XS - BS

http://www.yallways.com

Throughout history, people with similar ideas and interests have come together for specific purposes. However, sometimes their aims must be kept hidden from others. Thus, the group becomes a “secret society.” Secret societies have existed for thousands of years, and many are still around today. They are usually fraternal organizations. This means their members adopt artificial family ties upon initiation. It does not imply all secret societies are exclusive to males. In fact, there are several notable organizations which initiate female members, and even a few all-female societies.

Secret societies have often been treated with suspicion. This dates as far back as the ancient Greeks, who referred to these groups as those that met sub rosa or “under the rose.” To the Greeks, the rose was a symbol of silence, and meetings held beneath a hung rose were sworn to secrecy. Since then, such societies have been founded in virtually every culture. Many secret societies revolved around religious or military orders. Most notable, perhaps, are the societies of knights from medieval Europe. Among these, the Templars have developed a particularly important historical reputation that includes several accounts relating the knights to conspiracy theories. Although knights were not secretive about their affiliations, the procedures, practices, and beliefs of these orders were generally kept under cover and maintained a level of mystery.

The ultimate goal of most secret societies is to protect some sort of special, or even sacred, knowledge. Thus, membership into a secret society is generally restricted and requires a special initiation. In some cases, members cannot even admit their association with a secret society. In addition to initiation rites, secret societies often participate in other special rituals. Many practices are reported to be painful and dangerous to members. However, these claims are likely exaggerated to some extent.

Some secret societies have developed a well-known reputation. For example, the Skull and Bones society at Yale University has had many prominent members, including several U.S. presidents. Perhaps the most famous secret society in America is the Free Masons. Many of the founders of the United States, including George Washington and James Monroe, were members of this society. Additionally, at least fifteen American presidents were a part of the Free Masons. The Free Masons are said to have permeated every level of American society. There are even supposed Free Mason symbols on U.S. currency; specifically, the pyramid and the all-seeing eye.

Since, some secret societies have exercised significant power both financially and politically. Thus, they may be perceived as a threat by an established government. For example, most secret societies are banned in Poland. Additionally, some groups have been proven a danger to society. In the United States, the Ku Klux Klan is notorious for being a secret society whose public acts of prejudice and violence made them little more than a band of racist criminals. However, the power they exercised prevented many members from ever receiving legal prosecution.

Secret societies continue to impact our world politically, financially, and religiously. They are the target of numerous theories on conspiracies and paranormal events. Thus, they frequently appear in both fiction and non-fiction media. In fact, several societies have claimed fame through references in popular culture. However, there are still those societies whose actions are not far-reaching and whose members simply seek social interaction. Either way, it seems secret societies are an inherent part of human society destined to continue their existence.

John W. Martin
http://www.articlesbase.com/causes-and-organizations-articles/secret-societies-obscure-organizations-with-a-special-purpose-698590.html

Any computer and internet user, regardless of the reasons that they are online, need to have the latest antivirus software programs installed on their computer. Even thought most of these programs come already installed with your computer and are free, antivirus software is absolutely essential to safe and uninterrupted internet usage. It also plays and important role in computer safety, as it can protect your vital documents and files from becoming damaged or lost forever.

How does an antivirus software program detect and eliminate potential virus threats? This can be accomplished in one of two ways. First, the computer security program on your PC or laptop scans any files looking for virus definitions that match a virus dictionary. If a matching virus is found, the software alerts the user about the virus. The second method of locating viruses is to identify and suspicious virus behavior, such as port monitoring, spyware or data capturing. When these behaviors are detected, the antivirus software springs into action and gets rid of the infected files.

Every so often, you’ll hear on the radio or see on the news about a potential virus or worm that is spread via email. It may come with a subject line like “open this to see a funny video”. Once the video is opened and downloaded, the virus infects your computer and starts eliminating or damaging files. Antivirus software can help minimize the overall threat that viruses cause. As certain as you would lock your doors at night, or hide away valuable items in a safe location, computer safety depends on having antivirus software installed in your machine.

There are certain free antivirus software programs that you can trust to safely install and operate on your CPU or laptop. Programs such as McAfee and Norton are proven and respected names in the computer security industry. These companies continuously monitor and update their respective antivirus software applications as new and more dangerous viruses are released. While the potential for completely eliminating computer viruses and their ramifications from online users is remote, having these – and other antivirus programs on your computer can greatly reduce the risk that viruses can cause.

As with any threatening issue, there’s always an element of conspiracy that’s involved, and it’s no different with antivirus software companies. Think about it, if viruses were completely eliminated, then there would be no longer any need for purchased or free antivirus software programs? Some people theorize that computer security companies actually benefit from viruses and they actually keep virus writers on their payroll! Of course, this has never been proven, but it would make for an interesting movie.

Regardless of whether or not you believe in conspiracy theories, one thing is for certain: that computer security is dependent on antivirus software and vice-versa. New worms and programs are being developed all the time. Some viruses target specific files, like word documents or excel spreadsheets. Other more malicious programs can actually shut your computer right down. However, by installing the latest and most effective antivirus software programs on your computer or laptop, security will increase and you’ll have peace of mind as a luxury. Travel and visit some computer retailers in your area to learn more information on the newest antivirus software programs.

Patrick Flouster
http://www.articlesbase.com/computers-articles/the-importance-of-antivirus-software-138090.html

Hi you, I like conspiracy theories,

Can you tell me examples of subliminal messages, and hidden hints?

Can you tell me stories when the TV lies, where do you think a conspiracy is going on?

One TV example is when you are watching a movie and the main character is obviously drinking either a Pepsi or a Coke. You know then, that the rest of the movie you would not see a drink of the other brand. This is supposed to have an effect on people, although I don’t know how much it really does.

In Disney movies there are supposed to be sexual references, such as in the Little Mermaid there was a time when bubbles kicked up spelled SEX. I think there was another reference in Aladdin, but I don’t remember what it was.

Reality TV shows are usually not exactly what they show. For example, I think it was uncovered that contestants in The Amazing Race were often slowed down by their camera men, causing the results to be skewed based on how well your camera man could keep up.

A more subtle example is generally journalists and news reporters have the ability to easily slant stories in the way they want. I know from first-hand experience because I was a classmate of Gina Glocksen’s (from this year’s American Idol) and I was interviewed for a newspaper. The questions asked were things like, "How shocked are you to see Gina in the spotlight?" and "Did you think Gina was always going to be a star?" When I had honest responses like, "No, it doesn’t surprise me, she’s worked really hard to get where she is." that got mysteriously left out, but when I added, "It is still really exiciting to see her on TV." that got put in. Basically, this specific journalist took the parts of my interview that would prove his point, and left out anything that would contradict the shock value of the story.

http://www.yallways.com

A conspiracy refers to an act of deception used to disrupt some aspect of society for the personal or ideological gain of the conspirators and their supporters. A conspiracy must always involve more than one person participating in some form of subterfuge. Conspiracies are also discussed as “conspiracy theories.” These plots are claimed to be developed by some influential group or organization to conceal information from the public.

The term “conspiracy theory” was first used in 1909. However, it was not popularized until the 1960s. At that time, historical events encouraged such speculation. For example, there were undoubtedly conspiracies executed by governments and private entities alike during the Cold War. There were also many theories surrounding America’s involvement in Vietnam. Over the last several decades, theories have expanded to encompass almost every major historical event as well as numerous natural disasters and diseases.

Several major historical events are said to be the result of conspiracy theories. Perhaps the most recent event to result in the proliferation of countless conspiracy theories was the September 11th attacks on the World Trade Center and Pentagon. Some have actually suggested the attacks were planned and executed with assistance from the United States government. Others have suggested the attacks were actually planned by Mossad, an Israeli group. Those who believe conspiracies have specifically influenced history are said to be believers in conspiracism. Recently, this term has adopted negative connotations associated with a paranoid psyche. However, many renowned scholars support some conspiracy theories and have evidence supporting their historical impact. Thus, there is a field of academic study devoted to conspiricism.

In addition to historical events, several notable groups have been specifically created for the purpose of planning conspiracies, or accused of participating in devious activities. For example, the dealings of the Mafia fall under the heading of conspiracies. Other historical groups, such as the Illuminati and the Free Masons, have also been repeatedly accused of conspiracy activities. In many countries, such groups can actually be prosecuted under criminal conspiracy statues.

Although the aforementioned theories remain speculative, there are several important confirmed cases of conspiracies occurring in history. Many of these focus on assassinations, such as the murders of Julius Caesar and Abraham Lincoln. Both these conspiracies involved a small group of influential individuals who wished to bring about change by killing their society’s leader. Other conspiracies have been perpetrated by governments to cover-up their acts. For example, Operation Paperclip, in which the United States extracted Nazi scientists from Germany, is considered a conspiracy. The American government also tried to cover up the controversial study of syphilis using human subjects at the Tuskegee Institute. Additionally, the infamous Watergate scandal could also be considered a conspiracy; one in which the U.S. President was directly involved.

Some critics associate conspiracies with paranoia. However, the confirmation of these and other conspiracies has given support to other, unverified conspiracy theories. Some of the most prominent theories are those related to politics. For example, many people disagree with the Warren Commission’s report on the assassination of President John F. Kennedy.

Countless books, articles, documentaries, and web pages have been devoted to the array of conspiracies which exist. Some of these are true occurrences where a small group formulated and executed an illegal plot. However, most are unsubstantiated and based upon incomplete information. Thus, these remain “theories” and have not been definitively categorized as true conspiracies. Despite the many improbably claims, though, there have always been, and will always be, deceptive plots planned and executed by inconspicuous conspirators.

John W. Martin
http://www.articlesbase.com/organizational-articles/conspiracy-a-secret-plot-with-questionable-purpose-698605.html