Sunday, December 29, 2019

Evidence Based Practice Nursing Implications - 1399 Words

Evidence Based Practice: Nursing Implications Misty DelCiampo Submitted to Sarah P. Combs PhD, MPH, RN in partial fulfillment of NR460 Evidence Based Practice in Nursing Regis University August 3rd, 2015 Evidence Based Practice Nursing Implications As the health care environment is becoming more complex, and technology is developing rapidly, the expectations of nurses has increased more than ever before. Times are rapidly changing and to keep up with these changes, nurses are moving away from providing care based on the ways it’s always been done towards research- and evidence-based practice. The purpose of this paper is to define the importance of Evidence Based Practice (EBP). It will give examples of research in practice. And finally, will examine the barriers that prevent research utilization. Importance of Evidence Based Practice Utilizing the EBP approach by nurses helps to bridge the gap between research, expert opinion and patient preferences to provide the highest quality of patient care possible. The simplest way to define Evidence Based Practice is the method of evaluating, and applying research findings to improve clinical practice, and patient outcomes. In the search for clinical improvement, nurses must examine the â€Å"why† behind current methods and processes, using EBP aids nurses in answering this question. Nursing interventions should be realistic, and clinical decisions should be based on EBP research studies because EBP isShow MoreRelatedThe Importance Of Knowledge, And Attitudes Toward Evidence Based Practice Among Nursing Staff770 Words   |  4 PagesThis is a review of the academic nursing research article entitled Use, Knowledge, and Attitudes Toward Evidence-Based Practice Among Nursing Staff which was published in the Journal of Continuing Education in Nursing in 2013. The a rticle will be examined with regards to methodology, data analysis, as well as resulting correlations and conclusions that the authors identify in their discussion. The article provides information based on responses from a questionnaire regarding nurse s attitudesRead MoreMy Own Philosophy Of Nursing1172 Words   |  5 PagesPhilosophy of nursing, rather they know it off hand or not. We all have our own beliefs of what nursing is, our own personal goals, and values that are important to our practice of nursing. Some individuals are more aware of the beliefs and values that influence their role and actions in the nursing field, compared to others who have never thought about it before. When trying to develop your own philosophy of nursing, it may be helpful to think about, your own personal definition of what nursing is, theRead MoreClinical Nurse Leader Role in Psychiatric Department Essay1314 Words   |  6 PagesCNL Role in Psychiatric Department Never has it been more critical to provide high quality care in the hospital while being cost effective. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (American Association of Colleges of Nursing [AACN], 2005) has created the Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) role to introduce lateral integration of care for specified groups by creatively and intentionally using a variety of health care resources (AACN, 2005). The CNL’s purpose is to aid in various departments of theRead MoreBiomedical And Health Informatics Have Been Increased Demand1570 Words   |  7 Pagesconsequently, many healthcare agencies have conducted research to provide up-to-date, and unbiased evidence on healthcare interventions. A wealth of available data is now available for meaningfully knowledge exploitation that can strengthen building and evidence creation, and ultimately improve clinical and preventive care (Bloomrosen, 2010). Evidence is a continuum process and through a circulatory practice approaches, it i s generated into care at the bedside and back to the research system and thisRead MoreThe Image of Nursing Essay1107 Words   |  5 PagesThroughout time the world’s image on Nursing has evolved rapidly. Nurses work in an extremely stressful environment and must carry out their duties in a professional manner to ensure proper procedures are followed throughout their routines. They also have a considerable amount of responsibility that comes with their career. For those reasons nurses must present themselves in a professional and structured manner at all times. The Image of Nursing describes how people in and out of the profession seeRead MoreBreastfeeding For The Pediatric Population1360 Words   |  6 Pagesimportant aspect of everyday nursing care in paediatric acute care facilities is the support and care of breastfeeding families† (p. 14). Nurses’ who implement the promotion of breastfeeding may pose many benefits for the well-bring of their clients such a s; maternal and child bonding and health protection, child growth and development, and family and society protection (Bomer-Norton, 2014, p.88). Therefore, breastfeeding promotion is essential and relevant to pediatric nursing care. This paper will exploreRead MoreThe Development Of Decision Making1238 Words   |  5 PagesDevelopment of Decision-Making in Nursing Nursing is a profession that has traditionally attracted individuals who have a desire to help others and have an interest in the health sciences (Ruesink, 2012). In the complex world of health care, good intentions only go so far in terms of client safety, quality of care, and achieving the best possible outcomes, and that is why critical thinking, decision making, and evidence based practice are crucial to the nursing profession when acting on the behalfRead MoreThe Benefits Of Electronic Medical Records1373 Words   |  6 PagesIntroduction The benefits of Electronic Medical Records (EMR) significantly outweigh the disadvantages, when it comes to the nursing care of patients in multiple settings. There have been multiple studies proving the enhancement and efficiency of nursing care in various areas, when electronic documentation is properly taught and utilized. Likewise, there is evidence supporting the reliability of the documentation, after comparing nurses’ verbal accounts of previously recorded information. When theRead MoreImportance Of Evidence Based Practice And Nursing Research1006 Words   |  5 Pages Significance of Evidence Based Practice and Nursing Research Rina Desai Widener University â€Æ' The significance of nursing research and evidence-based practice has gained a huge momentum in nursing. Research findings, knowledge from basic science, clinical knowledge, and expert opinion are all considered ‘evidence’. Thus, the practices based on research findings are more likely to result in the desired patient outcomes across numerous clinical settings. In addition, the pressure of healthcareRead MoreThe Importance Of Obtaining Quality And Safe Care1111 Words   |  5 PagesImportance of Documentation Facilitate Communication Documentation in nursing is an integral part of providing quality and safe care to patients. As indicated in the standards of nursing care, patient’s condition and care needs to be clearly stated for smooth continuity of care. This is importance since quality care is a team effort. The team must be able to work together and ensure that each patient’s individual needs are clearly communicated to each other. Proper documentation is vital for both

Saturday, December 21, 2019

Essay about Defining and Exploring Buddhism - 470 Words

Defining and Exploring Buddhism Buddhism is one of the major world religions, it is recognized in most countries as a religion, no-one has yet considered that maybe it is a philosophy. We define a religion as having six things, these are: belief in a God, a place of worship, Holy Scriptures or books, rules or guidelines, rites of passage and festivals or special days. So in order to determine Buddhism as a religion we must identify that it has all of these characteristics. However when I do this I find that in theory Buddhism doesnt qualify as a religion as they do not believe in any God and they do not have a place of worship, they do have a monastery but not all Buddhists will visit or live in†¦show more content†¦People would say that Buddhism is not a conventional religion with a clear God and rules but because people follow someones teachings and live by their guidelines it is a religion. Although the point of view in the previous paragraph is completely understandable and valid I disagree and so would many other people. I understand that Buddhism is recognised as a religion all over the world but that doesnt make it so, Buddhists may have shrines in their homes and monasteries but these shrines are for what the Buddha said and believed in they are not for the Buddha as a person they are for what he stands for. This is why the shrines have several symbols on them not just a picture or sculpture of the Buddha; they have flowers for impermanence, pictures of the dead as a sign of reverence and incense to pass on good thoughts and good karma. I agree that many people follow the Buddhas ideas and guidelines help them within their life, but that is all they are, guidelines, if someone was to become a Buddhist but they did not agree with one aspect of what the Buddha said they could just leave it out, or add their own bit in, it would not beShow MoreRelatedAnalysis Of. S mith s The Illustrated World s Religions1412 Words   |  6 Pagespunishments than those in a higher caste position for the same crime (Smith, 1994). Hinduism and the caste system are not the only example of a religion being associated with social change, however. Next, Buddhism also had an impact on the society it was born into. To start out defining what Buddhism is, this particular religion focuses more on humans including finding ways to overcome human suffering (Smith, 1994). Parts of this religion include the four noble truths, including that life can go awryRead MoreLove, Sex and Gender in the World Religions Essay4945 Words   |  20 Pagesin the nineteenth century and accelerated in the twentieth, the great religions of the world became truly global in the geographic distribution of their adherents and so began to impact and influence each others adherents in new ways. From Asia, Buddhism and Hinduism began seriously to influence the West for the first time in the twentieth century, in part spurred by the first meeting of the Parliament of the World Religions in Chicago in 1893. And while the proselytizing traditions of ChristianityRead More The Common Origins of the World’s Major Religions Essay3563 Words   |  15 Pagesan other had been persecuted themselves for their religious beliefs. Throughout the history of civilization, religion has played an essential role in many societies. There are many reasons why religions have played such a prominent role in defining the culture of a society, but arguably the most notable of these reasons is that a belief or faith in a spiritual or divine power can add meaning and significance to may people’s worldly lives. This phenomenon has proven to be especially true amongstRead MoreReligion : Religion And Religion1747 Words   |  7 Pagesunderstand that when it comes to defining the term â€Å"religion† it tends to be difficult. As stated earlier, there are millions of definition or interpretations of the word. Nevertheless, we have to realize that even though it is hard to understand what make up a religion to different people, we have to understand that it serves a purpose of being you. Now, the hard question is what makes up a religion. Some say it is a form of belief in God. But that would not fit Buddhism, which does not really believeRead MoreCciv5042 Words   |  21 Pagescreative and dramatic change in art in Chinese history (Yuan Dynasty Landscape Painting). Most important feature of landscape painting in this era was â€Å"mind landscape† which expressed painter’s inner spirit. Landscape painting was identifying and defining heart of painter which is individual’s feeling. Zhao Mengfu is the greatest artist who sought personal view through his work (Department of Asian Art). Zhao Mengfu was a descendant from the Song Dynasty. After the collapse of the Song Dynasty, ZhaoRead MoreGlobal Business Cultural Analysis South Korea7932 Words   |  32 Pages(Sang-Hun, 2007). Buddhism Buddhism is another one of South Korea’s Religions. Buddhism has its primary emphasis on personal salvation through rebirth in an endless cycle of reincarnation. During the Goguryeo Kingdom period in A.D. 372, Buddhism was introduced by a monk by the name of Sundo from China. Before this introduction to South Korea, the Country’s indigenous religion was Shamanism, and since Buddhism was not in conflict with Shamanism and its rites of nature worship. Buddhism was allowed toRead MoreThe Decision Of Roe V. Wade2379 Words   |  10 PagesCenter). Although Christianity’s views on abortion in particular were diverse and molded to certain denominations, one could not negate the notion of exploring other religious responses as other spiritual schools of thoughts became involved in this issue throughout the course of the Twentieth and Twenty-First Centuries. Eastern religions, primarily Buddhism and Hinduism, carved out a new way of viewing the widely-known topic: they took on more lax and lenient views in regards to abortion. Neither worshipRead MoreA Society Defined By Positive Rights3286 Words   |  14 PagesUniversalist approach to human rights? Are universalism and cultural relativism irreconcilable? Discuss the main pillars of universalism and the central claims advanced by those who sought to bridge the gap between these two contending approaches. Defining Universalism and how it encompasses human rights will lead us to discussing the pillars and arguments made against this concept in details to create an overview of the history of these arguments and what common factors can be used to minimize theRead MoreEssay on A Comparison of negotiation style3169 Words   |  13 Pagesdifferences. Special approaches for particular cultures may be needed. An international business negotiation within the Thai culture, in particular, would require a unique emphasis from other cultures to achieve positive results in negotiations. Buddhism and Kreng Jai, a unique Thai cultural indirect form of communication, have been the most influential factors for Thai negotiators. These factors effect on how Thai people perceive themselves (Barr, 2004) The purpose of the study is to make a comparisonRead MoreUnit 1: Exploring Equality and Diversity Essay4351 Words   |  18 PagesNCFE Level 2 Certificate in Equality and Diversity Unit 1: Exploring Equality and Diversity Assessment You should use this file to complete your Assessment. †¢ The first thing you need to do is save a copy of this document, either onto your computer or a disk †¢ Then work through your Assessment, remembering to save your work regularly †¢ When you’ve finished, print out a copy to keep for reference †¢ Then, go to www.vision2learn.com and send your completed Assessment to your tutor via your

Friday, December 13, 2019

The Da Vinci Code Chapter 38-41 Free Essays

string(86) " the metallic voice of the taxi company’s dispatcher coming from the dashboard\." CHAPTER 38 Sophie scrutinized Langdon in the back of the taxi. He’s joking. â€Å"The Holy Grail?† Langdon nodded, his expression serious. We will write a custom essay sample on The Da Vinci Code Chapter 38-41 or any similar topic only for you Order Now â€Å"Holy Grail is the literal meaning of Sangreal. The phrase derives from the French Sangraal, which evolved to Sangreal, and was eventually split into two words, San Greal.† Holy Grail.Sophie was surprised she had not spotted the linguistic ties immediately. Even so, Langdon’s claim still made no sense to her. â€Å"I thought the Holy Grail was a cup.You just told me the Sangreal is a collection of documents that reveals some dark secret.† â€Å"Yes, but the Sangreal documents are only half of the Holy Grail treasure. They are buried with the Grail itself†¦ and reveal its true meaning. The documents gave the Knights Templar so much power because the pages revealed the true nature of the Grail.† The true nature of the Grail? Sophie felt even more lost now. The Holy Grail, she had thought, was the cup that Jesus drank from at the Last Supper and with which Joseph of Arimathea later caught His blood at the crucifixion. â€Å"The Holy Grail is the Cup of Christ,† she said. â€Å"How much simpler could it be?† â€Å"Sophie,† Langdon whispered, leaning toward her now,† according to the Priory of Sion, the Holy Grail is not a cup at all. They claim the Grail legend – that of a chalice – is actually an ingeniously conceived allegory. That is, that the Grail story uses the chalice as a metaphor for something else, something far more powerful.† He paused. â€Å"Something that fits perfectly with everything your grandfather has been trying to tell us tonight, including all his symbologic references to the sacred feminine.† Still unsure, Sophie sensed in Langdon’s patient smile that he empathized with her confusion, and yet his eyes remained earnest. â€Å"But if the Holy Grail is not a cup,† she asked,† what is it?† Langdon had known this question was coming, and yet he still felt uncertain exactly how to tell her. If he did not present the answer in the proper historical background, Sophie would be left with a vacant air of bewilderment – the exact expression Langdon had seen on his own editor’s face a few months ago after Langdon handed him a draft of the manuscript he was working on. â€Å"This manuscript claims what?† his editor had choked, setting down his wineglass and staring across his half-eaten power lunch. â€Å"You can’t be serious.† â€Å"Serious enough to have spent a year researching it.† Prominent New York editor Jonas Faukman tugged nervously at his goatee. Faukman no doubt had heard some wild book ideas in his illustrious career, but this one seemed to have left the man flabbergasted. â€Å"Robert,† Faukman finally said,† don’t get me wrong. I love your work, and we’ve had a great run together. But if I agree to publish an idea like this, I’ll have people picketing outside my office for months. Besides, it will kill your reputation. You’re a Harvard historian, for God’s sake, not a pop schlockmeister looking for a quick buck. Where could you possibly find enough credible evidence to support a theory like this?† With a quiet smile Langdon pulled a piece of paper from the pocket of his tweed coat and handed it to Faukman. The page listed a bibliography of over fifty titles – books by well-known historians, some contemporary, some centuries old – many of them academic bestsellers. All the book titles suggested the same premise Langdon had just proposed. As Faukman read down the list, he looked like a man who had just discovered the earth was actually flat. â€Å"I know some of these authors. They’re†¦ real historians!† Langdon grinned. â€Å"As you can see, Jonas, this is not only my theory. It’s been around for a long time. I’m simply building on it. No book has yet explored the legend of the Holy Grail from a symbologic angle. The iconographic evidence I’m finding to support the theory is, well, staggeringly persuasive.† Faukman was still staring at the list. â€Å"My God, one of these books was written by Sir Leigh Teabing – a British Royal Historian.† â€Å"Teabing has spent much of his life studying the Holy Grail. I’ve met with him. He was actually a big part of my inspiration. He’s a believer, Jonas, along with all of the others on that list.† â€Å"You’re telling me all of these historians actually believe†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Faukman swallowed, apparently unable to say the words. Langdon grinned again. â€Å"The Holy Grail is arguably the most sought-after treasure in human history. The Grail has spawned legends, wars, and lifelong quests. Does it make sense that it is merely a cup? If so, then certainly other relics should generate similar or greater interest – the Crown of Thorns, the True Cross of the Crucifixion, the Titulus – and yet, they do not. Throughout history, the Holy Grail has been the most special.† Langdon grinned. â€Å"Now you know why.† Faukman was still shaking his head. â€Å"But with all these books written about it, why isn’t this theory more widely known?† â€Å"These books can’t possibly compete with centuries of established history, especially when that history is endorsed by the ultimate bestseller of all time.† Faukman’s eyes went wide. â€Å"Don’t tell me Harry Potter is actually about the Holy Grail.† â€Å"I was referring to the Bible.† Faukman cringed. â€Å"I knew that.† â€Å"Laissez-le!† Sophie’s shouts cut the air inside the taxi. â€Å"Put it down!† Langdon jumped as Sophie leaned forward over the seat and yelled at the taxi driver. Langdon could see the driver was clutching his radio mouthpiece and speaking into it. Sophie turned now and plunged her hand into the pocket of Langdon’s tweed jacket. Before Langdon knew what had happened, she had yanked out the pistol, swung it around, and was pressing it to the back of the driver’s head. The driver instantly dropped his radio, raising his one free hand overhead. â€Å"Sophie!† Langdon choked. â€Å"What the hell – â€Å" â€Å"Arretez!† Sophie commanded the driver. Trembling, the driver obeyed, stopping the car and putting it in park. It was then that Langdon heard the metallic voice of the taxi company’s dispatcher coming from the dashboard. You read "The Da Vinci Code Chapter 38-41" in category "Essay examples" â€Å"†¦ qui s’appette Agent Sophie Neveu†¦Ã¢â‚¬  the radio crackled. â€Å"Et un Americain, Robert Langdon†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Langdon’s muscles turned rigid. They found us already?†Descendez,†Sophie demanded. The trembling driver kept his arms over his head as he got out of his taxi and took several steps backward. Sophie had rolled down her window and now aimed the gun outside at the bewildered cabbie. â€Å"Robert,† she said quietly, â€Å"take the wheel. You’re driving.† Langdon was not about to argue with a woman wielding a gun. He climbed out of the car and jumped back in behind the wheel. The driver was yelling curses, his arms still raised over his head. â€Å"Robert,† Sophie said from the back seat,† I trust you’ve seen enough of our magic forest?† He nodded. Plenty. â€Å"Good. Drive us out of here.† Langdon looked down at the car’s controls and hesitated. Shit.He groped for the stick shift and clutch. â€Å"Sophie? Maybe you – â€Å" â€Å"Go!† she yelled. Outside, several hookers were walking over to see what was going on. One woman was placing a call on her cell phone. Langdon depressed the clutch and jostled the stick into what he hoped was first gear. He touched the accelerator, testing the gas. Langdon popped the clutch. The tires howled as the taxi leapt forward, fishtailing wildly and sending the gathering crowd diving for cover. The woman with the cell phone leapt into the woods, only narrowly avoiding being run down. â€Å"Doucement!† Sophie said, as the car lurched down the road. â€Å"What are you doing?† â€Å"I tried to warn you,† he shouted over the sound of gnashing gears. â€Å"I drive an automatic!† CHAPTER 39 Although the spartan room in the brownstone on Rue La Bruyere had witnessed a lot of suffering, Silas doubted anything could match the anguish now gripping his pale body. I was deceived.Everything is lost. Silas had been tricked. The brothers had lied, choosing death instead of revealing their true secret. Silas did not have the strength to call the Teacher. Not only had Silas killed the only four people who knew where the keystone was hidden, he had killed a nun inside Saint-Sulpice. She was working against God! She scorned the work of Opus Dei! A crime of impulse, the woman’s death complicated matters greatly. Bishop Aringarosa had placed the phone call that got Silas into Saint-Sulpice; what would the abbe think when he discovered the nun was dead? Although Silas had placed her back in her bed, the wound on her head was obvious. Silas had attempted to replace the broken tiles in the floor, but that damage too was obvious. They would know someone had been there. Silas had planned to hide within Opus Dei when his task here was complete. Bishop Aringarosawill protect me.Silas could imagine no more blissful existence than a life of meditation and prayer deep within the walls of Opus Dei’s headquarters in New York City. He would never again set foot outside. Everything he needed was within that sanctuary. Nobody will miss me.Unfortunately, Silas knew, a prominent man like Bishop Aringarosa could not disappear so easily. I have endangered the bishop.Silas gazed blankly at the floor and pondered taking his own life. After all, it had been Aringarosa who gave Silas life in the first place†¦ in that small rectory in Spain, educating him, giving him purpose. â€Å"My friend,† Aringarosa had told him,† you were born an albino. Do not let others shame you for this. Do you not understand how special this makes you? Were you not aware that Noah himself was an albino?† â€Å"Noah of the Ark?† Silas had never heard this. Aringarosa was smiling. â€Å"Indeed, Noah of the Ark. An albino. Like you, he had skin white like an angel. Consider this. Noah saved all of life on the planet. You are destined for great things, Silas. The Lord has freed you for a reason. You have your calling. The Lord needs your help to do His work.† Over time, Silas learned to see himself in a new light. I am pure.White.Beautiful.Like an angel. At the moment, though, in his room at the residence hall, it was his father’s disappointed voice that whispered to him from the past. Tu es un desastre. Un spectre. Kneeling on the wooden floor, Silas prayed for forgiveness. Then, stripping off his robe, he reached again for the Discipline. CHAPTER 40 Struggling with the gear shift, Langdon managed to maneuver the hijacked taxi to the far side of the Bois de Boulogne while stalling only twice. Unfortunately, the inherent humor in the situation was overshadowed by the taxi dispatcher repeatedly hailing their cab over the radio. â€Å"Voiture cinq-six-trois. Ou etes-vous? Repondez!† When Langdon reached the exit of the park, he swallowed his machismo and jammed on the brakes. â€Å"You’d better drive.† Sophie looked relieved as she jumped behind the wheel. Within seconds she had the car humming smoothly westward along Allee de Longchamp, leaving the Garden of Earthly Delights behind. â€Å"Which way is Rue Haxo?† Langdon asked, watching Sophie edge the speedometer over a hundred kilometers an hour. Sophie’s eyes remained focused on the road. â€Å"The cab driver said it’s adjacent to the Roland Garros tennis stadium. I know that area.† Langdon pulled the heavy key from his pocket again, feeling the weight in his palm. He sensed it was an object of enormous consequence. Quite possibly the key to his own freedom. Earlier, while telling Sophie about the Knights Templar, Langdon had realized that this key, in addition to having the Priory seal embossed on it, possessed a more subtle tie to the Priory of Sion. The equal-armed cruciform was symbolic of balance and harmony but also of the Knights Templar. Everyone had seen the paintings of Knights Templar wearing white tunics emblazoned with red equal-armed crosses. Granted, the arms of the Templar cross were slightly flared at the ends, but they were still of equal length. A square cross. Just like the one on this key. Langdon felt his imagination starting to run wild as he fantasized about what they might find. The Holy Grail.He almost laughed out loud at the absurdity of it. The Grail was believed to be somewhere in England, buried in a hidden chamber beneath one of the many Templar churches, where it had been hidden since at least 1500. The era of Grand Master Da Vinci. The Priory, in order to keep their powerful documents safe, had been forced to move them many times in the early centuries. Historians now suspected as many as six different Grail relocations since its arrival in Europe from Jerusalem. The last Grail† sighting† had been in 1447 when numerous eyewitnesses described a fire that had broken out and almost engulfed the documents before they were carried to safety in four huge chests that each required six men to carry. After that, nobody claimed to see the Grail ever again. All that remained were occasional whisperings that it was hidden in Great Britain, the land of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. Wherever it was, two important facts remained: Leonardo knew where the Grail resided during his lifetime.That hiding place had probably not changed to this day. For this reason, Grail enthusiasts still pored over Da Vinci’s art and diaries in hopes of unearthing a hidden clue as to the Grail’s current l ocation. Some claimed the mountainous backdrop in Madonnaof the Rocks matched the topography of a series of cave-ridden hills in Scotland. Others insisted that the suspicious placement of disciples in The Last Supper was some kind of code. Still others claimed that X rays of the Mona Lisa revealed she originally had been painted wearing a lapis lazuli pendant of Isis – a detail Da Vinci purportedly later decided to paint over. Langdon had never seen any evidence of the pendant, nor could he imagine how it could possibly reveal the Holy Grail, and yet Grail aficionados still discussed it ad nauseum on Internet bulletin boards and worldwide-web chat rooms. Everyone loves a conspiracy. And the conspiracies kept coming. Most recently, of course, had been the earthshaking discovery that Da Vinci’s famed Adoration of the Magi was hiding a dark secret beneath its layers of paint. Italian art diagnostician Maurizio Seracini had unveiled the unsettling truth, which the New York Times Magazine carried prominently in a story titled† The Leonardo Cover-Up.† Seracini had revealed beyond any doubt that while the Adoration’s gray-green sketched underdrawing was indeed Da Vinci’s work, the painting itself was not. The truth was that some anonymous painter had filled in Da Vinci’s sketch like a paint-by-numbers years after Da Vinci’s death. Far more troubling, however, was what lay beneath the impostor’s paint. Photographs taken with infrared reflectography and X ray suggested that this rogue painter, while filling in Da Vinci’s sketched study, had made suspicious departures from the underdrawing†¦ as if to subvert Da Vinci’s true intention. Whatever the true nature of the underdrawing, it had yet to be made public. Even so, embarrassed officials at Florence’s Uffizi Gallery immediately banished the painting to a warehouse across the street. Visitors at the gallery’s Leonardo Room now found a misleading and unapologetic plaque where the Adoration once hung. THIS WORK IS UNDERGOING DIAGNOSTIC TESTS IN PREPARATION FOR RESTORATION. In the bizarre underworld of modern Grail seekers, Leonardo Da Vinci remained the quest’s great enigma. His artwork seemed bursting to tell a secret, and yet whatever it was remained hidden, perhaps beneath a layer of paint, perhaps enciphered in plain view, or perhaps nowhere at all. Maybe Da Vinci’s plethora of tantalizing clues was nothing but an empty promise left behind to frustrate the curious and bring a smirk to the face of his knowing Mona Lisa. â€Å"Is it possible,† Sophie asked, drawing Langdon back,† that the key you’re holding unlocks the hiding place of the Holy Grail?† Langdon’s laugh sounded forced, even to him. â€Å"I really can’t imagine. Besides, the Grail is believed to be hidden in the United Kingdom somewhere, not France.† He gave her the quick history. â€Å"But the Grail seems the only rational conclusion,† she insisted. â€Å"We have an extremely secure key, stamped with the Priory of Sion seal, delivered to us by a member of the Priory of Sion – a brotherhood which, you just told me, are guardians of the Holy Grail.† Langdon knew her contention was logical, and yet intuitively he could not possibly accept it. Rumors existed that the Priory had vowed someday to bring the Grail back to France to a final resting place, but certainly no historical evidence existed to suggest that this indeed had happened. Even if the Priory had managed to bring the Grail back to France, the address 24 Rue Haxo near a tennis stadium hardly sounded like a noble final resting place. â€Å"Sophie, I really don’t see how this key could have anything to do with the Grail.† â€Å"Because the Grail is supposed to be in England?† â€Å"Not only that. The location of the Holy Grail is one of the best kept secrets in history. Priory members wait decades proving themselves trustworthy before being elevated to the highest echelons of the fraternity and learning where the Grail is. That secret is protected by an intricate system of compartmentalized knowledge, and although the Priory brotherhood is very large, only four members at any given time know where the Grail is hidden – the Grand Master and his three senechaux.The probability of your grandfather being one of those four top people is very slim.† My grandfather was one of them, Sophie thought, pressing down on the accelerator. She had an image stamped in her memory that confirmed her grandfather’s status within the brotherhood beyond any doubt. â€Å"And even if your grandfather were in the upper echelon, he would never be allowed to reveal anything to anyone outside the brotherhood. It is inconceivable that he would bring you into the inner circle.† I’ve already been there, Sophie thought, picturing the ritual in the basement. She wondered if this were the moment to tell Langdon what she had witnessed that night in the Normandy chateau. For ten years now, simple shame had kept her from telling a soul. Just thinking about it, she shuddered. Sirens howled somewhere in the distance, and she felt a thickening shroud of fatigue settling over her. â€Å"There!† Langdon said, feeling excited to see the huge complex of the Roland Garros tennis stadium looming ahead. Sophie snaked her way toward the stadium. After several passes, they located the intersection of Rue Haxo and turned onto it, driving in the direction of the lower numbers. The road became more industrial, lined with businesses. We need number twenty-four, Langdon told himself, realizing he was secretly scanning the horizon for the spires of a church. Don’t be ridiculous.A forgotten Templar church in this neighborhood? â€Å"There it is,† Sophie exclaimed, pointing. Langdon’s eyes followed to the structure ahead. What in the world?The building was modern. A squat citadel with a giant, neon equal-armed cross emblazoned a top its facade. Beneath the cross were the words: DEPOSITORY BANK OF ZURICH Langdon was thankful not to have shared his Templar church hopes with Sophie. A career hazard of symbologists was a tendency to extract hidden meaning from situations that had none. In this case, Langdon had entirely forgotten that the peaceful, equal-armed cross had been adopted as the perfect symbol for the flag of neutral Switzerland. At least the mystery was solved. Sophie and Langdon were holding the key to a Swiss bank deposit box. CHAPTER 41 Outside Castel Gandolfo, an updraft of mountain air gushed over the top of the cliff and across the high bluff, sending a chill through Bishop Aringarosa as he stepped from the Fiat. I should haveworn more than this cassock, he thought, fighting the reflex to shiver. The last thing he needed to appear tonight was weak or fearful. The castle was dark save the windows at the very top of the building, which glowed ominously. The library, Aringarosa thought. They are awake and waiting.He ducked his head against the wind and continued on without so much as a glance toward the observatory domes. The priest who greeted him at the door looked sleepy. He was the same priest who had greeted Aringarosa five months ago, albeit tonight he did so with much less hospitality. â€Å"We were worried about you, Bishop,† the priest said, checking his watch and looking more perturbed than worried. â€Å"My apologies. Airlines are so unreliable these days.† The priest mumbled something inaudible and then said,† They are waiting upstairs. I will escort you up.† The library was a vast square room with dark wood from floor to ceiling. On all sides, towering bookcases burgeoned with volumes. The floor was amber marble with black basalt trim, a handsome reminder that this building had once been a palace. â€Å"Welcome, Bishop,† a man’s voice said from across the room. Aringarosa tried to see who had spoken, but the lights were ridiculously low – much lower than they had been on his first visit, when everything was ablaze. The night of stark awakening. Tonight, these men sat in the shadows, as if they were somehow ashamed of what was about to transpire. Aringarosa entered slowly, regally even. He could see the shapes of three men at a long table on the far side of the room. The silhouette of the man in the middle was immediately recognizable – the obese Secretariat Vaticana, overlord of all legal matters within Vatican City. The other two were high-ranking Italian cardinals. Aringarosa crossed the library toward them. â€Å"My humble apologies for the hour. We’re on different time zones. You must be tired.† â€Å"Not at all,† the secretariat said, his hands folded on his enormous belly. â€Å"We are grateful you have come so far. The least we can do is be awake to meet you. Can we offer you some coffee or refreshments?† â€Å"I’d prefer we don’t pretend this is a social visit. I have another plane to catch. Shall we get to business?† â€Å"Of course,† the secretariat said. â€Å"You have acted more quickly than we imagined.† â€Å"Have I?† â€Å"You still have a month.† â€Å"You made your concerns known five months ago,† Aringarosa said. â€Å"Why should I wait?† â€Å"Indeed. We are very pleased with your expediency.† Aringarosa’s eyes traveled the length of the long table to a large black briefcase. â€Å"Is that what I requested?† â€Å"It is.† The secretariat sounded uneasy. â€Å"Although, I must admit, we are concerned with the request. It seems quite†¦Ã¢â‚¬  â€Å"Dangerous,† one of the cardinals finished. â€Å"Are you certain we cannot wire it to you somewhere? The sum is exorbitant.† Freedom is expensive. â€Å"I have no concerns for my own safety. God is with me.† The men actually looked doubtful.† The funds are exactly as I requested?† The secretariat nodded. â€Å"Large-denomination bearer bonds drawn on the Vatican Bank. Negotiable as cash anywhere in the world.† Aringarosa walked to the end of the table and opened the briefcase. Inside were two thick stacks of bonds, each embossed with the Vatican seal and the title PORTATORE, making the bonds redeemable to whoever was holding them. The secretariat looked tense. â€Å"I must say, Bishop, all of us would feel less apprehensive if these funds were in cash.† I could not lift that much cash, Aringarosa thought, closing the case. â€Å"Bonds are negotiable as cash. You said so yourself.† The cardinals exchanged uneasy looks, and finally one said,† Yes, but these bonds are traceable directly to the Vatican Bank.† Aringarosa smiled inwardly. That was precisely the reason the Teacher suggested Aringarosa get the money in Vatican Bank bonds. It served as insurance. We are all in this together now. â€Å"This is a perfectly legal transaction,† Aringarosa defended. â€Å"Opus Dei is a personal prelature of Vatican City, and His Holiness can disperse monies however he sees fit. No law has been broken here.† â€Å"True, and yet†¦Ã¢â‚¬  The secretariat leaned forward and his chair creaked under the burden. â€Å"We have no knowledge of what you intend to do with these funds, and if it is in any way illegal†¦Ã¢â‚¬  â€Å"Considering what you are asking of me,† Aringarosa countered,† what I do with this money is not your concern.† There was a long silence. They know I’m right, Aringarosa thought. â€Å"Now, I imagine you have something for me to sign?† They all jumped, eagerly pushing the paper toward him, as if they wished he would simply leave. Aringarosa eyed the sheet before him. It bore the papal seal. â€Å"This is identical to the copy you sent me?† â€Å"Exactly.† Aringarosa was surprised how little emotion he felt as he signed the document. The three men present, however, seemed to sigh in relief.† Thank you, Bishop,† the secretariat said. â€Å"Your service to the Church will never be forgotten.† Aringarosa picked up the briefcase, sensing promise and authority in its weight. The four menlooked at one another for a moment as if there were something more to say, but apparently therewas not. Aringarosa turned and headed for the door. â€Å"Bishop?† one of the cardinals called out as Aringarosa reached the threshold. Aringarosa paused, turning. â€Å"Yes?† â€Å"Where will you go from here?† Aringarosa sensed the query was more spiritual than geographical, and yet he had no intention of discussing morality at this hour. â€Å"Paris,† he said, and walked out the door. How to cite The Da Vinci Code Chapter 38-41, Essay examples