N.S.D.Q.
Christina N.
Brittany H.
Jessica C.
Apart from writing articles for newspapers and magazines, Bowden has also written a series of books based on true evnts. Two of his books, Black Hawk Down: A Story of a Modern War and Killing Pablo: The Hunt for the World's Greatest Outlaw, have become international bestsellers. Some of his other works include Doctor Dealer, Bringing the Heat, Finders Keepers, and Our Finest Day.
Mr. Bowden has received some awards and nominations for his works. In 1987, he was given the Feature Writing Award from the Sunday Magazine Editors Association for Finders Keepers. "Life in the Projects" was a finalist for the Best Newspaper Writing Award. In 1999, Black Hawk Down was a finalist for the National Book Award. Black Hawk Down was on the New York Times'' bestseller list. It also inspired the director, Ridley Scott, to make a film based on the book. Mark Bowden wrote the original screenplay for the movie.
Today, Mark bowden still writes a weekly column for The Philadelphia Inquirer after twenty-two years of working for them. He also teaches creative thinking and journalism at Loyola College of Maryland. Bowden currently lives in southeastern Pennslyvania. He is married and has five kids.
Joey Coyle is a methamphetamine addict living in South Philadelphia without a job. His family deals with him and is concerned about him, yet they do nothing for his troubles. On his way to get drugs with John and Jed, he finds a yellow metal tub on the side of the road with $1.2 million. Then he turns it into the police...just kidding! Did anyone really think a person like Joey would do that? No, instead, he seeks a mobster who can launder the money and shares a great part of the money with his buddy. When Joey then considers beginning his own business, he decides to leave the country worried that the mob will find him.
The worst mistake that Joey made was to brag to everyone that he had found a million dollars. He thinks he can solve everything with a couple of bills. A good example of this is when he enters the house of strangers by accident. His way of apologizing is by going back to their home and giving them some money and he tells them that he is the guy who found the money. His big mouth causes him even more problems when he is caught by the police days later. In the afterward of the book, the reader discovers that Joey Coyle never put his life together; he committed suicide in 1993.
In my opinion, Finders Keepers is a better story than Black Hawk Down. It’s easier to understand because it doesn’t have all these military/soldier terms. Finders Keepers doesn’t put you in such a depressive mood like Black Hawk Down does. Reading about drug addiction is enlightening, but it’s less disturbing than reading about blood and brains. I would recommend this book to those who enjoy reading a real-life comedy.
*Midwest’s Flood of 1993. One of the natural disasters of 1993 was the flooding of Mississippi and Missouri.
*Peace Treaty Signed by PLO and Israel. The year also had impact on Israel. After four decades and a half of fighting, Yasir Arafat, PLO leader, shook the hands of Israel’s prime minister, Yitzhak Rabin in Washington, D.C. on September 13, 1993.
*Fanatic Kills Abortion Doctor. Dr. David Gunn, an abortion doctor, was shot on March, outside his clinic in Pensacola, Florida. His murder was an antiabortion protester. An year and a half later, his successor was shot as well.
*Tragedy at Waco. A siege broke out after the Branch Davidian compound in Waco, Texas is raided by the ATF and lasts for many weeks. It was not ended until fire broke out. Most of the cult members, their leader David Koresh, and numerous kids were killed in the occurence.
*Ratification of NAFTA. All trade tariffs between the countries of North America are abolished after NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement) was ratified.
Separation of Czechoslovakia. As Czechoslovakia splits, it forms the Czech Republic and the Slovak Republic.
*World Trade Center Explosion. On February 26, five people were killed and thousands of workers were trapped in the World Trade Center after Muslim fundamentalist attempted to destroy it. The next month, four suspects were convicted and sentenced to 24 years in prison.
*Retirement of Michael Jordan. Michael Jordan retires to play minor league baseball after his father is killed and being accused of gambling. After an year and a half, he returns to playing basketball.
*Iraq Second Bombardment. Military and industrial sites were bombed after Iraq refused to take apart plants that were suspected of producing nuclear weapons and disobeying a no-fly zone over its country.
*Warships Sent Over to Haiti. Six warships from America were sent on command of U.S. President, Bill Clinton, in order to enforce the United Nations trade sanctions against the military-led regime in Haiti.
Q: What made you want to join the army?
A: I just needed something to do.
Q: Were you involved in any wars, if so, which one(s)?
A: Yes, I was in the Gulf War.
Q: How old were you when you went to war?
A: I was twenty-years old.
Q: Did you think about your life in the war?
A: Yes, it made me realize how happy I am.
Q: Did you see any innocent people die?
A: I saw the after effects of their deaths.
Q: If you were given order to kill women would you do it? Why?
A: Yes, because I’m paid to not think.
Q: Did you have any doubts that you would make it? Why?
A: Yes, it’s part of the job.
Q: How was life different over there from here?
A: Women over there weren’t allowed to be seen or talk. There is no petty theft or arm shoot off.
Q: Would you do it again? Why?
A: No, I’ve had my turn.
Q: Did you think it was worth it? Why?
A: Yes; It’s one small step for man and one giant leap for man kind. It may not look pretty now, but it will be better in twenty-years.