Thursday, March 7, 2019
Interpretivists Approach to Suicide
Suicide is a phenomenon understudied in early 1960s. One of the reasons was over payable to Durkheims Le Suicide (1897) had been widely ruled in sociology. Durkheim utilise a scientific approach to work the causalities of self-destruction. It was believed that there was little to a greater extent to study on felo-de-se. However, interpretivists such as Douglas criticised Durkheims study as not being reliable due to the item he employ quantitative data. Douglas believed that he failed to take into account society is constructed by means of peoples interactions and tout ensemble statistics be social construct.Interpretivists seek to fall out the reasons of felo-de-se by reign how society is socially constructed through the social interactions between people in society. Recently, there has been a red-hot interpretive approach which has formed new explanation signifi orduretly diverse explanations to Durkheims positivistic approach. Although interpretivists approaches have p roduced a oft valid meaning to self-destruction as whatsoever may learn, it is withal flawed. Douglas classification of felo-de-se was trough social meaning through revenge,self-destruct,sympathetic,guilt etc.He believed that self-annihilation was a way of responding by try to solve a problem. He looked at categorizing suicides according to their social meanings beca implement the causes and responses to suicide vary from society to society. Douglas criticised Durkheims study of suicide rates ground on its methodological grounds. He argued that suicide statistics hardly lacked any form of validity in the main because it could be misinterpreted by the coroners verdict.For example, Durkheim suggested that suicide rates were humbled in Catholic countries due to high social integration. Douglass criticised this he would say that as for Catholics suicide is a mortal sin families would put pressure on coroners to reach an alternative verdict and the suicide figures were low d ue to inaccuracies. Douglas sees suicide statistics as the result of negotiations between the polar parties involved which can lead to distorted statistics.He thus says that Durkheims study of suicide isnt useful in society because the statistics were based on coroners interpretations (therefore suicides are socially constructed) and so his study wasnt reliable. He suggests it is more important to look at the meaning of suicide. He also suggested that we study to study them with qualitative methods and use case studies. However he denies that suicide could be explained by external factors. In this case, Douglas theory was considered invalid as he failed to show any kind of assure to back his research.Atkinson (1978) believed that coroners had a common sense theory of suicide. They categorise suicide based on information from this theory they consider quadruplet types of evidence relevant for orbit a verdict and if the evidence matches the incident thence it is considered suici de. Their verdicts are based on suicide notes, location and circumstances, life history and finally the trend of death. Atkinson also criticises Durkheims method of studying suicide, he identified that different cultures imply different interpretations for suicide.For example, he studied four English and Danish coroners and gave them the same case studies . He embed that the Danish coroners are much more likely to come to a verdict on suicide based on probability of balance, whereas the English coroners looked for evidence to reach to a conclusion if a suicide was intent. Furthermore, Jean Baechler argued that Durkheims study of suicide isnt useful because suicide cant be explained alone in terms of external factors. Not everyone whose business fails, or whose pardner dies, or who is a protestant in an urban area, kill themselves.Thus, to Baechler, suicide must always be at least partially explained through personal factors that are particular to an respective(prenominal) and this isnt possible with the use of official statistics he thought that it would be more useful to study individual suicide cases and to categorise them therefore suggesting that Durkheims study of suicide isnt particularly useful in society because it was out of the question to find the true meaning behind the suicides using only statistics.On the other hand, however, Steve Taylor criticises twain(prenominal) Douglas and Baechler for failing to recognise the value of Durkheims work. He criticises Douglas for contradicting himself. At some points Douglas implies that suicide statistics can never be reliable since its always a matter of judgement whether a death is a suicide, but at other times he suggests that causes of suicide can be found its difficult to see how this can be true if its impossible to be certain whether an act is a suicide.Commenting on Baechler, Taylor points out those individual cases often fit a number of categories, depending on the interpretation the rese archer makes of the victims motives, and there is no reason to believe that these interpretations are any more reliable than suicide statistics. From this he suggested that suicides could be classified into four types such as thantation, submissive, sacrifice and appeal. Taylor approach is useful as it combined both qualitative and quantitative methods making his study both reliable and valid.However, Taylor has received a lot of criticism over the fact he used a lot of secondary data and is unsuspecting of the inaccuracies it contained. It has also been shown that in reality you cannot simply classify suicide into four types. In conclusion, there are many criticisms against Durkheims study on suicide which suggest that it is not suitable to study the causalities of suicide and by chance the interpretivists. We should instead examine the interpretive theories of suicide.However, Hindess argues that such writers, whilst criticising the social construction of suicide statistics, si mply ask us to believe that their interpretations of the reality of suicide are more valid than Durkheims. He also states that interpretivists have no evidence to support their approach on suicide and simply want us to believe in their interpretations which are no more useful then Durkheims study on suicide. Nevertheless, Durkheims study was published in the 19th century so maybe it isnt useful in modern industrial society as the results may not infer to contemporary society.
Wednesday, March 6, 2019
Discussion Questions Essay
DQ 1 Select a small trade that you may want to start. What is strategical attention and cookery? Why would a strategic plan be important to the winner of this business? How atomic number 18 the four functions of management relative to creating and implementing a strategic plan?I want to start an e-commerce sales business. The strategic management and planning guidelines for this kind of business include the followingPlanning As an owner, I volition psychoanalyze the direction the organization result go and create core objectives for the business. The objectives will help the company stay on track and assist in any unexpected developments that may stand up down the road and short-term and long-term goals are designed.Organizing We will analyze our resources and determine the volume of products to purchase and the individual cost to generate profits. We will also review how many employees will be needed.Directing Our managers will be tasked with the responsibility of enc ouraging positive behavior from employees to create production that leads to higher profitable margins. Managers will implement a reward schema for consistent high producers.Controlling The entire team will succeed the operation and gauge areas that may require improvements or adjustments to maximize sales volumes. The team will also use the same goals and objectives that were previously formal to review any issues or concerns and confirm that any negative feedback that may have been received is addressed.A strategic plan would be really necessary and important for this business to solidify a position in the e-commerce industry where customers can shop for quality products and the company will get profits, while instilling great customer service. The four functions of management are relative to creating and implementing a strategic plan so all areas are balanced and functioning in conjunction with the expectations of the business.DQ 2 What is the difference in the midst of deputation and vision statements? What factors must be considered to produce an usurp direction and vision statement for an organization?Vision and mission statements various phrases that a company uses to describe or state their values, direction, integrity position, beliefs and style. The difference surrounded by the vision and mission statement is that the mission statement defines the purpose, goals and objectives of a business. The mission statement also explains the impact the business will have on the community. The vision statement speaks more to the values of the organization, explains the purpose of the achievements, and outlines how things should be make as the goals and objectives are being followed.In order to produce an appropriate mission and vision statement the business should focus on elements that pass on trust among potential consumers that will help them to understand the primary facets from which the business plans to operate. Some key variables are the qu ality of products and services that will be delivered, the contribution to the community, and the ethical position that will be the foundation of well(p) business behaviors
Food and Beverage Operations Essay
This means that pot likker outlets can refuse entry and alcohol to any member of the pubmic without big(p) a reason. inquire 2 * People orientated drunkenness managers must be comfor accede leading their employees and working with the public. a manager is evaluate to walk the floor and talk to patrons. * Honesty in some cases beverage managers work for the owner of the establishment, who has entrusted his or her managers with the restaurants profits and supplies. stealing from the establishment or other dishonesty is a fast panache to lose the owners trust.* Organized a good beverage manager entrust know the key to success is preparations. This means ensuring beverages are fresh and officious to place when customers arrive, beverage managers must be strong administrators. * Flexibility a beverage manager may be required to work later(a) hours, especially if employed at a step. You will need to be prepared for all situations. A good beverage manager has the under 5 ch aracteristics * Confidence * Honesty and integrity * Good management skills * To be able to work well under pressure * Reliability hesitation 3.On- pulmonary tuberculosis an outlet where liquor is served over a counter or to table for the customers to consume on the premises. Off-consumption an outlet where liquor is sold to the public for consumption elsewhere. The liquor must be sold unopened in slopped containers. Question 4 A bar control system is fundamental in order to attain correct and accurate stock control. Question 5 Possible discrepancies are * You used the incorrect selling damage in the calculations. * The issues and opening stock values could be incorrect * there could be spillages.* Stocks have been stolen as a result of poor security system * The addition and extensions could be incorrect Question 6 (a) R1650(Cost) 100 R6000(sales)x 1= 25 (b) 75% Question 7 A cocktail is sipped whereas a zep is drunk quickly. Question 8 Cocktails have since become a precis e popular type of drink and operators have realized that consumers are more(prenominal) likely to try a new mix of cocktails which vary from bar to bar. Question 9 To make it attractive. Question 10 The shake method is done in a cocktail shaker and is usually shaken with frosting and farm animaled into a scum.The stir method means the ingredients are added in concert and then stirred to ensure mixing in one of 2 ways Mixed in the glass or mixed in a separate container and then sieveed into the serving glass. Question 11 This means that when a cocktail is shaken with ice, the ice thaws too quickly, diluting the liquor with piss and making the drink weaker. Question 12 a) Rum 1) Cuba Libre 1 ? Tots sportsmanlike rum Top up with cola according to taste in a highball glass with ice. Lime or so-and-so wedge to garnish. 2) Bacardi Cocktail 1 banknote Bacardi rum ? measure grenadine ? lemon juice.Shake with ice and strain into a cocktail glass b) Brandy 1) Brandy Cocktail-1 ? measures brandy 1 measure cointreau 2 dashes of sugar sirup 2 dashes of angostura bitters Add ice and stir gently, strain into a cocktail glass 2) Stinger 1 measure brandy 1 measure creme de menthe (white) Shake with ice and strain into a cocktail glass c) disunite 1) Gin and It 1 measure prohibitionist gin 1 measure Italian vermouth Pour over ice unto a cocktail glass garnish with a cherry 2) Dry Martini-2 measures dry gin 1 measure dry vermouth Mix and stir gently and serve in a cocktail glass garnish with a twist of lemon and an olive.Question 13 1 ounces Whiskey 5 ounces Soda Water Mix ingredients in a highball glass two-thirds full of ice. Stir briskly and garnish with a lemon twist. Question 14 Balloon glass. South African liqueur brandy is jackboot or old fashioned. Question 15 Sambuco is a liqueur, it is usually meant to be drunk before meals but people prefer to have them as shooters. It is most often served on their own in a liqueur glass or as part of a cocktail. Qu estion 16 The binder made up of one leaf which holds the filler together. Covers the inside part of the cigar completely.
Tuesday, March 5, 2019
Lord of the Flies. Utopia and Dystopia Quotes
A Utopia is a place or society that appears perfect in e actually way. The government is perfect, working to better societys standards of living rather than their own, social aspects of the community transcend perfectly. There is no war or disease, only peace and happiness. Dystopia- Dystopia came from the name Utopia. It defines a place or society which is in complete chaos. The citizens be all suffering and are miserable. Often times in novels what appears to be a Utopian society it first by the visiting superstar is actually revealed to be a dystopian society.The citizens are often revealed to brave out in terror, under complete control by the government, unaware of round-backed world in which they actually live in, or suppressed by the society as a whole. 3. ) This island in master of the Flies utilise to be a utopia because in the beginning of the story they had this beautiful mod environment they could explore and run wild through without any bighearted supervision or anyone to tell them what to do. The boys were only concerned, at first, about having period of play with no adult supervision. The island than became a dystopia when Ralph was struggling to regain his power art object Jack was trying to have complete control.It also became a dystopia when e realone started to combat amongst each other and then when two of the boys died the island had defiantly become a dystopia. Utopia Quote Arent there any grownups at all? I dont think so. The fair boy said solemnly but then the delight of a realized ambition overcame him. In the middle of the scar he stood on his head and grinned at the turn fat boy. No grownups Dystopia quote But then the fatal irrational knowledge came to him again. The breaking of the conch and the deaths of Piggy and Simon hung over the island like a vapor.These paint savages would go further and further. Then there was that indefinable connection mingled with himself and Jack who therefore would never let him alon e never. 4. ) The Running art object by Richard Bachman, 1984 by George Orwell, Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury, Brave stark naked World by Aldous Huxley 5. ) In the article Utopias and Dystopias A Comparison of churchman of the Flies and Animal Farm, I believe the author did a very good job. I liked how the author organized the article and how she include quotes that went well with what she was just talking about.I also liked how she had a minor(ip) summary of the stories she was talking about because since I had only read Lord of the Flies and not Animal Farm I would have been very confused with what her point was and what she was trying to get across. But since she had a pocketable summary that went with what she was talking about, not a huge summary of the ientire appropriate chapter by chapter, I understood just what she meant. I also apprehended how the author included page numbers after the quotes she used. Such as, isolated from food and sleep found time for play, ai mless and trivial (Golding 49).
How Effective Are Various Methods in Reducing Recidivism Essay
Prison, non-custodial sentences and rehabilitation seem all failed in reducing recidivism however, in that respect is little and limited evidence to support non-custodial sentences, as well as some people think if rehabilitation could be implemented effectively, it would work. Although the expediency of prison is keeping our society from dangerous people, when it comes to reducing recidivism score, the effect of prison is disappointing. The public usually think that imprisonment is safer for communities however, it appears powerless to deter inmates from committing abuse again.In the article, Study shows building prisons did not pr thus fart repeat crimes, befuddle Butterfield (2002) cites a large-scale study of recidivism from the Bureau of Justice Statistics, which investigated up to 272,111 originator prisoners in 15 accedes during the first terce years after beingness released. It found that 67% of inmates broke the law again in three years right after their release in 1994. It is surprised that it does not make any difference to recidivism rate which was studied in 1960s, and it is til now 5% higher than the study done in 1983.In addition, it indicated that the more(prenominal) than rearrest records a criminal has, the higher recidivism rate he has. The inmates who have more than 15 prior arrests have 82. 1% of recidivism rate. Nevertheless, according to Emily Kinghams article (2006), she believes that prison forces offenders to regret and reflect on their behaviour as for the lawsuit that criminals cannot reject the temptation of committing new crime is because of inadequate provided support. In maliciousness of this, some experts have admitted that prison does not work in basis of reducing recidivism rate (Considering the alternate(a)s 1978 Finckenauer 1988).Some limited evidence has shown that non-custodial sentences may reduce recidivism regardless of some experts being sceptical ab place their desired achievements. On the one hand, alternative sentences can help organisation save specie and alleviate over-cramped number of criminals in prison (Considering the alternatives 1978). On the other hand, Kingham(2006) points out that alternative sentences do nothing but return prisoners to their original circumstances, which resolving power in unawareness of their crimes and the onsequences. One study indicated that through one of alternative sentences, intensive probation, recidivism rate is less than 20% however, the evidence maybe unclouded as the study has not been completely put into practice (Considering the alternatives 1978). Furthermore, in the Minnesota, alternative sentences have been successfully adopted to keep criminal rate not increasing, but it may not be convinced because of the reference point not being confirmed (Considering the alternatives 1978).While some people betoken rehabilitation is also failed in reducing recidivism rate, some authors counter that if government could support rehabili tation, recidivism rate would decrease. According to the article, Prison, James O. Finckenauer (1988) cites some studies, which shows that even though the government has already provided with good rehabilitation programmes, they cannot achieve helpful of inmates.On the other hand, this position is contested by Joan Petersilis (cited in Butterfield 2002), a professor of criminology at the University of California at Irvine and an expert on parole, who says that state governments spent such little money on rehabilitation programs that inmates do not receive sufficient help with drug addition, work dexterity and preparation for a new life, which may lead increasing recidivism rate. Butterfield (2002) supercharge cites the statement by Mr. Travis, who also argues that criminals return to crime.
Monday, March 4, 2019
It Infrastructure Security Policy
UNIT 6 ASSIGMENT 1 IT understructure Security insurance function of the Network nucleotideThe Companies values candidness and promotes ad military commission price to a wide consort of information accordingly, the campus information outlines have been designed to be as undetermined as possible.The Companies network consists of entropy cables and jacks from the wiring closets to the holdrs work station, or wireless price of admission points to a occasionrs PC copper and optical entropy communications cables Ethernet switches, routers, servers, and peripherals administrations to enable and manage entryway and systems to monitor the capacity and put forward the righteousness of the network, with the goal to provide high availability and capacity to fight the pauperisms of the network substance ab occasionrs. The reliability, availability and adequate capacity of network resources is censorious to the day-to-day function of the Companies.Each member of the Companies community (students, faculty, staff, and guests) is pass judgment to protect the uprightness of the network and to know and tie to Companies rules, regulations and guidelines for their book use. Regulations that govern personal manners and use of Companies facilities also apply to the use of network resources. * Components of the Network al-Qaeda polity * Appropriate Use * Unacceptable Use * find Restrictions * essential for EvaluationRead thisChapter 2 Why Security is NeededComponents of the Network fundament insurance * * Connecting Devices to the Network * The campus network is a shared resource. It is therefore inf solelyible to strike a balance between enabling opportunities for teaching and research, and protect the integrity of network resources. To this end, Companies essentialiness be involved in the planning, acquisition, maintenance, and on-going connectivity of exclusively network devices. This ordain ensure the suspend network design, interoperability o f components and integrity of operation.If a device is connected to the network infrastructure without prior reference book, Companies cannot guarantee the on-going connectivity and ripe operation of the device. * * tuner Network Equipment The interest and use of wireless networking (802. 11a, 802. 11b & 802. 11g, Wi-Fi) is evolving rapidly. every last(predicate) network use policies apply to the use of wireless LAN technology. radio set bother to Companies resources which go out be infrangibled through a central enfranchisement system, except for specific departmental needs.The comp either(prenominal)(prenominal) depart work with private departments and colleges to help address their special needs for wireless technology. * * Domain anatomy Service meshwork servers for academic departments or administrative units serving campus relate information whitethorn need DNS entries set up for the server. implores for DNS entries go forth need to be submitted to the Networ king unit of Companies for approval. No new(prenominal) DNS server should be apparatus by otherwise campus units. DNS name will not be addicted to a server set up for personal use, much(prenominal) as a personal meshwork server.Any web site served on the web servers take fored by Companies such(prenominal) as www. uww. edu, facstaff. uww. edu, and students. uww. edu will carry the appropriate path names as URL no DNS name will be stipulation. Occasionally members of the Companies community whitethorn sponsor an organization that is in the main affiliated with the Companies. These organizations whitethorn be of professional, scholarly, partnership or entrepreneurial nature. nether certain circumstances it may be appropriate for these organizations to hold DNS names other than uww. edu , while hosting them in the Companies domain.Provided that the use of these domains sponsor the Companiess committal and are consistent with all applicable Companies policy, Companies may host them at heart the uww. edu domain. Approval and regular review of these domains will be parcel outed on a case-by-case basis by the Chancellor and the CIO. Additionally, there are skillful criteria that must be met, such as 1. Servers in the domain must reside in the McGraw selective information center. 2. This progress must be listed as the skilful contact with the registrar**, so that others are aware of any(prenominal) changes and can respond appropriately. 3.Only UW-W DNS servers should be specified to the registrar * * Dynamic host Control Protocol The DHCP assistance delivers IP information to campus workstations to provide meshwork connectivity. The central DHCP advantage and the management of IP assignments is administered by Companies. No other DHCP service should be set up on campus without prior cite with Companies, and solo to meet specific administrative or academic needs. * international entrance money to Network Resources While web feeler is suffici ent for the mass of Companies educational and business activities there are some instances when direct addition to network resources is needful.To enable remote access to network resources in a define manner that protects confidentiality and integrity of Companies and personal information Virtual cliquish Networking is a method by which a user can access UWWs internal network via the internet in a secure manner through a firewall or similar warranter department layer. remote access for some campus services, such as email and library infobases, may be addressed in separate campus policies. clear users must unless connect to the Companies network from computers that conform to the Network Infrastructure Use Policy guarantor requirements.This includes ensuring that computers are fully patched with the latest operating system updates and have current antivirus computer software product. Appropriate UseListed below are the policies that govern data network access and usage for students, staff and faculty at the Companies of Wisconsin Whitewater. 1. true users Authorized users are (1) current faculty, staff, and students of the Companies (2) somebody(a)s connecting to a public information service supported on the Campus network and (3) others who are specifically authorized to use a particular calculation or network resource by the campus unit responsible for the resource. . General Guidelines Those who use the campus network resources are pass judgment to do so responsibly, that is, to comply with arouse and federal laws, with this and other policies and procedures of the Companies, and with ruler standards of professional and personal courtesy and conduct. 3. Security Information credentials at Companiesis everyones responsibility. To maintain protective covering in using the campus network services, it is important to lodge to the following guidelines * Protect your login ID and password.Computer tarradiddles, passwords, ids and other type s of authorization are assigned to idiosyncratic users and should not be shared with others. * Be aware that the person to whom an count is assigned will be held accountable for any practise originating from that account. * Do not access data or systems for which you have not been habituated specific authority. * Take reasonable steps to ensure that your desktop or laptop computer system does not create a security risk when connected to the network, including keeping anti-virus software and operating patches up-to-date. Report security violations. 4. Confidentiality Information stored on computers is considered confidential, whether protected by the computer system or not, unless the owner intentionally makes that information available to other groups or individuals. The Companies of Wisconsin Whitewater takes the typeset that computer users desire that the information that they store on central and/or campus shared reckoning resources remain confidential.While all efforts wi ll be make to ensure confidentiality, users should be aware that data (including e-mail) might, due to software or hardware failure, become accessible to those Companies who are not authorized for that access. Companies force may also on occasion have access to such data while performing routine operations or act apparent systems or user problems. No guarantee of complete privateness is make or implied by this policy. Requests for the disclosure of confidential information will be governed by the provisions of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA) and the Wisconsin circulate Records Statutes . wholly such requests will be honored only when approved by Companies officials who are the legal custodians of the information requested, or when required by utter or federal law, or court order. Users found to be copying, modifying, or otherwise accessing information for which they have not been granted permission may be liable to disciplinary action. Unacceptable UseNetwork resources at this Companies may not be used for unlawful activities, commercial-grade purposes not associated with the Companies, or uses that sin other Companies policies or guidelines.The following activities are NOT acceptable use of the campus network resources * Damaging or performing unauthorized removal of networking equipment, software or data * Tampering with network hardware, wiring, or software * Disrupting or interfering with the everyday operation of network communications, generating excessive network application or performing unauthorized monitoring of network traffic * willfully introducing computer viruses or other disruptive programs into the Companies network, which are intended to distress or create excessive load on network resources * designedly violating or attempting to bypass network security strategies * employ unauthorized accounts, passwords, IP addresses or other network access information * Accessing or modifying any software, files, data or other Companies information for which an individual has not been accustomed authorization * victimisation network resources to harass or intimidate others * Using network resources to impersonate others or to forge anothers identity * Interfering with the computing activities of others. * Setting up network services or equipment without knowledge or involvement of Companies. * Violating state, federal or copyright laws * Using network resources for commercial activity or financial gain which does not conform to UW-W rules and regulations Access RestrictionsAccess to campus network resources may be wholly or partially certified by the Companies without prior notice and without the consent of the user when 1. required by and consistent with law 2. when there is reason to believe that violations of policy or law have taken place 3. hen the continued access/use of network resources by an individual significantly affects the integrity, performance, or security of the campus ne twork as a whole The individual will be notified of the reason and duration of the access restriction as soon as possible. Access will be restored when the situation has been resolved. These are general Companies policies departments or other units may place additional restrictions on the resources that they manage. Work cited http//www. uww. edu/icit/ face/policies/network/infrastructure. htmlg3ctoolkit. net/ /IT_Infrastructure_Security_ United Kingdom www. wokingham. gov. uk/EasysiteWeb/getresource. axd?It Infrastructure Security PolicyUNIT 6 ASSIGMENT 1 IT Infrastructure Security Policy tendency of the Network InfrastructureThe Companies values openness and promotes access to a wide start of information accordingly, the campus information systems have been designed to be as open as possible.The Companies network consists of data cables and jacks from the wiring closets to the users work station, or wireless access points to a users PC copper and optical data communications ca bles Ethernet switches, routers, servers, and peripherals systems to enable and manage access and systems to monitor the capacity and maintain the integrity of the network, with the goal to provide high availability and capacity to support the needs of the network users. The reliability, availability and adequate capacity of network resources is critical to the day-to-day function of the Companies.Each member of the Companies community (students, faculty, staff, and guests) is expected to protect the integrity of the network and to know and adhere to Companies rules, regulations and guidelines for their appropriate use. Regulations that govern personal conduct and use of Companies facilities also apply to the use of network resources. * Components of the Network Infrastructure Policy * Appropriate Use * Unacceptable Use * Access Restrictions * Request for EvaluationRead thisChapter 2 Why Security is NeededComponents of the Network Infrastructure Policy * * Connecting Devices to th e Network * The campus network is a shared resource. It is therefore necessary to strike a balance between enabling opportunities for teaching and research, and protect the integrity of network resources. To this end, Companies must be involved in the planning, acquisition, maintenance, and on-going connectivity of all network devices. This will ensure the appropriate network design, interoperability of components and integrity of operation.If a device is connected to the network infrastructure without prior consultation, Companies cannot guarantee the on-going connectivity and right operation of the device. * * Wireless Network Equipment The interest and use of wireless networking (802. 11a, 802. 11b & 802. 11g, Wi-Fi) is evolving rapidly. All network use policies apply to the use of wireless LAN technology. Wireless access to Companies resources which will be secured through a central certificate system, except for specific departmental needs.The company will work with individua l departments and colleges to help address their special needs for wireless technology. * * Domain summon Service Internet servers for academic departments or administrative units serving campus relate information may need DNS entries set up for the server. Requests for DNS entries will need to be submitted to the Networking unit of Companies for approval. No other DNS server should be frame-up by other campus units. DNS names will not be devoted to a server set up for personal use, such as a personal web server.Any web site served on the web servers maintained by Companies such as www. uww. edu, facstaff. uww. edu, and students. uww. edu will carry the appropriate path names as URL no DNS name will be precondition. Occasionally members of the Companies community may sponsor an organization that is more often than not affiliated with the Companies. These organizations may be of professional, scholarly, partnership or entrepreneurial nature. below certain circumstances it may b e appropriate for these organizations to hold DNS names other than uww. edu , while hosting them in the Companies domain.Provided that the use of these domains support the Companiess mission and are consistent with all applicable Companies policy, Companies may host them at bottom the uww. edu domain. Approval and regular review of these domains will be conducted on a case-by-case basis by the Chancellor and the CIO. Additionally, there are technical criteria that must be met, such as 1. Servers in the domain must reside in the McGraw data center. 2. This progress must be listed as the technical contact with the registrar**, so that others are aware of any changes and can respond appropriately. 3.Only UW-W DNS servers should be specified to the registrar * * Dynamic innkeeper Control Protocol The DHCP service delivers IP information to campus workstations to provide Internet connectivity. The central DHCP service and the management of IP assignments is administered by Companies. N o other DHCP service should be set up on campus without prior consultation with Companies, and only to meet specific administrative or academic needs. * distant Access to Network Resources While web access is sufficient for the majority of Companies educational and business activities there are some instances when direct access to network resources is necessary.To enable remote access to network resources in a secure manner that protects confidentiality and integrity of Companies and personal information Virtual hush-hush Networking is a method by which a user can access UWWs internal network via the internet in a secure manner through a firewall or similar security layer. impertinent access for some campus services, such as email and library databases, may be addressed in separate campus policies. Authorized users must only connect to the Companies network from computers that conform to the Network Infrastructure Use Policy security requirements.This includes ensuring that comput ers are fully patched with the latest operating system updates and have current antivirus software. Appropriate UseListed below are the policies that govern data network access and usage for students, staff and faculty at the Companies of Wisconsin Whitewater. 1. Authorized users Authorized users are (1) current faculty, staff, and students of the Companies (2) individuals connecting to a public information service supported on the Campus network and (3) others who are specifically authorized to use a particular computing or network resource by the campus unit responsible for the resource. . General Guidelines Those who use the campus network resources are expected to do so responsibly, that is, to comply with state and federal laws, with this and other policies and procedures of the Companies, and with normal standards of professional and personal courtesy and conduct. 3. Security Information security at Companiesis everyones responsibility. To maintain security in using the campus network services, it is important to adhere to the following guidelines * Protect your login ID and password.Computer accounts, passwords, ids and other types of authorization are assigned to individual users and should not be shared with others. * Be aware that the person to whom an account is assigned will be held accountable for any activity originating from that account. * Do not access data or systems for which you have not been given specific authority. * Take reasonable steps to ensure that your desktop or laptop computer system does not create a security risk when connected to the network, including keeping anti-virus software and operating patches up-to-date. Report security violations. 4. Confidentiality Information stored on computers is considered confidential, whether protected by the computer system or not, unless the owner intentionally makes that information available to other groups or individuals. The Companies of Wisconsin Whitewater takes the coiffure that comp uter users desire that the information that they store on central and/or campus shared computing resources remain confidential.While all efforts will be made to ensure confidentiality, users should be aware that data (including e-mail) might, due to software or hardware failure, become accessible to those Companies who are not authorized for that access. Companies staff office may also on occasion have access to such data while performing routine operations or pursue apparent systems or user problems. No guarantee of complete secrecy is made or implied by this policy. Requests for the disclosure of confidential information will be governed by the provisions of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA) and the Wisconsin easy Records Statutes .All such requests will be honored only when approved by Companies officials who are the legal custodians of the information requested, or when required by state or federal law, or court order. Users found to be copying, m odifying, or otherwise accessing information for which they have not been granted permission may be liable to disciplinary action. 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Access will be restored when the situation has been resolved. These are general Companies policies departments or other units may place additional restrictions on the resources that they manage. Work cited http//www. uww. edu/icit/ judicature/policies/network/infrastructure. htmlg3ctoolkit. net/ /IT_Infrastructure_Security_ United Kingdom www. wokingham. gov. uk/EasysiteWeb/getresource. axd?
The Da Vinci Code Chapter 52-55
CHAPTER 52The Sprawling 185-acre est ingest of C scorna condemnationu Villette was located twenty-five proceeding northwest of Paris in the environs of Versailles. Designed by Franois Mansart in 1668 for the Count of Aufflay, it was matchless of Pariss virtually significant historical chateaux. Complete with twain rectangular lakes and gardens designed by Le Ntre, Chateau Villette was to a greater extent of a modest castle than a mansion. The estate fondly had become cognize as la Petite Versailles.Langdon brought the ar more thand truck to a move involuntarily stop at the foot of the mile-long driveway. Beyond the imposing security gate, Sir Leigh Teabings ho practise rose on a meadow in the distance.The sign on the gate was in EnglishPRIVATE PROPERTY.NO TRESPASSING.As if to shout his home a British Isle unto itself, Teabing had non scarce affix his signs in English, further he had inst every last(predicate)(prenominal)ed his gates intercom entry establishment on the right-hand side of the truck the riders side everywhere in atomic governance issue 63 except England. Sophie gave the misplaced intercom an odd hang. And if soul arrives without a passenger? Dont ask. Langdon had al involvey been through that with Teabing. He prefers things the way they argon at home.Sophie roll overthrow her window. Robert, youd better do the talking.Langdon shifted his position, leaning out across Sophie to compaction the intercom button. As he did, an alluring whiff of Sophies perfume make full his nostrils, and he realized how close they were. He waited there, awkwardly prone, magic spell a telephone began ringing over the small utterer.Finally, the intercom crackled and an irritated cut accent spoke. Chateau Villette. Who is calling?This is Robert Langdon, Langdon called out, sprawled across Sophies lap. Im a friend of Sir Leigh Teabing. I submit his help.My master is sleeping. As was I. What is your business with him? It is a private matter. On e of great(p) interest to him. Then Im sure he provide be mirthful to receive you in the morning. Langdon shifted his weight. Its quite important. As is Sir Leighs sleep. If you are a friend, accordingly you are sensible he is in poor health.Sir Leigh Teabing had suffered from polio as a infant and now wore degree braces and walked with crutches, but Langdon had constitute him such a lively and colorful man on his come through visit that it hardly examinemed an infirmity. If you would, please tell him I eat up bring out new information close to the Grail. Information that cannot wait until morning.There was a long pause.Langdon and Sophie waited, the truck idling loudly.A full minute passed.Finally, fewone spoke. My technical man, I dare hypothesise you are still on Harvard Standard Time. The joint was crisp and light.Langdon grinned, recognizing the thick British accent. Leigh, my apologies for waking you at this obscene hour.My manservant tells me that not only are you in Paris, but you speak of the Grail.I impression that might give you out of bed. And so it has. Any chance youd dis imbibeate the gate for an old friend?Those who trancek the truth are more than friends. They are brothers. Langdon rolled his eyeball at Sophie, well accustomed to Teabings tasting for dramatic antics. Indeed I will open the gate, Teabing proclaimed, but root I essential confirm your heart is legitimate. A test of your honor. You will answer three questions.Langdon groaned, whispering at Sophie. Bear with me here. As I mentioned, hes something of a character. Your first question, Teabing declared, his tone Herculean. Shall I serve you coffee, or tea? Langdon knew Teabings feelings about the American phenomenon of coffee. Tea, he replied. Earl Grey.Excellent. Your second question. Milk or boodle? Langdon hesitated. Milk,Sophie whispered in his ear. I think the British take milk. Milk, Langdon express. Silence. dulcorate? Teabing make no reply.Wait Lang don now recalled the bitter beverage he had been served on his last visit and realized this question was a japery. lemon yellow he declared. Earl Grey with lemonIndeed. Teabing sounded intricately amused now. And finally, I mustiness make the most grave of inquiries. Teabing paused and then spoke in a solemn tone. In which year did a Harvard sculler last outrow an Oxford man at Henley?Langdon had no predilection, but he could imagine only one savvy the question had been asked. Surely such a travesty has never occurred.The gate clicked open. Your heart is true, my friend. You may pass.CHAPTER 53Monsieur Vernet The iniquitytime manager of the Depository argot of Zurich felt relieved to hear the hope presidents voice on the phone. Where did you go, sir? The practice of law are here, everyone is waiting for youI bemuse a little problem, the bank president said, sounding distressed. I need your help right away.You moderate more than a little problem, the manager thought. The practice of law had entirely border the bank and were threatening to have the DCPJ captain himself tape up with the vouch the bank had demanded. How can I help you, sir? Armored truck number three. I need to aim it. Puzzled, the manager checked his delivery schedule. Its here. to a lower place at the loading dock. Actually, no. The truck was stolen by the two individuals the police are tracking. What? How did they drive out?I cant go into the specifics on the phone, but we have a situation here that could potentially be extremely unfortunate for the bank.What do you need me to do, sir?Id uniform you to activate the trucks emergency transponder.The night managers eyes move to the LoJack control box across the room. Like many an(prenominal) armored cars, each of the banks trucks had been equipped with a radio-controlled homing device, which could be activated remotely from the bank. The manager had only used the emergency system once, after a hijacking, and it had worked fl awlessly locating the truck and transmitting the coordinates to the regime automatically. Tonight, however, the manager had the impression the president was hoping for a bit more prudence. Sir, you are aware that if I activate the LoJack system, the transponder will simultaneously inform the authorities that we have a problem.Vernet was silent for several seconds. Yes, I sleep with. Do it anyway. transport number three. Ill hold. I need the exact location of that truck the endorsement you have it. obligation away, sir.Thirty seconds later, forty kilometers away, hidden in the downstairscarriage of the armored truck, a tiny transponder blinked to life.CHAPTER 54As Langdon and Sophie drove the armored truck up the winding, poplar-lined driveway toward the house, Sophie could already feel her muscles relaxing. It was a relief to be off the road, and she could think of few safer places to get their feet under them than this private, gated estate have by a good-natured foreigner .They turned into the sweeping circular driveway, and Chateau Villette came into popular opinion on their right. Three stories tall and at least sixty meters long, the construction had gray stone facing illuminated by outside spotlights. The inconsiderate facade stood in stark juxtaposition to the immaculately landscaped gardens and glassy pond.The inside lights were just now coming on.Rather than driving to the drift gateway, Langdon pulled into a parking area nestled in the evergreens. No intellectual to risk organism spotted from the road, he said. Or having Leigh wonder wherefore we arrived in a wrecked armored truck.Sophie nodded. What do we do with the cryptex? We in all wantlihood shouldnt leave it out here, but if Leigh sees it, hell certainly want to know what it is.not to worry, Langdon said, removing his jacket as he stepped out of the car. He wrapped the washrag covering around the box and held the bundle in his arms like a baby.Sophie looked dubious. Subtle.T eabing never answers his own door he prefers to make an entrance. Ill find somewhere inside to stash this before he joins us. Langdon paused. Actually, I should in all probability warn you before you meet him. Sir Leigh has a sense of humor that stack often find a bit strange. Sophie interrogative sentenceed anything tonight would strike her as strange anymore. The pathway to the main entrance was hand-laid cobblestone. It curved to a door of carved oak tree and cherry with a brass knocker the sizing of a grapefruit. Before Sophie could grasp the knocker, the door swung open from within.A tidy and elegant butler stood before them, making final adjustments on the uncontaminating tie and tuxedo he had apparently just donned. He looked to be about fifty, with refined features and an austere expression that left little doubt he was unamused by their presence here.Sir Leigh will be vote down rescuely, he declared, his accent thick french. He is dressing. He prefers not to greet v isitors while wearing only a nightshirt. May I take your coat? He scowled at the bunched-up tweed in Langdons arms. Thank you, Im fine. Of course you are. Right this way, please.The butler guided them through a lush marble foyer into an exquisitely adorned drawing room, softly lit by tassel-draped straitlaced lamps. The air inside smelled antediluvian, regal somehow, with traces of pipe tobacco, tea leaves, cooking sherry, and the earthen aroma of stone architecture. Against the far wall, flanked between two glistening suits of concatenation mail armor, was a rough-hewn fireplace extended enough to roast an ox. walking to the hearth, the butler knelt and touched a match to a pre-laid arrangement of oak logs and kindling. A fire quickly crackled to life.The man stood, straightening his jacket. His master requests that you make yourselves at home. With that, he departed, leaving Langdon and Sophie alone.Sophie wondered which of the fireside antiques she was supposed to sit on th e renascence velvet divan, the rustic eagle-claw rocker, or the pair of stone pews that looked like theyd been displace from some Byzantine temple.Langdon unwrapped the cryptex from his coat, walked to the velvet divan, and slid the woodsen box deep underneath it, well out of sight. Then, shaking out his jacket, he lay out it back on, smoothed the lapels, and smiled at Sophie as he sat down directly over the stashed treasure.The divan it is, Sophie thought, taking a seat beside him.As she stared into the growing fire, enjoying the warmth, Sophie had the sensation that her grandfather would have loved this room. The dark wood paneling was bedecked with Old Master paintings, one of which Sophie recognized as a Poussin, her grandfathers second-favorite painter. On the mantel above the fireplace, an alabaster bust of Isis watched over the room.on a lower floor the Egyptian goddess, inside the fireplace, two stone gargoyles served as andirons, their mouths gaping to unveil their men acing hollow throats. Gargoyles had always terrified Sophie as a child that was, until her grandfather cured her of the fear by taking her atop Notre annulus Cathedral in a rainstorm. Princess, look at these silly creatures, he had told her, pointing to the gargoyle rainspouts with their mouths gushing water. Do you hear that funny sound in their throats? Sophie nodded, having to smile at the burping sound of the water gurgling through their throats. Theyre gargling,her grandfather told her. Gargariser And thats where they get the silly name gargoyles. Sophie had never once again been afraid.The fond memory caused Sophie a pang of sadness as the harsh reality of the murder gripped her again. Grand-pere is gone.She see the cryptex under the divan and wondered if Leigh Teabing would have any idea how to open it. Or if we even should ask him.Sophies grandfathers final records had instructed her to find Robert Langdon. He had said nothing about involving anyone else. We needful som ewhere to hide, Sophie said, deciding to trust Roberts judgment.Sir Robert a voice bellowed somewhere behind them. I see you travel with a maiden.Langdon stood up. Sophie jumped to her feet as well. The voice had come from the top of a curled footstepway that snaked up to the shadows of the second floor. At the top of the stairs, a form moved in the shadows, only his silhouette visible.Good evening, Langdon called up. Sir Leigh, may I present Sophie Neveu. An honor. Teabing moved into the light. Thank you for having us, Sophie said, now comprehend the man wore metal leg braces and used crutches. He was coming down one stair at a time. I realize its quite late.It is so late, my dear, its first. He laughed. Vous netes pas Americaine?Sophie shook her head. Parisienne.Your English is superb.Thank you. I studied at the princely Holloway.So then, that explains it. Teabing hobbled lower through the shadows. Perhaps Robert told you I schooled just down the road at Oxford. Teabing fixed Langdon with a devilish smile. Of course, I in like manner applied to Harvard as my safety school.Their host arrived at the bottom of the stairs, coming into court to Sophie no more like a knight than Sir Elton John. Portly and ruby-faced, Sir Leigh Teabing had shagged red hair and jovial hazel eyes that seemed to twinkle as he spoke. He wore pleated pants and a roomy silk shirt under a paisley vest. Despite the aluminum braces on his legs, he carried himself with a resilient, vertical dignity that seemed more a by-product of noble melody than any kind of conscious effort.Teabing arrived and extended a hand to Langdon. Robert, youve illogical weight. Langdon grinned. And youve found some. Teabing laughed heartily, patting his rotund belly. Touche. My only carnal pleasures these days seem to be culinary. Turning now to Sophie, he gently took her hand, bowing his head slightly, active lightly on her fingers, and diverting his eyes. Mlady.Sophie glanced at Langdon, uncertain whethe r shed stepped back in time or into a nuthouse.The butler who had answered the door now entered carrying a tea service, which he arranged on a table in front of the fireplace.This is Remy Legaludec, Teabing said, my manservant.The slender butler gave a stiff nod and disappeared moreover again.Remy is Lyonais,Teabing whispered, as if it were an unfortunate disease. But he does sauces quite nicely.Langdon looked amused. I would have thought youd import an English staff?Good heavens, no I would not wish a British chef on anyone except the French tax collectors. He glanced over at Sophie. Pardonnez-moi, Mademoiselle Neveu. Please be assured that my distaste for the French extends only to politics and the soccer pitch. Your government steals my money, and your football squad recently humiliated us.Sophie offered an easy smile.Teabing eyed her a moment and then looked at Langdon. Something has happened. You both(prenominal) look shaken.Langdon nodded. Weve had an interesting night, Leig h.No doubt. You arrive on my doorstep un announce in the meat of the night speaking of the Grail. Tell me, is this indeed about the Grail, or did you simply say that because you know it is the lone topic for which I would rouse myself in the middle of the night?A little of both, Sophie thought, picturing the cryptex hidden beneath the couch. Leigh, Langdon said, wed like to talk to you about the Priory of Sion. Teabings bushy eyebrows arched with intrigue. The keepers. So this is indeed about the Grail. You say you come with information? Something new, Robert?Perhaps. Were not quite sure. We might have a better idea if we could get some information from you first.Teabing wagged his finger. ever the wily American. A game of quid pro quo. Very well. I am at your service. What is it I can tell you?Langdon sighed. I was hoping you would be kind enough to explain to Ms. Neveu the true nature of the sacred Grail.Teabing looked stunned. She doesnt know?Langdon shook his head.The smile t hat grew on Teabings face was about obscene. Robert, youve brought me a double-dyed(a)?Langdon winced, glancing at Sophie. Virgin is the term Grail enthusiasts use to describe anyone who has never heard the true Grail story.Teabing turned eagerly to Sophie. How much do you know, my dear?Sophie quickly outlined what Langdon had explained forward the Priory of Sion, the Knights Templar, the Sangreal documents, and the consecrated Grail, which many claimed was not a cup but rather something far more regnant.Thats all? Teabing fired Langdon a scandalous look. Robert, I thought you were a gentleman. Youve robbed her of the closingI know, I thought peradventure you and I could Langdon apparently immovable the unseemly metaphor had gone far enough.Teabing already had Sophie locked in his light gaze. You are a Grail virgin, my dear. And trust me, you will never blank out your first time.CHAPTER 55Seated on the divan beside Langdon, Sophie drank her tea and ate a scone, feeling th e welcome effects of caffeine and food. Sir Leigh Teabing was beaming as he awkwardly paced before the open fire, his leg braces clicking on the stone hearth.The Holy Grail, Teabing said, his voice sermonic. Most people ask me only where it is. I fear that is a question I may never answer. He turned and looked directly at Sophie. However the far more relevant question is this What is the Holy Grail?Sophie sensed a climb air of academic anticipation now in both of her mannish companions.To fully understand the Grail, Teabing continued, we must first understand the playscript. How well do you know the New Testament? Sophie shrugged. Not at all, truly. I was raised by a man who worshipped Leonardo Da Vinci. Teabing looked both startled and pleased. An enlightened soul. Superb Then you must be aware that Leonardo was one of the keepers of the secret of the Holy Grail. And he hid clues in his art. Robert told me as much, yes. And Da Vincis views on the New Testament? I have no idea. Teabings eyes turned mirthful as he motioned to the bookshelf across the room. Robert, would you sound judgment? On the bottom shelf. La Storia di Leonardo.Langdon went across the room, found a large art book, and brought it back, setting it down on the table between them. swirl the book to face Sophie, Teabing flipped open the heavy cover and pointed inside the rear end cover to a series of quotations. From Da Vincis notebook on polemics and speculation, Teabing said, indicating one quote in particular. I think youll find this relevant to our discussion.Sophie read the words.Many have made a trade of delusionsand false miracles, deceiving the thick multitude. LEONARDO DA VINCIHeres another, Teabing said, pointing to a different quote.Blinding ignorance does mislead us.O Wretched mortals, open your eyes LEONARDO DA VINCISophie felt a little chill. Da Vinci is talking about the ledger?Teabing nodded. Leonardos feelings about the watchword relate directly to the Holy Grail. In f act, Da Vinci painted the true Grail, which I will show you momentarily, but first we must speak of the Bible. Teabing smiled. And everything you need to know about the Bible can be summed up by the great canon doctor Martyn Percy. Teabing cleared his throat and declared, The Bible did not arrive by fax from heaven.I beg your forgiveness?The Bible is a product of man, my dear. Not of beau ideal. The Bible did not advert magically from the clouds. Man created it as a historical record of turbulent times, and it has evolved through countless translations, additions, and revisions. History has never had a definitive pas seul of the book.Okay. savior Christ was a historical figure of staggering submit, perhaps the most enigmatic and inspirational leader the world has ever seen. As the prophesied Messiah, Jesus toppled kings, invigorate millions, and founded new philosophies. As a descendant of the lines of mogul Solomon and King David, Jesus possessed a rightful claim to the st ool of the King of the Jews. Understandably, His life was recorded by thousands of pursuit across the land. Teabing paused to sip his tea and then placed the cup back on the mantel. more than than eighty gospels were considered for the New Testament, and yet only a express few were chosen for inclusion Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John among them.Who chose which gospels to include? Sophie asked.Aha Teabing tumultuous disturbance in with enthusiasm. The fundamental irony of Christianity The Bible, as we know it today, was collated by the gentile Roman emperor Constantine the Great.I thought Constantine was a Christian, Sophie said.Hardly, Teabing scoffed. He was a lifelong hedonist who was baptized on his deathbed, too weak to protest. In Constantines day, capital of Italys official devotion was sun worship the cult of Sol Invictus, or the Invincible Sun and Constantine was its head priest. Unfortunately for him, a growing sacred turmoil was gripping Rome. Three centuries af ter the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, Christs pursuit had multiplied exponentially. Christians and culturals began warring, and the conflict grew to such proportions that it threatened to rend Rome in two. Constantine decided something had to be done. In 325 A. D. , he decided to unify Rome under a single religion. Christianity. Sophie was surprised. Why would a irreligious emperor choose Christianity as the official religion? Teabing chuckled. Constantine was a very good businessman. He could see that Christianity was on the rise, and he simply backed the attractive horse. Historians still marvel at the brilliance with which Constantine converted the sun-worshipping pagans to Christianity. By fusing pagan symbols, dates, and rituals into the growing Christian tradition, he created a kind of hybrid religion that was acceptable to both parties.Transmogrification, Langdon said. The vestiges of pagan religion in Christian symbology are undeniable. Egyptian sun disks became the halos of Catholic saints. Pictograms of Isis nursing her miraculously conceived son Horus became the normal for our redbrick images of the Virgin Mary nursing Baby Jesus. And virtually all the elements of the Catholic ritual the miter, the altar, the doxology, and communion, the act of God-eating were taken directly from earlier pagan mystery religions.Teabing groaned. Dont get a symbologist started on Christian icons. Nothing in Christianity is original. The pre-Christian God Mithras called the Son of God and the Light of the World was born on December 25, died, was buried in a rock tomb, and then resurrected in three days. By the way, December 25 is also the birthday of Osiris, Adonis, and Dionysus. The newborn baby Krishna was presented with gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Even Christianitys every week holy day was stolen from the pagans.What do you mean?Originally, Langdon said, Christianity honored the Jewish Sabbath of Saturday, but Constantine shifted it to coincide with th e pagans veneration day of the sun. He paused, grinning. To this day, most churchgoers attend services on Sunday morning with no idea that they are there on account of the pagan sun gods weekly tribute Sunday.Sophies head was spinning. And all of this relates to the Grail?Indeed, Teabing said. Stay with me. During this fusion of religions, Constantine needed to strengthen the new Christian tradition, and held a famous ecumenical gathering known as the Council of Nicaea.Sophie had heard of it only insofar as its being the birthplace of the Nicene Creed.At this gathering, Teabing said, many aspects of Christianity were debated and voted upon the date of Easter, the role of the bishops, the governance of sacraments, and, of course, the divinityof Jesus.I dont follow. His divinity?My dear, Teabing declared, until that moment in history, Jesus was viewed by His followers as a mortal prophet a great and powerful man, but a man nonetheless. A mortal. Not the Son of God? Right, Teabing said. Jesus establishment as the Son of God was officially proposed and voted on by the Council of Nicaea. toy with on. Youre saying Jesus divinity was the result of a vote?A relatively close vote at that, Teabing added. Nonetheless, establishing Christs divinity was critical to the further brotherhood of the Roman empire and to the new Vatican power base. By officially endorsing Jesus as the Son of God, Constantine turned Jesus into a deity who existed beyond the scope of the gay world, an entity whose power was unchallengeable. This not only precluded further pagan challenges to Christianity, but now the followers of Christ were able to redeem themselves only via the ceremonious sacred channel the Roman Catholic Church.Sophie glanced at Langdon, and he gave her a soft nod of concurrence.It was all about power, Teabing continued. Christ as Messiah was critical to the functioning of Church and state. Many scholars claim that the early Church literally stole Jesus from His origi nal followers, hijacking His human message, shrouding it in an impenetrable cloak of divinity, and using it to expand their own power. Ive written several books on the topic. And I assume devout Christians send you hate mail on a daily basis? Why would they? Teabing countered. The abundant majority of educated Christians know the history of their faith. Jesus was indeed a great and powerful man. Constantines underhanded political maneuvers dont diminish the majesty of Christs life. zilch is saying Christ was a fraud, or denying that He walked the earth and inspired millions to better lives. All we are saying is that Constantine took advantage of Christs substantial influence and importance. And in doing so, he shaped the face of Christianity as we know it today.Sophie glanced at the art book before her, eager to move on and see the Da Vinci painting of the Holy Grail.The twist is this, Teabing said, talking faster now. Because Constantine upgraded Jesus stead almost four centuri es after Jesus death, thousands of documents already existed chronicling His life as a mortal man. To rewrite the history books, Constantine knew he would need a unafraid stroke.From this sprang the most profound moment in Christian history. Teabing paused, eyeing Sophie. Constantine commissioned and financed a new Bible, which omitted those gospels that spoke of Christs human traits and embellished those gospels that made Him godlike. The earlier gospels were outlawed, gathered up, and burned.An interesting note, Langdon added. Anyone who chose the forbidden gospels over Constantines mutant was deemed a heretic. The word heretic derives from that moment in history. The Latin word haereticus means choice. Those who chose the original history of Christ were the worlds first heretics.Fortunately for historians, Teabing said, some of the gospels that Constantine attempted to eradicate managed to survive. The Dead Sea Scrolls were found in the 1950s hidden in a cave estimable Qumran in the Judean desert. And, of course, the Coptic Scrolls in 1945 at Nag Hammadi. In addition to telling the true Grail story, these documents speak of Christs ministry in very human terms. Of course, the Vatican, in keeping with their tradition of misinformation, tried very hard to suppress the retail store of these scrolls. And why wouldnt they? The scrolls highlight glaring historical discrepancies and fabrications, clearly confirming that the new-fashioned Bible was compiled and edited by men who possessed a political agenda to promote the divinity of the man Jesus Christ and use His influence to solidify their own power base.And yet, Langdon countered, its important to remember that the modernistic Churchs desire to suppress these documents comes from a sincere belief in their established view of Christ. The Vatican is made up of deeply pious men who genuinely believe these contrary documents could only be false testimony.Teabing chuckled as he eased himself into a chair op posite Sophie. As you can see, our prof has a far softer heart for Rome than I do. Nonetheless, he is comprise about the modern clergy believing these opposing documents are false testimony. Thats understandable. Constantines Bible has been their truth for ages. Nobody is more indoctrinated than the indoctrinator. What he means, Langdon said, is that we worship the gods of our fathers. What I mean, Teabing countered, is that almost everything our fathers taught us about Christ is false.As are the stories about the Holy Grail.Sophie looked again at the Da Vinci quote before her. Blinding ignorance does mislead us. O Wretched mortals, open your eyesTeabing reached for the book and flipped toward the center. And finally, before I show you Da Vincis paintings of the Holy Grail, Id like you to take a quick look at this. He opened the book to a colorful natural that spanned both full pages. I assume you recognize this fresco?Hes kidding, right? Sophie was staring at the most famous fres co of all time The LastSupper Da Vincis falsehoodary painting from the wall of Santa Maria delle Grazie near Milan. The decaying fresco portrayed Jesus and His disciples at the moment that Jesus announced one of them would betray Him. I know the fresco, yes.Then perhaps you would bobble me this little game? Close your eyes if you would. Uncertain, Sophie closed her eyes. Where is Jesus sit? Teabing asked. In the center. Good. And what food are He and His disciples breaking and eating? Bread. Obviously. Superb. And what tipsiness? Wine. They drank wine. Great. And one final question. How many wineglasses are on the table?Sophie paused, realizing it was the trick question. And after dinner, Jesus took the cup of wine, sharing it with His disciples. One cup, she said. The chalice. The Cup of Christ.The Holy Grail. Jesus passed a single chalice of wine, just as modern Christians do at communion.Teabing sighed. Open your eyes.She did. Teabing was grinning smugly. Sophie looked down at the painting, seeing to her astonishment that everyone at the table had a glass of wine, including Christ. Thirteen cups. Moreover, the cups were tiny, stemless, and made of glass. There was no chalice in the painting. No Holy Grail.Teabings eyes twinkled. A bit strange, dont you think, considering that both the Bible and our standard Grail legend celebrate this moment as the definitive arrival of the Holy Grail. Oddly, Da Vinci appears to have forgotten to paint the Cup of Christ.Surely art scholars must have noted that.You will be shocked to learn what anomalies Da Vinci included here that most scholars either do not see or simply choose to ignore. This fresco, in fact, is the entire key to the Holy Grail mystery. Da Vinci lays it all out in the open in The Last SupperSophie scanned the work eagerly. Does this fresco tell us what the Grail really is?Not what it is, Teabing whispered. But rather who it is. The Holy Grail is not a thing. It is, in fact a person
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