse, 63% reported physical neglect. Emotional neglect was reported in 43% of individuals, 27% reported sexual abuse. (Daruy-Filho, Brietzke, Kluwe-SchiavonRead MoreChild Sexual Abuse and Its Impact on The Developing Brain, An Annotated Bibliography846 Words   |  4 Pages1) â€Å"Child Sexual Abuse, Traumatic Experiences, and Their Impact on the Developing Brain† Gaskill, Richard L. and Perry, Bruce D. (2012) â€Å"Child Sexual Abuse, Traumatic Experiences, and Their Impact on the Developing Brain† Handbook of Child Sexual Abuse: Identification, Assessment, and Treatment. Online. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/9781118094822.ch2/pdf Annotated Bibliography: In this article, the author is making an argument that sexual abuse causes brain development problems inRead MoreLong Term Effects Of Child Sexual Abuse1467 Words   |  6 PagesLong-term effects of child sexual abuse Child Abuse can be a fundamental reason of causing issues for children and young people in physically and mentally. The primitive damage caused by child sexual abuse effect on the child’s developing capacities for trust, intimacy, agency and sexuality so that child sexual abuse is considered as a trigger of mental health problems and increase the risk of major depressive disorder in early adulthood or throughout their lifetime. There is a fact that thoseRead MoreThe Effects Of Substance Abuse On A Person s Life Essay1528 Words   |  7 Pagesplay into the prevalence of substance abuse in a person’s life. From the moment a person is born into this world, social experiences and interactions start molding that person into the individual they predominantly are classified as. With that being said, researchers have found that traumatic experiences and dysfunction endured at a young age is highly correlated with the abuse of substances later in life. Trauma may include the child enduring any type of abuse, or neglect and a breakage in bonds withRead MoreChild Abuse And Its Effects On Children1317 Words   |  6 PagesChild abuse has long been an ongoing social problem; this abuse has been one of the repeatedly difficult accusations to prove in our criminal justice system. Child abuse causes many years of suffering for victims. Children abused suffer from chemical imbalances, behavioral issues and are at high risk for becoming abusers or being abused in adult relationships. This cycle of learned behavior and suffering will be a hopeless reoccurring problem unless the criminal justice system and protocols for abusersRead MoreChildhood Sexual Abuse : A Complex Multiphasic Process Essay912 Words   |  4 PagesThe development of sexuality is a complex multiphasic process. Many factors influence the process. Developing healthy sexual identity, expression, function, and relationship is not an easy task for the most people. Childhood sexual abuse makes the already complicate process even more so (Firestone, Firestone, Catlett, 2006). Abusers impose adult sexual desire to their child victims. The victimized children associate intimacy with negative feelings and thoughts such as shame and fear. Therefore

Muslim Mosque And The Mosque Essay - 1465 Words

I chose a Muslim Mosque for my site visit in Miami Gardens which is call Masjid. A Mosque is a building in which Muslims worship God. The religion is Islam and Islam means â€Å"submission to the will of God.†Islam teaches belief in only one God, the Day of Judgment and individual accountability for actions. Islam greatly values peace. Islam shares the same Abrahamic heritage as Judaism and Christianity and, therefore, espouses many similar beliefs and practices. Among them are belief in angels, prophets and scriptures and practices such as prayer, fasting and charity.Islam is one of the fastest growing religions in the world. To become Muslim, a person of any race or culture must say a simple statement, the shahadah, that bears witness to the belief in the One God and that Muhammad is a prophet of God. Mosque come in all shapes and sizes depends on the Muslim populations in certain areas. The one I went to is the largest Mosque in South Florida. The Mosque is 2,500 square and is organized by committee call the Muslim Associated with the ISNA( Islamic Society of North America). Participants come from different nations including Pakistan, India, Iran, Turkey, and Bosnia , as well as countries in Africa and South America. Most Muslim who attend this Mosque is Immigrant and some are converts born in the US. The mosque is open to every Muslim. While Sunni Muslims comprise the majority, a small number of Shi’i Muslims attend as well. The mosque officers do not promote any tradition,Show MoreRelatedThe Rock Muslim Mosque3079 Words   |  13 Pagesto the Muslim people reached the ripe age of 90 years old and began to have children (Behind the Name). His first son Ishmael was born to him through his young Egyptian wife Hagar. His second son Isaac was born through his 90-year-old wife Sarah. Two wives, two sons, one land as an inheritance, and the rest is history (Palizzi). Thousands of years later and the battle still rages in the small area of land next to the Mediterranean Sea where to this day still stand the dome of the rock Muslim mosqueRead MoreHow Muslims Worship in a Mosque780 Words   |  4 Pages A mosque (Masjid in Arabic) is a place for Muslims to worship God. The sacred space that I visited is â€Å"Dar AlHjrah† mosque in Falls church, VA. In my country every neighborhood has a mosque and each mosque has different shape and Design. Dar AlHjrah mosque had everything a mosque has. There’s â€Å"minaret† which is a slim tower attached to the mosque. The â€Å"minaret† shape was octagonal with pointed roof. The reason for the â€Å"minaret† tower is to make the call for prayer (Adhan). The color of theRead MoreThe Muslim Mosque, A Hindu Temple Of The Sun, Masses Of Men Essay2039 Words   |  9 Pagestime, all masses have continued to look to their opus’ from which they draw their mirages of the world. Despite all hardships, they continue to look to author who asks from them, simply one thing: simply compassion. In this house of worship, A Muslim mosque, a Catholic church, a Jewish temple, a Hindu mandir, or perhaps something entirely different, one can find man’s similarity through all his differences. The one aspect across all borders of religion, regality, and country that unites man is compassionRead MoreMain Features of A Mosque1552 Words   |  7 PagesDescribe the main features of a mosque A mosque is mainly used as a place of worship for Muslims to pray to Allah. Not all mosques are the same, they vary from place to place. Some mosques are big and expensive whilst some other mosques are small and cheap. All mosques are different but are yet similar in some ways for example; all mosques are a place of worship. Some mosque have a tall minaret in which the Muezzin uses it to call the Adthaan, informing nearby Muslims that the time of prayer hasRead MoreEssay about An Analysis of a Mosque1037 Words   |  5 PagesAnalysis of a Mosque A Mosque is the place or building serving as a place of worship which Muslims use to pray and worship Allah. The Mosque is a very important part of Muslim worship. This is because the Islam religion places great importance on prayer and worshiping Allah. All Mosques differ in appearance and size. The main factor affecting the size of a Mosque is the religiousRead MoreThe Great Mosque Of Cordoba1541 Words   |  7 Pages The Great Mosque of Cordoba Can the Great Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba be used for two religions, and How the design effects these religions? In this essay will be a brief discussion about the The Great Mosque of Cordoba and the history behind it. Stating how the mosque existed, developed over time and then reconstructed to become a Cathedral. How the Mosque believes both Christianity and Islam are able to pray within the building. Also I will mention the belief systems such as, does a sacredRead MoreThe Prayer Of The Mosque906 Words   |  4 PagesThe first reason you will probably be surprised will be by the place itself. Whilst many mosques seem grand and splendid from the outside, there is, in fact, very little to see inside a mosque. The prayer hall, where the public worship takes place five times a day, is actually very plain, because of the nature of Islam itself. You will find no statues, nor paintings, nor depictive stained glass. There is no altar, nor elaborate robes, nor candlesticks. The prayer space will be carpeted and cleanRead MoreHistory of the Mosque-Cathedral of Cà ³rdoba1014 Words   |  4 Pagesdescribe the Great Mosque of Cà ³rdoba. The Mosque is also known as the Mezquita, the Mosque-Cathedral of Cà ³rdoba, or the Cathedral of the Assumption of Our Lady. The mosque is considered one of the monumental jewels of Islamic civilization. In addition, it is one of the largest mosques in the entire world measuring about 24,000 square meters. The mosque was not all built at once, its construction lasted from 784 AD to 987 AD. First, Emir Abd ar-RahmanI began the construction of the mosque in the year 784Read More A Visit to A Mosque In America Essay1206 Words   |  5 PagesA Visit to A Mosque In America Driving along the highway, all eyes are drawn as a magnet to the unique building with its golden dome and unusual architecture. The Islamic Center is located at the base of a residential street in a small neighborhood. The center houses an Islamic school, a community center, an international school and the Mosque, which is the place of worship for Muslims. There are many misconceptions regarding Islam and Muslims. In reality most Muslims are non-Arabs andRead MoreMosque And The Tower Of The Mosque836 Words   |  4 PagesMosques are found all over the world. In addition to worship, mosques can be used for education and information. A main feature of the mosque is the domed roof. The domed roof has two functions: it is positioned over the prayer hall to allow the air to circulate and it helps to amplify the voice of the imam so he can be heard by everyone in the mosque. The star and crescent is also a major feature because it is the symbol of Islam and is the only external way to show that the building is a mosque

Risks Outweigh The Benefits Of Vaccines - 1552 Words

Risks outweigh the benefits The side effects of vaccines are detrimental. Many parents are aware that vaccinations prevent disease and vaccinating their child aides in herd immunity. However, some may determine that the possible risks of vaccinations overshadow the benefits. The main concerns parents have are about the reactions to vaccinations. There is credible evidence that some vaccines may cause adverse events (Maglione, Das, Raaen, Smith, Chari, Newberry, Shanman, Perry, Bidwell Gidengil 2014). The type of adverse event depends on the vaccine. The measles, mumps and rubella vaccine has been associated with febrile seizures as well as body encephalitis, both which are serious conditions. Trivalent inactivated vaccines were†¦show more content†¦These parents choose to not vaccinate due to traumatizing experiences related to vaccinations not because the parent is ignorant or apathetic towards the benefits of vaccinations. These parents are appalled that their personal experiences are cited as unusual. Unusual or not, when a traumatizing event happens to a family, it is very understandable that the family may be skeptical of doctors and their claims that vaccinations are safe. These parents may believe vaccines are beneficial, but also believ e it is not the best decision for their child (Luthy, Beckstrand, Callister Cahoon 2011). Doctors can’t be trusted Doctor patient relationships are very important. Doctors are usually the people who try to persuade parents to vaccinate their children. Doctors are one of the most integral people who communicate and administer childhood vaccinations (Ngoh Ng, 2016). If the relationship with the doctor is not good, a parent may choose not to trust the doctor on the issue of vaccinating one’s child. Doctors have cited that they have noticed that strained doctor patient relationships have a factor in parents choosing to not vaccinate (Yaqub, Castle-Clark, Sevdalis Chataway, 2014). Parents may fear that doctors may not be educated about vaccinations because they generally are not the ones who research and test vaccines. Also, parents may feel

John Q movie analysis free essay sample

John Q. Archibald was a factory worker facing financial hardship. When his son, Michael is struck during a baseball game, John and his wife, Denise, discover that their son is in need of a heart transplant. Although they have health insurance, hospital head, Rebecca Payne tells them that their policy doesnt cover such an expensive operation. John convinces the hospitals cardiac surgeon, Dr. Raymond Turner, to overlook his fee, but still has too much of a financial burden to bear. When he is left with no choice but to take his son home to die, John holds the staff and patients of the hospital hostage at gunpoint, demanding that his son be put on the list to be given the first available heart. Hostage negotiator Frank Grimes and chief of police Gus Monroe try to resolve the problem using mainly dialogue. John Q is successful in saving Michael’s life but ends up serving jail time nonetheless. We will write a custom essay sample on John Q movie analysis or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Persuasion is a concept evident in both scenes, and it has to do with one party causing another party to do something that it wants through reasoning or argument. Persuasion can be used to balance power in a negotiation. The hardball tactics of aggression and intimidation are evident in both scenes as well. Aggression is the relentless push for more concessions, while intimidation is the attempt to force the other party to agree by means of emotional play. There is also evidence of power play in the scenes, namely legitimate power and coercive power. Legitimate power is derived from ones position and Coercive power derived from the ability to punish others. (Lewicki, 2004) The first negotiation scene was a telephone conversation between Frank and John. Frank introduced himself and asked john for some time and to let some of the hostages go, because in his own words, â€Å"I do for you, you do for me; show some good faith. † Frank tried to reason with him, but John remarked that he would only let some of the hostages go if his son was put on the heart transplant list. Franks persuasion worked when john agreed to let some of the hostages go on condition that frank had an hour to get Mike on the list before john started killing hostages. John used aggressive behavior and intimidation when he gave frank an ultimatum. He said in a raised voice that if Mike was not on the list in an hour after the first hostages had been released; one of the remaining hostages would die. John Q also exuded power in the negotiation; specifically coercive power because he had the ability to inflict harm on frank’s reputation as a hostage negotiator by harming the hostages. This power contributed to frank’s concessions; his agreement to work faster on putting Mike on the list. This scene qualifies as a negotiation situation because it involves two parties, each with individual goals; Frank wanted to save the hostages while John wanted his son’s name on the heart transplant list. There is a conflict of interest between the parties. There is also the fact that it involves the management of tangibles, in this case the lives of the hostages and the life of Mike, and intangibles, which is the terms of agreement or the deals and promises made between John and frank in the scene. There was also a level of interdependence between John Q and Frank in the sense that Frank could only save the hostages if John let them go and John could save Mike only if Frank was successful in getting Rebecca to put him on the heart transplant list. The second negotiation scene was between Frank and Police chief Gus Monroe. Gus was about to send in a sniper into the building to take down John Q and Frank tried to persuade him to call off the strike; that this was not a good idea because John Q could be reasoned with. Frank tried his best to explain to Gus that Johns wife Denise could talk him down. Gus however was determined to carry out the sniper strike and used aggressive behavior and intimidation to deter frank from interfering with the operation. Gus made reference to his own experience as a cop and used his power as chief of police to relieve Frank of duty. This power was legitimate power because of Gus’ position as head of Chicago police. The scene chosen qualifies as negotiation situation because two parties are involved; Frank and Gus, each with individual goals and there is a conflict of interest between them. There is also the fact that it involves the management of tangibles and intangibles. In this case the tangible aspect was the execution of the sniper strike. Interdependence between Frank and Gus also qualifies the scene as a negotiation situation. Franks job as a police officer was under Gus’ authority but Gus also depended on franks discretion in distracting John Q with a phone call from Denise to successfully carry out the sniper attack. Bibliography

A citizen, rights and responsibilities and antisocial behaviour The WritePass Journal

A citizen, rights and responsibilities and antisocial behaviour Introduction A citizen, rights and responsibilities and antisocial behaviour IntroductionAnti Social BehavioursTackling Anti Social Behaviour in HousingConclusionReferencesRelated Introduction The term ‘citizen’ may literally be used to refer to any person who has acquired or has the status of citizenship. The acquired status is used when the person that is conferred with the citizenship is not originally a citizen of the sovereign nation while, in effect the citizenship has to be earned through set of rules that govern the society.   According to Hardy (1997) â€Å"the status of citizen is used to denote the link between an individual and a State, a form of political organization with territorial boundaries which may encompass more than one nation†.   Citizenship is defined by Lewis (2004, p 9) as â€Å"a legal status conferred by an internationally recognised nation – state. This status accords a nationality and the right to make claims against the state and receive a share of the public goods†.   Therefore, it can be seen that when an individual has the status of a citizenship, such individual has formed a relationship with the St ate and this relationship is guided and strengthened by the citizen knowing his/her rights from the State and responsibilities to the State, community and entire neighbourhood. This project focuses on the rights and responsibilities of a citizen with respect to tenancy and how these relate to existing government policies on anti social behaviour.   The project will attempt to achieve this focus by fully describing the rights of a citizen from the State and the responsibilities of that citizen to the State, community and entire neighbourhood.   Secondly the project will carry out a review of the current government policies on anti social behaviour and how these policies relate to the rights and responsibilities of a citizen.   Thirdly, the project will conclude with summary of the overall work. Rights of a citizen When a person has the status of a citizenship, Blackburn (1994) argues that a relationship has been formed with the state which gives the citizen certain rights.   However, Marshal (1992, cited in Lewis, 2004) viewed citizenship as a relationship between the individual and a state which gives rise to 3 basic elements of rights – civil, political and social. Civil rights The civil right of a citizen represents the right to freedom of speech, expression, thought and faith and to conclude valid contracts. When a person becomes a citizen, such person has by virtue of the citizenship status acquired the right to freely express him/herself and to put forward opinions about issues affecting the that nation.   In addition, the citizenship status comes with the right to equal opportunities and social justice in that society. Political rights The political right of a citizen is the rights that allow the person to vote.   The right to vote is an opportunity to demonstrate one’s democratic rights and this is important in a democratic society.   The political right also includes the chance to participate in political process such as contesting for electoral positions and being duly elected in the political office. Social rights The social element of the right of a citizen is the right to economic welfare and to fully share the social heritages within the society.   One of the social heritages in a society is housing.   Blackburn (1994) viewed the right to housing and be housed as one of the idealistic rights of a citizen. Within the context of this project, the housing right (social right) of a citizen will be the subject for main focus. Housing right The citizen has the right to housing (Cowan and Marsh, 2001 and Blackburn, 1994). There are two main sectors in the housing market for a citizen – the owner occupied and the rented sector.   The owner occupied housing sector includes the individuals that have undertaken to purchase a property through mortgage and who live in the house by themselves.   The house that is purchased may be a leasehold or freehold, but, in either case, the government usually supports the citizens through varying the interest rates and stamp duties.   Other form of support by the government is through consultation with the mortgage lenders in reducing the amount of deposit required for the citizens to purchase their own owner occupied houses. These supports are to enable the citizen enforce their rights of housing.   The rented housing sector includes the private and public.   Private rented sector refers to those that rent out their house through short hold tenancies while the public sect or is the assured short hold tenancy.   The providers of housing to citizens in the public sector include housing associations and local authorities.   The local authorities invest in houses and allocate them to citizens on the basis of ‘first come first served’ but attention is given to those with extra-ordinary circumstance or great urgency.   The housing associations are not for profit making organisations who provide house to citizens based on their criteria and in view of the nature of the associations, they do not share profits but re-invest them into the activities of the housing. Responsibilities of a citizen The basic right of housing for a citizen is further broken down in the tenancy agreement the citizen enters into with the landlord which states the conditions of the tenancy.   The Housing Act 1988 with amendments up to 2004 and the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 protect the citizen from undue harassment, unfair charges and fraudulent practices and also ensure that the property is in good condition for occupancy and illegal evictions.   However, in order to fully enjoy the right to housing and the protection as contained in the Tenancy Agreement and the relevant Housing Acts, the citizen is required to fulfill some basic obligations.   The citizen has the obligation to act within the law by not engaging in criminal or immoral activities and also to behave in such manners that may not be regarded are against socially accepted corms within the neighbourhood or wider social environment.   Therefore, it can be said that one of the rights of a citizen is the right to housing and als o that one of the major responsibilities of the citizen is to carry on his/her daily activities of living in such a manner as to show behaviours that are against the neighbourhood in which he/she resides.   The term neighbourhood is described by Power (2007, p 17) as â€Å"local areas within towns and cities recognized by people who live there as distinct places, with their own character and approximate boundaries†.   The citizen is a member of the neighbourhood and his or her actions will impact all the members of the neighbourhood either directly or indirectly, in effect, the citizen is expected to maintain a pattern of behaviour for the interest of the general neighbourhood.   A pattern of behaviour that is not in line with the acceptable behaviours within a neighbourhood is known as anti social behaviour.   According to Rose (1996) citizens are considered to be responsible when they play their roles but in a situation that the moral lifestyle of such person is con trary, such person is considered a threat or reproach to the community.   According to Cowan and Marsh (2001, p 168) â€Å"the role of the law relevant here is through seeking to uphold particular standards of behaviour†.   In the UK, the law that seeks to uphold the standards of behaviours within the neighbourhood is the anti social behaviour contained in the Crime and Disorder Act (1996, 1998) and Ant Social Behaviour Act (2003). Anti Social Behaviours The Good Practice Unite of the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH 1995, p3) defined antisocial behaviour as â€Å"behaviour that opposes society’s norms and accepted standards of behaviour†.   Also the Crime and Disorder Act (1998) described antisocial behaviour as acting â€Å"in a manner that caused or was likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress to one or more persons not of the same household†.   The Anti Social Behaviour Act (2003) identified various forms of behaviours found to be common and these include: noise nuisance; intimidation and/or harassments, littering and graffiti; being violent against neighbours and properties; hate behviours that target an ethnic or gender groups; and use of the property for unlawful business or other purposes. Causes Several reasons have been given by different researchers and organisations as to the reasons that lead to anti social behaviours.   Notable among the researchers are Hawkins, Catalano and Miller (1992) who identified risk factors and protective factors.  Ã‚   The risk factors involves certain issues of life that have the potential of making people act against the society such as poverty, family problems and problems that arise in the school.   The protective factors refer to the presence of some features that may discourage the individual from acting against the society such as bonding and community involvement.   The issues of risk and protective factors were further highlighted by the argument of Miller (2005) that neighbourhoods with high crime rate in most cases are traceable to poverty, deprivation and lack of involvement in the community in which the offender resides. Impacts Anti social behaviours has the likelihood of impacting on the members of the neighbourhood, properties and the individual that carries out the behaviour.   One of the impacts of antisocial behaviour on the neighbourhood is that it can make withdraw from public places within the area for fear of the safety of their lives thereby and also crumble the service provisions in that area (Rogers and Coaffee, 2005).   The Policy Action Team of the Social Exclusion Unit (SEU, 1998, p11) argued that â€Å"if housing is poorly managed or unlettable, or crime and anti social behaviour are not tackled, community support systems can easily crumble†.   Secondly, there is the possibility of reducing house prices in the area and increased cost of repairs and cleaning of graffiti as a result of vandalism (Brand and Price, 2000). Also, an area that is notorious for behaviours seen to be contrary to the accepted standards in the society may have a stigma which may make residents decide to relocate or prevent new ones moving in.   This problem of stigma was emphasised by Harworth and Manzi (1999, p 163) that there is â€Å"the stigma attached to public rented houses† and that this is the result of behaviours that are usually not in conformity with the accepted norms in the wider society.   In order to tackle the problem of anti social behaviour and reduce or eliminate its impacts on the neighbourhood and properties, Cowan and Marsh (2001) suggested the use of basic strategies such as housing management, legal tools and partnering with Social Exclusion Unit. Tackling Anti Social Behaviour in Housing Housing Management Cowan and Marsh (2001) suggested that in order to control the activities of those that perpetrate anti social behaviours, Landlords should control the access to houses by such individuals through the use of housing register.   This suggestion implies that those noted for their anti social behaviours should be excluded from having access to houses as a deterrent to others that would want to follow their bad examples.   The power for landlords to exclude those whose behaviours are deemed to be against the norms of the society in which they reside (anti social behaviour) is contained in the Part VI of the Housing Act (1996) and research by Smith (2001) found that this exclusion has reduced the rate of antisocial behaviours in most estates. In addition to the use of exclusion as a house management tool for deterrent and preventive measure for dealing with anti social behaviours, Landlords were empowered by the Housing Acts 1996 to adjust the tenancy agreement indicate repossession of properties.   In effect, the tenancy agreement fully describes the rights and responsibilities of both parties with particular respect to anti social behaviours and that the Landlord has the right of repossession if the tenant receives anti social behavioural order – an order for carrying out anti social behaviours.   On the effectiveness of the use of repossession as a deterrent, the Social Exclusion Unit (SEU, 2000, p 4) argued that â€Å"evicting anti social people does not mea that the problem will go away.   Some people will be deterred from future ant social behaviour by the experience of eviction or exclusion from the housing register†. Legal Tools The 1996 Housing Act further gave powers to Landlords (both Local Authorizes and Social Registered Landlords) to deal with their own tenants with respect to anti social behaviours.   This Act made individuals responsible for their own actions, those of their households and those of their visitors and empowered landlords to take possession of their properties in the event of anti social behaviour.   In applying this power, certain behaviours were banned by Landlords and where the tenant goes against those behaviours, a housing injunction is obtained from the court to arrest the offender.   Also the 1998 Housing Act introduced the use of Anti Social Behavioural Order (ASBO) by the police or landlords against offenders as long as they are above the age of 10.   Other legal tools include the use of 1996 Noise Act and 1990 Environmental Protection for noisy tenants and those houses not maintained by the tenants. Social Exclusion Unit Partnership While applying both the managerial and legal tools, Cowan and Marsh (2001) further suggested the use of partnership initiatives with the social exclusion unit by landlords and local authorities.   The Social Exclusion Unit works with communities, individuals and families to make sure that anti social behaviours are not breached and that to a greater extent avoid repeat or re – offending (SEU, 2000c).   Rather than punish those whose behaviours are anti social, through exclusion, repossession or injunction, the social exclusion unit partners with other relevant agencies to produce strategies in the forms of projects that to support the circumstances of the offender.   This process involves having a one to one meeting with the offender to identify the causes of the anti social behaviour and the outcome of the discussion forms the basis for suggesting possible support programs to assist the offender where appropriate.   The partnership with the social exclusion unit has a dditional advantage of making sure that those who are reacting as a result of their extra ordinary circumstances beyond their control are supported in overcoming such circumstances. Conclusion This project sought to find out about a citizen and how the rights and responsibilities of ‘a citizen’ relate with the current government policies on anti social behaviours.   During the course of the project, it was found that citizen describes a person who has the status or acquired the status of citizenship that is, having a form of relationship with the State.   Such relationships with the nation that has accorded that person the citizenship status usually comes with political, civil and social rights.   The social right of the citizen which formed the basic focus of this project includes the right to housing and being housed.   The right of the citizen to be provided with housing protects the citizen from being harassed, unfairly charged or exploited by landlords.   However, the right of the citizen to housing requires that the citizen keeps to the conditions of the tenancy agreement among which includes a condition not to act in a manner that will above o ther things constitute not conform to the norms of the society/neighbourhood – that is ant social. Furthermore, the project found that where the citizen acts anti social, it may result in crumbling of the service provisions within the neighbourhood (SEU, 1998), reducing house prices as the result of the stigma of crime and violence (Harworth and Manzi, 1999) and increasing cost of repairs and maintenance by the local authorities in cleaning graffiti.   In order to tackle the problem of antisocial behaviour, the project found 3 basic strategies as suggested by Cowan and Marsh (2001) and these include housing management, legal tools and partnership with the social exclusion unit.   Housing management uses seeks to exclude citizens with anti social behaviours from having access to housing and also repossessing their properties while the legal tool uses injunction.   The partnership with the social exclusion unit aims to address the circumstances that create the anti social behaviours of a citizen. Based on the findings during the course of this project, it can be seen that a citizen has a right to housing and that this right comes with responsibilities not to act anti social.   Therefore, the current government policy of anti social behaviour seeks to ensure that a citizen, enjoying the right to housing, complies with the responsibilities that come with the right to the housing being enjoyed.   The rights are received by the citizen; the responsibilities are the conditions for the rights and the anti social behavior policies ensure that the conditions are kept by the citizen. References Blackburn, R. (1994).   Rights of Citizenship.   London.   Mansell Publishing Ltd Catalano, R.F., Hawkins, J.D. (1996). The Social Development Model: A theory of antisocial behavior. In J.D. Hawkins (Ed.), Delinquency and Crime: Current Theories (pp. 149-197) New York: Cambridge CIH (1995).   Housing management standards manual. Coventry. CIH Cowan, D. and Marsh, A. (2001). Two steps forward:   Housing policy into the new millennium. UK.   Polity Press Hardy, H. (1997) ‘Citizenship and the Right to Vote’, 17 Oxford J Legal Stud 76 (1997). Hawkins J.D., Catalano R. F., Miller J. Y. (1992). Risk and protective factors for alcohol and other drug problems in adolescence and early adulthood: Implications for substance abuse prevention. Psychological Bulletin, 112, 64-105. Lewis, G. (2004).   Citizenship Lives Social Policy.   UK.   The polity Press Millie, A., Jacobson, J., Hough, M. and Paraskevopoulou, A. (2005a) Anti-social behaviour in London Setting the context for the London Anti-Social Behaviour Strategy, London: GLA Power, Anne (2007a) City Survivors. Bringing up children in disadvantaged neighbourhoods. Bristol: The Policy Press. Rogers, P. and Coaffee, J. (2005) ‘Moral panics and urban renaissance: Policy, tactics and youth in public space’, City, 9(3) 321-340. Rose, N. (1996).   The death of the social?   Refiguring the territory of government, Economy and Society, vol 25, no 3, pp 282-99. Social Exclusion Unit (1998).   Bringing Britain together: A national strategy for neighbourhood renewal, Cm 4045, London:   The stationery Office. Social Exclusion Unit (2000a) Leaflet, London: Cabinet Office Smith, R., Stirling, T. Papps, P., Evans, A. and Rowlands, R. (2001).   Allocation and Exclusion:   The impact of new approach to allocating social housing, London: Shelter. The 1998 Crime and Disorder Act The 1996 Housing Act

Analysis Of The Tourism Industry In Egypt Tourism Essays

Analysis Of The Tourism Industry In Egypt Tourism Essays Analysis Of The Tourism Industry In Egypt Tourism Essay Analysis Of The Tourism Industry In Egypt Tourism Essay On the 25th January 2011, the Egyptians surprised the whole universe, the rich and the hapless people, old and immature, civilian and the ground forces. Cipher could hold really understood that such protests and ailments would hold congregated such power and domination besides after the false parliaments that have taken topographic point in the elections it was noticeable that dishonesty and fraudulence will increase. On the contrary, that protest pace which so became the revolution was go oning by the Egyptian young person after several old ages of ailments on many different communicating organisations, including webs like Face book and Twitter that played an of import function at that clip. Furthermore, Wael Ghoneim participated in the success of the Egyptian revolution as he convinced all those who watched the Ashera Masaan plan on Dream Two to travel fight for their rights, he touched the people by making their emotional interior which is the chief motive in order to acquire to the required desire by shouting in forepart of the telecasting about what goes in Egypt from offense and poorness and imploring to hold mercy on the Egyptian people, yet all the society was traveling down the streets to protect their edifices and household from the Islamic brotherhood who were cloping frights to the peoples head and the silence of the National Domestic Party, besides the constabulary who were go forthing stations, and losing their inmates to assail the dissenters. -Women before and after the twenty-fifth revolution, before the revolution the Egyptian people normally believe that adult females are inferior to work forces, The Egyptian adult females were used to avoid contact with work forces who were non in their household connexions, while after the twenty-fifth revolution, adult females have their rights ; they learnt how to state their sentiments and positions, besides the adult females s strong part in Egypt s protests against the Mubarak supervisings or governments has a positive coverage to the political equality that have took topographic point in the Tahreer Square, many adult females were processing to take their rights and civil autonomies, yet this happening highlighted the cardinal effects of supporting the adult females s rights in Egypt and may keep back the enduring developments towards educating the adult females s political rights in the state. -In add-on after the revolution, all people were connected together manus in manus in order to protect and clean their state. Egyptian people were and still naming everyone to healthful Egypt by those things foremost to purchase local merchandises, 2nd to halt cheering and learn to listen to each other, 3rd to maintain the streets clean by painting them, and last but non least naming the tourers to come back and see our cherished state which have tonss of fantastic topographic points to see. Furthermore, Muslims and Christians were one psyche at the clip of the revolution contending to take their rights and now they are much connected to each other and happening ways to protect their mosques and churches as Egypt has been good familiar with its faith, values and rules. -Indentifying the Populaces: Egypt was known and will ever stay as one of the astonishing states in the universe due to its outstanding historical pyramids, Luxor and Aswan. Nothing will of all time impact Egypt s beauty in the eyes of the universe, hence I encourage and persuade all Italians, British, and Russians to come and see Egypt after the breathtaking revolution which was accomplished by the Egyptians on January 25th in the release Square that has now become a touristic country which people from all over the universe speak about and are so eager to see it and to experience the hurting and felicity which the Egyptian young person have created in Egypt. Tourist Plans Campaign The sense of To move the sense of the Egyptians, unenthusiastic and build a dwell taken at the first attainment of the cognition of the state of conflict by the full of significance, the land of the war with a broad-start is in that reimbursement of periegesis underscore the mark of the seven recognized before the witnesss. Mixing with the crowd to councils, mills, session of the philosophy of print advertisement and out of the stuff Broadcasting / advertisement will be the Customer, or derive the overall efficaciously blow. To be infected with the war On both sides, it shall be done within the grades of the first portion I will beef up the services of a war which is revolving with an although, harmonizing to an exact and in the mode to the consequence of all the mark Promotional Views. The perigees will be underpinned the rewards of the cognition of such activities six: 1. Known to a better Tourist Lifes This was the foundation of the first stage to the cognition of the individuality of perigees war. Will continue utilizing the same expedition, I extended the expression and experience standardize and of all the relevant under the expedition might hold recognized this belonging to the different labor. But merely as alterations to subject to an individuality for its ability to upgrade the reply to the rule of the listeners of the draw. 2. With the cooperation of the Alliess Fabio s, the war of the will hinge on execution of the foundation of the family of the assorted stakeholders the efficient repasts. And here, the object of duty of organizing the land of Egypt, has hired director tungsten perigees with the remainder of the Alliess this one of the sectors: Private sector of my comrades: depends on type of activity, Telecom sectors can be different so that, juridical, etc. It is of involvement should be put in each of efficient contact is at manus. This elect cooperate with the associations to take portion to suit the defender of a co-addition to the disbursal of the cogent evidences have been early. 3. Communicationss package To raise the Profile of the war and get the advice and the support of the assorted stakeholders, while the full selling communications plan designed for, it will be implemented. Any one is, the needy, Target Audience selling communications best a piece of the instruments of which is extended to the ears. 4. The communicating of the Public Relations Program Marker between different sorts of communications tools will be got ready, Public Relations are the most of import of its ability to shoot credibleness in the war s of operation. Further they can adnotacione Public Relations of the remarkable grade the State had different sections of the tenement of the metropolis. For if the history of the topographic point Published in Print Media, I will stretch lying in around about. 5. The cognition of expeditions Plan Designs of all wars is a quality know that to be done is to take attention in and harvest consequences all right. Thingss are established, the stages of Planning, for the undermentioned cardinal stairss: The Project web perigees shall pull off the populace to carry on attitudinal research to take the perceptual experiences of scruples and to the positions of the Egyptians, and travelers will perigees. The research by the art of efficaciously expose the kid is important gage grades of scruples to the sector of State. Or Event elite, oecumenic, it is to eat of consciousness have been done research consequences. This province of personal businesss so all the military personnels the will of stakeholders perigees page, perigees undertakings, a Government of Egypt, arts institutes, and of the media. From the commission I will be the keeper of the cognition of perigees to name a council and in Latin execution of the cognition of victory in war. 6. Develop the communicating of the programs of the run tools Print stuff the consciousness that the mark the seven requests of the land will be supported by circulating print customized Promotional stuff for a war, and the points. And it is its distribution of Posters, Flyers, booklets and through the schools of the offices of the Central After the Egyptian, Social Security Corporation, leaves and inserts. Further Promotional stuff for school as mugs with sackcloth, Bumper Stickers, etc. it shall be repaid. Matter and CDs to be stable as the value of the Promotional and a big Scheme: Tourism is considered to be a really important activity for the whole Egyptian population ; it accounts for 11 % of the entire Egyptian GDP and employs more than 2 million Egyptians ( Feuilherade, 2011 ) . Harmonizing to the old Vice President, Omar Soliman ; during the yearss of the twenty-fifth January revolution, Egypt has lost around 1 billion dollars in touristry. For any run to be successful it needs to hold clear guidelines and schemes to follow. The chief scheme for get the better ofing the crisis of Tourism that occurred in Egypt after the revolution is likely encouraging integrated attempts between different population groups for the interest of bettering the touristry conditions in Egypt. These conditions include, the intervention of tourers, the safety and security, services offered and so on. The integrating of attempts is non merely including the populaces ; who are straight affected by the touristry industry. But, it should besides include the whole public society because seemingly everyone in the Egyptian society is affected by touristry either straight or indirectly. Cardinal Messages: There are really different groups that have been affected by the touristry crisis in Egypt. Therefore, messages used should be tailored in a manner that can suit different mark groups in order to do it easy accepted and in order to do people willing to move upon. Messages used should be appropriate, meaningful, memorable and apprehensible by different targeted groups ( Yeomanz A ; Tench, 2006 ) . The followers is an illustration of the messages that can be used with different groups of the populaces ; Probably the most of import populaces for the touristry in Egypt are the media, tourers, the policymakers and legal organic structures, workers in the field of touristry and directors and proprietors of touristry concerns. First, the media should be inspired to demo the positive side of the revolution alternatively of the negative 1. For illustration, demoing the streets that have been cleaned after the revolution and how the Egyptians are acquiring more civilised and are caring more about their state. The media is usually looking for a good narrative that attracts people ; nevertheless, sometimes the messages communicated give hapless image of the state. Therefore, the media should be send messages about the economic and societal consequence of losing touristry for the whole Egyptian society and besides for Egypt s repute and image all-over the universe. Second, the tourers likely play the major function ; because they are the 1s who decided whether to see Egypt or non. The media may be helpful at this clip ; it can demo aliens a positive image for the Egyptian intervention to the tourers. Tourists need to see how the Egyptians are acquiring more respectful to them and how they are willing to welcome tourers in their state. Furthermore, tourers should be shown the positive side which is the clean streets, the planted trees and so on. Third, the legal organic structures should be encouraged to reform new policies and ordinances that make the tourers feel safe when sing Egypt. For illustration, harmonizing to Mr.Maher Moussa, an Egyptian circuit usher ; he stated that after the revolution when there were about no police officers ; the gross revenues people at the Egyptian bazaars where handling the tourers really bad and they were drawing them from their shirts in order to buy merchandises. Tourists at that clip did non happen anyone to assist them ; seemingly they did non experience safe at all. Therefore, the policymakers should be told these narratives and should be encouraged to return the touristry safe as it was before the revolution. Forth, the workers in the field of touristry demand to be sent a message emphasizing on the fact that touristry is important for them and for keeping or even bettering their life criterions. They need to be encouraged to develop and better the manner they treat tourers and besides necessitate to be encouraged to stay commitment to their work and make non look for other options such as exchanging their callings or immigrating. Gross saless individuals should be treated the ethical behaviour and should be trained on how to pull tourers to make purchases in a polite and appealing manner. Fifth, the directors and touristry concern proprietors besides play a critical function for the success of touristry and returning it back to the original place. Tourism companies should be encouraged to believe of the positive side of the revolution and seek to take benefit every bit much as possible in order to be able to return touristry back. They should be motivated to go on runing through messages stating them that touristry can be better after the revolution. For illustration, Grecian people booked tickets to see Tahrir Square although it was non a historic memorial but people are acquiring attracted to see the topographic point where the Egyptian protests met to inquire for their rights ( Al-Arabia, 2011 ) . The above are considered being the populaces that are straight affected by touristry ; nevertheless, these are non the lone groups that messages should be communicated to. Schools, universities, pupils and normal Egyptian citizens may besides play an indirect function in bettering the Egyptian image all-over the universe and pulling more tourers to see the state. The crisis direction run should get down raising the consciousness of schools and universities for the interest of bettering the touristry state of affairs. Schools and universities should besides be sent messages that need to be delivered to pupils to raise their consciousness about the issue and its credibleness. After directing the appropriate messages to each targeted group, the crisis direction run needs to measure and measure the effectivity and the success of the run. For illustration, increasing the figure of tourers or acquiring positive feedbacks about tourers journeys in Egypt may be indexs of success of the run. The following table gives a brief sum-up for the messages to be communicated, to which groups and what are the success indexs ; Situation Analysis: Egypt s Tourism Crisis after 25th Revolution: As Egypt s national net income is based on its strong historical narratives that revolved around its different metropoliss. Tourism has been one of the most of import factors of allowing foreign currencies every bit good as people with different nationalities enter Egypt. As a consequence of the revolution, an international fiscal crisis had arisen between Egypt and different states. Most of the European tourers who come and visit Egypt late, their rate has decreased in a theatrical manner. After the extremum that was in presence all around Egypt, many of the reserves in footings of aeroplane seats, hotel engagements, and concern meetings have been decreased in their sums. ( Mwathe, 2011 ) In order to do a successful Tourism Media Public Relations run, this situational analysis must be put in consideration in order to cognize what type of message will be sent to the audiences across the chief subject Tourism and its betterments. The Campaign Goals A ; Aims: The Media s Goals and Aims towards Tourism after 25th Revolution: Any run that is in the edifice phases must put ends and aims in order to cognize what job they are seeking to work out, what message they are seeking to direct to audiences and what communicating and media tools they will be able to utilize. Harmonizing to Egypt s touristry instance, Media s ends and aims should be settled in a manner that will assist to better the touristry as an industry, and get the better of the crisis after what happened in 25th of January. These ends and aims will assist sellers in taking media tools and make up ones minding what to set in them. On of the most of import end and aim that the media must concentrate on harmonizing to touristry is that to in increase the sum of tourers coming to Egypt once more the end through the aim which is increasing the flights sums and hotel engagements. Targeted Audiences: The whole Public Relations run beside the media epoch is aiming chiefly aliens who are located outside Egypt. They are chiefly Europeans, and Asians. As a consequence of that, this media run must construct up the appropriate communications tools with the cardinal message of the run, and construct them up in the right manner to make the targeted populaces Europeans and Asians and allow them convey the message and understand it as it should be understood. Media and Communication Tools: Tourism Media Campaign Communication Tools: Communication tools are elements and objects that are used to convey the message from the run to the targeted audiences. They normally are the chief factors in the media run that will assist in accomplishing the ends and the aims of the run. The message could be conveyed through articles, wireless, telecasting, World Wide Web, event sponsorship, or even a whole aggregation of imperativeness releases. Harmonizing the touristry media run, the chief media tools that will be used are telecasting, World Wide Web, and event sponsoring. Television: Through Television media tool used for a touristry run, picture should be directed and produced as a recorded picture on touristry topographic points in Egypt, for case, Luxor and Aswan, the pyramids, Sharm el Sheikh resorts, and so forth, that will pull tourers to make non lose what history and civilisation Egypt has made. In add-on, to tourism countries all around Egypt in the picture, famous person indorsement could be used. Through utilizing famous persons that are known locally and internationally, the message transmitted will be more sure and tourers will be attracted to come and see Egypt s history, visit every museum, every temple, and so forth. Besides, sellers could emphasize on tourers emotional facets in which their feelings gets connected which Egypt as a state, and bear to them in head that these emotions will be satisfied when they visit Egypt. The Television tool began with a little picture that was made right after the twenty-fifth revolution, From Egypt with Love ( Boyd, 2011 ) It was promoting Egyptian people to handle tourers in a friendly manner and in the same clip, the message is transmitted to tourers that the Egyptians are sort and welcoming to anyone who come and visit the state ( mention to the Video s Screenshot in Appendix 3 ) . ( Boyd, 2011 ) World Wide Web: The cyberspace and World Wide Web now plays an of import function in the media sector, as it is a spider web that connects the whole universe and makes it as a one united island. Internet could be used in touristry media run through doing groups on Face book, chirrup and all societal webs that anyone could fall in them. They could include information about how strongly the touristry is traveling to be after the twenty-fifth revolution and what good alterations have been made to the touristry in Egypt. Besides, web sites could be designed for information about every touristry topographic point that is recommended for sing in Egypt including history, images, and even pictures to allow tourers acquire attracted and become emotionally affiliated with Egypt. Besides, this will increase the demands to the aliens to come and bask what they have seen in real-life. Taking Face book as an illustration to World Wide Web Media, there are one of the runs that already started directly after the re volution incorporating two groups about lasting and acquiring the life back to the touristry in Egypt. These two groups have made a immense impact on tourers and aliens Facebook users all around the universe trusting that it will better Egypt s touristry image internationally. ( Refer to one of the group s Profile Picture in Appendix 3 ) . ( Ling, 2011 ) Event Sponsoring: Sponsorship generates a monolithic opportunity for any type of companies in which it helps to widen the good repute through sing company s image, position, and everything that makes the company unique through supports of certain events that will increase the attending of the targeted audience. ( Khera Communications, Inc. , 2011 ) This event sponsorship could be an effectual manner to pass on with tourers all around the universe, particularly when Egyptian companies sponsor international events or frailty versa. Through making these sorts of sponsorships, aliens will cognize and detect that despite all the series of events that happened in Egypt is still and seeking to be in a high place in the economic system of the universe. In my sentiment, for acquiring back touristry to its normal rhythm in Egypt, Egyptian companies must patronize international events in order to remain connected with international audience and pull them to the state to be interested in the long-term to come and see Egypt. Besides, for international companies Egypt must do life easier to them in order to be easy located in Egypt and this will assist them patronize Egyptian events, for case, athleticss events, charity events, that will construct trust between Egypt and different States. Through following these stairss in constructing a media public dealingss run to the touristry in Egypt, it will assist in an tremendous manner to better Egypt s image to the outside universe, non merely see the dark side of the image. Furthermore, the message delivered from the state Egypt to the targeted audiences aliens will be sent and understood efficaciously Communication Process Appendix 3 and there will be no noise nor distraction in the message s process/ Egypt was ever known with its trueness, loving, kindness and so forth to its visitants and even its citizens, and this image must be the same till terminal of life clip, And as the picture said through one of the picture runs, Egypt We Love You !

Operations Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Operations Management - Essay Example In this regard, process charts can be used at different levels depending on the details required and the stage of analysis. In all the representations of the process charts, there are common symbols that are used. The symbols were first developed and used by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) (Institute of Management Services, 2011). The symbols are presented here below with their implications. This symbol represents an ongoing operation. It is the main step implying that a product or material is undergoing some modification This is a symbol for inspection. It signifies a check for quality of services or products in the process (Graham, 2008, p.1). This indicates the movements (transportation) of products or workers in the execution of a process (Graham, 2008, p.1). This represents storage whereby materials are received in the storage sections or issued from the storage houses (Graham, 2008, p.1). This shows a delay or temporary storage in the process. It can also re present equipment that has been put aside up to when it will be needed in the due course Process charts are significant as they indicate the actual situation at work rather than a theoretical perspective of the situation (Graham, 2008, p.4). The above symbols are used to present a process chart of the operations involved in a trip by an airplane from Gen Edward Lawrence Logan International Airport to some destination and back to the airport. The Logan international airport is the only international airport in Massachusetts and is served by over 40 international airlines (Maps of World, 2011). It involves an air trip from Logan International Airport to Amsterdam, Netherlands using KLM-Royal Dutch Airlines. The forth and back journeys take approximately 7 hours 15 minutes each without any stoppages. The activities involved in the entire process and their respective categories are presented in the chart. Time (hours) Chart Symbols Process description - N Booking of flights by the passe ngers .5 Arrival of the passengers at the Logan International Airport 1 ? Verification of the reservation by the travel attendants .5 ? Referring the passengers with incorrect information to the travel agency for verification ? Receiving and checking the baggage of the passengers ? Printing the receipts for the passengers’ baggage 1 ? Printing boarding card for all the passengers with or without a luggage ? Issuing the travel documents to the passengers .15 ? Checking the conditions of the aircraft - N Obtaining information on the weather conditions .5 ? Queuing of the passengers as they are checked-in and ushered into the aircraft in readiness for the departure - ? Departure from Logan International airport - On-board services like sales of snacks and other products or services offered by the travel agency 7.25 Air traffic control - ? Ground handling- Coordination with the attendants at the destination airport on the landing condition - ? Arrival at Amsterdam .5 ? Checking o ut of the passengers from the aircraft by the travel assistants .5 ? Verifications of the conditions of the passengers’ baggage using the baggage receipts 1 ? Verification (checking –in) of the travel documents by the travel agency at Amsterdam airport - Passenger’s departure to their different destination .5 ? Arrival of the passengers in readiness for the return journey 1 ? Verification

Developing Academic Skills Literature review Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Developing Academic Skills - Literature review Example Darwin’s evolution reveals that for a chance to exist there must be separation as well as a purpose or reason to transform. According to Rowold and Borgman, transformational leadership is distinct from transactional leadership. According to Osborn (2002), network leadership is another derelict aspect of management, which is not independent. These concepts form the theme of this summative paper. Literature Review Darwin’s theory lessons According to Keith Denton book, "What Darwin can teach us about success", discussing development and learning in corporations and organizations, it is evident that transformation is possible. Darwin’s evolution reveals that for the opportunity to exist there must be separation as well as a reason or motive to change (Ospovat 1995). This is linked to Darwin's elucidation of how preferential continued existence of the slightest advantages can lead to sophisticated forms is the most imperative explanatory standard in biology, and trem endously powerful in numerous other fields. Such achievement has emphasized concepts that life is in all respects a conflict of each against everyone, where each person or entity has to look out for their opportunities and fully exploit. This is essential in lifelong skills of development whether in acquiring academic skills or life experiences. Charles Darwin's hypothesis of how evolution exists is clearly competitive, and even gladiatorial. Species are pitted against each other for scarce resources, alike species with identical needs and environment even more so, are all competing for existence (Gayon 1998). From the Denton approach, individuals can learn to compete for opportunities, and not wait for disasters but develop their ways through respective challenges. In organization, managers can transform their organization trends by ensuring that opportunities and threats adequately assessed. Survival for the fittest is the backbone philosophy derived from the Darwin theory. It can be utilized to enhance progress in developing skills. This conforms to the expression, do not merely compete, but rather try to be the best in the world. Transformational leadership and transactional leadership Transformational leaders look for novel ways of functioning, search for opportunities in the face of threat, favor effective responses to well-organized answers, and are less probable to maintain the status quo. They do not just react to environmental circumstances; they try to shape and produce them (Bass & Avolio 1994). Transformational leaders may employ transactional approaches when suitable, but they also incline to use symbolism and descriptions to solicit augmented effort. The leader achieves this by increasing the level of academic awareness about the significance of valued results, by augmenting or expanding individual requirements, and by enticing a belief in rising above self-interest for the benefit of the organization or team (Bass & Avolio 1994).Genuine transfo rmational leadership necessitates staffs empowerment, not employee reliance. It is evident that transformational

The Pros And Cons Of Biofuels Environmental Sciences Essay

The Pros And Cons Of Biofuels Environmental Sciences Essay Nowadays, as the problem of greenhouse gases emissions is getting more serious, Carbon-negative biofuels represent the first potentially huge assault on the problem, in ways that are already technically feasible and practicable (Mathews, 2008). Scientists are having their research on how to ease or solve these problems. The topic of biofuels is being more popular in the recent years because it has the most potential to be a significant source of energy. Biomass is providing a surprisingly large amount of the worlds energy 10% of total global primary energy consumption (Energy Future Coalition, 2007). Advantages of biofuels Safety Biofuels are safe to handle and transport because they are biodegradable, much less toxic than even table salt (ten times), and have high flashpoints of about 300oF compared to gasoline and petroleum diesel fuel (diesel has a flash point of 125 F, for comparison) (Biodiesel Chemical Safety Data Oxford University). Because of its safety, the number of incidence of severe vehicle fires can be reduced, and its safety making it to be one of the safest of all alternative fuels. Also, biofuels produce fewer by-products than conventional hydrocarbon based fuels after combustion or burning. The conventional hydrocarbon-based fuels will produced a greater output of some noxious by-product, for example, carbon monoxide. That means, biofuels could lead to less localized smog in urban centers (Charles et al). Energy security and saving money An opportunity of developing countries to enhance national energy security has been provided by biofuels, by reducing expenditures and dependence on fluctuated price of oil. For example, Brazil, she started the biofuels programme when the oil prices increase in 1970. The initial biofuels programme took about 4 billion US dollars, and nowadays 100 billion US dollars are saved because of the programme (Raswant et al., 2008). For the world, there is the potential for expanded ethanol production to replace 10% of the worlds gasoline with enthanol that is 25 to 30 billion gallons (Charles et al., 2007). 2.3 Agriculture development The introduction of biofuels can help bring modern energy services to rural areas particularly. 75% of the worlds poor can be employed due to the greater investment are fostered. On the other hand, biofuels industry can also create new job opportunities in rural areas and a major new source of income for farmers can also be provided. And farmers can enter a market with higher prices and rising demand by producing transportation fuel. Growing energy crops is more likely to attract the kind of foreign investment that can modernize their agricultural practices as well as increase their food production (Energy Future Coalition, 2007). Carbon-negative Biofuels is carbon negative fuel because it can remove carbon that in the atmosphere and the theory is: biofuels can draws carbon by photosynthesis (growing of biomass). The technical means of turning biofuels carbon negative are already available. The following is the explanation of the difference between carbon positive, carbon neutral and carbon negative fuels. Firstly, carbon positive fuel, it provides negative effect to climate because the fuels are drawn from fossil fuel deposits, and burned thus releasing carbon dioxide to the atmosphere. Secondary, carbon neutral fuels, theses fuels will absorb carbon dioxide when they grow, but the same amount of carbon will release back into the atmosphere when burnt. This is definitely a carbon-neutral cycle. Finally, carbon negative fuels, these fuels will also absorb carbon dioxide when they grow as well as carbon neutral fuels, but the difference is when carbon negative fuels burn and used as fuel, not the same amount of carbon dioxide which absorb when they grow will release, they tend to release small amount into the atmosphere. In other words, these fuels can reduce carbon dioxide (Mathew, 2008). Diagram source: http://biopact.com/2007/10/strange-world-of-carbon-negative.html. Convenience Biofuels is convenience because it does not require changes to switch to use compare with the other renewable energy, for example, solar energy and wind energy. (Want to know it, 2010). For the transport vehicle, Use of bio-diesel and bio-petrol do not require any change in the vehicle engine (Times internet limit, 2008). 3. Disadvantages Soil degradation The more alternative energy sources, for example biofuels, the greater the demand of agricultural land. Such as Amazon basin, scientist predicted deforestation will escalate, with growing amounts of virgin rainforest being cleared for farmland, thus greater soil degradation are going to ensue (Charles et al). Impact on water resources Increase the use of biofuels will definitely increase the use of water resources, such as: water will be used for the irrigation of crops used as feedstock for biodiesel production and water is used for boiling and cooling in the process of producing biofuels in refineries. (Energetics Incorporated Columbia, 2007). And the use of water resources is keep increasing, for example, in the United States, the number of ethanol factories has already increased from 50 in 2000 to about 140 in 2008 and 60 is constructing, this trend represent the consumption of water is getting serious (Julian Rubin, 2008). Soil erosion, deforestation and loss of biodiversity On a small scale, as the carbon compounds in waste biomass are consumed by other microorganism, they break down the biomass in the soil to produce valuable nutrients that are necessary for crops. Lets move on to a larger scale, plant biomass waste provides small wildlife habitat. And when human use the biomass to produce biofuels, the organisms and natural habitats are to be threatened. For Soil erosion, when cellulosic ethanol is produced from feedstock like switchgrass and saw grass, the nutrients that required to grow the lignocellulose are removed and cannot be processed by microorganisms to replenish the soil nutrients, then the soil is of poorer quality. For the deforestation, lets have an example, Amazon rainforest, in order to produce sugar cane for ethanol fuel in Brazil, an areas have been cleared by burning and slashing techniques, large scale of deforestation was conducted, the major plant is mature trees, which can help remove carbon dioxide through photosynthesis, and this function is more efficient than sugar can or most other biofuels do. This deforestation is therefore contributes to un-sustainable global warming atmospheric greenhouse gas levels, loss of habitat, and a reduction of valuable biodiversity (Julian Rubin, 2008). Problems caused to car engine Nowadays, Biodiesel is using in order to replace petrol diesel in car engine, and biodiesel is made from vegetable oils, some problems occur when using biodiesel, such as, coking and trumpet formation on the injectors, oil ring sticking, and thickening and gelling of the lubricating oil, it is because of the higher viscosity and density, lower heating value and lower cetane number of vegetable oils. The following table show the above disadvantages of vegetable oils as diesel fuel compare with D2 fuel (Kralova and Sjoblom, 2010). Table Source: Kralova and Sjoblom, 2010 4. Conclusion To conclusion, biofuels have advantages and disadvantages, for the advantages, biofuels is safe because it has high flesh point, enhance national energy security and help countries saving money from import oil. Also, it can bring modern technology to rural area, and create job opportunity. And the most important advantages are, using biofuels can definitely ease the problem of carbon emission. On the other hand, biofuels have disadvantages as well, deforestation rate will increase, thus affect the biodiversity. And more water resources will be used. Lastly, using of biofuels in car engine will bring harms to the engine. Recommendation From the advantages and disadvantages which has discussed above, yes, it does help ease the problems of global warming from reducing carbon or provides benefit, but biofuel still have lot of hurdles to tackle. Therefore, it is too early to say that biofuels are the significant energy in the future. In my opinion, the research on biofuels should keep going and it would be great if more generations of biofuel appear, then the uses of biofuel can be apply and spread more widely. On the other hand, deforestation should not be employed, because it will totally affect the biodiversity, not only the biodiversity, but also soil.

Technology in Greg Bears Blood Music Essay -- Blood Music Essays

Technology in Greg Bear's Blood Music      Ã‚   Different genres of literature are particular responses to society; therefore, cyberpunk, as a genre, is a response to our contemporary society, known as the information age. One of the attributes given the genre is that it has an apocalyptic or post-apocalyptic tone, warning the reader of the perils of technology, while at the same time celebrating the possibilities of technology, usually through a strong character in the novel. In Greg Bear's Blood Music, technology is seen as having a destructive and creative forces as it reshapes the world biologically, and incorporates every living thing, including a slow girl named Suzy, into the system. Blood Music demonstrates the perils and benefits in a world full of diverse technology, typical of the cyberpunk genre, responding to frightening and powerful possibilities in the secrets of technology which are just on the brink of discovery.    First, a demonstration of the kind of technology available today would lend to a better understanding of some of the biological possibilities. Already we can clone and manipulate individual genes. We can replicate DNA patterns and build proteins. Information is available at the touch of a button on the newest technology, so that it can be ingested by the younger generations just by browsing the Net. Also, the beginnings of nanotechnology, manipulating individual atoms to create new structures, is beginning to develop. James Graves wrote in a paper focused on the technological advances in our time, that nanotechnology, not too unlike the theories behind Vergil's experiments in Blood Music, would allow us to create tiny "organisms" that could show us more about ourselves, r... ...ction is a particular response to society, and our society is in the information age, then it is incredibly appropriate to include Blood Music to the genre when we are making biological leaps and bounds today. Bear uses his characters to show that the effects may not be so bad for the individual, although technology will probably change the entire face of society as a whole. Perhaps someday cosmetic things will matter less, and we will be able to include a slow child into the ranks and make her feel whole, just like a part of each personal wants to feel at least normal, hopefully exceptional.    Works Cited Bear, Greg. Blood Music. New York: Ace Books, 1996. Graves, James C. "Technology and Its Effect on Society." Online. Purdue Lib. Internet. 9 October   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   1997.(http://nonotech.rutgers.edu/nanotech/papers/graves.hist).      

Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff, Christ’s Childhood Pal Chapter 24

Chapter 24 I've finally finished reading these stories by Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. These guys make the whole thing seem like an accident, like five thousand people just showed up on a hill one morning. If that was the case, getting them all there was the miracle, let alone feeding them. We busted our asses to organize sermons like that, and sometimes we even had to put Joshua in a boat and float him offshore while he preached, just to keep him from getting mobbed. That boy was a security nightmare. And that's not all, there were two sides to Joshua, his preaching side and his private side. The guy who stood there railing at the Pharisees was not the same guy who would sit around poking Untouchables in the arm because it cracked him up. He planned the sermons, he calculated the parables, although he may have been the only one in our group that understood any of them. What I'm saying is that these guys, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, they got some of it right, the big stuff, but they missed a lot (like thirty years, for instance). I'll try to fill it in, which is why, I guess, the angel brought me back from the dead. And speaking of the angel, I'm about convinced that he's gone psycho. (No, psycho isn't a word I had back in my time, but enough television and I'll have a whole new vocabulary. It applies. I believe, for instance, that â€Å"psycho† was the perfect term for John the Baptist. More about him later.) Raziel took me to a place where you wash clothes today. A Laundromat. We were there all day. He wanted to make sure I knew how to wash clothes. I may not be the sharpest arrow in the quiver, but it's laundry, for Christ's sake. He quizzed me for an hour about sorting whites and colors. I may never get this story told if the angel keeps deciding to teach me life lessons. Tomorrow, miniature golf. I can only guess that Raziel is trying to prepare me to be an international spy. Bartholomew and his stench rode one camel while Joshua and I shared the other. We rode south to Jerusalem, then east over the Mount of Olives into Bethany, where we saw a yellow-haired man sitting under a fig tree. I had never seen a yellow-haired person in Israel, other than the angel. I pointed him out to Joshua and we watched the blond man long enough to convince ourselves that he wasn't one of the heavenly host in disguise. Actually, we pretended to watch him. We were watching each other. Bartholomew said, â€Å"Is there something wrong? You two seem nervous.† â€Å"It's just that blond kid,† I said, trying to look in the courtyards of the large houses as we passed. â€Å"Maggie lives here with her husband,† Joshua said, looking at me, relieving no tension whatsoever. â€Å"I knew that,† said Bart. â€Å"He's a member of the Sanhedrin. High up, they say.† The Sanhedrin was a council of priests and Pharisees who made most of the decisions for the Jewish community, as far as the Romans would allow them, anyway. Aside from the Herods and Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor, they were the most powerful men in Israel. â€Å"I was really hoping Jakan would die young.† â€Å"They have no children,† Joshua said. What Josh was saying was that it was strange that Jakan hadn't divorced Maggie for being barren. â€Å"My brother told me,† I said. â€Å"We can't go see her.† â€Å"I know,† I said, although I wasn't sure why not. We finally found John in the desert north of Jericho, preaching on the bank of the Jordan River. His hair was as wild as ever and now he had a beard that was just as out of control. He wore a rough tunic that was belted with a sash of unscraped camel skin. There was a crowd of perhaps five hundred people there, standing in sun so hot that you had to check road signs to make sure you hadn't accidentally taken the turnoff to hell. We couldn't tell what John was talking about from a distance, but as we got closer we heard him say, â€Å"No, I'm not the one. I'm just getting things ready. There's one that's coming after me, and I'm not qualified to carry his jockstrap.† â€Å"What's a jockstrap?† Joshua asked. â€Å"It's an Essene thing,† Bartholomew answered. â€Å"They wear them on their manhood, very tightly, to control their sinful urges.† Then John spotted us over the crowd (we were on camelback). â€Å"There!† said John, pointing. â€Å"You remember me telling you that one would come. Well, there he is, right there. I'm not kidding, that's him on the camel. On the left. Behold the Lamb of God!† The crowd looked back at Josh and me, then laughed politely as if to say, Oh right, he just happened along right when you were talking about him. What, we don't know from a shill when we see one? Joshua glanced nervously at me, then at Bart, then at me, then he grinned sheepishly (as one might expect from a lamb) at the crowd. Between gritted teeth he asked, â€Å"So am I supposed to give John my jockstrap, or something?† â€Å"Just wave, and say, ‘Go with God,'† Bart said. â€Å"Waving here – waving there,† Josh mumbled through a grin. â€Å"Go with God. Thank you very much. Go with God. Nice to see you. Waving – waving.† â€Å"Louder, Josh. We're the only ones who can hear you.† Josh turned to us so the crowd couldn't see his face. â€Å"I didn't know I was going to need a jockstrap! Nobody told me. Jeez, you guys.† Thus did begin the ministry of Joshua bar Joseph, ish Nazareth, the Lamb of God. â€Å"So, who's the big guy?† John asked, as we sat around the fire that evening. Night crawled across the desert sky like a black cat with phosphorus dandruff. Bartholomew rolled with his dogs down by the riverbank. â€Å"That's Bartholomew,† Joshua said. â€Å"He's a Cynic.† â€Å"And the village idiot of Nazareth for over thirty years,† I added. â€Å"He gave up his position to follow Joshua.† â€Å"He's a slut, and he's the first one baptized in the morning. He stinks. More locusts, Biff?† â€Å"No thanks, I'm full.† I stared down at my bowl of roasted locusts and honey. You were supposed to dip the locusts in the honey for a sweet and nutritious treat. It was all John ate. â€Å"So this Divine Spark, all that time away, that's what you found?† â€Å"It's the key to the kingdom, John,† Josh said. â€Å"That's what I learned in the East that I'm supposed to bring to our people, that God is in all of us. We are all brothers in the Divine Spark. I just don't know how to spread the word.† â€Å"Well, first, you can't call it the Divine Spark. The people won't understand it. This thing, it's in everyone, it's permanent, it's a part of God?† â€Å"Not God the creator, my father, the part of God that's spirit.† â€Å"Holy Ghost,† John said with a shrug. â€Å"Call it the Holy Ghost. People understand that a ghost is in you, and they understand that it goes on after you, and you'll just have to make them believe that it's God.† â€Å"That's perfect,† Joshua said, smiling. â€Å"So, this Holy Ghost,† John said, biting a locust in half, â€Å"it's in every Jew, but gentiles don't have it, right? I mean what's the point, after the kingdom comes?† â€Å"I was getting to that,† said Josh. It took John the better part of the night to deal with the fact that Joshua was going to let gentiles into the kingdom, but finally the Baptist accepted it, although he kept looking for exceptions. â€Å"Even sluts?† â€Å"Even sluts,† Joshua said. â€Å"Especially sluts,† I said. â€Å"You're the one who is cleansing people of their sins so they will be forgiven,† Joshua added. â€Å"I know, but gentile sluts, in the kingdom.† He shook his head, assured now by the Messiah himself that the world was going to hell in a handbasket. Which really shouldn't have surprised him, since that had been his message for over ten years. That, and identifying sluts. â€Å"Let me show you where you'll be staying.† Shortly after I had met him on the road to Jerusalem, John had joined the Essenes. You couldn't be born an Essene, because they were all celibate, even in marriage. They also refrained from intoxicating drink, adhered strictly to Jewish dietary law, and were absolutely maniacal about cleansing themselves, physically, of sin, which had been the big selling point for John. They had a thriving community in the desert outside of Jericho called Qumran, a small city of stone and brick homes, a scriptorium for copying scrolls, and aqueducts that ran out of the mountains to fill their ritual baths. A few of them lived in the caves above the Dead Sea where they stored the jars that held their sacred scrolls, but the most zealous of the Essenes, which included John, didn't even allow themselves the comfort of a cave. He showed us accommodations near his own. â€Å"It's a pit!† I screamed. Three pits, to be exact. I suppose there's something to be said for having a private pit. Bartholomew, with his many canine pals, was already settling into his new pit. â€Å"Oh, John,† Josh said, â€Å"remind me to tell you about karma.† So, for over a year, while Joshua was learning from John how to say the words that would make people follow him, I lived in a pit. It makes sense, if you think about it. For seventeen years Joshua had spent his time either studying or sitting around being quiet, so what did he know about communicating? The last message he'd gotten from his father was two words, so he wasn't getting his speaking skills from that side of the family. On the other hand, John had been preaching for those same seventeen years, and that squirrelly bastard could preach. Standing waist deep in the Jordan, he would wave his arms and roll his eyes and stir the air with a sermon that would make you believe the clouds were going to open and the hand of God Hisownself was going to reach down, grab you by the balls, and shake you till the evil rattled out of you like loose baby teeth. An hour of John's preaching and you were not only lining up to be baptized, you'd jump right in the river and try to breathe the bottom muck just to be relieved of your own wretchedness. Joshua watched, and listened, and learned. John was an absolute believer in who Joshua was and what he was going to do, as far as he understood, anyway, but the Baptist worried me. John was attracting the attention of Herod Antipas. Herod had married his brother Philip's wife, Herodia, without her obtaining a divorce, which was forbidden by Jewish law, an absolute outrage by the more severe laws of the Essenes, and a subject that fit well into John's pervasive â€Å"slut† theme. I was starting to notice soldiers from Herod's personal guard hovering around the edge of John's crowds when he preached. I confronted the Baptist one evening when he came out of the wilderness in one of his evangelical rages to ambush me, Joshua, Bartholomew, and a new guy as we sat around eating our locusts. â€Å"Slut!† John shouted with his â€Å"thunder of Elijah† voice, waving a finger under Bart's nose. â€Å"Yeah, John, Bartholomew's been getting laid a lot,† I said, evangelizing for sarcasm. â€Å"Almost,† said Bart. â€Å"I mean with another human being, Bart.† â€Å"Oh. Sorry. Never mind.† John wheeled on the new guy, who put his hands up. â€Å"I'm new,† he said. Thus rebuked, John spun to face Joshua. â€Å"Celibate,† Joshua said. â€Å"Always have been, always will be. Not happy about it.† Finally John turned to me. â€Å"Slut!† â€Å"John, I'm cleansed, you baptized me six times today.† Joshua elbowed me in the ribs. â€Å"What? It was hot. Point is, I counted fifty soldiers in the crowd today, so ease up a little on the slut talk. You're backed up or something. You really need to rethink this no marriage, no sex, no fun, ascetic thing.† â€Å"And the honey-and-locust living-in-a pit thing,† said the new guy. â€Å"He's no different than Melchior or Gaspar,† Joshua said. â€Å"They were both ascetics.† â€Å"Melchior and Gaspar weren't running around calling the provincial governor a slut in front of hundreds of people. It's a big difference, and it's going to get him killed.† â€Å"I am cleansed of sin and unafraid,† said John, sitting down by the fire now, some of his verve gone. â€Å"Yeah, are you cleansed of guilt? Because you're going to have the blood of thousands on your hands when the Romans come to get you. In case you haven't noticed, they don't just kill the leaders of a movement. There's a thousand crosses on the road to Jerusalem where Zealots died, and they weren't all leaders.† â€Å"I am unafraid.† John hung his head until the ends of his hair were dipping into the honey in his bowl. â€Å"Herodia and Herod are sluts. He's as close as we have to a Jewish king, and he's a slut.† Joshua pushed his cousin's hair out of his eyes and squeezed the wild man's shoulder. â€Å"If it be so, then so be it. As the angel foretold, you were born to preach the truth.† I stood up and tossed my locusts into the fire, showering sparks over John and Joshua. â€Å"I've only met two people whose births were announced by angels, and three-quarters of them are loony.† And I stormed off to my pit. â€Å"Amen,† said the new guy. That night, as I was falling asleep, I heard Joshua scrambling in the pit next to mine, as if a bug or an idea had roused him from his bedroll. â€Å"Hey!† he said. â€Å"What?† I replied. â€Å"I just did the math. Three quarters of two is – â€Å" â€Å"One and a half,† said the new guy, who had moved into the pit on the other side of Josh. â€Å"So John's either all crazy and you're half crazy, or you're three-quarters crazy and John's three-quarters crazy, or – well – actually it's a constant ratio, I'd have to graph it out for you.† â€Å"So what are you saying?† â€Å"Nothing,† said the new guy. â€Å"I'm new.† The next morning Joshua leapt out of his pit, shook off the scorpions, and after a long morning whiz, kicked some dirt clods into my pit to thunk me from my slumber. â€Å"This is it,† Joshua said. â€Å"Come down to the river, I'm going to have John baptize me today.† â€Å"Which will make it different from yesterday in what way?† â€Å"You'll see. I have a feeling.† And off he went. The new guy prairie-dogged up out of his pit. He was tall, the new guy, and the morning sun caught on his bald scalp as he looked around. He noticed some flowers growing where Joshua had just relieved himself. Lush blossoms of a half-dozen vibrant colors stood surrounded by the deadest landscape on the planet. â€Å"Hey, were those there yesterday?† â€Å"That always happens,† I said. â€Å"We don't talk about it.† â€Å"Wow,† said the new guy. â€Å"Can I tag along with you guys?† â€Å"Sure,† I said. And thus did we become four. At the river, John preached to a small gathering as he lowered Joshua into the water. As soon as Joshua went under the water a rift opened across the desert sky, which was still pink with the dawn, and out of the rift came a bird that looked to be fashioned from pure light. And everyone on the riverbank said â€Å"ooh† and â€Å"ahh,† and a big voice boomed out of the heavens, saying, â€Å"This is my son, with whom I am well pleased.† And as quickly as it had come, the spirit was gone. But the gatherers at the riverbank stood with their mouths open in amazement, staring yet into the sky. And John came to his senses then, and remembered what he was doing, and lifted Joshua out of the water. And Joshua wiped the water out of his eyes, looked at the crowd who stood stunned with mouths hanging open, and he said unto them: â€Å"What?† â€Å"No, really, Josh, that's what the voice said, ‘This is my son, with whom I am well pleased.'† Joshua shook his head and chewed a breakfast locust. â€Å"I can't believe he couldn't wait until I came up. You're sure it was my father?† â€Å"Sounded like him.† The new guy looked at me and I shrugged. Actually it sounded like James Earl Jones, but I didn't know that back then. â€Å"That's it,† said Joshua. â€Å"I'm going into the desert like Moses did, forty days and forty nights.† Joshua got up and started walking into the desert. â€Å"From here on out, I'm fasting until I hear something from my father. That was my last locust.† â€Å"I wish I could say that,† said the new guy. As soon as Joshua was out of sight I ran to my pit and packed my satchel. I was a half day getting to Bethany, and another hour asking around before someone could direct me to the house of Jakan, prominent Pharisee and member of the Sanhedrin. The house was made of the golden-tinged limestone that marked all of Jerusalem, and there was a high wall around the courtyard. Jakan had done very well for himself, the prick. You could house a dozen families from Nazareth in a house this size. I paid two blind guys a shekel each to stand by the wall so I could climb on their shoulders. â€Å"How much did he say this was?† â€Å"He said it was a shekel.† â€Å"Doesn't feel like a shekel.† â€Å"Would you guys quit feeling your shekels and stand still, I'm going to fall.† I peeped over the top of the wall and there, sitting under the shade of an awning, working at a small loom, was Maggie. If she had changed, it was only that she'd become more radiant, more sensuous, more of a woman and less of a girl. I was stunned. I guess I expected some sort of disappointment, thinking that my time and my love might have shaped a memory that the woman could never live up to. Then I thought, perhaps the disappointment was yet to come. She was married to a rich man, a man who, when I knew him, had been a bully and a dolt. And what had always really made Maggie's memory in my mind was her spirit, her courage, and her wit. I wondered if those things could have survived all these years with Jakan. I started to shake, bad balance or fear, I don't know, but I put my hand on top of the wall to steady myself and cut myself on some broken pottery that had been set in mortar along the top. â€Å"Ouch, dammit.† â€Å"Biff?† Maggie said, as she looked me in the eye right before I tumbled off the shoulders of the blind guys. I had just climbed to my feet when Maggie came around the corner and hit me, full-frontal womanhood, full speed, leading with lips. She kissed me so hard that I could taste blood from my cut lips and it was glorious. She smelled the same – cinnamon and lemon and girl sweat – and felt better than memory could ever allow. When she finally relaxed her embrace and held me at arm's length, there were tears in her eyes. And mine. â€Å"He dead?† said one of the blind men. â€Å"Don't think so, I can hear him breathing.† â€Å"Sure smells better than he did.† â€Å"Biff, your face cleared up,† Maggie said. â€Å"You recognized me, with the beard and everything.† â€Å"I wasn't sure at first,† she said, â€Å"so I was taking a risk jumping you like that, but in the midst of it all I recognized that.† She pointed to where my tunic had tented out in the front. And then she grabbed that betraying rascal, shirtfront and all, and led me down the wall toward the gate by it. â€Å"Come on in. You can't stay long, but we can catch up. Are you okay?† she said, looking over her shoulder, giving me a squeeze. â€Å"Yeah, yeah, I'm just trying to think of a metaphor.† â€Å"He got a woman from up there,† I heard one of the old blind guys say. â€Å"Yeah, I heard her drop. Boost me up, I'll feel around.† In the courtyard, with Maggie, over wine, I said, â€Å"So you really didn't recognize me?† â€Å"Of course I recognized you. I've never done that before. I just hope no one saw me, they still stone women for that.† â€Å"I know. Oh, Maggie, I have so much to tell you.† She took my hand. â€Å"I know.† She looked into my eyes, past my eyes, her blue eyes looking for something beyond me. â€Å"He's fine,† I said, finally. â€Å"He's gone into the desert to fast and wait for a message from the Lord.† She smiled. There was a little of my blood in the corners of her mouth, or maybe that was wine. â€Å"He's come home to take his place as the Messiah then?† â€Å"Yes. But I don't think the way people think.† â€Å"People think that John might be the Messiah.† â€Å"John is†¦He's†¦Ã¢â‚¬  â€Å"He's really pissing Herod off,† Maggie offered. â€Å"I know.† â€Å"Are you and Josh going to stay with John?† â€Å"I hope not. I want Joshua to leave. I just have to get him away from John long enough to see what's going on. Maybe this fast†¦Ã¢â‚¬  The iron lock on the gate to the courtyard rattled, then the whole gate shook. Maggie had locked it behind us after we'd entered. A man cursed. Evidently Jakan was having trouble with his key. Maggie stood and pulled me to my feet. â€Å"Look, I'm going to a wedding in Cana next month with my sister Martha, the week after Tabernacles. Jakan can't go, he's got some meeting of the Sanhedrin or something. Come to Cana. Bring Joshua.† â€Å"I'll try.† She ran to the closest wall and held her hand in a stirrup. â€Å"Over.† â€Å"But, Maggie†¦Ã¢â‚¬  â€Å"Don't be a wuss. Step, hands – step, shoulders – and over. Be careful of the pottery on top.† And I ran – did exactly as she'd said: one foot in the stirrup, one on her shoulder, and over the wall before Jakan could get in the gate. â€Å"Got one!† said one of the old blind guys as I tumbled down on top of them. â€Å"Hold her still while I stick it in.† I was sitting on a boulder, waiting for Joshua when he came out of the desert. I held out my arms to hug him and he fell forward, letting me catch him. I lowered him to the rock where I had been sitting. He had been smart enough to coat all the exposed parts of his skin with mud, probably mixed from his own urine, to protect it from burning, but in a few spots on his forehead and hands the mud had crumbled away and the skin was gone, burned to raw flesh. His arms were as thin as a small girl's, they swam in the wide sleeves of his tunic. â€Å"You okay?† He nodded. I handed him a water skin I had been keeping cool in the shade. He drank in little sips, pacing himself. â€Å"Locust?† I said, holding up one of the crispy torments between my thumb and forefinger. At the sight of it I thought Joshua would vomit the water he had just drunk. â€Å"Just kidding,† I said. I whipped open the mouth of my satchel, revealing dates, fresh figs, olives, cheese, a half-dozen flat loaves of bread, and a full wineskin. I'd sent the new guy into Jericho the day before to bring back the food. Josh looked at the food spilling out of the satchel and grinned, then covered his mouth with his hand. â€Å"Ow. Ouch. Ow.† â€Å"What's wrong?† â€Å"Lips†¦chapped.† â€Å"Myrrh,† I said, pulling a small jar of the ointment from the satchel and handing it to him. An hour later the Son of God was refreshed and rejuvenated, and we sat sharing the last of the wine, the first that Joshua had had since we'd come home from India over a year ago. â€Å"So, what did you see in the desert?† â€Å"The Devil.† â€Å"The Devil?† â€Å"Yep. He tempted me. Power, wealth, sex, that sort of thing. I turned him down.† â€Å"What did he look like?† â€Å"He was tall.† â€Å"Tall? The prince of darkness, the serpent of temptation, the source of all corruption and evil, and all you can say about him is he was tall?† â€Å"Pretty tall.† â€Å"Oh, good, I'll be on the lookout then.† Joshua said, pointing at the new guy. â€Å"He's tall, too.† I realized then that the Messiah might be a little tipsy. â€Å"Not the Devil, Josh.† â€Å"Well, who is he then?† â€Å"I'm Philip,† said the new guy. â€Å"I'm going with you to Cana tomorrow.† Joshua wheeled around to me and almost fell off his rock. â€Å"We're going to Cana tomorrow?† â€Å"Yes, Maggie's there, Josh. She's dying.†