I am a Falun Dafa practitioner. Maybe you’ve heard about the persecution of Falun Dafa (or Falun Gong) practitioners in China. Over the past five years, many people have been committed to mental institutions, tortured, detained, imprisoned, and even killed, simply for refusing to give up this practice. Unfortunately, most Americans don’t know about this situation, or they’ve been given a negative impression, and so the persecution goes on. My intention is to give my impression of Falun Dafa, and hopefully, bring an awareness of this situation to the people of this country–a country that was founded on the basis of religious and spiritual freedom.
All of my life, I have been searching for answers to all of life’s most fundamental questions: Why am I here? What is the purpose of life? Why do bad things happen to good people? Who is God? Why does He allow all of this?
As a child and again as a teenager, I searched for the answers in Christianity, and even though I sensed wisdom and truth in the teachings of Jesus–being honest, loving thy neighbor, turning the other cheek–there seemed to be something missing. Maybe something got lost in the translation.
I didn’t have a problem with not understanding everything about God’s actions–I mean He is God after all, and so how can I expect to understand Him? However, I did feel that I had some legitimate questions about justice. For instance, why do really bad things happen to seemingly good people? Why are babies born with deformities? How could this person’s life of ninety years be equal to that person’s life of 25 years? If all you have to do to go to heaven is believe that Jesus died on the cross for your sins, then what kind of a place would heaven be? I mean, I know a lot of people who believe that, and I’m not really sure that heaven would be better than earth if that were the case. Also, what happens to people who have never been exposed to Christianity or believe in some other god or religion? Obviously, I had a lot of questions that could not be answered within the framework of contemporary Christian religions. Consequently, I gave up the search–at least for the time being.
When I was twenty-three years old, I became ill. Over the next few years, I became unable to work, and I was eventually diagnosed with lupus, Rheumatoid Arthritis, and vasculitis.
I had problems with every joint in my body; I couldn’t stand, sit, or use my hands for any length of time; I had no stamina and slept for about twelve hours every day; I often had acute pain that came and went for apparently no reason and chronic pain that could last for hours; I often could not get comfortable enough to go to sleep; because of the amount and kind of medication that I took, I developed a lot of digestive problems; and I often ran a low-grade fever for days, and sometimes, weeks at a time.
Over the last two years, the vasculitis had become quite bad. I would often break out in large hives all over my body, and would get large spontaneous ‘bruises’ on my legs and arms that were not the result of any trauma and which took an unusual length of time to heal. I knew that this could not go on indefinitely, and so I had come to accept the fact that the length of my life was severely limited.
I thought that I would just try to live what was left of my life the best that I could, but I still longed for the answers to those age-old questions. Even though I believed I would receive the answers when I died, I decided that I would ask for them while I still lived. So, one day, I imagined myself crying out to the universe for help.
I remembered reading in a book that if you ever have a question, you should go to the library. Even if they don’t have the answer, they can probably help you find it or where to go to get it. So, I went to the library to look for the answer.
In the foyer, there is a bulletin board with flyers, announcements, etc., and shelves beneath. I looked all over the bulletin board, all over the shelves, and on the bottom shelf, underneath something else, there was a brochure: a bright blue brochure with oriental characters on it. As soon as I saw it, I knew it was the answer. It was a Falun Dafa pamphlet, and inside was a contact name and number. That was February 6th of 2000.
I started practicing Falun Dafa within days. Within weeks, I was able to stop taking all of my medication, I became free of my illnesses, and I was eventually able to go back to work. These things were really just fringe benefits to me–after all, I was just looking for answers, not healing–but I became well just the same!
The practice of Falun Dafa is very simple. It consists of five exercises–four standing, and one sitting meditation–and a set of three principles, which we believe to be the nature of the universe: Zhen (True), Shan (Good), and Ren (Endure).
The exercises are gentle and relaxing, as well as energizing. The practice of implementing the principlesto be True, Good, and Endure–is simple, and yet amazingly powerful. You may notice that they are the same basic principles that Jesus taught, as well. At the very base level, Falun Dafa is learning how to be a better person in every aspect of life: at home, at work, and socially. At a higher level, the goal is the same as other practices: wisdom and enlightenment. Falun Dafa is not a religion: we don’t worship any particular God, although we do recognize the existence of great enlightened beings throughout history such as Jesus, Sakyamuni, Lao Zi, Amitabha, etc.; we don’t have temples; we don’t have any type of administration; we don’t have any rituals; there are no requirements; there is no membership; and we absolutely do not involve ourselves with money. If you want to learn about Falun Dafa, any practitioner can and will teach you the exercises for free, all the books can be downloaded from the internet for free, and we do not even accept donations. It’s a pace-yourself kind of course–you practice when you want to, how often you want to, and for how long you want to. It is completely up to you whether you practice or not.
Falun Dafa may very well be the largest spiritual movement in the history of the world. Right now, there are an estimated 100 million practitioners world-wide, with practitioners in over 50 countries, including the United States and China. All we want is to be good people and be able to practice our beliefs–our cultivation–without persecution.
Speaking of those answers: I did find them, as well. I also found a peace of mind and a sense of being that I never could have imagined. My goal is still to live my life the best that I can, but I also want to share what I have found with others who may be able to benefit as well. I would also like to inform those who believe that we all have a basic human right to practice our beliefs without being persecuted about the situation for millions of Falun Dafa practitioners in China.
For more information, please see the following websites:
Faluninfo.net (for information about the persecution/to sign an electronic appeal)
Falundafa.org (for information about the practice itself)
Please see my webpage for biographical information at: http://hometown.aol.com/barbbatson/myhomepage/index.html
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Many times, consumers will need to choose between filing bankruptcy or permitting their home loan lender to foreclose on their home. If monthly mortgage payments are not made on time, the bank will eventually file a foreclosure on the home. Nothing shy of paying for the mortgage as scheduled is guaranteed halt the your foreclosure. It is the very same for anyone who has not been able to pay his or her home loan; the bank will likely foreclose on the home. Home loans are very much like car loans; if you can not make your monthly payments you might get it repossessed.
Bankruptcy is a legal act that is filed by someone who is unable to pay her debts. If the late payer is in the process of bankruptcy then all current civil proceedings related to the mortgage are halted. Therefore, legally, a home loan creditor has to interrupt all collection processes. But, a home loan lender might be permitted to go forward if they apply for relief from the automatic stay period; and once it is granted, may continue with the previously mentioned action. Bankruptcy will not halt foreclosure and you have to pay back your loan. Going into bankruptcy just makes the foreclosure go forward slower, it will not resolve the problem.
While bankruptcy does not permanently halt foreclosure, it gives an individual more time to repay the past due portion or at least makes it bit easier to repay a home loan lender. Insolvency proceedings requires that a home loan to freeze a foreclosure action, a home owner has a short time to raise the money necessary to pay back the creditor. Bankruptcy is the final option for all debtors. Eventually this will come about when he is completely unable to pay their creditor’s minimum commitments. With insolvency, some non-secured debts will in all probability be dismissed but the real estate loan will not be cleared. The home owner must be prepared to pay back the home loan within the mandated time frame as the debt is guaranteed by real property. In addition, Chapter thirteen bankruptcy has a schedule of fees that will be court ordered, that will allow the borrower make payments on their home loan to get caught up on their mortgage payments.
Before the borrower successfully files for bankruptcy, they must meet the conditions. If they do qualify, there are legal fees. It may cost more in legal fees than if they were to simply pull the belt tighter and clear the late payments owed. If you are considering that filing for bankruptcy might be a benefit to the situation, a bankruptcy attorney might be able to answer any questions. Simply put, insolvency proceedings are extremely detailed, the borrower really ought not seek to do it by themselves.
This article contains basic information that may or may not be applicable in any or all states. This is not legal advice.
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Paintball is a growing sport and activity in the UK, with a growing number of venues offering paintball events, paintball is a popular activity for young men, and often used for stag dos, birthdays and corporate days out. Paintballing on a regular basis can be an expensive pasttime, the venues typically charge a day / half day or evening hire fee, this typically includes the full equipment, a limited number of paintballs and all the safety equipment.
When paintballing, its important to wear the appropriate clothing, there is little point turning up in your best clothes, if (when!) you get hit by a paintball its likely to stain your clothing, its also important to wear clothing that will protect your body as much as possible, when a paintball hits it can be pretty painful in the wrong (or right) area. Weather permitting its advisable to wear full length trousers and top, its also advisable to wear more than one layer, although in the height of summer this would’nt be very comfortable!
Any paintball centre should supply appropriate protective headgear, ideally the headwear should provide at a minimum a full face guard, although a full head mask is advisable, a head shot will be painful aswell as messy!
If you are a keen paintball, you’ll likely to save money as well as get more enjoyment from your paintball activities by purchasing your own equipment, a range of paintball guns and paint balls are available from Redsave, some of our favourite paintball equipment, is the range of blowpipes, perfect for up close combat and great fun to use and score a hit with too!
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Get a good face shot!
Use Higher quality cameras at entry areas Doors, gates and other entry areas need a good quality, high resolution camera to record a good ‘face shot.’ The video from this camera should be considered a highly valuable since it can be used as evidence in identifying a person in a court of law.
Wide Angle Cameras for large surveillance areas
Once you can get a good shot of a persons face, you should use a wider angle camera lens for the interior surveillance spaces of the building. Using color cameras inside your building is a good idea because you can readily identify a person by the clothes they are wearing. Used in conjunction with the face shot at the entry point, you have an excellent record of all people and activities in your surveillance areas.
Use Bullet Security Cams and Dome Security Cams!
They’re Low Cost, High Performance, can be uses indoors and outdoors and available in Color or B&W. Dome cams and bullet cams come in many low cost models. Good quality B&W cams start at less than $80 and good color cams start at $150. When it comes to budgets, having a low cost black & white camera is better than no camera at all.
Black and white cameras have advantages over color security cameras
Most B/W cameras can see in lower light and have higher resolution than color cameras. If most of your surveillance goals are at night and your budget is limited, a black & white camera may actually be your best solution.
Professional and Standard C-Mount Cameras
If your budget permits, a c-mount camera offer a big advantage over other cctv cameras.
C-Mount or CS-Mount?
C-mount and CS-Mount lenses offer similar performance, the only real difference is the way the lens mounts to the camera. And that’s not a problem since the adapter to convert ‘C-Mount’ to ‘CS-Mount’ comes with the camera. This enables the camera to use either C-Mount or CS-Mount lenses.
Lenses can be changed!
They simply unscrew from the camera body, just like the way lenses are removed from traditional cameras. There are lens options from 2.5mm up to 500mm providing many different magnification options.
In general, an 8mm lens is like a 4mm lens magnified 200%. A 16mm lens is like the 4mm lens magnified 400%
Outdoor Housing
C-mount cameras can be used outside when put in an outdoor camera housing like the photo to the right needed to protect the camera. Heat and Fans are necessary in the ‘extreme climate areas.’
See our outdoor housings
Varifocal Lenses
You can also use a varifocal lens on a c-mount camera body. The higher millimeter of the lens the further distance viewable. C-Mount cameras can use a varifocal lens. This is a huge advantage because you can adjust zoom and focus. With Varifocal lenses the focus can be varied from 5mm to 20mm or more.
Even after installed, the varifocal camera lens can be adjusted to choose a variety of focal distances and angles of view. An example of where you might use a varifocal lens is outside (or inside) a warehouse or parking lot where you need more distance than 35 feet.
Pan-Tilt-Zoom (PTZ)
Pan-Tilt-Zoom Cameras also known as PTZ cameras are excellent devices to use when you want to ‘look around’ your surveillance area.
PTZ cameras allow you to pan an entire room, tilt up and down and zoom in on anything or anybody within the sight of the lens.
PTZ cameras can be set to automatic or manual mode or both. In automatic mode, hundreds of points can be set for the camera to look at. The duration that the camera looks at a given set point can be adjusted from less than a second to as long as you would like.
There are some variances in different models. Some have 17x zooms while others have 50x zooms or more.
About CCTV Security Cameras: Closed circuit television also known as CCTV is the industry standard in surveillance security cameras. CCTV can be a single network of cameras or multiple networks of camera linked together via switches, internet, dvr or wide area computer technology. CCTV Video data is analog. The analog signal can be converted to digital via CCTV Digital Video Recorders. Once the video data is digital it can be managed just like any other computer data and can be stored automatically on computers and network storage devices.
John Beagle is a technology writer for Xponex Web and Media Services
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A fantastic lounge lizard recipe for: Blue Passion, with spiced rum, Blue Curacao liqueur and sweet and sour mix.
Category: Cocktails – Long drinks
Ingredients: 3/4 oz spiced rum
1/2 oz Blue Curacao liqueur
5 oz sweet and sour mix
How to: Pour the spiced rum, blue curacao and sour mix into a cocktail shaker half-filled with ice cubes. Shake well, and strain into a collins glass 3/4 filled with ice cubes. Garnish with a pineapple flag, and serve.
Glassware: Collins Glass
What’s in it for you?
(per 6.3 oz serving)
|
Calories (kcal)
Energy (kj)
Fats
Carbohydrates
Protein
|
244
1024
0.1 g
45.7 g
0.4 g
|
Fiber
Sugars
Cholesterol
Sodium
Alcohol
|
0.3 g
-
0 mg
7 mg
11.7 g
|
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Alot of implant recipients who experienced durom cups applied in their hip cup replacement surgical operations are encountering that there are difficulties that far exceed the normal expectations for recuperation. These individuals are experiencing a lot of extra pain sensation for longer periods of time, looking forward to revision surgical processes and elevated medical costs, and losing revenue by not being able to work at their official jobs. Although Zimmer Holdings, Inc. is laying claim that that their implant is not imperfect and say it is not their fault for the faililng hip implants, many unfortunate people are filing lawsuits against them and accepting settlements.
Sometime during October, 2008 Zimmer declared that it had reserved $47.5 million to compensate for claims filed against them. Many MD’s are not positive that the hip implant device is not faulty as the company has suggested. In fact, when Zimmer provided online training to surgeons in order to instruct them what they said were more correct methods for executing the implant surgical operation, roughly 1/2 of the doctors declined to participate. Hence, the whole state of affairs stays on to be stressful for all parties attached, but none more than the hundreds of unfortunate people who are needing a revision surgical procedure due to the issues with their implant not staying secure in the socket.
These distressed poor people definitely merit some assistance and compensation which is the main reason product liability lawyers are suggesting and telling them to initiate the filing of a lawsuit. durom metal on metal has been settling some of these claims, too. Still, even if the money they are being offered sounds like a fair amount, in most cases implant recipients are settling too fast and without clause put in place for ongoing issues if they happen down the road. Without waiting to find out what cases are actually going to be worth, individuals may find themselves incurring alot more expenses out of their own pocket when further complications arise.
Anyone who thinks they do have a claim against Zimmer needs to start peering into it. If you think you may qualify, you should visit a attorney to find out for sure. Try to find a lawfirm that covers across the nation and centers their attention on litigation against malfunctioning medical devices. This law firm has done the extra work and setup a special section to do the research and process claims against Zimmer and obtain nice sized settlements for their customers.
If your orthopedic Dr. lets you know that you require a revision surgery to repair your Zimmer Durom hip replacement device, contact an attorney as soon as humanly possible.
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Going for a qualification in this subject field which is commonly believed to be the most extensive of all the engineering science areas you will most always have lots of mechanical engineering opportunities to choose from. Mechanical engineering jobs can encompass numerous applications including energy production and heating systems, cooling systems, and the planning and maintenance of air-conditoning; the automotive manufacturing industry, heavy plant engineering; piping and pressurized systems. Mechanical engineering jobs may also include positions in business development, clerical or managerial roles, and agriculture and production manufacturing.
Just how much should I expect to be making? A mechanical engineering salary study comissioned in 2003 observed that mechanical engineering roles can offer a salary ranging from $40000 annually to as high as $93K, salary is dependent on your training and of course experience. Another factor which may affect your mechanical engineering salary is the sector of engineering you have selected. Getting a job: It’s absolutely essential to put some effort into a well-rounded and up-to-the-minute curriculum vitae. When you have come up with a curriculum vitae featuring your education, you are ready to get moving and get out there. So, where can I find open positions? Job fairs: The engineering science faculty at numerous schools should hold information about local employment fairs. You will have a wonderful opportunity to meet with the people recruiting. Internships: Any school can provide support with internship positions. Graduating scholars are on a regular basis engaged by businesses in which they had an internship, and can also enhance your prospects of a good mechanical engineering salary. Mechanical engineering groups: Engineering groups and meetings can give you the chance of not only finding out much more concerning the industry, but additionally provides networking possibilities.
Make use of the papers: Engineering firms publish ads in the papers similar to any other business. Check everyday; send your cv; follow up. Tenacity is a must.
We recommend you take a gander at this trusted page for mechanical engineering degree pointers.
Utilize cyberspace: Search for the well-known recruitment sites on the World Wide Web and send in a cv. Log onto LinkedIn, build a portfolio and make new industry contacts online. Take advantage of the web and fire up job searching. Finding a job will need detirmination and networking. Make sure your name and CV circulating; never fail to follow up all your prospects; make best use of the internet for making new contacts and post a portfolio. These steps can help you discover your perfect job.
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Acquiring the finest fishing gear is an awfully important thing to consider when your are contemplating your next fishing trip. You need to let yourself the right tools to get into the “mental state” and receive the optimal benefits of fishing. Procuring the correct fishing items will aid you in numerous ways. As you may well be aware, the more items you procure the simpler fishing will become. One of the fundamental questions you should ask is, do you have all that you need before you head out on your excursion? To be triumphant you would be prudent to make certain that your fishing outing commences with purchasing the proper fishing gear. There are more than a few sorts of items and it typically depends on kind of water that you will be fishing in, what kind of fish you are searching for & the style of fishing that you desire. Find great offers on elliptical trainers online today.
There are more than a few makes and styles of fishing reels that comprise of a choice of prices. If you are wanting to throw yourself into commercial fishing you would be recommended to guarantee that your fishing tools is meant for that sort of purpose. Commercial fishing calls for lots more stronger gear. Since professional fishing gear has 2 to 3 times the use they wear out much more rapidly. This certainly makes it much more wise to pay the extra money at the beginning. There are a variety of items so that you can make a choice based on wishes in addition to what you can actually afford.
The specific sort of fishing rod is also another important part of the tackle that you will require. You may perhaps need to evaluate what sort of rod that you will need for your fishing journey. Just as there are many different reels there is a variety of fishing rods to get. It is advised to make your judgement on the sort of fish that you are planning to catch.
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When you think about the girl next door, usually it brings pleasant thoughts. She is a lady we have seen around, exchanged greetings and smiles – walked away feeling good. The part about feeling good has a lot to do with the calm atmosphere and the casual meeting. There was no crowd, no expectations of trying to be picked up, and you were not concerned about being rejected. Instead, it was you and a lady exchanging some small talk with no pressure or competition. Over time as you get to know each other the conversation may get a little more personal and you may decide to get together for dinner or drinks. It seems to come natural.
In a club, the atmosphere is completely different. There is competition and much more intensity in the air. The women don’t know who you are and if they seen you around, they can only judge you by your actions – which may be effected by alcohol. When you do walk up to one of these ladies in a club, right away you are inviting her to go out, have a drink, etc., without her really knowing who you are. No wonder this type of atmosphere is ripe with rejection. Granted a lady may get to know you in a club over time, but there always seems to be another guy around the corner trying to take your place. Probably this competition is the reason for the hurried invite for a personal connection. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t. But I bet, must guys have had more then their share of rejections in a club and really don’t care for the feeling.
Meeting a girl online is similar to the girl next door concept. She may not be next door, but the atmosphere of little pressure, casual conversation and getting to know each other by online exchange (email, online chatting, etc.), make it a more pleasant feeling. In time, this exchange may blossom into more then friendship. If sparks connect, you will find yourself in love with the girl next door though she may be miles even oceans away.
A lady in a bar who doesn’t know who you are, may say no for that reason alone. She may get to know you in time, but more then likely you have asked her out before she got the chance to know who you are. After a guy has been rejected, more then likely he won’t return to the scene of the accident. You may tell yourself you will let the lady get to know you before making any advances, which is not a bad idea, but by the time she gets to know you, three other guys have asked her out. The girl next door concept in a bar could work, but the competition and the odds are stacked against you.
With the girl next door concept on the internet, you get to know each other before asking intimate questions. And when the time comes to invite the lady into a romantic encounter, she knows who you are and rejection is less likely. Granted, there are jerks on the net whose first email may say “baby, I want to make love to you all night,” but that line seems out of place for a first email. Yet that same line may not seem so out of place the first time you meet a lady in a club. See the difference? I doubt if you would say “baby, I want to make love to you all night” the first time you meet your new lady neighbor. Yet in a club, after a few drinks, you will say just that and it is almost expected.
You can see why the girl next door concept works well with online dating. Ladies get to know the guys, rejection is less, and finding love is more likely. I can’t imagine a better way to get to know the girl next door then from the comfort of your home and computer. The girl next door is as close as your fingers on the keyboard – you just got to go out and find her. With so many online dating services, finding the girl next door should be as easy as ringing her door bell.
Steve Eyes is the webmaster and owner of FilipinaEyes Association. His experience comes from finding love on the internet and helping others do the same.
http://www.filipinaeyes.com
http://www.filipinalady.biz
http://www.filipina-lady.net
http://www.filipina-lady.org
RSS Link: http://www.filipinaeyes.com/Dating-RSS-Feed/rss.xml
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So often franchise buyers will talk to a few hotshot salesmen in various companies when out shopping for a franchised business of their own. The Salesmen will literally attempt to become their best friend in the world. The franchise buyers inherently like being treated like royalty and will shop many different franchisors and often get a little arrogant from all this attention. In fact they start trying to call all the shots and they have not even bought the franchise yet. One franchise buyer told me that we had to prove to them that we were the best franchise. I politely told them;
“Well actually we are, but I do not have to prove anything to anyone, you contacted us remember, we always pick the best franchise candidate and award them with the franchise, so you have to prove you are worthy of our team! So, regarding you making a decision about what type of group you would like to be associated with: We are not trying to sell you a franchise.”
As a franchise buyer you need to decide for yourself if you have what it takes to run a business of your own. But remember we only pick a hand full of people each month to be franchisees and you’ll have to compete for a place on the team just like everyone else. We turn away so many applicants, that you may wish to have your application reviewed before you decide if you like us or not. Further I generally state:
“We have a most incredible consortium of dedicated, vibrant, community involved, athletic, spirited, intelligent, innovative, motivated, aggressive, family oriented, socially aware, environmentally friendly, down to Earth, computer and internet literate, and competitive people in our franchise. This is why we are winning market share and customer praise everyday as our competitors eat our dust. If you look into our company honestly and see what we are all about and if you are a strong person, then you’ll will want to join this team. If you are not, you need not apply, you won’t be accepted anyway. We take only winners. Are you a winner?”
Now that is the truth, so if they want a real franchise, one that really works and has a most excellent team and is fun, ours is it. Search the others if you want. We’ll still be here long after they are gone. This has always been my approach to franchising. Offer the best possible and let them come to you. Think on this in 2006.
“Lance Winslow” – Online Think Tank forum board. If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; http://www.WorldThinkTank.net/wttbbs/
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