Sunday, August 23, 2020

Wtc Bombing Essays - Manhattan, New York City, Financial District

Wtc Bombing Dear Cobras, As I came out of my Calculus class at precisely 9:10 A.M. on September 11, I saw an occasion that would change my life perpetually; the assault on the World Trade Center. I was remaining on Broadway and eighth road around 10 squares from the New York City Financial District. As I strolled outside, I saw that there were a few people not having the option to utilize their mobile phones and essentially I continued to glance around and see what had occurred. As I looked into, I saw the subsequent plane hit the south pinnacle of the exchange place. I couldnt accept my eyes; the lovely silver towers of the world exchange place were ablaze. I remained there to perceive what else would occur. Around ten minutes after the fact, I saw the main pinnacle disintegrate to its destruction. By then, I was crushed. The scene I had been so used to was presently being pulverized. Despite the fact that I was ten squares from the site, the smoke started to overwhelm all structures encompassing my territo ry. I started to rush to my apartment in dread of my life. At the point when I at last got to my apartment, I couldnt accept what had simply occurred. In spite of the fact that I dreaded for my wellbeing, I quickly raced to the Red Cross to give blood since I realized that I was O-and numerous individuals would require gifts. What I saw there was illuminating; there were several individuals arranged to give their blood to other people. In just 60 minutes, every one of these individuals had assembled. Besides, entrepreneurs and workers were coming around with water and bread to take care of the individuals remaining in line. At the point when I inquired as to whether they were a piece of some gathering, they said they just came out to help their kindred residents. It was hair-raising that in a city known for a cool aura and heartless individuals, individuals were giving totally of themselves regardless of their own security. The city had gotten one, which is the thing that I trust su ch a large number of individuals will gain from this disaster. Tragically it took a catastrophe, for example, this to make individuals meet up. We ought to gain from this. Following I surrendered blood I marked to chip in with the Red Cross and State Emergency Relief. Because of my involvement in Hurricane Andrew Relief, I was given something to do that equivalent day. I was moved at around 6: oo PM to Liberty Place (Ground Zero). I started to help in the Triage Hospital, running blood and supplies to medical caretakers and specialists. It was the most annihilation I had ever found in all my years. There were such a significant number of hurt that there were insufficient spots to put everybody. I helped put bed sheets on basic work area seats so as to oblige more casualties. These individuals that like everybody had quite recently gone to work were currently sitting ridiculous and wounded without information on their partners or family. Such a typical day had changed their life unti l the end of time. History Essays

Friday, August 21, 2020

Bacterial Transformation Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Bacterial Transformation - Term Paper Example To this end, change involves the procedure wherein DNA pieces are taken up by microscopic organisms. Clearly, numerous contemporary researchers have found an assortment of hereditary alterations that develop bacterial strains which are increasingly powerless to change. Besides, they help with keeping up the plasmid without adjustment and realignment of the plasmid DNA. Moreover, revelations in contemporary medications catalyze the effectiveness of bacterial change. Subsequently, they become profoundly defenseless to either electrical or substance based change. This subsequently results to ‘competent cells.’ The significant application for bacterial change incorporates quality treatment whereby faulty cells are supplanted with practical duplicates. Besides, it very well may be applied in the coding of qualities for characteristics, for example, bug obstruction or malady that might be changed into plants. Moreover, change of microscopic organisms can happen with a quality for human hormone like insulin so as to animate creation in mass amounts. Clearly, upon the event of change, a plasmid is frequently moved. To this end, a plasmid alludes to a moment, roundabout DNA that happens normally in most microscopic organisms. Moreover, the plasmid happens autonomously from the chromosomal DNA of the bacterium. Furthermore, it contains qualities which are not regularly apparent in the bacterium. Note that the additional qualities now and again gracefully a development advantage for the microorganisms. This can be through giving proteins, for example, amylase and additional quality which separates beta lactamase or starches and in the end prompts a breakdown of anti-microbial ampicillin. To this end, the development of microorganisms is clear even in places outside their regular setting. In the field of medication, the capacity normally able microscopic organisms in gaining plasmids that have safe anti-microbial qualities is esteemed as basic. This has colossally affected the improvement of new

Monday, July 6, 2020

Administration of Justice, National Security, Terrorism, Protection of Classified Information - Free Essay Example

Topic 1: The reduction of civilian casualties in War on Terror in Afghanistan For the War on Terror to be successful in Afghanistan, all parties that play a major role in crushing the Taliban insurgency need to acknowledge that they have to win the hearts and minds of the local population. The soldiers, sailors, marines that were actively pursuing these terrorists first got training in the application of ‘discriminate violence’ to ensure that the civilian population caught in the ensuing crossfire is at a minimal. Their operations would soon reveal that confronting this irregular adversary that hide among the civilian population would often result in collateral damage. The deaths of innocent Aghanisis spark outrage among the locals while the insurgents capitalize on these killings to gain traction. Winning this war requires efforts focusing on reducing these deaths, a strategy that will encourage that local populace to partner with the security agencies while gradually distancing themselves from the extremists. Objective To incorporate available strategies and a framework that will allow the security forces on the ground to international police terrorism while reducing the number of civilian casualties. The procedures will include the cooperation of the citizens, government apparatus and foreign contingents in the area without undermining their constitutional, normative or legal rights. Operational Definitions Civilian casualties- occurs when civilians die or are maimed by non-civilians by military personnel, law enforcement officers, criminals or terrorists. According to the law of war, these are people who perish as a result of wartime acts. Problem Statement How can all the parties involved in fighting terrorism in Afghanistan reduce the number of civilian casualties while still carrying out their mandate? Hypotheses Bridging the gap between the law enforcement agencies and civilians is necessary if they are to receive reliable information that will see the operations bear fruit while reducing collateral damage. Research Philosophy Making use of all available reference sources and carrying out expert interviews. Research Approach The research study will emphasize on developing strategies that will be instrumental in ensuring that there is a reduction in civilian casualties Research Strategy A case study approach combined with a qualitative method of research. Time Horizon Because the research is longitudinal, the study will examine available resources versus future needs. Data Collection Methods Since the researcher in question works in Afghanistan as a security specialist and has direct access to the populace, the most convenient method of data collection will be the use of a questionnaire.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Potential Impact of social change The general expectation of the social consequences that this study will have is a change in attitude when dealing with the locals and in turn valuing every single member. An attitude change will also foster good relations between the parties in question thus contributing in fighting terrorism. Topic 2: Determining the real enemies of peace in a country where old rivalries The war against the Taliban and terrorism in Afghanistan has over the year been a mix up of traditional rivalries that were already in existence before the US led invasion to place. Traditional rivalries amongst the tribal elders and their supporters create a downward spiral that has made it a daunting task trying to restore law and order. The nation consists of what many security experts like to term as a ‘shifting mosaic† of tribal leaders and the many factions with rivalries, a situation that makes pointing out the real enemies of peace and stability hard to say. If one faction had an enemy around the same area as the Coalition Forces, they would easily inform on them by labeling them as â€Å"Taliban.† In most occasions, innocent villagers would become the victims of these rivalries that would leave many died during their wake. In essence, bad intelligence was to blame, but one was to look at the bigger picture, it was the old rivalries that are the real culpri ts that seen to perpetuate a cycle of unending violence. Study Objective To implement strategies that will ensure that the information which enforcers of law and order receive can go through a verification process. Such a framework will ensure that old rivalries do not come into play during the search for the real terrorists. Operational Definitions Tribal rivalries- The state of antagonism that exists between two or more tribes that see them continue with a situation of opposition towards each other. In the most occasions, jealousy and competition fuel it to greater proportions that lead to direct conflict. Problem Statement How can the Afghanistan maintain its National Security agenda by ensuring that they go after the real enemy of stability and not the victims of old rivalries? Hypotheses Understanding the old rivalries that exist in this land and considering them while seeking the actual terrorist. Personnel in charge of these operations will thus have a better understanding of the social landscape giving them an opportunity to avoid acting arbitrarily. Research Philosophy Making use of all available reference sources and carrying out expert interviews. Research Approach The research will focus on developing beneficial strategies that will be instrumental in ensuring that there is a reduction in civilian casualties Research Strategy A case study approach combined with a qualitative method of research. Time Horizon Because the research is longitudinal, the study will examine available resources versus future needs. Data Collection Methods Since the researcher in question works in Afghanistan as a security specialist and has direct access to the populace, the most convenient method of data collection will be the use of a questionnaire. Potential Impact of social change Understanding the traditional rivalries that exist between factions will ensure that proper research occurs before pointing out the real insurgents. As a result, these efforts will go a long way in ending inter-ethnic strife while promoting efforts towards nation building. Topic 3: Corruption in Afghanistan and how it affects counter-insurgency efforts The Afghan society has for a long time been the victim of an existential problem, corruption. Within this society, all the major debacles that the government faces including the Taliban insurgency, all have ties to crime. Presently, corruption takes the form of offering or demanding a bribe in public and private sectors throughout the country. Police officers have been known to extort money from local shopkeepers, levy taxes during routine stops and colluding with criminals, which in most cases include the insurgents they ought to be fighting. Study Objective To institute a practical framework that will see the administration in Afghanistan take corruption head-on to aid in the greater goal of suppressing the insurgency in the and the residual effects it might have had on the greater Afghan population. Operational Definitions Corruption- Refers to dishonest behavior by those in positions of power. Bribery- asking for gifts or money in exchange for favors and special treatment. Problem Statement How does corruption in Afghanistan affect the countrys counterinsurgency efforts? Research Philosophy Making use of all available reference sources and carrying out expert interviews. Research Approach The research will focus on developing strategies that will be instrumental in ensuring that there is a reduction in civilian casualties Research Strategy A case study approach combined with a qualitative method of research. Time Horizon Because the research is longitudinal, the study will examine available resources versus future needs. Data Collection Methods Since the researcher in question works in Afghanistan as a security specialist and has direct access to the populace, the most convenient method of data collection will be the use of a questionnaire.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Potential Impact of social change The general expectation of the social implications that this study will have is a behavior change from the normalization of corruption while bringing people to the realization that it is detrimental to any development efforts. Topic 4: Bad Governance in Afghanistan and the role it plays Afghanistan, post-2002 has been a country wrought with weak state institutions that are unable to function as per international standards. The situation is due to the unwillingness of these agencies to implement government policies and enforce laws, which leaves the country at the mercies of its internal enemies. Additionally, the country has power brokers who are either official or unofficial that often issue exceptions from the law and law enforcement agencies to their vast network of friends for them to reap economic benefits. The national government also foments feelings of alienation among the ordinary Afghanis that often leads to semi-clandestine militias and the Taliban resurfacing. Study Objective To implement a framework that will aid the Afghan people to fight terrorism by first dealing with issues of bad governance that provides fertile ground for terrorist groups such as the Taliban to thrive. Operational Definitions Governance- the action of enforcing norms, laws or policies over a territory that is under ones jurisdiction. Problem Statement How does bad governance in the greater Afghanistan region promote to the security issue that it faces?

Wednesday, May 6, 2020

The American Ethos And The Contribution By Franklin

In a lengthy article on the autobiography of Benjamin Franklin, Sophus A. Reinert makes the claim that Franklin was instrumental through his writings in creating the American ethos in his work on Advice to a Young Tradesman and subsequently played a part a seminal part in the creation of modern capitalism and globalism through his writing on The Way to Wealth. The concepts introduced in the article are summarized and the concept of the American ethos and the contribution by Franklin to modern capitalism are analyzed and critiqued. The first major concept introduced by Reinsert is that Franklin, in his Advice to a Young Tradesman, claimed that â€Å"Time †¦ is Money.† Such a statement, he notes is iconic because â€Å"the commodifying of existence itself helped articulate the emotive core of modern capitalism† (Reinert 61). Franklin is introduced by the author as a â€Å"savant of capitalism† (Reinert 62). There many such statements attributed by Reinert to the autobiography of Benjamin Franklin with the sole purpose of claiming that Franklin played a major role to the globalization of American capitalism. He equates Franklin with the economic status of such great scholars of his time such as Adam Smith who wrote Inquiry into the Nature and the Causes of Wealth of Nations (Reinert 65). Reinert notes that â€Å"Economic works can take many forms across many genres, from the theoretical to the prescriptive, from the hermetic to the popular† and he implies by this statement that although theShow MoreRelatedEncyclopedia Entry : Work Ethic1184 Words   |  5 Pagesexpectation on workers that they should have a good work ethic in order to be selected for better position where it requires more responsibility, recognition of his contribution with higher wages. Contrary, society does not trust the workers, who do not meet the expectation, for being neglect his duties and fail to make contribution to his society. Max Weber, a sociologist and the author of The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism, traced the origin of the work ethic in relation of ethicsRead MoreFdr : A Protagonist Or Antagonist? Essay2098 Words   |  9 PagesJapanese forces. The very next day, Franklin D. Roosevelt addressed the United States Congress with his memorable speech including â€Å"a date which will live in infamy.† Next, I would like to bring focus to the rhetorical aspect of the main purpose and the relevance of FDR’s captivating speech. The speech that was held on December 8th. 1941 had two purposes. One was to urge Congress to formally declare war on Japan and the other purpose was to rally the American people to support the war effort, togetherRead MoreThe War Of The World War I1915 Words   |  8 Pagespolitical figures such as American President Harry S. Truman and British Prime Minister Winston Churchill were some of the most politically and socially persuasive figures during this time of the World War. Both Winston Churchill and Harry S. Truman use persuasive means to encourage the people of the United States to accept their decisions made to help in the war effort, as Churchill desperately desired Allied help on the war front, and he and Truman would have to convince the American public to stand behindRead MoreRevisiting, Revising, and Reviving Americas Founding Era6252 Words   |  26 PagesMost Americans nowadays like to think that they have the American Revolution pretty well figured out. Conventional wisdom starts the saga in 1763 when Britain, saddled with debt at the close of the Seven Years War, levied new taxes that prompted her American colonists to resist, and then to reject, imperial rule. Having declared independence and defeated the British, American patriots then drafted the constitution that remains the law of the land to this day. With George Washingtons inaugurationRead MoreEthics and Pic4307 Words   |  18 PagesRestoration c. French Revolution d. 100 Years War e. Emergence of Christianity 3. Who considered that merchants should have no political influence? a. Thomas Aquinas b. John Calvin c. Aristotle  [pic] d. Thomas Carlyle e. Benjamin Franklin 4. What was the key idea with respect to Work that was developed during the Reformation? a. The distinction between necessary and non-productive work b. Work as duty c. Work as a vocation  [pic] d. Work based on religion e. Work for work’sRead MoreBusiness organisation Essay5280 Words   |  22 PagesTEACHING NOTES Barclaycard Bernardo Bà ¡tiz-Lazo and Nurdilek Hacialioglu with contributions by Jarunee Wonglimpiyarat and Douglas Wood 1. INTRODUCTION The case study is concerned with how a long-standing market leader tries to maintain market share and develop its business in an industry undergoing significant change. Students are challenged to formulate, evaluate and compare a range of strategic options and to choose the best way forward for Barclaycard 2. POSITION OF THE CASE TheRead MoreRastafarian79520 Words   |  319 Pagesdespaired about ever bringing this book to fruition. This page intentionally left blank Contents Introduction 1. Charisma, Routinization, and Rastafari 2. Dread Uprising: The Emergence of Rastafari 3. Babylon and Dread Revitalization 4. The Ethos of Rastafari: Structure, Ideology, and Ritual 5. â€Å"Coming in from the Cold†: Rastafari and the Wider Society 6. Rastafari Rules: Bearers of Jamaican Popular Culture 7. Summary and Conclusions Appendix: A Review of the Literature on Rastafari Notes Read MoreBoard Dynamics and the Inï ¬â€šuence of Professional Background, Gender and Ethnic Diversity of Directors11390 Words   |  46 Pageshighlighting the criteria used in appointing directors and the associated implications of social capital for board dynamics. Issues raised include the inï ¬â€šuence of these on board performance and the ability of individual directors to make an effective contribution as board members. The conclusions highlight the various mythologies associated with the value of board diversity. Keywords: Diversity, board composition, social capital, board dynamics, social network ties Introduction W *This paper wasRead MoreHealthcare Essay18323 Words   |  74 Pagesdifferently from the systems in Europe. American values and the social, political, and economic antecedents on which the US system is based have led to the formation of a unique system of health care delivery, as described in Chapter 1. This chapter discusses how these forces have been instrumental in shaping the current structure of medical services and how they are likely to shape its future. The evolutionary changes discussed here illustrate the American beliefs and values (discussed in ChapterRead MoreLibrary Management204752 Words   |  820 PagesFactors Influencing Ethical Behavior . . . Figure 15.2. Multiple Loyalties of Information Professionals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Figure 15.3. Normative Frameworks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Figure 15.4. The Code of Ethics of the American Library Association . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Figure 16.1. A Model of the Communication Process . Figure 16.2. A Classification of Types of Media According to Their Communication Richness . . . . . . Figure 16.3. Five Styles of Handling

Huckleberry Finn and Pride and Prejudice, Fathers Essay Example For Students

Huckleberry Finn and Pride and Prejudice, Fathers Essay Mr. Bennet and Pap as fathers. Authors have a great amount of insight into humans behavior and thought. Jane Austin in Pride and Prejudice and Mark Twain in The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn express plain and striking points of view about civilized society. Portraying characters with exaggerated negative features they bring to attention some of mans often concealed shortcomings and vices. Protagonists of both novels have fathers who failed in their primary parental responsibilities. Jane Austins Mr. Bennet is a witty, good-humored and educated country gentleman. He fails to provide a secure financial future for his daughters He sees no need to save money for future because he is expecting a son. As a result, he has 5 daughters with no sufficient dowry. He is also a disappointed man who has no happiness in marriage and who treats his foolish wife and younger daughters as objects of amusement. He is aware of how much his wife and younger daughters compromise themselves in company, but instead of trying to reeducate them he takes to observing their follies as a kind of sport. He seems to enjoy seeing people ridicule themselves in front of others. His fault, however, is that he never realized that by allowing himself to simply be ignorant to and amused with their shortcomings, he has indirectly encouraged and reinforced their behavior. His unwillingness to control Lydias improper behavior almost lead to disgrace of his family. It is only due to Darcys help that Bennets avoid it. When Lydia runs away with Wickham he realizes that he was too careless in upbringing of his daughters. However his penitence doesnt last He says to Elizabeth, Let me once in my life feel how much I have been to blame.It will pass away soon enough. And he does recovers soon and becomes his usual self. Pap is not a father- hes a mess. Hes an immoral, arrogant and ignorant drunkard who is feeding off of charity and uses his son. He wanders from town to town, begging and drinking, and every once in a while pops back into Hu cks life to beg money and to scold him. Pap sets a horrible example for Huck through drinking, swearing and smoking. He certainly does not provide for his son or even care about him. He is simply a person who likes to have control over another person and uses it for his own selfish gain. He sees Huck only as a property and only wants to be in possession of this property. Hes Hucks father only biologically. Fathers do not kidnap their children and lock them in the cabin for 3 days. Also, fathers do not abuse their children emotionally, physically or mentally. But Pap does. Huck says, But by-and-by pap got too handy with his hickry, and I couldnt stand it. I was all over welts. He got to going away so much, too, and locking me in. He does not possess any ethics, virtues or admirable qualities and, thus, cant teach his young son anything good. Nevertheless, Pap does teach Huck lessons, but not in the loving way a father should. He teaches Huck what not to be. Huck learns what he wants to be in life by seeing what he doesnt want to become. Huck learns that whatever his father does is usually wrong and illegal. From Pap Huck learns to steal and to lie. The difference is that unlike his father who lies in hope of personal gain, Huck lies to help others or to get out of a difficult situation. Huck mostly cares for himself. Luckily, Huck is a good and kind kid by nature. He listens to his heart and with guidance of Jim, who becomes like a father to him, Huck learns love, respect and values in life. .u0b8685dbdf48e6bd17f0b58f26608995 , .u0b8685dbdf48e6bd17f0b58f26608995 .postImageUrl , .u0b8685dbdf48e6bd17f0b58f26608995 .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .u0b8685dbdf48e6bd17f0b58f26608995 , .u0b8685dbdf48e6bd17f0b58f26608995:hover , .u0b8685dbdf48e6bd17f0b58f26608995:visited , .u0b8685dbdf48e6bd17f0b58f26608995:active { border:0!important; } .u0b8685dbdf48e6bd17f0b58f26608995 .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .u0b8685dbdf48e6bd17f0b58f26608995 { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .u0b8685dbdf48e6bd17f0b58f26608995:active , .u0b8685dbdf48e6bd17f0b58f26608995:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .u0b8685dbdf48e6bd17f0b58f26608995 .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .u0b8685dbdf48e6bd17f0b58f26608995 .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .u0b8685dbdf48e6bd17f0b58f26608995 .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .u0b8685dbdf48e6bd17f0b58f26608995 .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .u0b8685dbdf48e6bd17f0b58f26608995:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .u0b8685dbdf48e6bd17f0b58f26608995 .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .u0b8685dbdf48e6bd17f0b58f26608995 .u0b8685dbdf48e6bd17f0b58f26608995-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .u0b8685dbdf48e6bd17f0b58f26608995:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: The Metamorphosis and Ethan Frome Essay It would be preposterous to analogize Mr. Bennet and Pap. Mr. Bennet loves and cares for his daughters. He is a human being while Pap is a parasite of society.

Tuesday, April 21, 2020

Stifel And Roberval Essays - Number Theorists, Algebraic Curves

Stifel And Roberval Michael Stifel Michael Stifel was a German mathematician who lived in the late fifteenth century and early to mid-sixteenth century. He was born in 1487, in Esslingen, Germany. The exact date of his birth is unknown. Stifel died on April 19, 1567, in Jena, Germany. His father was Conrad Stifel, a well-respected member of the community. When Michael was young his family did not have much money. Not much is known about Stifel's life until the time he attended the University of Wittenberg, in Germany. After he graduated, Stifel was awarded an M.A. from the university. Then Stifel began his life with the church. He entered the Augustinian monastery and became a catholic priest in 1511. Soon after this, Stifel began questioning the Catholic Church. He did like the idea of taking money from poor people. As a result of this, Stifel was forced to leave the monastery in 1522. Now he decided to go to Wittnenberg and become a Lutheran. During this time, Stifel became friends with Martin Luther himself, and lived in his house for a time. In 1523, Martin Luther made Stifel a pastor, but because of anti-Lutheran feelings Stifel was forced to leave this job. Then in 1528, Martin Luther decided to give Stifel a parish in Lochau, which is now Annaberg. This where Stifel's story gets wacky. While in Lochau, Stifel decided to announce to everyone that the world was going to end on October 19, 1533 at exactly 8:00 AM. It seems that Stifel performed a series of calculations in which he changed the letters to their successive triangular numbers. However, how these calculations proved that the world was coming to end is beyond my comprehension of mathematics. Stifel told the people of Lochau of his findings on New Year's Eve of 1522. This announcement had amazing repercussions. The sleepy town of Lochau believed Stifel. They all began living for the day and not worrying about what the future would bring. They did not bother to plant crops or store what food they had. Lochau also became a destination for pilgrims. Once they got to Lochau people began to prepare for the end of the world. Some people even took their own life instead of waiting. Some of the town's people burned their houses in an attempt to remove themselves from material objects and make it easier for to get to Heaven. Lochau had only two bars, and in the time between Stifel's announcement and the end it was said that they were never empty. The owner's gave away free drinks. The owners' of the town's inns also let people stay there for free. While all of this was happening, Lochau's historian took all the money from the treasury and left. As a result of this craziness Stifel was forbidden to preach. Finally, the last day came and Stifel began to prepare his followers for the end. Fortunately for everyone except Stifel the world did not end that day. At 8:30 AM the authorities took Stifel away and put him in protective custody, for his own protection. Crowds gathered outside his cell and chanted Stifel must die for many days after this. Martin Luther got Stifel out of this, but he had to promise not to make anymore prophecies. Another one of Stifel's adventures had to do with the newly crowned pope Leo X. Since he was a Lutheran, Stifel was not too fond of Leo and he had the calculations to back up his opinions. Stifel took the name Leo X and wrote it in Latin; this was LEO DECIMVS. He then assigned the numerical counterparts (Roman Numerals) of these letters, throwing out the non-numerical E, O, and S. He rearranged the remaining letters and came up with MDCLVI. The next logical step was to add back the X from Leo's original name and Stifel had MDCLXVI. He then took off the M because it was the initial of mysterium, a word for a religious mystery. The result was DCLXVI, or six hundred sixty-six, or 666. According to Stifel this proved that Pope Leo X was indeed the Antichrist. In response to this, Peter Bungus, a Catholic theologian, decided to write a 700 page book to prove that it was