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Mother Cow Report Card

In one respect, possibly the best person to do a preliminary assessment of a cow protection program is an accountant, because of his or her training to evaluate performance in terms of names, dates and numbers. These factors reveal a lot about the quality of cow protection, even before the project is visited.

Let’s evaluate the Mother Cow program by a set of standards (abbreviated here) that I posted a year ago. The point here is not to attack Mother Cow, but rather by revealing positive standards of cow protection to promote the defense of Dharma in all cow protection programs.

MONITORING AND RECORDS

1. The entire herd should be counted daily.

* Whether Mother Cow follows this standard is unknown, but probably it would not be difficult at least to count the cows still being maintained at Mother Cow.

2. Every cow should have a name.

* It appears that all Mother Cow’s milking cows have names, but it’s worth noting that the website doesn’t give names of any calves or bulls. Thus it’s harder to know what becomes of them, and less noticeable when they are missing.

3. Records should be kept with the name, sex, date of birth of each cow. When a cow or calf dies, the cause of death and date of death should be recorded. Annual records should be provided to members each year.

* Unknown. Website does not specify whether members receive an annual cow census.

4. Calf mortality should be less than 10%. In the absence of proper records, this can be determined retroactively by seeing how many cows have been milking in the last 2-3 years and determining how many of their calves are still alive.

* Website indicates over 50 calves born to 22 milking cows – yet Mother Cow states it is protecting only 12 calves. What happened to the other 40 calves?

5. Analyzed by sex, the herd should be approximately 50% cows, 50% bulls or oxen. If there are far more females than males, it’s a sign of a discrepancy – either in the organization’s incomplete understanding of cow protection, or in substandard protection for bull calves.

* Website indicates over 50 calves born to 22 milking cows – yet Mother Cow states that it has only one bull and one ox. Of the total of 70 animals, only 2 males are currently protected by Mother cow (less than 3 percent). The oxen shown in the website’s photo don’t appear to be from Mother Cow, since all the cows are taurean breeds, but the oxen shown are Indic or Brahmin breed.

6. Any cow who has taken shelter on Krsna’s land or in Krsna’s temple should never be subsequently sold, traded, given away or killed.

* Statistics show that several dozen cows are missing from the herd. We’re assured that bull calves are given to a Jain project where they will be “protected for life.” Out of site, out of mind. On one hand, if the Jain temple is protecting these cows, why not donate money directly to the Jains? On the other hand, getting rid of unprofitable cows by giving them to others makes Mother Cow’s claims of providing life-time protection unconvincing.

BREEDING AND AQUIRING COWS

7. No cow should be bred for milk production alone, without plans for the resulting calf. No cow should be bred unless there is a clear and concrete plan for the care of the calf for its entire life, which may be 10-20 years. This means there must be adequate land, adequate funding and adequate trained personnel to care for the resulting calf.

* The statement of goals indicates that cows are being bred primarily for milk production: “Our plans for expansion include the purchase of 6 acres of land (in addition to our present 3 acres of land), 40 milk cows.” Cows are not being bred to produce working oxen, nor is there any description of training the resulting bull calves, who appear to be simply unwanted offspring.

8. Cows should not be acquired based on sentiment alone. A goshalla should not allow itself to be exploited by those who “donate” animals with mixed motives.

* Mother Cow cannot be accused of this flaw.

9. Milking should be a pleasurable experience for the cow.

* Milking techniques are unknown. This is generally difficult to assess without being on-site. There seem to be enough cowherds to prevent the necessity of machine milking.

10. Milk production should not be developed primarily as a profit-making venture. “You say we must have a gosala trust, that is our real purpose. krsi-goraksya-vanijyam vaisya karma svabhava-jam, [Bg 18.44]. Where there is agriculture there must be cows. That is our mission: Cow protection and agriculture and if there is excess, trade. This is a no-profit scheme…

* It seems clear that this project has been developed primarily as a profit-making venture, which is why most of the calves are missing. It’s simply not profitable to keep them. Profit-motive, especially in a competitive capitalist system, always endangers the welfare of cows. (See also my article, “Why Commercial Dairies Can’t Stop Killing,” Back To Godhead, Vol. 30, No 6, 1996.)

TRAINING OF OXEN OR BULLOCKS

11. In general, all bull calves should be trained to work. As Srila Prabhupada stated, “If you do not use the bulls for plowing, one day you will say, let us cut their throats.”

* Out of 70 animals, it appears that one ox is being trained to work.

12. No ox should be overworked or worked by force only.

* Not relevant at this point, since no oxen are working.

13. In general, bull calves should be castrated by the time they are 1 year old, or whatever age is appropriate for that breed. This can be done with minimum discomfort by using a bloodless emasculator or burdizzo, which only pinches the semen tubes to achieve sterilization.

* Whether oxen are castrated before being given to the Jains is unknown.

SHELTER, GRAZING AND FEED

14. The cows’ living conditions should be clean and comfortable.

* The 30 animals who have been permitted to remain at Mother Cow appear to have clean facilities. The living conditions of animals donated to the Jain goshalla are unknown.

15. All cows should have adequate shelter.

* Again, the 30 animals who remain at Mother Cow seem to have adequate shelter. It is unknown what kind of shelter the other 40 animals have.

16. Adequate fencing should be maintained.

* Apparently the fencing is adequate since the goshalla stresses that cows are not permitted to wander the streets eating hazardous garbage. Thus they are also protected from street injuries and from slaughter by rustlers.

17. Cows must be provided sufficient grazing opportunity. And, as stated by Bhismadeva in the Mahabharata, no cow should be kept always tethered.

* Grazing opportunities unknown.

18. The program should maintain adequate pasture for animals. Generally the minimum would be at least 1/2 acre (1/4 hectare) per animal, preferably 1 acre per animal.

* 30 cows on 3 acres of land means 1/10 acre of land for each animal, probably less, because buildings occupy some land. Mother Cow plans to purchase more land, but indicates land will be for 40 more cows (and presumably their 40 more calves). “Our plans for expansion include the purchase of 6 acres of land (in addition to our present 3 acres of land), 40 milk cows, 2 fully equipped barns…” It appears that to increase profitability of the dairy, conditions will become more crowded, not less crowded.

19. Cows should be sufficiently well fed.

* It appears that the 22 milking cows are well fed. The conditions of the animals sent to the Jain goshalla are unknown.

20. Ideally, feed for the cows should be grown on site, not purchased from outside.

* Given the small amount of land, most feed must be purchased from outside, but it appears from the photos that some is grown on site.

FUNDING AND ACCOUNTING

21. The goshalla should have an accurate and clear method of keeping accounts, and members should be presented with an annual statement of accounts.

* It is unknown whether members are presented with an annual statement of accounts. Since the endeavor is set up primarily as a profit-making dairy rather than as a cow protection program, it seems doubtful that the standard of public accounting exists at this stage.

22. Ideally, funds collected for a goshalla or cow protection program should be kept separate from other accounts, such as that of a temple or community facility. Funds should not be invested in any speculative business enterprise.

* Unknown.

COWHERD TRAINING AND SUPPORT

23. Cowherds should be recognized as important members in the spiritual community.

* Whether cowherd are regarded as members of the spiritual community is unknown. The fact that their photos are highlighted on the website seems positive. When cowherds are publicly praised, they take pride in their work. This usually results in better care for the cows.

24. Ideally, the goshalla should maintain a well designed program for training cowherds and ox-power farmers.

* Training program for cowherds is unknown, but probably there is some program in place or the facilities would not look as good as they do. It is doubtful that there is a training program for teamsters, since most bull calves are sent away,

25. Cowherds should be facilitated and supported so they can have a decent, if simple, standard of living… Without proper training, facility and care of its cowherds, a cow protection program is threatened by constant turnover of staff and may eventually collapse.

* Standard of living and rate of turnover among the cowherds is unknown.

MEMBERSHIP AND OUTREACH

26. A goshalla should use its cow protection program as a means of attracting the public to Krsna consciousness.

*Difficult to assess at this point.

27. Activities of the cow protection program should be highlighted on community websites and during religious holidays and festivals such as Gaura Purnima, Janmastami, Govardhana Puja and Ratha Yatra. The Deities can be read accounts of the activities of the year, not only how much milk or burfi was produced, but also how many oxen were trained, how much area they plowed, how much wood they hauled, how many bushels of vegetables they produced, etc ­ showcasing the offerings of the animals to the Lord.

* Unknown.

28. A cow protection program should provide opportunity for members’ input and participation. This can be achieved through questionnaires, newsletters, workshops, and pre-festival meetings.

* Members are invited to come to the farm, and they exchange letters at Mother Cow’s public website.

CONCLUSION

Though established primarily as a profit-making dairy, Mother Cow displays interest in some aspects cow protection. An informed membership can guide this interest to greater incorporation of the principles of Dharma, especially through proper protection, training and utilization of Father Bull, which will be more in keeping with the practice of Krsna consciousness.

Read more: Mother Cow Report Card

Meth Labs Becoming An Increasing Problem For Hazmat Specialists

Illegal Methamphetamine production in clandestine makeshift labs have created a new hazard and increasing problem for hazmat specialists to contend with.

Methamphetamine labs are being found in many different types of locations and not just limited to houses or apartments. Other clever places such as abandoned scrapped out vehicles or even motels are also being used. The numbers of meth labs discovered by police agencies are increase rapidly each year with no end in sight.

Meth labs are extremely dangerous and even being in the vicinity of a an illegal lab could mean injury or death. The dangerous chemicals involved in the production of meth will leave behind hazardous waste residue. Many of the ingredients that are being used in meth production are many common household chemicals that can be found in household cleaners and paints. These chemicals include benzene and methylene sometimes chloride or trichloroethane and toluene. Methamphetamine may also include other chemicals and solvents such as phosphorous iodine and metals.

When combining these chemicals they can ignite causing explosions or fires and release toxic fumes into the air. Most times when the waste is disposed of outdoors it will lead to permanent damage to the environment and our water supply. Invisible vapors can seep into plaster and wood or other porous substances found in the home. Liquids that are discarded will leave a toxic residue in bathtubs and sinks.

During the illegal production of meth many contaminates are used in the process that can be harmful if you are exposed. These chemicals can cause health problems such as respiratory problems or skin and eye irritation. Acute exposures to high levels of these chemicals such as those encountered by hazmat specialists when dismantling a lab can cause severe health problems including lung damage and serious chemical burns to many different parts of the body.

Not much is currently known about the health effects from long term exposure to contaminants left behind after a meth lab is dismantled. Extreme caution must be used and the strictest regulatory cleaning practices implemented to avoid contamination to outside sources. Because of this reason meth labs are considered to be hazardous waste locations and should only be entered by trained and equipped hazmat response professionals. Any location that once contained a crystal-meth lab needs to be properly decontaminated and can remain unlivable for quite some time.

Unfortunately because this is a new problem we are facing there is currently no official protocol or regulations in place on how to dismantle and decontaminate a crystal meth lab property.

Until these protocols are developed and put in place dismantling methamphetamine labs will pose certain unknown risks to trained hazmat specialists and law enforcement personnel.

Read more: Meth Labs Becoming An Increasing Problem For Hazmat Specialists

How To Write An Effective Cover Letter

It is imperative that the appropriate time and effort be devoted to writing effective cover letters. A cover letter should complement your resume. It’s a customized letter, which interprets the facts mentioned in the resume. It states the reason for your interest in a particular company and your skills and experiences, your knowledge and interest about the position.

There are three types of cover letters:

1. Application letter, which is sent for job interviews.

2. Prospecting letter, which inquires about the available positions.

3. Networking letter, which seeks information and assistance for a job.

Although writing a cover letter may seem like a difficult task at first, you can become an expert very soon if you follow certain steps.

Format Of A Cover Letter:

Every letter has it’s own unique style, but a basic format of a business letter should be kept in mind while writing a cover letter. It should have three paragraphs: introduction, main body and the closing.

First Paragraph

a. While writing an application letter, the first paragraph should state the purpose for your writing. State your reasons for being interested in a particular position. If someone has referred you be sure to mention him. If you are writing in response to an advertisement, mention the place and title of the position. Bring to the employer’s notice the match between your skills and experiences and the job requirements.

b. While writing a prospecting letter, your specifications and requirements for the position should be stated.

c. While writing a networking letter, the request for assistance for searching a job should be clearly mentioned.

Second Paragraph

The second paragraph should mention your skills and experiences and what you can offer to them if given the job and how your particular abilities relate to the job. Focus on your potential to fulfill the job requirement and skills possessed by you useful for that position. Elaborate on how your interests and strengths can be relevant and useful to the employer and the company. Emphasize your achievements and goals and relate them to the position you are applying for. This is the main body of the letter in which you should describe how you satisfy the job requirements and are suitable for the position.

Third Paragraph

In the third paragraph you conclude the letter by expressing your interest and enthusiasm in the job and when and where the employer can contact you. Provide necessary information like your address, telephone number or email address so that the employer can follow-up at his convenience. Do not end the letter in a pessimistic tone but with a positive attitude as though you are sure of the employer wanting to hire you. Close your letter by always thanking the employer for his time and consideration, just like in any other business letter. Also, mention that references are available on request. Try to keep it short and simple.

Always remember to use good quality paper for a cover letter. Make sure there are no spelling, grammatical or printing errors and address it to the right person.

A cover letter adds your personal touch to the resume and enables you to highlight your qualifications and your abilities. It allows you to express your confidence in your ability to do the job. And it gives you and opportunity to emphasize your credentials. It should attract enough attention so that the employer proceeds to read on. Cover letters allow you to express what you can contribute to the company if given the job. Cover letters should be written in a way that creates the maximum positive impact on the employer.

Read more: How To Write An Effective Cover Letter

Measure Your Results for Faster, Easier and More Success

When I was studying for my MBA, my most challenging class was statistics. And even though I managed an A- in the class, it took very one of the few analytical brain cells I had to do so.

So imagine my pleasant surprise when I sat down to analyze the statistics of my business over the last 12 months and found myself engrossed, fascinated, excited and practically dancing for joy. Armed with this critical data, now I know exactly where to spend my time and efforts going forward to receive the highest and best rate of return!

I ran a total of about 20 reports, but let me share some of what I learned specifically from my shopping cart’s reports:

Shopping Cart Stats

The shopping cart system I use (1ShoppingCart) has the ability to run sales reports in a variety of ways. Below are four of the reports I ran, what my results were, and what I will do with those results:

a. My Monthly Sales Totals…

…showed me that my best month financially was December, with a close second in February and a third in October.

I reviewed my marketing and sales (making offers) activities for those months, and what I found was this:

In December, my best financial month, I held my 50% off holiday sale – and I didn’t have to do a thing to bring in those sales, other than promote it. So, if you’re hesitating about having a sale, and even more so if you’re hesitating about giving a big discount, don’t. You’ll not only make sales that you wouldn’t have otherwise, you’ll likely make MORE sales than you would have otherwise, which of course means more money.

In February, I launched the first edition of my “21 Easy & Essential Steps to Online Success System” – and it’s become my bestselling product. Those are two solid reasons to do an updated and revised version, which I am right now.

In October, I held my “How to Make Your Teleseminars Make You Money” teleseminar. Obviously this was, and is, a hot topic, for my market, so I packaged it into a product for immediate purchase (click here for details). I’m also considering adding it to my list of live programs to offer this year.

b. My Sales by Ad Campaign…

… showed me which special offers were the ones you were most interested in taking advantage of. Now I know which offers to consider repeating, or offering on another product or program in the future.

c. My Sales by Clients/Customers…

… showed me who my top clients/customers are, what they’ve bought, and how much they’ve invested in my offerings. And since I know that one of the most effective ways to grow a business is to make additional offers to those who have already bought from me, you can bet that not only will I do that, but I’ll do it in a way that makes them feel special – because they are to me – by offering them special access or discounts or additional benefits as my way of thanking them for their continued business and loyalty.

d. My “Where did you hear about us” Report…

… showed me that even though I thought that some of my online networking efforts weren’t really paying off, mainly because I didn’t think I was focusing enough time on them, I was wrong. It seems even the small amount I had been doing was making an impact.

So now I know the top 4-5 places to really focus those efforts going forward. This makes what can seem like an overwhelming marketing activity (some lists are SO active) into an extremely managable and once-again enjoyable one.

I gleaned all of this information from just four reports from my shopping cart. And this doesn’t include the reports I ran from my email list service (Aweber) or from my web stats (Google Analytics).

Measuring the results of your business activities is critical to your success, and anyone can do it (it’s really one of those “if I can, anyone can” kind of things). I really want to encourage you to take a look at where you’ve been over the past 6-12 months, analyze that data, and make some strategic decisions about where you want to focus your efforts going forward to get where you want to be.

© 2007 Alicia M Forest and ClientAbundance.com

Read more: Measure Your Results for Faster, Easier and More Success

Metaphysical Development & Disciplines Part 1

The Need for a Guru

In the spiritual, metaphysical path, various disciplines and exercises are conducted to aid the awakening and the unfoldment of the faculties and virtues of the divinity within. To attune with the Higher Self, one is required to undergo the process of purification and to carry-out meditative exercises. Meditation, concentration, visualizations, chanting, esoteric rituals, and other spiritual disciplines are utilized as aids on the path of spiritual and metaphysical development. In order to tread the metaphysical path a spiritual teacher or Guru is indispensable as a way-shower. The Guru or Adept having been on the spiritual path for many years, or for the greater part of his/her life, or even for several lifetimes is qualified to guide the enthusiastic aspirant. Treading the spiritual path alone without outside assistance and guidance is a difficult task. Only a few great souls are able to do this. However, it should be noted that according to tradition and occult revelation, even great souls like Jesus and the Prophet Muhammad had Guru-Chela relationships with Spiritual Masters, both physical and non-physical. External spiritual preceptors are here to “push” or motivate the aspirant, just as the inner divine Master is present within our beings to “pull” us inwards, to help us gravitate towards the Inner Light.

Learning from books has its disadvantages; firstly, one is unable to bask in the presence of a Guru. A genuine Guru radiates powerful energies that stimulate slumbering souls in his immediate vicinity. The Master’s aura prompts the energy-level of those around him to step-up in frequency. By constantly being in the presence of a Guru one gradually transforms one’s microcosmic vehicles to a higher expression. One accelerates spiritually by being in the proximity of a Spiritual Preceptor. It is like a magnet that induces iron bits to become magnetized just as it is simply by the association.

Secondly, books do not provide all of the keys or knowledge necessary that would open metaphysical doorways to higher worlds or to higher states of awareness. Many keys are omitted in books. Thirdly, books hardly present a two-way interaction that a Guru-Chela relationship offers. From these three points (and there are more) it can be seen how necessary it is to have a Way-Shower. Genuine spiritual/metaphysical teachers are not easily found or met. One meets a real Spiritual Guide partially because of spiritual merit. There is an occult saying, “When the student is ready the Master appears.” The student has to prepare himself for the Master’s advent by attaining a certain soul-level, by spiritual works and study. It should be realized, however, that those individuals passing themselves off as Spiritual Gurus and Metaphysical Masters are hardly what they claim themselves to be. Here lies the problem for the occult tyro–how to discern the true Master from the “false prophet,” or the wolf in sheep clothing and the true Shepherd of the Spirit.

In the traditional teachings of Christianity we are told that St.Peter, one of the Apostles of Christ, guards the portals to the Kingdom of Heaven. He holds within his hands various keys that would unlock the gate and allow the soul to pass the threshold and enter into a world of heavenly delight, to a land where one could pluck and eat the fruits of the Tree of Life. The average Christian interprets this teaching literally. In truth, this is merely an allegory, an esoteric precept referring to the principle that a Spiritual Guru or Murshid, (St.Peter) is necessary to guide one’s spiritual development. The Spiritual Guru holds and preserves the keys of metaphysical (mystical/magickal) development. By applying the keys (the cosmic laws and spiritual principles) that the Guru transmits to his disciples, it would be possible to acquire a spiritual consciousness (the Kingdom of Heaven) and consume the fruits of the Tree of Life (a constant awareness of one’s immortality).

In the early days of Christianity, “priests” functioned as Gurus and not merely as preachers. In the centuries that followed, the priesthood lost the keys to Heaven because of their corruption and degeneration. They subsequently grew envious of those that did possess the keys, the gnosis or spiritual, esoteric knowledge. This was one of the factors that instigated the attack of the orthodoxy upon the Christian sects called Gnostics. These Gnostics were the custodians of the secret, esoteric, spiritual teachings of the Essenes, the Master Jesus and the other divine avatars.

Now it should be realized that not all Spiritual Gurus are of the same evolutionary level. They are of various initiatory grades. Some Gurus offer their services specifically to the masses, to the average person on the street; others are here on the physical plane to help higher-evolved persons, or those of disciple status to attain the first and second planetary initiation. Rarely do we find Gurus who are real Adepts and Masters guiding those who have heard the call of the soul to attain liberation, enlightenment, and the ascension. Each person who is interested in metaphysical and spiritual culture will find himself at the doorstep of the Guru most appropriate to his present state of soul development. When he grows spiritually to a certain point with the guidance of his Preceptor, he may eventually find himself being led to other Gurus of a higher grade or different ray-ashram for further esoteric instructions or for developing a different soul-quality..

Metaphysical Development

In the Path of metaphysical development it would be advantageous and worthwhile for the spiritual aspirant to study the spiritual teachings of various religions and philosophies. Anything that would help refine one’s soul-character and expand one’s metaphysical knowledge is beneficial. The student should be equally comfortable studying the teachings of Alchemy or Zen. By the exploring of various teachings we do not imply that one should build one’s spiritual philosophy upon the foundation of syncretism. This would hardly work if we strive to integrate the superficial, dogmatic aspects of religion. What we would like students of metaphysics to probe is the essence or core of religions, back to the source of all religions, or to the Gupta Vidya–the Ageless Teachings. In the Old Testament, for instance, we were admonished by God to walk the ancient paths (Jeremiah 6:16). This “ancient path” is an esoteric term for the Ageless teachings, or the Ancient Wisdom. Followers of the “New Age” movement may consider the revelations received through the phenomenon of “channeling” as something novel; however, the essence of what is revealed is nothing new and is to be found in the spiritual teachings of all ancient cultures. We admonish the novice not to focus on or speculate too much upon what lies above in the cosmos. It really does not matter what or who lies “up there,” whether it is “Ashtar,” “Kryon,” or the “Pleaidians,” or any other beings flitting around in their merkabah vehicles; what really matters is what lies within you. Pay attention to that, to the task at hand. Improve your character, your spirituality, your evolutionary status, and your awareness. Unfold unconditional love and compassion. Beware of self-complacency and arrogance, thinking that you know everything, or more than others.

The first step of spiritual unfoldment is the purification of the lower aspects of the microcosm of all psychical and physical toxins, negative energies, psychological complexes and fixations, karmic effects, record, and memory; and the transcendence of the false ego. Not only should these unwanted energies be discarded or transmuted, the spiritual aspirant should also be vigilant that they no longer be generated by the mind and emotions or attracted into the microcosmic force-field by establishing a point of attraction through negative thinking and feeling. Conversely, the aspirant should strive to express the divine qualities of the Spirit, such as compassion, tolerance, affection, beauty, order, generosity, selflessness, etc. In Patanjali’s Yogic philosophy these two steps are called Yama and Niyama. They comprise the dos and the don’ts in religious moral teachings.

According to Patanjali’s metaphysical system of development, breathing and physical exercises should next be conducted to maintain healthy and vital bodies. These are called Pranayama and Asana, respectively. Pranayama actually means the control of the life-force within the physical/etheric body, and not to the control of the breath as some occultists would have us believe. Asana means “body-position.” In Hatha yoga we are taught various asanas to help maintain a supple, healthy, vital body. Although beneficial to a certain degree, in our metaphysical system of development we do not stress Hatha yoga too much for this form of yoga actually belongs to the Lemurian Age (the Third Race) where physical cultivation was the basis of spiritual unfoldment. In the days of Atlantis (the Fourth Race), it was Bhakti yoga that was of certain importance, for it helped cultivated the emotional nature. In our present Aryan Age (the Fifth Race), Raja yoga is indispensable for it aids in the development of our mental nature. Metaphysical development should therefore, be concentrated more upon the mental/spiritual plane for it is the most appropriate for our present Soul-Race. Below is a tabulation and clarification of the above information:

1) The First Race — Polarian – No yogas, involutionary race.

2) The Second Race – Hyperborean – No yogas, involutionary race.

3) The Third Race – Lemurian – Hatha yoga, related to the physical/etheric principle.

4) The Fourth Race – Atlantean – Bhakti yoga, related to the emotional/astral principle.

5) The Fifth Race – Aryan – Raja yoga, related to the mental principle.

6) The Sixth Race – Unknown – Yoga unknown, related to the Buddhic principle.

7) The Seventh Race – Unknown – Yoga unknown, related to the Atmic principle.

But to return from our digression:

Following Pranayama and Asana is Pratyahara, or the withdrawing of the senses from external stimuli. This act of withdrawing the senses results in Dharana, a deep concentration upon some inner point within the consciousness. Deep and intense concentration of a lengthy period establishes the state of Dhyana, or meditation. The culmination of the Dhyana-state is Samadhi, or a higher form of consciousness where one experiences the state of bliss and peace. There are various consciousness levels in Samadhi; for simplicity sake we may designate them as “Christ Consciousness” and “Cosmic Consciousness.” The former is related to the Soul-Consciousness of the Higher Self, or the threefold aspects of the Soul–the Higher Mental, Buddhi, and Atma. The latter on the other hand, is related to the Spirit-Consciousness of the Monad, the Divine Spark within the microcosm. The eight steps of the above are often called the “Eight-limbs of Patanjali.”

In metaphysical development we strive to attain ever higher states of consciousness or awareness. In mystical teachings this is often illustrated as a climb towards a mountain peak and we are often advised by mystics to climb the highest mountain. In Holy Scriptures, when the tale is told of mystics “going up” to the mountains to pray and meditate actually refers to an inner ascent in the consciousness and not to an actual physical journey.

In the early stages of metaphysical development it is advisable for the neophyte to introspect and reflect upon the various elements forming his present desires, motivations, ideals, attitudes, beliefs, and feelings–all of the psychological stuff forming his world-view, his belief-framework, his religious-view, and his understanding of life as a whole, as well as its purport. There is much that we take for granted, much that we assume to be true because humanity as a whole or certain groups of humanity have believed in them for centuries. We have been taught many things as “truths” by our elders, our religious leaders, and pedagogues and we accept them at face value without any meaningful effort in reflecting whether they are of any real substance whatsoever. This the neophyte has to rectify first and foremost in his consciousness. The beginner in metaphysical development has to know why he is on the physical plane and for what Cosmic purpose. He has to discover the meta-philosophical truths concerning life and death, and the real reason why he embarks upon metaphysical study. In short, the neophyte has to awaken himself from his ignorance at the first Cosmic level. Until he realizes that in his present condition he knows nothing, the neophyte has not yet arrived at the state where he may acquire true knowledge.

Metaphysical development entails getting rid of the demons of the mind, the idols that drains one’s energies. Idols are not simply statues made of wood and stone; they may be anything at all. Idols at our present stage of soul-unfoldment are glamours and illusions of the psyche. We may define idols do be anything that distracts the soul from carrying-out its evolutionary obligations. Thus, television or the obsession of psychic powers may be considered as idols, and irresponsible Gurus teaching psychicism sans spiritual unfoldment as fabricators of idols. This in fact is one of the avenues of dis-service (dark services) offered by the Fallen Angels. In Islamic tradition Harut and Marut were the two Fallen Angels that taught humanity psychicism/occultism irresponsibly. Low-calibre paranormals and metaphysicians perpetrate this shameful tradition.

Nowadays, people who are interested in psychicism are so eager to unfold paranormal powers. It should be realized that this is not a spiritual goal, because sometime and somewhere along the spiritual path psychic powers would have to be renounced as they simply blind our inner eyes to the spiritual state of Light-Consciousness, symbolized by the saviour-gods in the world mythologies. Psychicism prolongs our needless stay in the lower dimensions. Psychic powers may corrupt the human soul.

Getting rid of or destroying idols is not an easy task. In order to do this we need the help of the Christ-Krishna force, or the light of Muhammad. Invoke their power into your lives; pay more attention to their presence until the intrusion of the demonic idols lose their power and hold over you. In the end you will truly become a holy one, unattached and untainted by anything of this world–”to be in this world but not of it.”

[Note: This paper contains images which may be seen as originally published at our website]

Copyright © 2006 Luxamore

Read more: Metaphysical Development & Disciplines Part 1

Do you Wear Bonsai Goggles ?

As I examine myself each morning in front of the mirror I continuously remind myself that in the bonsai world having short stubby limbs is considered to be desirable.

In fact, in the bonsai world I will only become more desirable as I age. The more wrinkles, gnarly growths and peculiarities I develop the more popular I will become. In fact the world may well be a better place if we all wore a set of bonsai goggles.

In much the same way that drinking a bottle of wine for some increases our perception of how attractive people are, bonsai goggles do the same. However the benefits manifest over a vastly wider spectrum of life than just your “love” life, at a fraction of the cost, and with greater health benefits.

When looking at yourself through your bonsai goggles your life will be transformed. No matter how old you are you’re still trendy. You become increasingly attractive to younger types who have embraced many elements of eastern culture.

You actually become good for the environment; providing a breath of fresh air for those around you. You become an exemplary water saver as you require only 1 cup of water per day to survive, and you provide people who live in small spaces with room to move whilst being stylish and easy on the eye.

Your husband or wife no longer drive you nuts, and you become that special companion that gets cared for daily . Just watch where you’re putting those branch pruners, however!

You are even given away as a gift and become that special companion to your partner’s friends no strings attached.

The most amazing thing about the world when viewed through bonsai goggles is that everyone finds a way to grow, to move forward, no matter what the circumstances might be. Nature has a habit of always finding a way. Bonsai trees will always grow no matter how inhibited it is by its surroundings.

Sometimes we forget that we already have all these elements within us. Luckily we now have bonsai goggles to remind us that we can grow and prosper no matter what our situation or surroundings may be.

With the use of bonsai goggles you will be able to view life positively and help you discover that the abundance and growth that nature displays are qualities that reside within us all.

Read more: Do you Wear Bonsai Goggles ?

Monaco In Front Row In Fight Against Climate Change

Twelve months after Prince Albert of Monaco began a campaign to increase awareness of the impact of global warming among his fellow world leaders, Monaco itself has dramatically improved its own record on the environment among 40 nations from second worst emitting greenhouses gasses to best.

Commenting on the news, Monaco travel guide YourMonaco.com say that the improvement in the principality’s environmental record comes more as a relief than a surprise.

‘Prince Albert has made the environment and global warming an issue not just to be discussed in Monaco, but to be thought about and acted upon as well.

If the results showed no improvement it wouldn’t reflect well perhaps when Prince Albert talks to fellow world leaders about the issue of global warming and pushing it up the agenda if Monaco wasn’t trying – and succeeding – in getting her own house in order first’.

Since coming to the throne a year ago Prince Albert has taken the initiative on the environment and one of the first acts he took was to sign Monaco up to the Kyoto Protocol. Previous to the signing Monaco was one of the few countries in the world not to sign. And in a move to publicise what he sees as the dangers of global warming he went to the North Pole in April.

‘The environment seems to be the number one issue for Prince Albert’, add YourMonaco, ‘in addition to the acts he took when he first came to power, earlier this year he established a foundation to promote new ideas to protect the environment’.

In another recent development Monaco, at Prince Albert’s behest, has decided for the first time to calculate her GDP so she can play a more active role at the United Nations, which will include calculating how much to pay to meet the UN’s request for 0.7 per cent of developed countries GDP for third world development.

Tax Haven

Previously Monaco has best been known as Europe’s number one tax haven, and for the Monaco Grand Prix, held each May around the streets of Monte Carlo.

Often referred to as the ‘Playground of Europe’ any concerns over Monaco changing style are misplaced insist local travel guide YourMonaco.

‘Monaco will continue to attract the wealthy due to her to income tax policy’, comments spokesman Henri Boulanger, ‘And as well as the Monaco Grand Prix there is also the annual Yacht Show each September. Prince Albert knows that these events along with being a tax haven are the geese that lay the golden eggs and without them there wouldn’t be a lot of point in calculating the GDP to send to the United Nations as it would account for very little. By promoting and encouraging events like the Monaco Grand Prix it allows him to play a serious and active part on the world stage. The good weather in Monaco helps too.’

Real estate in Monaco ranks among the highest priced in the world, with one bedroom apartments ranging from nearly a million Euros to two million, and three bedroom apartments often over three million Euros.

UK investors buying Monaco property has increased significantly in the last couple of years, and demand from them has helped push property price inflation to nearly ten per cent a year.

For the future it is expected that prices will continue to rise for the short and medium term, but with interest rates expected to rise in the UK it is not certain whether the supply of British buyers will continue at the same pace as recent years.

Read more: Monaco In Front Row In Fight Against Climate Change

Spontaneous Cooperation… Decades in the Making

After WWI, President Woodrow Wilson said, “the highest and best form of efficiency is the spontaneous cooperation of a free people.” Where is the evidence of spontaneous cooperation in our world today? Historically, it seems that the cause of war — Pearl Harbor, Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait and September 11th — will catalyze a society and nations to cooperate. Must we have our backs to the wall, or is it possible for a compelling vision to create spontaneous cooperation?
The Critical Question

In 1969, Dr. R Buckminster Fuller (most well known for geodesic domes and Buckyballs) developed a World Game simulation to explore global resources and trends. It posed the critical question, “how do we make the world work for 100% of humanity in the shortest possible time through spontaneous cooperation without ecological damage or disadvantage of anyone?” In other words, how do we provide a decent living standard for everyone in an environmentally sustainable way? The part about “through spontaneous cooperation” always remained a puzzle to me. How does positive change happen spontaneously on a global scale?

The premier strategy of Fuller’s global simulation was the interconnection of electric power grids between regions and nations with an emphasis on tapping abundant renewable energy resources around the world. Electricity provides the foundation of our modern society, and power grids act as freeways that deliver the electricity to power our homes, businesses and industry. During the 20th Century, transmission lines delivered electricity from large, centralized plants that burned fossil fuels and nuclear energy. Today, developers of wind, solar and geothermal resources in remote locations are plugging into these expanding grid systems — decentralizing power production while increasing grid integration.

But spontaneous cooperation? Hardly. Any project developer will tell you all the hurdles they face due to regulations, interconnection and siting issues. In the energy industry, the time lag between project proposal to actual commissioning can be 10 – 20 years.

Yet quietly — below the radar of most observers — Fuller’s vision of using power lines to link nations across borders has recently been energized at a pace never seen before.
Nations are linking up

In the past few months, Russia and China agreed to large-scale power grid interconnections that will benefit both economies. Additionally, the Chinese have signed deals with Tajikistan and Vietnam to build transmission lines across their respective borders. The South Koreans have offered to extend their grid into North Korea and modernize the North Korean network as a part of the negotiations to scrap the North’s nuclear program.

In Central Asia, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Afghanistan and Pakistan have proposed a transmission line among their states. Calling it a “win-win situation”, the Krgryz Energy Minister Liaquat Ali Jatoi stated “we want to bring benefits to the common man because if there is economic activity and prosperity, it will be shared by the people of these countries.” Moreover, all 10 nations of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have pledged to interconnect the grids of its members.

In Africa, NEPAD (New African Partnership for Development) and the African Development Bank are supporting the Kenya – Ethiopia agreement to supply power to each other. Modeled after the 12 nation South African Power Pool, 14 ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States) nations are planning to link their energy grids.

The Middle East has seen an wave of integration. Lebanon will be linked to the regional electricity grid that includes Egypt, Jordan, Syria and Turkey as of the beginning of next year. This interconnection project also involves the joining of Libya and Iraq. Last month, former enemies Iran and Iraq agreed to build four cross-border power lines to transfer 1000 MW of power.

Mexico’s Mesoamerica Initiative plans to integrate the energy grids all Central American nations. The World Bank and the US DOE are partnering with the Central American Integration Secretariat to encourage clean energy development, emphasizing renewables over fossil fuel projects.

Most of these projects have been planned by engineers for years. The economic benefits — load leveling, reliability of supply, emergency backup — are all proven. Yet international transmission requires agreement between ministries of energy and state, financial institutions, local utilities and property owners. Cooperation must overcome the combined barriers of multiple stakeholders.
Emergence through emergency

So what’s happened in the world to cause these nations to work together? Buckminster Fuller said that society will often “emerge through emergency” — because when times are good, any change at all is difficult. For many developing nations the challenge is dire: 1.6 billion people have no electrical services – no refrigeration of food or medicine, clean water or lighting. For the rest of us, scientific consensus on climate change clearly places the cause on our ‘addiction to oil’ for transportation, and burning coal and natural gas for power production.

Today, half the nations on the planet are linked with a neighbor, but half remain electric energy islands. The emergencies of our time: poverty, climate change, peace and population growth are in our face daily. These issues and their solutions transcend political boundaries. National leaders are seeing the benefits of mutual interdependence over trying to go it alone.

Woodrow Wilson spoke of spontaneous cooperation in a post WWI context. Now we’re seeing spontaneous cooperation spread around the world — shaping international relationships from the old “us vs. them” paradigm to a one based on mutual benefit. In power transmission between nations, sharing means having more. That’s synergy — and what’s needed on every continent.

Read more: Spontaneous Cooperation… Decades in the Making

10 Tips For Camping Cooking

Camping cooking can be some of the best cooking there is. With the environment and smells and then add the wonderful taste of food off the fire, nothing is better. There are several different methods that can be used when cooking while camping including with camp stoves, charcoal, wood fires, foil cooking and more. Depending on what you’re making and how you like it cooked sometimes decides what method you’ll use. There are, however, several camping cooking tips to consider before going out.

Tip 1: Freeze Meat

Freezing the meat ahead of time will keep it fresh and keep other foods cool as well.

Tip 2: Plan ahead of time

Measuring the right amount of ingredients needed for meals ahead of time and putting them in ziplock bags helps ensure a great meal. Also preparing soups and chili and freezing them makes for quick camping cooking to reheat and eat.

Tip 3: Easier cleaning method

To avoid food from sticking to the pans apply oil on the grill. Also, putting liquid soap on the outside of pots and pans before placing them on the fire protects from smoke and fire danger while also providing an easier clean-up.

Tip 4: Keeping matches dry

Many camping cookbook recipes require a fire and there is no better way to start a fire then with matches. One method to help keep the matches dry in case it rains is to place matches in wax and then when needed just scrape the wax off and light the match.

Tip 5: Cooking hamburgers thoroughly

One camping cookbook secret for cooking hamburgers thoroughly is to place a hole in the center of the hamburger the size of your finger. The hole will fill in during the cooking and the center will cook the same as the outside.

Tip 6: Keep food and drinks in separate cooler

Keeping your drinks in a separate cooler from food helps keep foods colder longer avoiding any kind of spoilage.

Tip 7: Cooking on or over coals

Camping cooking can be difficult to make sure you don’t overcook or undercook any food. If you cook on or over coals (wood or charcoal), this helps provide a

steadier and even heating for the food. This will allow you to control the food better.

Tip 8: Cooking chicken

Camping cookbook secret with chicken is to cook the chicken halfway and then place the sauce of your choice on it. This will prevent the sauce from burning onto the chicken.

Tip 9: Water bottles for containers

Keeping water bottles when you’re finished with them are great for camping cooking containers, for instance placing salad dressing, oils, or any other liquid substance.

Tip 10: Too much salt?

Adding too much salt when you’re preparing a good camping cooking meal happens to the best of us. You can fix this by peeling a potato and adding the potato, as the potato will absorb the excess salt from the dish.

These are just a few camping cooking tips to consider. There are several more tips like this that are worth checking out, and if you really feel like making some good meals you might consider purchasing a camping cookbook to get the best of your meals.

Read more: 10 Tips For Camping Cooking

Meteorites

Most people are familiar with the term “shooting star,” but few know its importance. Actually, it is not a star shooting across the sky, but a small piece of solid matter called a meteoroid colliding with the atmosphere. As the meteoroid enters the Earth’s atmosphere, the friction created by its incoming velocity causes its surface to heat up and the brilliant flash of light records the passage of a meteor. Should the object survive this fiery plunge through the atmosphere and hit the ground, it then becomes a meteorite. On very rare occasions when an extremely bright meteor is observed, it is referred to as a fireball. It is from these fireballs that most meteorites of recoverable size originate. The arrival of a meteorite is a very unpredictable event. Meteor showers are regular annual occurrences but have never produced a recorded meteorite fall. When a large fireball is observed, recovery of specimens is almost solely dependent upon the accounts of chance observers who just happened to see the event. Even rarer is the observed impact of a meteorite on someone’s roof or in a backyard. Meteorites recovered in this manner are termed falls, indicating that the specimen was observed while falling. The majority of meteorites are recorded as finds, those specimens that were not observed to fall. Finds are generally reported by people who happen to pick up a strange looking rock and later have it identified as an actual meteorite.

Meteors and meteorite fall are often spellbinding, producing spectacular visual and audible effects when they occur. Meteorites, even when they are not seen to fall, are tantalizing specimens because they represent extraterrestrial material, which traveled hundreds of millions of billions of kilometers, over a period of 4.5 billion years, in orbit around the sun before colliding with the Earth. Because the stones are fragments of other planetary bodies (mostly asteroids,) some more primitive than the Earth, they have helped guide our search for the origin and evolution of our solar system.

Although today we understand that meteors and meteorite falls are natural consequences of solar system processes, in the past they were poorly understood phenomena, having been attributed to divine intervention by some authorities and denied by others who suspected the descriptions of falling stones were caused by mass hysteria. Because of the mystery in which meteorites were shrouded, many exaggerated stories were developed and recorded. For example, one of the earliest reports states that while the people in the city of Moons, Belgium were recovering from a war in 1186, “God chastised them again by a hail of stones which fell June 30th, whose size surpassed that of an egg and weighed more than one pound, this furious storm pushed by the wind, damaged all of the harvest, blasted the buildings (as with lightning), crushed the animals, uprooted the trees and killed a quantity of men.” This report is generally considered to be a doubtful description of a meteorite shower by modern authorities, but it nonetheless illustrates the legendary nature of meteorite falls. In other (substantiated) cases, meteorites were considered religious objects and have been preserved in churches, monasteries, temples, shrines, and burial chambers on most continents, including North America.

Read more: Meteorites

Global Warming Gives The Palace A Cold Touch

The House of Windsor’s Prince Charles has famously led the debate on global warming and climate issues for a generation.

But a new royal has entered the debate, and Monaco’s Prince Albert recently joined Prince Charles at his innotative Poundbury village in Dorset.

The significance that it was Charles’ 58th birthday wasn’t overlooked by one Monaco travel guide.

‘Since Albert came to power he has made the environment his number one priority. And just as Prince Charles has become known for his views on everything from architecture to climate change, so has Prince Albert. Of course Albert’s position isn’t as important as Charles’ as future King of England, but where he can he tries to champion the environmental cause’.

In April 2006 Prince Albert made a trip to the North Pole to highlight the issue of global warming, and since then has taken part in other initiatives to try and push the environment up the political agenda of fellow world leaders, including involving Monaco more at the United Nations and for the first time calculating the tax haven’s GDP, which will allow Monaco to commit money towards developing countries.

‘As soon as he came to power he signed Monaco up to the Kyoto Treaty designed to cut the world’s greenhouse emissions’, add the guide, ‘and he has established his own foundation to promote better understanding of the issues of the rise in sea levels and quality of water’.

With the threat of rising sea levels, it’s easy to see that Monaco could easily be affected as it sits on the shores of the Mediterranean. The world’s second smallest country, and the best known tax haven, Monaco has in the past increased her size by reclaiming land from the sea, resulting in area where the district of Fontvieille now stands, and one of the best known hotels in Monaco, the Columbus, is situated.

But there is a danger that by championing the environmental cause that Prince Albert could turn off his people before he turns off the warming of the planet.

‘Monaco is home to the world’s wealthy’, say the travel guide, ‘And it’s a place of fun. The Monaco Grand Prix, the casino and the fact that it’s the most sought after tax haven in Europe might not sit comfortably with heavy politics. Happily the environment is an issue that has moved from the fringe to mainstream, and is something that nearly everyone is concerned about. Luckily for Prince Albert he has identified himself with an issue that is just as important to the tax exiles and business people who bring their money to Monaco as it is to everyone else. In the past Prince Charles has been slightly ridiculed with his views on the environment and organic farming, but now with hindsight a lot of people think he was ahead of his time.’

Referring to Monaco’s tax haven status they add ‘Prince Albert needs to be careful not to kill the goose that lays the golden egg. Monaco is to start asking businesses in strict confidentiality for finance figures so Monaco can do more at the United Nations and on environmental issues. If he looks down from his palace and sees the wealth surrounding him he might be tempted to tap into it for environmental causes as he believes in it in such a genuine and sincere way. There have been press reports of some of his staff leaving, and if true it can only be hoped that it wasn’t over fiscal matters. From the European royal families environment issues we would view Charles as the king, and hopefully Albert will be the prince!’.

Global Warming

Prince Albert’s father, Prince Rainier, was Europe’s longest reigning Monarch until his death in April 2005. Known affectionately as the ‘builder prince’ he transformed Monaco into the world’s favourite tax haven and ensured the Monaco Grand Prix became one of the best known annual sporting events. The Principality Albert succeeded to was a country known throughout the world for money and glamour, and the Monte Carlo casino only added to its legendary status.

Albert has continued in his father’s footsteps with a plan to develop an island off Monte Carlo, and like his father with the reclaimed land in Fontvieille the map of Monaco will change again.

In keeping with his stance on the environment, it is thought that a successful bid to build the island will need to be seen to be environmentally friendly, with the possibility of lower rise buildings than some parts of Monaco have endured to create more living space.

Monte Carlo has long been associated with glamour, heightened throughout the world in 1956 when Prince Albert’s father married his mother, US actress Grace Kelly.

Speculation was rife earlier this year that Prince Albert would be announcing his own engagement to South African swimmer Charlene Wittstock.

‘Things have gone quiet recently on the Charlene front’, comment the Monaco travel guide, ‘Monaco is all about glitz and glamour and perhaps a surprise announcement will be made soon. But it’s possible that Albert is more interested in environmental affairs than affairs of the heart’.

Monaco has been making the news recently as Monaco real estate prices have escalated, and are on a level with London and New York.

Even the cheapest studios are edging towards the million Euro level according to some Monte Carlo property companies.

‘Increasing taxes elsewhere in Europe, especially in the UK, have seen inquiries increase significantly over the last twelve months,’ they say, ‘and it’s not the Monaco weather that’s drawing buyers, but the income tax free status of being a resident, and the security that goes with living in Monaco. There’s one policeman for every one hundred residents and has to be the safest country to live in Europe’.

The 2007 Monaco Grand Prix, the possibility of a royal engagement and Prince Albert’s continiung campaign for the environment make the year ahead an exciting one for residents and visitors to Monaco alike.

Read more: Global Warming Gives The Palace A Cold Touch

Biodiesel and Its Impact on the Environment

Biodiesel has been getting its share of interest among people in the search for alternative fuels. The cost of oils has been steadily going up in the worldwide market and many think it is time to find alternative sources to tone down in some way the rising costs of using gas and other petroleum-derived fuels. One of the alternatives found to have promise is the production of biodiesel.

Biodiesel refers to a type of processed fuel that can be derived from biological sources. It can be readily used in diesel engine vehicles. This distinguishes it from the use of straight vegetable oils (SVO) or waste vegetable oils (WVO) as the chosen alternative which requires vehicles to have modified diesel engines installed in order to make use of such fuels.

What makes biodiesel also an ideal alternative is that it is biodegradable and non-toxic. Biodiesel also provides considerably fewer combustion emissions when compared to petroleum-based diesel fuel.

Since biodiesel can readily be used in current diesel engines without having to modify them, it has the potential to supplement the use of petroleum-based fuels as a primary energy source to fill up the need of the world’s transportation sector. And not only that, biodiesel holds the promise of being used as a cheaper alternative heating fuel for domestic and commercial boilers.

Biodiesel can be used in its pure form or it may also be blended with petroleum diesel. It provides a number of advantages and benefits with its use. One of biodiesel’s better properties is its high lubricity index. Higher than that of pure petrodiesel, this excellent lubricating property of biodiesel can greatly contribute to lengthening the life of an engine’s fuel injector.

Biodiesel is also a better solvent than conventional diesel and has been shown to break down residue deposits in fuel lines that have previously been using conventional diesel products. That’s why fuel filters becoming clogged with residue particles as the biodiesel does its work of cleaning the engine has become so common. A change of filter after running 600-800 miles on biodiesel is recommended to solve this problem.

There are subsequent environmental benefits when choosing to use biodiesel over conventional petroleum based diesel. Biodiesel use results in a significantly reduced emission of carbon monoxide. Biodiesel also contains fewer hydrocarbons and can reduce tailpipe particle emissions by as much as 20 percent.

Biodiesel also has low sulfur content without compromising its natural viscosity and lubricating properties which is usually the case when using ultra-low sulfur petrodiesel varieties. It’s also biodegradable and non-toxic, which makes it a more environmentally friendly alternative.

It is being suggested by many biodiesel advocates that excess or waste vegetable oil can be the best source of oil to produce this alternative fuel. But the current available supply is unfortunately lesser than the amount of petroleum-based fuel that is burned for transportation and home heating all over the world. Gallons upon gallons of waste vegetable oil are produced by US restaurants every day.

But this may not be enough to satisfy the need for more and more fuel. Producing biodiesel from animal fats may not be feasible enough to replace petrodiesel just yet because of its limited supply. However, research is underway to find ways and to develop systems which could make biodiesel more available and help answer the growing needs of alternative fuel.

Read more: Biodiesel and Its Impact on the Environment

The great humpback!

The Megaptera novaeangliae(Humpback Whale) has a built and well rounded body that narrows to a smaller tail stock. Its head is massive, marked with protuberances containing hair and providing sites for barnacles/whale lice. Their gigantic pectoral flippers easily distinguish apart the humpback, from other whales, and can be as much as a 1/3 of its total body length. An intriguing fact of humpback behavior, on how the species got its name “Megaptera” or great wing, is when the large pectoral fin is waved in the air while the whale leaps clear above the surface. This is a very classical image portrayed in many novels.

Their bodies are body is black except for small patches on the throat, belly, chin and one or both surfaces of the pectoral fins which are broadly serrated on the leading edge, in contrast with the flukes, which are unique among whales, serrated on their trailing edges. The Southern Hemisphere whales tend to have more extensive white colors than those of the Northern Hemisphere. Barnacles, shark bites and scars are common occurrences on the whale’s body. They have between fourteen to twenty-two deep throat grooves and 270 – 400 darkish brown baleen plates up to 80 centimeters long in each side of the upper jaw.

At birth calves are four to five meters in length and reach 19 meters. They weigh a massive 48 tons at maturity. The Humpback Whale can reach 11 and 12 meters in boys and 12 meters in girls. These species of whales are found in all seas to the edge of ice packs, but they often migrate between polar waters in tropical and summer waters in winter. They often travel in packs of four to twelve. Humpback whales feed on sardines, mackerel, krill and other tiny school fish.

Read more: The great humpback!

Engineering Professional Development

Engineering is a highly technical field, and all engineers should undertake structured professional development in order to maintain their personal and professional expertise. Many professional development institutes encourage and enable engineers to remain professionally competent through proper advice, guidance and support services.

Although professional development programs for engineers might concentrate on one skill set, it is advisable to choose a program that gives a broader perspective and promotes self-managed lifelong professional development. Engineers should also adopt a structured development plan that would demonstrate your commitment to your profession, and should also develop the habit of regularly reviewing your skills and expertise. Such programs can either be taken to professionally upgrade oneself, or as an entry-level training program.

Most entry-level training programs are designed to offer hands-on experience while promoting personal and professional growth. These programs develop complete skill sets through assignments in each area of the core curriculum established for the program, and by creating personalized growth plans to serve as a guide towards the experience, knowledge and resources necessary to achieve career goals. However, most of these programs require certain educational and other qualifications, like a B.S. or M.S. degree, engineering-related internship or experience, good interpersonal skills, and a proven track record of teamwork, initiative and integrity, among others.

Professional engineers can also enroll in short-term courses to enhance their skills as managers and update themselves on the latest technology. Most short-term courses also offer accreditation. Engineers who wish to earn Professional Development Hours (PDHs) or others who need Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for re-licensure or other purposes can also opt for professional certificates.

Professional development is relevant for all occupations; however, it has greater importance for a technical field like engineering, as technology is becoming more and more advanced with each passing day.

Read more: Engineering Professional Development

Internet Money

The internet is unbelievable as a business environment. The whole Google Adsense and Adwords thing, with Pay-per-click and what not…well all of this is making people very rich. Okay, not everyone. But you can generate a substantial second income from this. Put in more time, and you can definitely quit your day job (if you have one…no assumptions here). To be honest, it isn’t that complicated. It takes a little work to get started but, once you can grasp the concepts, you are set. To this end…I have gone through a large number of internet sites that have information on this. There are a few resources that I believe are worthy of your time. I’ll say why below.

The marketing on most schemes out there is truly atrocious. Some people will be put off by it; the other group will fall for it. I am going to try to go beyond that. It can be hard to see beyond what is staring you blindly in the face (usually in great big red letters). Claims of millions and, nowadays, Paypal account statements with large transfers shown. Basically, these people are trying to sell their products. They have read their own manuals. They know about marketing, about raising hopes in people and about presenting “evidence” of the merits of their products. They exaggerate in some instances; leave out bits that have to do with your own actions. Everybody seems to do this online; however, some of these resources do have real merit, which is why I mention them here.

In my experience, it’s the little things that make a difference. You might have everything done properly, but if your introduction is missing the right punch, then you don’t get any sales. The details are important. They can be, and are usually the difference between getting a lot of money and not getting a lot of money. I feel like it’s those that cover these fine points that are the ones you want.

“I am better than you, I am a jerk etc, etc” one proclaims on his website. You can see the angle he’s going for here. It works though. He’s even had an infomercial done. This means people are buying his product. This must mean that his tips work…at least for some people. That’s really all that matters. This one is guide to basically every effective way of making money online, like a lot of others. What makes it really good is that he cuts out a lot of fluff and lays it down like it is. For me, the real clincher is the forum on the website. There are loads of people who are trying this stuff out. They like to talk about their experiences. This means you can see where mistakes have been made and where progress has been made. That’s value. People can repeatedly come back for help and advice. Not too many schemes have something like that in place.

The people factor is really important. This sort of thing has been around long enough for others to have tried it. Find out what it’s been like for them. Get a second opinion. Forums are a good place. I know my eyes still ache from all the forums I have gone through. It might not clear up all your doubts, but it will certainly eliminate some bad choices.

That brings us to the main point. It really is down to you to follow through. Whichever one you go for, it could take some time for you to start to see real results. You have to have the drive and fortitude to see it to the end. The investment is not too great, particularly in the context of the potential rewards. How brave are you?

There’s a lot of stuff on making money on the internet. You have to be careful. Most people are just looking to make a buck, but if you can just sift out the dodgy ones, there really is a lot to be gained from the right sources.

Good luck.

Read more: Internet Money

Zap Thse Darn Mosquitos Where They Live

The word mosquito means “little fly” in Spanish and this little, irritating insect is a source of many deadly diseases throughout the world. There are about 3,000 breeds of mosquitoes with a population of about 100 trillion all over the globe. Although mosquitoes larvae are a chief source of food for some fish and the adults are food for birds and some other animals, they are a fatal hazard to the human population.

Mosquitoes transmit a range of diseases like Malaria, Yellow Fever, Dengue Fever and Elephantiasis/ Filariasis in the tropical countries. In the USA the most common disease carried by mosquitoes is Equine Encephalitis which is untreatable to date and has proved fatal in most cases. The Asian Tiger mosquito which is now quite rampant in southern US is the one that spreads encephalitis.

Mosquito-transmitted diseases claim one million lives every year around the world and that’s why a reduction in their population is much sought after. Mosquito control plans are planned by the city corporations to eliminate their growth in the early life cycle stage known as the larval stage. Mosquito breeding sites include standing water and garbage dumping areas where they live and die generally. Some strong flyer breeds of mosquitoes can travel miles at the speed of up to 10 mph even through the rain, forward and backward in search of victim hosts.

Female mosquitoes are the ones which bite and suck blood in order to reproduce. They need blood for their eggs to develop. They generally bite humans, frogs, mammals, snakes and birds, honing in on the host with the help of odor, moisture, carbon dioxide and body warmth. They usually breed around their living spaces to be near their targets.

Laying eggs on standing water, stagnant ponds, ditches and fresh or saltwater wetlands, flowerpots or old auto tires, this is the life cycle of the mosquito: eggs hatching into swimming larvae, pupae and after 24 hours developing into flying adults. Carefully planning the elimination program, the Public Works Department intends to prevent larval development into adult mosquitoes by identifying breeding sites, using larvicide and trapping mosquitoes in their breeding sites As soon as the spraying is planned, the resident public is notified in advance of areas to be sprayed as theses fumes are hazardous to the human population.

These insecticides are the most rigorously tested of all chemicals. They meet stringent standards before being registered for use by the Environmental Protection Agency. Some other effective approaches to eliminate mosquitoes are also used like fish that can be stocked in mosquito breeding sites to feed on the larvae.

The other methods generally employed by the homeowner are mosquito repellant sprays, bug zappers, bird and bat houses and citronella plants though these eliminate only a very small percentage of the mosquito population. As prevention is the best cure, people must look for possible breeding sites in their yard and communities and eliminate them. It is much easier to get rid of them in the egg and larva stage than later.

Read more: Zap Thse Darn Mosquitos Where They Live

Predict The Weather From The Comfort Of Your Living Room!

Know your weather seems to be the name of the game. That’s what home weather stations are all about. You sit inside and a display console shows you what the weather is like outside – the humidity, the temperature, the rainfall, air pressure, wind speed, whatever. The more the number of sensors used outside to record this data, the more expensive will be the home weather station. The price actually depends on how complex it is. You could get a simple temperature model for less than $30 and it could go up to $600 for a really good set. Obviously the higher end models would be more reliable.

Are they difficult to set up? Hardly. All you will probably need to do is drill a few holes and screw on a few wires or cables. First, you need to know where you are going to put the sensors and the receiver. Once you’ve sorted that out, it’s just a matter of fixing them in place. Earlier, there were a lot of cables that had to be fixed but now, a lot of the information is transmitted through radio, even beyond 300 feet, so that eliminates the need for wires. That means no holes though your walls or roof.

What exactly do you get from your home weather station? Just the data about the weather conditions outside? Well, actually, it calculates the dew point, the relative humidity, the wind chill factor and the heat index, depending of course what sensors you’ve chosen to install. A lot of them do a kind of a basic forecasting based on the data that is collected and they can be right 75% of the time. Besides which, they also have alarms which can be set to warn of high speed winds and critical temperatures – whether high or low. At a very basic level, it can also double up as an alarm clock and wake you up every morning, with readings of the temperature outside, not your breakfast in bed!

The great thing is the fact that it can also be connected to a computer. So your home weather station can be linked up with your heating and water sprinkling systems. So they do not have to run on timers – they can be programmed to come on when it is a certain temperature or when the humidity has reached a certain level or maybe even when the soil needs water, not otherwise.

Home weather stations can be used in so many ways. The fact that you are always kept informed about the weather helps. You can also check the temperatures and humidity levels in your child’s room, you can check the soil to see if it’s fine to start planting, you can check on the rainfall, the snowfall, the wind and the sun. No, you might not think it’s an absolute necessity but it’s a nice addition to any home. Most of the time, it would probably just be a recorder of the weather but it could also serve to give you a warning just in case there is some approaching calamity.

Read more: Predict The Weather From The Comfort Of Your Living Room!

Birthday Poems to Irritate Men!

Over the years I seem to have amused and delighted many friends and colleagues by composing funny poems and writing them in their birthday cards. I have now decided to publish my anthology of wit, humour and downright rudeness for the world to enjoy!

These rhymes have proven to be particularly popular with women – demonstrating how cruel and heartless the ‘gentler’ sex can be to the men in their lives. They can be copied into birthday cards, Father’s Day cards, Christmas cards, or simply cut and pasted onto an email … in fact they can be used anytime someone you know needs cheering up – or bringing down a peg or two!

Many of the poems rely heavily on the shortcomings of we poor men; ie, drunkenness, uncontrolled flatulence, lecherousness, good old fashioned plain laziness, inability to master DIY, thinning hair, suspiciously thickening midriff etc, etc. Characteristics which I’m sure apply to some extent to all husbands, boyfriends and sons.

You will see that each poem contains a man’s first name, but not as part of the rhyme. In other words, you can easily ‘personalise’ the rhyme by replacing the name with the name of the person you would like to send it to. (This works best if the names have the same number of syllables. For example, ‘Bob’ can be changed to John, Dave, Mick, Paul etc; ‘Andy’ can be changed to Simon, Roger, Alan etc).

For whatever reason you decide to send one, the poor unsuspecting fellow will receive a very amusing rhyme poking fun at some of his – shall we say – less romantic characteristics. A possible side effect is that he may also be impressed at your wit, humour and resourcefulness – but please don’t expect him to admit to that. Here they are;

*

Ian doesn’t much like it, When you tell him he’s losing his hair; And he gets just a little bit grumpy, When you point out his tyre is spare.

So be sensitive now it’s his birthday, And remember, the man’s not bionic; Sit him down in his chair, don’t mention the hair And pour him a large Gin and Tonic.

*

John likes booze and John likes women, He doesn’t like running and he doesn’t like swimming; He likes sitting down and he likes eating grub, He doesn’t like work but he does like the pub.

Being John’s Missus is a pain in the neck, When he dresses up smart, he still looks a wreck! He thinks posh restaurants and theatres are above him, But I suppose all these things are just reasons I love him!

*

There once was a young man called Laurence, Who when urinating did so in torrents, When asked, “Was it Venice That inspired this menace?”

He replied, “No, I learnt it in Florence”.

*

Matthew wants presents for his birthday, Matthew wants jewellery and cars, Matthew wants to go out to restaurants, And meet gorgeous women in bars.

Well I’ve got a present for Matthew, For this playboy who thinks he’s so cool, It’s what he got me for my birthday, Coincidentally that’s B*GGER ALL!

Read more: Birthday Poems to Irritate Men!

Alternatives For Cellulite Reduction

Are there any cellulite reduction alternatives? With the rare exception, liposuction is generally considered cosmetic surgery. For this reason liposuction is not considered as medically necessary.

Because of this, the decision is up to you whether or not to undergo liposuction procedure. You may decide that it is not right for you. And you can make that determination right up to the point of actually having the procedure.
Liposuction Alternatives
• Exercise.
• Accept your body and appearance as it is.
• Change diet to lose some excess body fat.
• Use clothing or makeup to downplay or emphasize body or facial features.
• Try some of the other methods such as topicals or body wrapping.

Whatever method you select for cellulite reduction make certain that, you have done your due diligence and select the most suitable method with the least amount of risk to obtain the results you desire.

There really is no alternate for good, old-fashioned, healthy nutrition and exercise. The tried and true methods do work:
1. Watch your diet.
2. Incorporate fresh and natural foods into your diet.
3. Get plenty of fiber.
4. Avoid high fat foods.
5. Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.
6. Limit the consumption of caffeine and alcohol
7. Quit or cut down on smoking.
8. Get plenty of exercise.
9. Avoid medications not necessary to health and well being.

You can rid your body of excess toxins and promote a general state of health by following a regimen of good health, nutrition and exercise that is optimum for pursuing any program for dealing with cellulite.

Exercises

Cellulite exercises, which will help you to get rid of cellulite, are weight training and cardiovascular exercises. These two exercises when done together will help you a lot in reducing cellulite.

Cardiovascular exercises include walking, jogging and swimming. Where as weight training exercises are simple to complex, which include squats, lunges, leg presses, leg curls, etc. Along with this cellulite exercises a five minutes massage and drinking of plenty of water will increase the blood flow, which indeed reduces cellulite.

Walking
Walking is an incredible exercise, which is useful in many ways. Walking puts the body in continuous rhythmic motion and benefits most parts of the body. It is not just the feet and legs but also the neck muscles, shoulders, back, abdomen and arms that you are putting into motion.
Jogging
This is another wonderful exercise, which is useful in many ways. Body as a whole, will be getting benefited with jogging by strengthening the cardiovascular system, improving blood circulation, toning up muscles and thus helpful an exercise to get rid of cellulite.
Swimming
Swimming is a great activity. It tones your entire body while providing an excellent cardiovascular workout; it strengthens your heart muscle and improves delivery of oxygen to muscles. Swimming is also a relaxing activity.
Weight Training
Weight training exercises to get rid of cellulite can range from simple to complex. Exercises such as squats and lunges are easy to do at home since they simply use the weight of your own body. Free weights can be used at the gym or purchased for home use and can be incorporated into exercises like squats.

You can find different weight training machines in Gyms and health clubs that have built in weight systems and provide a range of different exercises such as leg presses and leg curls.

Read more: Alternatives For Cellulite Reduction

Central Vacuum Review On Core Features

Dust allergy is really awful. On the other hand you can’t keep your house untidy and unclean. Now cleaning those areas of the house where dust accumulate in layers and are not under regular use become the toughest zones because they are mostly cleaned once in a week or once in a fortnight. Those prone to dust allergies will definitely face with hard times if they are to clean these areas. With so much advancement of technology, is their no remedy for getting out of this situation? Of course, there is.

The central vacuums have been specifically designed to give a relief to the allergy sufferers, so that they too can clean their household with ease. Areas of the house like the attic, the garage, the backyard, the store room can be easily wiped out of dirt with the use of a central vacuum cleaner apart from your entire house. A common upright might not be that efficient to drive away dirt but a central vacuum will give you a cent percent cleaning effect.

Features that make a central vacuum a superb cleaner

You won’t even come to know that the central vacuum is at work unless you see it or handle it yourself. Did you get it? Actually the power system of a central vacuum is not attached to it or more specifically you need not carry the entire thing from one position to another.

What you need to do is fix the power unit in the basement and also the vacuum cleaning dust accumulation bag over there. Just carry the vacuum duct attached with the hose from one spot to another to clean those areas. Since dust doesn’t get collected where you stand to clean, the probabilities of getting attacked by allergens automatically get reduced.

Though the complete setting of a central vacuum is big but the part a user is mostly going to handle is very handy. You don’t have to drag and pull to carry it from place to place. Just lift it and move around the house for perfect cleaning. Yes, perfect because once cleaned there remains no chance for gathering of dust right at that moment as the large cleaning carriage is kept somewhere else. Moreover the filter used in the vacuuming process can undergo automatic cleaning on its own.

You own an apartment of 2500 sq feet area and cannot really make out time for daily vacuuming. For you and all like you, it’s an authentic suggestion; buy a central vacuum to meet the larger purpose of cleaning once in a week in a better and healthier way. You won’t suffer from allergy any more and will also save ample time cutting short the schedules of daily cleaning.

Read more: Central Vacuum Review On Core Features