Discover the secretive brotherhood behind Dan Brown’s The Lost Symbol in this unauthorized companion book by the author of Solomon’s Builders. Freemason influence on the founding of Washington, D.C., is evident throughout the city’s buildings, statues and monuments—but it’s written in coded symbols that few people understand. Dan Brown’s thriller sends symbologist detective Robert Langdon through the capital to unravel its Masonic secrets. Now in Deciphering The Lost Symbol, Freemason expert Christopher L. Hodapp compares each clue and plot twist in Brown’s story to the true facts. •Discover the meaning of “The Lost Word” •Decode Masonic and alchemical symbolism •Explore the innermost rooms of Masonic lodges and temples •Visit the restricted area of the U.S. Capitol and other landmarks •Uncover secret patterns in Washington, D.C.’s maps and monuments •Crack the codes buried in The Lost Symbol’s artwork and puzzles “Confident in recommending it to everyone, Mason and non-mason alike. This is the perfect a compliment to The Lost Symbol and I feel it should be on the shelf right next to it on your bookcase.” —David Naughton-Shires, Masonic Art Exchange
Fascinated by Freemasons? Freemasons For Dummies is the internationally best-selling introduction to the Masons, the oldest and largest "secret society" in the world. This balanced, eye-opening guide demystifies Freemasonry, explaining everything from its elaborate rituals and cryptic rites, to its curious symbols and their meanings. Find out what goes on in a Masonic meeting. You'll understand the true purposes of Masonic "secrecy" and philosophy, meet famous Masons throughout history, and discover related organizations like the Knights Templar, the Scottish Rite, Order of the Eastern Star, and the Shriners. Explore the controversies and conspiracy theories that swirl around this organization at the center of Dan Brown's novel The Lost Symbol, and discover the changes coming to the Craft.
Unearth the fascinating history of how the Freemasons and Founding Fathers sowed the seeds of a new nation amid the collapse of the British colonies. Step back in time to the birth of a revolutionary new republic and discover how the utopian ideals of a visionary secret society laid the foundation for the most powerful nation on earth. Follow George Washington, Benjamin Franklin and other Founding Fathers as they transform the democratic principles of their Masonic lodges into a radical new nation. Solomon’s Builders unravels history from myth as it takes you on a Freemason’s tour of Washington, D.C. It reveals the evidence of Masonic influence during the construction of America and its new capital, including clues hidden in plain sight: •Masonic connections to national monuments •Puzzling pentagrams and symbolism in city streets •The mysterious temples of the “Widow’s Sons” Solomon’s Builders relates the true stories of these visionary founders, and the fascinating meaning behind the cryptic codes, enigmatic symbols and intriguing architecture that is reputedly the basis for the sequel to The Da Vinci Code, Dan Brown’s novel The Lost Symbol. “Well written account of the philosophical thinking that led to the formation of a common man’s democracy. . . . The reference book that teachers need to use in their American History classes.” —Karl Grube, Ph.D., Bonisteel Masonic Library, Ann Arbor, MI “One of the better books that I have seen that credits Freemasonry where credit is due.” —Thomas W. Jackson, The Northern Light Magazine “What distinguishes Solomon’s Builders from the good and bad, malicious and benevolent, is its honesty, humor and clarity.” —Mark A. Tabbert, author of American Freemasons “An academically written book on the early days of American Freemasonry without the pretentious trappings of most scholarly treatments on the subject.” —Stephen Dafoe, author of Nobly Born
Hit the open road with help from expert travelers Keep RV Vacations For Dummies by your side as you navigate the highways of the United States and Canada. (But don’t read and drive.) This Dummies guide will clue you into the most RV-ready roads, camp sites, and attractions to make planning your journey a bit easier. Choose from journeys through New England, the American heartland, the Rocky Mountains, Alaska via Canada, or any of the dozen other adventures detailed in this book. Get to know the can't-miss tourist attractions and the best places to park while you enjoy time off the road. This updated edition features all-new maps of the RV-friendliest routes out there, plus the latest on post-pandemic destinations. Ready, set, RV! Learn the art of planning an RV vacation that won’t wear you out Hook up your RV at campsites and explore local attractions Find a list of popular RV routes and cool places to visit Be prepared for mechanical issues and other hiccups in your travel plans This Dummies guide is a must for RV owners and RV renters in need of guidance on well-planned travel routes, campground destinations, and attractions.
This is the perfect primer for Dan Brown's next novel. It clearly explains the people, places and historical background that is the Freemasons in Washington DC. Reading this book first will greatly enhance the experience of reading the Dan Brown novel.
An examination of free-to-play and mobile games that traces what is valued and what is marginalized in discussions of games. Free-to-play and mobile video games are an important and growing part of the video game industry, and yet they are often disparaged by journalists, designers, and players and pronounced inferior to to games with more traditional payment models. In this book, Christopher Paul shows that underlying the criticism is a bias against these games that stems more from who is making and playing them than how they are monetized. Free-to-play and mobile games appeal to a different kind of player, many of whom are women and many of whom prefer different genres of games than multi-level action-oriented killing fests. It's not a coincidence that some of the few free-to-play games that have been praised by games journalists are League of Legends and World of Tanks.
Max Reger (1873-1916) is perhaps best-known for his organ music. This quickly assumed a prominent place in the repertory of German organists due in large measure to the efforts of Reger?s contemporary Karl Straube (1873-1950). The personal and collegial relationship between the composer and performer began in 1898 and developed until Reger?s death. By that time, Straube had established himself as an important artist and teacher in Leipzig and the central authority for the interpretation of Reger?s organ music. The Reger-Straube relationship functioned on a number of levels with decisive consequences both for the composition of the music and its interpretation over a period fraught with upheaval on sociopolitical, religious and aesthetic fronts. This book evaluates the significance of the relationship between the composer and organist using primary source materials such as autograph performing manuscripts, reviews, programmes, letters and archival sources from contemporary organ building. The result is a much enhanced understanding of Reger in terms of performance practice and reception history, and a re-examination of Straube and, more broadly, of Leipzig as a musical centre during this period.
How we talk about games as real or not-real, and how that shapes what games are made and who is invited to play them. In videogame criticism, the worst insult might be “That's not a real game!” For example, “That's not a real game, it's on Facebook!” and “That's not a real game, it's a walking simulator!” But how do people judge what is a real game and what is not—what features establish a game's gameness? In this engaging book, Mia Consalvo and Christopher Paul examine the debates about the realness or not-realness of videogames and find that these discussions shape what games get made and who is invited to play them. Consalvo and Paul look at three main areas often viewed as determining a game's legitimacy: the game's pedigree (its developer), the content of the game itself, and the game's payment structure. They find, among other things, that even developers with a track record are viewed with suspicion if their games are on suspect platforms. They investigate game elements that are potentially troublesome for a game's gameness, including genres, visual aesthetics, platform, and perceived difficulty. And they explore payment models, particularly free-to-play—held by some to be a marker of illegitimacy. Finally, they examine the debate around such so-called walking simulators as Dear Esther and Gone Home. And finally, they consider what purpose is served by labeling certain games “real.
An avid gamer and sharp media critic explains meritocracy’s negative contribution to video game culture—and what can be done about it Video games have brought entertainment, education, and innovation to millions, but gaming also has its dark sides. From the deep-bred misogyny epitomized by GamerGate to the endemic malice of abusive player communities, gamer culture has had serious real-world repercussions, ranging from death threats to sexist industry practices and racist condemnations. In The Toxic Meritocracy of Video Games, new media critic and longtime gamer Christopher A. Paul explains how video games’ focus on meritocracy empowers this negative culture. Paul first shows why meritocracy is integral to video-game design, narratives, and values. Games typically valorize skill and technique, and common video-game practices (such as leveling) build meritocratic thinking into the most basic premises. Video games are often assumed to have an even playing field, but they facilitate skill transfer from game to game, allowing certain players a built-in advantage. The Toxic Meritocracy of Video Games identifies deep-seated challenges in the culture of video games—but all is not lost. As Paul argues, similarly meritocratic institutions like professional sports and higher education have found powerful remedies to alleviate their own toxic cultures, including active recruiting and strategies that promote values such as contingency, luck, and serendipity. These can be brought to the gamer universe, Paul contends, ultimately fostering a more diverse, accepting, and self-reflective culture that is not only good for gamers but good for video games as well.
Take the mystery out of the Freemasons Fascinated by Freemasons? Freemasons For Dummies is the internationally bestselling introduction to the Masons, the oldest and largest "secret society" in the world. This balanced, eye-opening guide demystifies Freemasonry, explaining everything from its elaborate rituals and cryptic rites, to its curious symbols and their meanings. With new and improved content, including updated examples and references throughout, this new edition of Freemasons For Dummies provides the most straightforward, non-intimidating guide to the subject on the market. Updated expert coverage of the basic beliefs and philosophy behind Freemasonry Revised information on the history of the society, including updates concerning its founding, famous historical members, and pivotal events New coverage devoted to the recent influx of younger membership The latest and ongoing controversies and myths surrounding Freemasonry The role of women in a Masonic organization, including opportunities for women to participate in Freemasonry The effects cultural and political changes and worldwide events are having on the organization If you're intrigued by the mystery that surrounds the Masons, get ready to learn the facts about this ancient order in Freemasons For Dummies.
This second edition features new and expanded coverage of contaminant hydrogeologic investigations. It presents a practical approach to completing investigations for environmental compliance, emphasizing the use of geologic principles in assessment to move sites toward cleanup. Stressing the basics of collecting data that can withstand regulatory scrutiny and achieve remediation, Principles of Contaminant Hydrogeology, Second Edition demonstrates how to solve a client's site contamination problem while maximizing cost effectiveness. It focuses on small- and medium-sized firms, for which speed, accuracy, and cost are all crucial factors in the site assessment and closure process. Based on "real world" problems, the book takes you step-by-step through the investigation and includes client-consultant-regulator interaction, budgets, ethics, and data extrapolation for solving problems. It introduces concepts such as field logistics, drilling techniques, sampling protocols, contaminant movement, and remediation. Regulatory personnel, hydrogeological consultants, drilling contractors, remediation contractors, university instructors, and students will benefit from the wealth of information provided in this new edition.
The new edition of this comprehensive, practical, and richly illustrated atlas covers a broad range of both surgical and medical aspects of cosmetic dermatology, including laser resurfacing, chemical peels, blepharoplasty and face lifts, hair transplantation, hair removal, and so much more. Dr. Kaminer along with an esteemed team of respected leaders in dermatology, oculoplastic surgery, facial plastic surgery, anesthesiology, and ophthalmology provide in-depth, descriptions of today's most widely used techniques. Every nuance of every procedure is clearly defined with more than 700 full-color crisp illustrations and high-quality clinical photographs. And best of all, this remarkable text now includes a DVD containing step-by-step videos demonstrating exactly how to proceed and what outcomes you can expect. Provides a thorough review of each procedure followed by a step-by-step description on how the procedure is performed to help you see exactly how to proceed. Presents extensive information on how to perform laser procedures such as laser hair removal.laser treatment of vascular lesions.and more, so you can offer your patients a wide range of services. Features detailed visual guidance on how to perform liposuction and Botox injections, keeping you on the cusp of cosmetic dermatology. Includes chapters on photoaging and the psychosocial elements of cosmetic surgery to help you handle any challenges that arise. Discusses patient selection, pre- and post-operative care, and how to avoid complications and minimize risks. Reviews local and regional anesthesia techniques so you know precisely which anesthetic to use for what procedure. Features new chapters or expanded coverage of imaging, cosmetic camouflage, non-ablative rejuvenation, non-surgical tissue tightening, ablative and micro-ablative skin resurfacing, soft-tissue augmentation autologous fat transplantation, aesthetic surgical closures, and suture suspension lifts so you can implement the latest techniques into your practice. Includes a DVD with over 60 step-by-step procedural video clips, to help you perform every technique correctly and know what outcomes to expect. Presents a 'pearls' section in each chapter that covers complications and secondary procedures to help you avoid mistakes and perfect your technique.
Originally published in 1972, Christopher McKee’s biography of Edward Preble remains the most authoritative source on this influential early shaper of the U.S. naval tradition. McKee documents Preble’s rise from obscurity to become Thomas Jefferson’s chief administrator. He chronicles the officer’s relationship with Jefferson and outlines the president’s policies and strategies during the Barbary Wars. McKee also brings to light the Tripolitan activities and attitudes that confronted Preble as he sought to bring the war to an end.
School attendance problems, even in mild forms, are a significant risk factor for social, behavioral, and academic problems in childhood and adolescence. These cases tend to be urgent and complex in nature, with problems that manifest both at home and at school. As such, mental health and school-based professionals need practical and efficient strategies to resolve school attendance problems. Helping Families of Youth with School Attendance Problems is a real-world guide to addressing school attendance problems at different levels of severity and complexity. The book offers specific procedures for many types of cases to address these problems in a relatively short period of time, and within the constraints of most private practice and school settings. The text also considers developmental level, with distinct coverage of elementary school children as well as adolescents in middle school and in high school. The book consists of seven empirically-supported chapters that guide readers through assessment, consultation, and intervention processes. Given the limited timeframe frequently faced by mental health and school-based professionals, these processes are often blended. Beginning with an overview of school attendance problems, the heart of the book offers core intervention components as well as other procedures to enhance the effectiveness of these components. These components cover key aspects of anxiety and contingency management, school reintegration, and school engagement as well as suggestions for many specific scenarios. The final chapter focuses on chronic and severe school attendance problems and other highly challenging scenarios common to these young people. Helping Families of Youth with School Attendance Problems is a must-have resource for mental health and school-based professionals alike, as well as for others who regularly engage with this population.
From Christopher J. Rapuano, M.D.: ". . . The summary is accompanied by brief discussion of the relevance (or irrelevance) of the paper to practicing ophthalmologists. It is what you need to know!" There's no faster or easier way to stay informed! The Year Book of Ophthalmology brings you abstracts of articles carefully selected from more than 500 journals worldwide. Expert commentaries evaluate the clinical importance of each article and discuss its application to your practice.
They were born into this world as innocent children. They ended up as merciless killing machines. How to Make a Serial Killer leads the reader on an insightful, scary, and often disturbing investigation into what made these infamous murderers go bad. Is there really a 'demon seed'? Do genes play a role? Was it their family background? How did pe...
For those who are captivated by the Freemasons, Freemason Symbols & Ceremonies For Dummies takes you into the world of this secret Fraternal organization, explaining all things mysterioud from its elaborate rituals and cryptic rites, to its curious symbols and their meanings. Brought to you by the author of Freemasons For Dummies, readers will get the inside scoop on what goes on in a Masonic meeting, what's behind that secret hand shake, and why Masons wear aprons. You'll understand the true purposes of Masonic "secrecy" and philosophy and discover related organizations like the Knights Templar, the Scottish Rite, and other York Rite Bodies. Explore the controversies and conspiracy theories that swirl around this organization and discover the cool Masonic sites at the center of Dan Brown's bestselling novel The Lost Symbol.
A captivating look into the society of the Knights Templar Brought to you by the author of Freemasons For Dummies, The Templar Code is more than an intriguing cipher or a mysterious symbol – it is the Code by which the Knights Templar lived and died, the Code that bound them together in secrecy, and the Code that inspired them to nearly superhuman feats of courage and endurance. The Templar Code for Dummies reveals the meaning behind the cryptic codes and secret rituals of the medieval brotherhood of warrior monks known as the Knights Templar. This intriguing guide will cover such topics as who the Knights Templar were, how they rose so high and fell so far, and most importantly why there is so much interest in them today. The Templar Code For Dummies will explore myths and theories of Christian history that appear in the Da Vinci Code such as the quest for the Holy Grail, the Catholic Church's relationship with women that are hotly debated now with special emphasis on the Templar connection. It also explores the surprising part the Templars have played in some of the most important historic events of these past seven centuries, including the French Revolution, the birth of groups such as the Freemasons, and even the American Civil War.
Entering the world of conspiracy theories and secret societies is like stepping into a distant, parallel universe where the laws of physics have completely changed: black means white, up is down, and if you want to understand what’s really going on, you need a good reference book. That’s where Conspiracy Theories & Secret Societies For Dummies comes in. Whether you’re a skeptic or a true believer, this fascinating guide, packed with the latest information, walks you through some of the most infamous conspiracy theories — such as Area 51 and the assassination of JFK — and introduces you to such mysterious organizations as the Freemasons, the Ninjas, the Mafia, and Rosicrucians. This behind-the-curtain guide helps you separate fact from fiction and helps you the global impact of these mysterious events and groups on our modern world. Discover how to: Test a conspiracy theory Spot a sinister secret society Assess the Internet’s role in fueling conspiracy theories Explore world domination schemes Evaluate 9/11 conspiracy theories Figure out who “they” are Grasp the model on which conspiracy theories are built Figure out whether what “everybody knows” is true Distinguish on assassination brotherhood from another Understand why there’s no such thing as a “lone assassin” Why do hot dogs come in packages of ten, while buns come in eight-packs? Everybody knows its a conspiracy, right? Find out in Conspiracy Theories & Secret Societies For Dummies.
Make yourself at home on the road Live down by the beach one week and way up in the mountains the next? It sounds like an impossible dream, but motor-homers do it all the time. Whatever draws you to the mobile life—adventurous domestic vacations or permanently itchy feet—RVs & Campers For Dummies helps you feel right at home. The book explores the key aspects of glamping-with-wheels. Discover how it’s possible to bring beauty spots right to your doorstep without sacrificing domestic comforts like a comfy bed, private bathroom, and wholesome, healthy home cooking! In a down-home, friendly style, mobile-living veterans and husband-and-wife team Christopher Hodapp and Alice Von Kannon welcome you inside to discover everything from deciding to rent or buy the vehicle that best suits your needs to planning and prepping your first journey and then setting yourself up wherever you arrive at the perfect spot. Along the way you’ll learn how to adapt your driving skills to pilot your home on the road, as well as how to keep every aspect of it shipshape and ready for action. Explore your RV and camper options Stock up with the right supplies Get a snapshot of the mobile home lifestyle Troubleshoot common problems Getting there is half the fun—and this guide shows you how to do it safely and in style. So, buckle up (or relax in the back) ... it’s going to be a wild but incredibly comfortable ride!
Hit the open road with help from expert travelers Keep RV Vacations For Dummies by your side as you navigate the highways of the United States and Canada. (But don’t read and drive.) This Dummies guide will clue you into the most RV-ready roads, camp sites, and attractions to make planning your journey a bit easier. Choose from journeys through New England, the American heartland, the Rocky Mountains, Alaska via Canada, or any of the dozen other adventures detailed in this book. Get to know the can't-miss tourist attractions and the best places to park while you enjoy time off the road. This updated edition features all-new maps of the RV-friendliest routes out there, plus the latest on post-pandemic destinations. Ready, set, RV! Learn the art of planning an RV vacation that won’t wear you out Hook up your RV at campsites and explore local attractions Find a list of popular RV routes and cool places to visit Be prepared for mechanical issues and other hiccups in your travel plans This Dummies guide is a must for RV owners and RV renters in need of guidance on well-planned travel routes, campground destinations, and attractions.
The narrative surrounding Charles Lindbergh’s life has been as varying and complex as the man himself. Once best known as an aviator—the first to complete a solo nonstop transatlantic flight—he has since become increasingly identified with his sympathies for white supremacy, eugenics, and the Nazi regime in Germany. Underexplored amid all this is Lindbergh’s spiritual life. What beliefs drove the contradictory impulses of this twentieth-century icon? An apostle of technological progress who encountered God in the wildernesses he sought to protect, an anti-Semitic opponent of US intervention in World War II who had a Jewish scripture inscribed on his gravestone, and a critic of Christianity who admired Christ, Lindbergh defies conventional categories. But spirituality undoubtedly mattered to him a great deal. Influenced by his wife, Anne Morrow Lindbergh—a self-described “lapsed Presbyterian” who longed to live “in grace”—and friends like Alexis Carrel (a Nobel Prize–winning surgeon, eugenicist, and Catholic mystic) and Jim Newton (an evangelical businessman), he spent much of his adult life reflecting on mortality, divinity, and metaphysics. In this short biography, Christopher Gehrz represents Lindbergh as he was, neither an adherent nor an atheist, a historical case study of an increasingly familiar contemporary phenomenon: the “spiritual but not religious.” For all his earnest curiosity, Lindbergh remained unwilling throughout his life to submit to any spiritual authority beyond himself and ultimately rejected the ordering influence of church, tradition, scripture, or creed. In the end, the man who flew solo across the Atlantic insisted on charting his own spiritual path, drawing on multiple sources in such a way that satisfied his spiritual hunger but left some of his cruelest convictions unchallenged.
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