Abstract
This paper discusses the existence of the Star of Bethlehem and examines what the Star of Bethlehem was. The paper also identifies and discusses the first reference to the Star of Bethlehem in the New Testament of the Bible. Specifically discussed by the paper is the debate of whether the Star of Bethlehem was a myth or if there is conclusive evidence for its existence.

Table of Contents:
Did the Star of Bethlehem Exist?
What are Possible Explanations for the Star of Bethlehem?
Did Saint Matthew Create This Myth for the Birth of Jesus?
Is there Conclusive Evidence Identifying the Star of Bethlehem?

From the Paper
"In conclusion, there is no evidence that signifies conclusively that the Star of Bethlehem actually existed because these are all merely theories from which astronomers and historians alike justified that the Star of Bethlehem existed when Jesus Christ was born. All historians and astronomers have at this point are fascinating speculations and theories like those by Molnar as well as the many other authors and scientists who have attempted to uncover the mystery surrounding the Star of Bethlehem. Perhaps the mystery about the Star of Bethlehem will never be completely solved, but it is the mystery itself that drives us to find a solution."

Tags:speculation, Jesus, supernova

Abstract
This paper focuses on Joan Didion?s most intriguing book, "Slouching Towards Bethlehem." The essays in the novel present a somber tone and, thus, meet cliches such as "don?t judge the book by its cover" and "what meets the eye is not always true". This paper also discusses the themes of Didion?s essays.

From the Paper
"Joan Didion's "Slouching Towards Bethlehem" provides its readers with archetypal examples of the social criticism permeating through new Journalism. This book is Joan Didion's second novel, which immediately established the young writer as one the best essayists of a stellar generation. Didion was restrained, classical, with emotions only hinted at; her effects depended less on obvious narrative experiment or hilarious excess than on the exact balance of a sentence and the careful placement of a clause or adjective, and on a pervasive sense of melancholy. Nearly all her longer essays might bear the classical epigraph Sunt lacrimae rerum -- There are tears in things (Michael Dirda, The Washington Post Book Club; Slouching Towards Bethlehem)."

Tags:literature, english, writing

From the Paper
"Bethlehem steel is the nation's second largest integrated steel produce; its primary business is the manufacture and sale of a wide variety of steel mill products. Additional business segments include producing and selling coal and other raw materials, repair ships and offshore drilling platforms, and manufacturing forging and castings. This research examines the recent performance of the company with a particular emphasis on current and potential activities which might be undertaken to maximize the performance of the stock (traded on the New York Exchange). Incorporated in 1904, Bethlehem's history dates back to the mid-nineteenth century when the Saucona Iron Company was founded in South Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, to roll railroad rails. When the current name was ..."

Abstract
This paper analyzes and critiques three poems about three different kinds of loss. The poems are "Tonight I Can Write" by Pablo Neruda, "Bethlehem" by Nathalie Handal, and "Blue Aura" by Gail Wronsky.

From the Paper
"There are all kinds of loss such as the loss of a pet, a cherished dream a loved one or love itself. Each loss brings about different types of grief in varying degrees in different people. In some cases the expression of that grief and loss sometimes in poetry or song is what helps to heal that grief and loss. Poets have often been the ones who use those feelings of loss for the writing of their poetry."

Tags:Loss, poetry, Neruda, Wronsky, Nathalie Handal.

Abstract
This paper examines in-depth the popular essays of American writer Joan Didion in the collections, "Slouching toward Bethlehem" and "The White Album." It describes that Didion's essays are always focused on her point of view, not just in what she sees, but also her opinion. The paper analyzes her writing style and illustrates that these essays are an excellent example of effective personal writing, which makes for interesting content.

Table of Contents:
Examples of the Essays of Joan Didion
The Writing Style of Joan Didion
The Value of Didion's Essays
Works Cited

From the Paper
"Joan Didion is a writer best known for her essays. These essays were collected in two volumes, Slouching toward Bethlehem (1968) and The White Album (1979). Both of these established Didion as a successful essayist. While she also wrote novels, fiction and screenplays, it was always her essays that remained most popular. To consider this further, the essays of Didion will now be analyzed. This will begin with a look at several examples. Her writing style will then be considered. Finally, this will be concluded with a look at why her work is worth reading."

Tags:personal, writing, opinion, style, white, album, bethlehem

Abstract
The paper looks at how the Book of Ruth describes a story of migration, destitution and loyalty that transcends duty. The paper describes how the title character is not a woman of Israel but is, rather, a Moabite woman who is adopted by the community of Bethlehem as one of them upon her showing loyalty and obedience to her widowed mother-in-law, Naomi.

From the Paper
"The Book of Ruth describes a story of migration, destitution, and loyalty that transcends duty. The title character is not a woman of Israel but is, rather, a Moabite woman who is adopted by the community of Bethlehem as one of them upon her showing loyalty and obedience to her widowed mother-in-law, Naomi. In this context, the passage serves two functions as a narrative. First, it establishes the basic themes of the Book of Ruth: migration, loyalty, identity, and complaint. Secondly, it gives the narrative "backstory" of..."

Tags:religion, theology, exercise

Abstract
This paper explains that Jesus was born in Bethlehem, sometime between 8 BC and 29 AD, of virgin birth; whereas, Mohammed was born in a well-to-do family in Mecca (in present-day Saudi Arabia) in 570 AD and was raised by his uncle Abu Talib,the leader of the Hashim clan of the Quraish tribe. The author points out that the death of Jesus and Mohammed did not impede the growth of their religions mainly due to the efforts of their disciples. The paper relates that, although moderate Muslims emphasize the peaceful character of the religion, the extremist elements among the Muslims emphasize the aspects of Mohammed's teachings relating to "Jihad" and his military conquests; however, Jesus' message is purely non-violent and stresses the infinite love of God for humanity.

Table of Contents:
Tracing the Lives of Jesus and Mohammed
Jesus
Mohammed
Impact of the Deaths of Jesus and Mohammed on their Religions
How the Messages of Jesus and Mohammed Being Carried out in the World Today

From the Paper
"Most Christians believe that Jesus is divine and a member of the Holy Trinity, i.e., one of the three divine persons who are God (the other two being the Father and the Holy Spirit). They believe that he is the Son of God and the Messiah. Hence all those Christians who consider Jesus as divine consider it appropriate to worship him. They do so by singing his praises in hymns, psalms and spiritual songs and by praying to him in the Church. They also quote passages in the Gospel in which the faithful are commanded to worship God (Matthew 4:10; Revelation 19:10; 22:9) and point out that Jesus never objected to his own worship."

Tags:disciples, peace, jihad, death, birth

Abstract
The paper discusses how in "The Second Coming" W.B. Yeats specifically chooses Christian symbolism and metaphor to show the separation of man and god as man and the world become pagan and unguided by faith. The paper notes that three key passages exist to show Yeats' meaning: In the second line of the first stanza, the falcon and the falconer refer to man and god, respectively. Additionally, the repetition of "the Second Coming" implies a link to Jesus, though he does not appear and finally, the lines referring to the "rough beast" nearing Bethlehem explain how pagan ideals and general godlessness have taken over even the birthplace of Christ. The paper highlights how using these references, Yeats takes advantage of prevalent Christian ideas and images to illustrate his message of declining faith.

From the Paper
"In "The Second Coming", W.B. Yeats specifically chooses Christian symbolism and metaphor to show the separation of man and god as man and the world become pagan and unguided by faith. Three key passages exist to show Yeats' meaning. In the second line of the first stanza, the falcon and the falconer refer to man and god, respectively. Additionally, the repetition of "the Second Coming" implies a link to Jesus, though he does not appear. Finally, the lines referring to the "rough beast" nearing Bethlehem explain how pagan ideals and general godlessness have taken over even the birthplace of Christ. Using these references, Yeats takes advantage of..."

Tags:yeats, literature, analysis

Abstract
The paper discusses measures companies can use to manage employees, including the setting of benchmarks for employee performance, the consideration of metrics for assessment of employee and team performances, and the overall shift from financial models of management to employee-centered strategies. The paper refers to the histories of industrial development and the discourse on its psychological effects as shown in the Bethlehem Steel company. The paper believes that by diverting attention from a singular focus on profitability, it is likely that organizations will achieve higher marks in categories that are more beneficial to the consumer, to the bottom line and to the personnel involved at every level.

From the Paper
"It is important for an organization attempting to evaluate its own performance to consider a wide range of factors. Though financial indicators are often used to evaluate performance, there is evidence that these indicators result in what is called a lagging outcome, where companies rely incorrectly on economic factors from the past to make decisions about the present and the future. (Rodrigue, 1) Instead, a more effective evaluation strategy should include performance indicators for organizational qualities that produce these financial indicators. Most specifically, by better understanding the implications of such factors as personnel performance and the managerial oversight of such operational performance, it is distinctly possible to create a more relevant way to motivate and measure performance than the typically outdated ways of financial measurement and singular financial incentive. Indeed, this is reinforced by current and predominant research, which contends that "the conceptual and empirical work relevant to this question has progressed far enough to suggest that the role of human resources can be crucial." (Becker et al, 779)"

Tags:human, resources, incentives, benchmarks

Abstract
This is an examination of the environmental issues surrounding the Patapsco River, Inner Harbor, and Chesapeake Bay. It hints as to where the pollution comes from, and gives solutions on what society needs to do in order to clean up our rivers and save our environment.

From the Paper
"The Patapsco watershed, particularly some sections in its upper region, suffers from high levels of nutrients, bacteria, and suspended sediments. The known heritage of close to three centuries of pollution and abuse of the Patapsco's resources seem to blame our ancestors for the low oxygen levels, disease, algae blooms, and excess nutrients that are destructing the water (Alliance, 2). It is unfortunate that little used to be known about the harmful effects resulting from damming, channel dredging, pollution, and dumping and how they have taken their toll on the river."

Tags:bay, bethlehem, chesapeake, environmental, issues, patapsco, pollution, rivers, sediment, steel, toxins