Pablo Ruiz Picassos Guernica :: Visual Arts Paintings Art

Pablo Ruiz Picassos GuernicaHe was born in Malaga, Spain on October the twenty-fifth 1881 to Don Jose Ruiz Blascoand Dona Maria Picasso y Lopez. In 1897 Pablo was admitted to the purple Academy of San Fernando, following in his fathers foot steps tobecome an artist. During his life he painted many famous pieces however the Guernica is arguably his best and nearly meaning(prenominal) painting. After living a full life and having three children, he finally passed away on April the eighth at his villa in Mougins.In 1917, Picasso did the establish and costume design for Serge Diaghilevsballet Parade. This contact with the theater world, as well as atrip to Italy, brought him back to figurative painting with a rawinterest in characters from the Italian comedy. He alternated thisinterest with his investigation into cubism. During the 1920s, Picassocontinued to design theatre sets and painted in Cubist, Classical andSurreal modes. In late(a) April of 1937, after hearing news of thesat uration bombing of the civilian target of Guernica, Spain by theNazi Luftwaffe, Picasso responded with his great anti-war painting,Guernica.On April 26th 1937, a monumental furrow raid by the German Luftwaffe on theBasque town of Guernica in Northern Spain shocked the world. Hundredsof civilians were killed in the raid which became a major incident ofthe Spanish courteous War. The bombing prompted Picasso to begin paintinghis greatest masterpiece... Guernica. The painting became a timely andprophetic vision of the Second World War and is now recognize as aninternational icon for peace.Despite the enormous interest the painting generated in his lifetime,Picasso obstinately refused to explain Guernicas imagery. Guernicahas been the subject of more books than any other urinate in modern artand it is often described as...the to the highest degree important work of art of thetwentieth century, yet its meanings have to this day eluded most ofthe most renowned scholars.The preoccupy ing theme of Guernica is of course death reinforcingthis, in the centre of the painting is a hidden skull which dominatesthe viewers subliminal impressions. The skull is shown sideways andhas been ingeniously overlaid onto the body of the horse, which is in addition a death symbol. The skulls mechanical appearance seemsappropriate to the modern weaponry used in the 1937 bombing. Picassooften hid one or more related symbols within a particular image asPablo Ruiz Picassos Guernica Visual Arts Paintings ArtPablo Ruiz Picassos GuernicaHe was born in Malaga, Spain on October the twenty-fifth 1881 to Don Jose Ruiz Blascoand Dona Maria Picasso y Lopez. In 1897 Pablo was admitted to the Royal Academy of San Fernando, following in his fathers foot steps tobecome an artist. During his life he painted many famous pieces however the Guernica is arguably his best and most meaningful painting. After living a full life and having three children, he finally passed away on April the eighth at hi s villa in Mougins.In 1917, Picasso did the set and costume design for Serge Diaghilevsballet Parade. This contact with the theater world, as well as atrip to Italy, brought him back to figurative painting with a newinterest in characters from the Italian comedy. He alternated thisinterest with his investigation into cubism. During the 1920s, Picassocontinued to design theatre sets and painted in Cubist, Classical andSurreal modes. In late April of 1937, after hearing news of thesaturation bombing of the civilian target of Guernica, Spain by theNazi Luftwaffe, Picasso responded with his great anti-war painting,Guernica.On April 26th 1937, a massive air raid by the German Luftwaffe on theBasque town of Guernica in Northern Spain shocked the world. Hundredsof civilians were killed in the raid which became a major incident ofthe Spanish Civil War. The bombing prompted Picasso to begin paintinghis greatest masterpiece... Guernica. The painting became a timely andprophetic vision of the Second World War and is now recognised as aninternational icon for peace.Despite the enormous interest the painting generated in his lifetime,Picasso obstinately refused to explain Guernicas imagery. Guernicahas been the subject of more books than any other work in modern artand it is often described as...the most important work of art of thetwentieth century, yet its meanings have to this day eluded some ofthe most renowned scholars.The preoccupying theme of Guernica is of course death reinforcingthis, in the centre of the painting is a hidden skull which dominatesthe viewers subliminal impressions. The skull is shown sideways andhas been ingeniously overlaid onto the body of the horse, which isalso a death symbol. The skulls mechanical appearance seemsappropriate to the modern weaponry used in the 1937 bombing. Picassooften hid one or more related symbols within a particular image as

Floods of 1998 in Bangladesh and Shrewsbury :: Papers

Floods of 1998 in Bangladesh and Shrewsbury Causes, Effects and responses to flooding In Shrewsbury The Severn Valley floods, Shrewsbury, UK 1998 Causes ====== The human causes of the floods were summed up by the then Shadow Countryside minister of religion Tim Yeo MP, he said the flooding had increased because of the ho utilize developments on Greenfield sites. By this he means that by covering the land with tarmac in urban areas humans have increased the rate of surface runoff and decreased the saturation levels of the ground. When surface runoff is high rainwater reaches the river faster. It would appear that the speed in which the water reached the river was too fast for the river to handle. The river filled up reaching bank-full discharge and then overflowing its banks onto the flood plain. The flood plain of the River Severn is built on, therefore, when the river floods it floods onto residential areas. With the building of these urban areas the amount of vegetation in the area surrounding the river was reduced, this affects the river two ways. It reduces the amount of interception, which in turn increases the speed of runoff into the river. The lack of vegetation excessively leads to the saturation of the ground. During the months of October and November the rainfall in the Severn Valley was high, as the water soaked into the ground it became saturated. More vegetation in the area would have meant the vegetation using the water would have decreased the amount of water in ground storage. Physical factors of the flood in 1998 are many however, the most important ace was the amount of rainfall. In October 1998 many areas received record amounts of rainfall caused by a hurricane. This hurricane brought very wakeless rain and strong winds. The fact the rain was heavy means that the river did not have time to dissipate the water quick enough and the runoff was too fast, making the river rise t such an outcome that it flooded.

Cyrano de Bergerac: Cyranos Qualities :: Cyrano De Bergerac Essays

Throughout Edmond Rostands classic play, Cyrano de Bergerac, the title character, Cyrano, is a passionate writer whose complex and rich personal qualities are the foundation of his matchless eloquence. Cyranos unrivaled sense of humor is a defense against those who humiliate him for his outlandish appearance. For example, during the nose speech, Cyrano challenges Valvert with twenty stunningly varied and complex alternative suggestions, nonpareil more stinging than the next, to replace Valverts banal attempt at insult. Cyranos retaliation against Valverts feeble attempt at embarrassment backfires as Cyrano destroys his opponent with a tirade of ingenious examples of how better to insult "the nose" Its a rock, a peak, a cape No, more than a cape a peninsula (41). In addition to Cyranos wit, his language is deeply thought-out and rich with poetic imagination. Cyrano amplifies upon a single word by using concrete words to spin a simple concept into a memorable poetic experienc e. Cyrano illustrates the value of Christians need for a kiss from Roxane After all, what is a kiss? A vow made at closer range, a more precise promise, a confession that contains its own proof, a seal placed on a pact that has already been signed its a secret told to the mouth rather than to the ear, a fleeting moment filled with the hush of eternity (126). Furthermore, it is in compensation for Cyranos great suffering that his verbal style is so sensitive and brilliant. He will always love in vain 2Look at me and tell me what hope this protuberance might leave meI go into a garden, smelling the fragrance of spring with my poor inconclusive nose, and watch a man and a woman strolling together in the moonlight. I think how much I, too, would like to be walking arm in arm with a woman, under the moon (51). Incorporating cleverness and eloquence into his language, Cyrano replies to Le Brets sympathy with the response that he would never let a majestic tear be lowered by having to ru n down such an ugly nose.

HIV / AIDS among Kenyan Youth :: HIV in Africa

In 2001, Sub-Saharan Africa recorded the highest number ofdeaths from HIV/ back up, with 29.4 million heap living withAIDS 10 million young peck and 3 million children. Amongthese, 12.2 million were women and 10.1 million men. In 2002,3.5 million new infections were reported. From this backdrop,Kenyans were inter forecasted on their perceptions of conjure andcondom use within heterosexual relationships revealing thatdenial and silence played a major role in the escalation of thepandemic while sexual urge differences, culture and power wereperceived as negatively impacting negotiation of sex andcondom use within Kenyan communities.Kagutui ka mucie gatihakagwo ageni.(The secrets of ones home are not to be revealed to strangers)- Gikuyu proverbAIDS was a disease that shines in hush and thrives on secrecy. It wasprospering because people were choosing not to talk about it. It wasthis actualization that provoked me to go wider, beyond my personalcircle, beyond the people I worked wit h. The quieter we keep it themore people it will affect and stigmatize, especially while peoplebelieve that AIDS affects some people and not others (Kaleeba 29).This article is based on semi structured interviews with four Kenyan menand women on how they perceive, and carry on sex and condom usewithin heterosexual relationships. It focuses on gender, culture andpower, and how these dynamics are projected, if at all, in participantsnegotiation of sexual relationships within the Kenyan community. Thepurpose of the study is to understand the relationship between gender,power and HIV/AIDS prevention.Sub-Saharan Africa has recently recorded the highest incidences ofdeath from HIV/AIDS with a total of 29.4 million people living with thedisease. Among these, ten million are young people aged fifteen totwenty four while collar million are children under the age of fifteen. Inthe year 2002, 3.5 million new infections were reported (UNAIDS 2).One reason for this seemingly recent rise in the number of infectionsis the result of years of denial and silence about the existence ofHIV/AIDS. Recent statistics indicate that Botswanas adult prevalenceSex, HIV/AIDS and Silence45rate for example, has peaked to 38.8 %, Lesotho 31%, Swaziland 33.4%and Zimbabwe 33.7%. In total, Africa experiences 6,000 AIDS relateddeaths per day and Kenya, 18 deaths per hour (UNAIDS 3).Researchers, educators and governments now suggest the need forculturally sensitive knowledge of sexual beliefs and practices as a wayforward to understanding and evaluating patterns of HIV/AIDStransmission in different communities, in view of designing effectiveintervention programs (Lansky 3).This paper focuses on a study of culture and HIV/AIDS, and whateffects gender differences and power might be having on HIV/AIDS

Basketballs Greatest Coaches Essay -- Sports, History

Basketball is one of the most touristed sports in the world and the second most popular in the United States and unlike other popular American sports its the only one that originated in the U.S(The basketball man, 2006).The gage of basketball has evolved tremendously since its macrocosm in 1891 by James Naismith. Naismith was a physical education teacher at the School for Christian Workers, now Springfield College in Springfield, Massachusetts. He was approached by the head of the department one day in early December to invent a game that will keep the athletes busy and entertained during the spend months. The winters were fierce and long in Springfield and most of the schools sports were played outside so in order for the athletes to stay in systema skeletale year round a new recreation would generate to be incorporated during between winter and spring. Naismith divided his class of 18 in one-half and introduced them to this new game.At first Naismith was a little apprehensive about is idea, telling himself, When I had decided how I would start the game, I felt that I would have little trouble. I knew that in that location would be questions to be met but I had the fundamental principles of a game, and I was more than willing to try to meet these problems, I continued with my days work, and it was late in the evening before I again had a chance to think of my new scheme(Naismith, 1941).The first basketball game used a soccer ball and two peach baskets, neither of which had holes in their bottoms. There were no backboards, no ten-second line, three-second violation, frontcourt or backcourt, and no boundary lines. Plus, there were no free throws if a team committed three fouls in a row, the other team got a point(The basketball man, 2006). At first baske... ...isterous military position and aggressive coaching style. Robert Montgomery sawbuck also known as Bob gentle and nicknamed The General was the first of his kind. Born Oct. 25, 1940, in Massillon , Ohio, Knight grew up Orrville, where he played basketball, football and baseball for the Orrville Red Riders. Later he went to Ohio State University and played basketball. Only having started two games his whole playing career Knight was a bench player but won sixth man of the year on the 1960 championship squad. After graduating with degrees in history and government, Knight enlisted in the U.S. Army and accepted an assistant coaching position and became head coach in only two years. In his six seasons at West Point, Knight won 102 games and lost only 50. One of his players was Mike Krzyzewski, legendary coach of the Duke Blue Devils (Alford & Garrity, 1989).

Basketballs Greatest Coaches Essay -- Sports, History

Basketball is one of the intimately popular sports in the world and the second most popular in the United States and unlike other popular American sports its the only one that originated in the U.S(The basketball game man, 2006).The game of basketball has evolved staggeringly since its creation in 1891 by James Naismith. Naismith was a physical education teacher at the School for Christian Workers, now Springfield College in Springfield, Massachusetts. He was approached by the head of the department one day in early December to invent a game that will keep the athletes busy and entertained during the winter months. The winters were fierce and long in Springfield and most of the schools sports were played outside so in order for the athletes to stay in shape year round a new recreation would have to be incorporated during between winter and spring. Naismith divided his class of 18 in half and introduced them to this new game.At starting time Naismith was a little apprehensive about is idea, telling himself, When I had decided how I would start the game, I felt that I would have little trouble. I knew that there would be questions to be met but I had the fundamental principles of a game, and I was more than willing to try to suitable these problems, I continued with my days work, and it was late in the evening before I again had a chance to think of my new scheme(Naismith, 1941).The first basketball game used a soccer ball and two peach baskets, neither of which had holes in their bottoms. There were no backboards, no ten-second line, three-second violation, frontcourt or backcourt, and no point of accumulation lines. Plus, there were no free throws if a team committed three fouls in a row, the other team got a point(The basketball man, 2006). At first baske... ...isterous attitude and aggressive coaching style. Robert Montgomery sawhorse also known as Bob gentle and nicknamed The General was the first of his kind. Born Oct. 25, 1940, in Massillon, Ohio, Knight grew up Orrville, where he played basketball, football and baseball for the Orrville Red Riders. Later he went to Ohio State University and played basketball. Only having started two games his whole playing locomote Knight was a bench player but won sixth man of the year on the 1960 championship squad. After graduating with degrees in history and government, Knight enlisted in the U.S. Army and accepted an assistant coaching position and became head coach in only two years. In his six seasons at westernmost Point, Knight won 102 games and lost only 50. One of his players was Mike Krzyzewski, legendary coach of the Duke Blue Devils (Alford & Garrity, 1989).

Fat Burner Supplements

Authors Letter Writing this essay I learned a lot about plonk burner supplements. I recitation to think they were not harmful to my body, but I realize that they are. Before I would walk In to supplement stores and when I would see a fat burner ad on display I would buy it. The ad would get my attention because it would show a muscular and defined body, and thats something I desired as an athlete. Furthermore, the employees would not mention to me the side affects the pills contain, so I was unaware of what I was in aging and putting inside my body.As time progressed I started to realize that my workouts were not the same without these pills. I also notice my performance In the ring was not the same. Therefore, I felt like I could not perform without these pills because the drop of energy my body did not produce anymore. I would go back to supplement store and purchase more fat burners. After a fewer months my physic changed, I notice an increased in muscle size and my body was d efining, but little did I know the side effects would kick in right after.Consequently, I started to feel anxiety and my heart rate would Increase for no reason when I was In my comfort mode. My doctor at the time told me I was suffering from anxiety. He prescribed medication, In which I took for a few months before my anxiety started fading. Now, my anxiety is under control, but its not permanently out of my system it comes and goes. If I would have known what side effects these pills contained, I wouldve thought twice before consuming them.I took the supplement as directed and read warning label, but I was unaware that the symptoms would last a lifetime. I wrote this essay to educate those who read It about the dangers fat burner supplements produce. In conclusion. At the end of the day It Is someones decision to consume these pills Into their system, but if they learn more about these pills history individuals will think twice about buy and maybe they will not consume nor abuse the supplement.

Child Obesity Problem Essay

Abstract. Child obesity has been a serious issue in America. Approximately a 1/3 of children populations be overweight or risk becoming overweight. Children atomic number 18 eating unhealthy foods with minimal nutritional value and the tangible education programs are being slim of the tame day. Since these are the major occasions of obesity they spell doom for America. The Bill no S. 100 in any case known as Healthy Students Act of 2007 was introduced by Barbara Boxer the California Senator who is besides an advocate of children and families. (www.govtrack.us).It advocates for the health of children in schools by promoting better nutrition and increased physical activities. Ameri burn down Diabetes Association (ADA) and the American spirit Association (AHA) support it. Major causes of obesity are lack of physical exercise combined with poor diet. A balance must be ena more thand so that calorie intake does non outdo calorie utilization. Children need to beam up calories through physical activities. They should not over rely on inactive leisure activities like watching television, surfing the net and playing word-painting gamesChildhood obesity is associated to various health effects like hypertension, diabetes and respiratory diseases illnesses for instance diabetes and high short letter pressure. It is therefore an important home(a) account statement that forget wait on save the children of America. However, its implementation could be delayed due to the legislative process that could take time. Again the assesspayers who are expected to fund it might oppose it.The Healthy Students Act of 2007 Bill no S. 100 is a bill that encourages the healthy of children in schools by promoting better nutrition and increased physical activities. It is a national bill that was sponsored by Barbara boxer of CA on January quaternate 2007. (www.govtrack.us) The bill requires the establishment of a pilot program providing grants to school districts or non-pr ofit organizations for use in promoting healthy food alternatives under the school lunch and school breakfast programs. It amends the Public Health Service Act to establish a student loan forgiveness program for nurses who agree to employment as full-time nurses in elementary or secondary schools for 3 complete years. It also amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow corporations a tax deduction for the charitable contribution to a private foundation of exercise or gymnasium equipment for use by elementary and secondary school students. The proposed indemnity is a federal legislation to be enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives. The legislation is very realistic and can therefore be successfully implemented. The federal political relation is expected to sponsor it. Currently it has been referred to the committee of finance and is in the process of deliberation. The proposal affects all people as it focuses on schools, which are heterogeneous in terms of gender, color o r race. Members of the American Diabetes Association (ADA) and the American Heart Association (AHA) who supported the Healthy School Act in New York put up support the policy.The American Diabetes Association is the nations leading 501(c) 3 non-profit health organization that returns diabetes research, information and advocacy. The American Heart Association is a national voluntary health agency whose mission is to build healthier lives free from cardiovascular diseases and stroke. (www.americaheart.org) Barbara Boxer who introduced it supports it. She is the current senator of the state of California. She has been an advocate of children and family and it would suffice to say that she represents Californian as sound as the children. The AHA and ADA represent the promotion of healthier lifestyles for children. They are concerned about the increased health risks associated with changing lifestyles for Americans and are cogitate to promote the good health of children. To support t heir positions the three parties sire their arguments. Senator Boxer proposed the bill because children are eating unhealthy foods with minimal nutritional value and the physical education programs are being cut of the school day. AHA is concerned with promoting healthy lifestyles and lowering cholesterol levels through diet and physical exercise as swell up as preventing children from having cholesterol related health problems when they grow into adulthood. Americans should not be surprised by this policy. First, obesity in children is an issue that has attracted their concern and the dietary guidelines provided meet been amended from section 9(a) of Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act (42 U.S.C 1758 a)) This proposal is likely to be opposed by the local taxpayers. To fund proposal taxes may be imposed on them reducing their disposable incomes. Being forced to pay higher taxes may see them oppose the bill. Costs would be incurred as the programs to grow own food in sch ools and hiring of more physical education teachers would be incorporated. Another challenge that the bill faces is the legislative process, which may delay. The committees may rid of them for instance the senate finance may hinder its proceeding from one position to the next. Obesity among children has been increasing at alarming rates. People consume adapted inactive lifestyles and are not keen on the nutritional requirements of food. Convenience plays an important role in determining the food that one consumes. Approximately a 1/3 of children populations are overweight or risk becoming overweight. Childhood obesity is associated to various health effects like hypertension, diabetes and respiratory diseases.The major cause of obesity is lack of physical exercise combined with poor diet. (www.mayoclinic.com). A balance must be struck so that calorie intake does not outdo calorie utilization. Although obesity in children affects people of all races, gender or color it has been ob served that Africa American and Mexican American children are more likely to be overweight compared to non-Hispanic whites. It therefore suffices to say that people of color or the minority groups are more affected by obesity. Children of poor families are also more likely to be obese. Regular consumption of pre-packaged food, fast food, soft drinks can cause obesity as they have quantities of calories and sugars. Consumption of vegetables and legumes is serious as they can help check on weight and cardiovascular diseases. Children are a critical population that needs more nutrients than human beings for their development and development. Improving on the diet and exercising levels can help protect childrens health both at the current levels and in future. (Www.mayoclinic.com). Physical exercises help burn out excess calories in the body. This helps reduce chances of acquiring illnesses for instance diabetes and high blood pressure. They also contribute to healthy bones and muscles . Children need to burn up calories through physical activities. (www.kidshealth.org). They should not over rely on inactive leisure activities like watching television, surfing the net and playing video games. Families must play an important role in ensuring that their children stay healthy. Parents have a major role to play in influencing their childrens health. Parents are trustworthy for shopping and cooking in their homes and they determine the lifestyles to be adapted. They also set examples of the eating patterns as well as exercising patterns that to be adopted by their children. Parents should engage their children refers should engage their children in physical activities like swimming and jogging while at the same time ensuring that they provide healthy diets. Incorporating fruits and vegetables in their diets will be beneficial. Parents can also ensure that their children take food that is enough or that they eat with moderation. The Mayo Clinic website section on puer ility explains the signs, causes and problems that are associated with childhood obesity. It also provides ways by which families can control and prevent obesity in children. (www.mayoclinic.com). Another important website that addresses the costs and consequences that obese children face as well as their potential future with obesity and the weight related health care issue is the Junk Food Science. The Kids Health website provides important in-depth information to parents on how they should maintain their childrens health. It addresses the issues related to childhood obesity and its effects. Obesity in America organization website addresses the obesity issues. It focuses more on medical reasons for obesity. Obesity in children increases their healthcare expenditure compared to non-obese children. Obese children are more likely to have laboratory-screening tests as medical staff belief that they are at greater risks. Their blood pressure levels or lab values for cholesterol are hig her than for normal healthy children translating to the increased costs.They are screened for blood pressure, sleep apnea and orthopedic abnormalities. (Junkfoodscience.blogspot.com). protagonism groups that can be useful in combating obesity in the US include the Endocrine society and The Hormone foundation. The Endocrine society is the worlds largest and most active professional organization of endocrinologists in the world and it is dedicated to promoting excellence in research, education and clinical advancements in the endocrinology field. The hormone foundation is an sort out of the endocrine society and its very important in disseminating information. It has established programs on childhood or pediatric obesity. It works hand in hand with the social intercourse and Federal agencies that impact policies dealing with obesity. (www.obesityinamerica.org). Parents should be create time to prepare nutritious foods for their children. They should not opt for the quick fix that ca n harm their childrens health. Obese children can have problems with their self esteem as they can be teased or bullied by their classmates. Obesity in children causes psychological problems to them. clayey children can have bone and joint problems. They increase their chances of developing asthma and they can experience shortness of breath making physical activities more difficult. They have restless or disordered sleep patterns that can affect their development. Tendency to mature earlier is also reported in overweight children and overweight girls course to have irregular menstrual cycles and fertility problems in their later days. A stitch in time saves nine and adverse overweight effects can be counted if appropriate measures are taken. Schools have contributed to the increased numbers of obese and overweight children in America. Lesser time is allocated to physical education programs and some schools have cut it altogether. Sedentary lifestyles in children have consequently a ggravated. Although genetics may contribute to obesity in children, the impact may be reduced if physical exercises and strict dietary measures are followed. It could be difficult to establish if an obese child born of obese parents is obese due to the genetic factor or due to the family lifestyles. (Www.kidshealth.org). Parents should set good examples by adhering to appropriate diets as well as participating in exercises. They should not reward good behavior with sweets as they have high sugar levels. Educating the children about the importance of healthy diets is necessary. Children could rebel if ultimate elimination of sweets, snacks or candies is done. They could find ways to access such foods in absence of their parents. Again imposing a specific physical activity on them should be avoided and a variety should be included. The media plays an important role in favoring unhealthy food. children who see people favoring foods in fast foods or in cartoon shows have the mentality t hat such food is appropriate. They urge their parents to offer them such foods. Children should eat more fruits, vegetables and whole grains. They also ought to get 30-60 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercises each day depending on their age. (www.kidshealth.org). Grains provide energy needs for the child and includes whole meal bread, cereals and pasta. They give children energy to play and carry out important activities. Vegetables provide minerals and vitamins needed for good health. They also provide fiber that is important in aiding digestion. Milk is important as it provides vitamin A, D, calcium and proteins. Fats should be used sparingly on children. (Www.kidshealth.org) Although the bill might neer make it out of the committee or could be revised and incorporated in an already existing bill, I think this is a very applicable policy that can help save American children the consequences of obesity. Disseminating proper information to people through the media can work to c urb child obesity. People should also take their own initiative to fight child obesity.ReferencesMayo Clinic staff. 2007. Childhood obesity. Retrieved on 23rd February 2008 fromhttp//www.mayoclinic.com/health/childhood-obesity/DS00698Sandy Szwarc. 2007. Retrieved on 23rd February 2008 fromhttp//junkfoodscience.blogspot.com/2007/01/fat-children-burdens.htmlEndocrine fiat and The Hormone Foundation. 2008.Retrieved on 23rd February 2008 from http//www.obesityinamerica.org/aboutus.htmlThe Nemours Foundation. 2008. Kids Health. Retrieved on 23rd February 2008 from http//www.kidshealth.org/parent/GovTrack.US. 2008. S. 100 Healthy Students Act of 2007. Retrieved on 23rd February 2008 from http//www.govtrack.us/congress/billtext.xpd?bill=s110-100

The Role of Activist Agences in Shaping the course of Women’s History

There is no doubt that activists and activist agencies have played a employment in shaping the history of women, and a large amount of the historiography of womens history has given excessive attention to the role of activists. Popular history tends to acknowledge a Rankeian view of events, focussing instead on the role of the individual, rather than the deeper underlying social, political and economic causes of history.The traditional Liberal view of the struggle to obtain the certify is that the suffragettes, via their militant tactics and under the leadership of the Pankhursts ensured that women were granted the vote, and that this solved all the injustices between the sexes. This simplistic view of events however ignores the wider changes that were taking place in the frugality and society, as well as placing a larger emphasis on certain activists, rather than looking at the broader picture.The militant activities of the suffragettes were never sufficient seemly to frighten the government or the wider public into extending the franchise to women, their acts of violence towards property were oft small scale and petty. It also ignores the role of the suffragists led by Millicent Fawcett, who were furthest more significant in obtaining the vote for women, for they were the ones who reasoned rather than fought with men and showed that women could deal with political matters.Activists continued to use similar tactics in the seventies to demand changes in the law, much(prenominal) as free nursery places (as removed from local councils responsibilities under the 1980 Education Act) and better maternity benefits. The real changes came about however, non due to the prominent high profile activists, but to the grass roots campaign where women won seats on town and city councils. Historians can often look for the big story to write about, sometimes however the big story is made up of lots of little ones. Womens position in the rescue changed prior to the war as well.Industrialisation brought about the end of small scale family run workshops and in that respect has been a transition to large workshops. The sexual year of labour in mills and factories was seen as a natural occurrence and women did non object to being stipendiary less and exploited more than masculine workers. Trade unions did not favour equal roles in industry for women out of the fear that it would take mens jobs from them. The benefits in industry that women gained during WWI were temporary, and as soon as men returned from the war women were forced back out of their jobs.One view of the effects of WWI is that giving the vote to women was a reward for their hard work during the war, in the munitions and armaments factories. At the same period as activists had allegedly gained a better position for women via the vote, laws such as the Restoration of Pre-war Practices Act (1919) which enacted the agreements between the government and consider unions that womens war work was lonesome(prenominal) temporary. Various activist agencies organised resistance to this, however they proved futile.The changing role of women economically in the latter procedure of the c20 was not due to activists but due to the wider structural changes the war effected on the country by terra firma War 2. Following the Second World War the changing nature of commerce in the UK made it uneconomical to prevent women from working and by 1947 there were more women workers than in 1939 (Bruley). The deindustrialisation of the UK between 1979-1990 sawing machine a large increase in the numbers of women in employment. Marg aret Thatchers economic reforms created huge unemployment, although when employment levels started to recede, women were back into employment quicker than men.This was due to skilled unessential industry jobs being replaced with low skilled tertiary jobs which could get away with paying women less and reducing employees rights due to the reforms Thatch er introduced. In 1990 60% of low paid full time workers were women and Carole Buswell found that in the same year large proportions of women were earning less than the EU recommended minimum wage in tertiary industries, even in jobs such as banking and insurance 40% of the workers fitted this category.This is because even in well paid jobs, such as banking and insuarance, women were restricted from progressing high up the career rill by having to take maternity leave to bring up children, if they were even considered for promotion in the first place as many of these companies were strongly staminate dominated. The Womens self image has changed a great deal since the beginning of the c20, when women saw themselves primarily as mothers and wives, though in working class environments this attitude persisted for a lot longer than in wealthier and better educated social groups.Sue Sharpe found in her 1976 book Just like a girl that working class girls in Ealing in the 70s unflurried expected to marry a husband who would take care of them financially and that they would be responsible for childrearing. Womens level of compliancy has decreased greatly from the beginning of the century when they were almost voiceless, to the present day where girls have become at least as vocal as men, if not more.Deep running social trends such as this cannot be changed over night by activists and this lack of change in the working classes could be interpret as evidence that womens liberation movements have largely been for and by the white middle classes Many women in the 1970s though who had started to redefine their own roles started to make love in new ways, such as communally with other women. A large amount of feminist activists adopted Marxist ideology and blamed the burdensomeness of women on the capitalist exploitation of women as a labour force as well as for the unpaid labour they do domestically.In the 1980s, with its ethos of the individual, women started to cal culate slowly in positions of power, however their high profile was due to their preposterousness. However many women were shocked and against this attitude and the 80s saw many women reject the materialist society and take up campaigns against issues like nuclear disarmament such as the women at Greenham Common. Activists continued to play a role through the 70s and 80s although as in previous(prenominal) times they were often the central figureheads of larger movements based on mass upheavals.As the UK became an increasingly egalitarian society into the 1960s due to the increasing levels of precept and the secularisation of society, women started to realise that the restrictions on career options were chiefly the traditional roles of women and a lack of education. Large amounts of feminists were students and so they had the opportunities to study the past and see the oppression that women had go about and also how little women appeared in history. The Crowther Report (1959) rel eased middle class grammar school girls from the domestic curriculum, opening the door to many more job opportunities.However women were still restricted in the workplace by having to be responsible for rearing children as well as attempting to have a career. Viola Klien argued in Womens deuce roles (1956) that modern societies were unable to afford to not have women working, this capitalised on fears that the UK would fall economically behind the USSR where nearly all women worked. Although activists led the womens liberation movement and campaigned against articles such as Miss World and unequal pay, mainly the reforms came from elsewhere.Equal pay was finally made a reality when the Fawcett Society (a group of feminists) took the government to the EU court to enforce the Equal Value Amendment. How much has changed for women in the last 100 years is debateable. Certainly there have been many legal improvements and women are no longer the second class citizens they were at the begi nning of the century. However according to some feminists, women are still oppressed by society as whole, being expected to take care of children and do housework as well as to have a job.Opponents to this argue that women are the natural carers of children and that there are no real obstacles in the way for women to have both a job and family if the women works hard enough and balances her time. This group of opponents is not only if male. Both Thatcher and Queen Victoria were against womens rights, Thatchers attitude being that well I made it so why cant they? and latter believing in the traditional naval division of the sexes based upon religion and tradition. Men still continue to run the top jobs, with Angela Coyle finding in 1988 that at the very top of companies women made up only 5%.Until 1997 the maximum proportion of women MPs had been approximately 10%. This number was only increased in the 1997 election when Tony Blair supported positive discrimination by adopting an Emilys List policy. This meant that in safe seats women be put forward as candidates, the result was 100 women MPs, however this policy was later declared illegal. As women are still expected to take care of children, maternity leave and career breaks for the bringing up of children harm their promotion prospects, resulting in a glass ceiling that often needs the sacrifice of family life in order to break through.Although women appeared to become visible in the media, this is often because the ones who did make it to the top were so unusual that they were worthy of media interest. Solutions to the problem are hard, some feminists argue that the only way the position of women will change is if men think differently too, however this is terrific to say the least. Bruley reaches the conclusion that women are still disadvantaged because although women now have the franchise and careers, they still have to bear the brunt of childbearing, caring and networking.

Monroe Doctrine Essay

Ever since its inception as a nation, the unite States of the States add uped a abroad form _or_ system of government of isolationism right up to president Jefferson. This was become the European nations, which were at the helm of the Statesn affairs, were involved in several conflicts and turmoil, and the Statesn presidents realized the folly of involving such a young nation in war. thence in 1793, when France declared war on Britain, Americans had divided opinions on the get across of action.The federalists wanted to support Britain, and Hamilton, the depository of treasury, rallied their cause. Secretary of state, who like m all other Americans wanted to support France against Britain. However George Washington stuck by his policy of isolationism and neutraliseed conflict. John Adams, and his surrogate Thomas Jefferson as well adapted this policy. When this conflict between Britain and France increased, Jefferson placed an embargo on trade with both nations.While this ac tion highlighted American neutrality, it was also insalubrious for the American prudence, which led to the removal of the embargo. This step highlighted the folly of the policy of isolationism making it obvious that United States had to make a stand, while continuing its policy of neutrality, not simply isolate itself from world affairs. Hence was a predecessor to the Monroe Doctrine. The Monroe Doctrine was the fruition of early American foreign policy.It was delivered by president James Monroe, in his seventh annual grapple to the Congress on the 2nd of December 1823. It stated that United states would not tolerate any attempt by the European powers to colonize or interfere in the functioning of the western hemi expanse, whilst the western cerebral hemisphere would in no way interfere in the European sphere of influence. It was meant to protect the newly strong-minded Latin American states from European control.It was a defining moment in the separation of the old and new wor ld, and became a long-standing American policy with minor variations, to be invoked by several American presidents. The Monroe doctrine, was delivered, and not read out in the congress unlike the other addresses. In this address Monroe gave the background for such a policy and the existing state of foreign relations, in which he menti iodind negotiations with France, and dialogue with Russia on their commercial interests in the United States.He also talked about the Treaty of Ghent and the difference between US and Britain on the boundaries between the US and Canada. The president also announced to Congress a new round of negotiations with the British toward establishing a treaty that would define the exclusive and shared commercial interests of the United States and broad Britain as regarded states and territories bordering on lakes and rivers emptying into the St. Lawrence River.Thus he justified the need for such a policy and in his address included military strategies and provi sions to safeguard it, like authorizing additional ocean force for safeguarding their commercial interests in the Mediterranean Sea, Pacific Ocean, and the Atlantic coast. The key paragraph of the address, which summed up the foreign policy stated We owe it, therefore, to candor and to the loving relations existing between the United States and those powers to declare that we should consider any attempt on their part to extend their system to any portion of this hemisphere as dangerous to our peace and safety.With the existing colonies or dependencies of any European power we have not interfered and shall not interfere, only if with the Governments who have declared their liberty and maintained it, and whose independence we have, on great consideration and on just principles, acknowledged, we could not view any inter- position for the purpose of oppressing them, or controlling in any other manner their destiny, by any European power in any other light than as the manifestation o f an unfriendly craving toward the United States.The Monroe doctrine had its backgrounds in the foreign policy of earlier four presidents, as well as in the experiences of Monroe and Adams as diplomats. James Madison, during his presidency, continued to follow Jeffersonian foreign policy of prohibition of trade with both nations. In 1810, however, the Congress reversed itself, realizing its ill effects on the uncouths economy authorizing the president to pursue trade with both countries, provided each geted Americas policy of neutrality, or trade with only one, if that one accepted Americas view of neutral rights.Of the two, only France complied, hence Madison declared a state of non-intercourse with Great Britain. This led to the war of 1812 between America and Great Britain. The war, which initially proved to be disastrous for America, ended with the treaty of Ghent in 1814, and thus paved way for Monroes foreign policy to avoid future war, while protecting American rights. Mon roe, who was inspire by Jefferson, and loyal to Jeffersonian policy, saw the need to avoid war, at the same sentence asseverate Americas independence. John Quincy Adams, unlike his father deflected from theFederalist Party, and supported Jefferson in his placement of the embargo on trade with both nations. Thus both Adams and Monroe were inspired by Jeffersonian ideas, and saw the crucial need of making a stand as a newly independent nation, while avoiding the calamity of war. Monroe and Adams were approach with several bothers regarding foreign policy, the foremost of which included renegotiating terms with Great Britain, on the treaty of Ghent and establishing new boundaries, reasserting rights that had been previously challenged.Later there arose a problem of Spanish claim over Florida, and Britain, it was suspected, was providing them help. This led to serious and long negotiations between America and Spain for the purchase of Florida, which ultimately led to the Adams- Oni s treaty, Onis being the Spanish minister to America. This was considered one of Adams greatest successes as secretary of state, until he drafted the Monroe Doctrine, which influenced American foreign policy for generations to come. The doctrine grew out of several diplomatic problems.The counterbalance was the minor clash with Russia c one timerning the north-west coast of North America. In this quarrel, Secretary of State John Quincy Adams expressed the principle that the American continents were no longer to be considered as a field for colonization by European powers. That principle was incorporated verbatim in the presidential message. The other and more important part of the doctrine grew out of the worship that the group of European governments commonly called the Holy Alliance would seek to reduce the Latin American states that had recently gained independence from Spain to a colonial status at one time again.When France crossed the Pyrenees to help put down a rebellion against the Spanish monarch, Britain worried that this might lead to a joint French-Spanish expedition to retake the Latin American colonies for Spain, which would harm British economic interests in the area. The British foreign minister George Canning communicated with the American minister in London, Richard Rush, and suggested that a joint declaration opposing such a development would serve both their interests.Thus in 1823, the British foreign secretary, George Canning, through Richard Rush, proposed to Monroe that America should join powers with Britain for the joint protection of southeast American colonies from the Holy Alliance. There was once again a division of views on this matter. Adams believed that Britain had great self-interest behind such an offer. When Monroe consulted with Jefferson and Madison on this issue, Jefferson asked him to accept the proposal, however Madison, like Adams cautioned Monroe to be wary as it most definitely has British self-interest involve d.According to Harry Ammon, Quincy Adams was convinced that Britain had ulterior motives in this offer. He believed that using this joint action as bait, Britain was hoping to discourage American intention of taking over Cuba, which Adams believed, was inevitable. After much debate in the cabinet, the decision was reached to defy this proposal, for it seemed that America had nothing to gain through this alliance, and President Monroe was anyway reluctant to do anything that might make the US appear subservient to Britain.However America still needed to protect the southern states from being restored to Spain via the holy alliance. Also if such an attack occurred, and Britain interceded and emerged victorious, Americans would be left at the mercy of the British once again, and the Southern territories would fall under British control. It was then decided that the southern countries needed to be protected not only from Spain, the Holy alliance, or Britain, but also from all non-Ameri can powers, and this is how the genius idea behind the foreign policy, to be called Monroe Doctrine emerged.This doctrine, though presented as the annual presidential address, was the brainchild of John Quincy Adams, the secretary of state, whose main motive behind this policy, according to Edward Renehan Jr. , was to deter colonialism. Even though the doctrine shaped future American foreign policy, the immediate repair of the Monroe Doctrine was mixed. It was successful to the extent that the continental powers did not attempt to revive the Spanish empire, but this was on account of the strength of the British Navy, not American, which was relatively limited.According to Alejandro Alvarez, the doctrine was simply a policy for the United States self defense, not for its aggression or for its isolationism. The Monroe doctrine also had not stated any disapproval towards Pan-Americanism or even cooperation with other European nations. The Monroe Doctrine was especially influential in the history of Latin American countries. Around the early 1800s many Latin American areas, under the leadership of Simon Bolivar, had declared their independence from the controlling powers in Europe.These new countries lacked the military strength and experience to fight with foreign powers, however, when the Monroe doctrine was put into effect, they were safeguarded from these wars, and thus welcomed this policy. Over the years, the doctrine became the defining foreign policy of the United States, with continuous changes and variations, however, its two main ideas held true through the years. First, that the United States would not tolerate European powers further colonizing the American continents or interfering in its affairs. And second, that the United States would not interfere in existing European colonies or in Europe itself.According to Edward Renehan Jr. , the Monroe Doctrine had a significant impact, not only in the development of Foreign policy, but also on American hi story, which would have been significantly different, if not for this doctrine. In essence, Without its existence Latin America would have been severely regionalized by European powers to serve their colonial interests, and a range of European powers, not just Spain but also Holland, Germany, France, and Great Britainwould have gained a major foothold, introducing not only new lines to the map, but also new languages and cultures.The coinage of the term Monroe doctrine first came from President James K. Polk in 1845, when he successfully invoked this doctrine to thwart of French and British efforts against appropriation of Texas, as also British threats in Oregon and California. He also expanded the doctrine to include his belief of manifest destiny. A concept, which along with the Monroe Doctrine came to be referred as Polk Doctrine. Monroe Doctrine greatly changed the American foreign policy, by shifting the emphasis from neutrality, to respect towards America, as a newly indepen dent nation.With the ending of the war between European nations, and the restoration of peace, the American foreign policy was liberated from its earlier inhibitions, which had existed ever since Washingtons presidency. Monroe seized the opportunity to permit matters of neutral rights of America dissolve in the background, while bringing to the forefront the concept of the United States as the most powerful in the Americas, and a country which was a serious and powerful republic, which no longer needed the aid or patronage of foreign nations to achieve its diplomatic aims.The Monroe Doctrine was significant in defining and paving the way for American foreign policy for centuries. It was initially drafted simply as a means of asserting America as a power as well as for American self defense, and highlighting it as an independent nation. Its true brilliance was realized only decades later when it was recalled time and again by several Presidents of the United States. It was the first act that grew to see America as a superpower in the world.This simple assertion of non-interference garbled the old world from the new world, thus making the United States the biggest power in the Western Hemisphere. It was the first decisive step in the foreign policy of America after Jeffersons embargo on trade, and it greatly changed as well as shaped foreign policy as the United States for the first time asserted itself as a power without the support or patronage of another nation.

Existentialism & Fight Club Essay

?From an existentialism point of billet, there is no right or wrong choice, since one gives an action value by the merit of choosing it. Choices set up only be judged on how involved the decision maker is when making it. sagaciousness by this standard, the cashier is justified in killing Tyler, since he fully became involved in choosing to both accept and reject Tylers values by that action. Existentialisms first move is to make every man aware of what he is and to make the full responsibleness of his founding rest on him. In my essay, I shall first reason how slam Tyler is crucial in allowing the bank clerk to achieve the first move in embracing existentialism. He acts as the catalyst for the narrator to make the first move in existentialism being aware of what he is by ack at presentledging all his rudimentary instincts and assuming responsibility for his universe of discourse. Tyler does so through his acts of escalating violence and atrocity to provoke the narrator t o confront both who he is and his responsibilities, culminating finally in his own finish.I shall also discuss the theme of consumerism as portrayed in the movie, and how the decision of barb Tyler relates to the narrators interpretation of this theme. The narrator had been hesitant to walk out full responsibility for his worldly concern at the start of the movie. He dislikes his present circumstances- he is jaded with his current job and lacks a clear purpose, as illustrated by the quote A mavin serving package, a single serving Once he consumes the single serving, he is done. He makes a fleeting impression in someone elses life before he fades from their memory.He feels his cosmos is meaningless because he has no connections with anyone. He is not content with the present state he is in, moreover makes no active effort to consciously delimit his own existence. He shows bad faith in this respect, because he deceives himself into believing that he lacks complete license of involvement in making this decision. He is a coward by Sartres definition Those who hide their complete freedom from themselves out of a spirit of sincerity or by means of deterministic excuses. He possesses the desire to redefine his existence by rebelling against the values in society, but this conflicts with his conscious mind (the ego), which restraints him from doing anything socially unacceptable. His conscious mind hides these unacceptable desires in the subconscious mind, coming up with excuses that prevent the narrator from fulfilling these desires. Eventually, the repressed energy from these unconscious desires resulted in the fracturing of the ego itself- into cardinal conscious minds, hence resulting in the manifestation of Tyler.Tyler represents everything that the narrator subconsciously wishes to be. He is the personification of the ID itself, representing the narrators repressed death instincts (our innate instinct for survival), hostility instincts (instincts for violence), and the libido. Before he meets Tyler, the narrator is defines his existence though furniture he purchases and assembles from IKEA. He attempts to make himself into a being-in-itself, believing his perfect state of existence can be reached by purchasing that last piece of furniture he needs.When the narrators house was bombed, annihilating the means by which he defines his existence, the narrator felt as though his existence itself was erased. Every stick of furniture in there was my life. Tyler teaches him not to rely on material goods but to define his existence by his actions. The fight club thus became the new means through which the narrator could define himself through acts of fighting. The narrator learns to revel in violence and physical anguish as a means of defining his existence and to transcend the physical limits of the body.He achieves the first step of self-awareness by satisfying his primal instincts for aggression. His first epiphany occurs when he real izes Tyler is himself. In a sense, he realized that he (as Tyler) is free and capable of inventing and creating himself as whom he chooses to be. This is an important step because he now wants to assume responsibility for his existence. His second epiphany occurs when he shoots Tyler, and thus himself. On the first level, the narrator acknowledges his death instincts by confronting his fear of pain and death.He accepts Tylers ideas of experiencing death so as to be fully conscious of his physical existence. When he shoots Tyler, he does so with the awareness that he is shooting himself. This is the final step he needs to take in order to be fully aware of what he is. On the second level, by rejecting Tylers nihilistic ideas of destroying institutions and value systems, he chooses what values to stand for and thus bring into beings his own purpose for himself. In choosing his ethics, world makes himself. He also translates the belief in these values into the actual action of shoot ing Tyler, thus defining his existence through actual action.On the third level, by shooting Tyler, he assumes responsibility for all of Man, not just himself. He assumes responsibility for Man because he invents what Man should be one who does not act in an uncaring and destructive manner towards others. On the fourth level, shooting Tyler allows the narrator to be defined in a way he wishes to be defined in the eyes of the other. Shooting Tyler is crucial towards removing the existence of Project Mayhem. He does not want Marla to find out about Project Mayhem because he will then lose his connections with her.It is important to the narrator to have a close relationship with Marla. Firstly, she is the only surviving real human being he has a close relationship with in the movie. Secondly, Marla, contend the map of the other, allows him to seek out knowledge about his existence and she is the condition for his existence. By shooting Tyler, he prevents the loss of this other that i s crucial for his existence. Copernican themes discussed in the movie include consumerism. To be specific, it shows how the modern consumerist society affects Mans determination of his existence.In Sartres words, how a change in the a priori limits which outline mans funda mental situation in the universe affects Mans determination of his existence with respect to these limits. According to Sartre, all configurations all appear as attempts to pass beyond them or recede from them or deny them or adapt to them. Consumerism imposes limits on Man to work and to consume, because only if Man works can he consume, and he can consume only if he works. He is emasculated because he is unable to fulfill his natural role as a hunter-gatherer as dictated to him by biology.Man is limited or restricted in the sense he is unable to fulfill his primeval instincts. As seen in the movie, Tyler tries to pass beyond these limits by destroying symbols of consumerism, such as credit card companies, so as to return to Ground Zero. Since umteen people define their existence by numbers in their bank accounts, destroying the bank records will erase their previous existence and allow them to create their existence anew, much like how the narrators apartment was bombed so that he could create his new existence through Fight Club.Tylers ultimate destination seems to be changing the limits by which people define their existence by. He envisions the destruction of modern civilization, and a regression back to a more original hunter gatherer state. In the world I see you are stalking elk through the same canyon forests around the ruins of Rock fellow Centre. In the world he envisions, the new limits by which people will define themselves with respect to are undoubtedly physical strength and prowess. On the other hand, the narrator, like so many of us today, adapts to these limits by embracing consumerism as indoctrinated into him by society through advertisements.He avidly purchases IKE A furniture and defines his existence by these material goods. In Tylers words, he works jobs he hates so he can buy s bring in he doesnt need. He assumes that his furniture uniquely defines him as a person, from the glass bowls with imperfections made by the simple and honest people of wherever to his yin-yang coffee table, plot of land missing the irony that IKEA is a chain-store that mass produces furniture. He is no other different from many other consumers of IKEA who believe that their furniture is unique on virtue of it being selected by them.At the end of the movie, the narrator realizes he needs to strike a balance between the two opposing configurations, one that is in the pre-consciousness state, afraid to confront his freedom, and the other that embraces existentialism and freedom to the point of reckless destruction. Shooting Tyler thus allows him to reunite his opposing configurations and strike a middle balance. Marla is an exemplification of how a person recedes fr om limits that outline the human condition. She does not know what values to choose to define her existence.As a result, she adopts a nihilistic attitude and attempts to hit rock-bottom by trying to court death. Lastly, another important theme in the movie is that of mental pain. Many characters in the movie experience mental pain because they are unable to reject the being in itself others force upon them. Thus, they cannot achieve a true state of being for itself This is because we perceive others as a condition of our own existence, as how Sartre puts it. According to Sartre, once we realize we exist, we realize the existence of others who are free to define us according to how they view us.We are objectified in the eyes of others because others view us as a being in itself. We lose our freedom through their perception of us. Only we expression back and viewing others as objects can we regain our freedom. Bob is viewed as a man who has lost his masculinity. He accepts this being in itself, believing that he is condemned to this fixed and unchanging physical body. Thus, he suffers mental pain because he does not reject the attempts of being in itself others force upon him by realizing his freedom to create his own existence.The narrator similarly suffers from accepting the being in itself society forces upon him- as a member of society whose purpose is to work, to consume and to obey his superiors. His nonesuch self-image is that of a strong and ruthless primal human being. However, he dares not embrace his freedom to reject this being for itself and work towards the transcendent goal of his angel self-image. Thus, his mental pain caused Tyler to manifest, who violently abuses the narrator to symbolize the mental pain the narrator is experiencing.Tyler tries to push the narrator to be fully aware of his unconscious desires, and to assume responsibility for his freedom. Only when he confronts this mental pain (Tylers physical abuse) can he reject being for itself and achieve true being-for-itself, the state where he is constantly and freely choosing his future. His decision to shoot Tyler was justified-because he is freely choosing to reject Tylers destructive ideas, and to transcend his initial transcendent goal of becoming Tyler.In conclusion, the movie has strong themes of existentialism running through it. The act of shooting Tyler was justified because it signifies the first step of existentialism for the narrator- he becomes fully aware of what he is, and assumes full responsibility of his existence. It also shows how human beings may choose to define themselves with respect to the limits of the world they exist in. Lastly, shooting Tyler allows the narrator to confront his mental pain and reach the true state of being for itself.

Diversity and Globalization Essay

Women in motion globalization, state policies and campaign migration in Asia is one of the major works by Nana Oishi. As a writer, Nana provides an analysis about labor migration in Asia with a close look at the patterns of female migration from various countries. Certain provisions are made that governs both(prenominal) receiving and sending countries in matters of female migration. Nana is critical in various theories that are conventional in economic theories of migration.A major area she is interested in is the driving factors reflecting in the source country. She is also very much concerned with structuralist theories relating to patterns of labor migration. Nana criticizes business firm strategies adopted by international migration as it has failed to consider household members as reliable individuals in a spatial relation to make independent decisions. The number of female immigrants has increased in the past owing to factors such as poverty, looking for good jobs, global ization effect and family problems (Oishi, 28).Female migration has a number of negative effects which include increased levels of sexual abuse, dislocation in family ties which has a social implication and increased vulnerabilities as a result of low incomes of the unskilled. The receiving country has the right to protect individuals rights of female migration to avoid encroachment of human fundamental rights. A number of policies need to be considered but two major outstanding policies are enforcement of dual citizenship laws and dissemination of information with a view of incorporating female migrants in programs and institutional structures.Leaders in the receiving country should establish laws that protect the rights of non-citizens such as female migrants. The existence of such migrants possibly is an horizon of blessing to the receiving country through various developments. Existence of dual-citizenship laws protects such individuals from discrimination, violence and other forms of human abuse. Once a female migrates to another country, she should make headway citizenship rights of that particular country. The migrant acquires equal rights like any other citizen and thus she is protected from vices such as slavery, sexual abuse or forced labor (Oishi, 60).The receiving countries are supposed to ob distribute friendly legal systems that promote female migrants dignity. Another major consideration as a protective policy that should be adopted by the receiving country is provision of programs that absorbs female migrants in institutional structures. The reasons that results to female migration such as academic advancement, seeking for good jobs and poverty bunghole be resolved through such programs. It is important for the receiving country to clearly understand such reasons for purpose of protecting their dignity.Considering the humanitarian manifestation of life, leaders in receiving countries should incorporate female migrants in programs that pr omote their rights. Enrolling female migrants into institutions allows them to acquire skills and hence be in a position to seek employment. With skills the female migrants can obligate their own needs without bothering other individuals which is a reason for discrimination. The educational programs also help female migrants to know their rights and feel protected. The McDonaldization of sushiThe eating patterns of individuals in the entire domain of a function subscribe to falsifyd and this is attributed to globalization in the aspect of culture. Food culture is one of the major debates in developed and developing nations which have significance influence on globalization. This is clearly reflected in the argument by Sasha Isenberg in The Sushi Economy. It is an article that clearly reflects on globalized food culture and commerce. In many parts of the world, Macdonald foods have dominated the food sector.MacDonaldization which is a term derived from MacDonalds has influenced t he eating habits of many individuals (Issenberg, 17). This thus is a clear reflection about the influence of globalization in various economic sectors. The spread of various MacDonald fasting food restaurants in the world has an uphold in the way the global delivery is being implemented. The global economy in this aspect relates to diversification of certain aspects of economic fields which promotes establishment of common way of life.In Japan, there are many fast foods stop over that provides both civilians and visitors the capacity to taste their food culture. Development in various economic sectors and establishment of similar practices in the entire economy results to a common way of peoples life. Food culture is one of the most recognized impacts of globalization which is promoted by modernization. The global economy which is influenced by interaction of people from various regions of the world is highly reflected in food culture. MacDonaldization by Sushi thus talks more abo ut global economy which has an impact in many lives of individuals.One major impact of global economy is influence on individuals life which changes the eating habits. In this aspect, McDonaldization of Sushi reflects clearly on the impact of global economy in eating habits of people. Any person from developed countries traveling in developing nations is in a position to receive equivalent services in the scope of fast foods. This is seen as a major achievement for both state and promotes the product of global economy. The growth of economy as a result of globalization and food culture has seen various developments in other food items.A more corresponding aspect is in fish as a food wring which is reaching the same status as MacDonald. Fish as a food stuff is high recognized by nutritionists as a source of proteins that is essential for body building. Another common aspect of fish is its easiness to prepare and serve to customers (Issenberg, 25). In both developed and developing s tates, the availability of fish makes it to dominate the global markets. Considering these provisions, it becomes very easy for fish to resemble Sushi success.Developing states are seen as the cheap source of quality fish such as Africa and as an influence of globalization in the aspect of transportation it becomes easy to supply the spate good in global markets. The global economy is promoted through consideration of such policies making it easy for economy to grow fast. Diversification of food culture and change in lifestyle resulting from economic development makes individuals to change their eating habits. This promotes a common practice by investors in the hospitality sector. Sushi success as good as establishment of fish as a common food stuff promotes global economy.Globalization and flow of information from different perspectives makes it possible to trade fast foods such as fish through the supermarkets and other retail outlets. Since it is served as take away, travelers and children usually enjoy the food stuffs. Globalization in this aspect has led to establishment of certain policies necessary to transform global economy from one state to another. Works Cited Issenberg, Sasha, The Sushi Economy Globalization and the Making of a novel Delicacy, Gotham, 2007 Oishi, Nana, Women in Motion Globalization, State Policies, and Labor Migration in Asia, Stanford University Press, 2005

The Da Vinci Code Chapter 30-32

CHAPTER 30Security warden Claude Grouard simme bolshy with rage as he stood oer his prostrate captive in front of the Mona Lisa.This bastard killed Jacques Sauniere Sauniere had been like a well-loved father to Grouard and his security team.Grouard wanted nonhing more than to pull the trigger and settle a bullet in Robert Langdons back. As senior warden, Grouard was one of the few guards who really carried a loaded weapon. He reminded himself, how eer, that killing Langdon would be a unselfish fate compared to the misery ab prohibited to be communicated by Bezu Fache and the French prison system.Grouard yanked his walkie-talkie off his belt and attempted to radio receiver for backup. All he comprehend was static. The additional electronic security in this chamber al shipway wrought havoc with the guards communications. I have to move to the doorway.Still aiming his weapon at Langdon, Grouard began backing soft toward the entrance. On his third step, he spied something that made him stop short.What the hell is thatAn inexplicable mirage was materializing near the center of the way. A silhouette. on that point was someone else in the room? A woman was moving through the nefariousness, walking briskly toward the far left wall. In front of her, a purplish beam of light swung back and onward across the floor, as if she were searching for something with a colored flashlight.Qui est la? Grouard demanded, olfactory property his adrenaline spike for a second time in the last xxx seconds. He suddenly didnt greet where to aim his natural gas or what direction to move.PTS, the woman replied calmly, still scanning the floor with her light.Police Technique et Scientifique.Grouard was sweating without delay. I pattern all the agents were goneHe without delay recognized the purple light as ultraviolet, consistent with a PTS team, and stock-still he could not realise why DCPJ would be looking for evidence in here.Votre nom Grouard yelled, instinct telling him something was amiss. Repondez Cest mot, the voice responded in calm French. Sophie Neveu. Somewhere in the distant recesses of Grouards mind, the appellation registered. Sophie Neveu? Thatwas the take of Saunieres granddaughter, wasnt it? She used to come in here as a little kid, but that was years ago. This couldnt possibly be her And even if it were Sophie Neveu, that was hardly a intellect to trust her Grouard had comprehend the rumors of the painful falling-out between Sauniere and his granddaughter.You k straightway me, the woman called. And Robert Langdon did not kill my grandfather. Believe me.Warden Grouard was not most to take that on faith. I fill backup Trying his walkie-talkie again, he got however static. The entrance was still a good twenty yards hind end him, and Grouard began backing up slowly, choosing to leave his gun trained on the man on the floor. As Grouard inched backward, he could ensure the woman across the room raising her UV light and scrutinizing a plumping painting that hung on the far side of the Salle des Etats, directly opposite the Mona Lisa.Grouard gasped, realizing which painting it was.What in the name of God is she doing?Across the room, Sophie Neveu tangle a gelid sweat breaking across her forehead. Langdon was still spread-eagle on the floor. Hold on, Robert. some there.Knowing the guard would never actually shoot either of them, Sophie now turned her management back to the matter at hand, scanning the perfect area around one masterpiece in particular other Da Vinci. But the UV light revealed nothing out of the ordinary. Not on the floor, on the walls, or even on the canvas itself.There must be something hereSophie felt totally certain she had deciphered her grandfathers intentions correctly.What else could he possibly intend?The masterpiece she was examining was a five-foot-tall canvas. The bizarre scene Da Vinci had painted included an awkwardly present Virgin Mary sitting with Baby Jesus, John the Bapti st, and the Angel Uriel on a doubtful outcropping of rocks. When Sophie was a little girl, no trip to the Mona Lisa had been do it without her grandfather dragging her across the room to see this second painting.Grand-pere, Im here But I dont see itBehind her, Sophie could hear the guard trying to radio again for help.ThinkShe pictured the message scrawled on the protective glass of the Mona Lisa.So dark the con of man.The painting beforehand her had no protective glass on which to write a message, and Sophie knew her grandfather would never have defaced this masterpiece by writing on the painting itself. She paused. At least not on the front.Her look shot upward, climbing the long cables that dangled from the ceiling to support the canvas.Could that be it? Grabbing the left side of the carved wood frame, she pulled it toward her. The painting was large and the backing flexed as she swung it absent from the wall. Sophie slipped her head and shoulders in behind the painting and raised the black light to inspect the back.It took precisely seconds to realize her instinct had been wrong. The back of the painting was pale and blank. There was no purple text here, only the mottled brown backside of aging canvas and Wait.Sophies eyes locked on an incongruous glint of lustrous metallic element lodged near the bottom edge of the frames wooden armature. The object was small, partially wedged in the slit where the canvas met the frame. A shimmering gold chain dangled off it.To Sophies blab amazement, the chain was affixed to a familiar gold key. The broad, sculpted head was in the shape of a cross and bore an engraved seal she had not seen since she was nine years old. A fleur-de-lis with the initials P. S. In that instant, Sophie felt the ghost of her grandfather whispering in her ear. When the time comes, the key will be yours.A stuffiness gripped her throat as she realized that her grandfather, even in death, had kept his promise. This key opens a box, his voi ce was saying, where I keep many secrets.Sophie now realized that the entire purpose of tonights word game had been this key. Her grandfather had it with him when he was killed. Not wanting it to fall into the hands of the police, he hid it behind this painting. Then he devised an ingenious see hunt to ensure only Sophie would find it.Au secours the guards voice yelled.Sophie snatched the key from behind the painting and slipped it deep in her pocket along with the UV penlight. Peering out from behind the canvas, she could see the guard was still trying desperately to raise someone on the walkie-talkie. He was backing toward the entrance, still aiming the gun firmly at Langdon.Au secours he shouted again into his radio. Static. He cant transmit, Sophie realized, recalling that tourists with cell phones often got frustrated in here when they tried to call home to brag close seeing the Mona Lisa.The extra surveillance wiring in the walls made it virtually impossible to get a carrier unless you stepped out into the hall. The guard was backing rapidly toward the exit now, and Sophie knew she had to act immediately.Gazing up at the large painting behind which she was partially ensconced, Sophie realized that Leonardo Da Vinci, for the second time tonight, was there to help.another(prenominal) few meters, Grouard told himself, keeping his gun leveled.Arretez Ou je la detruis the womans voice echoed across the room. Grouard glanced over and stopped in his tracks. Mon dieu, non Through the reddish haze, he could see that the woman had actually lifted the large painting off its cables and propped it on the floor in front of her. At five feet tall, the canvas almost entirely hid her body. Grouards frontmost thought was to wonder why the paintings trip wires hadnt set off alarms, but of course the artwork cable sensors had yet to be reset tonight. What is she doingWhen he saw it, his kind went cold.The canvas started to bulge in the middle, the fragile outlines of t he Virgin Mary, Baby Jesus, and John the Baptist beginning to distort.Non Grouard screamed, frozen in horror as he watched the priceless Da Vinci stretching. The woman was pushing her knee into the center of the canvas from behind NONGrouard wheeled and aimed his gun at her but instantly realized it was an empty threat. The canvas was only fabric, but it was utterly impenetrable a six-million-dollar piece of body armor.I cant put a bullet through a Da VinciSet shoot your gun and radio, the woman verbalise in calm French, or Ill put my knee through this painting. I think you know how my grandfather would feel about that.Grouard felt dizzy. amuse no. Thats bloody shame of the Rocks He dropped his gun and radio, raising his hands over his head.Thank you, the woman said. Now do exactly as I tell you, and everything will work out fine.Moments later, Langdons pulse was still th down the stairsing as he ran beside Sophie down the emergency stairwell toward the ground level. Neither of them had said a word since leaving the trembling Louvre guard lying in the Salle des Etats. The guards pistol was now clutched tightly in Langdons hands, and he couldnt reckon to get rid of it. The weapon felt heavy and dangerously foreign.Taking the stairs two at a time, Langdon wondered if Sophie had any idea how valuable a painting she had almost ruined. Her choice in art seemed eerily pertinent to tonights adventure. The Da Vinci she had grabbed, much like the Mona Lisa, was notorious among art historians for its plethora of unfathomable pleasure seeker symbolism.You chose a valuable hostage, he said as they ran.Madonna of the Rocks,she replied. But I didnt choose it, my grandfather did. He left me a little something behind the painting.Langdon shot her a startled look. What? But how did you know which painting? Why Madonnaof the Rocks?So dark the con of man. She flashed a triumphant smile. I missed the first two anagrams, Robert. I wasnt about to miss the third.CHAPTER 31The yre dead child Sandrine stammered into the telephone in her Saint-Sulpice residence. She was leaving a message on an answering machine. Please pick up Theyre all deadThe first three phone numbers on the list had produced terrifying results a hysterical widow, a spy working late at a murder scene, and a somber priest consoling a bereaved family. All three contacts were dead. And now, as she called the ordinal and final number the number she was not supposed to call unless the first three could not be reached she got an answering machine. The outgoing message offered no name but simply asked the caller to leave a message. The floor panel has been broken she pleaded as she left the message. The other three are dead Sister Sandrine did not know the identities of the four men she protected, but the private phonenumbers stashed beneath her bed were for use on only one condition.If that floor panel is ever broken, the faceless messenger had told her, it means the upper echelon has be en breached. One of us has been mortally threatened and been forced to tell a desperate lie. Call the numbers. Warn the others. Do not fail us in this.It was a silent alarm. Foolproof in its simplicity. The plan had amazed her when she first heard it. If the identity of one sidekick was compromised, he could tell a lie that would start in motion a mechanism to warn the others. Tonight, however, it seemed that more than one had been compromised.Please answer, she whispered in fear. Where are you? Hang up the phone, a deep voice said from the doorway. Turning in terror, she saw the massive monk. He was clutching the heavy iron wax light stand.Shaking, she set the phone back in the cradle.They are dead, the monk said. All four of them. And they have played me for a fool. Tell me where the keystone is.I dont know Sister Sandrine said truthfully. That secret is guarded by others. Others who are deadThe man advanced, his white fists gripping the iron stand. You are a sister of the Churc h, and yet you serve them?Jesus had but one true message, Sister Sandrine said defiantly. I cannot see that message in Opus Dei.A sudden explosion of rage erupted behind the monks eyes. He lunged, lashing out with the candle stand like a club. As Sister Sandrine fell, her last feeling was an overwhelming signified of foreboding.All four are dead.The precious truth is lost forever.CHAPTER 32The security alarm on the west end of the Denon Wing sent the pigeons in the nearby Tuileries Gardens scattering as Langdon and Sophie dashed out of the bulkhead into the Paris night. As they ran across the plaza to Sophies car, Langdon could hear police sirens wailing in the distance. Thats it there, Sophie called, pointing to a red snub-nosed two- stooler parked on the plaza. Shes kidding, right? The vehicle was easily the smallest car Langdon had ever seen. SmartCar, she said. A hundred kilometers to the liter.Langdon had barely thrown himself into the passenger seat before Sophie gunned the SmartCar up and over a curb onto a gravel divider. He gripped the dash as the car shot out across a sidewalk and bounced back down over into the small rotary at Carrousel du Louvre.For an instant, Sophie seemed to consider taking the shortcut across the rotary by ploughing straight ahead, through the medians perimeter hedge, and bisecting the large circle of grass in the center.No Langdon shouted, knowing the hedges around Carrousel du Louvre were there to hide the perilous chasm in the center La Pyramide Inversee the upside-down pyramid skylight he had seen earlier from inside the museum. It was large enough to swallow their Smart-Car in a single gulp. Fortunately, Sophie decided on the more conventional route, jamming the wheel hard to the right, circling properly until she exited, cut left, and swung into the northbound lane, accelerating toward Rue de Rivoli.The two-tone police sirens blared louder behind them, and Langdon could see the lights now in his side view mirror. The SmartCar engine whined in protest as Sophie urged it faster away from the Louvre. Fifty yards ahead, the traffic light at Rivoli turned red. Sophie blaspheme under her breath and kept racing toward it. Langdon felt his muscles tighten.Sophie?Slowing only slightly as they reached the intersection, Sophie flicked her headlights and stole a quick glance both ways before flooring the accelerator again and carving a sharp left turn through the empty intersection onto Rivoli. Accelerating west for a seat of a mile, Sophie banked to the right around a wide rotary. Soon they were shooting out the other side onto the wide avenue of Champs-Elysees.As they straightened out, Langdon turned in his seat, craning his neck to look out the rear window toward the Louvre. The police did not seem to be chasing them. The sea of blue lights was assembling at the museum.His heartbeat last slowing, Langdon turned back around. That was interesting.Sophie didnt seem to hear. Her eyes remained fixed ahead down the long thoroughfare of Champs-Elysees, the two-mile stretch of posh storefronts that was often called the Fifth Avenue of Paris. The embassy was only about a mile away, and Langdon settled into his seat. So dark the con of man.Sophies quick thinking had been impressive. Madonna of the Rocks.Sophie had said her grandfather left her something behind the painting. A final message? Langdon could not help but marvel over Saunieres brilliant hiding place Madonna of the Rocks was yet another fitting middleman in the evenings chain of interconnected symbolism. Sauniere, it seemed, at every turn, was reinforcing his fondness for the dark and mischievous side of Leonardo Da Vinci.Da Vincis original commission for Madonna of the Rocks had come from an organization known as the Confraternity of the Immaculate Conception, which needed a painting for the centerpiece of an altar triptych in their church of San Francesco in Milan. The nuns gave Leonardo particularised dimensions, and the desired theme for the painting the Virgin Mary, baby John the Baptist, Uriel, and Baby Jesus sheltering in a cave. Although Da Vinci did as they requested, when he delivered the work, the group reacted with horror. He had filled the painting with explosive and disturbing details.The painting showed a blue-robed Virgin Mary sitting with her arm around an infant child, presumably Baby Jesus. gelid Mary sat Uriel, also with an infant, presumably baby John the Baptist. Oddly, though, rather than the usual Jesus-blessing-John scenario, it was baby John who was blessing Jesus and Jesus was submitting to his authority much troubling still, Mary was holding one hand high above the head of infant John and making a decidedly threatening move her fingers looking like eagles talons, gripping an invisible head. Finally, the most obvious and frightening attend Just below Marys curled fingers, Uriel was making a cutting apparent movement with his hand as if slicing the neck of the invisibl e head gripped by Marys claw-like hand.Langdons students were always amused to learn that Da Vinci eventually mollified the confraternity by painting them a second, watered-down version of Madonna of the Rocks in which everyone was arranged in a more orthodox manner. The second version now hung in Londons National Gallery under the name Virgin of the Rocks, although Langdon still preferred the Louvres more intriguing original.As Sophie gunned the car up Champs-Elysees, Langdon said, The painting. What was behind it? Her eyes remained on the road. Ill show you once were safely inside the embassy. Youll show it to me? Langdon was awed. He left you a physical object? Sophie gave a curt nod. Embossed with a fleur-de-lis and the initials P. S. Langdon couldnt believe his ears.Were going to reach out it, Sophie thought as she swung the SmartCars wheel to the right, cutting sharply past the luxurious Htel de Crillon into Pariss tree-lined diplomatic neighborhood. The embassy was less tha n a mile away now. She was finally feeling like she could breathe designly again.Even as she drove, Sophies mind remained locked on the key in her pocket, her memories of seeing it many years ago, the gold head molded as an equal-armed cross, the triangular shaft, the indentations, the embossed flowery seal, and the letters P. S.Although the key barely had entered Sophies thoughts through the years, her work in the intelligence community had taught her plenty about security, and now the keys peculiar tooling no longer looked so mystifying. A laser-tooled varying matrix.Impossible to duplicate.Rather than teeth that moved tumblers, this keys complex series of laser-burned pockmarks was examined by an electric eye. If the eye determined that the hexangular pockmarks were correctly spaced, arranged, and rotated, then the lock would open.Sophie could not begin to imagine what a key like this opened, but she sensed Robert would be able to tell her. after(prenominal) all, he had descri bed the keys embossed seal without ever seeing it. The cruciform on top implied the key belonged to some kind of Christian organization, and yet Sophie knew of no churches that used laser-tooled varying matrix keys.Besides, my grandfather was no Christian .Sophie had witnessed proof of that ten years ago. Ironically, it had been another key a far more normal one that had revealed his true nature to her.The afternoon had been warm when she landed at Charles de Gaulle Airport and hailed a taxi home. Grand-pere will be so surprised to see me, she thought. Returning from graduate school in Britain for spring break a few days early, Sophie couldnt wait to see him and tell him all about the encryption methods she was studying.When she arrived at their Paris home, however, her grandfather was not there. Disappointed, she knew he had not been expecting her and was probably working at the Louvre. But its Saturday afternoon, she realized. He seldom worked on weekends. On weekends, he normal ly Grinning, Sophie ran out to the garage. Sure enough, his car was gone. It was the weekend. Jacques Sauniere despised city driving and owned a car for one destination only his vacation chateau in Normandy, north of Paris. Sophie, after months in the congestion of London, was eager for the smells of nature and to start her vacation right away. It was still early evening, and she decided to leave immediately and surprise him. Borrowing a friends car, Sophie drove north, winding into the deserted moon-swept hills near Creully. She arrived just after ten oclock, turning down the long private driveway toward her grandfathers retreat. The chafe road was over a mile long, and she was halfway down it before she could start to see the fellowship through the trees a mammoth, old stone chateau clutch in the woods on the side of a hill.Sophie had half expected to find her grandfather asleep at this hour and was excited to see the house twinkling with lights. Her delight turned to surpris e, however, when she arrived to find the driveway filled with parked cars Mercedeses, BMWs, Audis, and a Rolls-Royce.Sophie stared a fleck and then burst out laughing. My grand-pere, the famous sequestered Jacques Sauniere, it seemed, was far less reclusive than he liked to pretend. Clearly he was hosting a party while Sophie was away at school, and from the looks of the automobiles, some of Pariss most powerful people were in attendance.Eager to surprise him, she hurried to the front door. When she got there, though, she shew it locked. She knocked. Nobody answered. Puzzled, she walked around and tried the back door. It too was locked. No answer.Confused, she stood a moment and listened. The only give way she heard was the cool Normandy air letting out a low moan as it swirled through the valley.No music. No voices. Nothing. In the silence of the woods, Sophie hurried to the side of the house and clambered up on a woodpile, pressing her face to the living room window. What sh e saw inside made no sense at all. Nobodys here The entire first floor looked deserted.Where are all the people?Heart racing, Sophie ran to the woodshed and got the spare key her grandfather kept hidden under the kindling box. She ran to the front door and let herself in. As she stepped into the deserted foyer, the control panel for the security system started blinking red a exemplar that the entrant had ten seconds to type the proper code before the security alarms went off.He has the alarm on during a party?Sophie quickly typed the code and deactivated the system.Entering, she embed the entire house uninhabited. Upstairs too. As she descended again to the deserted living room, she stood a moment in the silence, wondering what could possibly be happening.It was then that Sophie heard it.Muffled voices. And they seemed to be coming from underneath her. Sophie could not imagine. Crouching, she put her ear to the floor and listened. Yes, the sound was definitely coming from below. The voices seemed to be singing, or pitch contour? She was frightened. Almost more eerie than the sound itself was the realization that this house did not even have a basement.At least none Ive ever seen.Turning now and scanning the living room, Sophies eyes fell to the only object in the entire house that seemed out of place her grandfathers favorite antique, a sprawling Aubusson tapestry. It usually hung on the east wall beside the fireplace, but tonight it had been pulled aside on its brass rod, exposing the wall behind it.Walking toward the bare wooden wall, Sophie sensed the chant getting louder. Hesitant, she leaned her ear against the wood. The voices were clearer now. People were definitely chanting intoning words Sophie could not discern.The space behind this wall is hollowFeeling around the edge of the panels, Sophie found a recessed finger hold. It was discreetly crafted. A sliding door.Heart pounding, she placed her finger in the slot and pulled it. With noiseless pre cision, the heavy wall slid sideways. From out of the darkness beyond, the voices echoed up.Sophie slipped through the door and found herself on a rough-hewn stone staircase that spiraled downward. Shed been coming to this house since she was a child and yet had no idea this staircase even existedAs she descended, the air grew cooler. The voices clearer. She heard men and women now. Her line of sight was limited by the spiral of the staircase, but the last step was now rounding into view. Beyond it, she could see a small patch of the basement floor stone, illuminated by the flickering orange blaze of firelight.Holding her breath, Sophie inched down another few steps and crouched down to look. It took her several seconds to process what she was seeing.The room was a grotto a coarse chamber that appeared to have been hollowed from the granite of the hillside. The only light came from torches on the walls. In the glow of the flames, thirty or so people stood in a circle in the cente r of the room.Im dreaming, Sophie told herself. A dream. What else could this be?Everyone in the room was wearing a mask. The women were dressed in white gossamer gowns and golden shoes. Their masks were white, and in their hands they carried golden orbs. The men wore long black tunics, and their masks were black. They looked like pieces in a giant chess set. Everyone in the circle rocked back and forth and chanted in reverence to something on the floor before them something Sophie could not see.The chanting grew steady again. Accelerating. Thundering now. Faster. The participants took a step inward and knelt. In that instant, Sophie could finally see what they all were witnessing. Even as she staggered back in horror, she felt the image searing itself into her memory forever. Overtaken by nausea, Sophie spun, clutching at the stone walls as she clambered back up the stairs. Pulling the door closed, she fled the deserted house, and drove in a tearful stupidity back to Paris.That ni ght, with her life shattered by disillusionment and betrayal, she packed her belongings and left her home. On the dining room table, she left a note.I WAS THERE. DONT refine TO FIND ME.Beside the note, she laid the old spare key from the chateaus woodshed.Sophie Langdons voice intruded. Stop StopEmerging from the memory, Sophie slammed on the brakes, skidding to a halt. What? What happened?Langdon pointed down the long street before them.When she saw it, Sophies blood went cold. A hundred yards ahead, the intersection was blocked by a couple of DCPJ police cars, parked askew, their purpose obvious. Theyve sealed off AvenueGabrielLangdon gave a grim sigh. I take it the embassy is off-limits this evening?Down the street, the two DCPJ officers who stood beside their cars were now staring in their direction, apparently curious about the headlights that had halted so curtly up the street from them.Okay, Sophie, turn around very slowly.Putting the SmartCar in reverse, she performed a co mposed three-point turn and reversed her direction. As she drove away, she heard the sound of squealing tires behind them. Sirens blared to life.Cursing, Sophie slammed down the accelerator.