Michelangelo Buonarroti Essay -- European History Renaissance

Michelangelo BuonarrotiThere was a time period from 1400 C.E. to 1600 C.E., referred to as the rebirth. The rebirth was an age of discovery sh take in through , architecture, poetry, art, sculpture, and theater based on a Greco-Ro objet dart culture. Among the many Renaissance thinkers there was a man named Michelangelo Buonarroti. Michelangelo was an architect, sculptor, painter, poet, and an engineer. He preferred sculpting because he felt he was shaping mankind, which reflected the Renaissance era. The Renaissance encourage everyone to express their human potential and become a master of their universe. In contrast to the dark middle age ideas of a supernatural orientation to life, the Renaissance encouraged a more natural world and human life orientation. Michelangelo reflected the Renaissance ideals through his works of art such as, the Sistine Chapel, many sculptures including David and the Pieta, and architecture including Capitoline hummock in Rome. In these forms of art, Michelangelo lived up to being the universal man, which meant developing yourself into an individual genious. Michelangelo reflected the Renaissance in the fundamental panels on the Sistine Chapel ceiling. A particular composition of art showed how Adam and God became members of the same race of super beings, reflecting a mixture of Greek mythology and Christianity. The concept of combining pagan and Christianity is clearly shown in the central panel the Creation of Adam. Gods finger reaching out to Adam is transferring his immortally powers to Adam .which depicts the Universal Man. Whereas Medieval art would consider placing man and God as equals to be wickedness, whereas the Renaissance ideal consider art depicting that men as gods was not evil. The Sistine Chapel showed that Michelangelo reflected the Renaissance, because he portrayed his paintings victimization shadows, boldness, depicting three dimensional objects. Causing the characters on the ceiling to come alive. In con trast to the Medieval age, art consisted of dull, flat without shadow or dimension. The Renaissance created an era where artists could express themselves through lively art. Art during the pre-renaissance era, the Medieval age, was greatly influenced by the Catholic Church forbidding nudity and/or equality surrounded by God and man. Michelangelo challenged the church by depicting his work in the nude, yet idolizing God. During the... ...hree dimensional, bold art that depicted man as real and as an god in his own right. . Michelangelo accomplished portraying the Renaissance era as a Greco-Roman culture of art along with the blessings of the Catholic church. The bleak uncrystallised Medieval art forms were gladly replaced by Michelangelos works of art. BIBLIOGRAPHY Kleiner, Tansey. Gardners Art Through The Ages Tenth Edition II Renaissance And Modern Art. Florida Harcourt duet & Company, 1996 Ventura, Piero. Michelangelos World. Canada Milan 1989 Cumming, Robert. Great Artists Th e Lives of 50 Painters Explored Through Their Work. New York DK Publishing, 1998 Britain Express. Medieval Architecture and Art. 30 Dec. 2002 This Website is valid because the website states Students researching articles in our History section have asked most the credentials of David Ross for citing purposes. Credentials include BA in English History (Memorial University, 1979) Author of The Essntial Travelers Companion to Medieval England (1066 Publishing, 1996) Kren, Emil. Creation of Adam. 12 Jan. 2003 This Website is valid because it had its own sources which it got its information from.

Analysis of Emily Brontes Wuthering Heights :: Wuthering Heights Essays

Analysis of Wuthering highschool Wuthering Heights is a strange, inartistic point(Atlas, WH p. 299). Wuthering Heights is a strange sort of book (Douglas, WH p.301). This is a strange book (Examiner, WH p.302). His influence Wuthering Heights is strangely original (Britannia, WH p.305). These brief quotes show that early critics of Emily Brontes first edition of Wuthering Heights, found the novel baffling in its meaning - they each agreed separately, that no moral existed within the story therefore it was deemed to squander no real literary value. The original sarcastic reviews had very little in the way of praise for the unknown author or the novel. The critics begrudgingly acknowledged elements of Wuthering Heights that could be considered strengths such as, rugged power and unconscious strength (Atlas, WH p.299), purposeless power (Douglas, WH p.301), evidences of considerable power (Examiner), power and originality (Britannia, WH p.305). Strange and Powerful are cardinal recurring critical interpretations of the novel. The critics did not attempt to provide in depth analysis of the work, simply because they felt that the meaning or moral of the story was each entirely absent or seriously confused. The authorship of Wuthering Heights was an element of much discussion by critics. They believed the work to be the efforts of an inexperienced and unpracticed writer. The critical reviews, in my opinion, would have expressed even harsher judgments had it been commonly known that the author was in fact a young woman. In Wuthering Heights, the reader is shocked, disgusted, almost sickened by details of cruelty, inhumanity, and the most diabolical hate and vengeance(Douglas, WH p. 302). Had this particular critic been aware of the authors true identity, his barely concealed dislike for the work would have had no constraint. Charlotte Bronte assumed the role of intermediary between her late sister and the perplexed and hostile readers of Wuthering Heights (Sale and Dunn, WH p. 267). Charlotte attempted to provide Emilys readers with a more complete perspective of her sister and her works. She selectively included biographic information and critical commentary into the revised 1850 edition of Wuthering Heights, which gave the reader a overfull appreciation of the works of Emily Bronte. Charlotte championed the efforts of her younger sister and believed that Emilys inexperience and unpracticed hand were her only shortcomings. Charlotte explains much of Emilys character to the readers through the disclosure of biographical information.

The Ethics in Artificial Intelligence Systems :: Computer Technology

The Ethics in Artificial Intelligence Systems Introduction Not too long in history were calculators invented. In fact, computers were set- subscribe invented within this very century. Today we can see that computers are extremely helpful in our daily lives. The field in technology has improved so much in just the last few decades. We can see this by examining the technological advancements in computers themselves--such as having more capacities, storing more memories, performing more tasks and even in a less amount of time, etc. By observing the inconceivable progressions, one can see that not only ordain the field in technology will grow but grow exponentially. Thus, the growth in technological innovations will be promising to society. With this in mind, for the other(prenominal) few decades, many people especially scientists, researchers, and inventors have devoted so much time and energy in AI ( stilted intelligence). The subject matter of artificial intellig ence has brought many anticipation in society. Not only does artificial intelligence has many promises such as efficiently solving numerous technical problems, but also AI would promise for a better understanding in cognitive processes, particularly, the human mind 1. Before we go any further, lets unsay a look at the history behind artificial intelligence.HistoryThe concepts of the development of artificial intelligence can be traced as far back as ancient Greece. 2 Even something as small as the abacus has in somehow led to the idea of artificial intelligence. However, one of the biggest breakthroughs in the commonwealth of AI is when computers were invented. So who was this genius that came up with this idea of computers? One would have thought that computers were first originated in the unify States, but this is not true. 3 Nonetheless, the United States of America, Britain, and Germany all happened to create the computer during the same era. Germany was actually th e first country that developed the computer. And the man that represented Germany is Konrad Zuse. Zuse had the worlds first general-purpose programmable computer up and running by the end of the year 1941. 3 Next came Bletchley Park, who represented Britain he was a top secret wartime establishment which was devoted to good luck the Wehrmachts codes. 3 With the help of mathematicians and engineers, Park was able to build an electronic computer for deciphering coded messages called the Colossus.

Greek Prophetess-cassandra :: essays research papers

THE CURSED PROPHETESSOracle, in the Ancient Greek world, was a shrine where peoplewent to seek advice from prophets or prophetesses (individuals who hadspecial powers to speak on behalf of a god or fore propound the future). Besidesreferring to an altar, the word oracle also refers to the prophet orprophetess, and to his/her prophecy (Cassandra). The Ancient Greekswholly believed in these religious persons. When disease would corrupt acity, the people would go to the shrines to ask a prophet to speak on behalf of the gods. Once the Greeks knew the cause of the plague, they would doeverything in their eonian power to convince the gods to relieve themfrom their suffereing. In the same way as Oedipus, the king of Thebes, asked Tiresias (a prophet) to speak for the gods explaining why his peoplewere suffering, in Oedipus Rex. The Ancient Greeks believed their fate amaze in the powers and oracle of the prophets and prophetesses. There wasone prophetess, however, that was an exception t o this belief. AlthoughCassandra was the most beautiful and intelligent prophetess, in Greekmythology, her prophecies were never believed.Stories of gods falling in love with or lusting after young beautifulwomen appear everywhere in Greek mythology, and the case of Cassandrais no exception. Greek gods chose their prey because of somedistinguished characteristic or part of their geneology. Cassandra was alovely young woman, and described by Homer as the most beautiful ofPriams daughters. Apollo, similarly, was the most handsome of theyoung gods. Cassandra describes Apollo as someone who struggled towin me, breathing ardent for me (Lefkowitz 15).Cassandra, daughter of Queen Hecuba and King Priam of Troy,was a beautiful young woman blessed with the gift of prophecy by the godApollo. In return, she was supposed to love him, but at the last minute sheshunned Apollo. As an act of revenge, Apollo added a twist to her giftCassandra was doomed to tell the truth, but never to be believed (Co hen50). Cassandra has always been misunderstood and misinterpreted as amadwoman or crazy doomsday prophetess. She has always been shownin paintings with her long hair fast(a) around her shoulders in what wasconsidered lunatic fashion, scantily clad, and helpless on her knees in theface of her predicted doom. However, there is so much more toCassandra than her maddened predictions and pitiable treatment. Cassandra was a great, intelligent heroine who was cursed by the gods fornot playing by their rules. She is a tragic figure, not a madwoman

Ethics for End of Life Care Essay -- Ethics, Arguments, History

In the article Ethics for End of Life Care, Jos V.M Welie introduces the case of Terri Schiavo. Schiavo has a medical condition called PVS or inflexible vegetative state. The main question imposed is whether or not sermon for her should be continued with a bleak chance of recovery. This directly leads into the next answer of the role that medical treatment and technology have in the final days of life. How do we decide what treatments should be used for which patients? Today, the majority of medicos agree that treatment must be medically indicated before it is commenced or continued. A majority of us would be skeptical of a treatment that is experimental and potentially dangerous. The warrant key point the article makes involves the Catholic medical ethics known as ordinary vs. extraordinary. Ordinary and extraordinary treatment must always be based on the patients current situation. Before the treatment is initiated, there must be scientific evidence that the treatment will at tain the patient. The treatment should be discontinued if it does not improve the patients health. Only the patient is allowed to make the decision. If they are not competent enough too, a legally authorized person is required to decide. If there is no hope left for the patient, letting go is a better alternative than euthanasia. Euthanasia conflicts with idols view of the humans body. Gula explains in his work Reason Informed by Faith, that there has been a significant renewal in papistic Catholic moral theology. There has been a shift from the idea of human nature to that of the human person. The human body is seen as an image of God and therefore, is considered sacred. The human body must abide by the laws of the material world around it. Be... ...s. Although it was questionable if he was able to even make a decision, he was rarely, if at all approached by the doctor about it. Death is inevitable from a Christian perspective, but it is not the end. People struggle with death I believe because they are afraid of the unknown. What comes after death? Is there really an afterlife? Will I be rewarded or punished for my time on landed estate? I consider that the best way to die is to be surrounded and comforted by my family and friends. The idea of a planned death just seems so unnatural. That is why I believe that euthanasia should not be legal. The hospital should perform the treatments that will actually help the patients recover. If no treatment is appropriate enough, the physician should not have to resort to assisting the patient in death. God intended death to be a natural cause, and it should remain that way.

Ethics for End of Life Care Essay -- Ethics, Arguments, History

In the article Ethics for End of Life Care, Jos V.M Welie introduces the illustration of Terri Schiavo. Schiavo has a medical condition called PVS or persistent vegetative state. The main question imposed is whether or not treatment for her should be continued with a bleak chance of recovery. This directly leads into the next issue of the role that medical treatment and technology have in the final days of life. How do we mold what treatments should be used for which patients? Today, the majority of physicians agree that treatment must be medically indicated before it is commenced or continued. A majority of us would be nescient of a treatment that is experimental and potentially dangerous. The second key point the article plants involves the Catholic medical ethics known as ordinary vs. extraordinary. mediocre and extraordinary treatment must always be based on the patients current situation. Before the treatment is initiated, at that place must be scientific evidence that the treatment will benefit the patient. The treatment should be discontinued if it does not improve the patients health. Only the patient is allowed to make the decision. If they are not competent enough too, a legally authorized person is required to decide. If there is no hope left for the patient, letting go is a better alternative than euthanasia. Euthanasia conflicts with Gods view of the homo body. Gula explains in his work Reason Informed by Faith, that there has been a significant renewal in Roman Catholic moral theology. There has been a shift from the intellect of human nature to that of the human person. The human body is seen as an image of God and therefore, is considered sacred. The human body must abide by the laws of the material world around it. Be... ...s. Although it was question able if he was able to even make a decision, he was rarely, if at all approached by the doctor about it. Death is inevitable from a Christian perspective, but it is not the end. People s truggle with death I believe because they are afraid of the unknown. What comes after death? Is there really an afterlife? Will I be rewarded or punished for my time on Earth? I consider that the best way to die is to be surrounded and comforted by my family and friends. The idea of a planned death just seems so unnatural. That is why I believe that euthanasia should not be legal. The hospital should perform the treatments that will in reality help the patients recover. If no treatment is appropriate enough, the physician should not have to resort to assisting the patient in death. God intended death to be a natural cause, and it should remain that way.

Is IAS12 too difficult to apply and understand? Essay

internationalist account statement Standards 12 continues to receive numerous criticisms on applicability and usefulness of numbers in invoice for corporate income evaluate revenuees. The argument applyed is that the bills driven by IAS 12 are too hard to return or even understand. In the plight of these criticisms, two accounting standards boards, UKs (ASB) and Germanys (GASB) opted to demand a proactive project plan aimed at fundamentally reviewing the standards striation by IAS 12 prove hard to solve through piecemeal amendment. Their main(prenominal) agenda was to look at critical issues of accounting for corporate income in an attempt to develop a discussion paper on the principles of IAS 12 and set out proposals. IAS 12 prohibits companies to give an account to deferred taskes by using the deferral method based on the income statement. It instead prefers the passive methodology based on the balance sheet. In addition to the above requirement, the standard requires corporations to ac friendship either a deferral tax liability.Thirdly, IAS 12 requires recognition of deferred tax assets when it is certain that a corporation possess revenues in future to literalize deferred tax asset. For instance, given that a company has a history of losses it testament recognize deferred tax assets to the extent that taxable temporary expenses in amounts are sufficient. Fourthly, IAS 12 does not allow asset credit and delayed tax liabilities brought about by types of tangible goods and liabilities whose books vary in amounts at the moment of acknowledgment (IAS 12). The other requirement is that IAS 12 prohibits recognition of deferred tax liabilities, and those liabilities encountered or arising from adjustments for conversion so long as it satisfies two conditions * The main investor is capable of controlling the timing of reversals temporary difference.* It is certain that impermanent variation may become irreversible in the near future. Therefore, it i s a requirement of the company to disclose information concerning cumulative amount of temporary variation involved. Further, IAS 12 recommends explicitly to adjustments to a fair apprise of assets and liabilities arising from a dual business combination. It however prohibits recognition of deferred tax liabilities because of initial recognition of good will. During revaluation of assets, IAS 12 allows and requires a corporation to recognize deferred tax liabilities in case revaluation of asset takes place. Moreover, IAS 12 requires that valuation of assets and deferred tax liabilities based on tax consequences that may arise in a musical mode that a company expects to recover the amount.The standard also prohibits the deduction of deferred tax assets and liabilities to account for its electric up-to-the-minute value (Kirk, 2005). The IAS 12 further prohibits companies from making distinctions between the current and non-current assets and liabilities in its financial reports. I t also provides restrictive conditions on debit and credit balances that represent deferred tax assets that could be compensated. This requirement is based on the requirements as stipulated by the financial assets and liabilities IAS 32, financial instruments disclosure and presentation. It is worth noting that among the new information IAS 12 requires disclosure include* That for every class of impermanent disparity* The amounts of assets and tax liabilities recognized and the amount of expenses or income labeled in the income statement with respect to discontinued operations, the realization of deferred tax asset depends on future prospects over the profits sexual climax from reversals of existing impermanent parities. There has been a rise in criticism on financial reporting for income taxes from users and preparers. The criticism is based on the implication of the current and future effects it will have on cash flows. In their arguments, the users cite accounting requirements as too complex to apply in working out income tax. In addition, the principles implicit in(p) IAS 12 standard exhibit numerous exemptions that finally compromise on its principles and requirements. Some users also argue against the notion that the principles underlying IAS 12 is flawed (JORGE, 2008). However, they believe that the principles of IAS 12 are good but face a number of limitations arising from opposite and complex jurisdictions governing the various taxes in different parts of the world.Due to these and other complexities, surrounding the applicability of IAS 12, there is a destiny to examine in reality the requirements of the principle is hard to apply in financial accounting and reporting (Gupta, 2005). First, there is a need to examine significant improvements that can be incorporated to allow flexibility in application due to incompatibility with the various jurisdictions. To understand issues surrounding IAS 12, there is a need to understand problems cited as a limitation to its application. It is important to keep that users and preparers believe that the requirements in IAS12 are unsatisfactory in certain aspects. In addition, users of financial reports do not find information courtesy of IAS 12 useful. In fact, complexity of taxes within corporations makes it quite difficult to assess its impact and prescribes suitable management strategies. As a result, clear and transparent information that is not adequately provided by IAS 12 prepared financial statements.The standard seems to concentrate on extensive disclosures focusing on accounting technicalities relating to temporary differences rather than on aspects of real concern, for instance, current and future tax cash flows (Greuning, 2011). The requirements provided by IAS 12 appear too difficult to apply in practice since they are unclear. Its relevance and understandability of information provided by the standard according to preparers is questionable. In the plight of these limitat ions, IAS 12 has proved hard to apply and understand and therefore a number of issues need to be addressed to make it better. Several strategies can be incorporated to address the limitations in the IAS12.* AmendmentsSome amendments can be adopted to fix the limitations present in IAS 12 standard (Everingham & Kana, 2008). These would address particular issues such as the current unsatisfactory requirements and disclosures provided in financial reports prepared under IAS 12. This strategy will protect the main principles of IAS 12. * Develop a new accounting standard- This is on different principles from the present IAS 12 standard. It is vital to note that developing an entirely different approach to accounting pose a considerable challenge. This is because developing a new approach that matches the standards of IAS 12 can take time but extra amendments can save credible amount of time and result in less disruptive time for change and complete replacement.The main question that us ers should take to concern IAS 12 is whether the limitations should be addressed through limited amendments or by simply developing an entirely new standard that is based on different principles away from that which is addressed by IAS 12. In view of these strategies, some preparers disagree with the proposed changes. This is because they believe that the limitations contemplated in the IAS 12 were not as serious to dislodge the expenses and efforts (Delaney, 1985). Some amendments need change for instance the current IAS 12 brings confusion in the relationships between the tax paid and current tax expense as reported in the income expense. In order to address the inefficiencies, the following questions need answers * Should there be additional disclosures in IAS 12? Moreover, will these disclosures help in solving the misunderstanding between the taxes paid and current tax expenses? * Should strategies on tax accommodate user information require?(Choi, 2001)* If a new standard d ifferent to IAS 12 was to be adopted in preference to amending it, will the new system deliver up to the expectation of income tax determination? get out the new approaches pose a challenge when it comes to implementation? It is important to note that, the use of IAS 12 is a complex affair since the users have limited knowledge on the limitations and intrigues surrounding its use on tax issues and end up struggling using the information as it is without caution and end up messing.Moreover, dealings with the challenges is not a straightforward venture. Uncertainty of taxes in financial statements is of utmost interest to users and is therefore more interested on how to reflect tax risks in financial reporting. In addition, IAS 12 neither provides explicit guidance nor gives specific disclosures on accounting for uncertain tax positions. It only gives provisions that current tax liabilities at the amount expected to be paid tax authorities using the tax laws enacted at the balance s heet date on grade specified for different nations. This implies that the amount recognition is based on estimates owed or realized (Balthazar, 2011).ConclusionIn conclusion, IAS 12 has numerous loopholes that should not be ignored. This is because it creates a large gap between the requirements as suggested by IAS 12 standard as compared to what is needed by users for purposes of predicting future tax cash flows. These user needs may not be met through additional disclosures in financial statements rather other parts of company report may be utilize to provide a secure location for that kind of information.ReferencesBALTAZAR, E. (2011). International GAAP 2012 Generally Accepted Accounting Practice under International Financial coverage Standards. Chichester, West Sussex, U.K., John Wiley & Sons. http//search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx? propose=true&scope=site&db=nlebk&db=nlabk&AN=420730 CHOI, F. D. S., MEEK, G., & FROST, C. A. (2001). International accounting. Upper Saddle River, N.J., Prentice Hall.DELANEY, P. R. (1985). GAAP. New York, J. Wiley & Sons. EVERINGHAM, G. K., & KANA, S. P. (2008). Corporate reporting. Sunninghill, PricewaterhouseCoopers.GREUNING, H. V., SCOTT, D., & TERBLANCHE, S. (2011). International financial reporting standards a practical guide. Washington, D.C., World Bank. GUPTA, K. (2005). Contemporary auditing. New Delhi, Tata McGraw-Hill. IAS 12 World GAAP Info. Web. 17 Feb. 2013.INTERNATIONAL ACCOUNTING STANDARDS COMMITTEE. (2000). Revisions to international accounting standards IAS 12, Income Taxes IAS 19, Employee Benefits IAS 39, Financial Instruments recognition and measurement and other related standards. JORGE FAUSTINO, S. M. (2008). Implementing reforms in public sector accounting. Coimbra Portugal, Universit de Coimbra.KIRK, R. J. (2005). International financial reporting standards in depth. Volume 1, Theory and practice. Amsterdam, Elsevier/ Butterworth Heinemann/CIMA Pub. http//search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true &scope=site&db=nlebk&db=nlabk&AN=166355 LAWRENCE, S. (1997). International accounting. London u.a., Internat. Thomson Business Press.NOBES, C., & PARKER, R. H. (2008). Comparative international accounting.Harlow, Essex, England, Prentice Hall/Financial Times.OPPERMANN, H. R. B. (2009). Accounting standards. Lansdowne, Juta. PADMAVATHI, C. (2005). Accounting standards towards harmonization and convergence. Hyderabad, ICFAI University Press.PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS. (1998). International accounting standards applying IAS 12, income taxes, in practice. Londres, PricewaterhouseCoopers. POWER, M. (2007). Organized uncertainty designing a world of risk management. Oxford u.a., Oxford Univ. Press.WIECEK, I. M., & YOUNG, N. M. (2010). IFRS primer international GAAP basics. Hoboken, NJ, John Wiley & SonsZIMMERMANN, J., WERNER, J. R., & VOLMER, P. B. (2008). globular governance in accounting rebalancing public power and private commitment. Basingstoke England, Palgrave Macmillan. (2007). Inter national accounting and reporting issues. New York, United Nations Publication(2008). Relationships with the state proposed amendments to IAS 24 comments to be received by 13 March 2009. London, U.K., International Accounting Standards Board. (2009). International Financial Reporting Standards IFRSs 2009

Understanding Islam

Introduction The literal meaning of Islam is peace. Because of many current founding events, Islam is a highly controversial and sensitive issue that has many misconceptions that need to be more fully addressed and understood. It is true that the events of 9/11 amaze separated the history of American relations with the Muslim world into before and after phases, negatively affecting the patterns of assimilation of immigrant Muslims into American culture and society (Simmons, 2008).This sample will begin to give factual details regarding the Islam faith, comp ar Islam with other Abrahamic religions and discuss common misconceptions and current events that consume changed the way the world looks at Muslims and the Islam faith. personate It will be useful to begin with attempting to scratch the surface and try to understand the teachings of Islam. Islam is a monotheistic religion based on revelations received by the Prophet Muhammad in the 7th century. These revelations were recorde d in the faiths text, the Quran. The Islam faith has Six Articles of Beliefs.People of the Muslim faith must capture corking conviction in these most important six atomic number 18as. They be 1. Belief in divinity. 2. Belief in the Angels. 3. Belief in the Prophets and Messengers. 4. Belief in the pious Texts. 5. Belief in Life After Death. 6. Belief in the Divine Decree (Abdulsalam, 2006). The believers worship God directly without the intercession of priests or clergy. They as well restrain five duties that atomic number 18 given as rules to follow. Those are the Five Pillars of Islam Belief, Worship, Fasting, Almsgiving and Pilgrimage (Grupper, Prentice, & Roughton, 2000).The country with the most Muslims is Ind unrivaledsia, with 120 million. In addition there are millions more in parts of Eastern and westerly Europe and in the Americas. The Islam religion claims nearly 1 billion followers in countries throughout the world. Islam is likewise the youngest among major world religions but is still wizard of the largest (Ridenour, 2001). Islam belongs in a group of three religions called the Abrahamic religions. Those three religions are Christianity, Judaism and Islam. They are three sister religions that are monotheistic and that claim the prophetAbraham as their common forefather. To compare Islam and Christianity, in relation to God, Muslims believe there is no God but Allah Christians believe that God is revealed in scripture as Father, Son and Holy Spirit, three persons who are coeternally God (Ridenour, 2001). This sometimes causes Jews and Muslims to criticize the Christians as polytheistic. In all three religions, there is an ethical orientation. All three religions speak of a choice between good and evil, which is dep rested upon obedience or disobedience to God (Unkown, 2007).The three also have a linear concept of history with creation as the beginning and that God works through history. The believers of Islam are called Muslims which means one who lives his life accord to Gods will (Langley, 1993). It would seem that this particular pack and religion would be a people of peace, sincerity and love. Since 9/11, the world of the faithful in Muslim societies has been in turmoil because the living Islam, dominated by its traditional interpreters, the learned ulema, has not been able to guide the fraternity at the most diminutive period of its existence (Sachedina, 2010).This current critical period of Islam existence has created many misconceptions. Only if it is assumed that the goal of Islam is to establish peace without resorting to aggression can one claim that that militant Islamists have hijacked their religion (van der Krogt, 2010). Islam is practiced all over the world and the way it is practiced is different in different locations. Islam does claim to be brotherhoods of one religion, but the Islam practiced in Indonesia is very different than the Islam practiced in Saudi Arabia, which is also different from that in Kazakhstan, or Iran, or Morocco.In researching for this essay, the author found many different types of Muslim groups all over the world. There are over 73 sub-sects that have emerged within Islam straightaway (Venkatraman, 2007). Some peaceful and some more aggressive. A group called Hizb ut-Tahrir al-Islami (The Party of Moslem Liberation) began working in Central Asia in the mid-1990s and has developed a pull following inside Uzbekistan, and to a lesser extent in neighboring Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Kazakhstan.Estimates of its strength vary widely, but a rough figure is probably 15-20,000 throughout Central Asia. Its influence should not be exaggerated it has little public support in a region where there is limited appetite for semipolitical Islam but it has become by far the largest radical Islamist movement in the area (Unkown, Radical Islam in Central Asia Responding to Hizb ut-Tahrir, 2003). The common misconceptions regarding Muslims did not begin with t he terrorist attacks of 9/11, but that seems to be the current event that hits closest to home.Islamic terrorism is a movement in which the violence caused by terrorism is derived from and used to stay fresh extreme interpretations of the Quran in an Islamic community. Participants of this movement call for an unquestioned devotion and blind obedience or a Quaranic tenet has been broken. A some of the Islamic terrorist groups are Al-jihad, AlQaeda (Afganistan), Hamas (Palestine), Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (Kashmir), and the Lashkar e-Toiba (Kashmir) (Venkatraman, 2007). The 9/11 terrorist attacks were performed by AlQaeda under the direction of Osama bin Laden, the founder of AlQaeda.The death of Osama bin Laden has also certainly not stopped Islamic violence, but according to the president of the Muslim Public Affairs Counsel, Salam Al-Marayati, the death of Osama bin Laden represents the beginning of the end of a dark era in U. S. -Muslim relations. He goes on to say t hat hopefully this ushers a new era of hope and democracy in traffic with the grievances of Muslim people throughout the world without resorting to political violence. (Lozano, 2011). The media and these current world events are a definite misconception of all Muslim people.To gratuitously insult lawful Muslims by conflating them with terrorists is not only wrong, it is dangerous to U. S. national security (Stern, 2011). An article written in the New York Times in October of 2010, spoke about local New York Islamics having open houses to invite non-Muslims in to attend prayers, discussions and tours of Islamic centers as a way to defuse hostility toward the Muslim population. The idea for the program, A hebdomad of Dialogue, emerged from a summit of Islamic leaders as a response to the furor surrounding a plan to open a Muslim community center and mosque near ground zero (Semple, 2010).Muslims in America and around the world are trying to bring back the truth to the original Isl amic meaning of peace. We now must look at how Muslims and non-Muslims communicate and live together in harmony. Historically, in countries where Islam has gained political power, people of all rival religions are either wiped out, or in the interest of margin or open mindedness, permitted to exist as second-class citizens. Christians and Jews are looked down upon and may not practice their religion openly or freely without serious consequence.But, Islam in the West is completely different from Islam in Muslim dominated countries. Muslims who live in the Western democratic countries enjoy all the benefits and privileges of freedom and democracy. They have secure civil liberties and may practice their religion freely and openly. The Quran specifically states that Islam is a religion of mercy, tolerance and moderation. Moderation being the key to Muslim and non-Muslim communication. It allows Muslims to have a good relationship with non-Muslims, but to a certain limit.One quote from the Quran says this Let not the believers (Muslims) take for friends Unbelievers (non-Muslims) rather than believers. And whoever does that has no relation with Allah whatsoever, except by way of precaution that you may guard yourselves from them. (Surah Ali Imran, V 28). Conclusion In summation, some of the misconceptions that people around the world have regarding Islam, are backed up by some current and past events. We must first begin to understand the Islamic faith, its diversity in people, areas of the world and political stances.This author does not begin to understand the depth of the Islam faith. After researching for this essay, the realization of the diversity of this faith as compared to Christianity or Judaism, is overwhelming. The peaceful people of Islam must not be judged by the terrorists and the acts they commit. We learned that Islam has political side and a religious side as well. The editor in chief of the journal, American Libraries, Leonard Kniffel wrote an editorial about how libraries jumped at the chance to begin educating communities on the Islam faith shortly after the 9/11 terrorist attacks.Mr. Kniffel states that, Knowing that an anti-Muslim backlash was inevitable, they created programs to overhaul the patrons of their libraries understand the teachings of Islam, the history of American policy related to the conflict we now find ourselves in, and what it means to be Muslim in America (Kniffel, 2002). The Muslim American Society (www. muslimamericansociety. org) has a campaign called The Straight mode Initiative. Its goals are to equip and focus on Muslims in America ages 15-30. This initiative has a goal to initiate an honest open ialog about radicalization and extremism in Muslim American communities. They are targeting high schools and college campuses to provide programs and activities to involve young Muslim Americans in a proactive way that limits opportunities for radicalization (Unkown, The Straight Path Initiative, 201 1). Much like any religion or people group, Islam has a group of terrorists and non-peaceful people amongst them. The misconceptions are actually very real and have information and current events to back them up.It would also be fair to say, that most religions and people groups have those kinds of people. Understanding one another is the most important thing we can do. By educating each other on beliefs, understandings and ways of life, we can only then begin to have peaceful dialog to bring us together. September 11, 2001 became a day for Americans to see the true colors of the terrorist sect of the Islam religion. As this is a day we will never forget, we must begin to heal by understanding and not judging the entire Islam faith for these terrible acts of terrorism.References Abdulsalam, M. (2006, January 30). The Religion of Islam. Retrieved June 12, 2011, from www. islamreligion. com http//www. islamreligion. com/articles/6/. Grupper, J. , Prentice, P. , & Roughton, R. (2000). Islam Empire of Faith. Retrieved June 13, 2011, from www. pbs. org http//www. pbs. org/empires/islam/film. html. Kniffel, L. (2002, January). Getting to know Islam. American Libraries , 48. Langley, M. (1993). World Religions. Oxford Lion Publishing. Lozano, C. (2011, May 1). Osama bin Laden Dead End of a dark era in U. S. Muslim relations. Retrieved June 15, 2011, from L. A. Times http//latimesblogs. latimes. com/lanow/2011/05/osama-bin-laden-dead-end-dark-era-us- muslim-relations. html. Ridenour, F. (2001). So Whats the Difference? Ventura, CA Regal Books. Sachedina, A. (2010, September). Religion, Order and Peace A Muslim Perspective. Cross Currents , 332-338. Semple, K. (2010, October 22). At Mosques, Inviting Non-Muslims Inside to Ease antagonism Toward Islam. Retrieved June 15, 2011, from New York Times http//www. nytimes. com/2010/10/23/nyregion/23mosques. html? ef=reconstruction. Simmons, G. Z. (2008). From Muslims in America to American Muslims. Journal of Islamic Law and Culture , 10 (3), 254-280. Stern, J. (2011, May/June). Muslims in America. The National Interest (113), pp. 38-46. Unkown. (2007, September 16). Abrahamic Religion. Retrieved June 14, 2011, from New World Encyclopedia http//www. newworldencyclopedia. org/entry/Abrahamic_religions. References (continued) Unkown. (2003, June 30). Radical Islam in Central Asia Responding to Hizb ut-Tahrir. Retrieved June 15, 2011, from International Crisis Group ttp//www. crisisgroup. org/en/regions/asia/central-asia/058-radical-islam-in-central-asia- responding-to-hizb-ut-tahrir. aspx. Unkown. (2011). The Straight Path Initiative. Retrieved June 17, 2011, from Muslim American Society http//muslimamericansociety. org/main/content/straight-path-initiative. van der Krogt, C. (2010). Jihad without apologetics. Islam and Christian-Muslim Relations , 21 (2), 127-142. Venkatraman, A. (2007). Religious Basis for Islamic Terrorism The Quran and its Interpretations. Studies in Conflict and Terrorism , 30 (3), 2 29-248.

The Booker Prize

The obligeer intrude plunder is considered to be single of the almost prestigious recognition of the literary world and it represents one of the most master(prenominal) inter content rewards for any writer, ne it a famous or a little known one. As any award of its king, it stands as a full acknowledgement of the efforts and endeavors of writers from different periods of time. Despite the detail that it does non have the same international impact as the Nobel Prize for literature, it is viewed as a major asset in the writing career of its superiors.How ever so, it john be argued that the contribution of the award is two folded, as there are both returnss and disadvantages for pleasing the dirty money. Still, it is rather hard to determine the extent to which one of these two elements prevails. It may be that in the career of an already famous writer the role much(prenominal) a simoleons plays be rather limited as most ofttimes this award is solely a different acknowledg ement of the literary merits in a series of awards. On the other hand, for rising new literary talents or for little known fiction authors, it plays a significant role.This is why, in assign to have a better comprehension of the influence the platterer Prize has and the power of the award in itself, first of all and foremost it is in-chief(postnominal) to take into distinguish the history of the Prize and the tendencies it followed. Secondly, the actual advantages and disadvantages of the look upon can non be determined in general terms, but must be focused on spokespersonicular examples. In this sense, the present paper aims at discussing Vernon God Little and The Inheritance of Loss, two of the refreshfuls which captured this award in 2003 and 2006 respectively.In this context, a coherent analysis can be made in relation to their state prior to winning the award and afterwards. Finally, about conclusions can be drawn which may shed some promiscuous on the possible adva ntages and disadvantages of awarding little known authors the Prize, through the experience of the two writers. History and tendencies of the booker Prize The booking agent Prize or the small-arm booker Prize at it is known since 2002 was fist established in 1968 and aims to reward the best romance of the year written by a citizen of the democracy or the Republic of Ireland (The Booker Prize Foundation, 2008).Through a process of astute selection, authors in the English speaking world are rewarded for their literary efforts in the reach of fictional work and are demon the possibility to claim worldwide recognition. The Prize was established by the Booker Company but administered since 1971 by the harmonic concern the Book Trust (formerly the National Book League), the Prize, first awarded to P. H. Newby (Something to Answer For) in 1969, soon grew into one of Britains most recognizable cultural institutions (Huggan, 2001, 107).From this point of view, the prize in itself is therefore viewed as one of the most Copernican literary acclaims of the world. The early start of the award was directly related to the historical evolutions taking localize especially in the Commonwealth but likewise passim the world. The end of the 1960s represented not only a time of an increased literary activity but likewise a time of great political turmoil. In this sense, the decolonization proves was an important factor in outlining not only the national relations inside the former colonies, but also in determining the future contacts with the former colonial powers.The issue of colonialism was raised quite often throughout the history of the Prize, taking into account the fact that the company which organizes and sponsors the yearly event was salutary known for its sugar plantations in areas such as the West Indies. In this sense, there were received controversies which arose throughout the years in relation to this matter. In one occasion, in 1972 the winner of the Prize, John Berger, declared that he would support the pitch blackness extremist movement, the Black Panther in defiance of what he labeled as being a colonial rule on the territory (The Book Prize Foundation, 2007).Therefore, it was important especially for Great Britain to undergo all sorts of programs that would allow it to maintain a good and strong relation with its former colonies. In this sense, the Prize represented a connection between the artistic environments of different countries from the Commonwealth, Ireland, or South Africa. It was yet other element that placed these countries together and defined their ordinary cultural heritage from the past.Therefore, it can be argued that, aside from its literary value, the Prize compete a particular role in forging and rewarding the snapper of culture and literature in particular from the Commonwealth countries. Despite constant line and discussions over the merits and awards given along the years, there have been some im portant names which have claimed the award, and at the same time, there were impressive new make lovers which burst on the literary scene after winning the award. The first winner of the prize was in 1969 P H Newby for Something to answer for.Taking into account the fact that it was the first edition of the awards, it raised without a doubt certain controversies. This was largely due to the fact that the winner was known beforehand and it was considered that a free competition and fairness had not yet been set in place. Still, the author remains in the narrative of the Booker Prize as the first winner of the award. There are resounding names which have claimed this literary recognition. Among them, William Golding in 1980 for Rites of Passage, in 1982 Thomas Keneally for Schindlers Ark, or 1989s Kazuo Ishiguros Remains of the Day.All these authors and many more considered the prize as being an important asset in their literary careers and remain to this day informant points of th e English speaking literature. However, there are little known writers who claimed the prize and soon after, emerged as rising stars of the literary world. Some of the names include 1985 winner Keri Hulme with The Bone People. The winner was on his first novel which, succeeding(a) the prize, came to experience incredible success (The Booker Foundation, 2007).Throughout the history of the prize, there has been a lot of controversy regarding the system of awarding the prize, and even the ceremony in itself. However, as the years went by, the format of the prizes, including the actual event in which the prize was given would adapt to the rigors of an emerging global entertainment society. More precisely, if in the beginning the event did not enjoy the spotlight in the literary and television society, in 1976, Melvyn Bragg presented the first ever TV broadcast of the Booker Prize, live on BBC2 (The Booker Foundation, 2007).This came to be an acknowledgement of the importance the prize came to have in the literary world and in the English society as well. At the same time however, due to the fact that the artistic part of the awarding ceremony became more and more important for the audience and the media coverage the event started to receive, the controversies surrounding the event took an ascending trend. In this sense, many have accused the prize committee of catering to either the unavoidably of otherwise unknown authors in the right place at the right time or to the same few authors each year.Political agendas and profit motives have also received much attention in recent years, further fuelling the controversy surrounding the prize (Jacobson, 1997). From this point of view, one can argue that the controversies surrounding the prize have in most occasions shifted the focus from the literary event it was meant to be in the beginning to a marketing occasion it is now considered to be. The determination nowadays is rather hard to determine due to the different points of view shared by analysts.In this sense, turn the organizers and part of the media considers it to be the worlds most important literary award and has the power to transform the fortunes of authors and even publishers (The Booker Prize Foundation, 2007), others view it as an enormously successful marketing vehicle for nominate authors and their publishers alike (Jacobson, 1997). Yet, for some of the winners, these two perspectives can find a worthy combination which can acknowledge the quality of their work and promote the sale of their books at the same time. The Booker Prize young writers and first time novelistsOne of the most important aspects of the Booker Prize is given by the possible impact it has on the actual winners. part there is little discussion on the advantages well known authors draw from winning the prestigious prize, a more relevant discussion would be on the effects it has on first time novelists who are awarded the prize. In this context, the effects can be seen more in the careers of first time novelists due to the fact that it represents the first recognition of their work and therefore its impact can be better assessed. Indeed, the biggest impact the prize has is on the author who actually wins the award.In this sense, D B C Pierre won the award in 2003 with Vernon God Little. His won of the prize is considered to be one of the most interesting surprises of the event. According to the most reviews at the time, the writer was considered to be an underdog in comparison to his rivals, as It beat a shortlist including the first novel by Monica Ali, Brick Lane, which was the bookmakers favorite and has been the biggest seller in the shops, and Oryx and Crake by Margaret Atwood, the only established author to make it to the final round of opinion (Jury, 2003).From this first perspective, it can be seen the fact that in the judging process the focus of the jury essay to be on first time novelists as well as on established ones. Th is approach tends to give certain equilibrium to the awarding process and to take into account a wide variety of literary submissions. The choice of the jury at the time was consentaneous therefore there was little doubt on the say-so winner. The unity of the choice was considered to be justified due to the important message the text tried to convey.The story of a young teenager from Texas whose life evolves as he tries to face up the disputes of poverty, violence, and family misery was impressive for the panel of the judges who claimed that the book is a coruscating black comedy reflecting our alarm but also our fascination with modern America (Jury, 2003). Indeed the emotional touch on the novel came from the authors own personal experience as a drug addict in search for his own identity and individual recognition of the self.There are certain objective elements which drew the attention on the novel itself. Firstly, there was indeed the personal affection of the author which tr ansformed the book into an impressionable work. Secondly, there was the discomfit which dealt with a serious issue affecting America at the time. High school shootings and violence among teenagers were considered, and still are viewed as being an essential challenge facing the society due to the questions it actually raises on the values driving the society forward.In this sense, critics considered that the storyline for this book is one that you would as much see played out today on the six oclock news as read in a novel and has for this reason struck a chord with book lovers (Jury, 2003). Therefore, the actuality of the story combined with the drama of the personal history of the author made the novel receive the most acclaimed British literary award. The reviews were however split following the award ceremony as not everybody considered such a literary work to be worthy of the prestige of this prize.In this sense, picking up on Finlays infamous past, The Daily Telegraph describe d his win as highly embarrassing for the prizes organizers and sponsor, the Man group. The Guardian called him the oddest and most controversial character to have won the award, while The Independents literary editor, Boyd Tonkin, said he was a novelist whose background makes the antics of most young writers look tame in the extreme (The Sydney Morning Herald, 2003). Therefore, the cutting edge of the novel was not fully appreciated by traditional literary reviews who considered it to be a choice too daring for the conservatory nature of the award.However, despite the admonition that surfaced after the award ceremony, another element was introduced in the justification for rewarding Finlays artistic effort with the prize. Therefore, it was considered that taking into account such a novel and the fact that the winner was in fact a debutant on the literary scene, the focus of the Booker Prize may have shifted from the well acclaimed authors to the ones that have not been top of the s elling lists. In this way, the Booker Prize Foundation would engage itself in an endeavor meant at promoting the new talents and at reintroducing young literature to the public.Another important presence on the list of the winners of the Booker Prize is the 2006 jurys choice in the person of Kiran Desai and her novel The Inheritance of Loss. At 35, she was the youngest effeminate writer to receive the award and this element, along with the quality of her work, attracted the attention of both the jury and the public worldwide. She contested the prize with other five writers, including her mother who had been nominated before for the award, yet never won it (BBC, 2006).Among the other writers from the short list, there were authors with more experience and with more public consideration such as Sarah amnionic fluid or Kate Greenville. Still, she became the youngest winner of the award. This was due in part to the new attempt of the Booker Prize Foundation to try to promote new talent s and in part to the emotional story Desais novel portrayed, a story of globalisation, multiculturalism, inequality and the different forms of love (Pryor, 2006).From the perspective of Finlays experience with the Booker Prize as well as Kiran Desais, it can be said that there are both advantages and disadvantages in winning the award. Firstly, one of the most important advantages of the award is the monetary aspect. On being awarded the prize, the winner receives ? 50,000 and the tacit commitment of the Foundation to continuously promote the novel. In the case of Finlays personal history, in the conditions in which he lived a life of poverty following the loss of his family fortune, the financial aspect can be seen as being of considerable importance (Greer, 2003).Secondly, another advantage of young or debutant writers receiving this prestigious award is the wide recognitions they receive following the ceremony. Before the award, Finlay was far from being an award winning charact er. His life of drugs, alcohol, and misery would not have presented himself as a possible valuable mind for the literary world. Even more, his past has often been invoked as being unworthy of a Booker Prize winner. Yet, after the recognition he received from the Booker Foundation, many of his critics turned to admit his literary merits in presenting a new face of fooling life in America.In this way, aside from the fact that he managed to draw the attention on the misery and distress affecting local societies in America, he also succeeded in underlining the effects of an abuse led life. Similarly, in Desais situation, the award represented both a personal recognition of her young talent, as well as a proof of the the attention the issues addressed by her book received following the award. In this sense, the judges hailed The Inheritance of Loss as a magnificent novel of humane breadth and wisdom, comic tenderness and powerful political acuteness (BBC, 2006).Thus, another advantage o f the award received by a young talent is the fact that by recognizing the value of the book, the jury also acknowledges both the new perspective given to certain elements such as crossbreeding culture issues and, at the same time, underlines the importance of the issues under discussion for the contemporary society. Probably one of the most important advantages young winners and first time novelists pull ahead from is the increase in sales of their books. Most winners received not only wide acclaim from the critics, but also from the public.For instance, the 1978 winner, Iris Murdochs The Sea, The Sea () has a come in of continuing popularity which almost all of todays authors would give their eye teeth to equal (Ezard, 2004). Therefore, most authors du find fame and fortune following the award winner status. Kiran Desai ensured the Penguin fiction department a rise in sales of two percent immediately after winning the Booker Prize award. Thus, the success of her book was also viewed in the choice of the readers. Still, one of the most important elements which drew the attention of the public was precisely the label of Booker Prize winner.Similarly, Fanleys story was proposed for a photograph adaptation as a result of the critics acclaim (The Sydney Morning Herald, 2004). Hence, each in his or hers own way managed to reach success as a result of the Booker Prize. Aside from the various, especially financial advantages, there are also considerable disadvantages of the Prize being given to young or first time novelists. One of the most important however is the eventual commercialization of the literary content in an attempt to win the prestigious prize.In this sense, because of the marketing potential and the industry-renowned judges, the Booker Prize now is a very high stakes award. Authors, in turn, have more reason to tailor their work to the expectations of the Booker arbiters (Jacobson, 1997). As a result, the quality of the works may decrease in the attempt to write attractive novels for the judges in the panel rather for the public. Hence, the prize has come to be a goal in itself, rather than an actual recognition. Young artists and first time novelists tend to fall in this trap most often due to the lack of experience and a limited identification of their own personal style.Moreover, due to the increased media attention on the prize, the entire process becomes more focused on the financial aspect, rather than on the artistic value of the recognition in itself. It is considered thus that all in all, there can be little doubt that the Booker, more than any other literary prize in recent history, has blazed a trail in the commercialization of English-language literature (Huggan, 2001). Overall, it can be said that the Booker Prize has had an important influence on its winners, but also on the new tendencies it rewards through the acknowledgement of certain artists.However, another true element is the fact that the commercializa tion of the entire process has led to the dilution of the value of such a prize. This is why it is important that the Booker Prize award new talents or even little known artists, without regard to their personal or ethnical background because it would prove that the most important element the Booker Prize takes into account is talent and literary achievement, rather than fame and public notoriety. Bibliography BBC. Kiran Desai claims Booker title. BBC News. 2006. 6 January 2008 Desai,Kiran.The Inheritance of Loss. New York Atlantic Monthly Press, 2005. Ezard, John. Booker prizes semipermanent fame lottery. The Guardian. 2004. 6 January 2008 Greer, W. R. Book Review Vernon God Little by DBC Pierre. 2003. 6 January 2008 Huggan, Graham. The Postcolonial Exotic Marketing the Margins. Routledge. New York, 2001. Jacobson, Warren. The Booker Prize. 1997. 6 January 2008 Jury, Louise. Debut novelist defies betting odds to win Booker prize.The Independent. 2003. 6 January 2008 Pierre, D. B. C. Vernon God Little. London Faber and Faber, 2005. Pryor, Fiona. Review The Inheritance of Loss. BBC News. 2006. 6 January 2008 The Booker Prize Foundation. About the prize. 2007. 6 January 2008 The Booker Prize Foundation. Hitting the headlines. 2007. 6 January 2008 The Booker Prize Foundation. The Booker Prize. 2008. 6 January 2008

The bard by john martin

History paintings ere then considered as the grand style of painting even though these paintings never really caught on in the British market, mainly due to their huge dimensions. On the contrary, landscape was considered a low genre. Despite these impediments, both of them had victorious careers and raised landscape to the height of historical paintings. Another characteristic both painters shared was the inclusion of the Sublime in their art, which was very popular at the time. match to E. Burkes definition, the Sublime focuses on darkness, vastness, magnificence, loudness and denseness.I will analyze how when commenting on the painting The Bard. Turners paintings had greatly Impressed Martin but their approach to historical paintings was quite different. They both depicted grandiose representations of history and told stories about the Immensity of nature compared with the smallness of men. But when Turner was more interested in fate and how men were powerless in the immensity of nature,John Martin oriented his works towards the Divine and the representation of grand biblical themes inspired by the Old Testament.John Martins paintings were mainly based on religious and barbaric subjects. His most celebrated works were Pallbearers Feast, The Great day of his Wrath, the Destruction of Stood and Sonogram or the Seven Plagues of Egypt, amongst others. The Bard does not belong to this class but is still one representation of his conception of his art. It Is based on ancient British history. Martins Bard was first exhibited In 1817 and Is an Illustration off poem, the Bard, scripted In 1757 by Thomas Gray.The mom tells the story of the last surviving caparison In Wales who climbed above a swirling river after Edward I and the English man switched the country. Martin Is telling us almost word for word the same story. This is both a poetical painting as the dress was the official poet of the principle and his court and a political painting portraying the k ing and his troops. This painting is huge in size (it is over 2 meters high). The story told is divided by the river which creates a chasm between the two halves of the minting, one with its chiaroscuro side with the bard overcoming the other side with the military.In the left foreground the dwarfed figures of the king and his soldiers overpowered by the castle which despite the defeat still stands erect. On the right- hand side, there are rocky cliffs, on top of which the bard stands erect immobile on his two feet, proudly safekeeping his harp. His besides being In the foreground but so much higher conveys the moral disparity between the two parties. His left hand points towards the sky, the bard Is the prophet who he Is telling the king that punishment ill come, not through human hands but through the Delve.There are hardly any(prenominal) warm tones, only some dark red on the figures, linking them, there is no doubt that atmosphere and adds to the tragedy of the story told. Al though the figures are important in order to tell the story, the landscape is the focus of the story, it is the drama that overpowers all other impressions. The wild, chaotic landscape with its spectacular effects, the vastness of the scale and the power of the noble bard give a full representation of the sublime.Also, we, as risers, are safe but, like the soldiers, we are compelled to look up at the Bard and the Divine could also destroy us. We have great admiration for the Bard who, we know, will commit suicide, but we also fear what fate has in store for us. Although John Martins paintings in stages fell into oblivion after his death, his paintings have recently been exhibited and commented upon. His works have inspired many film makers and he is now considered a cinematic painter. sensation example is C. B. De Mille, Moses in his film the Ten Commandments has a striking resemblance with the Bard.

A Dirty Job Chapter 18

18YO MOMMA SO DEAD THATOn her last day, Lois Asher r everyied. After not having fifty-fifty been able to astound up to go to the breakfast table, or into the living room to sit and watch TV for three weeks, got up and danced with crony to an old Ink Spots song. She was playful and full of laughter, she teased her children and hugged them, she ate a chocolate-marshmallow sundae, and she brushed and flossed afterward. She put on her favorite silver jewelry and wore it to the dinner party table, and when she couldnt find her squash-blossom necklace she shrugged it forward like it was a minor thing she must rush misplaced it. Oh, well.Charlie knew what was happening because he had seen it divulge mien, and blood br early(a) and Jane knew because Grace, the hospice nurse, explained it to them. It happens again and again. Ive seen volume rise up out of a coma and sing their favorite songs, and all I depose spot you is to bang it. People see the light come hold up into eyes that have been dull for months, and they start to place hope on it. Its not a sign of cleaveting well, its an opportunity to say good-bye. Its a gift.Charlie had too learned by observing that it really helped every sensation to let go if they were at least mildly medicated, so he and Jane took almost antianxiety pills that Janes therapist had prescribed and Buddy washed trim a time-released morphine pill with some scotch. Medication and forgiveness can make for joyous moments with the dying its like they get to matter to childhood and because nothing in the future matters, because you dont have to train them for life, teach lessons, forge applicable and practical memories, all the joy can be squiffy from those last moments and investment trustd in the controlt. It was the best and closest time Charlie had ever had with his nonplus and his babe, and Buddy, in the sharing, became family as well.Lois Asher went to bed at nine and died at midnight.I cant last out for the fu neral, Charlie give tongue to to his sister the future(a) morning.What do you mean you cant stay for the funeral?Charlie looked out the window at the giant ice pick of a shadow that had do its stylus down the mountain toward his mothers house. Charlie could see it churning at the edges, like flocks of birds or swarming insects. The point was less than a half mile away.I have something I have to do at home, Jane. I mean, I forgot to do it and I really, really cant stay.Dont be mysterious. What the hell do you demand to do that you cant learn your own mothers funeral?Charlie was printing press his Beta Male imagination to the breaking point to come up with something credible on the spot. Then a light went on. The other night, when you sent me out to get laid?Yeah?Well, it was an adventure, to be for certain, except when when I went to get my scalp sewed up, I also had a test. I talked to the doctor today, and I have to go get treatment. Right at once.You moron, I didnt send you out to have unsafe sex. What were you thinking?It was safe sex. Right, reliable, he thought, he al close to scoffed at himself. Its the wounds theyre worried most. but if I get on these drugs dependable away, in that respects a good chance that Ill be okay.Theyre putting you on the cocktail? As a preventative?Sure, thats it, the cocktail Charlie thought. He nodded gravely.Okay, then, go. Jane turned and hid her face.Maybe I can get rear in time for the funeral, Charlie verbalize. Could he? He had to find oneself both due soul vessels in less than a week, and hope that no new nominates had appeared in his envision book.Well do it a week from today, Jane said, turn back around, tears blinked away. You go home, get treated, come back. Buddy and I will submitle the arrangements.Im sorry, Charlie said. He put his arms around his sister.Dont you die on me, too, you fucker, Jane said.Ill be fine. Ill be back as soon as I can. work on back that charcoal Armani of yours for me to wear to the funeral, and Cassies strappy discolour pumps, okay?You? In strappy black pumps?Its what Mom would have involveed, Jane said.When Charlie landed in San Francisco there were four frantic messages on his cell phone from Cassandra. She had always seemed so calm, composed a horse barn counterpoint to his sisters flights of fancy. She sounded a wreck on the phone.Charlie, shes got him trapped and theyre discharge to eat him and I dont screw what to do. I dont regard to call the cops. Call me when you land.Charlie did call, all the way into the city in the shuttle van he called, but kept getting transferred to voice messaging. When he got out of the van in front of his store he hear a hiss coming out of the storm drain at the corner.I missed finishing with you, l everyplace, came the voice.No time, Charlie said, hopping over the halt and running into the store.You never called, purred the Morrigan.Ray was behind the counter mousing through with(predicate) Asian c uties when Charlie came storming through.Youd better get upstairs, Ray said. Theyre freaking out up there.No kidding, Charlie said as he passed. He took the stairs two at a time.He was fumbling his key into the lock when Cassandra threw the access open and pulled him into his apartment.She wont let him go. Im afraid theyre sack to eat him.Who, what? Thats what you said on my voice mail. Where is Sophie?Cassandra dragged him to Sophies room, where he was met in the doorway by a growling Mohammed.Daddy Sophie shrieked. She ran across the room and leapt into his arms. She gave him a with child(p) hug and a sloppy kiss that left a chocolate Sophie-print on his cheek. Down, she said. Down, down. Charlie put her down and she ran back into her room, but Mohammed prevented Charlie from entering, pushed his nose into Charlies shirt, leaving a giant dog-nose print in chocolate. Evidently there had been a chocolate orgy discharge on in his absence.His mother is supposed to pick him up at o ne, Cassandra said. I dont know what to do.Charlie strained to see around the hellhound and saw Sophie standing with her hand on Alvins collar while he menaced a little boy who was crouched in the corner. The little boy was a little wide-eyed, but otherwise unhurt, and he didnt seem that frigh 10ed. In fact, he was hugging a box of Crunchy Cheese Newts, and was eating one, then feeding the next one to Alvin, who was dripping hellish dog drool onto the kids shoes in anticipation of the next newt.I love him, Sophie said. She went to the little boy and kissed him on the cheek, leaving a chocolate smear. Not the prototypical. It appeared that this little guy had been suffering Sophies affections for quite some time, for he was covered with chocolaty goodness and orange Cheese-Newt dust. I want to keep him.The little boy grinned.He came over for a playdate. I guess you scheduled it before you left, Cassandra said. I thought it would be okay. I tried to get him out of there, but the dogs wont let me by. What are we passing to describe his mother?I want to keep him, Sophie said. epic kiss.His name is Matthew, Cassie said.I know his name. He goes to Sophies school.Charlie started into the room. Mohammed blocked the doorway.Matty, are you all right? Charlie said.Uh-huh, said the chocolate-, cheese-, and dog-drool-sodden kid.I want him to stay, Dad, Sophie said. Alvin and Mohammed want him to stay, too.Charlie thought that perhaps he had not been strict enough in setting limits for his daughter. Maybe after losing her mother, he just hadnt had the heart to say no to her, and now she was taking hostages.Honey, Matty has to get modifyed up. His mommy is coming to get him so he can go be traumatized in his own house.No Hes mine.Honey, tell Mohammed to let me in. If we dont get Matty cleaned up, he wont be able to come back.He can sleep in your room, Sophie said. Ill take care of him.No, young lady, you tell Mohammed to get I have to pee, Matthew said. He climbed to h is feet and skipped by Alvin, who followed him, then under Mohammed and past Charlie and Cassandra to the bathroom. Hi, he said as he went by. He closed the door and they could hear the sound of tinkle. Alvin and Mohammed bullied their way through the doorway and waited outside the bathroom.Sophie sat down heavily, her feet splayed out, her lower lip pushed out like the cowcatcher on a move engine. Her shoulders started heaving before he could hear the sob like she was saving up breath then the wailing and the tears. Charlie went to her and picked her up.I?CI I?CI, he he he he Its okay, honey. Its okay.But I love him.I know you do, honey. Itll be okay. Hell go to his house and you can quench love him.Noooooooooooooooooooooo She interred her face in his jacket, and as practically as his heart was breaking for his daughter, he was also thinking about how much Three Fingered Wu was going to ding him for getting the chocolate stain out of his jacket.They just let him go pee , Cassandra said, staring at the hellhounds. Just like that. I thought they were going to eat him. They wouldnt let me near him.Its okay, Charlie said. You didnt know.Know what?They love the Crunchy Cheese Newts.Youre kidding?Sorry. Look, Cassie, can you clean up Sophie and Matty and take care of this? I have some stymy in my date book I have to take care of right away.Sure, but Sophie will be fine. Wont you, honey?Sophie nodded sadly and wiped her eyes on his coat. I missed you, Daddy.I missed you, too, sweetie. Ill be home tonight.He kissed her, got his date book from the bedroom, and ran around the apartment collecting his keys, cane, hat, and man purse. Thanks, Cassie. You have no idea how grateful I am.Sorry about your mother, Charlie, Cassandra said as he passed.Yeah, thanks, Charlie said, quickly stop consonanting the edge of the sword in his cane as he went by.Charlie, your life is out of control, Cassandra said, now slipping back into the unflappable persona that they we re all used to.Okay, Ill need to borrow your strappy black pumps, too, Charlie said as he headed out the door.I think Ive made my point, Cassie called after him.Ray stopped Charlie at the bottom of the stairs. You got a minute, boss?Not really, Ray. Im in a hurry.Well, I just wanted to apologize.For what?Well, it seems silly now, but I kind of suspected you of being a serial killer.Charlie nodded as if he were considering the grave consequences of Rays confession, when, in fact, he was trying to remember if there was all gas in the van. Well, Ray, I accept your apology, and Im sorry I ever gave you that impression.I think all those years on the force made me suspicious, but Inspector Rivera stopped by and set me straight.He did, did he? What exactly did he say?He said that you had been checking some stuff out for him, getting into places he couldnt get without a warrant and so forth, stuff that youd both get in a lot of trouble for if anyone found out, but was helping to put the ba d guys away. He said thats why youre so secretive.Yes, Charlie said solemnly, I have been fleck crime in my spare time, Ray. Im sorry I couldnt tell you.I understand, Ray said, backing away from the stairway. Again, Im sorry. I feel like a traitor.Its okay, Ray. But I really have to go. You know, fighting the Forces of Darkness and all. Charlie held his cane out as if it were a sword and he was charging into action, which, bizarrely, it was and he was.Charlie had six days to retrieve three soul vessels if he was going to get caught up before he returned to Arizona for his mothers funeral. Two, the names that had appeared in his date book the like day as Madison McKerny were seriously overdue. The last had appeared in the book only a orthodontic braces of days ago, when he was in Arizona yet it was in his own handwriting. Hed always thought that he had been doing some kind of sleep writing, but now, this was a whole new twist. He promised himself he would freak out about it as so on as he had some time.Meanwhile, with the near-death hand job and the dead-mom thing, he hadnt even done the preliminary research on the send-off of the two, Esther Johnson and Irena Posokovanovich, and both were now past their pickup date one by three days. What if the sewer harpies had already gotten there? As strong as theyd become already, he didnt even want to think about what they could do if they got hold of another soul. He considered calling Rivera to watch his back when he went to the house, but what would he say he was doing? The sharp-faced cop knew there was something supernatural going on, and hed taken Charlies word that he was one of the good guys (not a hard bewray when hed seen the sewer harpy driving a three-inch claw up his nostril only to survive nine rounds of 9 mm in the torso and slake fly away).Charlie was driving with no destination, heading into Pacific Heights just because the traffic was lighter in that direction. He pulled over to the curb and call ed information.I need a fall and address for an Esther Johnson.Theres no Esther Johnson, sir, but I have three E. Johnsons.Can you give me the addresses?She gave him the two who had addresses. A recording offered to dial the number for him for an additional charge of fifty cents.Yeah, how much to drive me there? Charlie asked the computer voice. Then he hung up and dialed the E. Johnson with no address.Hi, could I speak with Esther Johnson, Charlie said cheerfully.Theres no Esther Johnson here, said a mans voice. Im afraid you have the wrong number.Wait. Was there an Esther Johnson there, until maybe three days ago? Charlie asked. I saw the E. Johnson in the phone book.Thats me, said the man, Im Ed Johnson.Sorry to bother you, Mr. Johnson. Charlie disconnected and dialed the next E. Johnson.Hello, a womans voice.Hi, could I speak to Esther Johnson, please?A deep breath. Who is calling?Charlie used a finesse that had worked a dozen times before. This is Charlie Asher, of Ashers Sec ondhand. Weve taken in some merchandise that has Esther Johnsons name on it and we wanted to make sure its not stolen.Well, Mr. Asher, Im sorry to tell you that my aunt passed away three days ago.Bingo Charlie said.Pardon?Sorry, Charlie said. My associate is playing a scratch-off lotto ticket here in the shop, and hes just won ten thousand dollars.Mr. Asher, this isnt really a good time. Is this merchandise you have valuable?No, just some old clothes.Another time, then? The woman sounded not so much bereaved as harried. If you dont mind.No, Im sorry for your loss, Charlie said. He disconnected, checked the address, and headed up toward Golden Gate Park and the Haight.The Haight mecca for the Free Love movement of the sixties, where the beatnik Generation begat the Flower Children, where kids from all over the country had come to tune in, turn on, and drop out and had kept coming, even as the neighborhood went through alternating waves of renewal and decline. Now, as Charlie drove d own Haight Street, amid the head shops, vegetarian restaurants, hippie boutiques, music stores, and coffeehouses, he saw hippies that ranged in age from fifteen to seventy. sulk oldsters panhandling or passing out pamphlets, and young, white-Rastafarian dreadlocked teenagers in flowing skirts or hemp drawstring trousers, with shining piercings and vacant pot-blissed stares. He passed brown-toothed crackheads barking at cars as they passed, a peaky holdover here and there from the punk movement, old guys in berets and wayfarers who might have stepped out of a jazz club in 1953. It wasnt so much like the hands of time had stood still here, more like theyd been thrown in the air in exasperation, the clock declaring, Whatever Im outta here.Esther Johnsons house was just a couple of blocks off Haight, and Charlie was lucky enough to find parking in a twenty-minute green zone nearby. (If the time came that he ever got to talk to soulfulness in charge, he was going to make a case for sp ecial parking privileges for Death Merchants, for while it was nice that no one could see him when he was retrieving a soul vessel, some cool Death plates or black parking zones would be even better.)The house was a small bungalow, unusual for this neighborhood, where most everything was three stories tall and painted in some(prenominal) simulation would contrast most with the house next to it. Charlie had taught Sophie her colors here, using grand Victorians as color swatches.Orange, Daddy. Orange.Yes, honey, the man barfed up orange. Look at that house, Sophie, its purple.The block did have its share of transients, so he knew the doors of the Johnson house would be locked. Ring the bell and try to get up through, or wait? He really couldnt afford to wait the sewer harpies had hissed at him from a grate as he approached the house. He rang the bell, then quickstepped to the side.A pretty, dark-haired woman of about thirty, clothing jeans and a peasant blouse, opened the door, l ooked around, and said, Hello, can I help you?Charlie nearly fell through a window. He looked behind his back, then back at the woman. No, she was looking right at him.Yes, you rang the bell?Oh, me? Yes, Charlie said. Im, uh you meant me, right?The woman stepped back into the house. What can I do for you? she said, a bit stern now.Oh, sorry Charlie Asher I own a secondhand store over in North Beach, I just talked to you on the phone, I think.Yes. But I told you that it wasnt important.Right, right, right. You did, but I was in the neighborhood, and I thought, well, Id just drop by.I got the impression you were calling from your shop. You got all the way across townspeople in louvre minutes?Oh, right, well, the van is like a mobile shop to me.So the person who won the lotto is with you?Right, no, he quit. I had to efflorescence him out of the van. New money, you know? All full of himself. Will probably buy a big rock of cocaine and a half-dozen hookers and hell be bust by the w eekend. Good riddance, I say.The woman backed another step into the house and pulled the door partway shut. Well, if you have the clothes with you, I suppose I can take a look at them.Clothes? Charlie couldnt believe she could see him. He was completely screwed now. Hed never get the soul vessel and then well, he didnt want to think of what would happen then.The clothes you said you thought might belong to my aunt. I could look at them.Oh, I dont have those with me.Now she had the door closed to the point where he could see just one blue eye, the embroidery around the neckline of her blouse, the dismissal on her jeans, and two toes. (She was barefoot.) Maybe youd better check another time. Im trying to get my aunts things together, and Im doing it all by myself, so its a little hectic. She was in this house for forty-two years. Im overwhelmed.Thats why Im here, Charlie said, thinking, What the hell am I talk about? I do this all the time, uh, Ms. Mrs., actually. Mrs. Elizabeth S arkoff.Well, Mrs. Sarkoff, I do this sort of thing a lot, and sometimes it can get overwhelming going through the possessions of a loved one, especially if theyve been in one place for a long time like your aunt. It helps to have soulfulness who doesnt have an excited attachment to help sort things out. Plus, I have a pretty good eye for whats valuable and whats not.Charlie wanted to give himself a high five for coming up with that on the spur of the moment.And do you charge for this service?No, no, no, but I may make an offer to buy items youd like to get rid of, or you can place them in my shop on consignment if youd prefer.Elizabeth Sarkoff sighed heavily and hung her head. Are you sure? I wouldnt want to take advantage.It would be my pleasure, he said.Mrs. Sarkoff swung the door wide. Thank God you showed up, Mr. Asher. I just spent an hour trying to figure out which set of elephant salt-and-pepper shakers to keep and which to throw away. She has ten pairs Ten Please come in.C harlie sauntered through the door feeling very proud of himself. Six hours later, when he was waist deep in porcelain-cow figurines, and he still hadnt located the soul vessel, he lost all sense of accomplishment.So she had a special connection to Holsteins? Charlie called to Mrs. Sarkoff, who was in the next room, inside a qualifying in wardrobe, sorting through yet another huge pile of collectible crap.No, I dont think so. Lived her whole life here in the City. Im not sure if she ever saw a cow outside of those talking ones that sell cheese on TV.Swell, Charlie said. Hed been through every inch of the house except the closet where Elizabeth Sarkoff was working and he hadnt found the soul vessel. Hed peeked into the closet a couple of times, taking a fast inventory of the contents, and didnt see anything glowing red. He was get-go to suspect that either he was too late, and the Underworlders had gotten the soul vessel, or it had been buried with Esther Johnson.He was heading do wn toward the basement again when his cell phone rang.Charlie Ashers phone, Charlie said.Charlie, its Cassie. Sophie wants to know if youre going to come home in time to tell her a story and tuck her in. I gave her dinner and her bath.Charlie ran up the stairs and looked out the front windows. It had gotten dark and he hadnt even noticed. Crap, Cassie, Im sorry. I didnt realize it was so late. Im with an estate client. Tell her Ill be home to tuck her in.Okay, I will, Cassandra said, sounding exhausted. And, Charlie, you can clean up the bathroom floor. Youve got to do something about those dogs getting in the tub with her. There are drifts of Mr. Bubble suds all over your apartment.They do enjoy their bath.Thats cute, Charlie. If I didnt love your sister Id hire someone to break your legs.My mom just died, Cassie.Youre playing the dead-mom card? Now? Charlie Asher, you Gotta go, Charlie said. Be home soon. Charlie pushed the disconnect button four times, then one more time, just t o be sure. Cassandra had been such a sweet woman, only days ago. What happened to people?Charlie bounded into the bedroom. Mrs. Sarkoff?Yes, still in here, came a voice from the closet.Im going to have to be going. My daughter needs me.I hope everything is all right.Yes, not an emergency, Ive just been gone for a couple of days. Look, if you need any more help No, I wouldnt think of it. Why dont you give me a few days to sort things out and Ill bring some items by your shop.I dont mind, really. Charlie felt silly yelling to someone who was in a closet.No, Ill be in touch, I promise.Charlie couldnt think of any way of pressing the situation right now, and he needed to get home.Okay, then. Ill be going.Thank you, Mr. Asher. Youve been a lifesaver.Youre welcome. Bye. Charlie let himself out and the front door locked behind him with a click. He could hear stirring below the street the rustling of feathers, the distant calls of ravens as he made his way back to where he had parked his van. And when he got there, of course, it had been towed.When she heard the front door lock, Audrey went to the back of the closet and moved the big cardboard wardrobe box aside to reveal an elderly woman who was sitting calmly in a folding lawn chair, knitting.Hes gone, Esther. You can come out now.Well, help me up, dear, I think Im stuck like this, Esther said.Im sorry, Audrey said. I had no idea hed stay that long.I dont understand why you let him in in the first place, Esther said, creaky but on her feet now.So he could satisfy his curiosity. See for himself.And where did you get that Elizabeth Sarkoff name?My second-grade teacher. It was the first thing I could think of.Well, I guess you fooled him. I dont know how to thank you.Hell be back. You know that, right? Audrey said.I hope not too soon, Esther said. I really need to visit the powder room.Where is it, lover? hissed the Morrigan from the grate on Haight Street, near where Charlie was trying to flag down a cab. Youre sl ipping, Meat, said the hellish chorus.Charlie looked around to see if anyone else had heard, but passersby seemed very intent on their own conversations, or if alone, were staring intently at a point only twelve feet in front of them on the sidewalk, both strategies to avoid eye contact with the panhandlers and crazy people who lined the sidewalk. Not even the crazy people seemed to notice.Fuck off, Charlie said, in a furious whisper at the curb. Fucking harpies.Oh, lover, this teasing is so palatable. The little ones blood will be so deliciousThe young homeless guy sitting just down the curb looked up at Charlie. Dude, get the clinic to up your lithium and theyll go away. It worked for me.Charlie nodded and gave the guy a dollar. Thanks, Ill look into that.Hed have to call Jane in Arizona in the morning and find out how far the shadow had moved down the mesa, if it had moved. Why would what he did or didnt do in San Francisco affect what was happening in Sedona? All this time hed been trying to convince himself that it wasnt about him, and now it appeared that it very much was about him. The Luminatus will rise in the City of Two Bridges, Vern had said. What kind of dependable prophecy can you get from a guy named Vern, anyway? (Come on down to Verns Discount Prophecy The Nostradamus with the Low-Price Promise.) It was absurd. He had to keep going forward, doing his part, and doing his best to collect the soul vessels that came to him. And if he didnt, well, the Forces of Darkness would rise and rule over the world. So what. Bring it on, sewer hoes Big deal.But his inner Beta Male, the gene that had kept his kind alive for three million years, spoke up Forces of Darkness notion the world? Okay, that would be bad, it said.She so loved the smell of Pine-Sol, said the third woman that day to claim to have been Charlies mothers best friend. The funeral hadnt been so bad, but now there was a potluck in the clubhouse of a nearby gated senior community where Budd y had lived before he moved in with Charlies mom. The couple had returned there often to play cards and socialize with Buddys old crew.Did you get some sloppy joe? asked best friend number three. Despite the hundred-degree heat, she wore a pink sweat suit emblazoned with rhinestone poodles and carried a nervous little black poodle under her arm everywhere she went. The dog licked her potato salad while she was distracted by talking to Charlie. I dont know if your mother ever ate sloppy joe. Only thing I ever saw her take in was an old-fashioned. She did enjoy her cocktails.Yes, she did, Charlie said. And I think Im going to go enjoy one myself, right now.Charlie had flown into Sedona that morning after spending the night in San Francisco trying to find the two overdue soul vessels. Although he couldnt find a burial notice for Esther Johnson, the pretty brunette woman at her house had told him that she had been interred the day after hed first gone to the house in the Haight, and he assumed that the soul vessel had been, once again, buried with her. (Was the brunettes name Elizabeth? Of course it was Elizabeth, he was fooling himself to even judge to forget. Beta Males do not forget the names of pretty women. Charlie could remember the name of the centerfold of the first Playboy hed ever swiped from the shelves in his dads shop. He even remembered that her turnoffs were bad breath, mean people, and genocide, and resolved that he would never have, be, or commit any of those things, just in case he ran into her sometime when she was casually sunning her breasts on the hood of a car.) There was no trace of the other woman, Irena Posokovanovich, who was supposed to have died days ago. No notice, no records at hospitals, no one living in her house. It was as if shed evaporated, and taken her soul vessel with her. He had a couple more weeks to get to the third name in his date book, but he wasnt sure what he was going to have to deal with to get to it. Darkness was rising.Someone beside him said, Small talk doesnt really get any smaller than when youve lost a loved one, huh?Charlie turned toward the voice, surprised to see Vern Glover, diminutive Death Merchant, munching some coleslaw and ranch beans.Thanks for coming, Charlie said automatically.Vern waved off the thanks with his plastic fork. You saw the shadow?Charlie nodded. When hed gotten to his mothers house this morning, the shadow of the mesa had reached his mothers front yard, and the calls of the carrion birds that churned in its edges were deafening. You didnt tell me that no one else could see it. I called my sister from San Francisco to check the progress, but she didnt see anything.Sorry, they cant see it at least as far as Ive ever been able to tell they cant. It was gone for five days. It came back this morning.When I came back?I guess. Did we cause this? Doughnuts and coffee and its the end of the world?I missed two souls back home, Charlie said, smiling at a human race in b urgundy golf wear who held his hand to his heart in sympathy as he passed them.Missed? Did the what did you call them the sewer harpies get them?Could be, Charlie said. But whatever is happening, it seems to be following me.Sorry, Vern said. Im glad we talked, though. I dont feel so alone.Yeah, Charlie said.And sorry about your mother, Vern added quickly. You okay?Hasnt even hit me yet, Charlie said. I guess Im an orphan.Ill make sure and check out whoever gets her necklace, Vern said. Ill be careful with it.Thanks, Charlie said. You think we have any control over who gets the soul next? I mean really. The Great Big Book says it will move on as it should.I guess, Vern said. Every time Ive sold one the glow has gone out right away. If it wasnt the right person, that wouldnt happen, right?Yeah, I guess so, Charlie said. So there is some order to this.Youre the expert, Vern said then he dropped his fork. Who is that? Shes so hot.Thats my sister, Charlie said. Jane was coming across the room toward them. She was wearing Charlies charcoal double-breasted Armani and the strappy black pumps her platinum hair was lacquered into thirties finger waves, which flowed out from under a small black hat with a suppress that covered her face down to her lips, which shone like red Ferraris. To Charlie, she looked, as usual, like the cross between a robot assassin and a Dr. Seuss character, but if he tried to squint past the fact that she was his sister, and a lesbian, and his sister, then he could possibly see how the hair, lips, and sheer linear altitude of her might strike someone as hot. Especially someone like Vern, who would require climbing equipment and oxygen to scale a woman Janes height.Vern, Id like you to meet my incredibly hot sister, Jane. Jane, this is Vern.Hi, Vern. Jane took Verns hand and the Death Merchant winced at her grip.Sorry for your loss, Vern said.Thanks, Jane said. Did you know our mother?Vern knew her very well, Charlie said. In fact, it was one of Moms dying wishes that you let Vern buy you a doughnut. Wasnt it, Vern?Vern nodded so hard that Charlie thought he could hear vertebrae cracking.Her dying wish, Vern said.Jane didnt move, or say anything. Because her eyes were covered, Charlie couldnt see her expression, but he guessed that she might be trying to burn holes in his aorta with her laser-beam vision.You know, Vern, that would be lovely, but could I take a rain check? We just buried my mother and I have some things to go over with my brother.Thats fine, Vern said. And it doesnt have to be a doughnut, if youre watching your figure. You know, a salad, coffee, anything.Sure, Jane said. Since its what Mom wanted. Ill give you a call. Charlie told you Im a lesbian, though, right?Oh my God, Vern said. He almost doubled over with fire before he remembered that he was at a postfuneral potluck and he was openly imagining a mnage trois with the deceaseds daughter. Sorry, he squealed.See you, Vern, Charlie said as his sister hustled him toward the kitchen cubicle of the clubhouse. Ill electronic mail you about that other thing.As soon as they rounded the corner into the kitchen Jane punched Charlie in the solar plexus, knocking the wind out of him.What were you thinking? Jane hissed. She flipped back her entomb so he could see just how pissed off she was, just in case the punch in the breadbasket hadnt conveyed the message.Charlie was gasping and laughing at the same time. Its what Mom would have wanted.My mom just died, Charlie.Yeah, Charlie said. But you have no idea what youve just done for that guy in there.Really? Jane raised an eyebrow.He will remember this day always, Charlie said. That guy will never again have a sexual fantasy in which you do not walk through, probably wearing borrowed shoes.And you dont find that creepy?Well, yes, youre my sister, but its a seminal moment for Vern.Jane nodded. Youre a pretty good guy, Charlie, looking out for a comminuted stranger like that.Yeah, well, you know For an ass bag Jane said as she sank a fist into Charlies solar plexus.Strangely, as he gasped for breath, Charlie felt that wherever his mother was right now, she was pleased with him.Bye, Mom, he thought.PART THREEBATTLEGROUNDTomorrow we shall meet,Death and I And he shall thrust his swordInto one who is wide awake. jag Hammarskjld

Personal Views on Globalization and Cultural Identity Essay

The concept of the human as one community has, in late(a) years, turned into a growing trend not only in business but in practically all facets of activity. Globalization has, in fact, fast-tracked the consolidation of cultural minorities or migrants into the mainstream society of so many countries, including the United States of America. For instance, the United States today is on the verge of installing a new breed of attracter. This willing be made possible by the winning of South African-American candidate Barack Obama as the nations 44th President. This means the country has rightfully gone a longway. While before only white citizens are elected President, the U. S. now has reached a very liberal sense of nationhood. Perhaps, this is a result of decades of continuously allowing Americans to inter-marry with other nationals and its open admission into the country of migrant businessmen, workers and students. These so-called cross-boarder alternatives are attributed to global ization which is a strategy that paved the way for both weak and strong governments to open up their respective countries worldwide. In order to have a level playing field, opening up of economies resultedinto privatization of main sectors of the parsimoniousness such as public services and deregulation of vital businesses. But while globalization has become a norm of life, there is still a conscious effort to preserve the American culture in the same way as what the other countries are doing. Preserving the cultural heritage or indistinguishability of a nation should be interpreted as a continuing process and should not be left obliterated by globalization. Due to globalization, world trade has become more competitive unlike in the past where only a few countries controlled it.Today, even the previously closed economy of mainland China has gained great in-roads into the world market, including the American market for that matter. Nonetheless, as emphasized by the global financial crisis, globalization has apparently just put more coiffure on the worldwide market and deteriorated the financial surplus. With the U. S. being a melting pot of the various cultures of the world, the impact of globalization appears more beneficial than a scourge to the economy and the nation itself. These various cultures brought into the country by migrants have been successfullyassimilated into the American way of life. Concrete examples are the various Asian cultures and business activities that truly helped in the growth of U. S. as a showcase for globalization. Professionals from other countries helped Americans in the delivery of modern health care while Japanese investors have wake up local manufacturers into redesigning products to fit into present needs and standards. The entry of a lot of migrants into the country, in fact, enriched American culture. It has developed the once purist nation into a global leader with a greatly tempered concept of supremacy.Whereas befor e Americans dictate the terms and conditionality in business transactions, today it has accepted and embraced fair trade practices. Maybe because in hundreds of years in dealing with other cultures, the U. S. has accepted the reality that it must co-exist with other nations and cultures. Otherwise, its very own existence could be in serious jeopardy. Its abase experience with the invasion of Iraq, for instance, made America learned that despite its modern technology and warfare faculties it cant easily subdue a ontogeny country without the cooperation of othercountries and cultures. This makes globalization a positive option to prevent future tendencies of adventurism by nations like the U. S. With its failure in Iraq and the meltdown of its economy in recent months should make its leaders rethink its foreign policy, view on globalization and the need to respect the cultural identities of other civilizations. Globalization, therefore, should not be taken as an instrument to wipe o ut cultural identities of nations but rather it can be availed as a common bridge towards better disposition and in the process advance the cause of world peace.