Picture of Dorian by Oscar WIlde review by AHallerAlan Haller
The novel The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde tells the story of Dorian Gray, a handsome young man whose portrait ages instead of himself after he expresses a desire for the portrait to age in his place. Dorian then pursues a libertine life of pleasure and vice influenced by his friend Lord Henry Wotton. Over time, Dorian's portrait reflects his moral decay and sins through its increasing ugliness. In the end, in a struggle with his conscience and the corrupted portrait of his soul, Dorian kills his portrait and himself.
Essay Henry Patino Messianic Expectations of the Second TempleAlan Haller
1) The document discusses the differing views on the Messiah that existed among Second Temple Jews, including the Essenes. The Essenes believed in two Messiahs described in scripture - a priestly Messiah and a military Messiah.
2) Evidence from the Dead Sea Scrolls supports the Essenes' view of a dual Messiah, with passages describing the priestly Messiah performing acts like healing the sick and a military Messiah leading armies.
3) The ministry of Jesus aligned with the priestly Messiah as described in the Dead Sea Scrolls and prophesied in scripture, such as healing the blind and preaching to the poor, contrary to the views of the
Pound of Flesh from Shakespeare Merchant of VeniceAlan Haller
Portia delivers a famous speech in Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice pleading for mercy. She argues that mercy is a natural human quality that benefits both the recipient and the giver. It is even more becoming of those in positions of power, like monarchs, as it shows them following God's example of mercy. While Shylock demands justice through his bond, Portia says true justice is seasoned with mercy, and without it, none can expect salvation. She aims to temper Shylock's plea with mercy, but if he insists on strict justice, the court will have to rule against Antonio.
Pinocchio Personalized December 2023.pdfAlan Haller
The document provides a 3-part summary of Pinocchio's journey of conformity, pleasure-seeking, and finding purpose through self-sacrifice as told in the story. In part 1, Pinocchio leaves the safety of home and conforms to please others, ignoring his conscience. In part 2, he yields to short-lived pleasures on Pleasure Island and acts foolishly. In part 3, Pinocchio nearly drowns saving his father Geppetto, but is revived and learns life is about honesty, integrity, and self-sacrifice rather than selfishness.
Doom a Historical Collection of Catastrophes and Future PredictionsAlan Haller
The document summarizes key points from a book about catastrophes and disasters throughout history. It discusses how every generation faces calamities from wars, famines and diseases. It explores different types of disasters like "gray rhinos" that are highly probable, predictable events versus "black swans" that are assumed to be highly improbable. It examines how ideas and diseases can spread contagiously through social networks. It also discusses historical plagues and epidemics as well as examples of political and military incompetence exacerbating catastrophes. The document concludes with an interview discussing the book's themes of unintended consequences, the nonlinear nature of the world, and the challenges of addressing uncertainties around potential disasters.
This document summarizes a lecture on truth given by A Haller for Math Awareness Week at Palm Beach State College in 2019. The lecture discusses different types of truth, including historical truth based on evidence from the past, empirical truth determined through the scientific method and testing in the present, and predictive truth about forecasting the future. It also addresses personal experiences of truth and how truth can be distorted. The lecture warns that in a "post-truth" era, appeals to emotion and belief may outweigh facts, and that the loss of a shared concept of truth could undermine freedom, trust and the ability to distinguish deception.
Picture of Dorian by Oscar WIlde review by AHallerAlan Haller
The novel The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde tells the story of Dorian Gray, a handsome young man whose portrait ages instead of himself after he expresses a desire for the portrait to age in his place. Dorian then pursues a libertine life of pleasure and vice influenced by his friend Lord Henry Wotton. Over time, Dorian's portrait reflects his moral decay and sins through its increasing ugliness. In the end, in a struggle with his conscience and the corrupted portrait of his soul, Dorian kills his portrait and himself.
Essay Henry Patino Messianic Expectations of the Second TempleAlan Haller
1) The document discusses the differing views on the Messiah that existed among Second Temple Jews, including the Essenes. The Essenes believed in two Messiahs described in scripture - a priestly Messiah and a military Messiah.
2) Evidence from the Dead Sea Scrolls supports the Essenes' view of a dual Messiah, with passages describing the priestly Messiah performing acts like healing the sick and a military Messiah leading armies.
3) The ministry of Jesus aligned with the priestly Messiah as described in the Dead Sea Scrolls and prophesied in scripture, such as healing the blind and preaching to the poor, contrary to the views of the
Pound of Flesh from Shakespeare Merchant of VeniceAlan Haller
Portia delivers a famous speech in Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice pleading for mercy. She argues that mercy is a natural human quality that benefits both the recipient and the giver. It is even more becoming of those in positions of power, like monarchs, as it shows them following God's example of mercy. While Shylock demands justice through his bond, Portia says true justice is seasoned with mercy, and without it, none can expect salvation. She aims to temper Shylock's plea with mercy, but if he insists on strict justice, the court will have to rule against Antonio.
Pinocchio Personalized December 2023.pdfAlan Haller
The document provides a 3-part summary of Pinocchio's journey of conformity, pleasure-seeking, and finding purpose through self-sacrifice as told in the story. In part 1, Pinocchio leaves the safety of home and conforms to please others, ignoring his conscience. In part 2, he yields to short-lived pleasures on Pleasure Island and acts foolishly. In part 3, Pinocchio nearly drowns saving his father Geppetto, but is revived and learns life is about honesty, integrity, and self-sacrifice rather than selfishness.
Doom a Historical Collection of Catastrophes and Future PredictionsAlan Haller
The document summarizes key points from a book about catastrophes and disasters throughout history. It discusses how every generation faces calamities from wars, famines and diseases. It explores different types of disasters like "gray rhinos" that are highly probable, predictable events versus "black swans" that are assumed to be highly improbable. It examines how ideas and diseases can spread contagiously through social networks. It also discusses historical plagues and epidemics as well as examples of political and military incompetence exacerbating catastrophes. The document concludes with an interview discussing the book's themes of unintended consequences, the nonlinear nature of the world, and the challenges of addressing uncertainties around potential disasters.
This document summarizes a lecture on truth given by A Haller for Math Awareness Week at Palm Beach State College in 2019. The lecture discusses different types of truth, including historical truth based on evidence from the past, empirical truth determined through the scientific method and testing in the present, and predictive truth about forecasting the future. It also addresses personal experiences of truth and how truth can be distorted. The lecture warns that in a "post-truth" era, appeals to emotion and belief may outweigh facts, and that the loss of a shared concept of truth could undermine freedom, trust and the ability to distinguish deception.
This document summarizes the biblical story of Jesus visiting the home of Simon the Pharisee, where a grieving woman anoints Jesus' feet. It describes how the Pharisee showed disrespect to Jesus by not properly greeting or welcoming him, while the woman honored Jesus through her actions and gestures of anointing his feet. The event revealed to the Pharisee that Jesus has the power to forgive sins and exposed the Pharisee's mistaken view of himself as not being in need of forgiveness.
The document argues against evolution and for intelligent design and creationism by making several key points:
1) Evolution cannot explain the origin of complex biological structures like DNA and the flagellum that appear to be irreducibly complex and could not have evolved step-by-step.
2) The sudden appearance of new life forms in the Cambrian explosion and other periods in the fossil record is inconsistent with gradual evolution over long periods of time.
3) The fine-tuning of the constants and initial conditions of the universe required for life to exist point to purposeful design rather than being the result of random chance.
4) A theistic explanation that posits a supernatural intelligent cause provides a more
The document discusses three scientific discoveries that provide evidence for intelligent design in the universe:
1) The Big Bang Theory suggests the universe had a beginning, raising the question of how something can come from nothing without a creator.
2) The fine-tuning of physical constants and conditions necessary for life suggests the universe was designed for life.
3) The immense complexity of DNA, which stores genetic information like a digital code, implies it could not have arisen through naturalistic processes and points to an intelligent creator.
A loose cannon aboard a ship threatens to destroy the vessel as it careens unpredictably across the deck, crushing crew members in its path. The captain orders anything that can be thrown below deck to try and slow it, but to no avail as the cannon continues its rampage. Their only hope is the gunner who caused the accident by failing to properly secure the cannon - he boldly confronts the cannon, using an iron bar and rope to try and subdue it in a terrifying, life-or-death battle between man and machine.
From 1949 Wall Street Journal Editorial published every Christmas season. The danger of totalitarianism versus the blessings of freedom. Plays with music. Can turn into a short movie file export video in PPTX
The document is a song about a stranger who sees an angel's face and feels transported out of the ordinary into a rare place. The stranger pleads with the angel to answer his prayer and not send him into despair, but instead to open her arms to him so that he is no longer a stranger in paradise. The chorus repeats that the singer saw the angel's face and was lifted out of the ordinary into a suspended place until he knows if the angel cares for him.
Pinocchio morale story of the folly of being gullible. How Pinocchio recovers from pride, selfishness, and sensuality. True life is about self sacrifice, love, and giving
Pinocchio written over 100 years ago made into a carton in 1940 by Disney. Wonderful story of the folly of being naive gullible to recover to discover the true virtues of love, self-sacrifice. Has music when played
The document summarizes the biblical story of Adam and Eve's fall from grace in the Garden of Eden. It describes how Eve was deceived by the serpent into eating the forbidden fruit from the Tree of Knowledge, which led to Adam also eating the fruit despite knowing it was forbidden. As a result, they were banished from the garden and condemned to mortality. The document contrasts their disobedience and fall with Jesus Christ, the "second Adam," who through his obedience and sacrifice provides the opportunity for salvation and eternal life for mankind.
The document discusses evidence that supports the reliability of the New Testament manuscripts:
1. There are over 5,600 Greek manuscripts of the New Testament from the early centuries, far more than other documents from antiquity, demonstrating it was widely copied and distributed.
2. Early manuscripts like Codex Sinaiticus from 350AD contain the same text as later manuscripts, showing careful copying over generations preserved the content.
3. Details in the New Testament manuscripts correspond to people, places and historical events from the 1st century, indicating it was written by eyewitnesses during that period.
4. Eyewitnesses to Jesus recorded events that got them persecuted, implying they would not fabricate stories that led to
The document summarizes the history and teachings of Mormonism. It outlines that Joseph Smith founded the religion in 1820 after claiming visions of heavenly beings. Smith published the Book of Mormon in 1830 based on golden plates he uncovered. The religion grew and moved west under Brigham Young's leadership. Core Mormon teachings include that God was once a man, humans can become gods, and salvation requires faith and works. The document notes inconsistencies between Mormon scriptures and the Bible, as well as changes made to Mormon texts over time.
The document discusses reasons why people may reject witnessing about Christianity. It says that people resist yielding their destiny to an unseen God because it threatens their sense of sovereignty. It also says that people are cautious about witnessing because Jesus claims to be the exclusive way to salvation, which divides people. Additionally, the document says people do not want to come to the light of Christianity because it would expose the evil in their deeds.
This document provides information about Islam, including:
- A brief biography of Muhammad, the prophet of Islam.
- Statistics on the current scope and growth of Islam worldwide.
- The basic beliefs and practices of Muslims, including the five pillars.
- Differences between the Sunni and Shia sects of Islam.
- Areas of both agreement and disagreement between Islam and Christianity.
- Topics of concern regarding some Islamic teachings about polygamy, treatment of women and non-Muslims, and interpretations of jihad.
Andy Andrews gave a talk to the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce about finding meaning and purpose in life's challenges. He discussed how biographies show common experiences of famous people, and that we are more likely to remember stories than facts. Life involves extremes of success and failure with most time spent in between. Someone in the audience may be going through a difficult time, but adversity is a test and better times can follow if one has the right mindset of purpose over randomness. Everything a person does matters, and one should replace inactivity with action and lead by example. Having a decided heart means not letting others rule your life and keeping a clear vision while moving forward despite criticism. Choosing happiness, forgiveness, and perseverance can help
The poem discusses how despite changes over time, certain fundamental aspects of love and relationships remain unchanged. Love songs, passion, jealousy, and the need for companionship never go out of style. While communication methods and dating terms evolve, expressing feelings for another through a kiss, sigh, or "I love you" are constants. The world will always welcome those in love, as the fundamental nature of relationships is timeless.
This document summarizes the biblical story of Jesus visiting the home of Simon the Pharisee, where a grieving woman anoints Jesus' feet. It describes how the Pharisee showed disrespect to Jesus by not properly greeting or welcoming him, while the woman honored Jesus through her actions and gestures of anointing his feet. The event revealed to the Pharisee that Jesus has the power to forgive sins and exposed the Pharisee's mistaken view of himself as not being in need of forgiveness.
The document argues against evolution and for intelligent design and creationism by making several key points:
1) Evolution cannot explain the origin of complex biological structures like DNA and the flagellum that appear to be irreducibly complex and could not have evolved step-by-step.
2) The sudden appearance of new life forms in the Cambrian explosion and other periods in the fossil record is inconsistent with gradual evolution over long periods of time.
3) The fine-tuning of the constants and initial conditions of the universe required for life to exist point to purposeful design rather than being the result of random chance.
4) A theistic explanation that posits a supernatural intelligent cause provides a more
The document discusses three scientific discoveries that provide evidence for intelligent design in the universe:
1) The Big Bang Theory suggests the universe had a beginning, raising the question of how something can come from nothing without a creator.
2) The fine-tuning of physical constants and conditions necessary for life suggests the universe was designed for life.
3) The immense complexity of DNA, which stores genetic information like a digital code, implies it could not have arisen through naturalistic processes and points to an intelligent creator.
A loose cannon aboard a ship threatens to destroy the vessel as it careens unpredictably across the deck, crushing crew members in its path. The captain orders anything that can be thrown below deck to try and slow it, but to no avail as the cannon continues its rampage. Their only hope is the gunner who caused the accident by failing to properly secure the cannon - he boldly confronts the cannon, using an iron bar and rope to try and subdue it in a terrifying, life-or-death battle between man and machine.
From 1949 Wall Street Journal Editorial published every Christmas season. The danger of totalitarianism versus the blessings of freedom. Plays with music. Can turn into a short movie file export video in PPTX
The document is a song about a stranger who sees an angel's face and feels transported out of the ordinary into a rare place. The stranger pleads with the angel to answer his prayer and not send him into despair, but instead to open her arms to him so that he is no longer a stranger in paradise. The chorus repeats that the singer saw the angel's face and was lifted out of the ordinary into a suspended place until he knows if the angel cares for him.
Pinocchio morale story of the folly of being gullible. How Pinocchio recovers from pride, selfishness, and sensuality. True life is about self sacrifice, love, and giving
Pinocchio written over 100 years ago made into a carton in 1940 by Disney. Wonderful story of the folly of being naive gullible to recover to discover the true virtues of love, self-sacrifice. Has music when played
The document summarizes the biblical story of Adam and Eve's fall from grace in the Garden of Eden. It describes how Eve was deceived by the serpent into eating the forbidden fruit from the Tree of Knowledge, which led to Adam also eating the fruit despite knowing it was forbidden. As a result, they were banished from the garden and condemned to mortality. The document contrasts their disobedience and fall with Jesus Christ, the "second Adam," who through his obedience and sacrifice provides the opportunity for salvation and eternal life for mankind.
The document discusses evidence that supports the reliability of the New Testament manuscripts:
1. There are over 5,600 Greek manuscripts of the New Testament from the early centuries, far more than other documents from antiquity, demonstrating it was widely copied and distributed.
2. Early manuscripts like Codex Sinaiticus from 350AD contain the same text as later manuscripts, showing careful copying over generations preserved the content.
3. Details in the New Testament manuscripts correspond to people, places and historical events from the 1st century, indicating it was written by eyewitnesses during that period.
4. Eyewitnesses to Jesus recorded events that got them persecuted, implying they would not fabricate stories that led to
The document summarizes the history and teachings of Mormonism. It outlines that Joseph Smith founded the religion in 1820 after claiming visions of heavenly beings. Smith published the Book of Mormon in 1830 based on golden plates he uncovered. The religion grew and moved west under Brigham Young's leadership. Core Mormon teachings include that God was once a man, humans can become gods, and salvation requires faith and works. The document notes inconsistencies between Mormon scriptures and the Bible, as well as changes made to Mormon texts over time.
The document discusses reasons why people may reject witnessing about Christianity. It says that people resist yielding their destiny to an unseen God because it threatens their sense of sovereignty. It also says that people are cautious about witnessing because Jesus claims to be the exclusive way to salvation, which divides people. Additionally, the document says people do not want to come to the light of Christianity because it would expose the evil in their deeds.
This document provides information about Islam, including:
- A brief biography of Muhammad, the prophet of Islam.
- Statistics on the current scope and growth of Islam worldwide.
- The basic beliefs and practices of Muslims, including the five pillars.
- Differences between the Sunni and Shia sects of Islam.
- Areas of both agreement and disagreement between Islam and Christianity.
- Topics of concern regarding some Islamic teachings about polygamy, treatment of women and non-Muslims, and interpretations of jihad.
Andy Andrews gave a talk to the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce about finding meaning and purpose in life's challenges. He discussed how biographies show common experiences of famous people, and that we are more likely to remember stories than facts. Life involves extremes of success and failure with most time spent in between. Someone in the audience may be going through a difficult time, but adversity is a test and better times can follow if one has the right mindset of purpose over randomness. Everything a person does matters, and one should replace inactivity with action and lead by example. Having a decided heart means not letting others rule your life and keeping a clear vision while moving forward despite criticism. Choosing happiness, forgiveness, and perseverance can help
The poem discusses how despite changes over time, certain fundamental aspects of love and relationships remain unchanged. Love songs, passion, jealousy, and the need for companionship never go out of style. While communication methods and dating terms evolve, expressing feelings for another through a kiss, sigh, or "I love you" are constants. The world will always welcome those in love, as the fundamental nature of relationships is timeless.
2. Astro del Ciel, Pargol Divin
Mite agnello, Redentor
Tu che i vati da lungi sognar
3. Tu che angeliche voci annunziar
Luce dona alle menti
Pace infondi nei cuor
4. Astro del Ciel, Pargol Divin
Mite agnello, Redentor
Tu di stirpe regale decor
Tu virgineo, mistico for
5. Luce dona alle menti
Pace infondi nei cuor
Luce dona alle menti
Pace infondi nei cuor
6. Silent night, Holy night
All is calm, all is bright
Round yon Virgin Mother and Child
Holy infant, so tender and mild
Sleep in heavenly peace
Sleep in heavenly peace
Sleep in heavenly peace
(Silent night, Holy night)