Rush free essay sample

The Continental Airlines Arena hosted Rush a few months ago. It was the last concert of the trios grueling three-month tour. As a Rush fan no, as a Rush fanatic I was anxiously awaiting the moment when the arena doors would open and the band would begin to play. Twenty thousand Rush fans lined up, waiting for Rush. The chants for the band could be heard throughout the arena. The lights dimmed, and the theme from the movie 2001: A Space Odyssey began to play. The band took the stage and opened up the night with their 1991 hit, Dreamline. Immediately, the fans went wild. They continued with several new songs from their most recent album Test for Echo. Many of the bands older tunes were also played, including Red Barcheta, Spirit of Radio, and Natural Science. But the highlight of the night definitely had to be the complete performance of the space opera 2112. We will write a custom essay sample on Rush or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page This was the first time the band had performed the entire twenty-minute song. The band ended their set with the their 1981 smash hit, ATom Sawyer. Through the entire concert, you could see all the dedicated fans singing along with precision. The concert ended with an encore performance of the instrumental YYZ and a section from the 1977 song, Cygnus X-1. Overall, I thought that the concert was incredible. The band was tight throughout every song, and the set list was the best I have heard yet. If Rush comes to a town near you, I would definitely buy tickets to experience this great music event.

interview with the vampire essays

interview with the vampire essays The story starts off in an apartment with Louis and an interviewer. The interviewer quite amused and nervous when he realized that Louis was a vampire and wanted to suck his blood but despite what Louis said he continued to ask questions and interview Louis. I guess because if he gets out of the apartment alive that he would be a rich man because of all the recorded tapes. Louis who is a vampire starts off telling in his own words, of his journey through mortal and immortal life. Louis recounts how he became a vampire at the hands of a pure blood vampire Lestat and how he became sucked in, unwillingly, into the vampire way of life. Louis tried for a while to resist temptation for human blood by killing small rodents and also sometimes even dogs but he failed. The temptations grew strong and his vampire urges got to him. His story originates in the streets of New Orleans, such as his discovery of a lost young child Claudia, wanting not to hurt but to comfort her with the last breaths of humanity he has inside. Yet, he makes Claudia a vampire, trapping her womanly passion, will, and intelligence inside the body of a small child. Louis and Claudia form an unbreakable bond and even settle down for a while in the rich French Quarter. Louis remembers Claudia's struggle to understand herself and the hatred they both have for Lestat that sends them halfway across the world to seek others of their kind. Louis fells really bad and guilty about Claudia and why he turned her into a vampire because she was only a kid and will always be one. Louis and Claudia are desperate to find somewhere they belong, to find others who understand, and someone who knows why and what they are. Louis and Claudia travel across Europe, eventually coming to Paris and the successful Theatre des Vampires: a theatre of vampires pretending to be ...

Lance Armstrong Talks about Philosophy of Life Essay

Lance Armstrong Talks about Philosophy of Life - Essay Example My fellow world citizens, I am Lance Armstrong, the famous cyclist. The recent headlines do not allow me to claim the fame. But, I think I have all the right to introduce myself as a famous cyclist whether I have my titles or not. Even my negative publicity is linked to cycling without which I am nothing. I am not here to claim I am innocent or confess. I just want to share a few of my realizations with you. I had great plans after retirement. I wanted to do so many things after I survived cancer, after I retired after I was free from my busy schedules. But, the after came so suddenly and unexpectedly, stripping me of all my dignity. I have all the time in the world now to do whatever I want and what I do with all of it - I ride my cycle. I started to ride my cycle when I was two and continue it till now. I started to ride professionally at the age of 13. I was a swimmer before that. I got fascinated by the bike when I was 12. At that time my mother used to say "if you’re going to get anywhere, you’re going to have to do it yourself because no one is going to do it for you". I had no idea where I should go but believed winning was the only thing necessary in life. I became a bully. I started to dope. My life was driven by an unquenchable thirst to win, to win like nobody else. I do not know who put that idea into me, my coach, my victories, my fans or my family. I saw everybody around me running for something elusive. I was happy when I won. But was I satisfied? No. I was ready to do anything to establish what others cannot.

Government Debt Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Government Debt - Essay Example External government debt refers to the aggregate funds collected from outside the country from foreign investors and governments. According to Gartner (2006, p. 68) the government will always sell its securities in the open market when it wants to raise funds from the investors. Key traded government securities in the open market include but not limited to treasury bills, notes and bonds (Snowdon & Vane (1997, p.103). Sovereign debt refers to government debt owed to investors mostly foreign in foreign currencies. Shone (1989, p. 119) states that Sovereign debts are normally used by the government when they are in need of large amount of money to carry out an expensive public project. Sovereign debt is considered risky owing to the fact that it is affected by fluctuation in currency and any default by the issuing company may translate to low credit rating and no further debt advancement as foreign investors will be scared away. Government bonds, which is the common form of raising rev enue from local investors in local currency is highly preferred by most government because it is not affected by the credit rating of the country (Miles & Scott 2005, p.19). It is unfortunate that the United Kingdom government debt has been growing at an alarming rate over the recent past. The global recession that began in 2008 has left several developed nation into huge debts. Carlin and Soskice (2006;101), asserts that the UK higher budget deficit can be attributed to the large government spending and low government revenue owing to loss of jobs and reduced spending. The UK society has been enjoying the deficit sending without a glimpse at its consequences. The United Kingdom debt which includes the aggregate amount of money owned by the central government in form of government bonds, sovereign bonds, Social Security trust fund, and accrued capital expenditure. Fiscal consolidation refers to the policies taken by the government to manage its debt and reduce its budget deficit. Fi scal consolidation policies vary from country to country depending on the financial objective of the government. Most countries are always caught up in dilemma when it comes to fiscal consolidation especially during recession. Most economies have been unstable since the beginning of recession as unemployment rate increases from time to time, key companies facing financial constraints and individuals losing mortgages and thus it becomes difficult for the government to decide whether to come up with economic stimulus or fiscal consolidation policies. For instance the UK government has been facing bulging public debt and budget deficit while the same time unemployment rate is escalating unprecedentedly. Tobin theory is a theory of investment behavior also renowned as Tonin’s Q Theory and denoted by letter â€Å"q†. This theory is used to determine the ratio of the companies issued shares (share capital) to the replacement cost associated with the assets of the company. Th ree significant situations are evident when relating the market value and the replacement cost and they include â€Å"q† being greater (q>1), lower (q

The Influence Of Origen On The Church Religion Essay

The Influence Of Origen On The Church Religion Essay When considering the impact or influence that an individual has had on any particular segment of society, it is necessary to review that individuals accomplishments and contributions. This paper will provide the reader insight into the life and contributions of one of the early church fathers Origen (ca. 186 255). As one of the most controversial church fathers in the evangelical community, Origen influenced the church, both the early and modern church, through his intellectual and literary contributions which included: compiling, translating and interpreting Scripture, establishing of the first Christian university replete with the first systematic theology, and writing numerous commentaries, sermons and apologies which have been utilized for reference by numerous generations. A mans contributions are only as good as his reputation; therefore, we must know a little about Origen of Alexandria. One must not reject the influence of a man based solely upon the opinions of others. The evangelical community appears to gloss over the true accomplishments and influence of Origen based on his rogue nature and the fact that he was condemned as a heretic. One evangelical professor even started his lecture on Origen by introducing him as many peoples least favorite theologian. The purpose of calling this to light is that there must be an acknowledgement that we would not be where we are as an evangelical community without the contributions of Origen. There must be an acknowledgement that Origen has been vilified by many, and therefore, when Origen is discussed it is with prejudice. Origen is described as the boy whose mother hid his clothes so that he could not be martyred  [1]  with his father, or the ascetic separatist who castrated himself because he misinterpreted Matthew 19:12.  [2]  The heretic, Origen, is judged with the light of modern thought because of his view that even Satan will be saved  [3]  or his speculation about the fall of mankind. Judgment is often cast during the introduction of Origen, prior to listing all of the accomplishments that Origen made which still impact Christianity today. Therefore, it is necessary to clarify some of those facts (yes, most appear to be factual) prior to investigating this early church fathers contributions and subsequent influence on Christianity. For just a moment, Origen will be defended and revered for his character and accomplishments so that an objective view can be made on his influence on the church. Origen was a man of extreme self discipline, a rogue, who lived an ascetic lifestyle prior to the establishment of monastic orders.  [4]  Origen has some spectacular notations about his life, primarily his castration; however, later he regretted the act and wrote that it should not be done. At the very least, it reveals the strength of his desire to overcome the flesh.  [5]  Additionally, there are numerous accounts that Demetrius the bishop over Origen was extremely jealous of Origen and subsequently used his influence to slander and defame Origen. It is true that Origen had speculation about the fall of man and the ultimate demise of Satan; however, we must remember that Origen never had the benefit of a canonized New Testament. In spite of Origens numerous commentaries on books which would later become canonized into the New Testament, it does not appear that he ever commented on the book of Revelation. This might have been the cause of his speculation which trended toward universalism. Origen was a Biblical genius who revered Scripture and even wrote commentaries on much of the New Testament, many times needing a team of multiple scribes to capture his prolific notes.  [6]  It is an absolute fact that Origen was condemned as a heretic for his beliefs. Posthumously, Origen was condemned for his subordinate view of the Trinity. His condemnation as a heretic came 199 years after his death without the benefit of defense. Origen at the age of 69 had an opportunity to stand for his Christian beliefs where he would earn the name Adamantius meaning made of steel as a result of his persecution for his faith.  [7]  Origens muscles, sinews and joints were ripped as he was stretched on a rack in order to seek a confession.  [8]  Although Origen did not die during the persecution, he died shortly after from complications arising from this torture. Origen died in AD 255, roughly 112 years before the books of the New Testament were listed in Athanasius Easter letter and almost 200 years prior to Origens condemnation as a heretic. It is clear to see that his life had a lasting impact on the church if he was still an active topic of discussion two centuries after his death. With an understanding of the basics of Origen, we have to acknowledge his intellectual and literary contributions which would ultimately have an impact on the church even until today. Origens father, Leonides, schooled Origen with unusual rigor, giving him a fine education that prioritized scripture and also grounded him in the Greek liberal arts.  [9]  After Leonides was martyred, Origen was forced to provide for his family by becoming a private tutor. Soon, Origen became a teacher in the church in Alexandria where he taught new converts in basic theology. Origens career as a teacher and Christian theologian earned him much fame and recognition and he began to travel throughout the region debating and teaching. His brilliance soon became legendary, and pagan intellectuals from around the Mediterranean came to dispute with him.  [10]  With this fame came jealousy and conflict with the Bishop of Alexandria, Demetrius, which ultimately forced Origen to move to Caesarea. It was in Caesarea where Origen began to contribute to Christianity through Scripture translation and formal Theology. In Caeserea, Origen formalized his teaching and training when he established the regions first Christian school of Theology.  [11]  The nature of the school was for the formation of Christian scholars in an ascetic environment; however, some scholars have suggested that Origen developed in Caesarea essentially a missionary school to educate young pagan men out of secular Greek thought and into the true Christian philosophia.  [12]  Origen might have established the first center for missionary training. One of Origens pupils, Gregory Thaumaturgus, captured the nature of the institution in his words Origen was instructing us in theology and the devout character.  [13]  A training institution is more than just the physical structures. It requires vision, doctrine and foundation. Origen provided the vision and the works that became the keystones to Christian Theology. At the cornerstone of the School of Caesarea stood The Hexapla, a six-column Hebrew Greek translation of the Old Testament with Origens annotations. Eusebius writes this about Origens study leading up to the formation of The Hexapla, So earnest and assiduous was Origens research into the divine words that he learned the Hebrew language, and procured as his own the original Hebrew Scriptures which were in the hands of the Jews. He investigated also the works of other translators of the Sacred Scriptures besides the Seventy [LXX].  [14]   The first consolidated work on the Old Testament, The Hexapla would have a lasting impact on Christianity. The Hexapla was used as a reference by Jerome and Eusebius.  [15]  Emperor Constantine would later commission scribes to copy fifty copies of The Hexapla to be sent to the great churches throughout his empire.  [16]  Origen sought to provide the church with a usable translation of the Old Testament with The Hexapala in a language that the literate could understand. In addition to this six-column format, Origen also produced a smaller Tetrapla version of the four columns most likely to be used by Christians.  [17]  The often overlooked impact of his work is that it translated the Hebrew into Greek and provided a reference for generations of Christian scholars. Expounding on the foundation of the Scriptures through the cornerstone established by The Hexapla, Origen wrote the first systematic theology aptly named On First Principles. On First Principles set forth Christ ian theology on a scale previously unknown to the church. He [Origen] argued powerfully for the inspiration and authority of Scripture.  [18]  On First Principles appears to have been equally beneficial for the student as well as for the unbeliever. Origen wrote this handbook on Christianity as a synthesis between philosophy and Christianity which some scholars believe that Origen wished to make available for seekers.  [19]  If accurate, this provides a vision of an Origen with an evangelical nature. One notable feature of On First Principles is Origens focus on and apparent love for Jesus Christ. One needs only to read the opening lines of the preface of On First Principles to derive Origens core beliefs and see his lasting impact on Christianity. Origen writes, All who believe and are assured that grace and truth were obtained through Jesus Christ, and who know Christ to be the truth, agreeably to His own declaration, I am the truth, derive the knowledge which incites men to a good and happy life from no other source than from the very words and teaching of Christ.  [20]   From this passage, one can easily see parallels to teachings which are still present in the modern day evangelical church. Additionally, Origen addresses three core principles in the preface of his work that have remained through millennia of Christian thought: First, that there is one God, who created and arranged all things, and who, when nothing existed, called all things into beingà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ã‚  [21]   Secondly, That Jesus Christ Himself, who came (into the world), was born of the Father before all creaturesà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ became a man, and was incarnate although God, and while made a man remained the God which He wasà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ã‚  [22]   Then, Thirdly, the apostles related that the Holy Spirit was associated in honour and dignity with the Father and the Son.  [23]   These statements alone provide a firm Ante-Nicene view of the Trinity which, of course, has deeply impacted our orthodoxy in the 21st century. Origen argues that all Christian understanding proceeds from the teaching of Christ. Throughout On First Principles, Origen addressed topics such as Christology, anthropology, eschatology, ecclesiology and hermeneutics. Origens thoughts on hermeneutics and freedom of thought within his allegorical interpretive method draws some criticism from the Evangelical community today. However, according to Origen, God had intentionally invested the Bible with multiple layers of meaningà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ [Where] any verse can become a rich source of Christological truth.  [24]  Origen saw Scripture interpretation as a deeply personal venture into seeking God and seeing Christ on every page. More importantly, why would Origens allegorical method of interpretation have an impact on the church? Prior to Origen, who was not a bishop, tradition had restricted scriptural interpretation in the churches to the ordained clergy, the bishop himself, or one of his chosen presbyters.  [25]  Origen was breaking the mold of interpretation and taking it from ecclesiastical process to personal revelation. Origens life and literary works appeared to be trending toward the individual conscientiousness of the believer to gro w in knowledge and depth; however, centuries later the papacy did much to stifle the believers accessibility to both the Bible and its interpretation. The Catholic Church sought to stifle the believer by withholding the interpretation Scripture at the highest level of the church an apparent contradiction to Origens philosophy of proliferative information on the Bible. It is quite possible that Origens allegorical interpretation of Scripture enabled him to have the freedom to write such a prolific number of literary works. The sheer number of Origens literary works must have affected the formation of Christianity. Origens literary contributions were so vast that some have numbered his works up to 6000; however, Eusebius, an Orgenian scholar, listed around 2000.  [26]  It is important to note that Origens thoughts (conveyed through his literary works), even after being condemned, have permeated Christianity to a degree that they may never be dismissed. All of the greatest thinkers of the patristic age were in his [Origens] debt, and even after his condemnation he was too deeply inserted into the fabric of Christian theologizing ever to be dismissed or forgotten. He had been the founding architect of biblical commentary as a mode of organizing Christian reflection, and no one who took the Bible seriously in the first millennium of the church was able to avoid his groundbreaking writing.  [27]   Since the understanding that Origens literary works had a profound impact on Christianity is well established, it is beneficial to note the types of literary works and their respective influence. Origen wrote a number of commentaries and sermons on both the Old Testament and on the (yet to be canonized) New Testament. Origens Scriptural commentaries were a unique genre of literature, of which he [Origen] is the first major exponent, [he] shows himself to possess an encyclopedic knowledge of the text. He is able to cross-register word appearances from all over the scriptural record, an impressive feat in the days before concordances and reference tools were available.  [28]   Origen wrote extensive commentaries on Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Isaiah, Psalms, and Ecclesiastes. Origens commentary seeks to bring Jesus Christ to life in the life of the reader, because by means of divine allegory, every word on every page of scripture could be made to speak with overflowing richness about Jesus Christ, the Christian life, and the Christians eternal hope.  [29]  Origens Christ-centric writings read more like a modern day sermon than a commentary. Origen also wrote on much of the New Testament books with a particular affinity to Johnnine and Pauline Scripture, and he wrote a major on the Gospel of John titled the same. It is in Origens Gospel of John that we see that Origen fights for the Scripture; however, he holds the Gospels in particularly high esteem. Additionally, Origen defines that we must say that the good things the Apostles announce in this Gospel are simply Jesus.  [30]  Origen identifies that the whole of the Gospel message is simply in Jesu s Christ. We cannot help but note that Origens views are similar to our evangelical views separated by almost 1800 years. Also concerning the commentary on the Gospel of John, you see that Origen also portrays a keen understanding of the source of power in evangelism. Origen states, [King] David says of the Apostles, perhaps also of the evangelists: The Lord shall give the word to those that preach with great power; the King of the powers of the beloved; teaching at the same time that it is not skillfully composed discourse, nor the mode of delivery, nor well practised eloquence that produces conviction, but the communication of divine power.  [31]   Origens commentary of Matthew takes on the approach of a guide for liturgical preaching. Origen is providing the church with pastoral teaching through his commentaries. The Matthean commentary was composed in twenty-five volumes (only eight remain today), and Origens main ideas of his commentary made their way into more or less all other commentators of the Christian tradition.  [32]  His effect on the preaching through the generations has continued through the pastoral teaching in his commentaries. In one of his most famous commentaries, Origen addresses the Song of Song using his method of allegorical interpretation. In Canticle of Canticles, Origen outlines the mystical union between the Christian church and its Bridegroom. Although most modern thought disregard this interpretation, Christians should at least acknowledge its profound impact on the concept of Christian mysticism.  [33]   In addition to his commentaries, Origen wrote a number of letters, apologies and dialogues explaining his Christian faith and doctrine. Origens apologetic works, the most famous of which is Against Celsus, defend vehemently the Christian faith. Origens Against Celsus, a response to a pagan treatise attacking Christianity, stands as a monument of Christian apologetic.  [34]  Many of Origens dialogues and letters also stand in defense and explanation of the Christian faith. In his letter Reply to Julius Africanus, Origen discusses the matter of principles of establishing the canon of Christian Scriptures.  [35]  The sheer number of commentaries on New Testament books would solidify Origens concern with the canonization of the New Testament, yet he defends the necessity of affirming the works of the apostles in his dialogue. We have benefitted from Origens faithfulness to the New Testament letters through his influence in the canonization process of the New Testament. Origens life might have been ascetic, but his commentaries were opulent and filled with a genuine love for the words of God and the Word of God. At least in some part, Origen has survived through this same passion in the evangelical community. Origen through his intellectual contributions started the solidification of Christian doctrine through the formation of the first Christian university, founded on the first written systematic theology. The foundation that Origen paved established a doctrinal basis which served as a starting point for the early church especially with regard to the Trinity and Christology. Origens passion for seeing Christ in every page of Scripture led him to pursue an allegorical method of interpretation which can still be useful when coupled with current Hermeneutical practices; nevertheless, Origens genius opened up the beauty of the Scriptures and allows Christians to see Christ in difficult texts like Leviticus. Origens prolific commentaries provided a genr e of literary works which have continued to this day and have impacted Christians by providing a guide for liturgical preaching. Origens apologies have stood as the template for defense of the faith. Today we still refer to Origens Against Celsus as an apologetic worthy of emulation. Together with Athanasius Easter Letter, Origens selection of books with which to write commentaries on was instrumental in the canonization of the New Testament as we know it today. Even though the majority of Origens works were destroyed in 543 as a result of being condemned as a heretic, Origens remaining work is still relevant to the evangelical community even for purposes of debate and dispute. Most would find the majority of his work uplifting and possibly even edifying. The character of Origen is a sad reality of the humanity of fallen man. Origen, in spite of his best efforts, was still a man; however, one might challenge whether or not his heart and passion (seemingly even for evangelism) as we ll as his intellectual works are not still present in the modern day church. Origen one of the most controversial church fathers, influenced the church, both the early and modern church, through his intellectual and literary contributions which included; compiling, translating and interpreting Scripture, establishing of the first Christian university replete with the first systematic theology, and by writing numerous commentaries, sermons and apologies which have been utilized for reference by numerous generations.

Comparison of the poems Half-caste and Not My Business Essay

John Agard and Niyi Osundare have both written poems that protest about events or attitudes of people. Agard is From the Caribbean where the population is made up of people from lots of different races. Therefore he is used to being around people of mixed race and will know from first hand experience how horrible it can be to be called only half a person. Osundare has got a good point to make here which is that if people see something going on that is wrong but does not directly involve them, they should do what they can to stop the wrong doing rather than leave it as it may well be them someday and there could be no one to save them. You never know. The first poem is about the term ‘Half-Caste’ which the poet: John Agard, objects to as he thinks that it makes us think of people of mixed race as only half a person instead of a whole person or individual. The next poem ‘Not My Business’ is about the violence used by the state authorities against the people of Nigeria. The poet: Niyi Osundare believes that you should stand up for what is right, regardless of whether it bothers you at that specific time. ‘Not My Business’ is said to echo this statement: â€Å"First they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out because I was not a socialist. Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak because I was not a trade unionist. Then they came for the Jews and I did not speak because I was not a Jew. Then they came for me and there was no one left to speak for me. † The statement is by ‘Pastor Martin Niemoller’ it is very much like the poem ‘Not My Business’ not only because of what is said, but also because of how it is structured. In the first three stanzas what is happening is happening to someone else, not the narrator. However in the last stanza what is happening is happening to the person in the story, either ‘I’ or the Narrator. In ‘Half-Caste’ The poet want us to realize that the term is such a stupid one and he wants the people who use it to realize this and change their attitudes towards people of mixed race. Also the structure of the poem is good as he uses humour at the beginning to catch the reader’s attention and then explains the stupidity of the term. Osundare believes that it is people’s indifference and detachment from what is going on around them that is allowing the terror to go on. The repeated phrase about what business of his is it is indented which shows a distance from what is going on or a detachment. Agard writes phonetically as to the way he would speak the poem, it is one of those poems that needs to be spoken to get the full meaning. He speaks in a patois and uses calypso rhythm and rhyme, which is an example of how English and African dialects have combined and are now a key feature of the poet’s Caribbean culture. ‘Not My Business’ uses a repeated phrase which is just saying ‘What business of mine is it’ etc. This is also indented and therefore shows distance from what is going on in the paragraph. This use of language is a good way to show this distance. This poem says a lot about people’s cultures, not only Nigeria, but people are like this all over the world, and it says a lot that people won’t stick up for what is right just so long as it does not bother them. Both of these poems had a lot to say and they have said it in a strong and down to earth kind of way. The first used humour to get people’s attention and then had a go about the term ‘Half-caste’. However the second just used three examples and then showed that a problem will get much worse if it is left and oppressive regimes are not nice things and people need to stick up and fight against them!

The Outbreak of the HIV Virus

Who would have ever thought that a disease, possibly brought to America by infected African monkeys, would affect the country forever? This is exactly what happened in the late nineteenth century when the Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) was introduced to America. The unpredictable epidemic caused a huge outrage for years to come. The outbreak of the HIV virus, AIDS, in the early 1980†³s resulted in medical research, public misconceptions, and ultimately growing awareness. Appearing first only in homosexual men, AIDS was an unfamiliar virus to the entire United States. Reports of unknown and unexplainable symptoms caused much confusion among patients and even doctors. In 1981, the first reports explained that 41 homosexual men in the San Fransisco area had â€Å"†¦ a rare and often rapidly fatal form of cancer† (Altman n. p. ). After years of researching these cases and millions of others appearing later in the decade, scientists discovered that it was not cancer they were dealing with. They called it HIV (Human Immune Virus) which leads to AIDS (Acquired Immune deficiency Syndrome) that â€Å"†¦ rogressively destroys the body†s ability to fight infections and certain cancers† (ARIC n. p. ). With minimal research there was nothing to initially â€Å"combat† the virus; but, thanks to time and funding, there were some drugs that seemed to help stop the spread of the virus in ones body. These anti-retroviral drugs still don't constitute as cures ! for the virus, but have definitely helped and continue to help patients live longer (ARIC n. p. ). Since a vaccine to â€Å"†¦ evoke an immune system response that will prevent infection or disease development† still has not been found, other treatments have been tested. Accupuncture, stress management, hypnosis, exercise, good nutrition, and an overall positive attitude all seem to alleviate symptoms even if they are not proven cures of the virus (Packer 78-88). Although AIDS is a life threatening disease, there were many people living with it by keeping healthy and staying safe. Scott Fried had not tried any of the aniviral drugs; however, practices such as taking 80 herbs and vitamins a day, staying physically fit, visiting the doctor every three months, and being happy have kept him alive with the virus for thirteen years (Fried speach). Most victims have not lived as long as he which is why AIDS has lead to some extensive research. Investigators supported by private and public funds continued to search for a cure or even an explanation of HIV/AIDS for two decades because like the â€Å"b! lack plague†, AIDS has killed off millions of people in a short time. Also like the black plague did, AIDS carried with it a long string of misconceptions. In the Middle Ages anyone carrying the â€Å"black plague† was to be avoided. Similarly, the public would often avoid people with AIDS. There were fabrications that AIDS could be caught by another human being from sneezing, coughing, hugging, kissing or even any â€Å"casual contact† ; so, people stayed away from those who were infected by AIDS. Another lie was that AIDS was caused by something magical or mystical (Taylor 23-24). Though some were overly careful of â€Å"catching† the virus, others were not careful enough. Since the initial outbreak was among gay men it was simply assumed that only gay men could be affected. Then reports of IV drug users having the disease still seemed to eliminate the chance of the common person being infected. Next, hemophiliacs and people who had had blood transfusions were reported followed by blacks, Hispanics, lesbians, straight women and finally white, heterosexual, males. Still everyone said â€Å"It can†t happen to me,† until it did (Fried speech). This assumption that AIDS only affected few amounts of people and only minorities was the basis of all misconceptions about that virus. People did not believe the virus could have any impact on their lives; but, it did impact everyones lives directly and or indirectly. Now that â€Å"AIDS is the second leading cause of death in the United States among people aged 25 to 44†³ (ARIC n. p. ), the misconceptions have been proven to be false. Although it was statistically correct that 66% of people infected by AIDS were homosexual males, 24% were IV drug users, and only 4% were heterosexual males or females (Packer 17) it was still a fact that AIDS can affect anyone. After years of research and statistical reports there were finally people relaying these messages to the public. Motivational speakers, like Scott Fried, continue to reach out to teens and adults about AIDS and sex. Information about these subjects can also be found easily, not only at hospitals or doctors† offices; but in books, magazines, pamphlets, and even on the internet. Conducting a simple search on http://www. yahoo. com came up with 164 â€Å"category matches,† 1,206 â€Å"web site matches,† and 237,000 web page matches. This means that HIV/AIDS appears at least 238,370 times on th! e world wide web and it shows that AIDS in an important component of modern life. Not only are people becoming aware of the AIDS epidemic, but they are becoming aware of sexuality through learning about AIDS. Before the outbreak of this fatal virus sex was only spoken about discretely. Now even kids are being made aware of the dangers of sex and spreading HIV. In this way HIV/AIDS had a positive affect on the country. People are aware of the facts and probably make better decisions. Some experts have said that AIDS will remain the way it is now and others predict it growing into a â€Å"huge epidemic† (Taylor 28). Hopefully due to this expansion of knowledge and recognition, he AIDS virus will not spread as quickly and infect as many people as it has in the past. HIV positive, homosexual, male, Scott Fried, said, â€Å"Ironically one of the blessings that HIV/AIDS has brought me is the abundance of love. . . † and perhaps that is true. Pertaining to the eighties and the early onset of the virus, AIDS caused much more commotion than love. However, every cloud has a silver lining and the hysteria has finally cleared up some myths. It has opened up the public to not only HIV/AIDS awareness, but sexual cognizance as well.