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January 31, 2012
How To Bust Common Beauty Myths
January 30, 2012
Newt Is Right: The Palestinians Are an Invented People
Frontrunner-of-the-month GOP presidential contender Newt Gingrich caused a stir at Saturday night's Iowa debate when he affirmed his previous characterization of "an invented Palestinian people, who are in fact Arabs and were historically part of the Arab community."
Gingrich is correct.
The label "Palestine" was used historically to refer to the area between the Mediterranean Sea and the Jordan River (and beyond); the term had no political import. During the first half of the 20th century, "Palestinian" referred largely to Jews living in Palestine. The Palestine Post, for example, was printed in Hebrew and English, and in 1950 was renamed The Jerusalem Post.
The British, who controlled Palestine after WWI, divided it in two in 1923, giving 75% of the land-the area that is now Jordan-to Palestinian Arabs, and the remaining 25% to Palestinian Jews. But that wasn't good enough to satisfy regional Arab despots.
In 1947, the United Nations proposed a partition plan to create side-by-side Jewish and Arab states out of the 25% that was left of the original Palestine, west of the Jordan River. The Arab regimes surrounding Palestine rejected this deal; this resulted in the 1947-1948 Civil War and the creation of the Jewish state.
During the subsequent 1948 Arab-Israeli War, started against Israel one day after it declared statehood, Arab governments encouraged hundreds of thousands of Palestinian Arabs to flee their homes in order to facilitate the onslaught of the invading armies of Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and Yemen against Israelis. These regimes promised to return to Palestinian Arabs the property they had left once Israel was defeated; however, Israel won, and refugees were forced to relocate outside of Palestine.
As Gingrich noted, plenty of Muslim countries could have given Palestinian Arab refugees a state, but none did. The countries to which refugees scattered-chiefly Syria, Lebanon, and Jordan-suppressed any burgeoning sense of Palestinian identity to a far greater degree than Israel ever did.
Strangely, Palestinian Arab refugees did not protest after the Arab-Israeli war when Egypt and Jordan grabbed the Gaza Strip, the West Bank, and Jerusalem-the same territories that the United Nations had set aside to serve as their home state. To this day, Palestinian Arabs insist on being granted, not the territory set aside for them in 1923 in Jordan, not the territory taken over in 1948 by Egypt and Jordan, but one tiny sliver of land in the Middle East that has served as a refuge for Jewish Holocaust survivors and a base for Jews to call their home state.
The "Palestinian people" was a fiction created post-WWII to facilitate the insertion of a fifth column inside Israel to demand endless, untenable land concessions and eventually encroach upon the entire Jewish state.
In an interview with the Dutch newspaper Trouw in 1977, former Palestinian Liberation Organization leader Zuheir Mohsen admitted, "The Palestinian people does not exist. The creation of a Palestinian state is only a means for continuing our struggle against the state of Israel for our Arab unity... Only for political and tactical reasons do we speak today about the existence of a Palestinian people, since Arab national interests demand that we posit the existence of a distinct 'Palestinian people' to oppose Zionism."
How much clearer can it get? How much more nakedly could the founders of the Palestinian strategy reveal their modus operandi?
That the Palestinian people are invented is not in question. The only question is whether they should be awarded their own state. Anyone who cares about the security of Israel, the only free nation in the region, should answer with a resounding no.
But back to Saturday's debate. Moderator George Stephanopoulos asked Gingrich if he thought his comments were dangerous. Gingrich replied that his answer was factually and historically correct, and noted that the Palestinian Authority has repeatedly asserted that Israel has no right to exist.
In response to Gingrich's defense, Mitt Romney floundered all over the place, claiming that, although he mostly agreed with Gingrich, it was a mistake to call the Palestinians an invented people, and that Gingrich had made it more difficult for Israelis to negotiate with Palestinians.
Despite his ideological missteps, character flaws, and general unsuitability to be our nominee, I'm happy to give credit where credit is due, and in this case it goes squarely to Gingrich. If Gingrich doesn't get the nomination-and he doesn't necessarily deserve to-he may at least serve the same function that other unlikely nominees have served on various issues from Santorum (Iran) to Cain (taxes) to Bachmann (ObamaCare) to Perry (Social Security): namely, to push Mitt Romney to the right. Based on his comments on the Palestinians, Gingrich may even serve as a model for pressuring our nominee to speak the truth.
Studying Abroad Is A Viable Option For Most College Students
Students who are thinking about studying abroad in college must make some decisions when it comes to fitting this valuable experience into their degree programs. After all, many students have tight schedules when it comes to completing college, but that doesn't mean they want to give up on a meaningful study abroad experience. Looking into your options when it comes to the length of your study abroad program can help you decide whether you can fit this experience in.
In some cases, students want to experience a full immersion in the culture of their host country. These students may opt to spend an entire academic year living and learning in a country of their choice. While studying abroad, students will have an experience similar to that of a college student native to that host country. They will attend classes at a local college or university and have the opportunity both to acquire the local language and to truly get to know the surrounding area.
Studying abroad for an entire year is an educational and life-changing experience for students who opt to make this long-term commitment. Of course, this choice is not right for everyone. Students who study abroad for a year should be prepared for transitional periods that will occur when relocating to the host country as we;; as when returning to the United States at the year's close. This intense experience is rewarding but may be too long of a period for some students to spend away from family and friends.
For many students, spending a semester abroad is just right. A semester can go by quickly, but it will also provide ample time to explore your host country, improve your language skills, and meet many interesting people. You will live and learn at a local college or university in a slightly less intensive way.
A semester abroad is usually the most common choice for college students looking to get this experience. A semester abroad does come with big changes, and students must allow themselves time to adapt to the culture and language of their host country. This experience is often more manageable for students than an entire year abroad.
For some students, a semester may not be possible. It could be that you can't allow yourself the time to complete a more leisurely semester abroad, especially if finances are an issue or if you have specific goals that must be met in a timely manner. Chances are, however, that you have time for a summer study abroad program.
A summer program allows students to earn some college credits and also have a fun and educational experience during the summer. These programs vary in length from a few weeks to the whole summer. If you otherwise can't manage to study abroad during your academic year, a summer abroad program may be the ideal solution.
Studying abroad is an experience that every college student should have, if possible. Of course, everyone has different college-related goals and plans, but if a study abroad experience is something that interests you, you should be able to find a program length that fits your needs. Keep in mind that summer opportunities abroad are very manageable.
January 29, 2012
The Humana Challenge: La Quinta, CA's Favorite Golf Tournament
Newly Drawn California Congressional Maps Face Opposition
With the California elections round the corner, work is moving fast on the redistribution and redrawing of the congressional district boundaries. By way of this redrawing attempt, the government seeks to ensure that all members of the populace, who share common interests - both social as well as economic, are put together in a single district.
As a measure to ensure uniformity in this attempt, an independent 14 member panel was created in 2008 by the voters. This voter's panel has created its first draft of maps after taking into consideration these factors as well as the recommendations of the Voting Rights Act counsel. However, despite taking such elaborate care, the current draft has become controversial, with a former Republican congressman and four others challenging it.
According to former Mariposa Republican, George Radanovich, the current redistribution of districts is in clear violation of the Federal Voting Rights Law. He and his associates have also alleged that the current redrawing of district boundaries has been made with a clear mandate of protecting three African American persons currently serving in the area. These include three Democratic representatives, namely Laura Richardson, Maxine Waters, and Karen Bass. Incidentally, it is their districts, which are under dispute in this current suit.
It is important to note that the former Republican had filed a suit against these maps earlier in the State Supreme Court. The State Supreme Court decided not to hear the current suit against the redrawing of these congressional maps, without actually giving a reason for the decision. Accordingly, the Republican Radanovich has approached the Federal Court by way of filing this suit, which is pending decision.
While responding to this federal suit, the Redistricting Commissioner Stan Forbes, who is also the current rotating chairman of the panel, drew attention to the independent nature of the panel, and how voters played an important role in its creation in 2008. He further went on to state that the commission had redrawn these districts only after total consideration of all factors, which included taking due counsel. Vouching his support for the redrawn maps, he stressed how he believed them to withstand all and any opposition that might come in their way, including the current legal challenge.
With the federal suit still pending for decision in the Federal Court, only time will tell whether the new congressional maps will hold good or not. Until then, it is definitely going to be an interesting topic that experts will continue to debate upon with much fervor.
Explore more about California politics, please read more of my articles on political contributions California
Tips for Choosing the Fastest Wireless N Router
If you're a serious gamer, you already know how important it is to choose the best equipment. When selecting a router, you want to stick with companies like Lanskys, Netgear, or D-Link which have built reputations for offering the most robust units you can buy. Maybe you think you can't afford one of these devices made by a top company, but have you ever considered buying your router secondhand? Plenty of people who are updating to newer models sell their old ones for nominal prices, and most of the ones offered for sale are still in like-new condition. There's no reason for you to have to accept some second-rate machine instead of the best.
Knowing what you're looking for in a router will help you make informed choices. A router basically connects two local area networks enabling you to access games on that network and allowing you to play against their best players. Decide on what requirements you want for your router. What kind of speed do you need? How many USB ports will you require to hook up your extras? What distance capabilities do you want? Once you've decided what you are looking for, you'll be able to check online to see which brands and models meet your qualifications. Then, if you don't like the price you're seeing, you can start looking for the same model used.
You will find that there are two basic types of wireless routers - a wireless G and a wireless N. The N models are considerably more expensive than the G models, because the N denotes extended signal range and strength. If you need these extensions, then you'll want to buy a router model denoted N. If you don't need them, you'll be able to save money buy purchasing a wireless G. Models that are considered the best in the N range include:
* Linkskys Wireless Gigabit N Router with Storage Link (WRT600N): This router is great for heavy networking usage as it has two antennas instead of one. This unit contains high-quality audio and video transfers, supports VoIP, and extends bandwidth by having double radio bands. Ports are also included which will allow you to connect it to hard disks or external flash drives.
* D-Link Wireless N router (DIR-615): You will find that D-Link offers reasonably-priced routers that have received many awards for excellence. The model referenced here costs about $40, has a 1-year warranty, up to 300 Mbps, and a signal strength up to an area of 1200 feet.
* Netgear Rangemax WNDR3700 Dual Band Wireless-N Gigabit Router: This router is touted as having superior speed and performance with a speed of 600 Mbps. It includes USB ports for external storage and is an excellent choice for use with the Xbox 360 or for small business use. It costs around $150.
Are you looking for consumer based reviews and comparisons of the fastest wireless router? Check out our reviews on the best wireless routers to get tips and advice on how to find the best gaming router.
An Ancient Chinese Proverb for Future Family Survival Preparedness: Part One
WHEN THERE IS FOOD ON THE TABLE YOU MAY HAVE MANY PROBLEMS. Chinese proverb (part 1)
There is food on the table, it's dinner time and your family is happy. You chat and joke with each other and relate the events of the day as you eat until your teenage son asks for money for something.
Suddenly the mood has changed and money has become the topic. Your wife needs to go shopping for clothes for the baby, the car needs repairs, the house needs paint, the lawn mower won't start, taxes are going up, your son's grades are going down and to top it all off your company is cutting back and you might get laid off.
You are happy and well fed, and you have many normal problems; but what if there was no food on your table?
An era of prosperity and plenty
You were born into and have lived during an era of unprecedented prosperity and plenty and history has taught you that eras eventually end. Knowing that history always repeats itself, commonsense tells you that the end of this one is approaching rapidly.
You see ours and other national economies, great and small teetering on the brink of default, crushed by insurmountable mountains of unsustainable debt. All of them inextricably entrapped within a house-of-cards like "global economy". You realize that any catastrophe, foreign or domestic, unintentional or the result of political perfidy could bring the whole thing down.
Not if but when the global economy crashes and diesel fuel becomes unavailable or unaffordable, the National Electric Power Grid fails in part or totally and the food supply chain breaks down, where would the food for your table come from then?
How would dinner time go if there is no dinner? Would you be more worried about the baby needing clothes, or food to eat? Would fixing the car or the lawn mower or the boy's grades or even losing your job be as important as the
One dauntingly complex, yet simple question
You would have only one problem. All the concerns and worries of your life would be swept away, leaving only one dauntingly complex, yet simple question: How would you feed your family?
Preparedness is the answer. You must decide now, what my best survival products are and purchase them. You must be water self sufficient and be able to cook and stay warm off the Grid. You need long term food storage, first aid kits, tools, light and communication gear and the ability to protect your home, family and possessions.
Failing to prepare your family to survive in the aftermath of a natural or man made disaster exposes your loved ones to unnecessary hardship and hunger. Unprepared they will be susceptible to disease from drinking un-purified water and subject to depredation at the hands of marauding looters.
If you won't prepare your family, who will? If you don't start now, when will you start?
For complete survival preparedness planning, and to purchase the best survival gear: long term bulk food storage and mobility survival kits, SURVIVAL H2O Tanks™, the SURVIVAL H2O Purifier™ for water self sufficiency off the Grid and the SURVIVAL STOVE™ for cooking and heat off the Grid, tools, light and communication gear, crossbows and bolts as well as plans, strategies and tactics visit: http://www.mybestsurvivalproducts.com/
January 28, 2012
Initiative Brings Good News for California Illegal Immigrants
Thanks to an initiative unveiled recently by a California legislator and others, almost a million undocumented immigrants may have the chance to live and work in California without any fear of deportation.
Spearheaded by Felipe Fuentes, D-Sylmar, this measure is termed as the California Opportunity and Prosperity Act. This proposal was filed on Dec 2, 2011 with the office of the state attorney general, which marks the first step toward a drive to collect the signatures of 504,760 voters, which is required to make it eligible for the ballot.
Proponents of the measure call it to be a moderate approach, which is necessitated by inability of the federal government to pass an all-inclusive immigration reform. What's more, such an initiative is likely to generate additional tax revenue from illegal immigrants, which may go up to $325 million. Fuentes even remarked in a written statement that such an initiative shows how California is ready to take the lead on a critical issue when Washington, D.C. fails to act. However, despite the strong support that this measure enjoys, its implementation would be possible only if the federal government agrees not to act against undocumented immigrants at the state's request.
Though the measure has its fairs share of supporters, the opponents too aren't leaving any stones unturned to protest against it vehemently. Assemblyman Tim Donnelly called the proposal a futile attempt to evade immigration law. He added further that since there is a proper process for coming to the country, everyone should respect that.
Illegal immigrants in California, who have lived in the state for four years, can either speak English or are learning it, have no convictions for a criminal act, aren't suspected terrorists, and pay a fee to run the program would benefit from the proposed initiative. Even employers who earlier faced difficulty while hiring such undocumented immigrants, as it's illegal to hire an undocumented immigrant according to the federal law, can now breathe easy. According to the proposed initiative, the state will seek exceptions from the federal government, which in turn would make life easier for both the participants and their employers.
With the improvement in job opportunity scenario for undocumented immigrants, California's tax coffers are sure to swell, which is a welcome move, especially when the state is finding it hard to deal with severe financial challenges. Supporters of the measure tout it to be in sync with California's continuing tradition of supporting trailblazing policies in various areas ranging from medicinal marijuana to environmental protection. They believe that the measure will finally allow longtime California residents, who are undocumented, to become taxpayers and contribute to the society fully. However, opponents countered by saying that it's unlikely for the federal government to grant exceptions for a select group of illegal immigrants.
With both the groups debating the measure with fervor, only time will tell if undocumented workers in California will finally see their lives take a turn for the better.
Explore more about California politics, please read more of my articles on california politics blog
Beauty Haul: Makeup, Hair & Skin Care!
January 27, 2012
What Could Be More American Than Celebrating the Birth of Jesus?
While as a Jew, I do not believe in the divinity of Jesus, as an American I acknowledge the pivotal importance that Jesus and his ministry played in the establishment of our great Republic. This is why I am proud to celebrate Christmas which is, after all, the celebration of the birth of a Jewish baby.
Jesus, in words attributed to him in the Gospel and confirmed with the establishment of his church by his followers, intended to carry forth to all of mankind the ethical and moral principles and precepts of the Torah. Those ethical and moral principles which, according to Jewish tradition were given by the Almighty to the children of Israel through their Prophet Moses at Mount Sinai, continue to guide our civilization, our nation, and our lives as individual citizens.
The Torah established a universal code of law that guides individuals and nations regarding proper and improper conduct and relations. The Torah set forth laws and ethical precepts that led to the abolition of slavery, the equality of women, the rules of war, private property, national sovereignty, and limited government.
The Torah described man as created in the image of the Almighty which is an idea that was eloquently advanced by Thomas Jefferson when he wrote, in the Declaration of Independence, that we are "endowed by our creator with certain inalienable rights, among those are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness." This established the biblical principle that rights emanate from the creator and not from the state. This also established the uniqueness and the value of every human life. This confirmed that the proper role of government is to preserve, protect, and defend those inalienable rights as opposed to government as the origin of rights.
Jesus of Nazareth and his ministry brought the laws of the Torah to all of mankind. Jesus developed the idea of a personal relationship between the individual and the Almighty as opposed to a worship of idols which, in modern times, translates to a worship of the State. The modern regressive and anti-Christian socialist movements of Nazism and Communism sought to abolish the personal relationship between the individual and the Almighty as they attempted to replace that loyalty with that of worship of the State.
Jesus established the Judeo-Christian concept of a separation between church and state when he said: "Render unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's, and unto God the things that are God's" It could be said that Jesus was the first individual in history when he stood up to the mighty authoritarian power of the Roman Empire. When Jesus stood up to Pontius Pilate, who represented the secular power of Rome, he inspired people to stand up to state power, to stand for that which is right. As a Jew, I honor the memory of Jesus, a fellow Jew. Rome would eventually follow Jesus and become Christian under the Emperor Constantine.
Thus, whether we are believers or not, religious or secular, we, as Americans, owe a profound debt of gratitude to Jesus and his teachings. America would not have its system of law, its institutions of freedom, its level of economic and cultural success had it not been for the influence and the guidance that emanated from the ministry of Jesus. Christmas, which is a recognized American Federal Holiday and which ought to be observed as such without any restrictions, should thus include reflections on the Judeo-Christian origins of our American system of government and should involve a national rededication to those principles.
Long Curly Hair Care Tips: My Night Routine
January 26, 2012
Should Manufacturing Buildings Be Built More Like a Rubik's Cube Robotic Parking Structure?
"Re-inventing manufacturing" almost sounds like the mission statement of a Technocrat or Futurist looking to capture the utopian dream. Indeed, but why can't we? After all, Henry Ford's assembly line is a pretty old concept. Yes, certainly we have made incremental advances and yet, what about the proverbial "OMG" revolutionary innovations, and "leap-frogging" type paradigms shifts in the manufacturing sector? I guess we are still waiting for those aren't we? We don't have Star Trek assimilation machines yet, I suppose someday we will, and I hope the US is the nation to bring such dreams to fruition.
There was an interesting talk given by Regina Dugan of DARPA on December 14, 2011 for the engineering students and social studies students at MIT titled; "Just Make It" which of course is a "take-off" literally on the Nike Brand theme; Just Do It! - in this talk she mentions an aircraft manufacturing company which works without assembly lines and has been able to increase time to build from start to finish by a factor of 2. Each aircraft stays put, the folks working on it move. Okay so, that makes sense, and Rolls Royce and other high-end auto manufacturers use similar techniques, as to many of the hand-crafted high-end specialty cars.
Why was she giving this talk? Simple; we beat the German's in WWII due to our manufacturing abilities. Today, China can easily out produce us, so are we going to make the same mistake as the Germans did in WWII, in a future war with an industrial power that can out produce us? Well, are we? How can you say the answer is yes or no; you can't and that's one more reason manufacturing is so vital to US interests, on top of the importance of jobs, trade flows, and GDP growth. "A nation lives well, when it produces well," she reminds us, and quoted Adam Smith's warning about not relying on military resources to make our defense systems.
Now then, on the official "White House Blog" there was a posting back on June 24, 2011 by Erin Lindsay titled; "President Obama Launches Advanced Manufacturing Partnership." This appeared just after President Obama gave a speech at Carnegie Mellon University. Manufacturing and production are key to any advanced civilization, and we here in the US like to think we are the most advanced civilization of all.
Okay so, rather than running redline down the Six Sigma, TQM, and Finite Capacity Scheduling Model assembly line - why not really mix things up? Why not turn the three story assembly floor into a robotic Rubik's Cube factory floor, which would operate like a robotic parking structure. An AI mathematical system could keep the system at optimum, and it would allow for all sorts of possibilities? Well, why not think on that for the next five-minutes and shoot me an email if you have any ideas along this line of thinking?
Lance Winslow is the author on a new series of ebooks on Military Technologies. Lance is also the Founder of The Online Think Tank at http://www.worldthinktank.net/
Choosing a Reliable Home Inspection Company
Prevention: Better Than Correction
Imagine you are driving too fast on a highway and you skipped a signboard "Historical Place Ahead". Does it matter for you? Definitely not, because such signs are placed half a kilometer before, and chances are that you might see that historical place yourself.
But what would you do if a danger sign "Dead End" is gone unnoticed...? Similar to above example, our lives are full of indicators, from fuel gauge of our cars to battery sign on cell phone screens; we are being notified almost at every step of our life. Fuel gauge and battery sign both have some tolerance level and appropriate actions need to be taken at right time otherwise your car engine and cell phone both will be switched off.
You may need to bring some changes in your attitude and approach in order to be a preventive-oriented person. Some approaches that can be adopted are:
1) Timely Identification
The best time to address any problem is when they first arise. If a problem is identified at its early stage, you can spot full range of outcomes and plan your actions accordingly against each outcome. I believe that nothing happens at once and every event gives you a pattern before its occurrence. Every problem signs various indications at different stages.
2) Be Realistic
Once you identified any problem, grasp the true source of the problem and learn from it. Be realistic in expecting outcome of any problem.
3) Don't be Daydreamer
Maintaining daydreaming can intensify the explosion of the problem. Some people are habitually ignorant of problems. They assume that problem will go away itself and will never comeback. I call them the "Innocent Stupid" on Earth. Never satisfy yourself with words like
- No one will ever know it. It's off-the-record.
- It's fine, everyone does it.
4) Avoid Fake Problems
Don't be so proactive to identify fake problems - The Pseudo Problems. For example, you are delivering a presentation and you mispronounce the dignity name. Don't feel embarrassment and never consider it a serious issue.
5) Take Responsibility
Jet Fighters usually fly in clusters. They are trained to follow their squadron leader. They perform maneuvers as of their leader. So, bring out that squadron leader in you and prepare yourself to take responsibility.
- Your boss will see if you can handle the situation.
- Your subordinates might look to you for guidance.
- Your colleagues wait and watch your actions.
6) Wait & See Approach
Sometimes a successful project seems to be a failed project because we were unable to address tiny issues timely and adopt wait-and-see approach. This approach can bring some serious problems for you. For example, if a person starts behaving differently, don't ignore. Identify the fault lines and if something is going wrong, fix it. Don't be habitual in delivering after deadlines.
7) Create Richter scale
If you see any indication, map all possible outcomes from the most innocent harmless possibility to the worst situation. In this way, you create a Richter scale that registers everything between worst and best case scenarios. Advantage of this approach is that if you are prepared for the Worst Case, no matter what happens next, you are controlled
Author: Mujtaba Mehmood
Author's Profile: facebook.com/mujtaba911
January 25, 2012
Timesharing - The Gunslinger Days
K Street Insiders: A Brave New World on Capitol Hill?
If you poke your head into any coffee shop, restaurant, or bar on Capitol Hill, you'll hear (and overhear) fervent chatter about lobby reform. Every Washington lobbyist knows his or her business is changing - it's a matter of how and when, rather than if. What are the implications for those who live in a political world, whether it's lawmakers and their staffs or my clients?
For lobbyists, there will be more paperwork and different rules to follow. We will adapt, as we have before. And, as before, 99.9 percent of us will play by the rules. That isn't to say the transition will be a completely smooth one.
Some Americans think lobbyists mislead Congress to get desirable results from themselves and their clients, but I know different. A lobbyist's worth is measured by his or her reliability when supplying lawmakers with the facts underlying an issue. Providing sub-par data, engaging in deceitful practices, or putting a member in an untenable position leads to exile from the lobbying community.
Rather, a lobbyist's job is to bring balance to issues by providing legislators and their staffs with the pros and cons of an idea or action. Lawmakers cannot be experts on every issue - they rely on specialists to parse the minutiae of legislation to make informed votes. With overzealous reform proposals, lawmakers will be cutting out of the legislative process specialists who deliver the detailed information members need to make informed decisions. Any changes in the current working environment should be to improve the system, rather than harm it. Information is power, and lobbyists provide legislators and their staffs with the information they need to make sound policy decisions that are ultimately good for the legislator, their state and this country.
In the 109th Congress alone, more than 10,000 bills and resolutions were introduced (excluding a myriad of agency regulatory changes or compliance issues), according to Thomas.loc.gov. Some actions were simple, such as naming a post office, but others were much less so, touching on such complex concerns as border security, immigration, and small-business healthcare.
Lawmakers and their staffs confront information overload: The volume of communication that a single congressional office receives in any given week is astounding. A recent Congressional Management Foundation study found that Congress receives close to 200 million mail and e-mail contacts in a single year. Add to those communiqués the millions more phone calls and faxes offices on the Hill receive, and it translates into thousands of communications each week at every congressional office.
How do the staffs and legislators separate the wheat from the chaff? With the advent of point-and-click constituent advocacy, the value of a trusted lobbyist who provides solid information helps those legislators and staffs make educated decisions on vital issues for the country and our fellow citizens.
With the complexities of any significant piece of legislation, at least one (and often more), association, organization, coalition or lobbyist advocates on behalf of or against certain components of most actions. Without the input of credible lobbyists, associations, organizations and John Q. Public, legislators and their staffs would be left to make critical decisions without detailed background information, points and counterpoints or consideration of the economic and political realities to their states. Lawmakers' decisions affect millions of Americans every day, and warrant educated input.
Lobby reform proposals surely will impact our community and, going forward, many direct lobbyists may employ grassroots lobbying techniques or other strategies to supplement their face-to-face work. More than likely, congressional staffers will be meeting more in cafeterias, hallways and in their cramped offices, and will be taxed with cramming more meetings into their day due to the possible future bans on outside meetings.
Members will be able to claim victory by passing a reform package, but most will still rely on the lobbying community for the timely, accurate information they need to make decisions. And, over time, the public outside of the Beltway may come to understand the role we all play in ensuring that all legislative issues have an informed voice on Capitol Hill. We must remember that the First Amendment guarantees the right to free speech and petitioning of Congress for redress of grievances. To quash those rights leads us to a place where the common person, business or association had no voice. Our Founding Fathers understood the importance of that voice and we must be careful, with extreme reform proposals, to not impinge on these inalienable rights of every American to petition our government.
January 24, 2012
Using Rhodes For iPhone Development
iPhone and iPad developers will recognize Rhodes as an open source platform based on the framework of Ruby. iPhone development teams can utilize Rhodes to efficiently develop native apps for all the important Smartphone operating systems including iPhone. Besides, iPhone, this also includes RIM, Android, Windows Mobile and Windows Phone 7. Rhodes primarily functions well with synchronized local data thereby leveraging the capabilities of the device that includes applications such as GPS, calendar, PIM contacts, camera, push, mapping, barcode, signature capture as well as Bluetooth and NFC.
iPhone development, iPad development using Rhodes and the advantages
Rhodes brags about having major advantages over other framework and software development kits (SDK) and this can be defined as development goodness for mobile apps. SDK, or a set of software development tools that allow for the creation of apps, is awesome for app development, but Rhodes has the distinction of being the only framework with support Model View Controller. In addition Rhodes has synchronized data, and support for all Smartphone devises, a hosted build service which Rhodes entitles RhoHub, and true industrial device applications such as NFC (Near Field Communications). Other framework and SDKs force developers to write all business logic into JavaScript. If the outsourced iPhone developer desires, they can use HTML or JavaScript, but with Rhodes there are alternatives.
Rhodes on the road to enhance mobile application technology
Smartphone and apps are a boon to consumers and programmers alike, but developers often say that programming has been set back three decades with the invention of Smartphones. Rhodes will bring outsourced development up to modern technology by following specific aspects core to its architecture. Computer development languages such as Java, PHP, ASP, Python and Ruby now feature model view controller frameworks for development. Many developers conclude that mobile has only one way to go and that is using Model View Controller though Rhodes.
Rhodes offers an application generator that develops initial apps based on the structure of the developer's models or business object in the app. This is very comfortable and iPhone and iPad developers expect this accommodation. Rhodes can directly be linked with the backend applications; but the main motive behind developing Rhodes was to ensure that its built-in Rhode mobile sync server can offer synchronized support to data. Rhodes is more scalable than other sync servers and it operates its push-based sync through the utilization of Smartphone SDKs.
iPhone/iPad and Smartphone developers have discovered Rhodes invented the Smartphone framework shortcut. RhoHub (created by Rhodes developers) can perform the builds for every Smartphone operating system. No longer do you have to download all Smartphone SDKs locally, but use RhoHub to perform the Smartphone builds that developers require working their apps.
Conclusion to using Rhodes for iPhone development
All capabilities make Rhodes more productive than writing with any other framework or underlying SDK. Modern web designers and iPhone developers now have an environment that truly leverages all backgrounds into modern habits. Bringing Rhodes into the forefront of developing brings programming and app developing into the modern age and gives outsourced developers advantages of efficiency, quick developing and modern apps.
Relaxed Hair: Gurl what she use???????
January 23, 2012
IBM Using Watson Super Computer to Categorize and Search Patents - I Have an Idea
Wouldn't it be great if we could use the IBM Watson Super Computer to become perfectly accurate, within 99.99%, as in Six Sigma proximity to rationalize the descriptions with the sketches? If so, we could use all of this data to train the Artificial Intelligent Super Computer to take an innovator's or inventor's voice dictated words or speech in describing a new invention, and then sketch it out for them. They say one form of human intelligence, seen in art, is the ability to take a 3D spatial thought and put it down onto a 2D piece of paper, or take a 3D visualized image and paint it or sketch it onto a 2D plane [Howard Gardner - Multiple Intelligence Theory].
Imagine the increased productivity of our most innovative individuals in this case? Yes, I am thinking of myself, I want such a system, but "there's no App for that!" Yet, anyway, however, I believe, I totally believe now, after considering all this that it is possible. Using the key words of the description the AI system could get extremely close, then the innovator would only have to make minor modifications. Imagine if Leonardo da Vinci had one of these back in the day, he'd still have his ability to modify things, but it would be 3/4 done just from his description and voice dictation into the machine.
Basically, it would draw his design, he could watch it before his eyes. Okay so, let me take this concept of mine to the next level, a way to go from conception to prototype in minutes or hours, not months and years. Once the description is drawn out 3/4 of the way, the inventor would make basic verbal command changes in the design and it would save the progress, just as the old Word Perfect did, then once completed the innovator would say complete, print to 3D Cad Cam design, and Holographic Image.
Next the innovator could interact with the hologram or light and make changes just as people do with gestures for Wii or on the iPad to turn pages. Finally, once totally happy with the design, a 3D printer could produce the model, mold, and prototype. Then lasers could cut any material that might be used to make the invention. Can you see what I am saying?
In this way we can have the AI computer working with and for the innovator, giving the inventor full-visualization from the spatial reasoning area of the mind to real life. Please think on this, in fact, if you'd like to email me, I have several other forward thinking ideas to go along with this simple one explained here for the future.
Lance Winslow has launched a new provocative series of eBooks on Future Military Technologies. Lance Winslow is a retired Founder of a Nationwide Franchise Chain, and now runs the Online Think Tank; http://www.worldthinktank.net/
January 22, 2012
Simple Tips to Find Happiness
Happiness is something we are all entitled to, and even though some people might not admit that happiness is the true purpose of life, we all naturally spend our life time making efforts trying to find happiness. People have different definitions for what they classify as being happy, for some it's acquiring a fast convertible car, buying a house or traveling to exotic places all over the world. Bottom line true happiness has nothing to do with material things or our environment, but finding happiness that is genuine begins from within us. All the happiness that we need is within us already we just need to find a way to connect with it so that we can experience it in our daily lives. When you discover how to harness the true happiness that exists within you, you will surely radiate in all areas of your life and even people around you will start noticing how your nature transforms to a happy one.
Most people feel they fail to reach the level of happiness they desire when they don't reach their goals or when they don't acquire the material things they perceived will bring them happiness and so there is a popular belief that being happy is a hard thing to achieve. True happiness begins from inside ourselves and despite failing to achieve our goals or material things we can still live a life radiating with joy and an abundance of happiness. So here are some simple tips that will make your journey to exploding the happiness within you an easy way of life.
Take responsibility:
First things first, your happiness is your own responsibility, unless you make the decision to be happy no matter how much motivation you get, or material things you acquire you will never be happy. Most people blame other people for their own luck of joy, which should not be the case cause what other people do, is just what they do, but the decision to be happy is a choice that is made by you and not them. Having a happy mood is contagious and by accepting or believing that you can never be happy unless someone does something for you, then you will always be in a constant state of sadness, since you will be depending on what other people do to make you happy. This kind of mentality will make you weak and needy and am sorry to say this but you will drive people away from you and make yourself sadder. You can choose to blame others or be responsible for your own attitude and believe that you are happy. Take responsibility for your own happiness, being in control means you have all the power you need to create any kind of situation that you desire including finding happiness.
Appreciation/Gratitude:
Always be grateful for what you have. By being appreciative you will be paying attention to how blessed you are and the more you feel blessed the more it will be easy to tap and find the happiness that exists within you. By being grateful we keep away things that spoil or wreck our moods. When the car wont start be grateful for the money you have in your pocket that will enable you to take the bus, be grateful for the bus driver, be grateful for the road and everything you come into contact with. You don't have to walk around thanking people everywhere but just say it to yourself.
''Thank you for the food, I am grateful for my shoes.''
Gratitude is a big ingredient for happiness; gratitude is the key to shaking off our circumstances and accepting the happiness that comes from within us. When we are grateful we stop competing with other people or with life and so even our attitude changes to a positive one. Being grateful is the key to being your own reflection and the way to finding true happiness by accepting what you have and who you are.
Spend quality quite time.
When we don't take time to listen to our inner voice we will often miss the obvious signals that we have within ourselves to take a certain path that will lead us to more happiness. Always take some quite time to relax. Meditation is known to be a popular practice to finding happiness. Because when we meditate everything within us is relaxed and the body takes time to repair both our exhausted minds and body. Having too much stress whether from work or illnesses by finding time to relax and meditate slows down our body mechanism to a state that puts us in touch with our true inner being. And that is where everything we are looking for exists, in the calm of things within us.
Contribute:
There is no better way to say this other than what Anthony Robbins likes saying, ''We all have a need to contribute'', life is designed for us to contribute and when we don't do so we die. That is just how life is, we all have a need to be appreciated, and that's what drives humans to contribute. There many ways one can contribute to find fulfillment, you can help someone who is in need, volunteer at your local youth club and mentor some kids, or offer your services at the soup kitchen. Charitable people are among the happiest people on earth. You don't have to build a school in some developing country but simple things like visiting the elderly at their homes and mowing their lawn will reveal hidden treasures of happiness that have always existed inside you. So contributing to society/humanity is one way of finding happiness by extending a kind hand to others.
Love:
This is no brain-er, people in love are generally happy people and this applies to all aspects of your life. The more you love the more you will find happiness. It could be your family, your spouse, your kids or grandparents, it is without a doubt you will attract more joy. Another aspect that applies to love is doing the things that you like to do. If you don't like your job, then find one that you love. Most people spend their whole lifetime in a job that they hate, therefore being unhappy all their adulthood. Find that job that has always been your dream or career that you love and stick to it because you will be doing what you are in love with and enjoying doing it. One way of coming to terms with this is finding your childhood dream and following it. Never feel stuck doing something that brings you sadness, whether it's a job or a relationship you can always find one that you will be in love with and this will bring you much joy.
Forgive and forget:
Without forgiveness you will always remember issues that made you sad in the past thus hindering you from being happy. Without forgiveness you will always be stuck in the past. By forgiving we let go of bad experiences that took place, forgiving actually helps ourselves more than the people or situations we are forgiving. So always forgive yourself and forgive those who hurt you then forget and move on to create a more happy future.
Spend time with nature:
Nature has a way of balancing and correcting itself. When you are faced with too much stress, just taking a walk in the woods or walking on grass can relieve so much stress in one's body. There is a great feeling of attachment to nature when one takes a walk on the grass bare feet. This is just one method of experiencing the power of nature in your daily life. Do some gardening, take a walk on the beach, seat out and stare at the moon. These activities have a way of creating calmness within us. A body that is stressed out can never experience full happiness, so take time with nature to balance your energy. With time you will learn to find calmness and a sense of accessing happiness by appreciating and experiencing nature.
Pray and meditate:
Praying is a way to being in touch with our creator. Over time we lose touch with our origin and through prayer we get to trust in the higher being that lives in all of us. Meditation is another form of relaxation and searching our inner soul. People have been transformed tremendously through meditation because it gets us to the inner level of knowing what is really going on in our minds. Through meditation you can discover the deep feelings that have been preventing you from being happy. Meditate regularly and you will truly see the transformation to finding happiness.
Smile more:
Scientist discovered the positive effects of smiling many years ago. Smiling relieves stress, keeps you younger and even keeps some illnesses away. The more you smile the more you find many things to be appreciative about. Laughter brightens up people and brings people together. People naturally are attracted to smiling faces, everything will be easy and people will find you adorable to be around. No one likes a sad face the entire time smile more and happiness will find you.
Stay positive:
Without being positive we tend to worry too much. Worrying too much is harmful and more the reason we should always stay positive. When we become too negative we start thinking about things that we have no power to control, thinking about things we can't change. But by being positive we are driven to take action that will bring us the results that we want. And by getting the results we are looking forward to we become happy with our achievements. There is really no bigger point that this when it comes to finding happiness. By simply staying positive we are driven to more fulfilling actions that bring us more happiness.
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January 21, 2012
Ground Broken for New Job-Creating Accelerator Research Facility at DOE’s Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory in Illinois
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, ground was broken for a new accelerator research facility being built at the Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory (Fermilab) in Batavia, Illinois.
Supported jointly by the state of Illinois and DOE, the construction of the Illinois Accelerator Research Center (IARC) will provide a state-of-the-art facility for research, development and industrialization of particle accelerator technology, and create about 200 high-tech jobs. DOE’s Office of Science Director William Brinkman participated in the groundbreaking ceremony.
“The Illinois Accelerator Research Center will help fuel innovation by developing advanced technologies, strengthening ties with industry and training the scientists of tomorrow,” said Dr. Brinkman. “The Department of Energy welcomes the opportunity to partner with the State of Illinois and looks forward to seeing IARC come to fruition.”
IARC will house 42,000 square feet of technical, office and educational space for scientists and engineers from Fermilab, DOE’s Argonne National Laboratory, local universities and industrial partners. A major focus of the facility is to develop partnerships with private industry for the commercial and industrial application of accelerator technology for energy and the environment, medicine, industry, national security and discovery science. IARC will also offer unique, advanced educational opportunities to a new generation of engineers and scientists.
More than 30,000 accelerators are at work around the world in industry, medicine, security, defense and science. Products that are processed, treated or inspected by particle beams have an annual value of more than $500 billion. Today’s particle accelerators address many of the challenges confronting our nation in the areas of sustainable energy, a cleaner environment, economic security, health care and national defense. The accelerators of tomorrow have the potential to make still greater contributions.
The Illinois Jobs Now! capital bill provided $20 million to the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to fund a grant for the design and construction of a new building that will form part of the IARC complex.
DOE is providing $13 million to Fermilab to refurbish an existing heavy industrial building that will be incorporated into the complex, adding 36,000 square feet of specialized work space.
More information about the Illinois Accelerator Research Center is available at: http://www.fnal.gov/pub/IARC.
More information about the use of accelerators is available at: http://www.acceleratorsamerica.org/.
DOE’s Office of Science is the single largest supporter of basic research in the physical sciences in the Unites States, and is working to address some of the most pressing challenges of our time. For more information, please visit the Office of Science website at science.energy.gov.
News Media Contact: (202) 586-4940
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January 20, 2012
The Shame of College Sports
College sports are a great American institution; celebrated in prose and song; where in legend hearty student athletes strode across the sporting fields bringing honor and joy to the ivied halls of higher learning. But the reality of college sports is not so romantic.
Consider the players. Once student athletes, many are now athletes who often cannot find the classrooms. There are quality programs such as the military academies and premier schools like Stanford, Duke, Notre Dame and Wake Forest with high graduation rates. There are exceptional individuals as well, for example Myron Rolle strong safety for the University of Florida and a Rhodes Scholar. And analysis shows that graduation rates for student athletes are now the same as for the general population.
But these statistics hide the snake in the grass. Included in the overall athletic statistics are the minor sports, where graduation rates are high. Also added to the mix are the Ivy League schools and other schools that do not offer athletic scholarships. When only major sports at major sports schools are considered, the picture is far less rosy.
Graduation rates for football and basketball players are generally lower and in some cases dismal. The Connecticut men's basketball team has a graduation rate of 25%. Some entire schools are little better. Alabama graduates 44% of its athletes, Minnesota 44%, Georgia 41%, Texas 40% and Arizona 39%.
The question is why school administrations tolerate this. The answer, of course, is money. In 2009 Penn State's football program generated profits of $50 million on revenues of $70 million or a profit of $568,235 per football scholarship after factoring in the cost of the athlete's room and board and 'education'. The PAC-10 has a 12 year TV contract worth $3 billion. This monsoon of money has created a casual relationship with ethics.
Recent well publized scandals have led to the firing of coaches and executives at some of college's preeminent sports programs. The shame is that no action was taken until either media exposure or criminal proceedings had exposed the sordid details.
Thankfully high profile scandals like these, while a bitter condemnation of the ethics of college sports, are rare. What is not so rare is the professionalism of amateur sports. Colleges recruit blue ribbon basketball players they cynically know have no interest in the classroom. They are only playing out their mandatory college year before entering the NBA.
Top rank football players cannot enter the NFL draft for three years after graduation from high-school; which is beneficially for both the NFL and major colleges. The NFL gets three years of minor league instruction for its players at no cost and colleges make money off the players without having to pay them. College athletics has provided free or subsidized education for many athletes who have used it to embark on successful careers.
But consider the 32 athletes selected in the first round of the 2011 NFL draft. Only 12 of them had at least four years at college (and that includes years at junior colleges). Athletes in minor sports live in the general population. In the majors they live in athletic dormitories. In the minor sports they take courses in career building disciplines, in the majors they take courses to maintain eligibility. In the minors the coaching staff holds little sway in academic decisions. In the majors it takes a strong willed academic to derail the gravy train.
At its top level college sports is played by mercenaries who pick the schools that will best launch a professional career not for any academic benefit. Coaches will pay lip service to graduation, but no coach in the history of the major programs has ever been fired for a substandard graduation rate. It is a cynical exercise.
The author, Pitt Griffin, is fascinated by why people make the choices they do, some as common as the food they buy, others as important as the religion (if any) they chose or the politicians they elect.
Arrayed against the individual are businesses, politicians and religious leaders eager to take his money, her vote or his fealty. The author explores their tactics and strategies.
If you have an opinion you wish to share or a comment you want to make on any of my articles or would like to read more please visit me at my website: http://www.thecriticalmind.com/
Marc Faber - Fox Business News - 17 January 2012
Poaching In Africa Is Still Prevalent
In 2011 alone there have been 23 black and white Rhinos killed due to poaching in both Zimbabwe's National Parks and private reserves. In response to this there have been 37 arrests of suspected poachers and illegal ivory dealers. With the lucrative Asian and Middle Eastern market present it's no surprise that poaching still exists in Zimbabwe. With poverty at its highest level in Zimbabwe people living on the outskirts of National Parks and animal reserves have the temptation to poach a Rhino and sell the ivory on to a dealer to make some quick money for himself and his family. There are very few job opportunities in Zimbabwe so in many cases it's a 'needs, must' scenario.
Efforts are being made by the wildlife authorities in Zimbabwe by devising new ways to tackle this on going problem. A solution to the problem lies in the Rhino's horn, so horn removal projects have been implemented across the country in aid of saving the Rhinos. By removing these magnificent creatures horns, poachers will have no value in taking a Rhino's life and may therefore leave them alone. The ivory will then stay with the authorities who will keep it under lock and key away from the poachers. Another method being implemented is poisoning the horn of the Rhino, not in an attempt to harm the animal but to poison the poacher and the ivory dealers once they get their hands on the tusk. Both these methods could prove to be a resounding success as it will make life a lot trickier for both the poachers and the ivory dealers.
In other African nations, poaching is still an issue but not to the extent of Zimbabwe. Many other countries including Kenya and Tanzania have employed more fully trained rangers to patrol National Parks in search of poachers, laying traps and snares to catch them. Kenya also hopes to purchase another 14 light aircraft to patrol National Parks and suspected poaching sites which will enable them to respond much more swiftly than they would be able to on foot. Ultimately to quell this problem there needs to be a more forceful ban imposed in Asia and the Middle East to cut off the buyers. As long as there is demand for the ivory I'm afraid there will always be people trying to supply them whatever the cost. Until that day comes the only thing authorities in Africa can do is to be vigilant and keep coming up with new ideas on how to catch poachers and ivory dealers.
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January 19, 2012
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8 Ways To Reclaim Your Childhood
Life passes by and light speed and before you know it; you're sitting in some cubicle, pounding out reports, fighting through traffic, and plopping on the couch, your brain numb to the stresses of everyday life. However, you don't have to be a victim on the rat race, here are eight great ways to reclaim your childhood and keep your life fresh and fun.
1. Lighten up and laugh will ya!
For God's sake, stop taking life so seriously. There is absolutely no need to over think and over analyze it. Life will go on regardless of what happens to you in the course of a day. So don't sweat it. Everything works out in the end.
2. Get moving!
One of the biggest problems for most adults is the time to exercise. But, it is vitally important not just for your physical health, but for your mind as well. There have been a ton of studies to the benefits to physical fitness, but one of my favorites is that when I go tobogganing with my son, my body isn't aching all over after a few trips downhill, and I actually don't feel like I'm going to pass out after climbing back up.
3. All you have to do is dream!
Don't let being a grown up make you forget that there is still a whole life ahead of you, and you can choose to change your direction anytime you like. As we age we learn to become cynical and pessimistic. However, as long as we have dreams we have hope. And quite frankly... I'd rather be hopeful than not.
4. Reward yourself.
In this day and age, where costs keep rising and our pay stays the same, there is no better time for us to reward ourselves for work well done; goals achieved, and just plain being a good person. Splurge and spoil yourself.
5. Get a hobby.
So what do you do with your spare time? Do you go home and watch TV all day? Do you spend all your time cleaning the house, running after your kids, and running errands? You don't have to do it all you know. Find sometime during your day to spend time on the things you want. Learn a hobby, take a course. Whatever you do, don't do anything. You'll become resentful.
6. Be uninhibited.
When we were young, our world was our oyster because we believed we could be anything we want. Fear and experience have taught us to be cautious. Perhaps too cautious sometimes. Sometimes you need to just say, "Screw it! You only live once!" That is the mentality you have to adopt. While you plan for your retirement, don't forget to live for the moment too!
7. Put down the laptop, turnoff the smartphone.
Being connected is great for so many reasons, but there are times where you just need to be in your own space, unavailable to every call and email. Remember, when we were kids, there was only the telephone and the postal service. We got by then; we can certainly get by for a day, or a weekend without the distractions and stress being connected can bring.
8. Pig out every now and then.
One of the things I love about my son visiting is that I eat everything I shouldn't. Piles of ice cream, pizzas, candy... you name it. And do you think I fell guilty about it? Not a chance! I'm not going to pass up the opportunity to have fun, by being all "adults" about it! Let yourself go every now and then. Have a good time and stop worrying.
Feeling young starts in your mind. It's how we view ourselves, that is reflected into the lifestyle and habits we adopt and become. We don't have to be burdened with the stress of life.We can only control what we can, and everything else will work itself out. No matter what your situation in life, we all have a reason to reclaim our childhood.
When we were young, the world was our oyster because we believed we could be anything we want. Fear and experience have taught us to be cautious. perhaps too cautious sometimes. Sometimes you need to just say, "Screw it! You only live once!" That is the mentality you have to adopt. While you plan for your retirement, don't forget to live for the moment too!
Elliot Zovighian is a life coach, speaker, author, blogger is the owner of EZ Lifestyles, a life coaching company from Toronto, Canada. His daily blog offers articles and advice on such subjects as life skills, work and career, relationships, parenting, featured videos and more. http://www.ezlifestyles.ca/
January 18, 2012
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Pursuing Higher Education In Japan
If you've decided to study in a foreign country, it would be to your benefit to research the educational opportunities offered by Japan. Think about being educated in the country that has made the most economic progress since World War II. You can enroll in courses or participate in a research project using the same technology that has elevated Japan to the top of the world's economy.
In Japan, the old and new have been able to coexist creating a culture that values ancient eastern philosophies, while adopting capitalism and western business practices. If you become a part of this culture, you will gain a well-rounded experience. You can visit some of the oldest temples in the world and then complete your work or class assignments using state-of-the-art technology, all in the same day.
Japan's educational reputation speaks for itself, as many of the world's leaders have studied there, and a number of Japan's scientists and writers have recently been awarded a Nobel Prize. The most popular fields of study are electronics, Japanese literature, medicine, and international business. It is a goal of all the educational institutions to provide a quality educational experience supported by research, computer, and library facilities.
The Japanese government has set a goal of increasing foreign student enrollment from the current 140,000 to 300,000 students by the year 2020. This provides you with a unique opportunity to be recruited by a graduate or undergraduate institution, a junior college, or a specialty training school or college of technology. The type of institution you choose will depend on your educational and career goals.
Undergraduate education generally lasts four years at one of the national, private, or public universities with the option of continuing on to one of the graduate schools to obtain a Master's or doctoral degree. At a junior college, you could study education, sociology, and the humanities over a two or three-year period. Finally, the specialized training schools provide vocational skills training, while the colleges of technology offer five-year programs to junior high school graduates.
Before enrolling in one of the above institutions, most foreign students spend one to two years in a Japanese language school. There are also multiple immigration procedures to follow, the details of which are coordinated by the immigration information center. Don't be discouraged by what might seem like red tape, however, because there are many schools from which to choose and a variety of financial aid to support your venture.
You could apply for funds from the Japanese government through the embassy or one of the foreign universities or be supported by one of the many aid programs sponsored by your country of residence. There are many who privately finance their education and seek support only for lodging and incidental expenses. To cut costs even further, some study as exchange students, studying abroad to learn the language and experience the culture, while still enrolled at home.
There are widespread employment opportunities if you choose to stay in Japan since most of the major companies have set a goal of innovation through diversity. The key to success for these manufacturers is to focus on a global perspective, and that philosophy has propelled them into leadership roles in the areas of telecommunications and office automation. Sounds like a win-win situation for someone looking for an exciting challenge. Study abroad programs in Japan are a great way for students to become more cultured. Even a short summer semester abroad can be a great experience.
January 17, 2012
How to Position Yourself for Success by Watching Waves
The great surfers tend to watch a wave before heading out on the water, especially when showing up at a new break. If you're familiar with the surf break, maybe you just dive right in or spend a shorter time watching. Now the question I have for you, why don't you do that in life? For example, maybe you're in an important interview. Having done a lot of interviews, I see new folks tell me about how great they are and what they accomplished. The really great interviewees tend to ask me questions to find out a little more before diving into telling me about themselves. The power of observation can help you navigate the situation of the life wave that you're about to surf or get crushed.
Here is a situation many of us fall victim to a crushing blow of a wave - your relationship. Consider the situation where your partner comes home and has had a horrible day. Now if you're in a laid-back surfer mood, you'll observe that your partner is either upset with you or just upset. Maybe they come how and start grumbling, getting sharp with you, or start seriously complaining about nothing. Here's two situations, you push back right away because your partner just ruined your good mood, or you ask questions to help the situation. What would happen if you look at the situation like a new break? Just watch for a minute, just listen. Then ask questions that notice the behavior but don't accept the behavior. For example: "Wow, seems like something happened today. What do you need to make it better?" So I acknowledged something happened, and I used my empowering questions to find out how to make it better. Of course sometimes it doesn't make it better, but many times it puts your partner on the right track and doesn't kill your surfer mood. mad at the wave, just learn how to position yourself to either ride or pass on the wave.
Probably, the toughest challenge for many people is being patient. Especially when it comes to life and changing yourself to achieve the attitude to receive what you want out of life. If you want to ride the biggest wave in the world, you just don't go out your back door, jump in the water, and start paddling. You have to train, practice, set up a crew to drag you out of the water if you fall, watch the weather patterns, and find the perfect break. You may have to wait years, seriously. But if you want to do it, you do, and you're not thinking about patience, you are anticipating the arrival of your wave. Do you know why you're excited about it, because you know that wave will come. It's nature, nature produces storms, and if you're wanting to ride a huge wave you can't change nature, but you can observe it so you can be in the right position at the right time to hit the wave. This still doesn't guarantee you get what you want, but at least you're in the best possible position to surf a massive mountain of water.
If you're willing to wait for a wave, why aren't you patience with other things you want in life? Taking time to watch, learn, and position yourself for success removes stress, worry, and allows you to enjoy the entire process. As you become patient and most importantly observant, you'll notice things many people miss completely. You may also find your own wave or niche in life that you never really noticed about yourself.
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January 16, 2012
Two Impressive Animals Of The Galapagos
The Galapagos Islands lie over 1,000km off the coast of South America's Ecuador in the Pacific Ocean, almost exactly on the equator. Charles Darwin visited the islands in 1835 on his voyage in The HMS Beagle. The islands' nature proved to be of great importance in the development of Darwin's theory of evolution by natural selection.
Three ocean currents converge at the islands and there is ongoing volcanic and seismic activity; these factors along with the islands' isolation led to the unusual animal life that can be seen on the islands.
What it is, the marine reserve and the islands are known as a 'living museum and showcase of evolution.' The islands' natural residents are world famous for being fearless of humans, thanks to their long history of evolution in absolute isolation from humanity. For this reason the Galapagos are possibly the world's most popular destination for nature lovers seeking to spot some of the islands' best known residents.
Galapagos Tortoise
This is the largest living tortoise and is the most recognised symbol of the Galapagos Islands. The tortoises can weigh more than 250kg and their shells can measure 150cm; they are slow moving and have a life span of over 150 years.
These creatures are herbivores and live on a diet of fruit, leaves, grasses, vines and cactus. Tortoises that feed on high growing cacti have curved shells to enable their longer neck to reach the food whereas tortoises feeding on ground vegetation have dome shells.
With 11 sub-species still living on the islands, there used to be 15 sub-species. It is believed that the tortoises arrived on the island by floating on a piece of wood along the Pacific Coast. A similar large tortoise lives on the South American mainland that is related to the Galapagos Tortoise.
Since 1969, there have been strictly protected measures established by the Charles Darwin Research Station to help endangered tortoises within the Galapagos National Park. A project of tortoise rearing has been started by the Charles Darwin Research Station and they collect the tortoise eggs and raise the young until they are capable of defending themselves about predators because if they don't then they will be threatened. This project has turned things around and have now got 10 of the 11 endangered species to guarded levels.
Galapagos Pink Land Iguana
An Iguana is a large lizard; the islands are home to both the Marine Iguana and the Land Iguana. The Pink Iguana has rose coloured scales with black stripes along its body and is thought to be a hybrid of both species of Iguana. This particular species was first spotted in the islands in 1986 but was not classified as a separate species until 2009.
There are physical differences between the species, the Pink Iguanas have flat head scales, whereas land iguanas have a thick fatty crest on the back of the neck with small conical scales.
"Volcan Wolf", the volcano in the north on the island of Isabela, is the only place that this Iguana can be found and is recognised by a stripy pink body. There are thought to be around 100 living species and because of this, urgent action needs to be taken to prevent its extinction.
When looking for your Machu Picchu and Galapagos tours you need to know what you want to see and how you're going to see it. Always use a recommended travel operator when considering your visit to Galapagos and Peru.