Author : Lior IzikSo you are hearing a lot of talk about the end of the world and want to know if you should be worried right? In fact nearly every culture and religion has something to say about the possible pending end of the world Christians Muslims and Jews all seem to agree on this one thing - the end is near Well if you want to save some time surfing the web there’s a company that has made it its business to help you - literally Developer4lease has issued an app about the end of the world and it runs on iPhone, BlackBerry, Android and Mobile Java phones People say there’s an app for everything and they are right - because now there’s one for the end of the world! What these guys (I can only assume they are men have done is assemble everything in one place The app, priced at a paltry 99 cents, has videos, alerts to major world events like floods and earthquakes, but best of all has all theories distilled down into a couple of paragraphs each

Surprisingly they did not go the scare route but instead have approach the topic very evenhandedly They present each theory in all seriousness as it exists in the public milieu and then present the counter argument They have even linked to a nice “feel good” article from Nasa debunking a lot of the theories Whether you are a believer or not doesn’t matter - what matters is having all the data in front of you so you can make up your own mind

They have also offered video coverage of scientists, mathematician, writers and scholars - some of these video’s are really intriguing and whether you agree or not they are totally worth a look Some of the people are clearly living in a different universe but some of these people are very mainstream and VERY credible There news alerts of global events such as earthquakes floods and the like so you can track the possible downward spiral as it occurs It’s a very neat collection of data and is worth a look, and especially for the practical among you there’s also survival lists Yes, for those of your deciding that one or more of the theories just may be true and who want to take steps to hang around despite what may happen (some of the planet killer theories allow for survivors) there’s even a survival guide of sorts For each possible cataclysm they have some survival tips and some lists of items that will aid in your survival From hand sanitizer (see pandemic influenza) to bomb shelter (see earthquakes etc ) they have it listed

So for a quick look at some predicted futures check the app out and decide for yourself if there’s anything to be worried about I’m not worried, well I am a little worried I am not going to do anything big like quit my job and move to a cabin in the woods, but I am going to buy a few things you know just in case!!!
Lior Izik is the author of this article on The End of the World.

Lior Izik is the author of this article on Mayan Calendar.


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Author : jgraf From the perspective of spiritual ecology, some of the suspected causes merely stand in the foreground of the disappearing honeybees - EMF radiation; GM crops; and diseases and pests - while artificial incursions of modern bee-keeping on overall hive ecology are recognized to prevail at the root of the issue

The heart of the matter is too much interference For example, in a bid to avoid having to work with a species that can become what humankind deems as overly aggressive, we have been cultivating a more "docile" temperament in the bee Therefore, unlike its more combative relatives in other parts of the world, who are able to bite at, mutilate, and dispose of the varroa mite, our more passive breeds are not equipped to handle these intruders

Time will heal the varroa situation, if we let the honeybee "duke it out" in its own way, under its own terms As with most predation, the strongest will survive to carry forth its capable seed into future stocks

Excessive interference and the foresight of Rudolf Steiner

In deference to the spiritual science of Rudolf Steiner, it needs to be said that this modern Renaissance man predicted in 1923 that if humanity continued to cultivate the honeybees by artificial means, we would, within eighty years, witness the mass disappearance of the bees

Arguably the best-kept secret of the 20th Century, in terms of a resource for social transformation, Rudolf Steiner, in his series of lectures entitled "The Bees," portrayed the intricate nature of the honeybee community
In capsule, Steiner warned against both meddling with the natural process of hive society and artificial manipulation of queen bees

The following list of aspects of human interference with the natural process of bee life, while substantial, is no doubt incomplete:

- The raising of larva in separate quarters, arbitrary feeding of royal jelly to produce queens, then shipping by post to keepers

- Selection of bee populations for docility, de-selecting for aggression

- In contrast to the normal 5 or 6-year life span of a queen, "re-queening" after one or two years

- The grafting of queens - moving larva to artificial cups, then cages for transport

- Supplanting guard bees with protective measures by humans

- Keeping hives hyper clean, to reduce production of "nuisance" propolis

- Using chemical control agents for disease and pests

- Providing ready-made combs in place of bee-constructed combs, to save work (production time) for the bees

- In a similar vein, supplying sheets of wax, so bees don’t have to gather and secret their own wax

- Use of ventilators so the bees don’t have to tend this

- Use of queen excluders to prevent eggs being laid in inconvenient areas of the hive

- Moving of hives over long distances at the will of human intention

- Clipping of queens’ wings

- Agricultural practices consisting of monocultures that wreak havoc on honeybee diets, and limiting options once the dominant crop is no longer flowering

The foregoing list of strategies used to manipulate production demonstrates that mankind is capable of invention In fact, we are able to wax clever, even to the point of genius However, in this modern era (in which we find ourselves so often losing the perspective of overview, due to reductionism and specialization, among other things) it appears that when we fail to perceive the whole picture, our inventiveness falls short of the masterful way that a naturally developing hive proceeds

Perhaps there are effective ways to work in harmony with the bees, even using a certain degree of creative intervention But just which particular intercessions will time prove to be both wise and productive, in terms of a win-win for both bee and human?
Who can know, but those who gain utmost understanding of the synergy and multi-dimension of the bee kingdom?

Leo Tolstoy, after his own lengthy study of bees, had this to say: "The higher the human intellect rises in the discovery [of the bees’ aim], the more obvious it becomes that the final aim is beyond its reach "

The most essential thing we learn from reviewing the Steiner material is that beekeepers would do well to acquire a metaphysical understanding of bees and the complex masterpiece of the hive
Mystery lives in the hive, and within the golden elixir that is honey, mystery we have yet to, or may never, discover

Spiritual ecology holds that the first step in addressing an issue pertaining to the realm of nature is to deepen our understanding of the overall synergy of the particular eco-community in question
Meanwhile, the short answer, at least for consumers, is to buy only honey produced in an organic manner - and by non-interference methods Withdraw all support from other means of production
If you are a marketer, establish non-interference standards and label those products so consumers have a means of choosing
If you are a scientist, reductionism leads to reduction in the world of nature Take off the blinders that induce you to seek an answer in terms of a virus, pest, or pathogen, etc
And if you are a bee-keeper, or a scientist, study Steiner Try to see the pathogen aspect as a symptom, not the cause, of the problem J Graf is the coordinator of Earth Vision and Insight21 - doorways for the 21st Century - at Earth Vision and Insight21 Submitted By ArticleUnited.com

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Author : Joel BleasedaleWhy Volunteer Overseas?

Travel to new destinations, live in exotic locations and feel a tremendous sense of achievement attained only by making a difference with vital humanitarian and preservation projects Volunteer travel is the ideal way to make a difference while still having the adventure of a lifetime

Here are a few of the reasons why volunteering is an excellent way to travel:

Learn about another culture, language and way of life, while making a positive contribution

Package holidays on the Costa del Sol keep a lot of people very happy, but many of us need more For those who loathe the idea of lying on a beach for weeks on end, volunteering is the way forward Volunteering offers you the opportunity to experience life most people only dream about or see on BBC travel programs Volunteering programs frequently take place in exotic locations and you feel a tremendous sense of achievement as you make a difference Enjoy an adventure with like minded people—people who want to return home from their holiday with the satisfaction that they have made a lasting impact that changes lives and helps preserve the planet Everyone has different goals But if your goal is a bit greater than avoiding tan lines, then volunteering might be your calling

Grow, and remember who you are

It is not hard to get sucked into the rigors of daily life… how many pairs of shoes can we afford or where can we get the latest accessories for our iPod music player Volunteering is a wonderful way to peel off the layers and to remember who we are, and what we are capable of, away from consumerism and the trials of our own societies Volunteering can be very challenging Leave your mobile phone behind and delve into the work and goals at hand You will find that you can do things you never dreamt yourself capable of Oftentimes the work you complete with your hands is not the most lasting effect Getting to know the local communities has an impact that might be less visible, but it is certainly very strong By making new friendships you will remember as well as teach and remind others that we are all people with hearts and minds, dreams and aspirations, who want to feel safe and happy Volunteering breaks down barriers and makes the world smaller It is a marvelous way to put the world, as well as our personal lives, in perspective

Get international experience in a field of interest

Are you studying social work or African wildlife? Chances are there is a volunteering opportunity out there that will add a whole new dimension to whatever your field of study may be A degree is one thing, but having hands on experience in the field cannot be replicated in a classroom

Power pack that CV

Volunteerism is a wonderful way to make your CV a bit juicier Employers value CVs from people who have vision and drive, and volunteering during your vacation is a lot more impressive than a ski holiday at Meribel Volunteering overseas shows your potential employer that you are committed, flexible and patient

All this on a budget…

Volunteering remains one of the least expensive ways to travel overseas and gain international experience

Although volunteering programs are generally less expensive than standard tourism, programs are not free and oftentimes not cheap Volunteers usually cover their own flights, insurance, room and board, as well as other costs and a donation to the project itself Volunteering placement organisations also charge a fee to cover their costs Unless you are a medical professional or you are planning on committing more than a year to a volunteering program, chances are you will have to pay to volunteer Volunteer placement programs work hard to provide an enriching, cultural experience for the volunteers while simultaneously making concentrated efforts in accomplishing volunteering goals There are hundreds of different volunteering organisations, so it is necessary to do the appropriate research and use caution when choosing your program We realize that there is a lot to choose from! But this really is a good thing, because it provides you with more choice, and it provides more opportunities for potential volunteers Volunteering organisations are responsible for helping to recruit and build an army of volunteers, and this is absolutely necessary in order to make a sustainable impact on the planet and its lives

SOME THINGS TO CONSIDER BEFORE SENDING IN YOUR CHECK…

Say goodbye to hot showers

Volunteering is very different than going on a holiday where you expect the meals to be gourmet and the beds to have fresh linens daily Volunteering requires patience and energy, flexibility yet drive Oftentimes conditions are basic, food is tasteless, plumbing and electricity is unheard of, and you’ll be sleeping in a sleeping bag The focus of volunteering programs is not about the creature comforts, rather the activities that forgoing modern amenities can afford Many programs take place in developing countries or exotic places where life is simpler, and you will surprise yourself at how little you need to truly be happy So before sending in your check, take a nice hot bubble bath, order a pizza and sit down for some prime time television because these are just a few of the things you will go without on your program

Volunteering is different than changing

Many of the communities where volunteering programs take place are steeped in centuries of culture and tradition Respecting the local culture is a vital part of volunteering, so any feelings of western superiority should be left at the airport

Why are you volunteering?

Volunteering overseas is a true test of your tenacity and ability to adjust You will undoubtedly find it very difficult at times Chances are you will be volunteering and working with a group of people from many different cultural backgrounds and of many different ages Some programs take place in very isolated areas where you will most likely be working very hard for results that are not immediately evident This can be hard work It is important that volunteers realize and respect this before committing to a program Volunteering is an endeavor to embrace life and help others, yet there are cases of people choosing to volunteer to escape bad marriages, depression, or other general unhappiness at home It’s important that you are happy at home before you embark on a volunteering program or else you will most likely not find the experience an enjoyable one

Brace yourself!

Volunteering can provide you with the experience of a lifetime There are so many opportunities to learn about new ways of life, cultures, languages, skills and more Go into your program with an open mind and remember to remain flexible There are always unforeseen bumps in the road, especially in developing countries Nothing ever goes as planned, such as missed flights, lost baggage, protests blocking road routes, stomach bugs, corrupt government officials and various other problems that will most likely arise This is all part of the experience so just brace yourself, hold on, and enjoy the ride!
Joel Bleasedale, TravelTree
Specializing in Volunteer projects and Gap Year travel worldwide!
www.TravelTree.co.uk
www.GlobalCrossroad.comSubmitted By ArticleUnited.com

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Author : Jan MichaelsMarilyn Monroe had six toes Connie stiler also has six toes Which fact do you find more interesting? My guess is it is Marilyn, and that is mostly because she was packaged (and still is) as a model of stunning beauty, desire and perfection Yet, the truth is that Marilyn was not perfect by the very standards of the business that convinced everyone that she was the woman men wanted or that women had to look like to BE wanted Still, most believed it then, and continue to believe this fantasy today

Ever heard the old saying If I want your opinion I’ll give it to you? Well, the fashion, beauty and Ad media industries are constantly presenting appealing ads to every man, woman and child hoping to giving us our opinion of what beauty is And the truly sad thing is most people accept this lofty standard, putting an incredible amount of pressure on people to be perfect and desirable 24/7

Remember this commercial? Mabey you do not remember this one in particular, but they all pretty much follow the same format A very pretty woman smiles at a man, obviously interested in him, and he smiles back only to realize she has a flake of dandruff on her shoulder! He walks away totally turned off now Why? Because she didn’t meet the advertisers (and yours, if you buy it) standards for beauty Does this seem reasonable to you? Or does it seem like a snobbish, self-centered and holier-than-thou attitude for a person to have?

Consider this If you accept big businesss standards of beauty created to sell their products, then you are isolating yourself from most of the population of the world If you try to live up to a profit generated opinion of what is beautiful, then you have set yourself up to fail For proof of this, just check out the tragic lives and failed relationships of the world’s most beautiful, admired entertainers and models

Here is something else to think about Do you know the definition of brainwashing? No, it is not a new surgical procedure! Brainwashing means: Inducing a person to modify his or her beliefs, attitudes, or behavior by conditioning through various forms of pressure

So, how does the ad agencies and big business pressure us into modifying our beliefs, attitudes or behavior? Lets say ads start coming out on tv, radio, print all over the world, and these ads are constantly implying that if you do not own this product, you can not be popular, desired or accepted As more and more people accept the ads conditioning, the pressure builds for the rest of us to conform or be isolated from the crowd

I am sure as a child, and growing into adulthood, you have experienced some conditioning to modify your beliefs, attitudes, or behavior because of this kind of peer pressure We all want to fit in and be accepted, so we may change our beliefs to conform to the majority despite that it may be uncomfortable Even when it is uncomfortable in a physical way! Females can understand this extremely tight clothes, high heels, bras, makeup and the incredible pressure to always be beautiful

Reality What a concept: The truth is, Nobody on this planet has ever been, nor ever will attain big businesss standard of what is beautiful, and trying to live up to someones standards of beauty causes far more problems for generations to come than it is worth The simple fact that you are alive, and able to think makes you a beautiful and interesting person, not what you wear And all of the things that make someone beautiful are the things that come from within a person Big business and the ad agencies cannot create and sell love, kindness, understanding or attractive personalities Only you can, and it doesn’t cost you a dime

It comes down to this Enhance, decorate and discover what makes you beautiful as a person from within and then your REAL beauty will shine in the eyes of ALL beholders
Jan Michaels is the creator of Article Friendly Article Publishing Script for php & mysql, and can be found at: Article Friendly

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