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Showing posts with label The News. Show all posts
Showing posts with label The News. Show all posts
Spiritual Values in Politics
Spiritual Values in Politics Political rhetoric, which for centuries has succeeded in sedating audiences through superficial reassurance, does not work any more, for people like you have woken up to the need for new spiritual values in their leaders. Through media revelation and common sense they have realised that too often truth has been stretched and false promises made in order to win their support, for power and all that accompanies it. It would be forgivable if the power was seen to be used wisely and strongly and for the general good, but this rarely happens.
Look at any developed country in the world and you will see political (and moral?) weakness in the system, the leaders and often both. Every such state has been tested for political resilience and competence to deal with a crisis and every one has been found wanting. They will be tested again and again, and each time the proof of disfunctionality, ineptitude, or short-termist subjectivity will be more and more apparent to the citizens of these countries who ask for enlightened, effective leadership based on strong values, but who so often are disappointed.
While many in the current generation of politicians are well-intended, many also are flawed; no politician in government or in opposition stands tall in public opinion now except perhaps in the eyes of biased activist supporters. If there was a major global crisis with potential for catastrophe, who would you choose, with trust and conviction, to lead the world through it?
It must be this way, and at this time. The old political conventions which seemed to work before do not serve the new consciousness, and are proving themselves, necessarily, to be inadequate for the tasks that lie ahead: a new kind of governance is required, one that is based on ethical leadership and spiritual values not economic priority, party affiliation and confrontation, one that is truly qualified to facilitate the human and planetary transition perfectly.
Political crises to come will give proof once and for all of the need for change, and change will come about easily, - though some within the system will resist vigorously and loudly, and completely in vain.
Many EU leaders are in denial as the illusion which is the European dream of ever-closer integration and prosperity becomes more and more stark. Recent statements on Greece's future within the Eurozone were intended to reassure markets, monetary inspectors and the public but their banality have had an opposite effect: observers, rightly, are speaking openly now of the likelihood of Greece defaulting on its debt and leaving the Eurozone, and speculating on the dramatic impact that would have on the currency and the solidity of the EU itself as a political and economic community.
They are right that a huge shake-up in the constitution of the EU is likely particularly as all member states are involved, needing debt relief on a massive scale or suffering the results of unsustainable bank and state lending to encumbered countries. An uncomfortable time lies ahead particularly since the people of the countries in both camps are in revolt over the situation their leaders have brought them to, which will affect them personally.
The European dream of prosperity for all is a little like pyramid selling - it sounds good but the reality is that the people at the top benefit for a while and the people at the bottom of the pyramid have little apart from a lost investment. Countries clamoured to join the golden gravy train lured by the promise of money, and most leaders chose to ignore the fact that strict rules and clear understanding would have to apply to every member state. Instead, rules were disregarded and the consequences ignored, and the illusion of economic well-being was created and sustained relatively successfully until now.
Most importantly, what has been forgotten in all this is the will of the people of Europe, the European community. They have been given no direct say in the expansion of the EU, in the bail-out decisions, in the future of the Euro and the future of the EU itself. What is being decided will affect not only the global structures but every European citizen personally, and as they feel the effects of political incompetence and corporate greed in their lives they will protest.
The situation reminds me of certain established religions where for reasons of power and control the priest insists on being the didactic intermediary between man and God. It only works for a time and then man realises he can connect perfectly with Spirit on his own and determine his life for himself. That is the illusion of the European dream, and soon European man will demand the right to self-determination in the way he chooses, not the way he is told.
It may bring chaos, but change is good, however it comes about, if it comes from the heart, and is honest.
While many in the current generation of politicians are well-intended, many also are flawed; no politician in government or in opposition stands tall in public opinion now except perhaps in the eyes of biased activist supporters. If there was a major global crisis with potential for catastrophe, who would you choose, with trust and conviction, to lead the world through it?
It must be this way, and at this time. The old political conventions which seemed to work before do not serve the new consciousness, and are proving themselves, necessarily, to be inadequate for the tasks that lie ahead: a new kind of governance is required, one that is based on ethical leadership and spiritual values not economic priority, party affiliation and confrontation, one that is truly qualified to facilitate the human and planetary transition perfectly.
Political crises to come will give proof once and for all of the need for change, and change will come about easily, - though some within the system will resist vigorously and loudly, and completely in vain.
Many EU leaders are in denial as the illusion which is the European dream of ever-closer integration and prosperity becomes more and more stark. Recent statements on Greece's future within the Eurozone were intended to reassure markets, monetary inspectors and the public but their banality have had an opposite effect: observers, rightly, are speaking openly now of the likelihood of Greece defaulting on its debt and leaving the Eurozone, and speculating on the dramatic impact that would have on the currency and the solidity of the EU itself as a political and economic community.
They are right that a huge shake-up in the constitution of the EU is likely particularly as all member states are involved, needing debt relief on a massive scale or suffering the results of unsustainable bank and state lending to encumbered countries. An uncomfortable time lies ahead particularly since the people of the countries in both camps are in revolt over the situation their leaders have brought them to, which will affect them personally.
The European dream of prosperity for all is a little like pyramid selling - it sounds good but the reality is that the people at the top benefit for a while and the people at the bottom of the pyramid have little apart from a lost investment. Countries clamoured to join the golden gravy train lured by the promise of money, and most leaders chose to ignore the fact that strict rules and clear understanding would have to apply to every member state. Instead, rules were disregarded and the consequences ignored, and the illusion of economic well-being was created and sustained relatively successfully until now.
Most importantly, what has been forgotten in all this is the will of the people of Europe, the European community. They have been given no direct say in the expansion of the EU, in the bail-out decisions, in the future of the Euro and the future of the EU itself. What is being decided will affect not only the global structures but every European citizen personally, and as they feel the effects of political incompetence and corporate greed in their lives they will protest.
The situation reminds me of certain established religions where for reasons of power and control the priest insists on being the didactic intermediary between man and God. It only works for a time and then man realises he can connect perfectly with Spirit on his own and determine his life for himself. That is the illusion of the European dream, and soon European man will demand the right to self-determination in the way he chooses, not the way he is told.
It may bring chaos, but change is good, however it comes about, if it comes from the heart, and is honest.
Claire Montanaro is a skilled and sought after spiritual teacher, speaker, lecturer and author, with a reputation for inspiring and empowering her clients, students and audience. Based in Wales, her heartfelt desire is to assist people to actualise their total connectedness to all that is. Additionally, she offers a global philosophy for living and being in the new age for all seekers of truth. Seven simple yet intensely profound Principles form the core of her teaching, the practice of which embodies the New Consciousness and is a catalyst for One-ness. Her book "Spiritual Wisdom" is published by Piatkus Books. Her website can be found at inluminoglobal.co.uk where you can read more articles like this in her regularly updated Thoughts for the Day (blog).
Past and Future Electricity
Past and Future Electricity Electricity is a necessary and integral part of our daily lives. It allows us to light our homes and our streets. It keeps us cool in the summer, warm in the winter and allows us to power a wide array of gadgets. Electricity is the force that powers all of our lives.
Even though electricity is so important to us, it still remains somewhat of an enigma. Most of us give little thought to its very presence, let alone contemplate its history or future. Today we are going to rectify that situation by not only giving you the history of this vital force of nature but also by giving you an overview of how electricity is going to change our lives in the very near future.
The History Of Electricity
It is now commonly believed that electrical forces were harnessed by mankind, albeit on a very limited scale, as early as the first century A.D. This belief has been fostered since 1938, when William Konig discovered earthenware objects that were believed to have been used as the first batteries. These artifacts were made of terracotta and contained both a copper cylinder and an iron cylinder inside. It is believed that the ancient people in this area filled these pots with either lemon juice or vinegar, used as a weak electrolyte. This would strip electrons from one metal post and depositing it on the other metal post, thus creating an electric current. Because of this potential for electric current, these artifacts have since been dubbed Baghdad batteries.
Even though the ancients may have had a basic understanding of electrical properties, it wouldn't be until the seventeenth century until scientists really began to investigate the seemingly magical properties of electricity. This is when an English scientists named William Gilbert really began looking into the properties of electricity with a series of experiments that produced static electricity by applying friction to a piece of amber. William Gilbert would go on to coin the word "electricus", a Latin word that means "like amber", and would later evolve into the word electricity.
Research into the properties and applications of electricity would continue at a snail's pace until the nineteenth century when some of the greatest minds in the world began to refine the principles and generation of electricity. Some of the people who helped revolutionize this field included Nikola Tesla, Alexander Graham Bell, Thomas Edison, George Westinghouse and Lord Kelvin. These great minds transformed electricity from a mere intellectual curiosity into the defined scientific principle that it is today, thereby transforming the entire world.
The Future Of Electricity
Having established the long and illustrious history of electricity, let's turn our attention to the future. What new advances can we expect to see in this field? Quite a few, actually. Let's look at what electricity is likely to be transformed into.
Wireless Power
Wouldn't it be nice to power you laptop without having to worry about charging its batteries or running a television somewhere that isn't close to an outlet? Well, that might just be the future of electricity. Researchers at MIT's Department Of Physics has made significant strides in making this a reality by developing something they call "WiTricity." It works by transferring electricity right over the air like Wi-fi. They have already demonstrated their ability to do this by lighting a light bulb that draws its power over the air rather than through an electrical cord.
All Things Electric!!
It is predicted that in the future electricity will take on an even more prominent role in our lives. It will be used to power anything and everything. This includes combs, brushes, shoes and even articles of clothing. These innovative ideas may further increase our dependance on electricity, but it will also open up new possibilities for us. If you don't believe that electricity will play an increased role in our future lives, then all you have to do is look at the electric car. A few years ago these vehicles were pretty rare but they are now becoming more and more common.
The History Of Electricity
It is now commonly believed that electrical forces were harnessed by mankind, albeit on a very limited scale, as early as the first century A.D. This belief has been fostered since 1938, when William Konig discovered earthenware objects that were believed to have been used as the first batteries. These artifacts were made of terracotta and contained both a copper cylinder and an iron cylinder inside. It is believed that the ancient people in this area filled these pots with either lemon juice or vinegar, used as a weak electrolyte. This would strip electrons from one metal post and depositing it on the other metal post, thus creating an electric current. Because of this potential for electric current, these artifacts have since been dubbed Baghdad batteries.
Even though the ancients may have had a basic understanding of electrical properties, it wouldn't be until the seventeenth century until scientists really began to investigate the seemingly magical properties of electricity. This is when an English scientists named William Gilbert really began looking into the properties of electricity with a series of experiments that produced static electricity by applying friction to a piece of amber. William Gilbert would go on to coin the word "electricus", a Latin word that means "like amber", and would later evolve into the word electricity.
Research into the properties and applications of electricity would continue at a snail's pace until the nineteenth century when some of the greatest minds in the world began to refine the principles and generation of electricity. Some of the people who helped revolutionize this field included Nikola Tesla, Alexander Graham Bell, Thomas Edison, George Westinghouse and Lord Kelvin. These great minds transformed electricity from a mere intellectual curiosity into the defined scientific principle that it is today, thereby transforming the entire world.
The Future Of Electricity
Having established the long and illustrious history of electricity, let's turn our attention to the future. What new advances can we expect to see in this field? Quite a few, actually. Let's look at what electricity is likely to be transformed into.
Wireless Power
Wouldn't it be nice to power you laptop without having to worry about charging its batteries or running a television somewhere that isn't close to an outlet? Well, that might just be the future of electricity. Researchers at MIT's Department Of Physics has made significant strides in making this a reality by developing something they call "WiTricity." It works by transferring electricity right over the air like Wi-fi. They have already demonstrated their ability to do this by lighting a light bulb that draws its power over the air rather than through an electrical cord.
All Things Electric!!
It is predicted that in the future electricity will take on an even more prominent role in our lives. It will be used to power anything and everything. This includes combs, brushes, shoes and even articles of clothing. These innovative ideas may further increase our dependance on electricity, but it will also open up new possibilities for us. If you don't believe that electricity will play an increased role in our future lives, then all you have to do is look at the electric car. A few years ago these vehicles were pretty rare but they are now becoming more and more common.
Is Theft Stealing Addiction or Bad Habit
Is Theft Stealing Addiction or Bad Habit I am an instructor for both court and probation approved classes here in my local jurisdiction. Most of the participants that call to come in for a class do so because it is some form of a requirement from either the court, probation, or a diversion program. I always interview those attending classes and ask what it was that they stole and why they did it. The answer to these two questions varies greatly from person to person. Some steal for the thrill of it, while others claim to do it out of necessity. Almost all; however, will agree that they have been stealing for a long, long time and it has simply become a habit, a very bad habit.
Here is the story of Joe:
Joe is 24 years old and lives at home with his parents. He was brought up in a middle class family with working parents. While he didn't grow up poor by any means, he claims that there were a lot of things he wanted or wished he could do, but simply couldn't. He said he started stealing as far back as he could remember. It started with candy at the supermarket as a young boy. He said he would just do it every once in a while. By the time he was 10, he couldn't leave a store without taking something, even if it was small. The items could range from a pack of gum, to a t-shirt, to a watch, anything he could fit in his pocket.
As Joe got older his theft got more elaborate and intense. He started stealing not just from stores, but from cars, houses, hotels, and offices. He was more than just a Petty thief, but now really turning into a felon. He always felt guilty about the stealing, but at the same time got a rush from it. The habit of stealing for him was as normal as brushing ones teeth in the morning, just a normal part of the day.
Joe was finally arrested at age 17 for stealing alcohol from a grocery store. At that time he was required to take an alcohol awareness classes, do 25 hours of community service, and participate in a 10 hour theft education class.
It really wasn't until age 23 that Joe realized how big his problem was. He was finally arrested and spent 1 year in jail for breaking and entering. He finally was ordered to attend classes and get help.
Theft and shoplifting is more than just a crime. For many it can be become an addiction and is often characterized as an impulse control disorder. Those of suffer from the disorder would be much better served getting help educationally then spending time behind bars. Theft addiction is a serious problem that should be addressed.Dr. Ari Novick is the President of TheftClassOnline.com. A website dedicated to educating people about theft education
Joe is 24 years old and lives at home with his parents. He was brought up in a middle class family with working parents. While he didn't grow up poor by any means, he claims that there were a lot of things he wanted or wished he could do, but simply couldn't. He said he started stealing as far back as he could remember. It started with candy at the supermarket as a young boy. He said he would just do it every once in a while. By the time he was 10, he couldn't leave a store without taking something, even if it was small. The items could range from a pack of gum, to a t-shirt, to a watch, anything he could fit in his pocket.
As Joe got older his theft got more elaborate and intense. He started stealing not just from stores, but from cars, houses, hotels, and offices. He was more than just a Petty thief, but now really turning into a felon. He always felt guilty about the stealing, but at the same time got a rush from it. The habit of stealing for him was as normal as brushing ones teeth in the morning, just a normal part of the day.
Joe was finally arrested at age 17 for stealing alcohol from a grocery store. At that time he was required to take an alcohol awareness classes, do 25 hours of community service, and participate in a 10 hour theft education class.
It really wasn't until age 23 that Joe realized how big his problem was. He was finally arrested and spent 1 year in jail for breaking and entering. He finally was ordered to attend classes and get help.
Theft and shoplifting is more than just a crime. For many it can be become an addiction and is often characterized as an impulse control disorder. Those of suffer from the disorder would be much better served getting help educationally then spending time behind bars. Theft addiction is a serious problem that should be addressed.Dr. Ari Novick is the President of TheftClassOnline.com. A website dedicated to educating people about theft education
Knuckle Blaster Stun Gun Is Unique and Powerful
Knuckle Blaster Stun Gun Is Unique and Powerful The Zap Knuckle Blaster Stun Gun is a powerful, unique stun gun. It is an excellent self defense weapon to use while running or jogging. The Zap Knuckle Blaster Stun Gun has an amazing 950,000 Volts of power, enough to stop an attacker in his/her tracks.
Are you aware that victims of violence are 90% women? For that reason, manufacturers primarily design stun devices for female self defense. Why? Women are more vulnerable and need all the self defense options
possible.
Effects of a Zap Knuckle Blaster Stun Gun:
Always check the laws of your state before purchasing any self defense product. They are not legal to sell, ship or own to residents of:
possible.
Effects of a Zap Knuckle Blaster Stun Gun:
- It blocks the muscular electrical impulses of the attacker.
- It affects his/her equilibrium.
- He/she experiences temporary disorientation, giving you the time to leave the area.
- As far as voltage, it has the highest voltage (950,000 Volts) than most.
- This is a hand mounted self defense weapon.
- Covers your knuckles.
- Snug fit so it has an easy grip.
- Combination of a stun gun and plastic knuckles. Even though they are not brass, they are effective. Therefore, giving you more bang for your buck.
- Will fit all hand sizes.
- Rubber coated ergonomic grip.
- Easy to operate. Flip the switch and pull the trigger.
- If the attacker touches you, it is designed so that the current will not pass through you.
- Since you are wearing the Zap Knuckle Blaster Stun Gun, it's not easy to take it away from you.
- If you are in a risky situation and discover that your battery is discharged, they are still effective as plastic knuckles.
- Both the safety switch and firing trigger are designed for single handed use.
- There is an on/off safety switch that prevents premature discharge.
- You can shoot a test fire easily to let the attacker know how much power is in your hand. Typically, just the sound alone is enough to deter your assailant.
- Will scare off any dog, regardless of their size. The dogs sense the shock.
- Can penetrate through relatively thick clothing.
Always check the laws of your state before purchasing any self defense product. They are not legal to sell, ship or own to residents of:
- Connecticut
- Illinois
- Michigan
- Hawaii
- Massachusetts
- New Jersey
- New York
- Rhode Island
- District of Columbia
- Wisconsin
Lawanna Bean wanted to market products that will help people stay safe. The products she found are top quality and competitively priced. A canister of mace or Pepper Spray costs under $10.00. Personal safety for you and your family should be your No. 1 priority!
9 11 Remembering That We Are All In The Same Boat
9 11 Remembering That We Are All In The Same Boat Our nation recently commemorated the 10-year anniversary of the 9 11 attacks. It is a day that is forever etched in our collective consciousness. Who doesn't remember where they and what they did when they heard the shattering news and saw the painful and horrifying images?
There have been a myriad of plaques, memorials, flags, news clips, speeches, prayers, rants and outbursts surrounding that fateful day. There are stories and video clips denoting the pain and suffering, others of respect and gratitude for the heroes who worked to save others, narratives of the few survivors, as well as stories of the family and friends who lost a loved one in one of our nation's worst tragedies.
What I would like to see in the next 10 years are more stories of healing and humanity. While I believe we have to take measures to ensure our nation's security, I worry that the most fundamental step, recognizing the importance of our oneness as a people, needs to be fostered.
We so often focus on how we differ from one another that it creates an artificial barrier. We all want to take pride in our uniqueness, but when we use this as a measurement of how we are somehow "better" than someone else, it creates problems. When something or someone is perceived as dissimilar, it becomes so much easier to use that difference as a reason to hate.
Sometimes that hate becomes violent.
Shortly after 8/11 2001, a Sikh man wearing a turban was gunned down. The gunman, Frank Rogue, believed his target was an Arab. The victim, Balbir Singh Sodhi, was a gasoline station owner who emigrated from India. Ironically, the Sikhs are known for their peace-loving nature and beliefs. What makes this even worse, at least for me, this violent act happened in my home town of Mesa, AZ.
As a Buddhist, I believe in the interconnectedness of humankind. Individuals are a microcosm of all of humanity and in the larger scheme, the universe. What we do to others we do to ourselves. Therefore, our actions of healing, compassion and understanding are needed far more than our acts of anger and hatred. While force may have a temporary effect to keep harm at bay, it does little to solve the inherent problem.
Since most of us identify with the things that set us apart from one another, it is difficult to imagine how inner connected we are. One example that illustrates our connectedness is pollution. If there a nuclear accident, the fallout is not contained to that given area. Radiation seeps into the earth and ground water, travels through our rivers, streams and ocean, as well as traveling hundreds and thousands of miles by blowing winds.
In a more humorous analogy I remember a story I heard years ago. A father was trying to bond with his son and decided to take him fishing in a small fishing boat. The son was in the front of the boat and the father in the back. When they were in the middle of the lake they hit a rock and water gushed near the father's feet. The son seemed undeterred and even laughed about the situation. The father asked why the boy thought the situation was funny and the boy responded, "Because the leak is in YOUR part of the boat."
In the next few years I hope we will spend less time focusing on past hurts and put our energy into solving problems by engaging others in heart-felt dialogue and recognizing the humanity in one another. We cannot root out all evil, but we can take steps to heal our planet by recognizing our similarities rather than dwelling on our differences.
A quote by Mushrif -ud-Din Abdullah, a Persian poet wrote a poem that graces the entrance of the Hall of Nation of the UN Building in New York.
Human beings are members of a whole,
In creation of one essence and soul.
If one member is afflicted with pain,
Other members uneasy will remain.
If you have no sympathy for human pain,
The name of human you cannot retain.
Before the 11th anniversary of 9/11 I hope we can report several instances where we were a source of hope and light for humankind and our planet. We share this world with others and it is in our best interest to try to get along. After all, we are all in the same boat.
What I would like to see in the next 10 years are more stories of healing and humanity. While I believe we have to take measures to ensure our nation's security, I worry that the most fundamental step, recognizing the importance of our oneness as a people, needs to be fostered.
We so often focus on how we differ from one another that it creates an artificial barrier. We all want to take pride in our uniqueness, but when we use this as a measurement of how we are somehow "better" than someone else, it creates problems. When something or someone is perceived as dissimilar, it becomes so much easier to use that difference as a reason to hate.
Sometimes that hate becomes violent.
Shortly after 8/11 2001, a Sikh man wearing a turban was gunned down. The gunman, Frank Rogue, believed his target was an Arab. The victim, Balbir Singh Sodhi, was a gasoline station owner who emigrated from India. Ironically, the Sikhs are known for their peace-loving nature and beliefs. What makes this even worse, at least for me, this violent act happened in my home town of Mesa, AZ.
As a Buddhist, I believe in the interconnectedness of humankind. Individuals are a microcosm of all of humanity and in the larger scheme, the universe. What we do to others we do to ourselves. Therefore, our actions of healing, compassion and understanding are needed far more than our acts of anger and hatred. While force may have a temporary effect to keep harm at bay, it does little to solve the inherent problem.
Since most of us identify with the things that set us apart from one another, it is difficult to imagine how inner connected we are. One example that illustrates our connectedness is pollution. If there a nuclear accident, the fallout is not contained to that given area. Radiation seeps into the earth and ground water, travels through our rivers, streams and ocean, as well as traveling hundreds and thousands of miles by blowing winds.
In a more humorous analogy I remember a story I heard years ago. A father was trying to bond with his son and decided to take him fishing in a small fishing boat. The son was in the front of the boat and the father in the back. When they were in the middle of the lake they hit a rock and water gushed near the father's feet. The son seemed undeterred and even laughed about the situation. The father asked why the boy thought the situation was funny and the boy responded, "Because the leak is in YOUR part of the boat."
In the next few years I hope we will spend less time focusing on past hurts and put our energy into solving problems by engaging others in heart-felt dialogue and recognizing the humanity in one another. We cannot root out all evil, but we can take steps to heal our planet by recognizing our similarities rather than dwelling on our differences.
A quote by Mushrif -ud-Din Abdullah, a Persian poet wrote a poem that graces the entrance of the Hall of Nation of the UN Building in New York.
Human beings are members of a whole,
In creation of one essence and soul.
If one member is afflicted with pain,
Other members uneasy will remain.
If you have no sympathy for human pain,
The name of human you cannot retain.
Before the 11th anniversary of 9/11 I hope we can report several instances where we were a source of hope and light for humankind and our planet. We share this world with others and it is in our best interest to try to get along. After all, we are all in the same boat.
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