June 28, 2007, the USCIS announced that it was temporarily suspending the Premium Processing Service for Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker. According to the USCIS, it expects high volume of these applications in July due to the fact that the visa bulletin will be current and it is concerned that it does not have the capacity to handle this volume.
As a result, the USCIS will refuse to premium process I-140 petitions received between July 2, 2007 and August 1, 2007. During this 30-day period, the USCIS will ascertain if it is able to handle these cases going forward. If so, it is expected that the USCIS will resume its Premium Processing Service for I-140 petitions filed after August 1, 2007.


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The new Elemental Collection for Spring/Summer 2013 represents a modern interpretation of the classical Greek elements: Water, Air, Earth and Fire. Inspired by the natural observation of the phases of matter, water is equivalent to liquid, air is equivalent to gas, earth is equivalent to solid,and fire is equivalent to plasma. The ancient Greeks believed the four elements were the basic building blocks of life and survival, and this interpretive collection embodies the beauty and essence of nature’s basic fibers. Much like nature, the designs of the Elemental Collection are abstract, intricate, and organic. Each one features a colorful exterior, unique screen print design on the interior, and was handcrafted using exquisite attention to detail in San Francisco.
The DODOcase cradles your iPad in a strong, yet eco-friendly bamboo tray. The multifunctional design allows you to use the case as a stand for typing or watching videos. The DODOcase's magnetic insert activates the iPad's auto wake/sleep feature to wake and sleep your iPad instantly.
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domain: artistic


Julianna Margulies says being nominated for an Emmy never gets old
"It's been a fun morning. Not going to lie," says Julianna Margulies of her lead actress nomination for her role on CBS' "The Good Wife," which earned nine nominations in total.
"It's such a boost of confidence," she added, especially with this being a new show. "It never gets old. The day it gets, it's time to quit. It's a big enough deal to be a working actor, but to be recognized is huge. It's a great honor. It doesn't mean somebody is better or worse. It's just wonderful to celebrate hard work."
-- Yvonne Villarreal and Maria Elena Fernandez
Photo: Julianna Margulies in "The Good Wife." Credit: David M. Russell / CBS
RELATED:Emmy voters did right by dramas and comedies but need a reality check
Clicking on Green Links will take you to a third-party e-commerce site. These sites are not operated by the Los Angeles Times. The Times Editorial staff is not involved in any way with Green Links or with these third-party sites.


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Arianna always felt like she didn’t belong in the world where she was born. Ever since she was little, she used to hide behind the rocks in the sea, and watch the human family who spent their summers on that island. Over the years, there was nothing she wished more than to be like them, especially so she could get close to Blake, the human boy who she saw turn into a troubled teenager and then, an unhappy man.
Once her dad grew tired of her dreams and hopes for a reality that is not her own, Arianna is thrown into an arranged marriage, and her only way out of it is to make a deal with the power-hungry man who will give her everything that she has ever dreamed of. Dreams that turn into nightmares as she watches Blake’s world fall apart, because of her and Blake’s inability to control their desires for one another.
***paperback edition will be released on March 30th. ***
A fairy tale romance meets the real world and a forbidden love is created! Daniele has out done herself this time. I adored her angels, I couldn't get enough of her vampires, and her mermaids pulled me under from page one and wouldn't let me up!
Insatiable is a fitting title because I just can't get enough of these characters. I need to know what happens, and once again Daniele has left us with a major cliff hanger!
On top of the famous cliff hanger there are so many twists and turns that you never know what's going to happen on the next page.
At first I wasn't on team Blake, his character was so passive - but in the end he and Owen both won me over. Arianna's family is almost cult like, and I instantly disliked them. In the beginning I felt bad for Bram, but as the story goes on I found that he fit right into her underwater clan.
I'm excited to see what happens in the next book!This is a definite must read!


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The Army Corps of Engineers and the Environmental Protection Agency released the latest revision on what waters are protected under the Environmental Protection Act.
The new proposal for the Waters of the United States provision would get rid of the Trump-era Navigable Waters Protection Rule, which pulled back protection for many wetlands and streams across the country and replaces it with more restrictive pre-2015 rules.
The Agriculture Secretary discussed the latest proposed rule regarding the "Waters of the U.S." provision of the Clean Water Act, and what this may mean for agriculture.
Vilsack: “ While it is not a total redraft of the previous rule, it also takes into consideration the court decision which makes it a little bit different than either the Trump rule or the Obama rule. Folks are going to have the opportunity to weigh in on this. Our challenge and our job will be to work with producers as they take a look at what they may have to do or not do based on compliance and figure out ways we can use the tools at USDA to make it easier for them to comply.”
The EPA said, “This action advances the agencies’ goal of establishing a durable definition of WOTUS that protects public health, the environment, and downstream communities while supporting economic opportunity, agriculture, and other industries that depend on clean water.”
National Corn Growers Associaton President Chris Edgington said, “We are extremely disappointed in the new proposal. The president of the American Farm Bureau released a similar statement saying, “AFBF is disappointed EPA is returning to an overly complicated interim water rule.
The proposal is open to public comment for 60 days upon being published in the Federal Register.

domain: politics


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As I Lay Dying Premiere Music Video for "Paralyzed," Plan to Hit Studio in April
As I Lay Dying recently premiered a new live music video for their song "Paralyzed," which appeared on the band's recent compilation album, Decas. You can watch the video, which was edited by guitarist Nick Hipa, below.
In other AILD news, the band are hard at work on their sixth studio album, and plan to hit the studio sometime in April to begin recording the follow-up to 2010's The Powerless Rise.
As I Lay Dying will be on the road this summer as part of the 2012 incarnation of the Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival. For the full lineup, head here.
Artists:As I Lay Dying
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domain: entertainment


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The Scarlet Pimpernel Audiobook Download Free
The Scarlet Pimpernel is the first novel in a series of historical fiction by Baroness Orczy, published in 1905. It was written after her stage play of the same title enjoyed a long run in London, having opened in Nottingham in 1903.
The novel is set during the Reign of Terror following the start of the French Revolution. The title is the nom de guerre of its hero and protagonist, a chivalrous Englishman who rescues aristocrats before they are sent to the guillotine. Sir Percy Blakeney leads a double life: apparently nothing more than a wealthy fop, but in reality a formidable swordsman and a quick-thinking master of disguise and escape artist. The band of gentlemen who assist him are the only ones who know of his secret identity. He is known by his symbol, a simple flower, the scarlet pimpernel (Anagallis arvensis).
Opening at the New Theatre in London’s West End on January 5, 1905, the play became a favourite of British audiences, eventually playing more than 2,000 performances and becoming one of the most popular shows staged in London. Published after the success of the play, the novel was an immediate success, gaining Orczy a following of readers in Britain and the rest of the world.
Orczy’s premise of a daring hero who cultivates a secret identity disguised by a meek or ineffectual manner proved enduring. Zorro, Doctor Syn, the Shadow, the Spider, the Phantom, Superman and Batman followed within a few decades, and the trope remains a popular one in serial fiction today.

domain: literature


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How much is a Meucci Original?
The Meucci 84-4 Original Cue is built with an ivory-colored composite butt sleeve with alternating checkered ringwork….Meucci Original Cue 84-4.
|Tip||12.75mm Medium-hard Lepro tip.|
|Ferrule||Polycarbonate ferrule for a soft hit.|
|MSRP||$430.00 You Save: 8.1%|
Where are Meucci cues manufactured?
In Byhalia, Mississippi the old world craftsmanship is still alive and well. For half a century, Meucci has been celebrated for building the most beautiful pool cues on the market and making their works of art perform with more power with less effort.
When did Meucci cues start?
Bob started building cues in the early 1960’s. In 1968 he took over the cue department at National Tournament Chalk. He founded B.M.C. in Glenview, Illinois in 1969.
What tip does Meucci use?
Having the same construction as The Pro Shaft, except for those ol’ School Meucci fans, we kept the 1.25 inch ferrule and comes standard with the FIRE Ultraskin Medium tip. The Meucci Classic is the shaft that was used by over 70% of the players on the Pro Tour between 1975 and 1996.
Can you break with a two piece pool cue?
Both cue sticks have a tip, shaft, ferrule, butt, and joints, but the way they are made can hugely affect play on the table. They are both made to be used on a table but have different functions. Everyone can play with a pool cue but not with a break cue.
Is Meucci Pro shaft low deflection?
Meucci “The Pro” Shaft. MSRP For Meucci Cue: $290.00 This shaft is as low effective deflection as the Z2 by Predator but is a full 12.5 millimeters with a full 14” Pro Taper like all standard Meucci Cues. According to many top players who have tested this shaft “it is the best playing cue I’ve ever hit a ball with”.
Who owns Meucci?
Bob Meucci – CEO – Meucci Cues | LinkedIn.
What cue does Efren Reyes use?
Considered by his peers to be the greatest player of all time,Efren Manalang Reyes is a Filipino professional pool player and was given the nickname the Magician….SKU.
|Shaft Type||Low Deflection|
|Joint Collar||Stainless Steel|
|Cue Type||2-piece Cue, 1/2 Joint|
Who founded Meucci cues?
These cues are designed and developed by Bob Meucci, and offer a tremendous value. The Meucci line of pool cues play with a softer, more consistent hit, which reduces cue ball deflection. Additionally, these pool sticks are built with one priority in mind… and thats to give every player more power with less effort.

domain: design


Characters can gain protection from various forms of armor, both integral to their anatomy or worn. Most integral armor is natural and a byproduct of the natural or artificial genetic attributes of the character such as natural hide of some Betas and augmented humans. Weight listed for armor is for worn. Carried it can be calculated at twice its normal weight as it is ungainly.
|Armor Type||Armor Class||Weight (kg)||Reaction Modifier||Cost (Cr)|
|Shield||+1 AC bonus||4||-||10|
(Leather or SynthHide)
|Armored Field Uniform||6||10||-2||1000|
Power Armor combines military grade materials with powered servo technology, environmental and sensor systems. Power armor weight is an expression only of it is reduced to zero power. While powered it supports its own weight.
All power armor has one integral melee weapon, usually a combat blade (short sword) and a number of weapon slots that can be used to carry a single non-heavy weapon. 3 weapon slots may be used to carry a single heavy weapon. Weapons have power and ammo supplies that are separate from the power armor’s internal power supply.
Built-in power packs provide ample power for normal operation. All power armor suits can maintain regular use for 48 hours on a normal charge. They may operate for 100 hours if all non-essential (life support, basic sensors, mobility, etc.) are disabled.
|Power Armor Type||Armor Class||Weight (kg)||Strength Modifier||Weapon Slots||Cost (Cr)|
Integral armor is part of the character’s body and as such does not have a weight or impose Reaction Modifiers. Costs listed for integral armor are for add-ons and do not count for armor that is part of a character’s racial modifiers.
|Armor Type||Armor Class||Cost (Cr)||Charisma Modifier|
Some forms of energy-based defenses do exist, these are rare, extremely expensive, and difficult to acquire outside of high-level corporate and military sources. These sorts of defenses are commonly referred to as screens, but the term shield or field is also sometimes used. Screens are powered by standard power cells that will maintain their operation for 8 hours of continuous use.
|Screen Type||Armor Class||Cost (Cr)||Notes|
|Absorption Screen||7||750,000||Does not work versus melee attacks|
|Psi Screen||Special||375,000||+5 Mental Effect saves. Requires no power cell|


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By Catherine Miller
The Olden Garden is tucked away from the traffic of nearby Holloway Road on a small piece of land, some of it flat, most of it sloping down to a narrow rail track, on the opposite side of which is a separately-managed allotment site. This makes it part of a larger wildlife corridor, especially important given that Islington is generally short of open space.
In this built-up area, there is a balancing act involved in managing a sensitive site for wildlife habitat, while being able to accommodate some recreational access for local people without putting too much stress on the ecosystem.
One bank is planted with fruit trees, and through these leafless branches in winter you can make out the top of the nearby Emirates Stadium.
There are some small vegetable beds in terraces, where local people can try their hand at growing flowers, herbs, fruit and vegetables. This bank is warm and sunny, and velvety wallflowers are already out in February.
Nearby there are rosemary bushes and a large bay tree, providing a few more cooking ingredients.
Down at the bottom is a large greenhouse and some rainwater butts, so more tender plants can get a head start. Children can have a go, too.
The bottom path leads on to a grassy meadow slope. From here, you can look back at the vegetable plots through a curtain of Hazel Catkins.
The woodland area is at the furthest end of the site. Snaking through the woodland is a Hadrian’s Wall of a dead hedge – an ongoing project undertaken by the Olden gardeners, together with volunteers. A dead hedge uses prunings and brushwood generated by garden maintenance to make an environment- friendly barrier, providing nest sites for birds and invertebrates. This means the waste does not need to be taken off site for disposal, or burned. Next to the woodland is the useful working area that every garden needs, with compost heaps and potting tables.
The top of the garden is the largest level area, with a lawn and flowerbeds, making a pleasant venue for social events. The Olden Garden has taken part in London-wide events such as the Chelsea Fringe festival and the Open Garden Squares Weekend.
Walking round the Olden Garden, you feel for a while that you could be somewhere very different from inner-city London. It’s apparent that it has been a very welcome resource amid the Covid pandemic.
Every Londoner needs somewhere like this, and perhaps after the lockdown restrictions and difficulties of the last year, one good thing to come out of it all is that more people have come to appreciate gardens like these as the vital assets they are.
Catherine Miller is a professional gardener and community garden expert. Twitter: @CommGdnsLondon


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Eastern Europe’s economies aren’t getting up along with their neighbors that are western quickly as much had hoped. The newest Eurostat figures on financial development in European countries, released earlier in the day this month, show a trend that is troubling. While development is going back to European countries after a few hard years, Eastern Europe just isn’t converging with “old Europe,” the pre-2004 EU users.
In 2016, just three east economies—Bulgaria that is european Romania, and Slovakia—are on rate to meet or exceed 3 % yearly GDP growth. Estonia, Croatia, Latvia, Lithuania, Hungary, and Slovenia are typical growing more gradually compared to the euro area average. Also Poland, the star that is perennial, is scarcely over the EU development average of 1.8 % of GDP in 2016. This not enough financial vitality is astonishing, as Eastern Europe has enjoyed significant power cost decreases, a devalued euro (for the six countries currently within the euro area or having a money board pegged into the euro), and dropping rates of interest.
The reason that is main this lethargy may be the decline in Eastern Europe’s work force. The working-age populace shrank by around 10 million people when you look at the duration 1990–2015, with all the possibility of the same decrease within the next 25 years. The decrease is because of low delivery prices and increased emigration.
The birth price in Eastern Europe dropped precipitously into the decade that is first of change: from 2.1 kids per girl in 1988 to 1.2 kiddies by 1998. Financial doubt had been the solitary many reason that is important. Delivery prices have actually increased significantly since, reaching 1.44 kiddies per woman in Hungary, 1.53 young ones per girl in Bulgaria together with Czech Republic, and 1.58 in Slovenia, the greatest in Eastern Europe. But this price is inadequate to stem the unfavorable demographic trend.
Population styles in Eastern Europe, 1961-2015
Note: East European nations consist of: Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, and Slovenia.Source: Eurostat.
In order to make matters worse, work flexibility increased greatly following the 2004 and 2007 expansions regarding the eu toward the eastern. In 2004, about two million residents from Eastern Europe res >European Union. Through the migration top in 2007, 1 % regarding the residents of eastern countries in europe relocated to Western and Southern Europe. By 2009, the number that is total of from Eastern European nations res >European Union nations, including Germany, France, in addition to great britain, prompted another emigration revolution. General migration that is east-to-west picked up after 2014 as financial development came back to Western Europe. By March 2016, 6.3 million eastern Europeans resided in other EU states.
The data reveal that work mobility is extremely influenced by economic climates: through the euro area crisis in 2009–12 how many Polish job hunters in Western Europe fell by 44 percent—in component because of the general power associated with economy—while that is polish amount of job hunters from Hungary and Latvia increased by 58 per cent and 39 per cent, correspondingly. Both nations experienced razor-sharp decreases in financial development during this time period. These statistics are grounds for a few optimism, while they reveal work flexibility in European countries follows economic logic. GDP per capita when you look at the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Slovenia has already been 80 % associated with the EU average. These nations have seen migration that is net in past times decade, mostly from Ukraine and components of previous Yugoslavia. But in Bulgaria and Romania, earnings per capita continues to be approximately half the EU average and emigration is anticipated to carry on.
One way to the declining labor pool is to improve labor involvement by females. In 2014 young mail order brides, just 47 % of most eastern European workers had been ladies. To boost this share, organizations can spend money on youngster care, legislate versatile work hours, and produce incentives for time for the work force after kids have gone home. One venue that is promising to enable more flexible hours, for instance through part-time work. The share of European workers working part-time is greatest when you look at the Netherlands (52 per cent of workers), followed closely by Germany and Austria (28 per cent), and Denmark, the uk, and Sweden (26 %). Yet this training is practically nonexistent in Eastern Europe: the best stocks into the eu are recorded in Romania (0.7 per cent), Bulgaria (2 per cent), Croatia (3 per cent), and Slovakia and Latvia (6 %).
Another option would be the development of vocational training to produce task abilities from a very early age. Germany’s apprenticeship program is widely credited for the country’s high youth work price. Vocational training, comparable compared to that in Germany, normally contained in Austria and also the Netherlands, and has now been resurrected after a few years of communism within the Baltic nations. Vocational training enables workers to create earnings from a youthful age also to train for occupations which can be desired when you look at the nearby commercial community. It therefore considerably decreases task search costs.
The one thing is obvious: Without more employees, the convergence duration in Europe will require lot longer. Enough time to now act is.

domain: news


From Mesa and Plain
I'm nobody! Who are you?
Impressions of the Wa-Wan Ceremony of the Omahas, Op. 21
Navajo War Dance
Navajo War Dance (for piano)
Poems (11) of Emily Dickinson
Polytonal Studies, Op. 109 – series I
The Gods of the Mountain - Suite, Op. 52
The Old Man's Love Song
The Vale of Enitharmon, Op. 91
Three Indian Songs, Op. 32
browse all recordings by this composer
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Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders addressed the allegations of “sexual violence and harassment” that took place over the course of his 2016 presidential run during an interview with CNN’s Anderson Cooper on Wednesday night.
Politico obtained a letter addressed from over two dozen staffers from Sanders’ presidential campaign that alleges a “dangerous dynamic” during the trail. (RELATED: Over 2 Dozen Former Campaign Workers For Bernie Sanders Write Letter Describing ‘Dangerous’ Culture Of ‘Sexual Violence’ In 2016)
“I want to ask you about an article that was published in The New York Times,” Cooper stated. “In it are allegations describing episodes of sexual harassment and demeaning treatment as well as pay disparity in your 2016 campaign. Were you aware of those allegations during the campaign and if you do run in 2020, how can you ensure something like that doesn’t happen again?”
“The answer is, Anderson, I’m very proud of the campaign we ran in 2016. We started at 4 percent in the polls, we ended up winning 22 states, 13 million votes,” Sanders began. (RELATED: Bernie Sanders Calls To Fight Corruption Despite Wife’s Corruption Case)
He continued, “I’m not going to sit here and tell you that we did everything right in terms of human resources, in terms of addressing the needs that I’m hearing from now that women felt disrespected, that there was sexual harassment which was not dealt with as effectively as possible.”
What I will tell you is that when I ran for re-election in 2018 in Vermont, we put forward the strongest set of principles in terms of mandatory training — in terms of women — if they felt harassed, having an independent firm that they can go to. And I think that’s kind of the gold standard for what we should be doing. So I certainly apologize to any woman who felt that she was not treated appropriately.
He added, “I was a little bit busy running around the country trying to make the case.”


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CHARLOTTE — Three teens allegedly robbed a mother and threatened to kidnap her child on Mother’s Day while she was selling flowers and purses in an east Charlotte parking lot.
The strangers demanded money at gunpoint, or they would take her two-year-old child, according to a police report.
Surveillance video shows what unfolded in the parking lot along Albemarle Road near Winterhaven Drive.
“Everything happened so fast,” said the woman, who did not want to be identified.
She said teens tried to buy some handbags with a fake $100 bill.
“A couple of kids pulled up in a black car,” she said.
The woman called them out and that was when the thieves told her to hand over all her money or they would take her son.
“He was asleep in my arms,” the woman said.
A teen could be seen on the video lunging for the boy.
“It’s sad,” the woman said. “It’s really sad because I’m not doing anything wrong out there. I’m just trying to make a living.”
The victim screamed for help and bystanders ran toward her.
“Everything was too fast,” she told Channel 9. “The ice cream lady started yelling, ‘Help! Help! Help! They’re robbing her. Come on. Everybody help her.’”
One of the teens pulled out a gun and she gave them some cash before they left in a getaway car.
“I was afraid they were going to take my child,” she said.
The mother said she is thankful no one was hurt and hopes the teens are caught.
“My son didn’t deserve this,” she said. “I didn’t deserve that.”
Charlotte-Mecklenburg police are investigating the armed robbery.
VIDEO: New east Charlotte clinic provides health, dental care for underserved
©2023 Cox Media Group


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ARLINGTON, Texas - Whatever the reason for the Orioles bullpen's season-long problems, it can't be attributed to lack of rest. When the Orioles resume their schedule tomorrow night against the Seattle Mariners, the bullpen will have enjoyed three of the last four days off and addressed the mechanical struggles of at least two of its members.
Left-handed rookie B.J. Ryan and setup man Mike Trombley have received special attention in recent weeks. Trombley has suffered four blown saves. His troubles worsened after surrendering three home runs and hit a batter in a traumaticMay 13 appearance against the Boston Red Sox. Ryan, whose ERA has ballooned from 0.66 to 7.02 in his last five outings, also has struggled since surrendering a game-winning home run to New York Yankees catcher Jorge Posada on May 5.
Both pitchers have been followed by control problems. Ryan had to be lifted from his last appearance after throwing 10 consecutive balls. Trombley has walked nine in 15 1/3 innings and has fought to find a consistent split-fingered pitch."It's much easier for your starters to work on things when they have four days between appearances than a reliever who you might need that night," said bullpen coach Elrod Hendricks."You have to be very careful how you work a guy. You send him out there for 10 minutes then the manager might need him in the game."
Friday's rainout, Saturday's complete game and today's scheduled off day offer a rare opportunity for the bullpen to collect itself without being taxed in games."The biggest thing is retention," Hendricks said. "You can work on things on the side, but it has to become comfortable enough that it translates to the game. That's easier said than done."
The bullpen entered last night having blown 11 of 17 save chances with a 7.05 ERA. Relievers had allowed 28 earned runs in 15 innings covering the previous seven games. It is on pace to challenge last season's 20 first-half blown saves.
'Moose' stays silent
Mike Mussina remained in a quietly reflective mood the afternoon after absorbing Saturday's loss in a 2-1 decision against the Texas Rangers.
Mussina chose not to discuss his six-hit complete game - arguably his best performance to date - shunning questions for the first time this season. Yesterday, Mussina said he was extending his media blackout "maybe for a few days or a week" and admitted he has become "frustrated" by the circumstances surrounding a career-worst 1-6 start.
The league leader in innings pitched with a 4.42 ERA, Mussina drew raves from manager Mike Hargrove and pitching coach Sammy Ellis for an outing that included only four pitches over the middle third of the plate, according to Ellis' count."Quality stuff" served as Ellis' description.
Hargrove dismissed suggestions his ace has become despondent over a season that has now seen him lose four consecutive starts for the first time in his career and assured him of taking his next turn without a win for 26 days."He pitched a great game that he should have won," said Hargrove. "But Mike is going to pick himself up and be ready for his next start in four days."
Mussina's six losses are only one fewer than he suffered all last season. He took his sixth loss last Aug. 1 after winning 13 games and didn't lose after Aug. 6.
A year ago, Mussina earned four of the rotation's first five wins. This year, he has one of the rotation's nine wins. Entering last night's game, the rotation had won only once in 18 games since Mussina picked up his only victory with an April 29 complete game over the Rangers.
Hargrove's patience with the sagging middle of his lineup finally reached a breaking point yesterday when he moved left fielder B.J. Surhoff from No. 3 to No. 8 in the order. Hargrove also switched Cal Ripken and Will Clark's spots in the order, dropping Ripken to No.7 while advancing Clark to No.6.
Hargrove made the former move due to Surhoff's 3-for-35 funk, which had dropped his average to 239 entering last night's game. Hargrove made the latter move as a way of alternating right- and left-handed hitters against Rangers left-handed starter Darren Oliver.
Surhoff, whose major-league-high consecutive game streak apparently is not jeopardized by his funk, had batted in the No. 3 hole in 38 of 41 previous games. He had batted sixth once and seventh twice. Clark and Ripken occupied their slots for the first time this season."I'm just giving him a chance to catch his breath," said Hargrove. "I was very encouraged about his at-bats [Saturday] night. They were solid."
Surhoff was 1-for-4 Saturday and lost a flared single when shortstop Royce Clayton made an extended catch while running away from the plate.
Around the horn
The Orioles entered last night having allowed four or more runs 20 times this season. The breakouts include one seven-run inning, one of six runs and four of five runs. ... The Orioles have been outscored 67-29 from the eighth inning. ... Entering last night, the Orioles had surrendered 30 home runs in May and at least one in 15 of 17 games. ... While the Orioles won 10 of their first 12 home games this season, they had lost 16 of 23 on the road. ... Ripken put more distance between himself and Hank Aaron last night when he grounded into his 330th career double play. On Wednesday, he grounded into No. 329 to break a tie with the home run king. ... Albert Belle's first-inning single last night gave him at least one hit in 18 of his last 20 games.


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Swami teaches....Part 45
Swami teaches...15 - 18 November 2005
Promote the Education - Appealing to Teachers and Students
The world has become a very small globe, as a result of fast means of communication and transport, human has not yet learnt the art of living together in close proximity, as brothers, as children of the One God. The closer people are brought, the larger the differences appear. Thus, the little world is now fiddled with problems of conflicting cultures, competing creeds and contesting ambitions. The sorrows of one State spread fast into all its neighbours and infect the whole world. The world has become one vast battlefield.
Let us try to answer the question. "What kind of Government is the best? "The answer is: "That Government is best, which helps us to govern ourselves." Make your Conscience the Ruler, do not depend on the external Ruler.
Those who diagnose the ills of the world suggest various remedies to mend affairs; but, no analysis reveals the correct reason. The fundamental reason for the state of disease is "want of confidence in the Self."
The Bible says: "Pious seekers seek God"; but said Annie Besant: "God seeks the pious seeker!" God is seeking for the pure heart that longs to reach Him.
Today the world is reduced to a theatre by human, for, devotion to God has become a histrionic performance. You find people weeping in their heart of hearts, but, laughing their lives away. We find people who laugh in their heart of hearts, but, to all observers, weeping profusely over their fate. Worship is more for effect, a play acted with the pit in view; there is no sincerity.
You dread that it is very difficult, nay, impossible, to realise God. It is very simple; its very simplicity makes you feel that there must be some hidden trap. You do not appreciate simple things and habits. For example, there is nothing so simple as speaking the truth; yet, how many stick to Truth. If you venture into untruth, you have to invent new stories all along the line and keep in memory all the stories and all the persons to whom you have related them. It is all very complicated and confusing.
Love,' is the prayer that rishis have taught the children of ancient India. Their teaching has been Unity Divinity Charity - in thought, word and deed, from the first breath to the last. When teachers transmit this heritage, unspoilt and undiminished, to the children, the future of the land is assured to be glorious.
Fundamentally, the years of life are but a short span, a rest in a wayside caravanserai, a drama played on a rickety stage, a bubble upon the waters. During this fleeting hour, it has been given to few to share this golden chance of imparting instruction, inspiring devotion, instilling courage, into the growing children, so that the generation to follow will be ever grateful. Let teachers do their job well as a puja and they will be amply rewarded with joy, peace, restfulness and rapture. Today's teachers have the same message for all students. Do not call them poor, for they are rich spiritually, doing their duty which is well-understood, well- undertaken, and well-done joyously.
Teachers are not nowadays aware of the nobility of their profession; society has turned ungrateful. Young people have the stars of the silver screen as their gods and guides; they learn deeply and dangerously from films, from horror comics, from crime books. The teacher is a helpless witness of this tragedy; for, he has no strength and sustenance to impart, no ideal to implant, no enthusiasm to transmit. If only the teacher is imbued with the lessons of the Upanishaths and the Geetha, he can by precept and example turn the children along the path of peace and joy.
No amount of advice and exhortation can make the teacher rise to the full stature of his/her profession. Teacher has to improve him/herself; he/she cannot be improved by external pressure or persuasion. Teachers need to tread the footsteps of the great teachers of the past, who transmitted their spiritual wealth to succeeding generations. Teachers duty is to delve into the Inner Reality and discover the spring of joy therein, so that the exacting task of moulding the children will be a recreating job for you, highly refreshing and rewarding.
The teacher is the most important asset of the school. Brick and mortar do not make a school efficient and useful. Nor are books in the library or appliances in the laboratory, so essential. Teacher has a big responsibility. The teacher dedicates him/herself to a great sadhana. If the teacher insists on punctuality, he/she has to come to the classroom on time. He/she is under rigorous scrutiny, all the time.
Teachers are reservoirs from which, through the process of education, students draw the water of life; so, every effort has to be made to see that the reservoir is not contaminated by hate or pride. Schools and colleges should not be engaged merely in the processes of teaching and learning. Reading, writing and arithmetic do not exhaust the task of the school. The inculcation of great ideals and the attempt to put them into practice are also equally important tasks.
Patient effort and steady persistence are indispensable for teachers. Their work is of basic importance to the nations. Children's minds are innocent, tender and pure. The snake gourd is apt to grow crooked, if left alone. The minds of children and of youth too are apt to grow crooked, under the influence of the sensuous films, the hollow hypocritical atmosphere created by the elders, the lure of glitter and glamour and of a false sense of adventure and fame. So, schools have to attach the stone of discipline and make them grow straight and true.
Disciplinary rules have to be well thought out and adapted to the age-group they wish to correct. The atmosphere must be so charged that obedience to discipline comes automatically, with full heart. Such discipline will shape good leaders for the all nations. Teachers should not feel that they belong to a despised profession. Teaching is a very noble and respectable profession. The teacher is actually a king-maker. Even Kings and Emperors have to be in their early years students under a teacher.
You know that you can draw cheques upon a bank, whenever you need money, provided you have enough current deposit therein. If the bank goes bankrupt, it will be a disaster. The educational system is the bank, on which the nation draws a cheque whenever it wants strong reliable skilled workers. If the system is overhauled and lubricated, the next generation is assured of good leaders and, what is equally essential, good followers.
The attitude today is the root on which the future grows. The consequences of action can never be avoided. In schools we must learn to cultivate unselfish love, with no fear or suspicion. The teachers of tomorrow are the students of today; so, cleansing of the atmosphere of the classroom is very necessary, in the interests of the future.
There are two aspects of
Vidhya (education) that you have to master; Vijnaana - understanding the
world around us, science: and also Prajnaana - the higher learning, the
art of controlling the inner feelings and the many layers of
Consciousness. The characteristic of true Vidya is Vinayam (humility).
Humility helps to make one deserving respec. Deservedness leads to
Dhanam (wealth) and Dhanam leads to Dharma (righteousness).
Today still educational systems usually are giving importance only to intellectual cleverness. So present day education develops mainly the intellect and skills. Human's achievements in the fields of science and technology have helped to improve the material conditions of living.
Science is tending to get out of control. There is a Sanskrit saying that there is no nobility without self-control. People are gloating over the phenomenal successes of science and technology. The scientist, in exploring the secrets of Nature, has acquired mastery over air, water, earth, fire, etc. But all these achievements are not greater than what Hiranyakasipu was stated to have achieved in his time. What should be recognised is that in controlling the forces of Nature, the balance should not be upset. In dealing with Nature, there are three requirements.
The first is knowledge of the laws of nature. The second is the skill to utilise the powers of Nature for human needs. The third is to maintain the balance among natural forces. It is the disturbance of this balance that has led to such consequences as soil erosion, pollution of the atmosphere, etc.
At present science has enabled to acquire immense control over the external world. But he has no control over him/herself. The student fills his/her head with a lot of information, but the personality is impaired in the process. Filling the mind with physical facts and absorbed in physical investigations, student undermines own basic humanness. Selflessness, humility, unostentatiousness are qualities that underlie the human personality. Along with academic excellence, a student should aim at the cultivation of good qualities. Education enables to score marks, but there is a need elevation of student's personality. Qualities contribute to elevation. Education and elevation combine to develop the human personality.
Winston Churchill once observed: "Man has conquered all, but not himself." And this was what Prahlada told his father, Hiranyakasipu: "Oh Father! you have conquered all the world, but you have not conquered yourself."
All knowledge is useless, if one has not acquired Self-knowledge. Such a person may be regarded as intellectually clever, but cannot be called intelligent. The first step, therefore, is to know one's Self. (Spirituality is the means to acquire knowledge of yourself).
It is essential that the development of science should be accompanied by a corresponding development of the power of Viveka (discrimination). It should be combined with Prajnaana (divine wisdom). Prajna is the essential principle in human. This 'Integrated Awareness' in Vedhaanthik parlance, Prajnaanam has been equated with Brahman (the Supreme Absolute). Earning of money should not be the primary aim of students. Education should be for developing human qualities, not for securing jobs. There are four requisites for promoting this attitude to education and life.
They are: "Thyaja dhurjana samsargam" (Give up all association with the evil-minded),
"Bhaja Saadhu samaagamam" (Pray for the company of the good),
"Kuru punyam Ahoraathram" (Engage yourself in meritorious deeds day and night) and
"Smara nithyaanithyathaam" (Remember what is permanent and what is transient).
The ancient sages considered association with the evil-minded as companionship with a poisonous snake. It was to escape from the danger of such association that they resorted to the solitude of forests. A snake may bite a person once in a way but a bad person infects others with poison all the time.
What we need today, is a transformation of the spirit. Character is knowledge. Character is power. Character is life itself. Character is the hallmark of true education. Education should help to broaden one's outlook and make him useful to society and the world at large. This is possible when cultivation of the spirit is promoted along with education in the physical sciences. Moral and spiritual education will train a human being to lead a disciplined life.
Education without self-control is no education at all. True education should make a person compassionate and humane. Spontaneous sympathy and regard for all beings should flow from the heart of one who is properly educated. He should be keen to serve society rather than be preoccupied with his own acquisitive aspirations. This should be the real purpose of education in its true sense.
Students do attend schools and colleges in order to cultivate discipline, control emotions, canalise passions, learning just a small fraction, of what can be gained from schools and colleges. They instil into the pupils the lessons of mutual co-operation, good manners, courtesy, compassion and comradeship, adjustment to limitations, overcoming of obstacles with calm deliberation.
The marks ones get in the tests and examinations in each subject are not so important; more important is the 'remarks' that you earn - whether you are judged good, bad or indifferent, fresh, fair and free or wicked, vile and vicious.
Education should instill in the student "fear and faith." 'Fear' does not mean timidity. It is fear of sin and faith in God which have to be promoted. One should feel that he will forfeit the respect and regard of the community if he commits a sinful or immoral act. The student should learn to avoid unrighteous conduct. Students should be taught to love their mothers and their Motherland with deep devotion. Desabhakti (devotion to one's country) is one form of devotion to God. One who has no love for his mother, his Motherland, his mother tongue and his religion will be leading a meaningless life.
If the present educational system is to improve, the only way is to eliminate selfishness and train students for the service of society. It is through the inculcation of love, with no trace of self-interest. Love is of two kinds - Sahaja Prema (Natural love) and Daiva Prema (Divine love). Natural love is one which expects something in return. Divine love expresses itself in loving service without expectation of any return. Divine love always gives to others and receives nothing. Natural love always expects something from others. True education must teach this divine love of heart to heart, mind to mind, and Atma to Atma.
What the students need today is the refinement of the heart. This is possible through an internal process. Students who have imbibed modern culture should not only develop their intellects, but should also develop a broad outlook.
The students today have a two-fold duty: One is to face the challenges of modern civilization, the other is to protect and preserve the ancient spiritual and cultural heritage of the country. A complete education is that which makes a human compassionate. Besides giving appropriate exercises to the body, students should strive to cultivate the heart and keep it pure.
Teacher can teach love to students only through love. Love in speech is Sathya. Love in action is Dharma. Love in thought is Shanti. Love in understanding is Ahimsa (Non-violence). This love is flowing in us as an unseen river. It is only by developing love that we can sanctify the educational system and train the students in the practice of human values as the essential condition for leading worthy lives.
(Reet's compilation from, Sathya Sai Speaks, Vol. 8. "Love and be loved," Chapter 31; Sathya Sai Speaks.Vol. 10. "School for hypocrisy," Chapter 5 and "The most profitable job," Chapter 9; Sathya Sai Speaks. Vol. 19. "Education for transformation," Chapter 2; Sathya Sai Speaks. Vol. 26. "New horizons for the Sai Institute," Chapter 8).
Namaste - Reet
Faith, Devotion, the Spiritual Power of Women, Mothers
Swami has only one desire. That is, “All humanity should be united!” You must recognise the Oneness of the principle of Atma residing in one and all. The Divine Energy follows thought and directs human beings towards devotion, faith, charity and awareness of the eternal Light. Realise that you, all other human beings and Swami are one. Bodies may be different, but they all bound by the same Love principle what is representing the Atmic Reality.
There is something within, which is true and eternal. That is divinity. In order to manifest this latent divinity, you need to develop devotion, which in turn strengthens your faith. Faith becomes stronger as the devotion increases. No name and no form can ever help you if viswas (faith) and sraddha (steadfast devotion) are lacking in you.
You need not make any special efforts to acquire divine powers. They are immanent in you. There is only one fundamental power, which is the very form of all-pervasive Siva-Shakti. This world has a very significant name, Bhavan-Sankara. Bhavani means sraddha (steadfast devotion) and sankara means viswas (faith). It is to say that the world is based on the twin principles of sraddha and viswas. Bhavani and Sankara are inseparable, interdependent, and all-pervasive. So, the whole world is the form of ardhanareswara (androgynous). It is on this basis that the terms Srimati and Sri are used to address women and men, respectively. Srimati denotes Bhavani and Sri symbolises Sankara.
Sraddhavan labhate jnanam (only the one with steadfast devotion attains wisdom). It is only through faith that one can realise the divinity within. Divinity in human is the combination of Bhavani and Sankara.
The whole world is a combination of ichcha shakti (will power), kriya shakti (power of action), and jnana shakti (power of wisdom). Ichcha shakti is related to the mind, kriya shakti to the body, and jnana shakti to the Atma.
You are not one person, but three: the one you think you are (physical body), the one others think you are (mental body), and the one you really are (principle of the Atma). God is the witness to all that you do. He is always in you and with you.
There is nothing superior to bhakti (devotion). Through this bhakti and shakti, you get immersed in rakti (attachment) toward God and develop virakti (detachment) from the world. Then God confers on you bhukti (food) and also mukti (liberation). Thus, human has to travel from bhakti to mukti.
Today people pray, Loka samastha sukhino bhavantu (may all the people of the world be happy)! It is possible only when sraddha and viswas are fostered.
The Atma is sthiram (permanent) and the world is charam (changing). Human life is the union of sthiram and charam.
All are the children of Viswa Matha (Universal mother). The Sun is one and the same for all the worlds. Just as the Sun is reflected in a water tank, in a river, in an ocean, likewise the same Divinity is reflected in the hearts of one and all.
Women embody the aspect of Mother Nature and the ancient sages found solutions to problems in life by recognising this truth. Human has to recognise the significance of Love and Truth, which are fundamental to human existence. The mother represents these two basic qualities. Nature is the manifested aspect of Divinity. The body and the Atma, the creation and the Creator, are pictorially interrelated through Nature. The body cannot function without the Atma. The Atma cannot be experienced without the body.
According to Vedhaantha, there is room in the heart only for the love of God. Affection for the mother and reverence for the father are necessary. But parents, preceptor and friends are transient. God alone is permanent and unfailing and God alone should have the permanent place in the heart.
The human body acquires its sacredness from the fact that it is the abode of the Divine. At present age God's love should be secured by chanting the His name. You should be grateful to your mother for endowing you with a body which enables you to chant the Lord's name. The greatness of the Lord's name is illustrated by the following episode.
Once, Hanuman's mother Anjana, went to Kaushalya because her son was a great devotee of Rama. Kaushalya did not know Anjana and so she asked Anjana who she was in a sweet tone. Anjana was proud about her valorous son. She replied: "Mother! Have you not heard about me? Hanuman is my son. He leapt over the ocean in one jump. How is it that you did not know about my son?"
Kaushalya replied in a soothing tone, "Dear mother! I now know that Hanuman is a really great hero."
While the two were conversing in this fashion, the mother of the sage Agasthya came there. Kaushalya made kind enquiries about her. She replied: "I am the mother of Agasthya. Don't you know that my son drank in one gulp the ocean over which Hanuman merely leapt? Are you not aware that I am the mother of such a pious saint's son?"
Then, Kaushalya addressing the two ladies said: “For your son's leaping over the ocean and your son's drinking the ocean in one gulp, it is the name of my son that enabled them to accomplish these exploits. Because they remembered his name they could do these marvellous deeds."
By then, Rama arrived on the scene. He told his mother: "This body of mine was given the name of Rama. However, the greatness of the name Rama enabled Hanuman to leap over the ocean and Agasthya to drink it one gulp. The power of the name is at the root of their achievement."
Thus, the power of the Lord's name is incalculable.
Everything in the Cosmos arises from love, grows by love and merges in love. It is wisdom. It is righteousness. It is wealth. It is Truth. Every human being is born from the mother's womb. He is fostered by the mother's love and enjoys many things in life because of the mother. There is no higher divinity than the mother. But this divinity relates to the body what is derived from the Sun. Without the Sun human's life impossible.
This world, with its movable and immovable objects, is nothing but the Cosmic Dance of Siva (Siva Thandava). This blissful Siva Thandava is full of awe and wonder and is beyond human comprehension. The dualities of night and day, pleasure and pain, birth and death are endless. Just as birth and death are natural, so also is the existence of dharma and adharma (righteousness and unrighteousness). When dharma is on the rise, adharma is on the decline, and vice versa.
In this world, there are many types of relationships, but none equals the relationship that exists between the mother and the child. One’s own language is called mother tongue, not father tongue.
Your blood, your food,
your head, your money are all the gifts of your parents. You do not
receive these gifts directly from God. All that is related to God is
only indirect experience. It is only the parents whom you can
By ancient story once Mother Parvati and Easwara saw a person sitting on the branch of a tree, which was about to break. Then Mother Parvati pleaded with Easwara to save him. Easwara teasingly remarked, “Why should I protect him? You have seen him first. It is your duty to save him.” She said, “How can I protect him without your grace. I am negative and you are positive. Unless you shower your grace on him, he cannot be saved. Then Easwara replied, “Is it not his duty to call Me for help? How can I go to his rescue without being called?
Parvati, out of her motherly compassion, wanted to protect that person at any cost. So, she said to Easwara, “If that person, when he falls down, cries out Amma (mother). I will go to his rescue and if he cries out Appa (father), you should protect him.” Both of them eagerly waited, but the person fell down crying Ayyo! (alas). The words Amma or Appa did not come to his lips as he never respected and revered his parents in his lifetime.
Children should revere their parents, who account for their physical existence. But they should realise what they owe to God, who is the basis of all life. Recognising this double obligation to the mothers and to the Divine they should redeem their lives by purposeful living. There are greater things than even life itself. The supreme achievement is God-realisation. It is the summum bonum of human life.
The Bhagavad Geetha says that a woman has seven qualities, whereas a man has only three. So, never look down upon women. They are most virtuous. They are the very embodiments of nature. Some women may think that they would have enjoyed greater freedom had they been born as men. This is a wrong notion. In fact, women are more powerful than men. With all the sacred feelings in your heart, respect women and be respected.
People may say that women are weakminded. But, in fact, women are highly courageous and when it comes to sacrifice, women stand first. You may be under the mistaken notion that women are weak in body and mind.
By Geetha during the Mahabharata war, on a certain night, Aswatthama, the son of Dronacharya, slaughtered the Pandava children while they were asleep. Arjuna took a vow that he would behead Aswatthama. He tracked down Answatthama, tied him with ropes and dragged him before Droupadi. Will any mother forgive the one who has mercilessly slaughtered her children? But what did Droupadi do? Instead of cursing the evil doer, she fell at the feet of Aswatthama and said: It is at the feet of your father, Dronacharya, that my husbands have learnt all that they know. Being the son of Dronacharya, was it proper for you to kill my children? How could you have the heart to kill them, who were unarmed, young, quietly asleep, were not having any grudge against you, and were not contemplating any harm to you?
Consumed with fury, Arjuna was about to attack Aswatthama. Droupadi raised her hand and asked him not to kill him. She said, “Arjuna, today I am crying over the death of my children. If you kill Aswatthama, just imagine what would be the plight of his mother! One should never cause grief to a mother. So, restrain yourself from killing him.”
Though the Pandavas were highly virtuous and brave, the spirit of compassion that Droupadi possessed was not found in them.
Today’s society is polluted because there is no encouragement for women to cultivate such high ideals. (However, woman’s prayer is often more powerful than a thousand prayers of men because women are more pure and tender-hearted).
In modern times the ways of life are so perverted that evil thoughts, evil feelings and evil behaviour rule the roost. If the women come up in society, the whole world will turn more pure and sacred. The Organisations of women have achieved many great things, but men do not recognise their good work. Women are capable of ruling the nations and even the whole world if they make up their minds. Men should not consider women as mere slaves.
There is nothing in this world that women cannot achieve. Recognising the nature of such women we must encourage them and give them equal opportunities in society. As a rule, no such encouragement is being given today. Most men do not tolerate women joining together for a good cause in an Organisation. Because of their own selfish interest, men are unable to recognise the good that women can do to the society.
What is the reason for chaos in the world today? As there are no ideal parents and often no respect to women, to mothers today at home, there are no ideal children also. Since time immemorial, it is the mothers who brought up the children. The lap of the mother is the child’s first school. In olden days mothers initiated their children into studies by chanting sacred words at a very early age, these sacred words got imprinted in the hearts of children.
Modern youth do not care for the mother. They think they are highly educated and that the mother does not know anything. Probably it is caused that today’s parents initiate their children into education, not by chanting holy or sacred names of God, but by rhymes like ‘Baa Baa Black Sheep.’
It is a great mistake.Through love and sincerity mother should put the children on the proper path. She should aspire that her children be good, they need not be great.
Due to the impact of the Kali Age, modern women are often found lacking in the spirit of love. But even today, there are many women of virtue and character. The progress of a nation depends on its women.
Treat all elderly women as your mothers and the younger ones as your sisters. The country will remain safe and secure only when men have such noble feelings.
Swami has proclaimed November 19 as Ladies Day, which is very auspicious. The importance of this day lies in propagating and realising the sanctity of motherhood, which is founded on the principle of selfless love. This day will be celebrated by posterity for aeons.
All people must learn to respect the society because we are born, brought up and remain a part of the society till we die. Consider your country as your own mother and work for its progress. Vyashti (individual) has emerged from samashti (society), samashti from srushti (creation), and srushti from Parameshti (Creator). Only when you understand the principle of creation, can you understand the Creator. So correct your vision; the world will be corrected. Reform yourselves; the world will be reformed.
(Reet's compilation from, Sathya Sai Speaks. Vol. 30. "Mother's Love and Divine Grace, Chapter 12; Sathya Sai Speaks. Vol. 32, part 1. "Women Symbolize Sacrifice," Chapter 14 and Vol. 32, part 2. "Importance of mother’s grace, Chapter 13; Sathya Sai Speaks. Vol. 33. "Prayers Of Mothers Sustain The World," Chapter 8 and "Good Mothers Are Nation’s Pride," Chapter 19).
Namaste - Reet
The phenomenal world is like a hotel to which we have come to experience the consequences of our actions in the past. The body is a room in the hotel in which we have to undergo the Karmic consequences. Our time and body should be used for carrying out the mission on which we have come. We are engaged in accumulating wealth, gold and other material possessions. It is true that we need money to lead our life in this world. But there should be a limit to the acquisition of these worldly objects.
In this infinite universe, among the myriads of living beings humanity is eminent. Among human beings, it is a privilege to be born as a woman. There are many examples to demonstrate the preeminence of women. Was not Raama born as a Divine incarnation in Kausalya's womb? Did not Lava and Kusha (the twins) become great because they were born to Seetha? Was it not Putlibai's piety which made Gaandhi a Mahaathma? All the greater sages, and saints, heroes and warriors were born to women "who made them great?. Woman is the Goddess of Nature.
Maternal love is akin to that of the Creator who projects and protects this infinite Cosmos in countless ways. One individual may elect to worship the Divine in the form of his favourite goddess. Another may worship God in a different form and derive bliss from such worship. Each one should note that the forms in which the Divine is worshipped by others are as important to them as own chosen deity is to him/her.
From ancient times the feminine aspect of the Divine has been worshipped in various ways. The Vedha declares that where women are honoured and esteemed, there divinity is present with all its potency. The Vedha also adores the feminine principle in various ways. Vedhik rituals and practices accord a high place to women. The woman is adored under different names sacred as Sathyavathi, Anyavathi, Angavathi and Nidhaanavathi.
Gaayathri, which enshrines the essence of the Vedhas, is a goddess, venerated as Vedha Maatha (the mother of the Vedhas). It is obvious that feminine birth is estimable, adorable and sublime.
The supreme Shakthi manifests herself in the form of Durga, Lakshmi and Saraswathi. Durga grants to us energy - physical, mental and spiritual. Lakshmi bestows on us intellectual wealth, the wealth of character and others. Even health is a kind of wealth. She grants untold riches to us. And Saraswathi bestows on us intelligence, the capacity for intellectual enquiry and the power of discrimination. One's own mother is the combination of all these Divine beings. There is no need to propitiate Durga, Lakshmi and Saraswathi for energy, material prosperity and worldly knowledge. If we love and adore the mother, we shall be showing our love and devotion to all goddesses. All Great epics and sacred books emphasise the power of the mother's love, her blessings and grace.
Consider the story of Lava and Kusa. Sita gave birth to them in the hermitage of Sage Valmiki. They were taught various branches of knowledge by him. Sita also was teaching them many lessons and imparting to them many skills. What happened when Sri Rama Himself came to fight with them? Lava and Kusa remembered their mother with great reverence and aimed an arrow at Him. Rama fell into a swoon when the arrow struck Him.
In mentioning the names of deities, the first place is given to the goddess, as in Seetha-Raama, Paarvathi-Parameshvara and Lakshmi-Naaraayana and the reason for the feminine, name getting priority is she is Prakrithi svaruupini - the embodiment of Prakrithi (nature). The implication in this usage, is that you should realise God through the-propitiation of Prakrithi.
The archetypal woman is described as Aadhishakthi (the primal source of all energy) having a whole array of powers. She is hailed as the mother of the Amrithasyaputhraah (children of immortality).
The cow converts its own blood into nourishing milk for human to sustain the body. The cow is the first example of the Divine as Mother. The Earth comes next. Like the Divine, the Earth bears human in its bosom and takes care of him/her in many ways. Hence the Earth also is the embodiment of the Mother.
In the human body the Divine flows through all the limbs as Rasa (The Divine essence) and sustains them. This Divine principle that permeate and sustain the physical body should also be worshipped as mother goddesses. Then there are the great sages, the Maharishis, who gave to mankind the great scriptures, indicating the spiritual and mundane paths and how humanity can redeem its existence. These sages have also to be revered as Divine Mothers.
The cow, the earth, the presiding deities for the body, the sages and the guru are all worthy of worship as the embodiments of the Divine Motherhood. They all play a protective and sustaining maternal role for mankind and hence should be revered and worshipped as Divine Mothers.
One's mother is greater than heaven itself. Sri Rama Himself declared that one's mother and Motherland are greater than even heaven. One must remember that reverence to one's own mother is one's paramount duty.
In the ancient teachings about the persons who are to be revered as Gods - mother, father, teacher and guest - the first place is given to the mother, when it says, "Mathru Devo Bhava." This reveals the attitude of Bharathiya culture towards women in general and the mother in particular.
We should deem our parents as Iswara and Parvati and serve them wholeheartedly. If we cannot please them, how can we hope to please God?
It is the mother that a child sees as soon as it is born. The mother shows the child to the father. The father leads child to the preceptor and the preceptor leads child to God. Everyone should understand the inner significance of the four terms.
We hear from spiritual aspirants the four terms - Bhakti (devotion), Jnana (wisdom), Vairagya (renunciation), and Tatwam (reality) in the same order. There is a significance in the order in which these terms are mentioned. Devotion awakens wisdom, wisdom promotes renunciation and renunciation confers the knowledge of Reality. We can reach the mansion of Mukti (liberation) if we walk on the stepping stones of devotion, wisdom, renunciation and the knowledge of Reality.
The mother is the symbol for Bhakti (devotion). Father is the symbol for Jnana (wisdom). The preceptor is the symbol for Vairagya (renunciation). God is the very embodiment of Atmic knowledge. We can reach the Moksha (mansion of Liberation) only by ascending the four steps to Divinity.
A mother is ready to sacrifice everything even her life, for the sake of her child. Such a spirit is to be found only among women. If a child is grievously ill, the mother will try to save the child at any cost. It is for this reason, that woman is described as Thyaagamuurthi, the embodiment of sacrifice. Men do not have the same spirit of sacrifice as women. Men may present a heroic pose, but do not have the determination and perseverance to carry on the struggle to the end. Valmeeki described woman as the Bhakti svaruupini (embodiment of devotion). Man was described as Jnaanasvaruupa. The Jnaani has limited access to the Divine mansion. But the woman devotee has access to innermost apartments.
Love for mother has to be fostered by everyone. Barely one in a million realises that child owes food, blood and life itself to the mother. Wherever she may be, a mother is verily divine.
Everyone should treasure in the heart love for the mother, who has borne him/her, reared with love and fostered child with care. Mothers in ancient days used to teach, the children about right conduct, morality and devotion. The first preceptor for a child is the mother. The person who forfeits the mother's love will not earn any one's love. Below are some brief stories about devotion of mothers and sons from ancient times to the latest history.
Pundarika was the one who was devoted to the service of his aged parents. In doing so he was adhering to a self-imposed rule. He would not take any food until the parents had gone to sleep. Once he was massaging the feet of the parents. To test Pundarika's love for his parents, Lord Panduranga came to his residence in a disguise and stood behind him.
Pundarika went on with his service to his parents who had not gone to sleep. The new-comer asked Pundarika to look at him. Pundarika said, that he was seeing the visitor. The latter asked him: "In what form are you seeing me?" Pundarika said'" I am seeing you as my mother."
Meanwhile Pundarika's Guru
came there and told Pundarika that the visitor was none other than the
Lord Himself. Pundarika said that the parents whom he was serving were
also God. The Guru earnestly urged "Don't you realise that the one who has
come is verily God?" Pundarika replied: "My parents also are God."
Another story. Gaandhiji's
mother, Puthlibai, was a lady who believed in the two principles of truth
and right conduct. She adhered to the practice of taking her morning
breakfast only after hearing the first call of the cuckoo. One morning,
the cuckoo's call was missing for a long time and Puthlibai did not take
her breakfast. Seeing this, the young Gaandhi went to the backyard, cooed
like cuckoo and came and told his mother that she could now take her
breakfast. Puthlibai, who could easily guess the trick her son was
playing, felt very sad about his behaviour. She thought: "What sin have I
committed that such a son should be born to me? There is no use blaming
you for what is the result of my own sin. How sinful am I that I gave
birth to an untruthful son." That very moment Gaandhi took a vow "I must
never again utter an untruth in my life.
Carrying out his mother's wishes, he established a primary school in the village, a hospital for the villagers and dedicated his entire life to the service of his fellowmen. He became famous as Eeshvar Chandhra Vidhyaasaagar, known for his knowledge and spirit of service. He became well known as a speaker who attracted large audiences of men and women.
Once, a senior officer was keen to listen to Vidhyaasaagar's speech and set out for the place of the meeting by train with a suitcase. On alighting at the station, he called for a porter to carry his suitcase. As no one appeared, an old man who had got down from the same train offered to carry the suitcase. From the simplicity of the old man's dress, the officer took him for a poor villager and allowed him to carry the suitcase upto the place where he was to stay. After depositing the suitcase, when the old man was about to leave, the officer offered him a rupee for his labour. The old man declined the money and said that what he had done was in a spirit of service and not to earn money. After thanking him the old man (who was none other than Eeshvar Chandhra) told the young officer before leaving: "Your practice does no credit to your education. After so much education you are not able to attend to your own needs. You have made yourself unfit. Humility is the ornament for education. Education without humility is no education at all.
Later in the day large crowds
were assembling at the place of meeting. All were eagerly waiting to
welcome Vidhyaasaagar. As Eeshvar Chandhra got up on the stage, he was
profusely garlanded. The young officer was in the audience. He saw the
speaker on the stage and wondered whether he could be Vidhyaasaagar: "Is
he the same man who carried my suitcase in the morning?" He felt ashamed
What use is there in having children who do not behave properly? What did Dhritarashtra gain from his hundred wicked sons? He would not restrain them despite the warning of Krishna and Vidura. Ultimately the entire family was wiped out. There is no meaning in rejoicing when a child is born. The time for rejoicing will come when the child grows up, earns name and fame and brings credit to the parents.
There was a time in the past
when people were prepared to sacrifice their all for the sake of the
others and the welfare of the nation. Today this spirit is, as a rule,
absent. Selfishness is rampant. Education should make students
service-minded, not job-seekers.
Men should realise the high status of women and honour and respect them accordingly. They should not make women weep and shed tears. A home where the woman sheds tears will be ruined. Men should give an honourable place for women and lead a respectable life. There is a saying in Andhra Pradesh: "Judge a house by its mistress."
Men and women have to understand each other so that they can live in harmony, in the family.
Now, for a few words of advice to women. It is found that women are given to excessive talking. If women observe restraint in speech and men control their movements, it will be good for both. Every experience should bring out a change. Develop pure thoughts wherever you may be. Today's women, should change themselves and help to change the men and the children. They should develop the qualities of sympathy, compassion; love and sacrifice. Study the lives of our great women, who were models of patience, fortitude, compassion and sacrifice.
(Reet's compilation from, Sathya
Sai Speaks. Vol. 20. "From the Mother to Moksha," Chapter 10; Sathya Sai
Speaks. Vol. 21. "The Mother Divine," Chapter 28; Sathya Sai Speaks. Vol.
28. "Noble mothers breed noble sons," Chapter 3 and Vol. 28. "When women
are honoured," Chapter 32).


text:
Below is an excellent article by Frank Fear published a couple of days ago in the LA Progressive. A refreshing take on who independents are and how critical opening up the primaries is. As Frank puts it,
Enabling political access to independent voters isn’t just a matter of fairness. It’s a matter of national urgency. The two-party political party system doesn’t align well with the political temperament of many Americans.”
Enjoy this piece!
When Californians vote in the state’s Democratic primary on June 7 the electorate will include a large number of independent voters. State primary rules enable independents to vote in the Democratic primary as long as they register to do so. The New York Times reported recently that over 850,000 independent voters have registered since January 1, which means the percent of independents voting in California’s Democratic presidential primary will certainly exceed the roughly 20% who comprised the Democratic primary vote in 2008.
California’s system is a welcome change from closed primaries that have earmarked this election cycle. Unaffiliated voters were excluded from voting in those states despite the fact that state primaries were conducted at public cost. Twenty states and the District of Columbia hold closed primaries or caucuses. Opening up the process is unlikely, USA Today reports, because many state legislatures are controlled by Republicans who have little motive to change the status quo. In New York State, alone, it’s estimated that nearly 3 million independent voters, on both sides of the aisle, weren’t able to cast ballots in that state’s recent presidential primary.
The two-party political party system doesn’t align well with the political temperament of many Americans. The system, as configured, compels many voters to choose between a party-endorsed Democrat and a party-endorsed Republican.
Enabling political access to independent voters isn’t just a matter of fairness. It’s a matter of national urgency. The two-party political party system doesn’t align well with the political temperament of many Americans. The system, as configured, compels many voters to choose between a party-endorsed Democrat and a party-endorsed Republican.
But the dominant storyline in this year’s presidential campaign is that millions of Americans are choosing neither. They’re turning away from Establishment choices to vote for Bernie Sanders (not really a Democrat) and Donald Trump (not really a Republican).
In doing so voters are coping with a system that doesn’t fit their preferences. Coping only goes so far, though. Involving secondary parties equally in political affairs is the conventional choice for fixing the problem. While a good move, generally, that alternative doesn’t go far enough.
The reason is an anathema of social life. Political parties, like all organizations, are rife with self-interest. Adding more political parties to the mix obfuscates a fundamental problem: “what’s best” often gets interpreted in doing what’s best for “The Party.” That doesn’t mean political parties are bad. It simply means that political parties—like all organizations—have inward-focused tendencies.
Consider what Paul Ryan said a few weeks ago when he told CNN that he “wasn’t quite ready” to endorse Donald Trump. Ryan declared that Trump, as the Republican standard-bearer, needs to “bear our standards.” But candidate Trump didn’t become the Republican nominee by bearing those standards. He got there largely because he didn’t.
Ryan’s response illustrates a major political problem with which Americans must contend. It’s the “Party First Ethic.” That approach is problematic because democracy works best when voters—not political parties—come first. That’s why independent voters—free-agents in the electorate—are so important to America’s future.
If nothing else, “right-siding” the American political system (from parties to people) is a catch-up game. Options are plentiful and ubiquitous in post-modern America, available in generally free and unencumbered ways. You’d think we’d have a more robust political system, too. But we don’t—at least not structurally—because of the “Party First Ethic.”
The hopeful news is that free-agent voters are defying that ethic. Millions of voters, including registered party members, simply aren’t following “the party line.” Voting for neither of the Establishment candidates is an act of defiance for some, an expression of anger for others, and a rejection of business-as-usual for many.
In the aggregate, though, it’s more. It’s a recipe for major political change. Sanders calls it “messy,” but that reference doesn’t go far enough. Unless and until there’s push back externally, political parties (and, indeed, most organizations) will change slowly and modestly on terms they choose. It’s in an organization’s interest to be in control, to call the shots.
What enables ‘big change”? Distress. Organizations need to experience unpredictability, pressure to change, even chaos. The source of distress in politics often comes by way of grassroots voters. Those citizens aren’t captured by party politics and they just don’t do what ‘the party’ prefers.
That’s exactly what’s happening this year. Republicans ended up with a candidate that defies Conservative categorization and party control. Democrats are still trying to digest Sanders and calculate what his candidacy means for the Party’s future.
And try as they might—even after months and months—neither political party has been able to figure out how to re-establish stability on their terms. Consider two headlines from the May 26 edition of The Washington Post:
We’ve needed things shaken up for some time, and the shake-up is coming from just the right source—the people.
“The People.” Hurray for democracy!
Frank A. Fear is professor emeritus, Michigan State University, where he worked as a faculty member from 1978-2012 and worked in various administrative posts for nearly twenty years. Find him on Twitter @frankfear and at Tumblr (“For the Public Good”) at http://frankfearblog.tumblr.com/ Frank also writes about the sport-society intersection. Read him at The Sports Column http://www.thesportscol.com/category/frank-fear/
Reminder: Politics for the People
Conference Call With Hedrick Smith
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I created this card using Kazan's sketch from 2 sketches 4 you and the Verve Diva challenge over on SCS to use the color purple. I like the soft faded look of this paper and the flower stamp.
Here are all the details for this card:
Patterned Paper: My Mind's Eye 29th St. Market Collection - Adoring Print/Loving Lavender Paper
Colorbox fluid chalk ink - warm violet and olive
Stamps: flower & leaf (Inkadinkado); sentiment (Michaels $1 bin)
Thanks for stopping by!


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An article in your newspaper questioned the Tournament of Roses for not supporting Pasadena public schools and suggested a lack of community participation. We would like to thank the community for its assistance in making our great tradition happen and discuss the subject of our community contributions.
The Tournament of Roses Association is a volunteer, non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is dedicated to presenting an internationally recognized New Year’s celebration with the best possible parade and intercollegiate post-season football game. Every year, the world turns to Pasadena and delights in the grandeur of a festival organized by local volunteers.
These volunteers provide multiple contributions not only to the Tournament of Roses but also to other local groups through their volunteerism and personal financial contributions.
Beyond the hands of our own 935 active volunteers, more than 60 student ambassadors and alumni from local high schools are trained in all aspects of the Tournament and dedicate hundreds of hours to the community. For the 2011 events, the Tournament of Roses also added a new fleet of volunteers known as the “PCC Interns” training them as “junior Tournament members.” Not only do these programs add the extra hands to provide assistance on the streets of Pasadena during the holidays, but they instill the value of volunteerism in young adults guiding them toward a civic-minded lifestyle.
The success of the work of our volunteers has resulted in a community-minded organization and we in turn have worked to replant that goodwill. It was our honor to assist the NCAA Football’s Youth Initiative with coordinating a $50,000 donation to the city of Pasadena for the building of a new football field at Jackie Robinson Park. The new facility has revitalized local participation and increased interest and attendance in youth sports.
While we do not exist to distribute public funding, the Tournament of Roses does have an established organization to do so. The mission of the Tournament of Roses Foundation is to support charities in the Pasadena area by funding sports and recreation, visual and performing arts, and volunteer motivation and leadership development. Focusing on local nonprofits with small budgets, grants have been made to more than 130 local organizations including: the Babe Ruth Baseball League, Five Acres, Kidspace Children’s Museum, Monrovia Schools Foundation, Old Town Conservatory of Music, Pasadena City College Foundation, Pasadena Education Foundation, Pasadena Unified School District, Southwest Chamber Music, Young and Healthy and many others. More than $2 million in grants have been provided, with $227,000 going to PUSD programs specifically.
In addition to the Foundation, the Tournament of Roses Association also provides monetary support to the community with various sponsorships and contributions to local events and programs. Scholarships and programs such as the Bright Futures Scholars and the Martin Luther King Art and Essay Contest receive annual support from the Association and its Executive Committee.
The ripple effect of economic benefits for the community goes far beyond direct contributions. With an estimated annual economic impact of more than $178 million for the Rose Parade and Rose Bowl Game, and more than $80 million for the recent National Championship Game, the organization is committed to increasing the benefits throughout the surrounding Southern California communities. A recent independent study conducted by Enigma Research Corporation on the effects of the 2010 National Championship Game estimated that that the event generated enough employment spending to support the equivalent of approximately 900 full-year jobs in the region.
Aside from the substantial benefits in hospitality and travel revenues for the city, the Tournament of Roses has also committed to support the city with $45 million over 30 years toward the renovation of the Rose Bowl Stadium. The building serves as a staple landmark of the region and plays host to a multitude of events, aside from the annual Rose Bowl Game, that draw economic benefits to the community.
We are pleased that we can assist to provide these additional economic and community services to our host city without burdening taxpayers. While not receiving tax support, we have been and continue to be committed to covering the costs of hosting our events including police, fire and other safety and public works support. This is not always the case for other festivals and events in cities across the country.
“Year in and year out, the Tournament of Roses provides outstanding festivities that present the city of Pasadena to the world,” said Pasadena Mayor Bill Bogaard. “I am grateful to the association and its volunteers who provide many benefits, both economic and social, to this community. The effects are significant and long lasting.”
The Tournament of Roses is an association comprised of volunteers who are the heart and soul of the organization and are engaged in the community. It is our continued pleasure to work with local businesses, citizenry and other local institutions to serve the city of Pasadena and its surrounding communities.
Richard W. Jackson is president and chairman of the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Association. Wellington Chen is president and chairman of the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Foundation.
Robert Rector is off this week. His column will return next week.


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Opposition leader Raila Odinga has caused a moment of laughter in Nyandarua during the burial service of late Mukami Kimathi's burial.
Crazy cheers and laughter has been witnessed in Nyandarua after opposition leader Raila Odinga refused to recognize Ruto as the President while making his speech, he also failed to mention Dp Gachagua in his speech.
He began by talking about the tribe from which the pastor linked with Shakahola cult came from and what happened weeks ago when he went to see the investigations being carried out.
In a video shared, Raila only started by recognizing Ruto as his dear brother but did not recognize him as the president, he then failed to mention Gachagua in his speech as he made a very short and brief speech. Raila also attacked Gachagua who had claimed that Mukami Kimathi's funeral was to be accorded state funeral by did not ask Kenyans to raise the flags half way as a sign of respect.
Laughter was heard from mourners when he publicly stated that Paul MacKenzie who is facing probe is of a kamba descent.
"My honourable brother William Samoe Ruto, mouners gathered here, we came to pay our last respect to these woman," Raila Odinga made a brief speech causing laughter from the mourners.
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