R&D Funding Keeps U.S. At Forefront of Innovation

Federal support of science and technology, combined with the research and development conducted in private industry, has enabled Americans to explore the outer realms of space, create methods to control environmental pollution and develop powerful new medicines.

By making technology R&D a national priority, the U.S. federal government has played a major role in elevating America to a leadership position in innovation and industrial productivity during much of the last half century.

But this leadership may be eroding, prompting concerns in legislative and technical circles that the United States is compromising its ability to compete in the global economy. Although President Bush has stated his commitment to restoring U.S. competitiveness through R&D funding - proposing $6 billion in the coming fiscal year and a total of $136 billion over the next 10 years - it is uncertain how much federal money will be allocated to the research community.

That's because most federal funding for science and engineering comes from the U.S. government's discretionary budget, which some members of Congress want to restrain in an effort to control the current national budget deficit, currently $400 billion.

In addition to dealing with the national deficit, lawmakers also must acknowledge the pressures that Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security exert on government budgets. According to policy officials, the excessive government spending on entitlement programs leaves shortfalls in other areas, including science and technology.

Myriad technology programs are at various stages of research and development and await additional funding for maturation and refinement. Programs requiring federal support include nanotechnology, plasma physics, high-speed computing and other technologies that have the potential to revolutionize industrial development and transform the 21st century global economy.

According to the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, high-level federal funding of the nation's R&D initiatives is critical to U.S. prosperity and global competitiveness. ASME organizes seminars and sponsors other programs that bring together government leaders and the technical community to discuss and debate important issues and work at practical solutions.

Money- The Paradox Of Money

Money is probably the most commonly word used around the world. Money, without which lot many things cannot be done. If one has no money, one will have trouble even feeding oneself, leave aside shelter etc. What should be our attitude towards money? How much money should we accumulate and how much should we give away. How many morals and principals can be broken to get more money? And why should we earn more money than absolutely essential? There are many questions about money that come in to mind. Because since ages its money and power that has motivated human beings.

For few of us power matters more than money. And paradoxically money always brings power with it. But power may or may not bring in money. For example if you are the most important person of your country but highly principled, you will have total power but very little money. On the other hand some corrupt dictators have accumulated money beyond any imagination.

For few of us there are other pursuits than money and power. A good scientist gets more excitement with his inventions than any amount of money or power. For each of us there is a different motivator. Money seems to be one of the most common motivator. Cutting costs, raising prices and making more profits, this is the mantra of most of the industries and enterprises. Stock market has attracted people since long only because of the probability of making quick money. Why should lotteries become popular? Should not we depend upon our hard earned money? But lottery tickets are bought around the world. Buyers hope that they may get lucky and earn more money than they could otherwise on a single day. Gambling of all types is again driven by money as the only factor. We can list as many activities as we wish that are driven by attraction for money.

Does money and more money and much more money than others give more peace of mind? Does it give more happiness or more contented life? The answer is not yes in most of the cases. Rather more money brings in more problems. Where to invest? Which bank to choose? What about those who are always requesting for donations and loans? How to keep them away? And what to do with money after one has met all the needs? Buy a still bigger mansion or holiday all the year or begin collecting antiques?

Money. If you have less, you want more and if you have more you don't know what to do? That is the paradox of money.

Learn about Allergic Reaction

The response of body to an invader substance is termed as allergic reaction. There can be various kinds of allergies such as dust, pollen, medicines, food, insect, viruses or bacterial allergy. The allergic reaction may be a small skin rash on one spot or all over the body. The reaction happened when immune system of the body is triggered by substances called antigen. The function of immune system is to protect the body from harmful substances like bacteria. When immune system sense kind of harmful substances, it is called hypersensitivity which is also known as allergic reaction.

Generally, allergic reaction is not dangerous to life but it may cause end of life in sever cases. One of extensive form of allergy is anaphylaxis which appears sudden and leads shock, problem in breathing or unconsciousness. It happened because of sudden dilation of large blood vessels. The blood pressure often drops under this condition, and consequently, may cause cardiac arrest or death.

The appearance of less harmful allergic reaction varies from involved body parts and intensively. The most common symptoms include skin redness, itching, swelling, blistering, weeping, crushing and rash. Other than the skin allergy, the symptoms may involve coughing, shortness of breath, swelling of face, eyelids swelling, lips swelling, tongue or throat swelling, sneezing, red or watery eyes, stomach pain, vomiting and diarrhea.

The cause of allergic reaction is a chemical process inside the body. The immune system contains white blood cells producing antibodies. When antigen exposes the body, it causes reaction. The people with certain problems such as allergic reaction in the past, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, nasal polyps, frequent reaction to the nasal sinus, ear or reparatory tract and sensitive skin, are more likely to have fast allergic reaction.

The treatment of allergic reaction depends of allergy type. As a home care treatment, to avoid food allergy, a person should avoid the food that causes problem. For this purpose, prior knowledge of which food to avoid is necessary. To avoid the seasonal allergy, necessary precautions should be made at right time. Similarly, in case of skin allergy, the particular area should be treated with ice or cold water. Applying bags of frozen vegetables wrapped in a towel is also useful.

Know Your Personality Type

Our world is made of all kinds of persons. Some do things as they have been done since ages. They talk, react, judge and act exactly as they have seen and taught. These kinds of people hate original and new ideas calling them dangerous for the world. On the other side of the spectrum are people who live life dangerously. They want to break every convention, every rule and live life on their own terms. They decide what they want to do irrespective of the outcome. The third type is original and mature.

The conventional types will never question anything. For them life has very few whys. They accept the way things are done, and meekly follow the leader. They are proud of their heritage and history, and changing trends will discomfort them greatly.

The dangerous kind, who believes in no conventions, will do everything in their own way. Their behavior may cause pain to others and discomfort to family and friends, but they are not bothered. They consider themselves as right and others as wrong and sometimes fools. They dislike, rather hate any preaching or advise and are the rebels of the society. These people may not always be very brave, but cowards. They are comfortable doing things in their own way but may be very selfish.

The last type is original and mature. This type is balanced. These people don't laugh at every convention, nor wish to break all of them. They maturely try to understand the why and then decide the correct course of action. For them if the conventional way is found correct, they will follow that otherwise they will chart their own course. This personality is inventive and reflective. These people try to develop a view of how things should be to make a happy world. These people will be ready to make sacrifices, risk their lives and are ready to fight conventions and set thoughts if they find them dangerous. Such people can become great leaders who can lead their group to a better future. They are original but mature in their thinking. This may sound contradictory, but original does not imply - to do everything in the new way. Original here implies thought process that is original. Their maturity and originality gives them a wide canvas to decide about ethics, values and the correct way of living. These people enjoy the world, love the world and wish to contribute something significant to make a better world.

Program Combats Prejudice, Intolerance Among Youth

Whether recent allegations of racism along the Gulf Coast, regarding the response to Hurricane Katrina, reflect reality or perception, it is clear that the U.S. still has significant divisions that fall along ethnic and racial lines.

In fact, a recent survey of young people across the United States indicates that while there is a general acceptance of people from other cultures or backgrounds, more than half still perceive that peers spend more time at school with kids of the same background.

In an effort to alleviate prejudices and promote tolerance, Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) and The Allstate Foundation have created "Youth for Unity," a program designed to teach young people about the advantages of diversity.

The program also aims to help children and teens appreciate themselves as unique individuals, recognize unfairness and take personal leadership in confronting bias.

Among other things, the survey - conducted by BGCA and The Allstate Foundation - found that young people believe their race, ethnic group or religion is still the main factor in achieving financial success, but also that a diverse population makes our country stronger.

"It is telling to us that the youth diversity survey delivers such a mixed message, with young people believing that diversity gives our country strength, while still saying that financial success is based on the color of their skin or their religion," said Roxanne Spillett, president of BGCA.

"The survey shows that while we have made significant progress in teaching our young people about diversity and tolerance, we still have much to do," she added.

It also indicates that education starts at home.

Whether they know it or not, parents play a critical role in helping their children develop positive attitudes about inclusion and go a long way in re-emphasizing the lessons learned in school or in programs like Youth for Unity.

"By removing barriers and providing an opportunity for America's youth to experience other cultures - and their own - on a more intimate level, our society will be well-positioned to draw on the strengths of our diverse community," says Ron McNeil, a member of the BGCA Board of Trustees and senior vice president of Allstate Insurance Co.

What in the world do I do at a Baby Shower?

Here are some of our favorites. But before you get started with the games, be sure to get some prizes first. Prizes to consider are full size (not bite size), candy bars, blue or pink pens for the sex of the baby. Additionally, blue or pink balloons with a face drawn on the front, or the words “winner” written across in permanent marker make for really fun prizes as well.

After you have some up with some prizes, here our some of our favorite games to play.

1. Fastest Diaper Changer in the West. Have smaller size balloons blown up and hand them out to everyone who will be playing. Next give them two diapers. Have the guest carefully put the diapers on the balloon before the game starts. After they have already placed on diaper on the balloon, give them the instructions that junior has just had an accident and being the careful and delicate parent that they are , there objective is to change the diaper without pooping the balloon. Anyone who pops a balloon will be disqualified and whoever changes the diaper first, will win a prize.

2. How does Mommy Measure Up? Begin by passing out some yarn to everyone who will be playing. Next pass around some scissors and have each guest cut the amount of yarn that will fit Mommy perfectly at her widest point without being over or under. The person who is the closest is the winner.

3. Guess the Number of Kisses. This is used everywhere and everyone already know how to play. Fill a jar with Kisses (jelly beans are too typical) and have each one guess at the number of Kisses, the closest one will win the jar of kisses.

4. The Price is Right. For this one, it is played much like the game shows you see on television. Visit some online merchants who have both pictures and descriptions of Baby items and print them up. Pass around some paper and pens. Have the host narrate the online product description and pass it around with the price blacked out. The person who is closest to the item without going over will win a point. After all of the items have been passed around, the person with the most point wins.

As your can see, there are a plethora of baby shower games that can be played for your shower. What is important to remember is to know who your audience is going to be. This means, are the games that you are thinking about playing fit both the audience and the theme you are trying to create?

iPhone Unlocking Benefits

Many awaited the launch of the iPhone and when it finally arrived in the summer of 2007 the line to get one was a long one. For people who didn’t live in the USA the waiting in this line would have to continue till November the same year and by then it stood clear that the phone needed to get unlocked to live up to its full potential. To get an iPhone and not unlock it would be considered a waste of money by many, especially since unlocking became so easy as clicking your mouse.

Cheating Customers

It is questionable if it is OK to unlock an iPhone but this could easily be turned around as a customer that buys this expensive phone is forced to accept the terms of the operator it is tied to. In the USA the phone operator is AT&T and in some cases buying the phone means that a customer has to stick to the phone company for 2 years! It is evident that such an arrangement robs the customers of the benefits of a free market where prices are influenced by the competition of the phone companies. To unlock the iPhone means to get a better variety of rates and subscriptions.

In Europe it is only possible for people living in the UK, Germany or France to enjoy the locked iPhone. It is not unusual with business relationships between these nations and that means that customers in Europe will not only have to accept the rates of the company with the rights to the iPhone in their own country but also the conversion rates that are added as they cross into one of the other countries. By unlocking the iPhone it will gain a better reputation as a phone that can be fit for everyone.

Immobile mobile

For people living in countries other than the UK, France, Germany and the US, the only way to enjoy an iPhone is to unlock it. It is quite remarkable that a phone that is meant to be used as an all around tool isn’t fit to be used globally. Without a simlock the phone becomes affordable and more attractive and it can better be used globally. Taking away the lock-feature will not only benefit the great many customers who would like to use it but also the producers that certainly want to see their phone conquer the world.

If you decide to unlock your iphone its recommend you do it with a reputable firm that knows what its doing and can give you propper support. There are many cases where an iPhone has been bricked by malfunctioning software.

Malpractice Claims, High Insurance Costs. Force Doctors To Shut Their Doors

A growing number of doctors are limiting the medical services they provide, or leaving their practices altogether, for fear of malpractice lawsuits. That's because the increasingly large awards in malpractice cases are translating into unaffordable insurance premiums for many doctors and hospitals.

Even if doctors choose to stay in business, some are relocating to states with laws that provide better malpractice protection. For patients, this may mean not having access to the health care they need, particularly in high-risk pregnancy or brain injury cases.

"It didn't really matter if I did anything wrong or how good a doctor I was or how much time I spent with a patient or how much effort of myself I gave," says Cara Simmonds, M.D., an obstetrician who ultimately stopped practicing medicine after a pair of baseless malpractice claims threatened to dramatically increase her insurance premiums. "It was all a game and it doesn't measure your worth."

In many cases, the lawsuit has nothing to do with a doctor's ability. Instead, the patient's family is looking for a way to cope with a tragedy.

Insurance Crisis

"The malpractice insurance crisis dates back to the early 1970s, when the cost of claims soared and commercial medical liability insurance companies tried to deal with the problem by raising doctors' premiums-sometimes doubling or even tripling them."

In 1974, thousands of physicians faced the dual dilemma of not only meeting the rising cost of rapidly increasing premiums, but also finding a company willing to sell them this swiftly disappearing insurance coverage. Doctors in many states took matters into their own hands, creating their own professional liability companies. Today, these doctor-owned and/or operated companies dominate the market, providing protection to more than 60 percent of all physicians in the United States, as well as dentists, hospitals and other health care providers.

There are many in the medical field who believe America needs Congress to pass national legislation that will keep doctors in delivery rooms and emergency rooms, not courtrooms.

Law Enforcement Officer Deaths Decline

Fewer law enforcement officers died in the line of duty in 2005 than in previous years because of improvements in body armor, better training and less-lethal weapons.

A recent report indicates that 153 law enforcement officers across the nation died in the line of duty, marking a continued downward trend over the past 30 years.

During the 1970s, more than 220 officers were killed each year, making it the deadliest decade in law enforcement history. But with the exception of 2001 and the high number of officers killed in the 9/11 attacks, the officer fatality rate has declined to 160 per year.

California, which lost 17 officers over the past year, had the nation's most line-of-duty fatalities, followed by Texas, with 14, and Georgia, with 10. These figures were released by the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF) and the Concerns of Police Survivors (COPS), two nonprofit organizations. While deaths have declined, further safety measures are called for.

"The fact remains that an officer dies nearly every other day, and we need to stay focused on the measures that will protect their lives," said National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund Chairman Craig W. Floyd.

The NLEOMF and its partner organization, the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), noted the importance of body armor.

According to the IACP Dupont Kevlar Survivors' Club®, which tracks incidents in which the armor has saved officers' lives, nearly 3,000 officers have been protected from potentially fatal injuries since 1975.

Because this is the second consecutive year in which traffic-related accidents either equaled or topped gunfire as the leading cause of death, the NLEOMF and COPS are calling for better driver training for officers, safer automobiles, and a driving public that is more attentive to officer safety when approaching accident scenes and traffic stops.

Every officer who died in the line of duty during 2005 will be honored at a Candlelight Vigil on May 13, 2006, during National Police Week.

"When law enforcement officers die in the line of duty, their families need strong support. Concerns of Police Survivors will be there for the families who lost an officer in 2005," said COPS National President Shirley Gibson, whose son, Police Master Patrol Officer Brian T. Gibson, was killed in 1997.

Personality Types- Aggressive Or Passive

I am the world. The world must obey me. I can never be wrong. I know what is to be done and how. All of you must follow what I say without any protest, because I tolerate no dissent. I am the storehouse of all the knowledge and what I do not know is not worth knowing. I am the most intelligent person going around and though I don't show it clearly, I know that all of you are much lower than me in intelligence. I am the boss.

Please be with me. I do not know how to face the world. I will do what you say, but please protect me from this world. I don't know much and please guide me at every step. I need you. Please help me at all the times.

These are two ends of extreme personalities. The first one - aggressive and the second one -passive. Psychology is as complex as the human mind and as the time passes more discoveries and more theories get propounded. But I am not talking about clinical psychology. I am talking about what we observe in our everyday life and what it teaches us.

As you read the descriptions above, you will agree that both the types are not healthy. The healthy personality has respect for its strengths and acknowledges its weaknesses without feeling bad about them. The healthy personality respects others for their strengths and does not show any disdain for their weaknesses. He/she knows that all of us are imperfect in some way. The healthy personality does not try to overwhelm others with knowledge, but helps with guidance. The healthy type is equally not overwhelmed by more dominant people but acknowledges that they are good in some areas and respects them for that. But does not behave submissively.

In this world, none of us is perfect. We all should be ready to learn new things without feeling inferior. All right, I do not know how to play the piano. Please teach me. If I find out that I will learn it and like playing I will continue learning, otherwise I will try my hand at something else. For a healthy person, the qualities do not make a person inferior or superior. He/she treats all as human beings first and says that some one is good or not very good at doing something. If a healthy personality has to express his/her opinion about someone's shortcoming, it will not be - that person is a fool, but that person has certain deficiencies but the deficiencies can be taken care of by proper learning.

Mathematician Mom Re-engineers Quilting

During her career as a software engineer, Marci Baker solved difficult mathematical problems. When she became a stay-at-home mom, she turned to solving another problem involving precision and speed: "How do you make a traditional quilt in one-tenth the time?"

Along the way she discovered a sewing machine that appeals to both her quilting and her engineering sides.

A lifelong sewing enthusiast, Baker had not had much quilting experience. But looking for a creative outlet, she decided to focus on the craft and soon discovered that using the systematic approach of an engineer she could make the time-consuming process of cutting and sewing go much more quickly.

Baker developed a method based on "strip piecing," eliminating the need to measure and sew together every small piece of fabric in a quilt top. Instead, strips of fabric are sewn together, cut diagonally, and then pieced together in a pattern. Using Baker's method, a traditional quilt that would normally take about 50 hours to complete can be pieced together in as little as five hours.

Realizing she'd created a marketable product, Baker designed patterns and quilting tools and began selling them through her company, Alicia's Attic. With the ability to make quilting dramatically faster and easier, Baker's products turned out to be ideal for the two largest segments of the quilting market: experienced quilters and those who want to learn.

Two years ago Baker opened a retail space. She uses it as a workshop, to hold quilting classes and as a place to offer her books, patterns and quilting tools. She also sells the Janome line of sewing machines. She began using Janome sewing machines in her classes because she knew they would be easy for new quilters to operate and give experienced quilters excellent results.

Baker does her own quilting on Janome's Memory Craft 6500 Professional machine, which operates at up to 1,000 stitches per minute and has almost twice the workspace of the traditional home sewing machine. Janome designed it to have the power and stitch quality of an industrial machine, but with the quiet operation of a home machine.

Baker says she's looking forward to using Janome's newly released Memory Craft 6600, which has even more advanced features.

What's Your Passion?

Okay, you've decided you want to make money with Affiliate Marketing. So, you join some affiliate programs and start submitting free ads to newsletters and free advertising classifieds sites. You're going to make BIG money now -- right?

Nope! Sorry! Just sending out a few ads is not going to do it. Not if you want to be a real success.

You must first determine your passion. I mean other than making the money! What is your hobby? What do you know how to do REALLY well? What is your job? Everyone has something that is their own special talent. Find yours.

You probably have more than one thing that you are very interested in and do well. See if you can find five (ten if you're really ambitious). Write them down in a list. Remember, you are going to be spending a lot of time working with this subject. Make sure you enjoy it!

Go down each item on your list. Start writing a rough outline of everything you know about the topic. It doesn't have to be elaborate. This is just to give you an idea of how much information is available for a given subject.

Try mind mapping. Write down the main subject of your idea. Draw a circle around it. Now, start thinking of sub-categories that are related to your main category. Draw a line from your main category and end it with a circle. Put the sub-category title inside this circle. Find as many sub-categories (and sub-sub-categories) as you can.

Go through each of your interests with this procedure. Choose the one that you know the most about and that you can write about comfortably.
What if you "think" you don't know enough about your topic? Then, do some research. Read books and magazines. Do some searches on the Internet. Who knows? You might find an area, a niche, that is just waiting for you to fill it with useful information.

There's a lot more to affiliate marketing, of course. But the first step is to find your passion. Your "passion" doesn't have to be making money on the Internet. It can be cooking, sewing, billiards, or whatever. In fact, it's better if you find a niche that isn't in the online marketing arena because that's what nearly everyone else is doing.

Make your topic unique. Make it yours. And make it your passion. It will pay you well.

This Season, Think Of The Children

This is a season of renewal and rebirth. Nature is waking up from her long winter. The trees are beginning to bud, the birds are singing, and the sounds of children playing outside can be heard once again. These delights are all the more special because of the long winter we've endured.

The same is true for our children. Our kids especially appreciate the care and love they experience here because they know what it means to suffer pain and mistreatment. I wish you could see the changes I have seen in them as they find love, faith and hope resurrected in their lives.

The Latin root of the word "resurrection" means "to lift up again." The visual image I use for resurrection is helping up someone who has fallen. Our work here at Girls and Boys Town is resurrection work. Our Christian kids are inspired by the story of Christ's resurrection. Children of other faiths connect with their own faith stories of triumph over evil to help them find help, healing and hope.

All the girls and boys we help began life like every other child in America-talented, loving and full of promise. Unfortunately, somewhere they fell down-pushed down by adults who abused or neglected them. Some fell into using drugs and alcohol, promiscuous sex, stealing, lying or hanging with a bad crowd.

"Dad was never around, and Mom was high most of the time," said Kenisha, a 14-year-old who is excelling in school today and is a member of our choir. "There were times I had to eat weird stuff because there was no food in the house. I would find an excuse to stay with friends because at least they had electricity and a real meal."

For Jason, a 16-year-old, Girls and Boys Town is providing problem-solving skills and a chance to rebuild relationships with his family. His future is much brighter than before. In fact, Jason said he is lucky to be alive.

"I just decided to be bad," Jason said. "I knew what was right and wrong and I chose to go against my parents. Pretty soon I found myself with a bunch of kids who did drugs and stole stuff. It scared me after awhile because I found myself in front of guys with guns."

Thank you for being a part of Kenisha's and Jason's resurrection. With your help, Girls and Boys Town will make this springtime a true chance for a new life for the children in America who need it most. We'll lift them up again and again until they can stand on their own.

Retro Toys – Who’s Buying Them?

The shelves are packed with toys with a cross generational appeal, but which demographic is buying most?

As Christmas looms ahead, thoughts move towards the hottest toys this year and parents steel themselves in the annual slog to make sure they get the sought after merchandise. And so do a lot of grown men. The recent trend for retro toys has had an impact on the sort of shopper we find in toy stores and online.

A two tier market has developed, stimulated by an increase in retro culture. The TV schedules and multiplexes are filled with remakes – The Dukes of Hazzard, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Starsky and Hutch, Bewitched, Doctor Who and Star Wars have all made an outing in the last year alone. But as these remakes and rehashes appear vying for an audience, the question has to be asked – who is the audience? These films have a cross-generational appeal – the kids they are strictly catered for and the kids who watched them the first time around.

The impact on the commercial worlds is profound. The merchandising industry which inevitably surrounds the movie and TV world knows all too well of the two tier market and are all too happy to fill some of the shelves for their newfound taller customers. The web is a fertile marketplace for the bigger kids, with DVD and film sites such as http://www.moviemail-online.com catering for cult and retro films almost exclusively. Similarly, a large number of online toy stores such as http://www.justtoys.com are springing up with the intention of selling merchandise – Doctor Who Toys, Star Wars Toys - with a specifically grown–up appeal.

With the trend for Hollywood to look retrospectively in it’s efforts to fill the multiplexes, the trend for retro toys looks set to continue. A look at the forthcoming releases – King Kong, Wonder Woman, Indiana Jones 4 – tells us that that the big boys will be pushing you out of the way to get to their favourite toys in Christmases to come.

It Takes A City: Strengthening Families

Increasingly, local government leaders recognize that building stronger families and improving outcomes for their children and young people are the keys to long-term social and economic success.

"A community's quality of life can be measured by the opportunities available to help children and families succeed," says Ron Gonzales, mayor of San Jose, Calif., the past chair of National League of Cities' (NLC) Council on Youth, Education, and Families. "Without this investment, communities face higher costs for public safety and human services, tighter municipal budgets, reduced potential of the local workforce and weakened growth of the local economy."

In order to support these efforts, NLC has developed a new initiative to help young people succeed. The two-part "City Platform for Strengthening Families and Improving Outcomes for Children and Youth" urges officials to take specific actions that have proven to strengthen families and promote sustained progress over time, including recommendations to:

• Bring together leaders from the public, private and nonprofit sectors as well as parents and other community residents through a mayor's task force or commission to identify their communities' needs, opportunities and priorities.

• Promote effective city-school collaboration through regular meetings between the mayor and city council, school board and school superintendent that focus on shared priorities and the development of joint plans of action.

• Directly involve young people by sponsoring a mayor's youth council, appointing youth to municipal boards and committees, and holding communitywide youth summits.

• Measure progress over time through a community "scorecard" that tracks key outcomes and places them within the context of a broader report on the status of children, youth and families.

The second part of the platform recommends a set of concrete action steps for communities to undertake in key areas, including early childhood development; youth development; education and afterschool programs; health and safety; youth in transition and at risk; family economic success; and neighborhoods and community.

"This platform provides a blueprint all city leaders can follow," Gonzales said.

Locating a child daycare

Day care also called a crèche in Queen's English, means child being taken care of by a person who is not a parent or guardian of the child. Day care is also termed childcare in some countries. Day care is not only an issue about proper care of your child it becomes sensitive too. Your small child is away from you and being taken care of by third person. Obviously, you have to be careful while selecting day care center for your child.

Location plays a vital role in selecting the day care center. You have to drop your child in the morning and pick up in the evening. Your child should not be penalized for traffic delays. Avoid evaluating a day care facility on a Sunday. Try to do that on a weekday during peak hours.

Costs make up another critical components in day care facility selection process. You shouldn't have any surprises later. You should know in advance about all the costs involved. Try to cover all the costs so as not to face any hidden costs in the later stage.

Consider all the infrastructure features at the center. What types of other children are being enrolled into the center? What age group do other children belong to. How many people are staffing the operations in the center. Are there any back up facilities in case the main caretaker falls sick. What type of civil structure the center is located at. Is it enough for that many children?
Look for the timing of the center. You should carefully consider this parameter. The timing must be in tune with your needs. You should also try to know from the center about the state of childcare if you arrive late from your workplace. Holidays and leaves also decide the suitability of the day care center for your child. Some centers may strictly be closed on all the key holidays while some may be open on key holidays, but charge extra amounts for care facilities.

Carefully weigh the accredited and non-accredited centers. You should know the reasons about non-accreditation. Ask for the training courses undergone by the provider.Last but not the least plan in advance. Some of the more successful day care centers may have a long waiting list. You should assess your day care requirements in advance and therefore register yourself. Always have two to three choices open before taking a final call on selection.

Sports Gift Baskets

Copyright 2006 Hali Shipon

That special little boy in your life has just scored his first homerun. What better way to congratulate him in a way that he will always remember, than to send him a fabulous Baseball Homerun Gift Basket?

Delivered Sports Gift Baskets are now big business. In the last few years they have really taken off, and it is possible to find a Gift Basket for almost every occasion. But beware --- as with every other online service, there are good and bad. Look for someone who gives importance to delivering your gift basket in a timely manner. And for someone who has been in business a year or two. There are many fly-by-night operators out there, as in all businesses, make sure you do not trust one with your valuable order. Do you know a certain someone who loves the Super Bowl? How about showing them you care by sending a Super Bowl Special Gift Basket? The more thoughtful Gift Basket operators offer such goodies as candy, popcorn, and tortilla chips. Often there are one or two extra goodies for your loved one to enjoy after watching the game. And everyone knows someone who is obsessed by golf, even going out to play a round in all weathers, come wind, rain, snow or sunshine.

The ideal gift for them, for any occasion whether birthday, retirement, or recuperation, is definitely a superb Golf Delights Gift Box delivered right to them. Some providers offer a deluxe Golfers Caddy Gift Basket. There is a special online provider who offers a wonderful “Duffer’s Delight Golf Gift” which is available in two sizes. This contains some really fabulous items sure to be very much appreciated by every golfer, whether male or female. This super Gift Basket includes golf themed fortune cookies, sure to be a talking point in the clubhouse, a golf themed bag filled to overflowing with honey sweetened peanuts, and a superb golfers hand towel, essential for keeping your palms dry before that winning hole-in-one shot. The larger version of this crammed Gift Basket includes a super book --- “The Golfers Book of Wisdom”. So if you are looking for an ideal gift for a sports mad friend, family member or colleague, you should seriously investigate the option of sending a themed Sports Gift Basket. It will be highly regarded, and as the person who thought of and sent the ideal gift, so will you!

When Rules Fail

When disaster strikes, why does law and order break down almost immediately ?

Whether it is a natural or man-made event, why do the people in the vicinity sudenly act as though laws don't exist ? During electricity failures some cities experience looting. In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina there was intimidation and shootings. Race and poverty-related riots occur frequently in major cities. One minute the citizens obey the laws and then something triggers the citizens to disregard the law.

Could it be that laws are only tolerated and functional in a society when everything is peaceful and properous ? Is a large percentage of the population secretly desiring to steal and maim, but only act upon their depraved impulses when authorities are distracted and they are likely to avoid punishment ?

When the World Trade Center towers collapsed and the streets were full of dust and panic, did the authorities prosecute those who jay- walked or stole drinks from shops ? Were child-care workers who commandeered shopping trolleys to take the children to safety charged with a crime ? Are laws against theft less valid during an upheaval? Is it the law (and the likelihood of enforcement and punishment) that is deficient, or are people the problem ? The teenager who stole a bus in New Orleans and drove dozens of hurricane refugees to safety was initially arrested, but quickly released and forgiven by authorities.

The only possible explanation is that laws do not apply equally to all people and do not apply equally through all circumstances. When legislation is passed and proclaimed, the politicans neglect to tell us WHO is exempt and WHEN they are exempt.

Why doesn't the law itself enshrine exceptions eg "It's illegal to steal a bus, but we'll turn a blind eye if it's for a good cause." ? Or "It's illegal to loot clothing from a shop, but if the streets are knee-deep in water, we won't investigate too thoroughly."

Are citizens assumed to be intelligent enough or cunning enough to know when a law doesn't apply on a particular day? If so, then good citizens who obey every law may find themselves at a disadvantage when trouble strikes.

Survival requirements, poverty, and a desire to acquire possessions, in combination with a reduced likelihood of being caught, seem to be the main motivators for a person who is deciding whether or not to break a law.

Identity Theft: It Won't Happen To Me

"I got bad credit, I'm not worried"
"It happened to a friend of a friend"
"I've got other priorities now"
"All it takes is guarding your Social Security number"
"I can trust the people around me"

These quotes are all too common regarding identity theft. The problem is the Federal Trade Commission, various law enforcement agencies and identity theft experts have stated there are no 100% guarantees and the numbers for identity theft keep getting worse

"I got bad credit so I'm not worried"

Just recently KFLY TV in Lafayette Louisiana reported that 2 men were arrested for stealing the identity of 2500 people. Identity thieves don't run credit checks before they steal your identity.All they need to do damage is a little bit of your personal information.

"It happened to a friend of a friend"

This one should really alert people. The reason ? Everybody now knows somebody who's been victimized. That alone tells you what an epidemic identity theft has become. Last year 10 million people had their identities stolen. Many experts think that number will double this year. They also fear the 10 million figure is too low. Why? Many victims don't report the crime.

"I've got other priorities now"

Once your identity is stolen there is only one priority: Getting it back. On average it can take 175 hours and out of pocket expenses totaling 15,000 dollars according to the FTC.

"All it takes is guarding your Social Security number"

In February of this year Bank of America announced that 1.2 million federal employee credit card accounts may have been exposed to identity theft. In June Visa and MasterCard announced that 40 million cardholders maybe at risk when the database of their third party processor was broken into. Many of these people no doubt guarded their Social Security number faithfully but thru no fault of their own they're at risk.

"I can trust the people around me"

This one hits home and may hurts the worst. 50% of all identity thieves are known by the victim. Family members, friends and neighbors do more damage than total strangers.

There are other reasons people give. Yes it may never happen to you but identity theft is now a full blown epidemic that affects everyone.

In Search Of The First Ever Amazing Women Of The Year

Are you a woman who holds the secrets to success in maintaining a healthy home and work life balance? If so, you could be one of the first ever Swiffer Amazing Women of the Year!

Swiffer, the revolutionary cleaning system, has partnered with supermodel Cindy Crawford in a nationwide search to find everyday women who are making amazing contributions to their communities. From the multi-tasking mom who finds time to run the PTA and her own online business, to the neighbor who organizes a charity walk-a-thon each year, the Swiffer Amazing Women of the Year campaign wants to publicly recognize women who are finding the time to balance their busy lives while positively influencing others around them.

As the first Amazing Woman of the Year, Cindy Crawford was chosen to launch this program because of her dedication to the Silver Lining Foundation, a charity dedicated to providing lifetime opportunities for children with cancer, and her ability to successfully balance her young family, thriving career and vibrant personal life.

"Honoring women who are making a difference in their communities is something I am thrilled to be a part of," said Cindy Crawford. "As a wife and mother, I know it takes a lot of dedication to balance a healthy work and home life. I am honored to help pay tribute to women who have transformed the world they live in while still juggling their work and personal life."

The five Amazing Women of the Year will be announced in May 2006. Each winner will be awarded a $5,000 donation to the charity of her choice.

In celebration, the original Swiffer Sweeper has been redesigned to make it even easier to keep your floors clean every day. It now features a new look with transparent handle and larger head to enhance its overall performance. With its lightweight, maneuverable pole, the sweeper is quicker and easier than traditional cleaning methods.

Used in more than 40 million households worldwide, Swiffer continues to revolutionize the way people clean their homes. The new redesigned sweeper starter kit contains one sweeper, two dry sweeping cloths and two wet mopping cloths.

Students Working Together To Change The World

In an increasingly interconnected world, it is imperative that schools begin to educate students now to be global citizens. Skills that will help students lead and succeed in the 21st century are based on an understanding of global issues. A new program is helping students develop this understanding while giving schools the opportunity to be models in the education of global citizens.

Challenge 20/20, sponsored by the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS), is an experiential education program that aims to improve cross-cultural communication and help students become global problem solvers. Based on the book "High Noon: 20 Global Problems, 20 Years to Solve Them" by J.F. Rischard, the program pairs public and private schools in the U.S. with schools in other countries. Students at partner schools agree to tackle one of the global challenges mentioned in the book. They research the issue, correspond regularly and together develop local solutions to these global problems.

Together, the school teams work throughout the fall semester to come up with a solution to their chosen problem. Their work becomes part of the curriculum at the schools, and team solutions lead to actual plans that are implemented on a local level, on the campuses or in the communities of both schools.

At the end of the semester, teams are asked to report on their solution and the process of working together. Three teams (one in each category: PK-5, 5-9, 9-12) whose solutions and teamwork are particularly impressive receive partial funding to send a student-teacher group to the NAIS Annual Conference. Upper-school student representatives in their junior and senior years participate in the Institute for Student Leaders, while younger students may attend the Challenge 20/20 awards.

All elementary and secondary schools are invited to participate in Challenge 20/20. They may be public or private schools, located anywhere in the world. At a school, the group of students may be part of a particular academic class. More than one team from a particular school may participate if they wish to tackle multiple problems, provided their partner school agrees to form multiple teams.

I'll Take Chloe and Her Stun Gun on My Team

There she was after leaving Bill Buchanan’s house, sitting in the bar area of a hotel, having successfully eluded the police during curfew in LA, when out of nowhere it happened! A semi drunk patron who had been sitting at the bar approached her not once but twice and just wouldn’t leave her alone. So what’s a heroine supposed to do? Rather than be pestered to death she invited the jerk to sit down and to see what she was doing.

She was in the process of using all kinds of high tech stuff to help Jack Bauer, the super savvy, super agent save the world.

That’s when mild mannered Chloe O’Brien pulled out her stun gun and zapped the guy into unconsciousness. Not just once, twice. Yeah Chloe!! That’ll teach you to bother a single lady working on her top secret laptop in a bar. LEAVE ME ALONE!

The mega hit TV show “24” is drawing to a close for this season and quite frankly I am not sure how millions of fans are going to survive the “off season” but we’ll find a way-maybe.

We should all be so lucky to be that prepared to survive an unwanted approach by a stranger, but then Chloe is a trained counter terrorist agent or is she? Isn’t she just a computer geek-ess extraordinaire? Who knows? But she sure handled herself very well that night and in front of gazillions of viewers.

Seriously, one of three of us in our lifetime will have some brush with crime whether it is assault, rape, domestic violence, burglary, home invasion whatever, it is out there big time. Why do you think prisons are so overcrowded? Is it the food? The atmosphere?

It really is more of a question of when something untoward will happen as opposed to if it will. It is almost a certainty. Crime statistics show that women are more likely than men to be victims.

The good news is that you can-just like Chloe-be prepared! Self defense is certainly part of the answer. Is it unreasonable to carry some kind of a defensive device-stun gun, mace pepper spray, whistle, or other personal alarm? Not when your life is potentially at risk. You can be prepared and survive.

Moral Dilemmas

What is right and what is wrong? Who decides what is morally correct? How does one act so that one does not repent afterwards? This moral dilemma has been the subject of discussion since ages and many of us come across crossroads in our life when we are unable to decide about the morally correct action. Let me discuss this with a hypothetical example.

In my example, I have a couple deeply in love with each other. The husband is very protective and cannot bear someone even looking at his wife. The wife is an uneducated lady with no knowledge of any trade. Both love each other very deeply. One bad day, the husband is diagnosed with cancer and may die if not treated immediately. The family has no savings and the husband loses his job because of his sickness. The wife is helpless and does not know what to do? For her the future means watching her husband die slowly and surely.

One fine day, the wife announces that she has got some kind of night job, which will pay for the medicines. She gives a rough description of the job and money begins coming in. The medicines get bought and hope returns again about the life of the husband. As destined, the husband comes to know that the wife was prostituting her body to get money to save him. He confronts the wife and she confesses and raises the question - I had two choices. Either to wait and watch you dying or sell myself but save you. The husband is hurt beyond measure and wants to know if she was aware about his protective nature? The wife says that she knows everything and hates herself more everyday. Takes bath hundreds of times to cleanse herself, but cannot wash the mutilation her body is going through. But this is better than your death, says the wife. One day after that, the husband commits suicide after the wife leaves home. After her return, she also commits suicide.

Who was morally right? Or both were right? Or both were wrong? Would it have been better to commit suicide after realizing that there were no options right in the beginning? We can think of all the different possibilities and may never reach a conclusion of what was morally right? Or each of us will reach his/her own conclusion depending upon one's idea about what is moral and what is immoral.

Traits And Characteristics Of A Serial Killer - Part Two

Unorganized serial killers, share a slightly different profile. These types of serial killers tend to have below average intelligent levels and are considered to be socially inadequate; often living alone and someone who does not date. They are usually high school drop outs and have minimal interest in the media. They tend to keep a messy house and have poor hygiene. They tend to leave the body intact with a crime scene high in evidence.

There are seven types of motives that drive serial killers to kill. These include visions that the killer claims have come to them “guiding them to kill”, a desire to rid the population of a certain race or type of individual, hedonistic reasons; meaning the killer gets pleasure from the violence, lust; in which they kill for sexual gratification (whether the actual act of sex occurs or not), for thrill, for personal gain such as money or material goods, and power seekers, who like to control the death time of others in order to feel in control of their own lives.

Serial killers usually spread out their killings and are typically repeat offenders because the actually act they committed did not live up to their expectations. The killings tend to gain in severity as the killer becomes more experienced and are not stopped until they are jailed, or die themselves. Arrested serial killers who have received counseling and therapy have shown no improvements in their mental condition after treatment and these rehabilitation practices have even worsened the problem.

Scientists now believe that in the future there might be a cure for the defect in the brain on the medulla oblongata which is responsible for emotional reaction. While the technology, availability and ethical concerns are limiting this possibility right now, the theory is out there being worked on.

Who Is Selfish?

Who is not selfish in this world? Are all of us selfish? Do we always think of ourselves first? Will you call me selfish even if I donate a large part of my earnings? When will you call me a selfish person, and when will you say that I am not selfish? For that which qualities are needed in me? One more question - is selfishness bad always? Could the world have gone so forward if people were not selfish? Selfishness and selflessness, these two words can make us think about our society, our values, the world in bigger perspective, and ourselves. Let us begin.

A family earns money first to feed itself. If something extra is left, it may give a part to the society. It is for the family to decide about how much it will save for itself first and when and how much part of its surplus will it give to the society. If a family decides to save at least a year's expenses for itself and begin donating only after that, will you call it selfish? This is very subjective assessment. Am I correct? Another family, which has saved nothing for itself but begun donating, can call the earlier family selfish, and the earlier family can advise the second family to save for the rainy days first. This all sounds so confusing.

For example let us talk of two very good friends. One of them forgets to bring a very essential thing to the examination, say - a calculator. He/she requests the best friend to lend a calculator for the examination, but the other friend refuses. Which of these two friends is selfish? The person who is requesting the calculator after forgetting to bring it, or the person who refuses to lend it? How much for myself and how much for you? This question comes at a very stage of our life. For example- parents will not know how to divide if all the children want the same piece of cake. Every one of us has his/her opinion on this subject. It is our values and emotions that govern our definition of selfishness. Some of us may think nothing of giving away our life for fellow countrymen and some of us horde so much wealth for themselves that they do not know what to do with that. One can keep on talking and presenting arguments and examples infinitum, but no two persons will agree about this subject fully, because their perceptions are different.

Many Support Causes That Show Troops They Care

Many Americans have found a new way to show American troops serving in Iraq since 2003 that they still care and that these servicemen and servicewomen haven't gotten lost in the shuffle.

"When I toured Iraq in 2005, I realized that even doing something little to express our gratitude can go a long way," said country music artist Aaron Tippin, national spokesperson for the Armed Services YMCA (ASYMCA).

"These people are fighting for our freedom-the least we can do is show our appreciation," he said.

ASYMCA-the nation's leading nonprofit organization providing support services to military personnel and families-encourages Americans to show support for the troops.

Send A CD To A Soldier

Americans can show their support through the Send a CD to a Soldier program. By visiting www.sendacdtoasoldier.com, you can donate a copy of Patriotic Country 2, to be included in care packages and distributed to the troops by ASYMCA.

The compilation CD includes country music hits by famed musicians, including Hank Williams Jr., Willie Nelson, Lonestar, Aaron Tippin, Alabama, Johnny Cash and Elvis Presley.

ASYMCA programs help families of service members cope with the realities of military life by offering support services such as child care, vocational training and health and wellness assistance.

"One of the hardest things a service member will ever do is leave his or her family," explained retired General Norman Schwarzkopf, who commanded the troops in Desert Shield and Desert Storm.

Gen. Schwarzkopf said he held his subordinate commanders personally responsible for both the service members under their command and those service members' families.

Helping Soldiers' Families Helps Soldiers

"I found that knowledge of their families' health back home contributed significantly to the military readiness and preparedness of the soldiers," Schwarzkopf added. "It was the soldiers who were most preoccupied with their families' well-being who were least able to focus on the job at hand."

ASYMCA, he said, provides the kind of support our military personnel and their families deserve.

Medical Malpractice – You Are Not Helpless

To often, the general public just sits back as very qualified doctors and medical professionals make mistakes in the normal course of their everyday business. Their business is the treatment of us, the average citizen. Over the years we have placed Doctors (and some extent Lawyers) on top of pedestals which puts them out of reach of any retribution for wrong doings.

However, Doctors DO pay medical malpractice insurance in the rare case they do make a mistake in their practice. You ever wonder why it’s called the practice of medicine? It’s not a misnomer. Doctor’s are held to a higher degree of responsibility due to the inherent trust we place in their care.

But there does come a time when they will make a mistake, or mistakes. Whether it’s from being overworked (a very common occurrence in the medical field) or from straight ignorance and poor decision make, or even sheer negligence, we do have a right of remedy against the medical profession. It is there where we can talk to a qualified lawyer who is well versed in the field of medical malpractice who can then determine if you have a qualified cause of action.

If you don’t go see a lawyer, and you do feel that you have a cause of action, do your research online to see if you can read about similar cases that have gone to trial or have been litigated elsewhere. It is important to feel justified for going through the expensive and often times unpleasant motions of suing somebody for the hurtful actions caused against you or a loved one. Regardless of how unpleasant it, you still need to stand tough and seek what is rightfully yours. Doctors and other professionals are NOT on some tall pedestal that can’t be touched. You do have the right to seek compensation if you have been damaged through the negligence of others.

For more information of your rights and of other cases, please visit http://www.medicalmalpractices.net to learn more.

The Scooter – Your Number One Transport Companion

The word scooter refers to a motorcycle that has a step through frame where its rider sits without having to straddle any part of the engine.

Another difference between the scooter and the motorcycle is the wheel size. Motorcycles have large wheels and average scooters have wheels that are between 8 and 14 inches in diameter. In scooters the engine is usually located underneath the seat and they use a continuously variable transmission that transfers the power to the rear wheel.

The first scooters were Vespa’s and these models originated in Italy. These scooters had a manual transmission with a gear shift and clutch built into the handlebars. This can still be found in some of the retro model scooters that are available today.

Scooters always include a front leg shield and a flat floorboard where the rider’s feet are placed. Storage space is normally located under the seat although in some scooters it can be built into the front leg shield.

Scooters use smaller sized engines and these can range from between 30cc and 250cc. Scooters under 49cc are classified as mopeds. Some of the most common manufacturers of scooters are Honda and Yamaha.

In recent years there has been a trend to introduce large scooters. These scooters have engines that are from 250cc to 650cc and include models such as the Honda Fusion and the Yamaha Aprilia. These more power scooters also have fully automatic transmission systems, which is preferrable amongst a lot of people.

In many countries around the world and especially in Europe and Asia, scooters are a very popular means of urban transport. This is mainly due to their size, weight, and the ease of parking and avoiding city traffic. Scooters are also very economical to run and maintain especially with the rising cost of fuel today.

What Is A Building Society?

Throughout the UK you can find branches of large, multinational banks on almost every High Street. These banks are well known, well recognised and generally well understood. Alongside them, though, you will often find a Building Society. Traditionally, these only offer their services to people who live within a local catchment area and the societies are regional rather than national. As time has gone on this is not so much the case and many building societies accept customers from anywhere in the country, offering services by telephone and internet to help those who do not live near to a branch.

So, what is the difference between a bank and a building society? Well, banks are generally listed on the stock market and as such are run by shareholders. Building societies are not on the stock market and so do not have to pay shareholders any dividends as they do not have shareholders. The societies claim that this enables them to pay more money directly to their customers by way of higher interest rates on savings accounts and cheaper mortgage rates for borrowers.

When a building society is first set up, it is done so as a mutual institution. This means that every single account holder is also a member of the institution and as such has certain rights when a decision is made. In some circumstances an issue can be put to a vote. At times such as these every customer gets a vote, whether they have one pound or a million pounds in their account. Each vote has the same level of importance as the next and so customers truly feel that they have the opportunity to be involved in the running of the business.

Many building societies now have sold off their mutual institution status, giving their members a lump sum instead. These companies have then been listed on the stock market and morphed into traditional banks.

Iraqi Coins Aid And Honor U.S. Troops

Many Americans are searching for a meaningful way to honor the men and women who defend the nation's freedoms.

Fortunately, a Charlotte, NC- based company, Products for Good has created a unique way to do just that.

It has taken Iraqi coins, called "fils" which were decommissioned by Saddam Hussein, because they did not have his picture on them, and placed them in patriotic shadowboxes surrounded by symbols of American freedom.

This special tribute was created for two reasons: 1) to honor all of the nation's men and women in uniform who made these symbols of freedom possible; and 2) to raise moneys for the families of wounded and fallen heroes in the current global war on terror. So far, Products for Good has raised over $86,000 for these causes and hopes eventually to raise more than $20 million.

"The funds from the sales of the shadowboxes are nothing short of a lifeline for some of the receiving families," said Lee Greenwood Singer/Songwriter of God Bless the USA. "Whether the funds go towards medical bills, upgrades to a home to make it wheelchair accessible or for grieving families coping with loss, these patriotic collectors' items help our nation's heroes and their families to have a better life."

The coins, relics of a tyrannical regime, are set against an inspiring backdrop, including photographs of the American flag and American soldiers, along with a written definition of freedom.

Founders of the group wanted a patriotic means to say thank you to America's heroes. They say they have already received hundreds of letters from appreciative veterans, dozens of whom were moved to tears.

This is not the first time the fils have been used to benefit the victims of Saddam's brutality. When British troops initially captured the coins in the spring of 2003, they decided to consign them to raise money for the Basra Orphanage.

They were then shipped to a metals dealer in England. There they came to the attention of the co-founders of Products for Good, who envisioned how they would benefit American troops and their families.

Why do We Celebrate Birthdays

Why do we celebrate birthdays? What is it that we are toasting? Is it the fact that we have survived another year against many odds? Are we marking the progress we have made, our cumulative achievements and possessions? Is a birthday the expression of hope sprung eternal to live another year?

None of the above, it would seem.

If it is the past year that we are commemorating, would we still drink to it if we were to receive some bad news about our health and imminent demise? Not likely. But why? What is the relevance of information about the future (our own looming death) when one is celebrating the past? The past is immutable. No future event can vitiate the fact that we have made it through another 12 months of struggle. Then why not celebrate this fact?

Because it is not the past that is foremost on our minds. Our birthdays are about the future, not about the past. We are celebrating having arrived so far because such successful resilience allows us to continue forward. We proclaim our potential to further enjoy the gifts of life. Birthdays are expressions of unbridled, blind faith in our own suspended mortality.

But, if this were true, surely as we grow older we have less and less cause to celebrate. What reason do octogenarians have to drink to another year if that gift is far from guaranteed? Life offers diminishing returns: the longer you are invested, the less likely you are to reap the dividenda of survival. Indeed, based on actuary tables, it becomes increasingly less rational to celebrate one's future the older one gets.

Thus, we are forced into the conclusion that birthdays are about self-delusionally defying death. Birthdays are about preserving the illusion of immortality. Birthdays are forms of acting out our magical thinking. By celebrating our existence, we bestow on ourselves protective charms against the meaninglessness and arbitrariness of a cold, impersonal, and often hostile universe.

And, more often than not, it works. Happy birthday!

Shopping For A Flashlight: A Guide

A flashlight is such a standard household item that we sometimes take it for granted. We don’t realize there are poorly made flashlights and well-made flashlights. But there are.

Here are some tips to buying the best flashlight:

1. Avoid flashlights with low battery life. They might be the cheapest ones on the shelves, but you’ll simply have to make return trips to the store to replace the batteries. Especially if you plan on using your flashlight a lot, as opposed to reserving it for emergencies, you’ll definitely want a flashlight with a long battery life. And better yet, plenty of retailers and online stores offer rechargeable flashlights. These are ideal, as they will never require new batteries and usually last a lifetime! They are the most expensive of course, but in the long run you’ll be saving time and money.

2. The brighter, the better. There’s no reason to buy a flashlight that doesn’t shine brightly. Some bright-white flashlight bulbs can be a little hard on the eyes, but as long as you research the products, you can find one that shines perfectly! A powerful flashlight will be the most reliable and useful to you, so why not get one?

3. When possible, buy flashlights built with aluminum alloy or other durable material. If you plan on using your flashlight outdoors where the weather is unpredictable, make sure your flashlight is indestructible.

4. Shop online! There are so many brands and prices available to you that it would be a mistake to visit just one store. The Internet affords you the opportunity to compare all the different kinds of flashlights out there, and you can almost always find bargain prices.

Flashlights are a necessity item and you will need one for your home, car, and likely elsewhere – so take some time to purchase a quality flashlight.

Music Teachers Team Up To Feed Hungry Children

Tune in to a rewarding charity. The World's Largest Concert (WLC) is a musical performance in March celebrating Music In Our Schools Month. This year, the organizer of the event, MENC: The National Association for Music Education, is collaborating with Feed The Children (FTC), an international nonprofit relief organization that delivers food, medicine, clothing and other necessities to children and families who lack these essentials due to famine, war, poverty, or natural disaster.

Before children can learn music, they must have the most basic of life's necessities, such as food, clean water and health care. That's why MENC is working to raise $1.2 million to support FTC's important work.

The WLC is a sing-along concert that links students around the world through music. It involves an estimated six million students, teachers, and music supporters each year as performers or audience members. Through the support of the PAX Network, PBS stations, educational networks, and the American Forces Television and Radio Network, the program is broadcast across the United States and abroad on the second Thursday in March. This year, the concert will take place on March 9 at 1:00 p.m. Eastern time.

As part of the concert program, MENC and FTC are working together to help children across the country by providing food for those in need-and by supporting children's involvement in music. One hundred percent of all donations through MENC go directly to FTC. With just $8, FTC can feed a hungry child for an entire month. $140 delivers 1,000 pounds of food.

FTC is the third-largest relief organization in the U.S., based on private support, and receives a four-star rating by Charity Navigator, the largest charity evaluator in the country. In response to the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina, FTC has delivered more than 600 truckloads of emergency food, water and other relief supplies to people in the affected areas.

Of Humanity And Cruelity

This is story of a girl. A girl supposed to have a very soft heart. A very sensitive girl. Someone one could call as a compassionate person. I will tell you about how she acquired her pet, rather two pets. And how one was beaten by her father and the other was beaten dead by herself. Let me begin.

She had gone to visit one of her relatives many years back. They had a litter of puppies. This girl fell in love with one of them and brought him back with her, only to face the wrath of her father. She was ordered to take the puppy back. This was a big shock and she was in tears. She talked about this with her other pet. A man. Someone she treated as her own child. They both cried together and this man prayed that the father allows her to keep her puppy. Ultimately the father relented after two days and all was well.

One day some guests came to their home. The dog was tied and locked separately. But the dog wrongly thought that he was part of the family and wanted to mingle with the guests. The dog made a blunder by thinking like this. The family was not even of humans, nor of animals. Because even animals have compassion. These people belonged to some unknown cruel specie. True to character, the father took hold of the poor helpless dog and beat him blue. May Satan bless the father. Our girl of the story was heart-broken after this. She could not believe that her father could behave so cruelly.

Next what? I told you in the beginning about a man, who was a pet of this girl. Do you recollect? Now was the turn of the girl. She made the man fall in total love with her and become totally dependent, emotionally. And one fine day, she started beating this man. Like the dog, this man was shocked and could not believe it. So he went to the girl again thinking of their love. He was beat up again. This continued till the man turned a lunatic and was killed in all the ways.

After reading this story, will you have any faith left in words such as love, loyalty, truth, honesty, etc? Beware of humans. They turn into beasts. Befriend beasts. Because they always remain only beasts. They don't turn into something else. They will never turn a person into a lunatic.

How To add Romance to Your Life With Feng Shui

Though it is not commonly known, a Feng Shui life can actually help to improve your love life. Romance and love is as much a part of most peoples’ lives as food and air; so it makes sense that not having the proper flow of energy in your life may affect the romance in your life as well.

There are areas of your home that may influence your love life, such as the right rear corner of your house. This is your relationship corner. In addition to this, the bedroom is also a relationship area. If you apply some basic Feng Shui life techniques to these areas of your home, you will be more successful at attracting the right type of love energy into your life.

The very first thing you must do is cut all ties that you are keeping around to past relationships. This may include old letters, gifts or pictures. These things are nothing more than a reminder of a happy time that no longer exists. This alone, can bring sadness and bad energy into your life.

Even if you are single, set up your home as if a couple lives in it. With the Feng Shui life this is a way of attracting the energy that will bring love into your environment. Don’t overcrowd your home with your own stuff, leaving no room for another. This brings on an attitude that you have no room in your life for another person.
In addition, you should remove all things from the relationship areas of your home that may distract you from focusing on romance. This may include work related items, televisions etc. Simply move these objects to other areas of your home.
Remove some of the solitary items in these areas and replace them with matching pairs. This may include objects such as candles, pillows etc. You want to attract the energy for couples, not singles.

Add some pink to the relationship areas of your home. In the Feng Shui life, the color pink holds love energy. Pink roses or anything pink in these areas can help add some romance to your life.

These are just some very basic steps you can follow to add some romance to your life with the concept of the Feng Shui life. Try it; you just may be surprised at how much improvement you see.

Households Dumping Their Home Phones

According to the National Health Interview Survey, conducted by the U.S. Center for Disease Control, about 3 in 10 households either only use mobile phones or rarely take calls on their landlines.

The federal figures, released Wednesday, showed that reliance on cells is continuing to rise at the expense of wired telephones. In the second half of last year, 16 percent of households only had cell phones, while 13 percent also had landlines but got all or nearly all their calls on their cells.

The number of wireless-only households grew by 2 percent since the first half of last year. Underscoring the rapid growth, in early 2004 just 5 percent had only cell phones.

During the second half of last year, 16% of households only had mobiles, while 13% had mobiles and landlines but took nearly all calls on their mobiles. Wireless-only houses grew 2% between the first and second half of 2007. In early 2004, only 5% of households only had mobile phones.

We've written about the decline in landline use before, and these numbers are not surprising at all. I have been pushing hard with my wife to give up our landline but haven't broken through yet. My guess is that it'll happen in the next 12-18 months in our household.

The survey had other interesting data including:

-Low-income people are likelier than the more affluent to have only cell phones.

-Those with only cells tend to be living with unrelated roommates, renters rather than homeowners, and Hispanics and blacks rather than whites.

-About a third of those under age 30 only have cell phones.

-Households with both cell and landline phones who rarely or never get calls on their landlines tend to be better educated and have higher incomes.

-About 2% of households reported having no telephones.

The National Health Interview Survey, conducted by the CDC, involved in-person interviews with people in 13,083 households done from July through December of last year.

Lions Clubs Answer Call For Disaster Relief

Lions Clubs International has a long record of aiding those affected by natural and other disasters.

When a tsunami struck Southeast Asia in December 2004, Lions were among the first on the scene, providing immediate relief to the tens of thousands who lost everything. Again, in August 2005, Lions demonstrated how they answer the immediate needs of communities by rushing to assist victims of Hurricane Katrina.

Through Lions Clubs International Foundation, Lions provide long-term assistance, continuing after many other organizations have left the area. Every dollar donated to LCIF goes directly to a grant. Since it began in 1968, LCIF has awarded $356.9 million to help Lions serve others.

Lions mobilized nearly $12 million for tsunami victims. In the Aceh province of Indonesia, Lions built 205 homes. They also plan to build a school and fund "economic revival" projects such as fishing boats. A $900,000 grant from LCIF is aiding Lions in Thailand in building an entire village on the devastated Lanta islands.

In Sri Lanka, Lions are building 3,000 homes. Lions also will provide psychological treatment and physical rehabilitation for children and adults.

Since many Southeast Asians lost their eyeglasses when the tsunami destroyed their homes, Lions from California distributed recycled eyeglasses and taught 125 Sri Lankan Lions how to use two donated lensometers and run an eyeglass recycling operation.

Lions also staffed shelters and collected funds, food and supplies for Hurricane Katrina victims. The Louisiana Lions Children's Camp in Leesville housed and fed hundreds of people who fled north from New Orleans before Katrina hit. Lions also helped at larger venues such as the Louisiana State University gym and the Houston Astrodome, which housed thousands of displaced people.

Soldiers, Slaves And Freedom Seekers

Every school child has probably heard of George Washington and Paul Revere, but African-American hero Ned Hector hasn't made it into most history books.

Now visitors to the Valley Forge area will hear about Hector and other black heroes of the American Revolution and Civil War, through special events and tours.

African-Americans' proud history of service in our Armed Forces began with the American Revo-lution, when more than 5,000 soldiers of African descent fought in the Continental Army. Many shared the hardships of the winter encampment at Valley Forge, when the Continental army was forged into a fighting force that went on to win the American Revolution.

Some won their own freedom as well; others found themselves and their descendants relegated to slavery.

At special events throughout the year, visitors will meet Ned Hector, who was a hero of the Battle of Brandywine and also fought at the Battle of Germantown.

At Valley Forge, every Saturday through the summer months, they'll meet Hannah Till, George Washington's cook, who was born into slavery and worked hard to buy her freedom.

The compelling stories of soldiers, slaves, and abolitionists from the Revolution through the Civil War are told at special events throughout the Valley Forge area, and on guided tours of the region. Visitors to Valley Forge National Historical Park, Brandywine Bat-tlefield, Johnson House Under-ground Railroad site and other sites will hear stories of ordinary people with extraordinary determination who changed the nation's history.

The Valley Forge Convention and Visitors Bureau has developed tours to cater to visitors' preferences. Self-guided African-Amer-ican Heritage Discovery Tours let visitors travel at their own pace, stopping to shop or visit the region's many gardens, museums and attractions.

African-American Freedom Trail Group Tours are ideal for family reunions, conferences, conventions, and religious and military reunions.

Your Corporation Can Help Fight World Hunger

Today, corporate philanthropy and employee giving are among the most rewarding and valued employee benefit programs companies can offer. It is a way to share success, to invest in the future and to give back to society.

Heifer International, a world hunger organization, is catching the attention of many businesses looking for an alternative gift for clients during the holiday season.

For 60 years, Heifer, recently noted as a leader in world hunger solutions by Forbes and Worth business magazines, has provided gifts of livestock and agricultural training to malnourished families, enabling them to become self-reliant. In return, these families in 50 countries promise to pass on the gift of offspring of their animals and training to other families in their communities.

The Wood Agency in San Antonio, Texas, is an advertising business that chose Heifer International as a source for alternative client gifts.

Skip Wood, president of the Wood Agency, decided to skip the gourmet baskets and instead honored his clients and business friends by making a donation in their name to Heifer. The honor card they received explained how the goats, heifers, flocks of geese and hives of honey bees would help impoverished families have better, healthier lives.

"I did this at the urging of my wife, Sandy, who loves getting Heifer's mailing of 'The Most Important Gift Catalog in the World' because the gift of a farm animal is a sustainable solution that really changes lives," Wood said. "I agreed to do it because it was easy. Then we started getting phone calls, cards and e-mails from those who received an honor card explaining our donation, and they were very appreciative, excited and really impressed with the idea behind Heifer's gifts."

Heifer now offers the "Most Important Business Gift Catalog in the World" for those planning for corporate gift giving.

Who Is Evil

The world is made of good and evil people. There are some, who are nothing but emperors of evilness. Hitler was one such person. There are many like him. But we also have evil persons in our society who are generally not considered evil, but are evil. Let me give my thoughts on such people.

For me, a person who hits a stray dog with a stone just for fun is a bad person. One who gives pains to friends for no reason is a bad person. One who looks at wrong things, and decides to do nothing is evil. One who hurts feelings of loved ones is a bad person. One who lets other people sleep in hunger without doing anything about them is a bad person. One who wants bigger share of the pie is a bad person. One who shouts and makes others fear him/her is a bad person. One who never tries to understand feelings of others is a bad person. One who treats poor people as dirt, is a bad person. One who decides about characters by looks and passes judgments is a bad person. One who reads a sad story in the newspaper, without getting affected in any way is a bad person. One who shows no respect for those who work for others is a bad person. One who does not sympathize at others losses is a bad person. One who always tries to prove his/her superiority over others is a bad person. On and on I can write. What is not good is bad. That is how I call such people bad. Rather than calling them as not good persons, I call them as bad persons. All this may look quite shocking and many will protest about what all I have written above. All right, let me say, that I will not call the person a bad person, but the act as a bad act. I hope that now I am more acceptable.

Then, what is evil? Evilness is a quality in a person, whereby that person hurts others in ways that the very life is taken away. One need not kill with a sword to be called evil. At times, making false allegations on someone who never did what he/she is being blamed with is enough to kill the spirit and the body. That act is evil, and the person who acts like that is evil.

Young Tsunami Survivors Find New Start At Shriners Hospitals

When the Indian Ocean tsunami crashed ashore on December 26, 2004, many things were lost. Homes were swept away, belongings gone forever. Hundreds of thousands of people lost their lives in the disaster. And many of those who survived, including children, literally lost a part of themselves.

Seven-year-old Tara Aulia and 11-year-old Hamdani survived the tsunami that ripped through their villages in Indonesia's Aceh province, but along with their homes and family members, both children lost a limb.

Despite the horrors Tara and Hamdani experienced and the steep odds they faced at obtaining proper medical care, they had reason to celebrate less than a year later. Both children were given a new start and new prosthetics at Shriners Hospitals for Children - Philadelphia.

Tara, whose right leg had to be amputated when it became infected from an injury sustained during the tsunami, immediately adjusted to her prosthesis.

"It's wonderful to see a child adapt as well as she has so quickly," said Jeff Eichhorn, director of orthotics and prosthetics at the Philadelphia hospital. "She will be able to do anything."

Hamdani was playing soccer when the tsunami swept him away. He grabbed onto a boat, and as he clung for his life with his left arm, an uprooted tree surged past, severing his right arm above the elbow.

Tara and Hamdani came to the Philadelphia hospital through the Global Medical Relief Fund, a charitable organization that provides transportation to the United States and housing to children injured by war, natural disaster or illness.

With the help of Shriners Hospitals, which, as always, provided all services at no charge to the children or their families, Tara and Hamdani have been given a new start.

"Without this help, I don't know what she would do, how she would live," said Tara's father, Sulaiman Aulia.

Pain Of Living

Pain. Immense pain. Sometimes unbearable, and sometimes incomprehensible. So many of us live life in pain. The pain of decision-making. The pain of thinking about life. The pain of keeping dead relationships alive. The pain of memories that haunt us. The pain of fear. The pain of getting up in the morning and the pain of sleepless nights. The pain of loss of someone most dear and the pain of waiting for them to return. Pain, and more pain in everything.

It is life. The life of pain. Look at your own eyes in the mirror and many times you will see the pain of tiredness. The pain of trying to run away from pain. Why? Because, we all live. Yes, pain comes because we live. Only dead have peace. Or very small children or saints. Rest of us are in some pain at all the times. Pain becomes such an essential part of life that many times, we tend to forget that we are living in pain. We become unaware of a life of cheer, and a painless life.

Is there anyway to counter the pains? Sometimes, when we begin losing our balance, we do approach psychiatrists. But if the choice is wrong, that may lead to bigger pain. Is a president of a nation without any pains? Ask him/her and you will get a basketful of surprises. Is a young teenager without pain? Ask and you will get another basket. Keep on listing and keep on asking. CEOs of companies, students, junior executives, shop owners, movie makers, celebrities, poor people...The list will be endless and so will be the story of pains.

Any way out of pains? One can reflect about what is happening in one's life that is killing the essence of living. But that exercise will not take away any pain, unless we change ourselves totally. How to do that? Let us begin with reflecting and finding out what gives us pains. Count even the smallest pain. Let the journey of making enquiries begin. Coming out of pains will only follow that exercise. Take the first step. After reflecting about and counting all the pains, you may realize that some pains are totally inescapable.

Test Your Shopping Style And Improve

Human beings come in many types. So do our styles vary. All of us have our own unique style. Let us discuss few and find out how to improve our shopping style and how to test our shopping style.

Immediate shopper - this kind of shopper looks at something, likes it, finds the price and buys it. This shopper does not think why and how that product is better to others, nor cares to compare any prices. I like it, so I buy it. Shopkeepers love this shopper.

Thoughtful Shopper - This shopper looks at a product, and thinks about it. Why should i buy it? Should I buy it? How will I use it? Will it be useful? Am I making a mistake buying it? Or should I buy it? What about the cost? This shopper will think about everything and then take a considered decision.

Confused Shopper - This shopper is confused. Does not know why he/she entered the shop at all? Why and what to buy? What will be the use? What about this? How about that? The shopper is confused about the whole shopping and is a big headache for the stores.

I Will Buy It Later - This buyer is a unique specimen. He/she will look at all the products. Discuss about few thoroughly and compare the prices. Will decide about what is to be bought and then suddenly walk out saying - I will buy it later.

What is your shopping style? What kind of shopper are you? What is the best style? The best way to buy something is of course to first know what we need, know our prices limits, search for the best, satisfy ourselves about the quality and then buy the product. The trouble is that very few people buy like that. As I said before human beings come in many types, now I add that humans are not rational animals.

Try some fun-shopping quizzes to find out you shopping style and enjoy life. Shopping is after all considered fun by most of us. Why not to have fun with that? Quizzing yourself about your shopping style is a fun way to find out more about yourself. The results can never be accurate, but fun is guaranteed.

Office Theft: More Common Than Many Think

The good news: Many workers feel quite at home in the office. The bad news: Some of them feel so much at home, they take the office home with them in ways they shouldn't. In fact, 58 percent of office workers have taken office supplies for their personal use, according to a new survey conducted by Harris Interactive and lawyers.com. These people should know they're putting themselves at risk of being fired and of possible legal consequences for taking home company property, even something as small as a stapler or a pen.

Among those who admit to taking office supplies for personal use, the most commonly stolen office supplies include pens/pencils (77 percent), followed by self-adhesive "sticky" notes (44 percent) and paper clips (40 percent). Two percent of workers even take decorations such as plants, paintings and office furniture.

It can happen more easily than you may realize. "People often forget that workplace resources are not their own and are actually considered company property," said attorney Alan Kopit, legal editor of LexisNexis Martindale-Hubbell's lawyers.com, which is considered the most comprehensive and trustworthy online resource for finding lawyers. "We are not just talking about pens and paper here; employees are also stealing expensive things, too, like computers, software and books." Kopit suggests employees review their office policy and be sure their behavior follows the regulations.

Employee theft costs small businesses billions of dollars a year-costs passed on to consumers in terms of higher prices and to other workers in terms of lower wages and fewer benefits. After all, in addition to pens and paper, some people also steal resources directly related to the productivity of the business, such as classified information, patents, corporate contacts, case studies and periodicals.

Wrong Blames Can Kill A Life

To blame means to accuse someone of doing something wrong. It is very easy to put blame on a person when things begin going wrong and hammer that person left and right for being responsible for all the mess. Let us look at this further.

Sometimes, in our personal relationships, when we say that things are in mess, the truth may be different. The situation may not be messy, but our viewpoint may have become messy. What we call as going wrong may indeed be going wrong, but not in the way we look at it. Let me try to explain. Some of us lie. We get caught, or feel guilty. We blame someone for exposing our lie and making a mess of something good. Can a lie be good? We wished our lies to flourish and keep us safe from the bitterness of truth, but our comfort zone got broken because of the exposure. Is this bad? Or our viewpoint was wrong to begin with? When we think more, we find that truth may be very bitter and highly discomforting, but it is always better than a lie. Is it correct to blame a person who exposed our lies? But we do that. Blame the other person for making us face the music. What the other person did was correct but since it hurts us, we accuse.

Let me tell you something. What if someone accuses you of crimes never committed by you? What if the accuser himself/herself was the guilty party, but targeted you because you are a soft target? Between a couple this happens. If one of the partners is a compassionate person, the other partner can develop the habit of blaming him/her all the time of all the crimes realizing well, that no retaliation will occur.

Many of us act like brutes at times and then we suffer in the guilt for a lifetime. Some of us, who are evil people never, suffer any guilt. But some of us carry the guilt of having done something wrong forever in our life. This guilt will never go, because the deed was indeed done. Why not to desist doing wrong? Why to travel on a wrong path? Why to torture others with blames that they never deserve?

Hundreds of Thousands Come Together to Pray

On Sept. 8, hundreds of thousands of people will come together in prayer during the 12th annual Unity World Day of Prayer. This interfaith event is open to people of all religions and all walks of life.

Unity is a worldwide movement founded in 1889 that helps people of all faiths apply positive spiritual principles to their daily lives. It is best known for Daily Word, a monthly magazine of inspirational messages that is distributed to about 1 million people in 175 countries.

Since 1994, millions of people have been embraced in prayer during special World Day of Prayer vigils held at many of the nearly 900 Unity churches and centers around the world. Last year, participants offered prayers for an estimated 1.3 million people during the prayer vigil at the Unity world headquarters at Unity Village, Mo.

"This is a day filled with the energy of prayer," said Tom Zender, president of Unity. "As people around the world join in prayer on this day, the energy intensifies. It will be a day of transformation."

Silent Unity, the trans-denominational prayer ministry of Unity, maintains a 24-hour prayer vigil every day of the year and receives more than 2 million letters, telephone calls and Internet requests for prayer annually.

To learn more about the Unity World Day of Prayer, to submit names of friends and family members for the prayer vigil and to enjoy an affirmation set to sound and motion, visit www.worlddayofprayer.org/news.You also can find local Unity churches that serve as host centers for local World Day of Prayer activities.

"World Day of Prayer is an opportunity to transform the world through prayer," Zender said. "Praying together, we open our minds and hearts to the unconditional love of God that heals, inspires, guides and strengthens."