Life In The 1900s Was Depressing And Was An Era Filled With Extremely

Innovative Ways to Teach Math

Inventive Ways to Teach Math In all honesty, math can be instructed in some inventive manners, and non-public schools are a portion of the top instructive establishments spearheading better approaches to ace a customary subject. A contextual investigation in this special way to deal with instructing math can be found at one of the top life experience schools in the US, the Phillips Exeter Academy. A long time back, educators at Exeter built up a progression of math books containing issues, procedures, and systems that are presently being utilized at other private day and all inclusive schools. This procedure has gotten known as Exeter Math.â The Process of Exeter Math What makes Exeter Math genuinely inventive, is that the customary classes and course movement of Algebra 1, Algebra 2, Geometry, and so forth., is discarded for understudies learning the aptitudes and calculations important to take care of issues. Each schoolwork task contains components of each conventional math course, as opposed to isolating them out into portioned yearly learning. The math courses at Exeter are fixated on the math problemsâ written by the educators. The whole course is unique in relation to conventional math classes in that it is issue focused instead of point focused. For some, the conventional center or secondary school math class for the most part presents a subject inside the class time with the instructor and afterward requests that understudies total long assignments at home that comprise of tedious critical thinking works out, expected to assist understudies with bettering expert the strategies for schoolwork. Be that as it may, the procedure is adjusted in Exeters math classes, which include minimal direct guidance drills. Rather, understudies are given few word issues to finish every night autonomously. There is minimal direct guidance about how to finish the issues, however there is a glossary to support understudies, and the issues will in general expand on one another. The understudies direct the learning procedure themselves. Every night, understudies chip away at the issues, doing as well as can be expected, and log their work. In these issues, the learningâ processâ is similarly as significant as the appropriate response, and educators need to see the entirety of the students’ work, regardless of whether it is done on their mini-computers. Imagine a scenario in which a Student Struggles With Math. Instructors recommend that if understudies are stuck on an issue, they make an informed conjecture and afterward check their work. They do this by making up a simpler issue with a similar rule as the given issue. Since Exeter is an all inclusive school, understudies can visit their instructors, different understudies, or the math help focus on the off chance that they are stuck while getting their work done in their dormitories around evening time. They are relied upon to do 50 minutes of concentrated work every night and to work relentlessly, regardless of whether the work is extremely hard for them. The following day, understudies carry their work to class where they examine it in a workshop like style around a Harkness table, an oval-formed table that was planned at Exeter and is utilized in a large portion of their classes to encourage discussion. The thought isn't to simply introduce the correct answer yet for every understudy to have a turn introducing their work to encourage discussion, share strategies, work out issues, impart about thoughts, and bolster different understudies. What Is the Purpose of the Exeter Method? While conventional math courses accentuate repetition discovering that doesn't associate with regular issues, the motivation behind the Exeter word issues is to help understudies truly comprehend math by working out the conditions and calculations themselves instead of simply being given them. They likewise come to comprehend the utilizations of the issues. While this procedure can be troublesome, especially for understudies new to the program, understudies learn conventional math territories, for example, polynomial math, geometry, and others by working out the thoughts themselves. Accordingly, they truly get them and how they identify with numerical issues and issues they could experience outside of the study hall. Numerous tuition based schools the nation over are embracing the Exeter math class materials and techniques, especially for praises math class. Instructors at schools utilizing Exeter math express that the program assists understudies with possessing their work and assume liability for learning it-instead of just having it given to them. Maybe the most significant part of Exeter math is that it instructs understudies that being stuck on an issue is satisfactory. Rather, understudies understand that it’s OK not to realize the appropriate responses immediately and that disclosure and even dissatisfaction are in certainty fundamental to genuine learning. Refreshed by Stacy Jagodowski.

Fear of Rejection and Consequences

Fear of Rejection and Consequences Phobias Types Print Fear of Rejection and Its Consequences By Lisa Fritscher Lisa Fritscher is a freelance writer and editor with a deep interest in phobias and other mental health topics. Learn about our editorial policy Lisa Fritscher Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD on November 07, 2019 Steven Gans, MD is board-certified in psychiatry and is an active supervisor, teacher, and mentor at Massachusetts General Hospital. Learn about our Medical Review Board Steven Gans, MD on November 07, 2019 Stavros Constantinou / Getty Images More in Phobias Types Causes Symptoms and Diagnosis Treatment The fear of rejection is a powerful fear that often has a far-reaching impact on our lives. Most people experience some nerves when placing themselves in situations that could lead to rejection, but for some people, the fear becomes crippling. This fear can have many underlying causes. An untreated fear of rejection may worsen over time, leading to greater and greater limitations in a sufferer’s life. Effects of the Fear of Rejection Although not every person experiences every impact, the fear of rejection tends to affect our ability to succeed in a wide range of personal and professional situations. These are some of the most common. Job Interviews Have you ever felt warm and uncomfortable while waiting to be called for a job interview? Sweaty palms, labored breathing, an increased heart rate and trouble speaking are common symptoms of the fear of rejection. They are also potential reasons for an employer to reject a candidate.?? Confidence and an air of authority are critical in many positions, and those suffering from this fear often come across as weak and insecure. If you have a fear of rejection, you may also have trouble negotiating a work contract, leaving valuable pay and benefits on the table.?? Business Dealings In many positions, the need to impress does not end once you have the job. Entertaining clients, negotiating deals, selling products, and attracting investors are key components of many jobs. Even something as simple as answering the telephone can be terrifying for those suffering from a fear of rejection, and picking up the phone to call someone else may be impossible. Dating First dates, especially blind dates, are scary for anyone, but those with a fear of rejection may quickly become overwhelmed. Rather than focusing on getting to know the other person and deciding whether you would like a second date, you might spend all of your time worrying  whether that person likes you. Trouble speaking, obsessive worrying about your own appearance, an inability to eat, and a visibly nervous demeanor are common. Marriage Married life consists of an unending series of negotiations and compromises. No matter how compatible you may be, it is impossible for two people to agree on everything. Those with a fear of rejection often have difficulty expressing their own needs and standing their ground.?? You might also develop feelings of jealousy or distrust in your partner as your fear of rejection turns into a fear of being abandoned. This is sometimes expressed in such unhealthy behaviors as checking your partner’s phone messages or social networking accounts. Meeting New People Humans are social creatures, and we are expected to follow basic social niceties in public. Most of the time, idle chatter in the grocery line or at a festival lasts only a few moments. Occasionally, however, short conversations lead to lifelong friendships. If you have a fear of rejection, you may feel unable to chat with strangers or even friends of friends. The tendency to keep to yourself could potentially prevent you from making lasting connections with others.?? Peer Pressure The need to belong is a basic human condition. In high school, we tend to self-select as jocks, cheerleaders, nerds, geeks, goths, preppies, or any number of other small groups. As adults, we tend to organize by shared interests, relationship status, and other commonalities. While dressing, speaking and behaving as a group member is not unhealthy, peer pressure sometimes goes too far. If your fear of rejection leads you to do things that are illegal, immoral or simply distasteful to you, then peer pressure might be a problem in your life. Common Behaviors in Those With a Fear of Rejection The following behaviors are commonly found in people who have a fear of rejection. Phoniness Many people who are afraid of rejection develop a carefully monitored and scripted way of life. Fearing that you will be rejected if you show your true self to the world, you may live life behind a mask. This can make you seem phony and inauthentic to others  and may cause a rigid unwillingness to embrace life’s challenges. People-Pleasing Although it is natural to want to take care of those we love, those who fear rejection often go too far. You might find it impossible to say no, even when saying yes causes major inconveniences or hardships in your own life.?? You may take on too much, increasing your own risk for burnout. At the extreme, people-pleasing sometimes turns into enabling the bad behaviors of others. Worried that you will lose the other person, you might make excuses or even assist the person with behaviors you know are wrong. Unassertiveness People with a fear of rejection often go out of their way to avoid confrontations. You might refuse to ask for what you want or even speak up for what you need.?? A common tendency is to try to simply shut down your own needs or pretend that they don’t matter. Passive-Aggressiveness Uncomfortable showing off their true selves but unable to entirely shut out their own needs, many people who fear rejection end up behaving in passive-aggressive ways.?? You might procrastinate, forget to keep promises, complain, and work inefficiently on the projects that you take on. In addition, the fear of rejection often stops us from going after our dreams. Putting yourself out there is frightening for anyone, but if you have the fear of rejection, you may feel paralyzed. Hanging onto the status quo feels safe, even if you are not happy with your current situation. Whether you want to travel the world, write the Great American novel, or ask the girl sitting next to you for a date, the fear of rejection may stop you from reaching your full potential. Common Reactions Others May Have The fear of rejection leads to behaviors that make us appear insecure, ineffectual and overwhelmed.?? You might sweat, shake, fidget, avoid eye contact, and even lose the ability to effectively communicate. While individuals react to these behaviors in very different ways, these are some of the reactions you might see. Rejection Ironically, the fear of rejection often becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. It is well-known in pop psychology that confidence enhances attractiveness. As a general rule, the lack of self-confidence that is inherent in a fear of rejection makes us more likely to be rejected.?? A 2009 study at the University of Florida actually shows that confidence is nearly as important as intelligence in determining our income level. Manipulation Some people prey on the insecurities of others. Those who suffer from a fear of rejection may be at greater risk of being manipulated for someone else’s personal gain. Expert manipulators generally come across as charming, suave, and genuinely caringâ€"they know what buttons to push to make others trust them. They also know how to keep someone with a fear of rejection feeling slightly on edge, as if the manipulator might leave at any time. Almost invariably, the manipulator does end up leaving once she has gotten what she wants out of the other person. Frustration Most people in the world are decent, honest, and forthright. Rather than manipulating someone with a fear of rejection, they will try to help.?? Look for signs that your friends and family are trying to encourage your assertiveness, asking you to be more open with them, or probing your true feelings. Many times, however, people who fear rejection experience these efforts as emotionally threatening. This often leads friends and family to walk on eggshells, fearful of making your fears worse. Over time, they may become frustrated and angry, either confronting you about your behavior or beginning to distance themselves from you. A Word From Verywell If you find that fear of rejection is limiting your life, it may be time to seek out psychotherapy. This can help you explore and better understand some of the underlying contributions to your fear and find more effective ways to cope with this vulnerability.

Creativity in Advertising - 15483 Words

* CHAPTER 1. * ADVERTISING. 1.1 Origin of advertising The origin of advertising does not lie in the modern industrial age, but it has its roots in the remote past. Thousand of years ago most people were engaged in hunting, farming, or handicraft related activities. They used to barter products among themselves. Distribution was limited to how far the vendor could walk and distribute, advertising was limited to how loud they could shout. Perhaps the earliest form of advertising was simply the trader shouting out the fact that he existed and naming what he had to sell in the local market place. As an instrument of marketing, advertising was an effective through multiple sales people reaching many people at one time. Then it had used†¦show more content†¦Price charged should be reasonable. This is necessary for the support and co-operation of consumers. * Advertising and Place: Place relates to physical distribution which is possible through various channels of distribution. Advertiser has to decide whether to adopt direct or indirect channels of also useful for large-scale distribution. Advertising plays a crucial role to ensure smooth distribution of goods and keep the consumers well-informed. * Advertising and Promotion: Promotion is perhaps the most important element in the marketing mix. Companies introduce sales promotion campaigns for capturing market. Price discounts and schemes like buy one, get one free are also offered as sales promotion. Various sales promotion techniques are introduced at the consumer and dealer levels. Window display, provision of after sales services and coordinal public relations also facilitate sales promotion. Massive advertising is useful to support the sales promotion campaigns. 1.4 AIDA Formula in Advertising The AIDA formula in advertising was suggested by E.K. Strong in his book â€Å"the psychology of selling.† This formula suggests the steps in the process of advertising. The term AIDA is a short form derived from the four words: A ATTENTION I INTEREST D DESIRE A ACTION * A = Attracting Attention: It involves attention element of an advertisement which ‘catches the eye’ and attract attention. A person is likely toShow MoreRelatedAdvertising, Creativity With Strategy Is Called Advertising Essay1393 Words   |  6 PagesAdvertisement Evaluations â€Å"Creativity without strategy is called art, creativity with strategy is called advertising† (Jef I. Richards). Advertising is a complex art that requires a lot of strategy and attention to detail. Marketers use a variety of techniques to appeal and persuade different audiences that they want their product to be aimed towards. If not effectively done, like Jef I. Richards said, it is just art. The biggest part of advertising is reaching out to a targeted audience. If youRead MoreCreativity Makes Advertising Effective Essay1631 Words   |  7 PagesIntroduction This essay aims at exploring the impact of creativity in advertising and how creative advertisements are more effective in communicating to a target audience. It looks at how creative ads have more impact and how consumers react when the message is delivered in a unique and new way. It particularly focuses on the value that a creative ad can imply for a brand or a product and how it can contribute to strengthen corporate brand image. How a creative ad can build consumerRead MoreCreative Advertising Campaign : Assessment1323 Words   |  6 PagesCreative advertising campaign: Assessment: 1 â€Å"Advertising, as we know it, could not exist without creativity.† â€Å"Nothing is more efficient than creative advertising. Creative advertising is more memorable, longer lasting, works with less media spending, and builds a fan community†¦faster.† -Stephan Vogel, Ogilvy Mather Germany’s chief creative officer Creativity has always remained to be a very subjective term. Every individual has a different opinion of what they think about creativity. SomeRead MoreMarketing Analysis : Creative Without Strategy1586 Words   |  7 Pagesto Jef I. Richards quotes: â€Å"Creative without strategy is called â€Å"art†. Creative with strategy is called† advertising† This statement shows a discussion between two statements. Firstly, this essay will discuss about what is creativity and why is it important in advertising, the evidence and shows how and why the creative idea works or doesn’t work. What is the strategy? Refers to The Advertising Concept book (Barry 2008). Strategy refers to the overall marketing or selling approach† Strategy is everythingRead MoreThe Dimensions Of Guerilla Marketing1457 Words   |  6 Pagesresearcher examines the effects of guerilla marketing dimensions: Creativity, surprise, humor, clarity, and emotional arousal on the consumer purchase intention. Creativity Creativity is regarded as an effective tool in advertising to get through the media clutter, attract consumers’ attention, create an impression and lead to more effectiveness of an advertising campaign (Till Baack, 2015).There are different perspectives on advertising creativity at one hand, people viewed that ad is creative if it sellsRead MoreInfluence Of Creative Activities On The Advertising Field803 Words   |  4 PagesI have been always had a highly interest in advertising, graphics design and fine art everything, and I have considered which one is more powerful. Since college time, I finally have fallen in love with advertising, and the reason is that it is powerful than other design fields that means like a leader, such as leads you go to somewhere, do something, or buy something. From my perspective, advertising is a kind of medium between the creator and audience, and it is creative and it should be basedRead MoreCareer : Business And Advertising Essay1566 Words   |  7 PagesCareer: Business and Advertising is a career that leads to many different opportunities in the future. Advertising is attracting public attention to your business through selling products or certain services. Media is a popular form of advertising considering the audience is much bigger and easy to spread; other forms included broadcasts and printed advertisements. The basis of advertising and business is closely related to public relations and marketing. My Interest: My interest in this careerRead MoreMy Target Market Is An Important Part Of Business Success868 Words   |  4 Pagesservice is an important part of business success. Along with promoting your business it is important that other aspect are considered. It is important for a business to identify who their target market is, who are your competitors, what are you advertising and how will you market your business? All of these questions are an important part of success. The business I have chosen to open is a bakery business. This is a bakery where everything is make homemade with the highest quality ingredients. TheRead MorePrinciples of Management - Microsoft1039 Words   |  5 Pageswork performance. Background of Company Microsoft Corporation, incorporated in 1981, is engaged in developing, licensing and supporting a range of software products and services. The Company also designs and sells hardware, and delivers online advertising to the customers. The Company operates in eight segments: Windows amp; Windows Live Division (Windows Division), Server and Tools Business, Online Services Division (OSD), Microsoft Business Solutions, Microsoft Office Division, Microsoft PhoneRead MorePrinciples of Management - Microsoft1031 Words   |  5 Pagesperformance. Background of Company Microsoft Corporation, incorporated in 1981, is engaged in developing, licensing and supporting a range of software products and services. The Company also designs and sells hardware, and delivers online advertising to the customers. The Company operates in eight segments: Windows amp; Windows Live Division (Windows Division), Server and Tools Business, Online Services Division (OSD), Microsoft Business Solutions, Microsoft Office Division, Microsoft Phone

Consequences of Passion Exposed in The Romance of Tristan...

Consequences of Passion Exposed in The Romance of Tristan and Iseult The story of Tristan and Iseult celebrates the triumph of adultery. When looking vaguely at this romance, readers may think the potion of love that they both drink is the one that makes them to commit adultery. However, this is only a representation of the power of passion and lust Tristan and Iseult have for each other. To better understand this love story, one must realize that Tristan is a marshal hero who volunteers to take a battle against the King of Ireland, in order to redeem the people and the monarch of King Mark. It would therefore, be suitable to say that King Mark has given his nephew the trust to accomplish the mammoth exercise. In Ireland, Tristan†¦show more content†¦(368) This is where the story of Tristan and Iseult takes a twist because the reader knows enough that Tristan, if given the chance, would like to have Iseult for himself. It is fascinating therefore, when Iseult’s mother entrusts Tristan with the potion of love that should only be shared between King Mark and Iseult. By this time, Tristan and Iseult have developed passion in each other, and the potion they would drink only enhances the chemistry that is already existent. To not drink the potion, which Tristan knows would cause Iseult to love him even more, is attempting to remain dishonest to his true self. Tristan is not just an ordinary man; he is a war hero seducing the would-be- queen of Cornwall. Because of this predicament, Iseult as the wife to the king is to engage in adulterous affair with Tristan to reinforce the courtly love value, while Tristan gains access to Iseult through chivalrious prowess. The potion of wine therefore, serves as a big temptation for both, and the Christian ideal that is forced into the situation by the hermit stands as an experiment. How then can all these three values be reconciled in this story? I think it is not only the flaw displayed by medieval people like Tristan to succumb to the temptation of fulfilling sexual desires. The concept of eat, drink and be merry comes into play in this story and quite evidently, even in our contemporary society, we have not

The Lost Symbol Chapter 48-51 Free Essays

string(69) " pyramid rising so high that God Himself can reach out and touch it\." CHAPTER 48 In the heat of the moment, Capitol police officer Nunez had seen no option but to help the Capitol Architect and Robert Langdon escape. Now, however, back in the basement police headquarters, Nunez could see the storm clouds gathering fast. Chief Trent Anderson was holding an ice pack to his head while another officer was tending to Sato’s bruises. We will write a custom essay sample on The Lost Symbol Chapter 48-51 or any similar topic only for you Order Now Both of them were standing with the video surveillance team, reviewing digital playback files in an attempt to locate Langdon and Bellamy. â€Å"Check the playback on every hallway and exit,† Sato demanded. â€Å"I want to know where they went!† Nunez felt ill as he looked on. He knew it would be only a matter of minutes before they found the right video clip and learned the truth. I helped them escape. Making matters worse was the arrival of a four-man CIA field team that was now staging nearby, prepping to go after Langdon and Bellamy. These guys looked nothing like the Capitol Police. These guys were dead-serious soldiers . . . black camouflage, night vision, futuristic-looking handguns. Nunez felt like he would throw up. Making up his mind, he motioned discreetly to Chief Anderson. â€Å"A word, Chief?† â€Å"What is it?† Anderson followed Nunez into the hall. â€Å"Chief, I made a bad mistake,† Nunez said, breaking a sweat. â€Å"I’m sorry, and I’m resigning.† You’ll fire me in a few minutes anyway. â€Å"I beg your pardon?† Nunez swallowed hard. â€Å"Earlier, I saw Langdon and Architect Bellamy in the visitor center on their way out of the building.† â€Å"What?!† Anderson bellowed. â€Å"Why didn’t you say something?!† â€Å"The Architect told me not to say a word.† â€Å"You work for me, goddamm it!† Anderson’s voice echoed down the corridor. â€Å"Bellamy smashed my head into a wall, for Christ’s sake!† Nunez handed Anderson the key that the Architect had given him. â€Å"What is this?† Anderson demanded. â€Å"A key to the new tunnel under Independence Avenue. Architect Bellamy had it. That’s how they escaped.† Anderson stared down at the key, speechless. Sato poked her head out into the hallway, eyes probing. â€Å"What’s going on out here?† Nunez felt himself go pale. Anderson was still holding the key, and Sato clearly had seen it. As the hideous little woman drew near, Nunez improvised as best as he could, hoping to protect his chief. â€Å"I found a key on the floor in the subbasement. I was just asking Chief Anderson if he knew what it might go to.† Sato arrived, eyeing the key. â€Å"And does the chief know?† Nunez glanced up at Anderson, who was clearly weighing all his options before speaking. Finally, the chief shook his head. â€Å"Not offhand. I’d have to check the–â€Å" â€Å"Don’t bother,† Sato said. â€Å"This key unlocks a tunnel off the visitor center.† â€Å"Really?† Anderson said. â€Å"How do you know that?† â€Å"We just found the surveillance clip. Officer Nunez here helped Langdon and Bellamy escape and then relocked that tunnel door behind them. Bellamy gave Nunez that key.† Anderson turned to Nunez with a flare of anger. â€Å"Is this true?!† Nunez nodded vigorously, doing his best to play along. â€Å"I’m sorry, sir. The Architect told me not to tell a soul!† â€Å"I don’t give a damn what the Architect told you!† Anderson yelled. â€Å"I expect–â€Å" â€Å"Shut up, Trent,† Sato snapped. â€Å"You’re both lousy liars. Save it for your CIA inquisition.† She snatched the Architect’s tunnel key from Anderson. â€Å"You’re done here.† CHAPTER 49 Robert Langdon hung up his cell phone, feeling increasingly worried. Katherine’s not answering her cell? Katherine had promised to call him as soon as she was safely out of the lab and on her way to meet him here, but she had never done so. Bellamy sat beside Langdon at the reading-room desk. He, too, had just made a call, his to an individual he claimed could offer them sanctuary–a safe place to hide. Unfortunately, this person was not answering either, and so Bellamy had left an urgent message, telling him to call Langdon’s cell phone right away. â€Å"I’ll keep trying,† he said to Langdon, â€Å"but for the moment, we’re on our own. And we need to discuss a plan for this pyramid.† The pyramid. For Langdon, the spectacular backdrop of the reading room had all but disappeared, his world constricting now to include only what was directly in front of him–a stone pyramid, a sealed package containing a capstone, and an elegant African American man who had materialized out of the darkness and rescued him from the certainty of a CIA interrogation. Langdon had expected a modicum of sanity from the Architect of the Capitol, but now it seemed Warren Bellamy was no more rational than the madman claiming Peter was in purgatory. Bellamy was insisting this stone pyramid was, in fact, the Masonic Pyramid of legend. An ancient map? That guides us to powerful wisdom? â€Å"Mr. Bellamy,† Langdon said politely, â€Å"this idea that there exists some kind of ancient knowledge that can imbue men with great power . . . I simply can’t take it seriously.† Bellamy’s eyes looked both disappointed and earnest, making Langdon’s skepticism all the more awkward. â€Å"Yes, Professor, I had imagined you might feel this way, but I suppose I should not be surprised. You are an outsider looking in. There exist certain Masonic realities that you will perceive as myth because you are not properly initiated and prepared to understand them.† Now Langdon felt patronized. I wasn’t a member of Odysseus’s crew, but I’m certain the Cyclops is a myth. â€Å"Mr. Bellamy, even if the legend is true . . . this pyramid cannot possibly be the Masonic Pyramid.† â€Å"No?† Bellamy ran a finger across the Masonic cipher on the stone. â€Å"It looks to me like it fits the description perfectly. A stone pyramid with a shining metal capstone, which, according to Sato’s X-ray, is exactly what Peter entrusted to you.† Bellamy picked up the little cube-shaped package, weighing it in his hand. â€Å"This stone pyramid is less than a foot tall,† Langdon countered. â€Å"Every version of the story I’ve ever heard describes the Masonic Pyramid as enormous.† Bellamy had clearly anticipated this point. â€Å"As you know, the legend speaks of a pyramid rising so high that God Himself can reach out and touch it. You read "The Lost Symbol Chapter 48-51" in category "Essay examples"† â€Å"Exactly.† â€Å"I can see your dilemma, Professor. However, both the Ancient Mysteries and Masonic philosophy celebrate the potentiality of God within each of us. Symbolically speaking, one could claim that anything within reach of an enlightened man . . . is within reach of God.† Langdon felt unswayed by the wordplay. â€Å"Even the Bible concurs,† Bellamy said. â€Å"If we accept, as Genesis tells us, that `God created man in his own image,’ then we also must accept what this implies–that mankind was not created inferior to God. In Luke 17:20 we are told, `The kingdom of God is within you.’ â€Å" â€Å"I’m sorry, but I don’t know any Christians who consider themselves God’s equal.† â€Å"Of course not,† Bellamy said, his tone hardening. â€Å"Because most Christians want it both ways. They want to be able to proudly declare they are believers in the Bible and yet simply ignore those parts they find too difficult or too inconvenient to believe.† Langdon made no response. â€Å"Anyhow,† Bellamy said, â€Å"the Masonic Pyramid’s age-old description as being tall enough to be touched by God . . . this has long led to misinterpretations about its size. Conveniently, it keeps academics like yourself insisting the pyramid is a legend, and nobody searches for it.† Langdon looked down at the stone pyramid. â€Å"I apologize that I’m frustrating you,† he said. â€Å"I’ve simply always thought of the Masonic Pyramid as a myth.† â€Å"Does it not seem perfectly fitting to you that a map created by stonemasons would be carved in stone? Throughout history, our most important guideposts have always been carved in stone– including the tablets God gave Moses–Ten Commandments to guide our human conduct.† â€Å"I understand, and yet it is always referred to as the Legend of the Masonic Pyramid. Legend implies it is mythical.† â€Å"Yes, legend.† Bellamy chuckled. â€Å"I’m afraid you’re suffering from the same problem Moses had.† â€Å"I’m sorry?† Bellamy looked almost amused as he turned in his seat, glancing up at the second-tier balcony, where sixteen bronze statues peered down at them. â€Å"Do you see Moses?† Langdon gazed up at the library’s celebrated statue of Moses. â€Å"Yes.† â€Å"He has horns.† â€Å"I’m aware of that.† â€Å"But do you know why he has horns?† Like most teachers, Langdon did not enjoy being lectured to. The Moses above them had horns for the same reason thousands of Christian images of Moses had horns–a mistranslation of the book of Exodus. The original Hebrew text described Moses as having â€Å"karan ‘ohr panav†Ã¢â‚¬â€œ â€Å"facial skin that glowed with rays of light†Ã¢â‚¬â€œbut when the Roman Catholic Church created the official Latin translation of the Bible, the translator bungled Moses’s description, rendering it as â€Å"cornuta esset facies sua,† meaning â€Å"his face was horned.† From that moment on, artists and sculptors, fearing reprisals if they were not true to the Gospels, began depicting Moses with horns. â€Å"It was a simple mistake,† Langdon replied. â€Å"A mistranslation by Saint Jerome around four hundred A.D.† Bellamy looked impressed. â€Å"Exactly. A mistranslation. And the result is . . . poor Moses is now misshapen for all history.† â€Å"Misshapen† was a nice way to put it. Langdon, as a child, had been terrified when he saw Michelangelo’s diabolical â€Å"horned Moses†Ã¢â‚¬â€œthe centerpiece of Rome’s Basilica of St. Peter in Chains. â€Å"I mention the horned Moses,† Bellamy now said, â€Å"to illustrate how a single word, misunderstood, can rewrite history.† You’re preaching to the choir, Langdon thought, having learned the lesson firsthand in Paris a number of years back. SanGreal: Holy Grail. SangReal: Royal Blood. â€Å"In the case of the Masonic Pyramid,† Bellamy continued, â€Å"people heard whispers about a `legend.’ And the idea stuck. The Legend of the Masonic Pyramid sounded like a myth. But the word legend was referring to something else. It had been misconstrued. Much like the word talisman.† He smiled. â€Å"Language can be very adept at hiding the truth.† â€Å"That’s true, but you’re losing me here.† â€Å"Robert, the Masonic Pyramid is a map. And like every map, it has a legend–a key that tells you how to read it.† Bellamy took the cube-shaped package and held it up. â€Å"Don’t you see? This capstone is the legend to the pyramid. It is the key that tells you how to read the most powerful artifact on earth . . . a map that unveils the hiding place of mankind’s greatest treasure–the lost wisdom of the ages.† Langdon fell silent. â€Å"I humbly submit,† Bellamy said, â€Å"that your towering Masonic Pyramid is only this . . . a modest stone whose golden capstone reaches high enough to be touched by God. High enough that an enlightened man can reach down and touch it.† Silence hung between the two men for several seconds. Langdon felt an unexpected pulse of excitement as he looked down at the pyramid, seeing it in a new light. His eyes moved again to the Masonic cipher. â€Å"But this code . . . it seems so . . .† â€Å"Simple?† Langdon nodded. â€Å"Almost anyone could decipher this.† Bellamy smiled and retrieved a pencil and paper for Langdon. â€Å"Then perhaps you should enlighten us?† Langdon felt uneasy about reading the code, and yet considering the circumstances, it seemed a minor betrayal of Peter’s trust. Moreover, whatever the engraving said, he could not imagine that it unveiled a secret hiding place of anything at all . . . much less that of one of history’s greatest treasures. Langdon accepted the pencil from Bellamy and tapped it on his chin as he studied the cipher. The code was so simple that he barely needed pencil and paper. Even so, he wanted to ensure he made no mistakes, and so he dutifully put pencil to paper and wrote down the most common decryption key for a Masonic cipher. The key consisted of four grids–two plain and two dotted–with the alphabet running through them in order. Each letter of the alphabet was now positioned inside a uniquely shaped â€Å"enclosure† or â€Å"pen.† The shape of each letter’s enclosure became the symbol for that letter. The scheme was so simple, it was almost infantile. Langdon double-checked his handiwork. Feeling confident the decryption key was correct, he now turned his attention back to the code inscribed on the pyramid. To decipher it, all he had to do was to find the matching shape on his decryption key and write down the letter inside it. The first character on the pyramid looked like a down arrow or a chalice. Langdon quickly found the chalice-shaped segment on the decryption key. It was located in the lower left-hand corner and enclosed the letter S. Langdon wrote down S. The next symbol on the pyramid was a dotted square missing its right side. That shape on the decryption grid enclosed the letter O. He wrote down O. The third symbol was a simple square, which enclosed the letter E. Langdon wrote down E. SOE†¦ He continued, picking up speed until he had completed the entire grid. Now, as he gazed down at his finished translation, Langdon let out a puzzled sigh. Hardly what I’d call a eureka moment. Bellamy’s face showed the hint of a smile. â€Å"As you know, Professor, the Ancient Mysteries are reserved only for the truly enlightened.† â€Å"Right,† Langdon said, frowning. Apparently, I don’t qualify. CHAPTER 50 In a basement office deep inside CIA headquarters in Langley, Virginia, the same sixteen- character Masonic cipher glowed brightly on a high-definition computer monitor. Senior OS analyst Nola Kaye sat alone and studied the image that had been e-mailed to her ten minutes ago by her boss, Director Inoue Sato. Is this some kind of joke? Nola knew it was not, of course; Director Sato had no sense of humor, and the events of tonight were anything but a joking matter. Nola’s high-level clearance within the CIA’s all-seeing Office of Security had opened her eyes to the shadow worlds of power. But what Nola had witnessed in the last twenty-four hours had changed her impressions forever of the secrets that powerful men kept. â€Å"Yes, Director,† Nola now said, cradling the phone on her shoulder as she talked to Sato. â€Å"The engraving is indeed the Masonic cipher. However, the cleartext is meaningless. It appears to be a grid of random letters.† She gazed down at her decryption. â€Å"It must say something,† Sato insisted. â€Å"Not unless it has a second layer of encryption that I’m not aware of.† â€Å"Any guesses?† Sato asked. â€Å"It’s a grid-based matrix, so I could run the usual–Vigenre, grilles, trellises, and so forth–but no promises, especially if it’s a onetime pad.† â€Å"Do what you can. And do it fast. How about the X-ray?† Nola swiveled her chair to a second system, which displayed a standard security X-ray of someone’s bag. Sato had requested information on what appeared to be a small pyramid inside a cube-shaped box. Normally, a two-inch-tall object would not be an issue of national security unless it was made of enriched plutonium. This one was not. It was made of something almost equally startling. â€Å"Image-density analysis was conclusive,† Nola said. â€Å"Nineteen-point-three grams per cubic centimeter. It’s pure gold. Very, very valuable.† â€Å"Anything else?† â€Å"Actually, yes. The density scan picked up minor irregularities on the surface of the gold pyramid. It turns out the gold is engraved with text.† â€Å"Really?† Sato sounded hopeful. â€Å"What does it say?† â€Å"I can’t tell yet. The inscription is extremely faint. I’m trying to enhance with filters, but the resolution on the X-ray is not great.† â€Å"Okay, keep trying. Call me when you have something.† â€Å"Yes, ma’am.† â€Å"And, Nola?† Sato’s tone turned ominous. â€Å"As with everything you have learned in the last twenty-four hours, the images of the stone pyramid and gold capstone are classified at the highest levels of security. You are to consult no one. You report to me directly. I want to make sure that is clear.† â€Å"Of course, ma’am.† â€Å"Good. Keep me posted.† Sato hung up. Nola rubbed her eyes and looked blearily back at her computer screens. She had not slept in over thirty-six hours, and she knew damn well she would not sleep again until this crisis had reached its conclusion. Whatever that may be. Back at the Capitol Visitor Center, four black-clad CIA field-op specialists stood at the entrance to the tunnel, peering hungrily down the dimly lit shaft like a pack of dogs eager for the hunt. Sato approached, having just hung up from a call. â€Å"Gentlemen,† she said, still holding the Architect’s key, â€Å"are your mission parameters clear?† â€Å"Affirmative,† the lead agent replied. â€Å"We have two targets. The first is an engraved stone pyramid, approximately one foot tall. The second is a smaller, cube-shaped package, approximately two inches tall. Both were last seen in Robert Langdon’s shoulder bag.† â€Å"Correct,† Sato said. â€Å"These two items must be retrieved quickly and intact. Do you have any questions?† â€Å"Parameters for use of force?† Sato’s shoulder was still throbbing from where Bellamy had struck her with a bone. â€Å"As I said, it is of critical importance that these items be retrieved.† â€Å"Understood.† The four men turned and headed into the darkness of the tunnel. Sato lit a cigarette and watched them disappear. CHAPTER 51 Katherine Solomon had always been a prudent driver, but now she was pushing her Volvo at over ninety as she fled blindly up the Suitland Parkway. Her trembling foot had been lodged on the accelerator for a full mile before her panic began to lift. She now realized her uncontrollable shivering was no longer solely from fear. I’m freezing. The wintry night air was gushing through her shattered window, buffeting her body like an arctic wind. Her stockinged feet were numb, and she reached down for her spare pair of shoes, which she kept beneath the passenger seat. As she did, she felt a stab of pain from the bruise on her throat, where the powerful hand had latched on to her neck. The man who had smashed through her window bore no resemblance to the blond-haired gentleman whom Katherine knew as Dr. Christopher Abaddon. His thick hair and smooth, tanned complexion had disappeared. His shaved head, bare chest, and makeup-smeared face had been unveiled as a terrifying tapestry of tattoos. She heard his voice again, whispering to her in the howl of wind outside her broken window. Katherine, I should have killed you years ago . . . the night I killed your mother. Katherine shivered, feeling no doubt. That was him. She had never forgotten the look of fiendish violence in his eyes. Nor had she ever forgotten the sound of her brother’s single gunshot, which had killed this man, propelling him off a high ledge into the frozen river below, where he plummeted through the ice and never resurfaced. Investigators had searched for weeks, never finding his body, and finally decided it had been washed away by the current out to the Chesapeake Bay. They were wrong, she now knew. He is still alive. And he’s back. Katherine felt angst-ridden as the memories flooded back. It was almost exactly ten years ago. Christmas Day. Katherine, Peter, and their mother–her entire family–were gathered at their sprawling stone mansion in Potomac, nestled on a two-hundred-acre wooded estate with its own river running through it. As was tradition, their mother worked diligently in the kitchen, rejoicing in the holiday custom of cooking for her two children. Even at seventy-five years of age, Isabel Solomon was an exuberant cook, and tonight the mouthwatering smells of roast venison, parsnip gravy, and garlic mashed potatoes wafted through the house. While Mother prepared the feast, Katherine and her brother relaxed in the conservatory, discussing Katherine’s latest fascination–a new field called Noetic Science. An unlikely fusion of modern particle physics and ancient mysticism, Noetics had absolutely captivated Katherine’s imagination. Physics meets philosophy. Katherine told Peter about some of the experiments she was dreaming up, and she could see in his eyes that he was intrigued. Katherine felt particularly pleased to give her brother something positive to think about this Christmas, since the holiday had also become a painful reminder of a terrible tragedy. Peter’s son, Zachary. Katherine’s nephew’s twenty-first birthday had been his last. The family had been through a nightmare, and it seemed that her brother was only now finally learning how to laugh again. Zachary had been a late bloomer, frail and awkward, a rebellious and angry teenager. Despite his deeply loving and privileged upbringing, the boy seemed determined to detach himself from the Solomon â€Å"establishment.† He was kicked out of prep school, partied hard with the â€Å"celebrati,† and shunned his parents’ exhaustive attempts to provide him firm and loving guidance. He broke Peter’s heart. Shortly before Zachary’s eighteenth birthday, Katherine had sat down with her mother and brother and listened to them debating whether or not to withhold Zachary’s inheritance until he was more mature. The Solomon inheritance–a centuries-old tradition in the family–bequeathed a staggeringly generous piece of the Solomon wealth to every Solomon child on his or her eighteenth birthday. The Solomons believed that an inheritance was more helpful at the beginning of someone’s life than at the end. Moreover, placing large pieces of the Solomon fortune in the hands of eager young descendants had been the key to growing the family’s dynastic wealth. In this case, however, Katherine’s mother argued that it was dangerous to give Peter’s troubled son such a large sum of money. Peter disagreed. â€Å"The Solomon inheritance,† her brother had said, â€Å"is a family tradition that should not be broken. This money may well force Zachary to be more responsible.† Sadly, her brother had been wrong. The moment Zachary received the money, he broke from the family, disappearing from the house without taking any of his belongings. He surfaced a few months later in the tabloids: TRUST FUND PLAYBOY LIVING EUROPEAN HIGH LIFE. The tabloids took joy in documenting Zachary’s spoiled life of debauchery. The photos of wild parties on yachts and drunken disco stupors were hard for the Solomons to take, but the photos of their wayward teen turned from tragic to frightening when the papers reported Zachary had been caught carrying cocaine across a border in Eastern Europe: SOLOMON MILLIONAIRE IN TURKISH PRISON. The prison, they learned, was called Soganlik–a brutal F-class detention center located in the Kartal district outside of Istanbul. Peter Solomon, fearing for his son’s safety, flew to Turkey to retrieve him. Katherine’s distraught brother returned empty-handed, having been forbidden even to visit with Zachary. The only promising news was that Solomon’s influential contacts at the U.S. State Department were working on getting him extradited as quickly as possible. Two days later, however, Peter received a horrifying international phone call. The next morning, headlines blared: SOLOMON HEIR MURDERED IN PRISON. The prison photos were horrific, and the media callously aired them all, even long after the Solomons’ private burial ceremony. Peter’s wife never forgave him for failing to free Zachary, and their marriage came to an end six months later. Peter had been alone ever since. It was years later that Katherine, Peter, and their mother, Isabel, were gathered quietly for Christmas. The pain was still a presence in their family, but mercifully it was fading with each passing year. The pleasant rattle of pots and pans now echoed from the kitchen as their mother prepared the traditional feast. Out in the conservatory, Peter and Katherine were enjoying a baked Brie and relaxed holiday conversation. Then came an utterly unexpected sound. â€Å"Hello, Solomons,† an airy voice said behind them. Startled, Katherine and her brother spun to see an enormous muscular figure stepping into the conservatory. He wore a black ski mask that covered all of his face except his eyes, which shone with feral ferocity. Peter was on his feet in an instant. â€Å"Who are you?! How did you get in here?!† â€Å"I knew your little boy, Zachary, in prison. He told me where this key was hidden.† The stranger held up an old key and grinned like a beast. â€Å"Right before I bludgeoned him to death.† Peter’s mouth fell open. A pistol appeared, aimed directly at Peter’s chest. â€Å"Sit.† Peter fell back into his chair. As the man moved into the room, Katherine was frozen in place. Behind his mask, the man’s eyes were wild like those of a rabid animal. â€Å"Hey!† Peter yelled, as if trying to warn their mother in the kitchen. â€Å"Whoever you are, take what you want, and get out!† The man leveled his gun at Peter’s chest. â€Å"And what is it you think I want?† â€Å"Just tell me how much,† Solomon said. â€Å"We don’t have money in the house, but I can–â€Å" The monster laughed. â€Å"Do not insult me. I have not come for money. I have come tonight for Zachary’s other birthright.† He grinned. â€Å"He told me about the pyramid.† Pyramid? Katherine thought in bewildered terror. What pyramid? Her brother was defiant. â€Å"I don’t know what you’re talking about.† â€Å"Don’t play dumb with me! Zachary told me what you keep in your study vault. I want it. Now.† â€Å"Whatever Zachary told you, he was confused,† Peter said. â€Å"I don’t know what you’re talking about!† â€Å"No?† The intruder turned and aimed the gun at Katherine’s face. â€Å"How about now?† Peter’s eyes filled with terror. â€Å"You must believe me! I don’t know what it is you want!† â€Å"Lie to me one more time,† he said, still aiming at Katherine, â€Å"and I swear I will take her from you.† He smiled. â€Å"And from what Zachary said, your little sister is more precious to you than all your–â€Å" â€Å"What’s going on?!† Katherine’s mother shouted, marching into the room with Peter’s Browning Citori shotgun–which she aimed directly at the man’s chest. The intruder spun toward her, and the feisty seventy-five-year-old woman wasted no time. She fired a deafening blast of pellets. The intruder staggered backward, firing his handgun wildly in all directions, shattering windows as he fell and crashed through the glass doorway, dropping the pistol as he fell. Peter was instantly in motion, diving on the loose handgun. Katherine had fallen, and Mrs. Solomon hurried to her side, kneeling beside her. â€Å"My God, are you hurt?!† Katherine shook her head, mute with shock. Outside the shattered glass door, the masked man had clambered to his feet and was running into the woods, clutching his side as he ran. Peter Solomon glanced back to make sure his mother and sister were safe, and seeing they were fine, he held the pistol and raced out the door after the intruder. Katherine’s mother held her hand, trembling. â€Å"Thank heavens you’re okay.† Then suddenly her mother pulled away. â€Å"Katherine? You’re bleeding! There’s blood! You’re hurt!† Katherine saw the blood. A lot of blood. It was all over her. But she felt no pain. Her mother frantically searched Katherine’s body for a wound. â€Å"Where does it hurt!† â€Å"Mom, I don’t know, I don’t feel anything!† Then Katherine saw the source of the blood, and she went cold. â€Å"Mom, it’s not me . . .† She pointed to the side of her mother’s white satin blouse, where blood was running freely, and a small tattered hole was visible. Her mother glanced down, looking more confused than anything else. She winced and shrank back, as if the pain had just hit her. â€Å"Katherine?† Her voice was calm, but suddenly it carried the weight of her seventy-five years. â€Å"I need you to call an ambulance.† Katherine ran to the hall phone and called for help. When she got back to the conservatory, she found her mother lying motionless in a pool of blood. She ran to her, crouching down, cradling her mother’s body in her arms. Katherine had no idea how much time had passed when she heard the distant gunshot in the woods. Finally, the conservatory door burst open, and her brother, Peter, rushed in, eyes wild, gun still in his hand. When he saw Katherine sobbing, holding their lifeless mother in her arms, his face contorted in anguish. The scream that echoed through the conservatory was a sound Katherine Solomon would never forget. How to cite The Lost Symbol Chapter 48-51, Essay examples

Influence of Atticus Finch free essay sample

Throughout our lives, we are influenced and taught by many. It can have an effect on the way we view problems and events. We can be influenced by anyone, such as a family member, friend, teacher, or a fictional character. Atticus Finch, one of the main characters in the novel To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, was a person who showed and taught me a lot. Atticus Finch was a man who fought for what he believed in. He always stood up for what was right, not what was popular believing that success was not just winning, but instead trying to fight for a good cause. This showed me that winning is not the only measure of accomplishment. Even if you failed, Atticus believed you were successful. Atticus once said that you should still fight even when you know you’re beaten. He didn’t just go with the popular opinion that blacks were bad. We will write a custom essay sample on Influence of Atticus Finch or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Instead, he gathered up his courage and fought against the court. This was a big pointer for me and one of the major influences, not just because I want to become a lawyer in the future like him. This showed me that with courage you can achieve a lot, and to never lose your self-confidence. Many people think that if you lose a battle then you were not successful and I do admit that I am one of these people. When I lose, I feel very discouraged. Atticus did not think this. He believed that being successful was only to try to do something for a good cause. Even if you lose what you were fighting for, you are still successful because you fought for what you thought was right. This was what touched me and taught me to never feel inferior when I lose. Atticus did not believe in racism. He had raised his kids to feel the same way. He taught them that everyone was equal. Atticus noted how in the court there was no way for a black man to win against a white man when it’s the white man who gets to decide what happens. No matter how good of a case Atticus gave the jury, it was still racism that came out on top. He was always for equality. He believed that all men were created equal and blacks shouldn’t be treated badly. Here, Atticus taught me that equality comes first. For example, today people of many different religions and backgrounds are friendly to each other. For instance, there are different students of various backgrounds in a classroom. This promotes diversity, which is the only thing that can combat racism. People of these different backgrounds today contribute so much to the world they live in. I believe nobody should be deprived of their rights no matter what their gender, background, or religion is. Even th ough the jury and judge were against Atticus, he still fought and tried which showed me that you should never give up fighting for what you think is right. Family was always something that Atticus took pride in. He loved his family with all his heart and would do anything for them. Atticus believed that he was a failure as a father sometimes. He tried very hard to be a good one but always seemed to think he could have been better .Atticus would put family first before anything else. I love my family very much and my parents put a lot of time and effort into raising me to become someone who would never give up on something thats important to me. They taught me priceless lessons like tying my shoelaces, making my bed, how to use silverware, and so on. They have made a great impact on my life. My father is quite similar to Atticus. When he sees or hears something wrong, he speaks out. He always tells me not to give up when I think I won’t be able to achieve something and always tells me to do my best at school every day. He gives a lot of motivation, and encourages me not to back down. I am a very shy person and he reminds me to sp eak up and not to be hesitant when speaking. Atticus Finch was a successful and courageous man who did not believe in racism, teaching his family that equality always comes first. He taught me so much throughout the book, like how to make myself stronger however circumstances would become and to never give up, fight hard for the truth, and don’t ever lose your self-esteem to any negativity occurring. When I enter college, I will be more than happy to share my opinion and listen to the opinions of others. I will contribute whatever I can as I bring my confidence, work ethic, and will-power to every aspect of my life.