From Hiroshima to Fukushima, An Ugly Journey

The tsunami of 2011 has caused the worst nuclear disaster in Japan's Fukushima and this can be the saddest tragedy the country suffered after 1945 when a single bomb struck Nagasaki. According to experts, the radiation readings at the Fukushima site have reached alarming levels. This disaster has triggered a serious debate about the safety of nuclear energy. This being the case, there is no wonder people shiver at the very thought of the devastation that can be caused by nuclear weapons.

In this context, survivors of the 1945 bombing are very actively campaigning against nuclear power. But, at the same time, there are allegations of a collusion between industries and governments. It is also alleged that governments are trying to cover up many things and are also engaged in a pattern of denial. These allegations are targeted against not only the government of Japan but other governments also.

Responding to the disaster at Fukushima, Sumiteru Taniguchi, aged 82, who is a hibakusha and the director of the Nagasaki A-Bomb Survivors Council, said, "Nuclear power and mankind cannot coexist. We survivors of the atomic bomb have said this all along. And yet, the use of nuclear power was camouflaged as 'peaceful' and continued to progress. You never know when there's going to be a natural disaster. You can never say that there will never be a nuclear accident." This response definitely represents the opinion of any hibakusha, as a survivor of the atomic destruction of Hiroshima or Nagasaki is called.

So, Fukushima has clearly exposed the safety myth surrounding the nuclear power. Nations need to change their energy policy on an urgent basis. At the same time, workers of the nuclear plants and people who are living close to these plants should be subjected to periodical health examinations.

These survivors of the devastating Hiroshima and Nagasaki have been complaining that though they have been demanding help from the government for treating their illnesses caused by exposure to radiation, they have not got any assistance. So, these survivors have genuine doubts if those who are affected by the Fukushima radiation will get any help from the government.

The observations of Nassrine Azimi, a senior adviser at a United Nations Institute must be considered seriously. "When it comes to nuclear issues-from atomic weapons to nuclear power-no two nations could be more irredeemably intertwined. After the atomic destruction of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, despite dissenting voices of some of its own citizens, America drew mostly wrong conclusions as it plunged into nuclear expansion." A few experts also concur with her and allege that the purpose of the Faustian bargain was to blind the Americans and the people of other nations to the damages of radiation. According to these experts, even eminent journalists fell a prey to this campaign and embraced what was called the 'Dawn of the Atomic Age'. This campaign ultimately led to the "nuclear entrapment" into which America fell and this "entrapment" continues till this day.

Raman Kuppuswamy has been writing excellent and informative articles on many topics for the last many years. You may kindly visit http://rkuppuswamy.blogspot.com/ and also http://dreamdamodar.hubpages.com/ to read his other articles on many other topics.

http://EzineArticles.com/6493324

Leadership in Times of Crisis - The London Riots

The London Riots began on Saturday 6th August 2011 with a handful of people who were angry at the death of a civilian, shot by a police bullet. Over the course of the next week, the riots grew to encompass the majority of London, as well as some of the other major cities in the UK, and the after-effects have left the whole of the country reeling with shock.

The Prime Minister and the Mayor of London cancelled their holidays to return to the city, and whilst they were never going to don riot gear and tackle the problem in that way, it was vital that their leadership was visibly present. However, it was disappointing that their leadership constituted trying to tiptoe around and make everyone happy, rather than boldly marching in to solve the situation. Sometimes leaders need diplomacy - sometimes they need action. And the defining point of a good leader is that they know which approach to use in every situation they face.

No matter what the leadership challenge being faced, there are three things that remain a constant way to begin the process of getting the best out of a difficult situation.

The first thing is to lead your people rather than herding them. A son once tried to take on his mother's usual role of getting their chickens into the hen house each night to keep them safe from foxes. Try as he might, he could not round them all up into the hen house, so the next evening he watched to see how his mother achieved the task. Instead of trying to round the chickens up, she walked among them, dropping handfuls of grain. Once the chickens started following the trail of grain, the mother was easily able to lead them inside the hen house, and they willingly followed.

The same principle applies to human beings - if we have trust in our leaders, and a reason to follow them, then it makes for a much easier process.

The second thing is to ensure that as a leader, you set realistic expectations. These expectations need to be high enough to challenge your people and push them to the best of their ability, but it is also very important that they are set realistically enough to be achievable, or there is a risk of damage to morale, and an air of "can't be bothered to try any more" can set in.

The third thing is to remember that as a leader, you cannot be all things to all people. You cannot be the friend, the colleague, the sympathetic ear, the supporter, the inspiration, the motivation and the firm kick-up-the-behind all at the same time. In pleasing some people you are going to end up offending others, and leadership is about having the courage to believe in your choice of actions, and to see them through to the very end.

Finally, those in leadership should always remember this - people will not remember what you say to them. People will not even remember what you do. But people will always remember how you made them feel. Therefore, a good starting point for leadership is to regularly ask yourself "How do I want my leaders to make *me* feel?"

Lucy Cadman Developing People Limited Helping individuals, teams and organisations maximise their performance.

http://EzineArticles.com/6497715

Freedoms a Princess Surrenders When She Gains Her Official Regal Title

The highly publicized wedding of Prince William to Catherine Middleton was an event that took the world by storm. Interested viewers in the United States woke up at 4am to watch the ceremony and to catch a glimpse of the new princess. Every detail of the wedding was captured, analyzed and commented on. Catherine's dress, her make-up, her hair, every inch of her was analyzed and scrutinized. Can you imagine what amazing gifts the couple would get for such a special day? However, instead of accepting royal princess gifts from their high profile guests, Catherine and Prince William instead provided a list of recommended charities for their guests to give donations to in their family's name. But what was missing from this fairytale? Reality! This particular wedding wasn't just a union between a man and a woman; it was a change in the way of life for both of these young people. By signing the marriage license and saying her vows, Catherine was also certifying that she would change a few things in her life. With all the things that Catherine will be able to do now that she is princess there are some things she can't do. Is becoming princess really worth all the hype?

As a freshly minted princess, Catherine is prohibited to vote. Now as royalty, she must refrain from voting because it would be seen as unconstitutional for her to do so. Catherine's new public role dictates that she must appear to be politically neutral. As a member of the Royal Family, Catherine must follow in the footsteps of the Queen and other members of the Royal Family when Prince William and Kate present themselves as identifying with every faction of society. Catherine must display strong support for all English constituents and part of that is giving up her right to vote. Is this something you would be able to give up? Is giving up your right to vote to become princess a fair trade? It seems as though as soon as you marry into royalty you are under the rule of the family you just married into.

In addition to giving up her right to vote, Catherine is also prohibited from holding a job. Now I'm sure most of you are thinking, "She's a princess, why would she want to work?" But what if she wanted to work? What if she were passionate about her career? Due to the fact that she married a prince, Catherine's career came to a halt. Luckily for Catherine, she has a degree but doesn't seem to be in a rush to do anything with it. She has decided that she is content with just being a housewife to her prince and will make public appearances with her husband when necessary. Why shouldn't Catherine be able to choose for herself whether or not she would like to work? Why does this decision have to be made for her? Is this "royal rule of law" setting a good example for the future women of the world? Leave all of your ambitions behind because now you're married and have to become HIS housewife. Is this sending the message that it's acceptable for women to be educated, but if you're lucky enough to find a wealthy man early on, you won't have to use your degree? Is a degree to some women a "nice to have" and only serves the purpose to complete your "MRS" degree? Catherine is considered the oldest spinster to get married to a future king at the age of 29.

Most people might think that once you're a princess you have some authority to boss people around and do whatever you want, but in fact you are still under the reign of the Queen. And when the princess has the pleasure of eating with Her Majesty the Queen, she is to stop eating the minute the queen does, fork in hand. No matter how hungry Princess Catherine might be, once the Queen decides she is done eating - so must all princesses stop eating. Not that she looks like she eats a lot, but Catherine or any princess for that matter should have the option to finish her meal if she wants to. What if she has to go to the bathroom during dinner and by the time she walks all the way down the palace hall to the restroom and comes back and the Queen has since been stuffing her face and she's now full and Catherine can't finish her meal? That doesn't sound like something that is desirable. It seems like a princess would be able to decide when she's full and when she's not. Princesses should be setting the example of healthy eating.

Additional liberties that Princess Catherine gave up when she took her royal title is the ability to sign unofficial papers (I guess that includes the right to sign autographs!), do or say anything controversial, and believe it or not - Catherine can no longer play Monopoly - it's true. Prince Andre Duke of York found that the game got "too vicious" when played by the Royal Family, so it was banned from royal grounds. Are these prohibitions easy to adjust to, or are they going too far? For us "common folk" it seems that with royalty comes freedom and the authority to do whatever you choose, but it seems that in some respects it's the complete opposite. Catherine's royal ways will be so severely scrutinized that everything is predetermined for her all the way down to what board games she is allowed to play. Does that sound like happily ever after?

Is wearing the tiara worth relinquishing freedoms that most of us take for granted? It depends on the woman, but one thing is for sure, being a real princess is a lot different from what the fairy tales portray and for some it may not seem worth it. There are lists of other specific liberties Catherine has given up now that she's a princess, but only a few examples were discussed here. She is now going to live her life under a microscope and under the control of the Royal Family with particular guidelines to follow. Is she sacrificing too much? Is she sacrificing anything really, besides the opportunity to play Monopoly?

We don't have royalty in the US, but we do have Everything Princesses where you can select a great princess gift for your royal-in-waiting family members, and for those ever so special events in her life, including princess birthday supplies.

http://EzineArticles.com/6505282

2012, The Antichrist and The Second Coming

Is the dark shadow of the 'Antichrist' looming? Is the specter here already? Is the earth preparing for the second coming of the Christ? Both of these theories have been voiced by psychics, sages, religious groups and ordinary people going through near death experiences. The apocalyptic sense of upheaval commonly experienced today, through successive waves of panic, trauma and menace - combined with the instantaneity of communications - has left human consciousness in a pre-tensile state of anticipation.

So what is the reality? In order to understand the question of the 'second coming' - or of the arrival of the Antichrist - we have to look at things in a Christian context. The most global or cosmic context is given by the gospel of St John. There are two very significant indicators here concerning recognition. Firstly, there is oft-depicted scene where Jesus informs the disciples that one of them will betray him. 'Who is it?' they clamor to know. The question of identification is uppermost in their minds. Even though Jesus indicates by his actions who it is, the disciples are unable to understand. At that moment 'Satan' enters into Judas who then leaves the room.

The second question of recognition concerns the divinity of Christ. The disciple Philip says to him, 'Lord, show us the Father and it is enough for us'. Jesus replies with a question: 'Have I been with you all for such a long time and you have not recognized me?' He rebukes them gently for not seeing that the Father is in him. Thus in the context of one sequence in this essential Christian document there are two questions of recognition. The one about recognizing the divine is of course far greater. The other, concerning the betrayer, ends with Judas sloping off into the night, possessed by a demonic intent. In both instances the disciples are not awake enough to make the identification.

I believe that in the discussion of Christ/Antichrist the same question of identification comes down to us today. (You can use your own terms, according to your particular background or beliefs.) In the gospel Christ makes it clear that the principle of recognition is a matter of consciousness, of being awake. The recognition of the divine represents a new or heightened consciousness. The decision to oppose or betray requires a diminution of consciousness, an opening up to the demonic. The demonic demands physical entrance. The divine requires a non-physical acceptance of its own element.

From this it seems clear to me that we would be very dull in our senses or apprehension if we expected a second coming on the physical plane. On the other hand it is also apparent that the counterforce, the demonic, is constantly trying to infiltrate itself into physical thought and action. The two forces are diametrically opposed. The second one is like the force of gravity. The first is its opposite - the force which attracts life upwards. It doesn't cajole, or attack or persuade - it just asks you to see, to recognize. It precisely doesn't need a physical form.

When the light is strongest the shadow is darkest. The second coming is an overwhelming inner sense of the way forward, of the validity of existence and the permanence of the inner being. Those things are the answer to the trauma and panic of our times. The light of the world is present in us and around us now. Its menacing counterpart, the dark shadow, is also stalking the earth, urging itself into physical manifestation. The brighter the light shines, the harder the shadow becomes until it is there - walking among us. Again it's a question of recognition: Satan went out the door with Judas but he comes back in again in his own form.

We may expect to see him as an 'Antichrist'. But isn't this looking too far from home? Isn't he present in a more immediate way? He is. He is present in the forces which are anti-Christ in us. Thus he is present particularly in hatred and vengeance. When we give way to hatred and vengeance we are anti-christ. These are not merely feelings - they are forms of possession. And the possession grows rapidly more present in our 'apocalyptic' times. Love and forgiveness are the opposites of course.

An actual incarnation of the Antichrist? Perhaps. Who and when? Well, to know the sun is to know the shadow. Learn the form, the being, the deeds of the Light - recognize them truly, come to them in yourself - and you will be in no doubt about the identity of evil: in yourself and in the world, in human shape.

Best wishes, today,
Jay Landar

Jay Landar is a poet, author and storyteller. He lives and works in Kilkenny, Ireland. Landar is the author of a number of books. He works extensively in schools, arts centres and community venues as a teacher and communicator - and with particular pleasure as a storyteller. With long experience in the areas of inner development, meditation and spirituality, Landar has created unique resources of poetic wisdom and insight. These beautifully crafted works are available to everyone through his websites PageLight and Light on the Page. Contact details can be found on those sites - Jay Landar is always ready to respond to questions or to provide information on a variety of subjects. He would be particularly delighted to hear your comments on the articles here in Ezine!

http://pagelight.blogspot.com/

http://lightonthepage.com/

http://EzineArticles.com/6492458

News Bias More Common Online

In the past, television and printed news was measured by its ability to present the facts as plainly as possible. By suppressing the views of journalists, it was easier for the public to hear about events and form their own conclusions. While this practice definitely made for interesting dinner conversations, if a media house were to attempt such a thing today it would not hold the attention of viewers for very long. Put simply, the times have changed. People want to interact with commentators and hear the opinions of others as events unfold. Given the fact that people also have a tendency to listen more to those they agree with, it's not surprising that bias is what helps ensure that news sites have regular readers.

If you take a look at how people respond to top news, the combination of sensationalism and in-depth analysis has proven to be an effective one. With the recent popularity of blogs and blogging, readers initially started turning to these writers to read both trending news and viewer comments. Different paradigms appealed to different individuals and the rest was history. Popular news sites and print news organizations have simply caught on to what draws readers in and started incorporating it into their own reporting.

While this state of events definitely has its good points, these relatively recent changes do have their negative aspects. For one thing, since objectivity doesn't have the kind of value that it used to, most sites will try to trade on how quickly they can get the facts out. As a result, news outlets are often so busy trying to break the story first that they don't always properly source their information and journalists can become unethical in their practices. What this means for "old-school" readers is that it's a lot harder to receive lean and fact-based reporting. This might not matter much to you, but it's something that can and does bother some people.

Bias in news reporting can also be a good thing. There are some writers who have a talent for helping you look at things from a different perspective. Though pretty much anybody can string together a few words it takes something more than that to really communicate with other people. Adding the internet and blogging to the equation has opened up lots of opportunities for these talented individuals. Embracing the human tendency to receive information and comment on it allows all kinds of individuals to experience the news together. Perhaps that explains the popularity of bias. It helps reveal personality.

People can easily detect bias in their online news sites by comparing the reporting of breaking news stories. When a story breaks, open two browsers. Point each browser to a different story. Then compare. You'll be surprised at what you find.

http://EzineArticles.com/6498195

Social Science Experiment Is Over

Somewhere along the way we lost ourselves. We no longer demanded that you act responsibly, work and civilly participate in society.

No One to Blame but Ourselves

We looked the other way, selfishly enjoying ourselves, while ignoring our responsibilities to parent and teach. We didn't set expectations for those dependent on us and attempt to manage the results. We needed to instill core family values and discipline them, instead, we threw money at problems and poverty and went our merry way. You see it is much harder to do the tough work to form behaviors than to buy them and our conscious off.

We gave things without requiring anything for it. They had no skin in the game, why are we surprised they feel entitled?

Different kind of Ellis Island

We also compounded our problems with newer immigrants.

What a difference a generation makes! When millions flocked to our shores for a better life, they toiled hard at work and even harder at becoming Americans. They learned the language and assimilated quickly. It was not an abdication of who they were, they still practice their customs and cultures, but realized and desired to be a part of something bigger - AMERICA! Their contributions are legendary and a reason prospered into a beacon for the underclass around the world.

Newcomers to America are accommodated to such a large degree that they have no incentive to learn English and integrate into our society and culture. Thinking we'd make it easier for them led to neighborhoods filled with signage in other languages and children unable to learn in school because they didn't know English, resulting in tremendous disaffection. (Interestingly, Arizona, now maligned for its immigration policy, actually mandated that children be taught in their native language and 'imported' Spanish speaking teachers from Mexico! It proved to be a colossal failure as Spanish speaking children performed even more poorly.)

Disastrous Results

This disaffection and resentment manifested itself in many ways but some recent events like the riots in England are ringing alarm bells. In short, we need to turn course quickly in order to have a chance at changing the tide.

In order for a democracy to survive and prosper it needs the far majority of its people participating. We cannot have the outrageous amounts of folks we have now living off the government! Fiscal disaster that it is, it is just not sustainable for democracy.

We must make the distinction between those who are unable to take care of themselves and those who are simply unwilling. Safety nets for legitimate, verifiable reasons should be maintained. Other programs dealing with poverty must be managed with an eye to outcomes. If it does not change behavior, leading to independence, it should be changed until it does. If you get something (Sickness and aged etc aside) from the government or society you should be required to do something. Is there a legitimate reason, that those getting a year or two of unemployment checks not be required to gain a new skill to be employed (or clean a park?) as a condition of getting the check?

Nothing less than the very fabric of our society is at stake. We need ideas and action now!

http://EzineArticles.com/6498713

Cloaking Unmanned Underwater Vehicle Assets Within Large Schools of Fish

When it comes to submarine warfare it really is a game of hide and seek. A stealthy submarine or an unmanned robotic submarine can give vital information and do important surveillance during times of war, but also in times of peace, or political unrest. Currently we see that the Chinese are pushing their weight around in the Sea of Japan, the Straits of Taiwan, and they've had incidents now with Vietnam, South Korea, Japan, the Philippines, Taiwan, and other nations as to who owns those ocean territories near their coast. You might also recall the P-3 Orion incident several years back with the US.

And if you think this doesn't matter, it very much matters to the Chinese, because some of these ocean areas are rich with minerals, and oil and gas resources. These resources are needed by all of these nations which are expanding their industrial base, and have strong GDP growth. Whether the United States likes it or not, we are involved when China starts pushing around our allies in these regions. Therefore, we need constant information, and sometimes we need information that we can't get by satellite alone. Therefore we need to deploy more unmanned robotic underwater vehicles.

There was an interesting article in the August 2011 edition of IEEE Spectrum Magazine which was titled; "Unidentified Floating Objects - New Sonar Imagery Reveals Mysterious Echoes to Be Enormous Schools of Fish," by Nicholas Makris. The new type of sonar being researched and developed at MIT sheds some light on just how large some of these schools of fish are. It appears that we could hide a submarine, or unmanned autonomous underwater assets within these giant schools of fish, or use them as cover.

There are some eight different species which have been identified as congregating in absolutely enormous schools. All we really need to do is find a way to get them to congregate around our underwater unmanned autonomous vehicles, and we could send swarms of these units into enemy territory, or use the cover for our surveillance operations without them ever being detected.

This might be great if we wanted to get close to a Chinese aircraft carrier for instance or enter a harbor undetected or go into a geological straight, and then allow our underwater assets to hide themselves at the bottom. We need to immediately do more research in this regard, and find out ways to attract these schools of fish to go where we would like them to go, and to follow them where they are already going so that we can infiltrate closer to those places we need to be to do proper underwater surveillance. Indeed I hope you will please consider all this and think on it.

Lance Winslow is a retired Founder of a Nationwide Franchise Chain, and now runs the Online Think Tank. Lance Winslow believes writing 24,500 articles by August 24th or 25th will be difficult because all the letters on his keyboard are now worn off now..

http://EzineArticles.com/6507889

How To Find And Meet People On The Internet

The internet offers an excellent way of interaction with other people. While it is often associated with a lot of negative things, people are still fond of using this modern innovation. There are several websites that allow us to discover and come across with other people that somewhat makes our lives exciting and inspiring. These situations made the internet popular and a superb way for finding lost people. It's not only a free method, but it's also quite reliable for finding those you have lost touch with and need to find.

One of the most popular features of the internet nowadays is online dating. This would allow you to meet and acquaint with other people quickly and practically. However, if a person acts irresponsibly, he may experience negative situations that may harm his personality significantly. Bogus and fraudulent individuals typically lurk behind the curtains of the internet. Thus, it is important to act sensibly and cautiously to avoid frustrating and exasperating things.

If you want to make acquaintances in the internet, you must maintain propriety and decency in your actions. The internet offers plenty of opportunities to communicate and meet other people such as relatives, friends, and distant loved-ones. In order to ensure the welfare of your purpose, you may try a number of effective options that would preserve your credibility and integrity while searching for lost people on the web.

In joining chat rooms or websites that allow encounters with other people, it is important to start anonymously. Refrain from divulging information about yourself that may compromise your safety and reliability. It is recommended to use aliases or pseudonyms that would generally protect your identity against spurious individuals. According to statistics, abused individuals are those who divulge their personal information in the internet naively and foolishly. It can be quite dangerous if you open yourself up on the Internet by providing too much personal information. Always be aware that the web is a very large place with many people from around the world having access to it and some of those people may have your best intentions not in mind.

In finding people online, it is imperative to use a lot of common sense. This would allow you to separate the real and honest individuals from the fraudulent ones. Always remember that fairytale is uncommon and does not happen too frequently. Online conversations must not also be taken seriously at all times to avoid further frustrations and disappointments.

On our website, about finding lost persons, we provide you with a wide range of options for how to find lost people At this time the procedure of finding lost men and women is a lot less difficult and inexpensive than in past times because of the Internet's on-line research programs.

http://EzineArticles.com/6511166

Finding Dead People Via The Internet

Maintaining contact with your loved ones who are living in distant places is quite difficult. You are probably unaware whether they are dead or alive. Finding people is not an easy thing to do because it involves intricate details about certain individuals. In most cases, people fail to locate their loved ones because the latter was unable to give any posting address or contact number. And unfortunately, these searches typically end up in wasted opportunities due to the demise of the involved individuals in far away places.

With the advancements in technology, it is quite achievable to find dead people with the use of the internet nowadays. Several websites offer these services that allow certain persons in confirming the death of their distant relatives. It works similarly with the other search websites that normally asks for a person's profile and information. However, these specific types of websites contain details about the demise of a person like the exact time and cause of death, the name and location of the burial place and the certifications of the individuals who provided the information.

If you are interested in trying out this search method, you may visit the findgrave.com website. This website allows you to view the actual gravesite in real-time. It is beneficial for individuals who have dead relatives in far-flung places. In relation to this, you may send flowers and notes of condolences to the surviving family members of the deceased. Your physical presence may not be there directly but the thought itself is quite helpful in lessening the agony of the grieving family who is mourning the death of a loved one.

Some funeral parlors also place a photo of the deceased person in their websites. This is quite helpful to those who are quite unsure about the real status of their distant relatives. Posting the photo of their deceased relatives would provide a quicker and easier way of finding departed persons.

Furthermore, these websites are free of expensive charges. You only need a quality internet connection to verify the death of your loved ones. This would allow you to sympathize with the feelings of the surviving members of the family wholeheartedly and committedly. The creators of these websites which help in finding lost people are committed in preserving the memories of each and every person in the world. Likewise, it is beneficial to those individuals who are keen on mustering and tracing the lineage of their families.

On our blog, about finding people, we provide you with many different options for how to find a lost person. Now days the procedure of finding lost people is much less complicated and inexpensive in comparison to past times due to the Internet's online search programs.

http://EzineArticles.com/6511162

Charity in the Current Economy

The economic situation over the last few years has had a major impact on British society. But what impact has it had on charities and charitable donations? Have people been giving less to charity? With people having become employed, and others with reduced or unchanged incomes, many people have less disposable income so they don't have as much they are able to give away. This article investigates the impact of the economy on different aspect of charity.

The government have made cuts to many areas of spending, something that is set to continue. One area in which money is being saved is by charity funding being reduced. Some have lost around half of their funding while others have lost it all. Many rely on this funding as well as individual charitable donations. More than 2,000 charities are being forced to close services and it is particularly having an impact on smaller charities.

Compared to pre-recession figures, the total amount of charitable donations by individuals has dropped by around £700 million a year. Fewer people are giving money to charity and those who are giving are tending to give less.

Cash charitable donations makes up a higher percentage of giving that any other type of donation, 50% of the total. This is an area that is impacted by people's personal circumstances. With the financial situation of many people very different to a few years ago this means a lot of people are unable to give as often as they would have previously. This is the area of charity that suffers most in an economic downturn.

People giving to charity in connection with natural disasters has been impacted less. Donations for those affected by disasters such as the earthquake in Haiti and the earthquake and tsunami in Japan have been as high as would normally be expected. These are more emotional decisions, for example based on seeing the devastation on television and being compelled to help out. In these circumstances people often give without thinking about their finances so much.

One area where the news has been good has been with charity shops. For one thing, more people are looking to work in charity shops. More people are unemployed so are free to volunteer their time or work for low wages. They would rather be doing some work or earning a little than be at home earning nothing. The most significant thing about charity shops in an economic downturn, though, is the number of people buying from them. With people having less disposable income it means they are less able to afford to shop at more expensive outlets. This is driving them to charity shops. It can be a great way of giving to charity for people struggling financially. Rather than spending more money by giving to charity, people are spending less money while still giving to charity.

Although the news is good with regard to charity shops, overall charities have been negatively impacted by the recession and its aftermath. Funding for charities is being reduced and people are donating less.

Andrew Marshall (c)

Stone King are nationally recognised Charity Solicitors, able to assist all types of charities.

http://EzineArticles.com/6490227

Palestine, Israel and the UN Bid

My day pretty much starts off the same way every day. I have my morning cup of green tea while surfing the news articles of the web. I wouldn't want to venture out into the world without knowing whether the sky was going to fall, or something of that nature.

One day, while courageously trudging through the doom and gloom that news articles often offer. A series of questions popped into my mind and I could not set them aside.

The first question was what is the big deal about the Palestinian U.N. bid? After all it was the U.N. recognition of the State of Israel that played a vital role in the establishment of its legitimacy.

After all of the failed attempts in negotiating a peace deal between these two parties. I feel that perhaps the U.N. involvement may not be a bad thing. I can find no reason to thwart the efforts of Palestine to be recognized as a sovereign state and the vast majority of the world leaders have arrived to the same conclusion.

The second question that came to mind seemed to have a simple answer at first. Why is America the only nation to back the Israeli stance? Well of course the answer would be, because they are our allies and the only democracy in the region.

I had to question whether the Israel being a democracy would hinder the support of other nations, and it turns out that this would not be a contributing factor. My research did however turn up something that most people do not know.

According to Professor Shlomo Sand (Hebrew University, Tel Aviv) and Professor Ilan Pappe (Hebrew University, Tel Aviv), Israel is not a true democracy. It is what they refer to as an "Ethnic Democracy". They state that twenty five percent of the citizens in Israel do not have the same rights as the Jewish population and are treated as second class citizens.

This brought me to my third and final question. Why does America support Israel so strongly if these professors are correct in their analogy of the situation?

I can only find two reasons for such great support by the American government, neither of which feels me with joy.

The first reason is media spin which I feel is a byproduct of the second reason, the Israeli Lobbyist.

These two elements combined work very effectively by coercing large numbers of Christian organizations into supporting the Israeli government. These religious groups in turn apply pressure to government officials, some of which have already been wooed themselves.

I truly hope things work out for the Israeli and Palestinian people. At the same time, I hope America remembers that sometimes you have to let your friends know when they are wrong. That is also what friends are for.

Written by: D.C. Willis

For articles of similar content, please visit: http://subtledeceit.com/

http://EzineArticles.com/6468258

Is Hyperinflation Possible in America?

Many people believe that we are experiencing a contained bout of inflation and that hyperinflation is not possible in America, simply because we are America and we are somehow exempt.We are indeed America and we are indeed a great nation. However you would be mistaken to think that somehow basic economic principles do not apply to us. But these principles do apply, and we are already facing a massive economic crisis with many signs pointing to hyperinflation.

According to the 10 Step Countdown to Hyperinflation Report, a hyperinflationary spiral is already in progress in the United States. This spiral "begins with a sharp increase in essential commodities, as in food and oil." This increase has already begun. Next, smaller banks and asset managers will start to unload Treasury holdings, causing the Fed to buy Treasuries to increase Treasury prices and reduce yields. This, too, is already happening; in March, 2011, PIMCO, the largest asset manager in Treasuries unloaded its entire portfolio of government bonds.

As the Fed hoards Treasuries and other institutions unload their portfolios, even more holders of Treasury bonds will unload their holdings. Alerted to a possible panic, the Fed will increase its purchase of Treasuries to the limit. And, according to the Countdown Report, "At this point the USD has lost 90% of its value."The Fed's attempt to stave off a Treasury panic will in fact cause that panic, with the big banks ridding themselves of Treasury holding, and the United States dollar will become toxic. Other countries will begin shedding their Treasury holdings, and the US dollar will lose its confidence in the US and abroad.

The fall of the USD will lead immediately to investment in commodities, raising commodity prices 200% literally overnight. The oil prices we've seen so far will pale in comparison to $400-$500 a barrel. Americans will begin to hoard commodities, and the Fed will print more money, which will have no effect because the dollar will be essentially worthless. Assets such as stocks and real estate will collapse in value as people flock to commodities, assets that have real value in the world. Oil, gold and other commodities will be priceless; a Mercedes Benz will be worth nothing.

But, because this is America and this kind of thing could not happen here, people will look to the government to fix this unsalvageable situation. And the government will do what it has always done. It will buy more Treasury bonds and print more money. Money which is worth less than the fine paper it's printed on. Money which will buy nothing because the dollar is toxic. Money which simply pushes the hyperinflationary spiral onward.

And then the government will get desperate. First they will initiate price controls and add more law enforcement officers to stop black market trading. The military will be called out "for the good of the country" to control violence in urban areas and to protect the citizenry from marauding gangs. But nothing the government does will reverse the hyperinflationary spiral, and things get worse. Finally the government will have to nationalize all production and distribution. Food and gas will be strictly rationed. But everyone will have food.

To Your Brightest Financial Future,
Sincerely Tamba

http://EzineArticles.com/6478630

Relive History by Collecting Classic Newspaper Stories

Collecting memorabilia and collectable items is a fun hobby, but have you ever thought about another way to relive history? Collecting classic newspaper articles is a unique and fun way to really make history come alive. If you start collecting these newspapers, you will find that despite their age, some of them are quite cheap while others are very expensive. It all depends on the news stories they contain. You will find papers containing big news items will cost a great deal. Of course this is because of the obvious supply and demand.

One of the biggest collections of historical newspapers is "Newspaper Archives." You can find stories and articles by name, category and date. An interesting way to relive history is to specialize in a particular subject or theme. For example some people will like to collect stories about the various wars that have been waged. Others may want to tell the story of a certain section of society through historical newspaper articles. It all depends on your taste and what you like in history.

The Newspaper archives has a nice feature that allows a collector to search, collect and then print free of charge the articles they find. This allows you to keep a nice little collection of the articles you want. This is much quicker than going through other sources and not being able to track down what you want. It is easy and convenient to find any article you need on any subject, from any newspaper and then just print and save it. Soon you will find that you have a complete collection of classic newspaper articles that will help you relive history in any way that you like. This is also is much cheaper than buying vintage newspapers.

You can even trace the history of a country from these archives, as they have upwards of 10 country's newspapers represented here. You can also find out about a certain era of a country and collect all the articles. There are many newspapers from all of the different states of US and it is easy to relive history with any of them. Some states have a very rich history and it is interesting to find and collect articles about the historical events that shaped their history.

This archive is always updating and getting new articles. When you join "Newspaper Archives" as a member, they will inform you when they get new articles. In this way you can also add new articles to your collection.

Surprisingly there are not too many collectors in this field so you will be creating your own unique collection of classic articles. What better way can you find to relive history through your collection of classic articles? Another good thing about having your own unique collection of articles is the fact that you can share your hobby with others who are interested in the same history that you are. You can get together and share articles and other memorabilia.

In fact you can even form an historical society dedicated to this special era in history. Also you can start a website and reach even more people. You can even start a small business selling collectibles and memorabilia based on the knowledge you have gained from your article collection. So start to relive history by collecting classic articles today.

Learn about collecting classic newspaper articles and start to relive history. Search for more information on collections and memorabilia at MyReviewsNow.Net

http://EzineArticles.com/6496000

Borders Books: Tough to Say Goodbye

Seventeen years ago I stood outside my town's newly built Borders Books and thought, "What would I ever do if this place closed." While only being open a few months it had quickly become my place of quiet and solitude. A place many called my sanctuary. It had the unwritten rules of going to your local library but without the stiffness. Walking through the front doors brought a feeling of endless possibilities and a childlike curiosity. Now with the doors soon to close forever, it brings sadness and a reflection of many years of enjoyment.

Borders shelves held a million paths to take outside the ones you may have tread so often. Scouring rows and rows of books with an open mind led you to read and explore new authors. My world has grown since discovering, John Fante, David Foster Wallace, Charles Bukowski, Sylvia Plath, Maya Angelou, Anne Sexton, Malcolm Gladwell, Nelson Algren, etc... But it wasn't just fiction or poetry; it was also learning how to design web pages, trade in the stock market, poker strategies, writing advice and so much more. It's easy to read this and think, "Big deal, you can Google it or look online for any answer." And that is where most miss the point. It's the discovery. It's the reference. It's the research. It's the feeling of thinking a certain book was written just for you. The author connects his words to some part of your life and makes you think and reflect. You slow your reading because you don't want that book to end. I'm sure many readers would agree that they could look at their bookshelf and remember where they bought the books that truly moved them.

There are those that may find it odd to be so reflective of a bookstore or for that matter in its basic form, a building, closing. But much like any place where people gather for similar reasons, each Borders across the country was a reflection of that community. Through its author readings, kids story time, book clubs, employee book reviews, charity work and local school/teacher contributions it was more than a retail book store. For many it was a social gathering, a place to meet without the noise and distraction of outside forces. And even if you knew no one, there was still the feeling of being connected through one common interest, books.

I'd be lying if I said I wasn't aware that Borders wasn't keeping up with the times, which is to say technology ran past the bookstore chain. The birth of the e-Book was the beginning of a slow death for Borders. When the Kindle/Amazon hit the market it was a sign of the times for words on paper. Not long after, the Barnes & Noble chain jumped into the e-Book game to try and keep up. Borders sat on the sideline seemingly content with its shelves of books and magazines. I know there are many more reasons for the demise of my book store, but as I view the giant, "Store Closing" banner flapping obliviously from the brick wall I can't help but wonder how it really came to this. But what's done is done.

As the final weeks tick down I find each visit is like a wake in stages. Watching eager bargain hunters pick the bones clean, while little kids scream and cry breaking the understood code of silence sends a dose of melancholy through my heart. It's like an adult watching their childhood park bulldozed. I stand amongst the shelves and try to bargain with myself. I know across the street there's another bookstore. I know I can go online and order. But that seems sacrilegious for use of a strong word. The atmosphere, the comfort, the feeling that today could be a day I find the book that changes my life. That's what will be hard to duplicate. And that's what made Borders more than just a building with books.

Bruce Aderhold would like to invite you to read more book reviews along with articles of various topics at http://hubpages.com/profile/BKAONE

I hope you have found something of use and thought provoking in my words. I thank you for visiting and reading.

http://twitter.com/bruceaderhold

http://EzineArticles.com/6488120

Sources for Trending News

We once relied solely on newspapers, television and neighbourhood gossip to find out about the latest trending news. Since the advent of the internet, newspapers have become a dying trend and are no longer the primary source for news related information. More and more people are relying on the internet to stay informed, turning to the sites they already frequently visit on a regular basis. Amazingly, a multitude of platforms have emerged, offering trending news in a myriad of formats.

Most of these sites present reports in a much different format than traditional sites, which historically has been very objective and straight to the point. News sites are now offering more opinion-oriented articles. Often they present the information in an informative yet entertaining way in hopes of competing against all the much less formal platforms offering fun and offbeat reporting. Websites including Facebook and Twitter are changing the way we read news. They make it easier to integrate staying informed into our daily activities.

Many of us check the news while surfing Facebook or Twitter, and turn to friend's profiles and stats to learn about the latest news or gossip. Traditionally our expectations have been very high in regards to the accuracy of the news related source. Today we've become more desensitized to receiving news from less reputable sources, accepting claims without validation that the information is in fact truthful and accurate. Our friends latest Twitter status update is now an acceptable trending news source, and people are becoming far more vocal about their opinions.

In the past if we had a complaint or opinion about something we read in the newspaper we would have filed a complaint and hoped that it would be read or published. Today, however, it only takes the click of a button to create a viral statement about what we've read or heard. We also have far more sources to validate what we have read in the newspaper or heard on television. We can see it not only from the "objective" point of view of traditional news sources but also from an opinion standpoint. Sources including Twitter, Facebook and other social platforms make it easier for us to see what other people are saying and and provide us with varying viewpoints. Social networking sites structure our communication effectively to make our thoughts more streamlined. Even email seems outdated when we interact with our friends and share news over these innovative channels.

With the power of the internet comes many drawbacks. People have written at length about top news sites not being completely honest with reporting. Fortunately, several solutions have emerged to streamline our consumption of trending news.

http://EzineArticles.com/6504074

Did So Many Join The English Riots Because Of Permissive Parenting?

There are probably several complex factors that can throw light on the causes of the riots. Is one of them possibly that of permissive parenting?

Given the huge decline in the influence of organised religion, what is right and wrong is now mainly learned in the home and through the media. We tend to still assume that the role of a parent is to supervise children and teach them right and wrong. But to what extent is this still happening?

There are fathers and mothers of rioting teenagers who didn't know or claimed they didn't know their offspring were out on the street at night. One view is that some parents could indeed take more responsibility for the behaviour of their children, but that others are struggling to cope at the best of times, sometimes dealing with chronic illness or the effects of domestic abuse. Some parents in social housing work very long hours in low paid jobs to make ends meet and cannot afford a child-minder to keep an eye on their children when they are doing evening shifts or during the long school holiday.

For the rest of the population who are not particularly well off, especially younger families, money is very tight. High housing costs and reducing wages mean more mothers are obliged to go out to work for the family to make ends meet. Nevertheless there is still a common expectation these women will also do most of the domestic work in the home. As a consequence they have less to do with their children.

One argument is that since the 1960's, permissiveness in western culture has led to early sexualisation often not making its way into stable relationships, and that this leads to higher rates of divorce and weakened parenting. Mothers lack help from absent fathers to deal with bad behaviour and no-one to back them up telling kids about right and wrong.

We can only guess at this stage how many looters come from homes with incomplete parenting. From film on television, black youths were seen among the rioters. Is it a co-incidence that according to a BTEG report, 48 percent of black Caribbean families with dependent children are headed by a lone parent? This compares to the national average in the UK of 7 percent of households with children (according to Office of National Statistics 2007) It would be instructive to know the rate of lone parenting amongst the families bringing up the white rioters.

Another aspect of permissiveness has been the absence of effective public censorship of film, video and television. Someone said that being in the middle of the riot was like being in the middle of a computer game or a film set. Admittedly, research into the potential anti-social effects of the media is difficult area to investigate and has not always produced consistent results. However, many academic studies do suggest a relationship between exposure to media violence and violent behaviour.

Parents who watch and expose their family to bloodshed, sexual extortion and theft on television and video film, can only be helping with desensitisation to violence and other horrible behaviour.

Also the distinction between the virtual and the real seems to be disappearing for some young people. The computer game 'Grand Theft Auto' contains some horrendous scenes. Perhaps we shouldn't be surprised if some individuals eventually act out these hate-filled fantasies. If one opens one-self to such excitement there should be no surprise if a hellish state of mind starts to rule one's actions. The Christian religion argues there is a reality to evil from which we need to be saved.

Parents might tell their kids about legal penalties if one is caught breaking the law and may say it is morally wrong to steal from, harm or tell lies to others. To know what is said to be right and wrong is one thing, but to understand why it is a good rule is another. How many parents are not at home to explain their views e.g. when their kids are watching television. They may be too tired to be other than permissive in their attitude to bad behaviour in the home.

It is good to show care for others by respecting their property, helping them, and being honest with them. The hope for society is if the spiritual principles behind moral codes can be shown by parents so they can be seen as good and acceptable.

It is up to their offspring to do the rest - to think about matters, to accept what is a moral guideline worthy of following, to resolve to follow it in personal life and to resist temptation to go against it - these are all different stages in moral development.

But if they are not brought up to appreciate what makes laws good and useful they are unlikely to obey them if they believe they can get away with it. When the mob is doing crime, this is exactly what those joining in assume. They will be lost in the crowd. Their natural tendency to self-love and conceit that they know best then take over.

Copyright 2011 Stephen Russell-Lacy

As a clinical psychologist, Stephen Russell-Lacy has specialised in cognitive-behavioural psychotherapy, working for many years with adults suffering distress and disturbance. His book Heart, Head and Hands draws links between the psycho-spiritual teachings of the eighteenth century spiritual philosopher Emanuel Swedenborg and current ideas in therapy and psychology.

He edits Spiritual Questions a free eZine that explores links between spiritual philosophy and the comments and questions of spiritual seekers. Sign up to share your views and find out more about the meaning of life.

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More People Reading News Online

Not too long ago, we found our daily news through either the newspaper, the TV, or the radio. The whole world relied on these 3 mediums to learn what was happening in the world so much so that media houses literally ruled the world. Not so today, when the internet has made sure that the news is no longer the forte of any one particular media house. Almost everywhere, they have had to re-invent themselves so that they can transfer their news to a web platform the web is distributing news much faster than it ever was before.

When top news breaks in Palestine, the people in South Africa or the South Pole will know about it seconds after it appears on the internet as a news item. Individuals, who were the biggest portion of newspaper buyers and TV watchers, today receive their news through their personal computers and smartphones. Technology makes it possible to receive all kinds of news on mobile phones. According to recent statistics, people who own mobile phones will spend between 65% and 75% of their day close to these devices. This means that they receive alerts for all kinds of news that they are interested in. They never need buy a newspaper or magazine. Pictures and videos are available online, and the need for TV to reinforce news with images declines even further.

It is entirely possible for a piece of news to travel without a single word of hard print. In remote places of the world where it was difficult to transport hard print, a simple mobile phone can keep an individual as informed as someone in New York or Paris. Many media conglomerates of the 80s and 90s died because they were not able to change. They relied on advertising dollars that they made through hard print, but the internet today has changed the face of this revenue stream as well. Almost any advertisement that is considered by a business will be considered for the internet, and maybe for hard print. Advertising on the internet can be inexpensive, too, meaning that these media companies have to find additional ways to generate revenue. Many of the largest have moved their publications online. Even then, the debate of the death of hard copy newspapers and magazines continues. They are not left with much choice though, because so long as a person has access to a cheap mobile phone that can access the internet, and most do, they will most of the time prefer to get their news variety from there.

For other interesting writings regarding the reporting of news and the media, please visit top news sources online.

http://EzineArticles.com/6495574

News Landscape Changing

The world is changing in so many ways and the news landscape is no exception. News delivery is rapidly changing its face and we are now seeing newer forms of delivery channels with the rise of the internet.

Slowly but surely the days when we bought newspapers and magazines to read the latest reports on a regular basis are becoming a thing of the past. Traditional delivery methods have become the thing of the past. The present and the future is all about the instant news delivery channels such as the internet. News sites deliver more targeted content faster and more relevant than ever.

More and more people today are getting easy and affordable internet access to their computers and mobile devices. With the help of this internet connection, people can receive reports of events happening all around the world on their mobile or computer screen. The internet is a huge global village which congregates all the reports from all the corners of the world and shows them instantly on the top news sites

Trending news can be read instantly using popular search engines such as Google, Yahoo and Bing news sections. Top news breaking at any given time can be found on news sites like CNN.com, BBC.co.uk, ABC, CBS, USAToday.com, etc.

Because of the rise of internet-based news consumption, more and more people are abandoning channels such as radio, print, and television. Any person from any part of the world who is hungry for latest news can read about national as well as international news, breaking news, world events, major sports, latest movie reviews on the above online news websites.

The internet as a technology provides vast benefits unavailable to more traditional channels. In recent years the rise of social networking has demonstrated the immense value derived from social channels. In the context of reading about current events, social commenting on reports and blog postings provides individuals with a voice they never had. People can post and share news with friends, an activity once limited to less-structured and less efficient forms of communication such as phone, fax, and email. In many cases, individuals can even interact directly with authors and actors close to the stories.

In addition, internet-based news can leverage more rich forms of presentation including audio and video. On-demand video clips from news websites can be more appealing and convenient relative to set programmed television news. Thus news landscape is really changing in terms of delivery channels and most people are now favoring popular news websites rather than conventional newspapers, magazines and TV news.

With the power of the internet people need to be extra careful when reading news sites. Sources for trending news can be biased just as traditional news sources may be. People should take caution when interacting with online news sources.

http://EzineArticles.com/6501175

Land Your G5 at Shannon, You're Cleared

Adjust your sunglasses and buckle your seatbelts. You're touching down at Shannon!

Shannon Airport has welcomed a procedural change for US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) that has created a business bonanza for the airport.

Welcoming the revised procedures by US authorities, which will enable much faster turn-around for private and business jets.

In 2009 Shannon Airport effectively became the first airport in the world to offer full US pre-clearance.

OK so you ask "who's using Shannon airport?" Who else but CEO's! Walmart's Michael Duke, Citigroup's Vikram Pandit and American Express chief Kenneth Chenneault are among the top-shelf US biz giants who have flown private jets through Shannon Airport in recent months since the airport introduced its pre-clearance service for travel to the USA.

Hollywood moguls - no stranger to the green Isle have taken advantage of the new rules. According to sources Pamela Anderson, Morgan Freeman, Tom Hanks and Mariah Carey have all touched down at the airport, with John Travolta piloting his own jet into Shannon.

Last year the airport handled 1,700 corporate jets, which was up 10% from 2009. The airport now plans to triple numbers over a five-year period as it seeks to become a European hub.

There are approximately 25,000 private aircraft across the globe with 76 jets registered to Irish citizens.

Here's how you the private or business jet traveler will benefit:

• Your baggage is checked through to your final destination, no need for pick up/drop off.
• Arriving as a domestic passenger allows for a faster process though the airport.
• Shorter connecting times mean you can reach your final destination earlier.

Former Irish Minister Willie O'Dea TD says it took over a decade for the USA and Canada to open the CBP facilities in Canada - Ireland took barely 18 months to agree and open the commercial facility. The private and commercial pre-clearance facility combined with the abundance of space at Shannon, make it well positioned to become a major player in the international cargo hub which is where they believe it will go.

Over 200 US domestic airports can now receive international Business Jet flights directly from Shannon that have pre-cleared US Customs and Immigration at Shannon without delay. The new process will ensure an enhanced US preclearance process at Shannon and guarantee quick aircraft turnarounds. For any operator who requires a fuel stop on the North Atlantic, pre-clearance becomes very attractive..

"We are grateful to the US authorities for this change and, indeed, to the National Business Aviation Association for their efforts in this regard."

You'll still need to have your pre-clearance formalities handled 1 hour before the flight. And passengers planning travel to the US are required under the Visa Waiver Programme to apply for travel authorization online prior to travel. It's got a name: The new electronic system for travel authorisation (ESTA) can be completed at https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov

Turn up the volume and pour me that Jameson! We're jettin' off.

http://EzineArticles.com/6483950

Religion and American Government

Normally, twelve to eighteen months before a presidential election, politicians begin to jockey for position. And at times it can become an embarrassing fiasco that probably leaves people in other nations wondering if all Americans are crazy.

The topic of religion always seems to be high on the list of candidate qualifications and I have found myself asking if this should be a deciding factor?

America is a nation that was founded on the freedom of religion, which is guaranteed by the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. So should the religious affiliation of a presidential candidate make a difference?

Setting out to find the answer to this question, I found that there are misconceptions which are held by a great number of American citizens. I would like to address a few of these ideas and lay some of the mistaken beliefs to rest.

By large, the greatest misunderstanding that seems to be held by the general public is that the United States is a Christian Nation. This is a fallacy and I will explain why.

The United States was not founded upon Christianity; the predominant religion in America is Christianity. This is demonstrated by the First Amendment to the Constitution which reads as follows:

"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."

This is not the only example which demonstrates that the nation was not founded on Christianity. Actually there is another example that does not leave room for interpretation.

The Barbary Treaties 1786-1816

Treaty of Peace and Friendship, Signed at Tripoli November 4, 1796

ARTICLE 11

"As the government of the United States of America is not in any sense founded on the Christian Religion,-as it has in itself no character of enmity against the laws, religion or tranquility of Musselmen,-and as the said States never have entered into any war or act of hostility against any Mehomitan nation, it is declared by the parties that no pretext arising from religious opinions shall ever produce an interruption of the harmony existing between the two countries."

Now that we have established that the United States was not founded on Christianity. We should look at the religious beliefs of the Founding Fathers.

Thomas Jefferson wrote: "The God of the Old Testament -- the God which Christians worship - Jefferson pronounces "a being of terrific character - cruel, vindictive, capricious, and unjust" (Works Vol. IV. page 325).

"The day will come when the mystical generation of Jesus, by the Supreme Being as his father, in the womb of a virgin will be classed with the fable of the generation of Minerva in the brain of Jupiter." (Works Vol. IV. page 365).

Jefferson was not the only founding father to hold a religious view known as Deism. The list is to include George Washington, James Monroe, Benjamin Franklin and James Madison.

This is not to say that these men did not attend church at all or even that they despised Christianity. On the contrary, George Washington accompanied his wife to church quite often according to historical record. But Washington would leave before communion and there is no record of him ever participating in the ceremony.

Knowing that the Founding Fathers worked diligently to insure that there was a wall built between church and state. I believe that they would hang their heads in shame if they could see that we have not maintained that barrier very well.

Today we have politicians that hold prayer meetings during their campaign for election. Mingling their interpretations of biblical doctrine with what they feel public policies should be.

There are groups that accuse the current president of being Muslim, as if he does not have that right, if he so chooses. As long as he separates his religious beliefs from his governmental duties this should not be an issue.

We have Christian and Jewish groups that lobby our government on a daily basis. Most of which are demanding that the U.S. Government give full and unwavering support to the government of Israel. While the government in question works hard to maintain an Ethnic Democracy in that country. This is a form of government that treats people of other religions as second class citizens.

I do not believe that the Founding Fathers of our nation would support or assist any foreign nation's government in establishing an ethnic democracy, based on Old Testament ideologies. This would go against the principles that they put forth and undermine the idea of the separation between church and state.

This wall that our forefathers built between the church and government should not be viewed in the same light as the wall which once stood in Berlin. This wall is something that we should embrace and reinforce on every possible occasion. Tearing it down will not unite a people but rather it will destroy a nation.

The thirteenth president of the United States offered some words of wisdom that perhaps we should reflect upon.

"I am tolerant of all creeds. Yet if any sect suffered itself to be used for political objects I would meet it by political opposition. In my view church and state should be separate, not only in form, but fact. Religion and politics should not be mingled." Millard Fillmore (1809-1865)

So to the great nation of America I say, enjoy the freedoms that you have. Worship the God of your choosing, in the manner you see fit. But please honor our Founding Fathers and check your religion at the door before you enter the arena of our government.

For articles of similar content, please visit: http://subtledeceit.com/

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How The Food Safety Modernization Act Intends to Prevent Foodborne Illnesses

The FDA recognizes that over forty-five million Americans are affected each year by foodborne illnesses, leading to health risks, hospitalization, and sometimes death. Because of these alarming rates, there is a new law called the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act that attempts to increase the frequency of food inspections. The main goal of the FSMA is to hold farmers, manufacturers, and restaurants responsible for maintaining food safety regulations.

Since there is a long chain of food suppliers for America, the FDA plans to mandate higher food regulations for each provider in order to prevent foodborne illnesses all together. Imported foods are a large contributor to such problems, and with FSMA, those providers will be held to stricter regulations that will ensure higher quality products are being delivered to the United States. There are new tools in place to ensure that imported foods meet U.S. safety standards prior to delivery to American consumers. The FDA can now accredit auditors to inspect the facilities overseas to check that they are following the required regulations under FSMA. Certain high risk foods being imported from suppliers will now be accompanied by certification under the new act. Any foreign provider who denies access for inspections will not be allowed to export their goods.

In the case where a certain type of food has been found to contain a foodborne illness, the FDA will have the authority to recall that item from all contaminated manufacturers and restaurants in order to prevent consumers from becoming infected. This is not typically a problem because most food providers are willing to cooperate with voluntary recalls, but if an organization refuses, the FDA now has the authority to pull the infected food from its supply. While recalls can be effective at protecting consumers, the goals of FSMA are to prevent foodborne illnesses from entering the food supply. This can be accomplished by educating food production businesses and ensuring that they understand the rules and regulations set forth. To ensure that farmers and manufacturers are following these rules, training programs are being developed to educate workers in these industries and to ensure their understanding and compliance. The FDA is also developing new rules for the safe harvesting and production of vegetables and fruits.

Businesses in the food industry can prepare for the upcoming regulations in food safety by evaluating their own practices and reading the guidelines set forth by the FDA. These guidelines are readily available to anyone who wishes to learn more on governmental websites. Farmers and workers can also participate in standardized training programs that will help educate them on proper safety production. When the companies that produce goods are complying with safety standards, restaurants will only receive high quality goods that contain no harmful infections or illnesses. The upcoming changes will take time to be fully implemented, but with the compliance of all parties in the food supply chain, American consumers will be better protected from preventable foodborne illness.

An excellent source of practical advice about food safety systems including produce traceability can be found at http://www.redlineforproduce.com/.

http://EzineArticles.com/6478669

The Road to Diversity: A Road Trip Through Different Cultures

You don't need to fly all over the world to experience different cultures, some of them can be just a couple hours away or even right in your back yard. Have you ever wondered what a family dinner is like at your neighbor's house down the street? How about 20 minutes away in the heart of the big city near you? Diversity isn't just about celebrating the differences in skin color all around the world, it's also about celebrating the differences between us and our neighbors. The differences between how we prepare our food, clean our houses, and even teach our children to count.

We can learn a lot about diversity by befriending our neighbors or taking a short road trip. So how can you experience culture without having to travel all over the world? Well the first way is through food. Ask your neighbors to do a dinner swap! One day at your house, and one at theirs. You can even swap recipes at the end to cook their favorite dishes. Or during the summertime you can go to a local food festival. There are a lot of festivals celebrating the culture from their city through food.

Another way you can explore different local cultures is by volunteering. You may not realize it, but people's culture and home life is directly affected by their money status. You can experience these differences by volunteering at your local homeless shelter or soup kitchen. Exploring the different parts of your city/town that you're not accustomed to can really broaden your mind and open your heart to diversity.

Another fun way to explore culture is by taking a road trip. Every town has a different culture, so going on a road trip to explore a few different towns helps you understand a different culture. While you're visiting those towns you can visit the local hot spots, boutiques, or learn about things the town is famous for. This may not seem like it'll broaden your mind as much as say, going on a mission trip to Africa, but by exploring the differences of the towns around you, you are learning more about diversity and culture every day.

It's just as important to understand the people that are around you every day as it is to understand the ones a whole ocean away from you. So take a day or two to go out and explore the culture around you. You might find that you'll learn something new and interesting.

I am a student interested in marketing and public relations and currently have an internship with http://www.diversitypromotions.com/. diversitypromotions.com is a company dedicated to promoting positive messages about diversity, inclusion and multiculturalism through its Embrace Diversity product line (t-shirts, temporary tattoos, tote bags, volunteer or committee gifts, or custom products with your own message), educational endeavors (trainings, presentations, seminars, books, and articles), and special events such as establishing National Diversity Day. We have also written and published the book "Understanding Cultural Diversity in Today's Complex World" in its' fifth printing.

http://EzineArticles.com/6468511

The Shot Heard Round The World!

As I expected, the U.S. downgrade by S&P was going to be a lot worse for the stock market than for treasuries. This came as major surprise for most people as it is counter intuitive. The reason being is that it was not so much a loss in confidence in the ability of the U.S. Government to pay its debts as it was a signal that the free spending ways of the last 50 years is ending. History shows that sovereign downgrades spark action in governments to tighten their belts and cut budgets. Less spending, whether it be in employment, infrastructure or social services including Social Security and Medicare means less aggregate demand in an economy and thus less revenue and profit.

In simple terms, the downgrade applies very little to the creditworthiness of U.S. Treasuries, even though we are now rated below Finland, Luxemburg and the Isle of Man. It was only S&P that downgraded us, while both Fitch and Moody's left the triple A rating. The real effect, and what it really means to you and me, is that it is going to light a fire under our politicians ass to cut spending at a time when our economy is already incredibly fragile from not enough spending and consumer demand (70% of our economy is consumer spending) from our aging population which naturally spends less as it gets older and an already massively indebted population who has no more spending power.

With the recent drop, there is a lot of talk about this being similar to last year's correction. This is not Déjà vu all over again. The global economy is slowing and the global debt crisis is getting more intense, and it's not just a U.S. problem either. It is a global problem, particularly amongst the developed world. So, it's not just us that is bankrupt, but Europe as well. It started with Greece, recently spreading through Italy and Spain and just this morning reaching France. Our banking crises of a couple of years ago, is rocking through Europe which will eventually reverberate back here.

Yesterdays Federal Reserve statement was remarkably blunt, admitting that our economy was slowing more than previously expected and that monetary easing would continue until the cows come home. I was pleased that they will continue with QE Mini-Me and leave rates at zero through 2013. I was disappointed however that they didn't come through with a new asset purchase program or a full blown QE3.

Investor Strategy:
The current uncertainty is creating tremendous opportunities in income producing investments and especially short term corporate bonds (not bond funds), with yields now exceeding 10-12%. Even with the market down 500+ points as I write this, many of our dividend stocks and Preferreds are up. Corporate bonds got hit as hedge funds were forced to liquidate bonds to meet margin calls to cover the money they lost on stocks. (Paulson's hedge fund announced a half hour ago that they are down 31% this month alone!) These depressed prices are most likely very temporary and a boon to the "reasonable" investor who simply needs decent returns without all the headaches and heart attacks. After all, if you can get a 10-12% yield per year and get your principal back in just a just a year or two, why take all the risk of the stock market? Invest for need, not for greed!

The lack of a QE3 is not good news for the stock market, and we have implemented selective portfolio hedges through inverse funds which go up when the market goes down. The next few days are critical. If we do not see a true bottom formed with a strong rally, not just a "relief rally" with increased demand and good volume, we will begin to implement our safety control stop exit strategy for growth stocks. As discussed above, bonds should be held and added to, even if their prices drop along with the stock market. At current prices they represent tremendous value and offer a very good possibility for appreciation in addition to the interest payments. However, even if they don't appreciate, all you have to do is wait a couple of years until maturity. Plus, they are always very liquid.

Keith Springer is author of Facing Goliath, a financial planner, a market technician, a financial writer, founder of Top Down Tactical? and President and founder of Springer Financial Advisors in Sacramento CA, an SEC Registered Investment Advisor. He has developed a proprietary process for successfully building tax-efficient and retirement portfolios and has been providing specialty wealth management services for over 25 years. He can be reached at 916-925-8900, keith@keithspringer.com, or http://www.keithspringer.com/.

http://EzineArticles.com/6486654

A Survey of Top News Sites for Internet Users

Among a large number of news websites, only a handful are reputable and have earned the distinguished honor of being the first choice among a loyal band of new followers. The Internet had ushered a world of instant news which is accessible from anywhere at any time. Various websites had come up such as reuters.com; cnn.com; abcnews.go.com etc which provide minute by minute update of news and information which is happening around the globe.

Cnn.com is a part of the larger Time Warner Inc. which provides information and entertainment news, films and other programming across a global audience in excess of a billion. Cnn.com has been a definitive first choice for a large number of US and world viewers who always get their daily dose of what's happening from this source. Cnn.com has been a pioneer news broadcasting and publishing company effectively setting the tone for the day for millions of Americans. A global audience which riches over billion comprising all five continents also check cnn.com and the international section of both the electronic and the television media for their news.

Reuters.com is a part of the Thompson Reuters group, which is the largest international multimedia news agency. They provide news of the world financial news, sports, entertainment, technology and other news. A global network of news reporting including pictures taken, backed by a professional team of technology specialists makes reuters.com a first choice for not only news readers but also a global list of newspapers, magazines and online publications.

NewsDaily.com is another news site known for its trending news and a wide coverage of topics and issues. NewsDaily.com was started by ScienceDaily back in 1995. Since then they have had more than 3 million visitors each month and over 15 million in page views. NewsDaily.com has been covering major trending news since it inception more than one and a half decade ago.

Other websites that are also popular include yahoo.com which has been a popular news and information portal ever since it was launched back in 1994. Although the project that David Filo and Jerry Yang was trying to develop had nothing to do with commercialization and the popularity that it gains today, Yahoo!'s core concept of being a Yet Another Hierarchical Officious Oracle has been made. It took them less than 3 years to be known and become regularly use; soon more people were using Yahoo! That the founders ever thought that it would be possible.

Another great trending news site is Google news. Although Google news does not have an internal reporting system and what they show on their website are basically borrows content from handed of websites that produce original content pertaining to top news. However having said that one has a wonderful way to access all major news website a single place at Google News.

Many other news sites exist. A simple Google search can help users find what best suits their needs.

http://EzineArticles.com/6463615

Top News Organizations

The New York Times is one of the most well-known and respected newspapers in the United States. It has a large number of subscribers to its traditional newspaper. Many others subscribe to its news website which gives all the news that's happening right now and all the things available in the traditional New York Times newspaper, as well as things exclusive to the Times website itself. The New York Times has been selling newspapers since 1851 and has had a substantial web presence since 1996. Its news site is the most popular on the web. The paper itself is the 3rd most popular behind USA Today and the Wall Street Journal.

The Washington Post is another well-known and respected newspaper in the United States. It doesn't have as many subscribers as the New York Times, but it still has a significant following. It is based in Washington DC and focuses more on national news than other local papers. It has been selling newspapers since 1877 and has been on the web since 1996. Since The Washington Post is a local paper it doesn't have the presence as the NY Times or Wall Street Journal. The Washington Post has all the things you can find in its newspaper on its website.

Television news also has some very well-known and respected news outlets. One of those is NBC. The company has existed since 1943 when it was still a radio station. It started television broadcasts in 1948. It is one of the most recognizable television companies in the world. Its web presence is substantial and it has many millions of people that log onto its site daily. The site has programming previews, news updates, full episodes and much more. You can watch archived news episodes that you missed. NBC also has a large web presence and is a well-respected and well-known news station. It has news sites such as MSNBC, NBC, and more.

There are also sites that are completely web-based such as Huffington Post and ZNET. These sites are completely internet-based and do not have a hard copy version. most of these allow site visitors to make comments and interact directly with authors. This interaction is becoming a very popular way of staying up on current events. You can learn what topics are trending and what the news trends are. More and more people are turning to news sites online and news blogs for their news.

People should read news sites with caution. Bias exists online even more than with print-only sources. Fortunately, technologies are being developed that use computer algorithms to prioritize trending news for us. Others prefer using popular search engines including Google and Bing to find articles tailored to their specific interests.

http://EzineArticles.com/6506612

Choose Best Android Applications Development Company

This is the time where almost all the laptops and computers have been replaced by the mobile devices or smart phones and people prefer it due to the mobility they provide. But just like our computers and laptops need an operating system to function and perform all the complex tasks, similarly our mobiles needs the same so as to give you the services they have become famous for. There are various platforms that have become the people's choice globally and one of the most famous and preferred one amongst them is an Android. Android is gaining popularity much more nowadays than any other OS.

So to get those OS working you would need Android application development services. The best and the easiest way of getting these services is to hire an experienced and well trained Android mobile apps developer who can provide you all these applications according to your needs and requirements and thus you can get high class solutions at affordable price at personal as well as corporate level.

The Android application development services that you can avail from Google Android developers incorporate all the dimensions of development including data storage and its restoration, security and permission along with id and tags of the users, resource of symbols, notifications and background services, UI techniques, navigation, browser, short messaging system service, 3D graphics, quick search box, contacts management, advanced Bluetooth API, games, other graphics, etc.

Each Android developer of ours is capable of created an application back end all by himself. Our hiring process of an Android application developer is also very strict as he has to face many grueling rounds before he gets selected. This has made our team very strong, with each Android application developer pushing the limits of what can be achieved in turn making us the most sort after Company in India.

Adodis has a team of professionals specialized in Android development we offer multiple services, from a simple evaluation to full Android software development projects. Our experience of Android Market Place coupled with our talented designers and extremely knowledgeable Android developers can bring any concept of yours to life. Our technical expertise in this field coupled with full service solutions offering; enable our team to deliver custom and scalable Android applications at affordable costs.

Features of Android Applications:

- Android creates an ecosystem between the Android Developer, user, manufacturer and the Android development company which leads to a win-win relationship for all.
- It is developed on an open-source platform providing us an opportunity to give back to the community.
- Android has a large Android developer's community who organize forums, events and competitions to optimize services to the clients.
- Since it is created by Google it facilitates and accelerates the use of all the Google services like Gmail, Gtalk, Google Maps and YouTube.
- Android supports flash, which provides us the option to build a fully flash application that can run on Android.
- Unique application framework which helps us to reuse and replace components.

http://goarticles.com/article/Choose-Best-Android-Applications-Development-Company/5184022/

Get to know About Homes Sullivan County NY

Catskills is a basic term used for the region of picturesque scenic beauty which is found near the river Hudson, and lies south east of the New York City. It has natural beauties such as mountain peaks, rivers, lakes, streams, forests, etc - which is known as the Catskill region. The Catskill region is made up of six counties, the major ones among them being Delaware, Sullivan, Ulster and Greene. The Sullivan County Catskills are considered to be as the traditional Catskills.

This country has a greater deal of variety with varieties of lakes other than the neighboring countries. Also the large numbers of holiday resorts are found in this country only. As the Sullivan County is not very far from New York, many people flock to Sullivan every year. Sullivan is preferred as the best destination to spend your holidays because of its pure air and water, great locales and breathtaking scenery. There are several options available for the tourists and vacationers in Sullivan. Sullivan has mountain peaks, lakes, rivers, streams, as well as forest area and beautiful farms. The Sullivan County Catskills offers many affordable options for living - with various chalets or small houses made of wood that have a sloping roof overhead, cottages, and cabins that are available in the realty sector. These can be either purchased or rented. Many people opt for seasonal renting of such cottages, coming down to the Sullivan County for a season and then returning to their regular life in New York. It has many world class resorts that offer the best services at attractive prices.

Welcome to Callicoon Real Estate at http://www.callicoon.com we can help you find the property of your dreams here in Sullivan County, NY or in the Northeastern corner of Pennsylvania just across the Delaware River. We are Certified Buyer Representatives and are licensed in both New York and Pennsylvania.

Our Featured Properties:-

What a Great Big House! - This is a very large private home built in 1867 with 2 staircases and maid's quarters. Built for one of the area's wealthy families, it has very large rooms, and plenty of them! It is situated in a nice central location and within short walking distance to the Delaware River.

Quiet and Private Location: - This is a delightful, very privately located property along a quiet side road that hardly sees any traffic. A- Frame contemporary with cedar interior in immaculate move-in condition. 2 bedrooms and full bath with great room (and den in loft area) on main level. A Family room and a full bath on lower level (with steam feature).

PA Lake Contemporary: - Enjoy gorgeous Beaver Lake in northeastern Wayne County, PA. Here is a custom contemporary home, with cathedral ceilings in like-new condition. Expansive windows, woodwork and fine craftsmanship make up this 3 bedroom, 2.5 baths home on 1.38 acres.

Bucolic Country Home-Pool :- Spacious home, rural location, high speed internet - and an amazing salt-water maintenance-free 20?40 heated pool together with all the privacy you ever wanted, hilltop location away from the road and gorgeous views of surrounding countryside and farms.

http://goarticles.com/article/Get-to-know-About-Homes-Sullivan-County-NY/5184829/