Seek2ruth

Snehal Manjreka: Mittel-Managing Chinese SMEs

2011-08-27T01:04:00.007-05:00

Adaptability to changing economic landscape is more urgent than finance

By: Snehal Manjreka

China is continuing to be a mystery to global investors as it has always been. Array of debt fiascos in the EU, US and now Japan has raised global volatility and thus nullified the imminent possibilities of fresh rate hikes in the mainland. However, in a rather contrasting scenario the Finance Ministry’s auctioning of 6 month bill on 8/23/2011 attracted a rate of 6.5%, which has been the highest since December 2006. Bracket together the PBOC’s hike in 1 year bill yield last week by 8 bps to 3.8% is perceived by some market observers as the leading indicator of further tightening in China. On the other hand, slowing net inflows and shrinking maturity of central bank bills is likely to strain Chinese ban funding. According to a Morgan Stanley estimate in July 2011 report, net inflows into Chinese stocks and bonds plummeted by $67bn to $18bn in 2Q2011. Moreover, in comparison to 352bn Yuan in August, an aggregate of 351bn Yuan of central bank bills and repurchase agreements will mature next month with redemptions declining to 298bn Yuan in October, as told by an analyst of China Merchant Bank to Bloomberg.

Now as an SME owner in China how does it feel to be in China when the banks are paying more to access funding themselves? This article will not focus on the eye-popping rates charged to the SMEs in China by the lenders operating in the grey market. The intent of the article is to find solutions that are either fully or near functional. As a matter of fact, the nomenclature of the article is akin to consultation papers open for public opinion.

Traditionally state-owned Chinese banks have preferred to lend to asset-rich and government-backed State Owned Enterprises (Hereafter referred to as SOEs). Apart from being asset-rich and backed by the full-faith of the government SOEs are mainly exchange listed entities and hence it is easier to elicit information about them for due-diligence and other precautionary pre-lending investigation purposes. Moreover growing up as a banker in China has become bit tougher of late especially after reading into the balance-sheet horrors of Western banks during the 2007 credit crisis and the inexorable rise of Yuan loans made after the 2009 stimulus propelled inflation to above government’s official target. Interestingly, the government’s 12^th five year plan, which envisages development of a service-oriented economy by cutting heavy reliance on growth achieved through investment and export-oriented model of governance has posed fresh challenges ahead of the Chinese SMEs. The 12^th five year plan would accelerate appreciation of RMB and raising labor wages to boost domestic consumption. On the other hand, rising raw material prices and rampant inflation domestically owing to zero-interest-rate policy adopted by the deficit-laden nations has meant running an SME in China a herculean job. This is certainly a different world for Chinese SMEs than the ones they have seen during the early 2000s of low production cost and undervalued RMB (refer to the chart below summarizing the funding difficulties of Chinese SMEs, sourced from China Daily).

Shakeout in the manufacturing mix

Yes, the shakeout that is being witnessed in China’s manufacturing mix is also intensifying the worries of Chinese SMEs. According to a report, authored by Will Freeman of GaveKal Research in Beijing, the share of high-tech products in China's exports has risen from 19 percent in 2000 to 25 percent in 2009. The report duly captures China’s ascendancy in exporting capital equipment in the past decade, which has quadrupled from 2% to 8%. China’s thrust on construction machinery sector is another case in point. A recent Economist Intelligence Unit on Chinese export sector says China is likely to stole a march over Germany and Japan in construction machinery segment as the second largest exporter only after the US by the end of 2011. On the other hand, KHL, an industry magazine, in a global ranking of construction equipment producers for 2011 lists 3 Chinese companies in top 10 by sales revenue (compared to 1 in 2010 and none in 2009). Moreover, major SOEs are now moving up the manufacturing value chain also to decouple from the demand dynamics of the OECD markets, which are susceptible to shocks as witnessed during the global meltdown of 2008. The focus on non-OECD markets augurs good for the wider Chinese economy as supporting the growth story of Brazil, India and South Africa et al offers healthy order book and stable cash flows.

Reading the foreshadow – Does financing really matters?

China’s obsession to high-tech exports, green and solar businesses, High speed trains et al presents a great challenge ahead of the policy makers to re-train millions of migrant Chinese labors who contributed to China’s economic success in the last 30 years. Making low cost commodities (toys, shoes) and assembling mobile and smart phones provided much needed jobs to the less educated class of migrant Chinese labors. Back in 2008 when OECD consumers retrenched their consumption binge close to 20 million migrant Chinese labors working in low commodity manufacturing and assembly plants lost jobs and faced economic hardships. Looking at the prevailing situation one doesn’t need sophisticated forecasting model to chalk-out a prognosis. On 8/25/2011 China Securities Journal mentioned about China easing monetary policy in some sectors and that Beijing would encourage banks to lend more to smaller firms. But such promises often trigger a muted response from the Banking circles. As a matter of fact, the issues gyrating around the SMEs look more to be non-financial. The need of the hour is not to coerce banks to lend money to SMEs that are growing economically unviable owing to changing policy shift and the manufacturing mix. The supportive toolkit, which the SMEs need, is a mix of re-training, consultation followed subsequently by financial backup. Most importantly, consultation on how to adapt to the changing economic landscape (rising wages, inflation, raw material costs) should preclude any financial supportive measures. After all, the great Germany Mittelstands achieved glory not merely by financial support but rather thanks to its ethos of adaptability and constant innovation.

Mentioned below are some of the suggestions to perk-up the Chinese SMEs:

1) Government must ponder over setting up an oversight and advisory committee (comprising a group of officers from existing commercial banks) to organize the functions, operations and accounting structure of the SMEs so as to make them eligible for bank funding.

2) Setting up of credit rating agency assigning credible credit scores to SMEs under the auspices of a respectable watchdog like National Development Reform Commission.

3) Encourage top B-school/ law school graduates to visit and work on real-life case studies on SMEs. The topic could be operational management, labor productivity, Quality management, Financial management, Accounting, business, industrial laws and Succession Planning. This would be a great service to the SMEs as most of them do not have deep pockets to pay top consulting companies for this kind of consultation services. Moreover, this would be an ideal preparation for the SMEs to acclimatize to the dynamic environment the 12th five year plan would unleash in the form of decreased focus on exports and increased focus on service-oriented businesses.

4) Encourage banks to extend financing to SMEs based on the size of their order book or expected future cash-flows. This will free the SMEs off the worries related to absence of fixed assets.

About this author: Snehal Manjreka is a Business Decision Support Officer at CSC and former Senior Analyst at Thomson Reuters. This well-informed financial professional wishes to expand into the area of financial writing. As a guest writer and friend, I'd like to invite you to learn more about this promising young man by viewing his LinkedIn profile.

Retailer John Lewis Adds Technology for Customers on Reportlinker

2011-08-25T13:09:00.002-05:00

When researching for this article, I got a glimpse into what to expect for the future of shopping. This article includes information on the following:

Cloud-based appointment system lets customers book from anywhere
Smart-technology virtual mirrors from Cisco set to boost cross selling of clothing and accessory
Customer interest, newness improves John Lewis sales figures

Retailer John Lewis Adds Technology for Customers on Reportlinker

More info on virtual mirrors here's a video from Cisco, the company mentioned in the article:

Industry Report: Jobs Opportunities Drop 11% for London's Financial Industry

2011-08-25T11:26:00.001-05:00

14,000 or 32% of London's financial industry looking for jobs
Banks cutting thousands of jobs, creating jobs abroad
LSBF offers new Trium program, guarantees full-time job in 6 months

Vacancies for financial jobs in London dropped 11% in July to 4,800 from 5,400 in June. The number of individuals within the industry seeking work reached over 14,000, or 32%. Find out more by clicking the link below.
Jobs Opportunities Drop 11% for London's Financial Industry on Reportlinker

Snehal Manjreka: US Rating Downgrade

2011-08-21T11:40:00.004-05:00

US Rating Downgrade

Snehal Manjreka
8/7/ 11

It is true that the political dogfight hastened the downgrade to a large extent, but I personally believe that the key holders of US debt and US currency pay little attention for such developments. Post financial crisis *astute* and *serious* investors have paid much little attention to credit ratings and their ratings actions. The market now seem to be ahead of the rating curve by getting more independent and intelligent.

I believe the recent panick-stricken selling of US equities is an overreaction from a bunch of bamboozled investors. The primary reason for the sell-off is possibly the diluting size of US corporate profits. As of Friday, the consensus forecast was that the S.& P. 500’s earnings would grow 15.8 percent in the third quarter. That’s off slightly from predictions of 16.7 percent third-quarter growth at the end of June, Mr. Butters said, senior earnings analyst at FactSet. On the other hand, Jeffrey N. Kleintop, chief market strategist at LPL Financial, says he thinks that “the estimates are still too high.” While profits might still grow by double digits, he said, they won’t be the 16 or 17 percent gains built into many analysts’ estimates. I believe this slight slowdown in US corporate profits reflects a conducive trend of squuezed margins due to increased hiring. I believe many manufacturing companies are returning back to the US and hence a subsequent rise in hiring will have a modicum downward impact on profits.

Talking about the S&P rating action as I mentioned above the key stakeholders of US denominated assets (Asian, Middle East nations, UK and Russia) are unfazed by the rating downgrade. Mentioned below are the comments of leading US denominated asset holders as sourced from Bloomberg:

Russia said the one-step cut “can be ignored.” Russia considers U.S. debt reliable and won’t review its policy of investing in the country, Deputy Finance Minister Sergei Storchak said by phone yesterday. The downgrade “can be ignored” for long-term investment strategy, he said. Russia is one of the 10 largest foreign holders of U.S. government debt.

Jordan has “faith” that the dollar and dollar debt “will continue to be the prime benchmark for risk-free debt,” Central Bank Governor Faris Sharaf said yesterday by telephone in Amman. “We are willing to accept U.S. risk even with S&P’s action,” he said.

Lebanese central bank Governor Riad Salameh said “the dollar is a shelter in times of crisis, and we have no plans to cut our dollar holdings.”

Japan, the second-largest international investor in American government debt, sees no problem with trust in the securities, a Japanese government official said on condition of anonymity.

In the U.K., the world’s third-largest foreign holder of U.S. debt, Business Secretary Vince Cable said yesterday the dollar is “the key international currency” in the short run.

South Korea on the other hand has scheduled an emergency meeting to mull over the matter. I have been hearing that the Bank of Korea is buying lot of gold in the market. Probably, to emgineer a slight decoupling from the dollar. But the size of the purchase wasn't big enough to talk about a real decoupling from the dollar as such.

Post this rating downgrade we might see demand for gold rising as central bankers might start shopping for gold in international bullion markets. Global fund managers have been bearish on US denominated assets since quite sometime now. They rather place more faith in US corporate debt than ramping up sovereign bonds holdings. Hence, a slew of negative comments from them should be ignored. I believe the most efficient investors presently existing in financial markets are central bankers. If they are reinstating their faith and trust in US denominated assets then the markets need not indulge in the unwarranted and value-destroying game of panick-selling of financial assets. Watch out for Central bankers and the SWFs for guidance!

China's Response to US Debt Crisis

2011-08-10T13:20:00.002-05:00

The article explains how China is reacting to the US and European debt crisis, giving investors some insight as to what to expect. My latest article for ReportLinker is one of my most important pieces for the company. I hope you find this article useful and informative.

China Unable to Release Economy Buffer on Reportlinker

Study: Sunscreen Users Tend To Burn

2011-08-02T19:12:00.001-05:00

A new study has found that most who use sunscreen actually burn more. So what can you do to help reduce the risk of sunburn, melanoma?
My latest ReportLinker article explains how to use sunscreen correctly and what to look for in the new FDA labels.

Study: Sunscreen Users Tend To Burn on Reportlinker

Mining Protests Across Three Continents Threaten Commodity Prices

2011-07-29T12:28:00.002-05:00

My article for ReportLinker regarding the mining strikes (gold, coal, oil, and diamond industries) in Australia, South Africa, and Brazil. They are demanding higher pay and better work conditions. Although the companies have responded differently, none of the situations have been resolved as of yet.
LINK

UBS to Cut Jobs, Push Back Profit Target

2011-07-29T12:23:00.002-05:00

My latest ReportLinker article on Swiss banking and the effects of the European sovereign debt crisis on investment banking.

LINK

Long-term Migraine Relief

2011-07-23T14:45:00.003-05:00

I've seen so many gurus talk about how medicine isn't necessary for headache relief. While medicine is not always the most helpful, it is necessary from time to time. I have found that the most effective way to relieve a migraine headache is by mixing both natural and medical options and creating a spa-like zone for immediate and long-lasting recovery.

Headaches form due to stress on the body and mind. So alleviating one of these causes is sometimes not enough. First let's start with the body. The most simple and effective recovery step is to pop a pill... but not just any pill. Some headache medicines can be detrimental to your health; so read the back to make sure you find one that is suitable to your health needs. As I am young and have little to no pre-existing health issues, I have tried almost all of these headache medicines at one time or another. The two that I personally have found to be the most helpful are Tylenol Rapid Release and Aleve.

Once you take medicine to heal from the inside-out, it is time to heal the area from the outside-in. Some people use acupuncture, but since I have an aversion to needles, I have found EFT to be a good alternative. EFT is a method of pain relief that uses finger tapping motions across specific points on the body to ease tension. EFT uses self-affirmations to help ease inner turmoil that could be triggering tension as well. EFT can also be used for weight loss, determination, and improving self-image.

Here is a video I have found using EFT. She tells you the basics but I'd recommend tapping several times in each spot shown in the video and repeating until you are completely relaxed. Don't focus on what you're doing, focus on relaxing the muscles in your face.

How to Get Rid of a *MIGRAINE* Headache Using EFT Technique -

If you are at work or out of your home, you can stop here and just take deep breaths and focus on relaxing your body and mind as you work. Frequent meditation helps to develop the skill of relaxing in hectic atmospheres. During a lunch break or any break, try to go outside within nature or in a quiet room to meditate and do EFT alone.

If you are at home, I'd recommend taking the next step in immediate and long-term healing: the soul. Mental stress causes headaches just as often, if not more often, than physical stresses.

Start by creating a spa-like atmosphere. Dim the lights, close the blinds, fluff up your pillow and lay down on your back. Play the video below on repeat, listening to the music to help you relax. Take a wet rag and cover the top part of your face with it. As you let the cool air hit the rag, use EFT and repeat the affirmation stated in the above video.

After you repeat it a few times you will notice that the "I have a migraine at level 7" will become "I have a migraine at level 3" and eventually you'll begin simply saying "I have a migraine". Once you get to that stage, tap through one last cycle and stop. Breathe in deeply and focus on your facial muscles. Feel your head relaxing, feel your brow, your ears, your mouth, your tongue all falling deeply. Feel your shoulders and arms fall into the bed. Do this all the way down to your fingers and toes.

Just sit there in your relaxed state, thinking of nothing but how relaxed you are and how this is your time for you. Every once in a while you just need some time for you, a time to rejuvenate your body and mind. To prevent further headaches, spend some time in solitude reading, listening to peaceful music or to birds chirping outside. Lay in the grass or a hammock, play with your pets, or sing and dance when you're all alone.
"A little nonsense now and then is relished by the wisest men." -Willy Wonka

Industry Reports: China

2011-07-22T12:36:00.002-05:00

My new Industry Reports are available on ReportLinker!
... and it's on China!

VW introduces Kai Li Electric Vehicle to the Chinese Market: Link
Daily Chinese Steel Output Reaches Record in April: Link
Foreign Bank Mutual Funds Are No Match for China's Big Four: Link
China's Inflationary Pressure Begins to Ease: Link
Is China's Trade Surplus Rebalancing?: Link

Industry Report: Airplanes and Airports

2011-07-22T11:58:00.005-05:00

My latest industry articles for ReportLinker are now available!
... about the airplane industry!

About Airports
Austrialia's "Airport of the Future" Trials Begins: Link
US May Reduce Security Checks for Low-Risk Passengers: Link
US Air Travel: Will Passengers Pay for Security Checks?: Link

Commentary: While writing these articles I couldn't help but think to myself "What were all these security procedures all about?" Now body scanning will be traded for an increase in other privacy violations using RFID chips. These chips are more of a security risk for the country and for individuals.

About Airplane Engines
Pratt and Whitney, GE Aviation To Launch New Turboprop Engines: Link
Nextant Aerospace Announces Engine FAA Certification: Link

Government Intervention and The Online Poker Industry

2011-04-16T21:02:00.015-05:00

Just as Full Tilt Poker reached a new partnership, Full Tilt, Poker Stars, and Absolute Poker web sites are all down! If you don't believe me, try clicking here. Nope, your eyes are not playing tricks on you. These domains have been taken over by the United States government. It doesn't stop there. The executive officers have been arrested and threatened with 30 years in prison if indicted!

What happened? Our story begins in 2006 during the Bush regime. That year the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) was among the many controversial bills passed through Congress and signed into law. Bush stated that the Freedom of Information Act would not ensure the release of the UIGEA documents because of "national security" concerns. Seriously?!! Ever since then some lawmakers, especially Barney Frank and Ron Paul, have been trying to revoke the UIGEA. Internet poker pros became fearful of the possibility that their means of cash flow could be shut down. Well, thankfully no case could be proven against the giants of online poker and all appeared to be safe... until now.

A case has now been brought by a Manhattan attorney against the online poker giants for supposedly "tricking" banks into accepting money for "illegal gambling" and "bank fraud". These are some pretty serious charges if they are true. But considering the fact that online poker is in itself now "illegal" means that all these new charges could be built on that fact alone. The banning of online poker is even more ridiculous than the prohibition of alcohol because online poker is an investment and an asset, not an expense. Now ESPN is considering scrapping its poker coverage involving Poker Stars and Full Tilt players. I wonder what will happen to the hit TV show High Stakes Poker now that it has partnered with Poker Stars?

Why is online poker so dangerous that it has to be illegal in the US? Ever since the turn of the century, poker (and especially online poker) has skyrocketed in popularity with stars like Daniel Negreanu, Tom "Durrr" Dwan, and Phil Ivey as spokespeople. TV programs have emerged that show the Average Joe winning against these poker pros. Online poker sites facilitate the money transaction between poker players wishing to become wealthy pros themselves. One by one these new internet players have popped up on the radar. More and more Americans began forming their own poker dreams and monetary ambitions. If a person invests in learning the basics in poker like poker hands, poker psychology, reading body language, pot odds, outs and percentages, and how to bluff effectively, then that person can make money as a grinder (a relatively safe poker player), a reader (someone who bets on what they think others have as opposed to their own hand), or a gambler (someone who bets based their hand instead even if the odds are stacked against them). Although gamblers win more money in the short run, they can lose it just as easily. Most online poker pros fall in that category. There are a growing number of grinders who MAKE A LIVING through ONLINE POKER. These players are the ones who will lose the from this new controversy. I think poker grinders are the real risk to the US government, or rather, to the non-federal Federal Reserve. Financial independence is not profitable for debt investors, especially the Fed who makes a profit from printing debt.

What options are there for online poker players? Well, if you are a poker player who can read your opponents well, you will probably do well in live cash games and live tournaments. For those who have never played live and do not yet have the bank roll to try, you are safe... for now. If you already have an account with Ultimate Bet (UB) or Absolute Poker (AP), your cash account has not been closed. You can continue to play for money even though you are an American; however, they will not allow you to withdraw or start a new account due to the massive uncertainty. I think after all this mess, online play will continue in America and the sites that are temporarily not allowing US players will once again pursue American clients. Until then, Carbon Poker is allowing US players to start new accounts. I'm sure there are others who are too.

There is no way the government can win this case. If they do, that will be the end of online poker and maybe eventually an end to all forms of "gambling". Where is the line drawn? Online wager transfer could include, in theory, online horse racing, fantasy sports, and lotteries. This is protectionism at its very worst! As a result of this law, the US government is in conflict with the World Trade Organization (WTO). Now Europe is considering doing the same to American companies. Wow, what a great way to get out of a global recession... by limiting global trade and commerce! This is why taxing them (also known as a tariff) is a bad idea: it will cause retaliation against American companies from any, and all, industries. Casinos based in other countries do not (and should not) pay American taxes, nor do Las Vegas casinos pay foreign taxes. So why should Full Tilt or Poker Stars who also have American customers? Online casinos are NOT FROM AMERICA, but they DO pay taxes... in their HOME COUNTRY. Americans who win the lottery, the slot machines, or a poker game all have to pay taxes on their winnings... so why should the Fed care? Some individuals fail to report their winnings but that should not be an excuse to close down the whole online poker industry. Instead those who lied should be the ones held accountable. Shouldn't individuals have the right to choose how they invest their money? Hell, I think investing in poker (once you know the basics) is safer than investing in retirement and long-term stocks. As you can tell, I am steaming. But don't try to steal my pot, the government doesn't like competition.

New Free Program to Increase Your Financial Literacy

2011-03-31T14:09:00.005-05:00

It's that time again! I have a brand new program that will be posted on Seek2ruth next month. I do not yet have a date planned, but I will update Seek2ruthers once I have all the details. It will be called How to Manage Your Money and will take place over seven days. I already have the topics chosen:

Assets and Liabilities
Diversification

Tax Savings
Decreasing Debt
Saving for the Future
Wealthy Mindset
Finance 101

Unlike my last free program, this program will include activities to improve your financial literacy. In total the program will include e-books, activity worksheets, videos, links to resources, and recommended reading. This program has been requested for some time now and I am happy to finally announce it. I will update you soon as possible as to the progress of the program.

Rating Professional Networks + 2 Handy Tools

2011-03-18T21:43:00.005-05:00

(Yes this image is from Scooter's Nessaja) ;P

I spent the day checking out professional sites for those who need a job... because I need a job. I stumbled across a few really handy sites and have decided to give a rating for each site. I applied to all of them and played around with their features. I hope this helps in your job search.

LinkedIn
This is THE professional network to use. Your professors, past employers, coworkers, and friends are all there. There's so much to do there... it's almost like having a business Facebook.
I give this site:

Vault
I have to admit that this site LOOKS impressive; however, substance comes at a cost. This site has a lot of resources but minimal tools to make your internet resume stand out. In order to add any cool features to your profile, you have to upgrade. For that, and the limited spaces available for the experience section, I give this site:

Jobster
Pros and cons of using this site. Cons are very few but include: confusing tabs and ugly site graphics. Most importantly, you can't add groups and companies to follow. The pros outweigh most of the cons though. You have the most options for your profile out of any other site, including Linkedin. You can add video resumes, portfolios, links, and answers to typical interview questions (which no other site has). Overall it's a really, really good site. This is why I give it:

uBoast
Although Uboast is also not very pretty, it is very thorough. It allows for video resumes, portfolios, links, and favorite quotes. It has more networking options than Jobster but isn't as handy for those trying to hire you. I give it:

MyWorkster
MyWorkster is the most like a social network. It even has the chat bar on the bottom. You can search for people just like you. You can add video, music, image, and text files to your portfolio. The profile looks professional too. My only complaints are that there are no groups on MyWorkster and that there are no interview questions. Overall I give this site:

VisualCV
VisualCV is visually appealing and allows for graphs, text, photos, and videos. It is the least social of all the professional networks. It is easy to use and the profile graphics are simplified as to appeal to most employers. Overall, this deserves:

ResumeTube
This isn't a social professional network. This is an online video resume site. As it is not like the above sites I will not rate it. It is just a handy tool that I thought I'd pass on.

CareerTV
This is not a place to put your video resume. It's a site full of advice. I highly recommend this site.

Good luck on the job search!

Fitness Update: Setbacks

2011-03-18T14:39:00.003-05:00

Well, life happens. I have lost three pounds and my weight is stabilizing. I have been consistent in my workout and diet routine. I have, however, had three dieting setbacks. I met with my friends for coffee and a movie. The coffee shop was closed and so we had frozen coffee at a place that serves terrible regular coffee. I also had a chicken pot pie (1075 calories!) one day and two slices of spinach pizza (280 per slice) on another day when my dad and I were expecting company.
I have also had emotional setbacks recently. The job search has worn me down. Just today I received another job refusal and cried in my hands. I know that emotions make me normally want chocolate or alcohol but I have no intention of doing either.
The most important thing is that I have not become discouraged and am only more eager to achieve my goals. I am exercising every day and will include running in the morning instead of yoga. I looked on WebMD and found that although my calorie intake is in tact, I am not meeting my exercise requirements for successful weight loss.
As for my job search, I can't let it bother me. If I do not try then I can not succeed. I am stepping it up a notch in that area as well. If things get really bad I can wear a "Hire Me" sign as I take my morning runs ;). I know that when I see the pounds shed, a more confident, active self will step forth into the world. I look forward to meeting her.

Edible Toxins: Dangerous Chemicals We Consume Daily

2011-03-15T16:03:00.005-05:00

Warning, Warning: Three hazardous chemicals can be found in items you and your family often consume. They reside in both sweet and savory dishes... and even in your water! To find out if these are in your food, check the ingredients label on the back or side of each package.

1. Mono-sodium Glutamate (aka MSG)
MSG is naturally occurring in seaweed but is now used instead of salt to flavor a wide variety of foods, anything from french fries to soup. If you live in Europe, you probably will not see "monosodium glutamate" on the back of your labels. Instead, you will see an E number, "E621". Those who eat it are said to have Chinese Restaurant Syndrome which has recently been re-named to "MSG symptom complex". I simply do not have the time nor the patience to explain this chemical's effects on so many disorders... so, I am posting this link to a web site dedicated to raising awareness. Apparently people are beginning to wake up because Campbell and Progresso soups proudly advertise that their soups no longer have MSG.

2. Aspartame
Aspartame is an artificial sugar replacement. It can be found in products bearing the labels "sugar free", "no sugar", and "diet". Although aspartame can have immediate harmful effects on the body, most people display symptoms over months or even years of frequent use. I am one of the unfortunate ones who can not eat or drink anything with aspartame without immediate symptoms. I feel tightness in my throat, instant thirst, sweating, and migraine headaches. Long-term, serious side-effects can include diabetes, multiple sclerosis, and even blindness. According to the Wikipedia article on aspartame: "Upon ingestion, aspartame breaks down into natural residual components, including aspartic acid, phenylalinine, methanol, and further breakdown products including formaldehyde and formic acid, accumulation of the latter being suspected as the major cause of injury in methanol poisoning." Here is a news report from the 90s regarding the dangers of aspartame:

I have saved the most dangerous chemical for last...

and this might be a shocker...

3. Fluoride

The fact that this is in the list might surprise some people. Fluoride is believed to help in the prevention of tooth decay. As a result, it is now in our tooth pastes, our mouth washes, and our water. Although it is naturally occurring in water, it is now being added in higher concentrations to the water supply in order to combat cavities. Here is a map of water fluoridation according to levels of concentration worldwide. Note that Germany shows <1% water fluoridation and most of Europe is fairly low in comparison with America. Germans conducted a study which showed that water fluoridation has little to no effect on tooth enamel. Even if it did, there is a toxic level of fluoride in our tooth paste... which is why we are supposed to call Poison Control if it is swallowed. The same amount of fluoride is in an 8 oz glass of water in some states. This is why I try not to consume tap water, even if a filter is added. The filter does not remove fluoride. I drink spring water daily in its stead. Fun fact: fluoride was used in Nazi Germany to keep the prisoners docile. Imagine what effect it has on your brain. Well, it is now known that fluoride induces something called dental fluorosis... which permanently damages your teeth, and over time, your bones. Most concerning is the fact that fluoride is believed to be a contributing factor to Alzheimer disease. Here is my third and final video about the dangerous chemicals we consume:

Week 1: The Struggle

2011-03-04T18:48:00.003-06:00

This week has been intense! I decided to start by doing the exercise posted in the last article three times a week. Next week I will add yoga in the evenings (all week). The third week I will add belly dancing in the mornings (all week). Then on week four I will increase to five times a week for the main exercise. This is the plan... but I will listen to my body.

For instance, the first day of exercise was extremely tough. I did it completely with very little breaks in-between. As a result, I was dizzy, shaky, and nauseated. I drank two bottles of spring water to no avail. My dad handed me a bottle of Gatorade and wallah!... the sick feelings were gone! I now know to not underestimate the power of electrolytes and not overestimate my body's ability to change rapidly.

As for my diet, I have replaced Toaster Strudels, Pop Tarts, and waffles with Nutella and toast, Nutella & banana wheat wraps (which is absolutely divine!), Fiber One and Cheerios cereals with and without sliced bananas, and spinach filled omelets & scrambled eggs. I drink only water except for my coffee in the morning served black. For lunch I have a spinach salad with strawberries, organic granola, and low-fat raspberry vinaigrette; cooked garlic spinach; fruit smoothies with v8 juice, milk, strawberries, bananas, yogurt, and granola; peanuts and yogurt (sometimes w/ granola instead of peanuts), and spinach salads in a wheat wrap. For supper I have whatever my dad is eating but I have reduced my portions. I also only have a 60 calorie mousse, ONE chocolate mint cookie, or ONE piece of Dove's dark chocolate singles for my daily chocolate intake.

This diet and exercise plan is what works best for me. I am going to always listen to my body and constantly make improvements as I see fit. It was very, VERY difficult at times to say no to my chocolate cravings... especially during my job search. After weighing in, I realized how instant the rewards are and how glad I am to have started this now instead of later. I am now craving fruits and vegetables and am repulsed by fake breaded chicken and french fries. I actually couldn't finish eating them; most of my plate was full! I have lost two pounds since Monday. Seeing results so soon is encouraging. I was so down this week because I was turned down for the job that I had wanted for months. I was so close to turning to my comfort zone and returning to my chocolate indulgence. I am glad I made it through week one. I think as I lose weight and can fit in my old clothes again I will begin to regain my confidence and the cravings will subside. I know that by sticking with it despite my depressive moments will help motivate me to take control of my life and hopefully radiate that confidence to future employers. I will write again at the end of week 2 to update Seek2ruth on my progress. From now on I will write every two weeks. I wanted to update you during my tough first week in hopes that it can be helpful to those who are also struggling with their weight or are lacking confidence. Keep on keeping on and do something that will make you happy until something comes along.
Much love
Nicole

My 90 Day Challenge

2011-02-25T16:51:00.005-06:00

I'm going to do it! I'm going to finally take control of my body and my life!

I was inspired by a man in Mississippi who had lost a substantial amount of weight... 100 lbs! He used social media sites to record his progress. He claimed that the thought of letting others down was his motivation to see it through. Here is his inspirational story. I thought I would try it out. Another man who was overweight is now a weight trainer and health guru. He now posts his advice and exercise videos on his Youtube page, sixpackshortcuts. One of his videos is below. As many of you know, I LOVE chocolate and Italian food. These two factors contribute to most of my calorie intake. I don't drink sodas nor do I eat fried foods or eat out. I have vegetables only during supper though and I hardly ever eat fruits. I exercise for fun and thus only sporadically do relaxing yoga and belly dancing. I sometimes step it up a notch by kick boxing. Other than that, I hardly ever move around. I spend most of my time behind my laptop writing articles, talking on Skype, or looking for a job. This all has to change! I figure that if I can do it (especially with all my failed attempts) anyone can. Now it's my turn to make myself put my feet where my mouth is (eww).

I will record my results and post it here every two weeks. I chose not to use one week as sometimes that could lead to discouragement. I want to focus on my actions and not the results.

Exercise plan:
For 90 days I will be spending 25 minutes doing this intense exercise. In the evenings I will do some yoga to relax my body and mind before bed. After the 90 days, I will do kick boxing exercises in the morning, and belly dancing + yoga in the afternoon or evening (whichever my future job permits).

Diet plan:
As I am only 5 ft tall and have a small to medium frame, I will limit my daily calorie intake to only 1,000-1,200 lbs. I will have fiber for breakfast, a fruit snack, then vegetables for lunch, calcium (ie cheese or yogurt) for a snack, then supper with my father. I will have coffee in the mornings but black (no sugar, no milk, no creamer... nothing!). In order to not impose my diet goals upon another, I will eat what is cooked for supper... but in small portions. After supper, I will have only one piece of dark chocolate for my final snack of the day.

Needless to say, this will be very tough. I am determined though. I normally think about dieting as cutting calories but not chocolate. That is a negative way of looking at food. I don't want heart or esophagus problems in the future. I want to live a long, healthy life so I can do the things I want. Once every week I will weigh myself. I will share with Seek2ruth my results. I am hoping that if my friends and family see that I can do it despite my long-lived addiction to chocolate, that they will be motivated to live more healthily themselves.

Here is a website full of handy tips that I will also be using to lose weight and keep it off:
Link

Wish me luck!

SDA Network News: Managing Economic Bubbles Before They Burst

2011-02-24T12:53:00.003-06:00

By clicking the image above, you will be directed to my first article as the new Chief Economics Correspondent for SDA Network News. Here's some information about my article:

There are many theories as to what governments should do in order to manage and prevent bubbles and recessions. The US government uses Keynesian economic theories of expansionary economics, but rarely contracts as it should. This is fine during recessions; however, I will demonstrate that a constant expansion of the money supply and steadily growing government is not sustainable in the long-run.

Learning to Coexist

2011-01-24T23:48:00.005-06:00

Since the beginning of mankind, people have fought over opinions. Every person believes that their philosophy is "the right one", but if we decide to listen to another perspective, we might learn a little about ourselves. Tolerance is a very strange thing as it eases conflict externally and increases it internally. When we allow ourselves to question our place in the universe, we open the door to limitless opportunities. When we realize the vast array of possibilities, we are suddenly much more tolerant of others and their perceptions of reality.

Reality is a very fluid thing; even scientists have trouble pinpointing what it is. Once believed to be a stagnant, rigid fact that exists outside of ourselves and our control, now reality appears to be something that constantly changes due to each individual's relative view. Einstein realized that if five individuals witnessed the same event, let's say... a shooting, they would each have a different account as to what happened because they are all standing in different angles.

Vocabulary has helped humans make sense of our reality as we label anything and everything in an attempt to simplify the most complicated things. What one person calls something using one language may contradict another's term for the same thing. This has led to countless wars and social conflicts for thousands of years. God, Jehovah, Jesus, The Trinity, Source Energy, Allah, Enlightenment, The Holy Spirit, The Illuminated, The Universal Source... these terms are all describing the same thing: some thing we can not explain, nor prove, and yet these terms have been fought over for centuries. As a race seeking to preserve itself, we should be ashamed. We are all humans, all equal in every respect.

Each person's will is their own and no one can take that away from them. For anyone to claim that their way is the only way is naive and dangerous. They are unwittingly forcing their beliefs, ideals, and lifestyles upon another. No person has that right. We each have the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. It's entirely burdensome to feel the need to fix your family, friends, and the world. Just live life the way you want and allow others to do the same. It's okay to have your own philosophical views, logic and reasoning can not explain everything because everything is subjective. Because it is subjective, it is also okay to have people disagree. Variety is what makes life worth living. Choice is what makes us human.

To those who feel pressured to live a life which is not your own, be true to yourself and bask in the glorious light which is your own. No one can ever take away your free will unless you give it to them. If your family and friends are the culprit of this pressure, understand that they are doing what they think is right. They love you and want what they think is best for you. Try to not lash out at them, even if they are being very difficult. You know what is right for you, follow your own path. It's okay if you agree to disagree. You can not make them agree with you. They have the same rights as you to live the life they choose. Sit them down and explain how you feel and describe who you want to be. Maybe if you try conversation and reasoning, the blow won't be as emotionally impacting. Despite what they say at the moment, they will always be there for you. Even though you may be going through dramatic life changes, you have to be there for your family in order for them to be able to be there for you.

To those who make fun of others or wish to harm others who think differently than you, learn tolerance. People from different religions or cultures are not stupid or savage; they are just like you and me. By pushing away other cultures and philosophies, you are only hurting yourself. You will inevitably be absorbed by your hatred. People won't want to be around you because of your judgmental criticism. People like people who like them. Begin with a smile and casual conversation. If they bring up a topic you are not comfortable with, instead of shouting, just let them know that you try to not talk about religion because of its controversial nature. When you feel comfortable enough with your ability to get along with others, only then would I suggest moving into the stage of listening to others' perceptions of reality. Small steps can lead to a massive mind, heart, and soul expansion. Loving others is the only key to being loved.

For those who are family and friends of those who are questioning their faith or want to learn about other cultures, I know how difficult it must be for you. I know you might feel as though a big chunk of your heart was stomped on and that you must have not been there enough for your friend or relative. It's not your fault. This person might simply be trying to find themselves. Also, consider the possibility that this person might not be questioning their faith at all; they might just be interested in learning how others live or lived. Remember that they are not doing this to you; they are finding themselves. This is a tough time for everyone involved. Try to be supportive and discuss religion in a rational, relaxed manner. Try to understand what they are trying to learn and be supportive. Even if it hurts, remember that they are hurting too. They might feel pressured, like they are letting you down. Reassert your love for them and they will respond with greater respect and admiration for your respect. No matter what path they pave for themselves, know that their self-blossoming is not a sign of disrespect. They love you regardless of the cruel things they may say. If you let them know that it is okay to discuss these things calmly, they will. This can open the doors to a tighter bond.

Here are some songs that I found that relate to this and might express how some of you may feel. The songs are in the order of a heart gradually opening itself up to possibilities. Sit back and enjoy.

May you achieve all your dreams.

Love and peace to you all,

Nicole
(Seek2ruth)

Day 7: Opening Doors

2011-01-08T01:15:00.007-06:00

E-Book

Helpful Videos

Links to Help You Make Change a Reality:
VolunteerMatch
GetInvolved.gov
Entrepreneur.com
52 Ways to Make Extra Money
WikiHow: How to Save Money

Inspirational Music

3 songs, use arrows to navigate

Day 6: Relationships

2011-01-06T22:46:00.006-06:00

E-book

Videos

Although these videos are in reference to relationships, these can apply to family and friends as well.

Informative Links
Lifetips: Relationship tips/info
Cosmopolitan: Relationship Advice
E-How: Family
The Friendship Page Advice Forum

Recommended Books
Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus
How to Get the Man You Want/How to Get the Woman You Want (Double book)
Chicken Soup for the Soul: Family Matters
Odd Girl Out

Music

Day 5: Health

2011-01-05T21:38:00.007-06:00

E-Book

Playlist to Improve Your Health

Day 4: Create your Life

2011-01-04T21:48:00.004-06:00

Ebook

Click above image to read my e-book. Skim through each page by clicking the arrows located at the bottom of the screen.

Motivational Playlist

Helpful Links
10 Ways to be Successful in Life and Business
About.com: How to Overcome Procrastination
About.com: Beat Depression Without Prescriptions
26 Ways to Eat Healthily/Naturally and Lose Weight
Over 500 Free Exercises
Ways to Travel Cheap or Free
Is Progress a Greater Motivator than Money?
How to Identify Your Soulmate
5 Effective Flirting Methods
Confidence Will Get You Everywhere

Inspirational Music

Day 3: Self-Esteem

2011-01-03T21:02:00.009-06:00

E-book

Video Resources

Day 2: Gratitude

2011-01-02T22:58:00.007-06:00

Ebook

Click above image to read my e-book. Skim through each page by clicking the arrows located at the bottom of the screen.

Video Resources

Helpful and Inspirational Web Resources

How to Reprogram Your Brain
Introduction to Neuro Linguistic Programming

Why Living a Life of Gratitude Can Make You Happy
75 Simple Pleasures to Brighten Your Day
Gratitude Log: The "Happiest Place on Earth"
The Gratitude Campaign: Thanking our Military
30 Frugal Gift Ideas to Show You Appreciate Someone

Inspirational Music

Day 1: Quantum Mechanics and the Law of Attraction

2010-12-29T20:21:00.025-06:00

E-book

Video Resources

Vital Resources
Basic Quantum Physics
Wave Structure of Matter
(Some links have been removed as they can be easily misunderstood)
I apologize for any confusion.

Music Playlist

Recommended Reading
(links are to Amazon.com)
Brian Greene's The Elegant Universe
Brian Greene's The Fabric of the Cosmos
Rhonda Byrne's The Secret

Recommended Documentaries
(links are to watch the documentaries)
The Elegant Universe
What the Bleep Do We Know
The Secret (click red button, x out of ad, then click green button)

Popular films about
The Law of Attraction and Quantum Physics:
(links are to watch the films)
The Matrix (click red button, x out of ad, click green button)
The Golden Compass (click red button, x out of ad, click green button)

Schedule for Next Week's Program

2010-12-27T23:00:00.005-06:00

Each day we will explore a topic in relation to mental creation and projection.
As a reminder, the program begins on Sunday, the 2nd of January until Saturday, the 9th of January. Here is a list of the topics we will be discussing:

Day 1: Quantum Physics and the Law of Attraction
Day 2: Gratitude
Day 3: Confidence
Day 4: Creation
Day 5: Health
Day 6: Relationships
Day 7: Opening Doors

Each day I will be posting mini e-books that I have prepared on the topics, links to free resources including e-books, videos, and professional sites, music and meditation videos regarding each topic, and the link to that day's forum discussions.

We will meet on Seek2ruth's forum everyday for open discussions and questions you may have. I will also be holding discussions on Seek2ruth's live chat, which includes chat, voice, and video functionality directly from Seek2ruth page. I will be available on the chat at 10am and 6pm central time (GMT -5). Here is a world map of the time zones.

The chat room can be found on the wibiya navigation bar, which is located at the bottom of the screen. To join us in chat, click on "Join chat" then sign in with your Myspace, Twitter, or Facebook ID. If you do not wish to use your accounts, do not have one, or wish to remain anonymous, you can sign in by typing a user name of your choice and clicking "go". If you sign in with an account from the aforementioned accounts, you will be asked if you want to send the invite to your friends. You can choose to ignore it or send your friends a message inviting them to the chat session. When in the chat, click "Start Broadcasting" to show your image and utilize your microphone. Even if you are not broadcasting you will be able to hear and see others as they talk. If you do not have a mic, you can respond via chat.

If the chat times are inconvenient, we have forum discussions open all day for each topic. You can ask your question or make a suggestion there and it will be discussed by everyone. If you have a question you would like to ask me in private, I can be reached at seek2ruth@gmx.com. In order to post a topic or respond to someone's post, you must create a user name. Click the blinking word "register" underneath the giant Seek2ruth image to create a new identity. You can log in throughout the week on the left side of the screen. You can create a profile or leave yourself as anonymous. This user name can be used for discussions that will be held for future programs as well.

I have been working for a long time on this program. I hope this will be beneficial to you in your life goals and ambitions.

Namaste, Blessed be, and Greetings to you all,

Nicole

The Power of Mental Creation Program

2010-08-26T21:23:00.004-05:00

I am beginning a new, free program called The Power of Mental Creation. This is my very first program and is thus a learning experience :). I am extremely excited and would like everyone to take part in this. The point behind this seven day program will be to bring out the inner-strength that will enable each of you to tackle the problems you are currently facing in your life. My focus will be to help you gain confidence in your ability to change your current situation and create a better reality for yourself. No information will be stored about you. This is not meant for statistical analysis. This program is to help you achieve the things you want in your life. Topics will include finding opportunities, love and relationships, wealth and career help, physical and mental health, and general happiness and inner peace. I will post on Seek2ruth a week prior to the start of the program the dates of each event. Conversations will be held in the Seek2ruth Forum. If you wish to have more information regarding this event, feel free to comment here and I will respond to you promptly.

At Home Genetic Testing: Eugenics Warning

2010-08-15T10:52:00.006-05:00

My dad had Fox News turned on the TV and I heard the words "at home genetic testing" and my ears went up and my tail began to wag... well, not literally. I immediately stopped what I was doing and turned the volume up. Walgreens is considering selling a genetic testing kit that is supposed to be as simple as a pregnancy test. The news anchors of course used NLP techniques such as saying things like "and yes, there are SOME concerns" then having the proponent of the device ease the audiences concerns by not addressing the concerns but by stating how safe it really is.
Well Fox News guys, I have some news for YOU. This device MAY in fact be safe, but that is NOT my concern. I know many people will jump at the opportunity of finding out what diseases they are more likely to get because of family traits. I want those of you who are considering using this product to at least know the potential dangers this will have on yourself, your family, and society at large.
Fox News said something quickly that made all the difference in the way I perceived this product. The news anchor stated that the device would be returned to Walgreens and sent to a lab to conduct the test. Well... if it is sent to a lab and all our doctors now have to be certified by the government... (I think you know where I'm going with this.)
In case you DON'T know what I'm referring to, let me tell you what my eye doctor told me a few months ago. Because of the recently passed health care bill all doctors must spend thousands of dollars registering as doctors with the government. They must reapply every few years and update their offices with computers for them to store your data. Everything you tell your doctor is stored on a government-accessible database, thus ending the confidentiality rule all doctors are supposed to abide by.
Now back to the test... When it is sent to a lab what do you think will happen to your data? If the researchers and doctors will be registered with the government, then they will be forced to upload your genetic information into their data banks. The genetic information does not sound as though it can affect you in a negative way though, right?
Well around the beginning of the 20th century many scientists in the medical and biological sciences began practicing what is known as eugenics. Here is the Wikipedia article on it. Slowly this false science began seeping into social sciences such as economics, anthropology, and even politics. Well known and respected economics leaders of the time were also eugenicists. Here is the link to many works done by an economics professor at Princeton regarding eugenics in economics and politics. Planned Parenthood was originally a eugenics program (link Here and Here). The Nazis actually got their plan for scientific experiments on Jews, homosexuals, Catholics, and gypsies from American eugenicists. Hitler praised the eugenics programs in America and sought to implement them in Germany. After WWII, eugenics went underground. Most organizations known for eugenics changed their names to mask their agendas. I fear that this information, once in the hands of the government, may one day be used for dictating what a person is allowed to do according to their genetic capabilities and who is allowed to live and mate.
It sounds ridiculous but history has a tendency to repeat itself. I have actually seen scholarships that were offered to students who would support sterilization programs abroad. I do fear that too much government control could easily lead to corruption of this information and the rebirth of American eugenics. If you doubt this, look at the articles I posted above and keep this quote in mind:
"Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely." -Lord Acton

Super Fast, Fuel-Efficient Sports Cars

2010-08-13T18:40:00.003-05:00

Who Knew Saving Money Could Be so Rewarding? For all you racers out there who love the speed of a mean machine, would it surprise you to know that there are truly fuel-efficient, really fast cars? I know, it sounds too good to be true. I took into account the speed from 0 to 60 MPH and the gas mileage when making this list. These cars are perfect if you are trying to convince your wife to purchase a sick ride. These cars are sure to catch people's eye, especially when in action. Who knew saving the environment could be so rewarding? Here are six bad boys you should really consider driving:

6. Smart Roadster

46.17 mpg combined
0-62 mph in 10.9 seconds

The speed does not seem impressive, but it certainly feels fast. I noticed when riding in a Smart Roadster in Ireland with my boyfriend, it accelerates fast in short distances. This car, in other words, is most exciting when driving in a city. You won't know until you try it. I highly recommend driving this car whenever you need a rental car :). Unfortunately, this car is not available in the United States.

5. Tesla Model S

Electric Motor
0-60 mph in 5.6 seconds
300 miles per charge
45 minute charge time

This car performs despite being electric and a saloon vehicle. I was very impressed with the miles per charge figure. The speed on this thing is also quite astounding. This car looks as good as it performs as well. If more vehicles were built like this, petrol vehicles would become a thing of the past. Make way for the electric wave!

4. Chevrolet Corvette

0-60 mph in 3.4 seconds!
20 hwy mpg

This car is significantly less efficient than the previously mentioned cars but trust me, this thing performs. I would love to ride around in this thing. It's look is fierce and it's speed is amazing. It is not engineered as well as my top three cars. This car proves that American engineering has come a long way.

3. Porsche 911 Carrera 4s

0-60 mph in 4.5 seconds
25 hwy mpg

Porsche is known for efficiency and speed. Porsche, unlike most other car companies, does not have to resort to just slapping on a giant engine. This car encompasses all that Porsche is about. This is a very well-made vehicle.

2. Porsche 911 Turbo

0-60 mph in 3.4 seconds with a manual gear box and 3.2 seconds with PDK!
40-60 in 1 second (2nd gear)!!
29 hwy mpg

There's a reason this car is my boyfriend's favorite. It is fast, efficient, and attractive. In Jeremy Clarkson's review of the Porsche 911, he said that when driving in some cities, the fumes coming out of its back are more toxic than the air going in the engine. This car performs similarly to the Chevy Corvette, but is much more efficient. This car is a beast!

1. Tesla Roadster

Electric vehicle
0 to 60 in 3.9 seconds
227 miles per charge
3.5 hours to charge

This car is the fastest fuel-efficient vehicle on the market! This is my favorite car. If I had the money, I would buy this in a jiffy. It is a beautiful piece of engineering!

Sources:
Tesla
Porsche UK
Porsche US
Chevrolet
Smart Roadster
Top Gear: Porsche 911 (video clip)

The Zeitgeist Trilogy

2010-08-13T17:51:00.003-05:00

http://www.zeitgeistmovie.com/

That is the link to possibly the most important movie trio ever made. Zeitgeist and Zeitgeist Addendum are two documentaries regarding ways to defeat the New World Order and the greed that breeds it. Although I disagree with some of what is said in these documentaries, on the whole they are great to share with your families. The Zeitgeist trio (the third one is in production) is less about doom and gloom and more about finding solutions to problems most people wouldn't dream of tackling. The films try to wake people into a state of awareness, concern, and hope for the future. They offer reasonable solutions and say that it is up to the people, not politicians or groups, to solve our problems. They promote true self-awareness, courage and motivation to succeed, and the realization that we are all one energy source and that it takes each of us to become aware of our true self and our true potential. This is a powerful and moving set of documentaries. Please watch at least the first documentary before criticizing these ideas. Open-mindedness through open-hearts are the paths to prosperity and overall well-being.

How To Attract A Healthier You

2010-08-13T16:53:00.000-05:00

I know many people who are ill or unhealthy in one way or another. Know that it doesn't have to be like that. Every dis-ease within your body is as a result of stress or strain on the body. When put that way, it seems easy to fix it, right? Put less strain on your body by eating healthily.

Food
Avoid processed foods that can cause cancer, diabetes, headaches, neurological disorders, weight gain, and ulcers. Eat more vegetables and fruits and limit processed breads and meats to a minimum if it is difficult to locate fresh foods. I know, I know more fruits, veggies, and natural foods sounds disgusting, right? Well, think of it as an art project. You can mix foods, make your own sauces from fresh herbs, garlic, and tomatoes, search for recipes online, and experiment with foods. If you are on the go, make foods that can be heated at your place of work or food that doesn't require heating. If you make something that needs to be refrigerated, pack it with a tiny ice pack. This doesn't have to be your mundane sandwich your mom made for you for school. You can make pastas, fruit cocktails, whatever you want! If you enjoy restaurant foods from Chili's or Applebee's or the Olive Garden, look up their main ingredients and make your own version for you and your family. You'll save money and be more healthy.

Exercise
You should also exercise to increase energy, lose weight, get fit, and balance your bodily functions. If you dislike running, swim instead. If you don't like lifting weights, try yoga and pilates. If you dislike any type of exercise where you do the same thing everyday, mix it up. You can use this as an opportunity to have fun with your kids. Whether it's hiking, canoeing, basketball, football, soccer, skating, or tag, you are bonding with your family and ensuring their health and happiness.

Attraction
The most important step in any diet and exercise plan is to think healthily. I know this sounds so strange but it is true. Stress is also mental. If you stop stressing about losing weight or getting better and instead focus on the solutions, you will heal yourself more quickly and effortlessly. Granted, there is effort put into it but you won't feel sick. You will begin to notice that you are feeling hopeful and energetic before your body has even begun its healing process. Stressing about how ill you are will only make you feel more ill. Shifting your focus will also encourage motivation for exercising, eating well, and enjoying the things you didn't think you could still enjoy. It is never too late to start enjoying life again. I hope these health tips can get you on the road to recovery and a healthier you.

All That You Seek Is Within

2010-08-13T11:28:00.002-05:00

I know many people who are unhappy with their situation: their jobs, their family, their relationship, their debt, their health, etc. Remember the last time you were unhappy with something? What was the first thing you did? Well, if you are like most people you probably told others about your difficulties. Seeking condolence, however, will not solve your problems. The truth is that the answer to all your problems lies within yourself. If you are having difficulties with others and their decisions, talk to them about it. In the end it is their decision, and you have to respect that. You can not control them and their lives. They have to be the solution for themselves just like you must be the solution for you. You can be there for them, just don't allow their problems to drag you down. You are in control of the way you feel... always. If you feel down it is an internal reaction to something external. In other words, you allow people and events to hurt you. In contrast, you are the source of your own happiness. You always have a choice of whether to feel happy about something, apathetic toward something, or upset about something. No one else has that power. Make a list of all the things you are grateful for, no matter how small, and you will notice how your mood changes and how many great things you have in your life. Although you do not have all that you want in your life, realizing and appreciating what you have now will open the doors to a better life. When you appreciate what you have, you get more of what is good in your life. For instance, if you are grateful for your child, parent, or partner... you will begin to smile more around them or act happy around them... as a result, he or she will respond with those positive actions that make you happy. When you are truly grateful for your life, you will radiate that joy and others will pick up on that and wonder what makes you so happy. The answer is always you. When you complain about what is bad, you are bringing more of that into your head and thus into your existence. You will never be happy if you seek your happiness from others and from outside circumstances. You will always have that void until you realize that you can not use crutches to get through life. Nor can you solve everyone's problems. You can not control everyone's lives. Let them have control of their own bliss while you find yours. Once you believe in yourself, begin solving your own problems, and allow others to live their own lives... you will finally be free from expectation, unnecessary worry, and you'll be free to live your own life in the way you want to experience it.

What is Prayer?

2010-08-13T11:25:00.001-05:00

Prayer can take many forms: kneeling, face down on the floor, in lotus position, with a home alter, at a church, in the privacy of your own mind, and in your daily actions. All religions are variations of one another. Extremists in every religion struggle to understand that fact and will fight to keep their religion on top. Although some forms of prayer and worship are much different than others, all prayers are to worship, give thanks, and to ask for something. Sounds simple right? Well, let's compare...
Christians tend to pray in churches. Prayer is infrequent outside of church unless something is wanted, lol. When they do pray, it is typically vocally with their hands together and their heads bowed or silently within their minds and hearts. Church groupings can be large, small, formal and ritualistic, or like a rock concert. All Christians pray to the son of God, Jesus. Protestants tend to pray to angels for protection; Catholics tend to pray to saints or Jesus' mother Mary so that they may pray for them as well.
Muslims tend to pray often and on a daily basis. Devout Muslims pray 5 times a day, or more if needed. Muslims pray at home or in community Mosques. Muslims pray with their knees, heads, and hands on the floor, in a manner similar to bowing to a king. The position is similar to the yoga position called Downward Facing Dog. Although the stories of Jesus and his teachings can be found in the Qur'an, the Prophet Muhammad is the founder of Islam and is thus more significant to the Muslims. They pray directly to God, although they do ask for help from the Prophet Muhammad as well.
Jews are very similar to Muslims in that their messiah has not yet arrived on Earth. The Torah is the Jews' holy book. Jews are very diverse and have many ways in which they pray. Some orthodox Jews are very ritualistic, like Catholics. Other, less formal Jews use Numerology and Kabbalah to predict and understand their paths. The Jewish word for prayer is tefilah. Tefilahs are done in honor of God. The reasoning behind their prayers are exactly the same as the above mentioned faiths.
Buddhists are considered very different from the Judeo-Christian traditions in that Buddhists believe that God is everywhere and in everyone. The typical prayer position is called Lotus position. In Lotus position, one's body is grounded from the top of one's head, through the spine, and out through the floor. Prayer for a Buddhist is about achieving a higher self through enlightenment and self-improvement. Instead of asking some distant God for help, they seek it from within.
Hindus are very similar, although they tend to have more mythology and rituals behind their prayers. Hinduism is more polytheistic than Buddhism and is the foundation for Buddhism. Through meditation, self-reflection, and good deeds, Hindus hope to reach enlightenment and good karma so that they may be reborn as a better person or achieve ultimate enlightenment.
Satanism is a collective term. Some do not worship Satan while others are loyal followers. Satanists follow the teachings and rituals of Anton LaVey and Aleister Crowley. Satanic rituals are very complex and are generally not changed. Satanists are not pagans and use spellcrafting to conjure or invoke angels/guardians and demons. The enlightenment sought after in these rituals is power and knowledge.
Wiccan tradition of "an ye harm none, do as ye wilt" is derived from Crowley's "love is the whole of the law... do as ye wilt". Wiccans, like Hindus, believe in reincarnation and use meditation in their practices. Wiccans are polytheists, or pagans, and use the Earth as their place of worship and for tools for spellcrafting. Wiccan spellcrafting is typically in prayer for better things within their lives or the lives of those around them. Even Wiccan rituals are meant to call for something into their lives. Wiccan prayer is free-flowing and highly personal. Wiccan spellcrafting is simply prayer with the use of tools to better visualize the changes they want to see. Wiccans believe that through visualization, they can call what they want into existence.
All forms of prayer, regardless of the traditions behind them, have the power of intention. Intention is the key similarity in all these forms of prayer. Everyone is seeking something and by pleading to God/the Universe/insert name here with all his or her effort, they are hoping to attract what they want into their lives. There is a reason prayer persists in every religion for thousands of years... it works. Recent studies have shown that positive affirmations and prayer help in healing patients. The Cancer Society of America actually uses prayer and positive affirmations in their patients' cancer treatments. There are organizations dedicated to prayer that are praying for those affected by the oil spill that are made up of people from each of these religions and many others who have decided to coexist so that we can have a better, more blessed planet. I personally know Christians, Muslims, Buddhists, Satanists, and Wiccans who are all trying to help others in their community through prayer lists/groups and community outreach. Good intention goes a long way. So put down the boxing gloves and see all of us as one. If you wish, hope/meditate on/affirm/pray for a better life for yourself, you will attract it to you. Understanding this fact can help you begin to hope for better things, and through that prayer, achieve better things for everyone.
Wishing you the best!

The Thought Provoking Art of Alex Grey

2010-08-13T11:21:00.001-05:00

Alex Grey is a fantastic artist! His spiritual, scientific art is best known for its use in Tool's music videos and album covers. He is very active in the spiritual and artistic communities. I love analyzing his art.

Gaia:
There's a LOT going on this image. The tree of life symbolizes Gaia, Mother Earth, with a rooted man at her core. The earth in the center of the tree, projecting it's energy to the fabrics of space-time. Above that is an enlightened, protective figure like an angel or Gaia. One side is polluted, industrialized, and destructive. This pollution is cancelled by all the clean goodness the earth has to offer. Above all this is the greater universe.

Light Weaver:
Another complex image depicts the recharging of a person by another through Reiki healing. The energy is exiting the healer's hands and is entering the receiver's third eye. The forehead is being charged with light being crystallized in a geometrical form as it seeps into a tiny bead in his third eye. The energy then concentrates on certain pressure points. As the individual is being healed with this light energy, his body is filled with cleansing power, as is depicted by the bolts of electricity.

Painting:
I love this painting! The painter is seeking inspiration for his painting. He is raising his frequency in order to receive ideas from god or a higher being. Frida Kahlo and Van Gogh are among the painter's icons depicted as his maestros. The painter appears to be in a trans-like state where his heart is being poured onto the canvas. He and his art are protected by light energy from above, keeping those who wish him harm away.

The Seer:
Notice how ancient symbolism of the all-seeing eye and a sacred geometrical fractal image of the Star of David is used in this art piece to symbolize the opening of the third eye chakra. As he is meditating, he is radiating love light.
Dying:
This is the most beautiful depiction of death I have ever come across. A pair of eyes can be seen on each side of the corpse. The eyes follow his soul to the light. The all-seeing eye is of course God. The soul is depicted as a sandy substance floating upward through the air. The light emerges in a geometrical pattern between the cracks of the eyes .

Kissing:
This image shows a couple embracing. The light from their auras converge into oneness as they kiss. Their kiss is electric and powerful. Fires from their passion light the outer rims of their conjoined auras. This is a very sweet picture :).

Theologue:

Wow I love this so much. This picture depicts so much. I love the natural scenery in the meditation. The flames of passion surround the astral plane. The meditative man sits in lotus position with a protective bubble consuming his body. His chakras are charged and he is projecting his energy into the fabrics of space-time, which are depicted by the grid lines.

If you are interested in learning more about Alex Grey and his art, I encourage you to visit his website here.

Bill Hicks: It's Just A Ride

2010-08-13T11:17:00.005-05:00

Bill Hicks was a comedian who used sarcasm to make a point about how people perceive reality and how society is manipulated by the media, religion, corporations, and the government. He wished to wake people up to the truth through entertainment. He was a successful stand-up comedian, musician, and tv show host. He even traveled with Tool. Sadly, he died before his British broadcast could take off. In the first episode, he discussed many controversial issues and spoke often about world peace and oneness. One did not have to witness this broadcast to understand how clever, intelligent, and witty Bill was; below is a video from one of his stand-ups in which he answers the age old question: What is life? The answer: It's just a ride! Although it sounds overly simplistic, listen to him before judging from my description. RIP Bill Hicks, I would have loved to have known you.

Six Steps to Ensure Your Online Privacy

2010-08-07T21:51:00.003-05:00

You can use software, browsers, and the monitoring of your own activity to ensure your safety and privacy.

1. IP Address
One way you can ensure your online privacy is by hiding or changing your Internet Protocol, or IP address. Vidalia is a package of software that can help do just that. Within Vidalia is Tor, a piece of software that can allow you to hide your IP address. Tor also has an add-on for Firefox that you can turn off and on to change the IP address right from your browser. You can even use a new identity by changing your IP to one in your region or one from a country all the way across the globe. This makes you difficult to locate. Unfortunately, this can slow your browsing speed. As a result, I recommend using this only when visiting unsafe sites or sites that will store your data, like Google. Web researchers and advertisers store and use your data whenever you visit a website. Vidalia is also handy for giving misinformation to these companies. As a result, you might sometimes an advertisement for someone in Russia or Australia.

2. Cookies
In the options section of your browser, you can delete your cookies and online history. Cookies are temporary files that are downloaded into the temporary folder whenever you visit some websites. You can change your settings so that your browser accepts no cookies, however this is not recommended. Your internet activity will be very limited if you do not allow the download of cookies. Instead, I would recommend selecting the deletion of your cookies in an hour, day, week, or every time your browser closes.

3. History
Your online history is a databank of all your visited websites. You can delete this upon entry or exiting of your browser. On some browsers you can even choose to not save any history at all. This will not affect your bookmarked or favorite items. I would highly recommend this in case your computer is ever hacked. This is also handy if you have nosy family or friends. If you do have watchful eyes in your household, you might want to lock your screen whenever you are away from the computer by clicking on the Window's symbol and clicking L or by going to the Start menu.

4. File Deletion
You can hide your online activity and download activity by simply deleting permanent and temporary documents saved on your hardware. Your temporary folder can be found in various locations depending on both the operating system and browser of choice. When deleting folders and items from your computer, keep in mind that you and anyone else can still retrieve your data. The Recycling Bin is not enough to permanently delete your details. Even if you empty your Recycling Bin, your data can still be located. I use a program called File Shredder, which deletes all locations of the file in question. As a result, there is no trace of the document, file, or folder.

5. Online Activity
Securing your privacy and security online requires simple, common sense steps as well as the more technical ones. When visiting a strange site, do not give your social security number or bank account information. Make sure the business or website is a legitimate one by scanning the web for information about the site in question. When on social networking sites, keep in mind that your information will be scanned by the government, advertisers, and potential employers. If you do not want anyone to see it, do not post it. That simple rule can prevent many disasters to your reputation and safety. Also, never post information regarding your work, especially if you work for the government. Remember that when you add someone as your friend, they have more access to your information than the general public. This can be used against you. When blogging or beginning your own website, be careful what terminology you use. If it is a political or economic blog or site, realize that certain search terms will single you out in government scanning of internet data. Make sure that you do not post anything that can be used against you. Also, and unfortunately, you must now be careful of what you send via e-mail. Do not send anything that can cause you to lose your job or be suspected of illegal activity.

6. Search Engines
As mentioned earlier, Google has a tendency to save all your search terms and double clicks. If you do not want your activity to be monitored, there are alternative search engines. Firefox now has a new private browsing option. As this is fairly new, I am not sure how secure this option truly is. Firefox uses Google as its primary search engine. It even has Google as its customized homepage. I use a search engine called Scroogle. What I like about Scroogle is that it uses the same search results as Google. Scroogle does not save any of your data and it deletes your search terms within two hours. Scroogle even has entertaining pictures and articles underneath the search bar depicting Google's corrupt behavior. Another search engine worth considering is Startpage. Unlike Scroogle, Startpage includes image search. Although Startpage has less images and different search results than Google, it is the most secure search engine. It allows for Tor-like capabilities such as IP protection so that no one can track you when you click on a link from their search engine. This can be enacted without downloading any software. Another decent search engine to consider is Dogpile. Although it is not as secure as both Scroogle and Startpage, Dogpile displays results from Yahoo, Google, Ask, and Bing. There are many secure alternatives to Google out there if you look for them.

In conclusion, there are many ways to secure yourself and your online activity from hackers, researchers, and advertisers. Following these simple steps will protect you and your family in this new hi-tech era.

How to Gain Control of Your Life Using Basic NLP Techniques

2010-08-04T23:44:00.002-05:00

Neuro-Linguistic Programming, or NLP, involves a sequence of body movements, terminology, and subtle suggestion to change the way a person reacts to a particular person, place, thing, or idea. Knowledge of NLP can be beneficial to landing that job, kicking that habit, or closing the deal on a big project. NLP is used by major media broadcasters, politicians, and businessmen. Historians can recognize NLP techniques that were used in old war propaganda and fear tactics. Psychologists use NLP to help break emotional and physical habits and addictions. Here I will reveal some basic techniques used in NLP. I hope this information is used wisely.

Most people can tell if a person is lying or is acting as though he or she is nervous. Simple signs to look for include tapping, fidgeting, biting their fingernails, biting the inside of their cheek, rocking their bodies, averted gaze, jumpy legs, heavy breathing, and sweating. Knowing how the body reacts in certain circumstances can be useful in situations in which you are deceiving. According to NLP Info, using body language to change a person’s perception of reality is called anchoring. One can pretend to be in distress, confident, or calm simply by checking their body language. This is, of course, much more difficult than it may sound. The Special Air Service, Britain's elite forces, train their recruits in hostage situations in which they must remain calm and not give away any information. As seen demonstrated in episode two of SAS Survival Secrets, simple tricks used against the recruits include offering food, a cigarette, or water; utilizing multiple interrogators for a good cop/bad cop, bad cop/bad cop, and good woman/bad man tactics; asking trick questions or questions that could help the interrogator more than the he or she will show; or various forms of torture. Despite all of these circumstances, SAS recruits are expected not just to endure these formidable circumstances, but also to keep quiet and not allow their body language to give themselves away.

Body language is so important that it has become a necessary skill to master in NLP. For instance, a sheriff discussing the influx of criminal activity in the neighborhood might want to stand up straight, use tense body language, use lots of hand gestures, and speak in a slightly more severe tone. A counselor or psychologist might have to sit in a comfortable position, use fluid hand and facial motions, smile, and speak softly in order to get his or her point across. A salesperson might stand tall in a relaxed position, gaze into the consumer’s eyes, use stiff hand gestures, lean forward, and talk in a way that would be empathetic to the customer in order to be persuasive.

This all sounds like common knowledge and yet most people do not use this knowledge in ways that can benefit them. If you are not a sales person or a psychologist, how can you use this information? NLP can be used to motivate yourself, break bad habits or addictions, and convince yourself of your ability to create your reality. The following are some simple tricks NLP counselors use on their customers.

One common way NLP counselors can change a person’s behavior is through word association. Here is an example of a technique similar to the one used in the Youtube video Like me, Hate Them Persuasion, Hypnosis, NLP, Sales by Tom Vizzini: The counselor asks what makes the customer happy; then he or she directs the customer to describe how those activities or circumstances make him or her feel. The counselor will then recite those words frequently in conversation when the customer is describing how he or she feels during a negative situation. For instance, the counselor might say something like, “Describe how that instance made you feel.” The customer responds, “I felt happy and at peace with myself and my surroundings”. As the customer is describing their recent negative experiences, the counselor might cut in at times saying something along the lines of, “…and I take it that that did not make you feel happy or at ease in your surroundings”. The counselor may want to bring up times when the customer did feel that way or may use body motions to bring their attention back to something pleasant or to alert them to what they are feeling so that they are not on auto-pilot. Simple body movements can reassert a person’s perception.

Body motions are used often in these sessions. For instance Tom Vizzini often demonstrates in his Youtube tutorials how to reassert a person’s perception using simple body movements. When a customer describes what he or she doesn’t want, the counselor can use body motions to bring his or her attention back to something positive. Just like in the above mentioned video, to do this, the NLP counselor will ask the patient to recall negative things and step in one direction, make an obvious gesture, or use the left or right arm. Then the counselor must ask the customer to recall something pleasant, in which case the counselor will step in the opposite direction, make a different gesture, or use the opposite arm. When the counselor asks the patient to narrate their latest ordeal in detail, the counselor can bring his or her attention back on toward the things he or she wants instead of the negative things by a simple gesture because of association.

One counselor used this tactic in a job interview in which he slowly moved three pieces of chocolate back and forward on the table as the interviewer was commenting on the things he wanted in an employee. He was amazed that the guy interviewing him did not notice these motions and took it a bit further. When reciting the things the interviewer wanted, he held the candy up to his face, “So you’re saying you want this, this, and this?” Of course the interviewer responded enthusiastically, “Yes, yes, yes.” As the counselor was leaving the interview, he put the candies back into his pocket when the interviewer had stopped him to give him a job offer. The counselor was so inspired by what happened that Tom Vizzini captured a retelling of his experience and posted it on Youtube. It is called “Getting a Job Without Even Mentioning Your Qualifications”. Needless to say, I am curious about trying that one day.

The tiniest things can affect our behavior. When watching a news channel watch the tone, wording, facial motions, and hand motions of the news anchors when reading off the teleprompter or interviewing someone with opposing views. Their false concern over an issue isn’t demonstrated by what they are reading, but in how they present the information. You may notice them speak over their guests, use hand motions to distract their viewers, ask trick questions, ignore what guess say and continue to lie despite being disproven, discredit by calling the guests names, cut them off, or even cut their microphone. Even the way sentences are structured can change the real meaning behind a story and mislead the audience. A video called “Interpreting Media NLP Neuro-Linguistic Programming” was posted on Youtube to best demonstrate how the media uses NLP. Most of this unfortunately goes unnoticed by the average viewer. The point of having such guests on a televised interview is not to hear their viewpoint, but to disprove it as ridiculous. Viewers do not leave with an unbiased, intelligent assessment of the issues but a predetermined idea that had been implanted using neuro-linguistic programming techniques.

Advertisers and politicians do this too through words, body motions, and images. Images are powerful tools to shaping opinions. Marketing analysts specialize in studying what images, sounds, and words impact a person’s emotional needs. Terms like “love”, “awesome”, and “extreme” are frequently seen or demonstrated via the images and scenes in a commercial. Although subliminal messages can be illegal, there are many ways marketers and politicians can fool us. Short, repetitive catch-phrases have been used for decades in political campaigns, advertisements, and even in war time propaganda.

In conclusion, learning more about neuro-linguistic programming, propaganda, and hypnosis can help individuals realize the simple every day manipulation. Neuro-linguistic programming can also help people regain their ability to control their own lives. Such a powerful tool can be used for both good and bad. Manipulating others is never a good idea. When using NLP, please use it with good intentions.

Sources:
NLP Times, NLP Anchoring Explained, Youtube
NLP Salad, NLP Reframing Technique, Youtube
Tom Vizzini, Like Me, Hate Them Persuasion, Hypnosis, NLP, Sales, Youtube
Tom Vizzini, Get a Job Without Even Mentioning Your Qualifications, Youtube
Neuro-Linguistic Programming, Wikipedia
NLP Info, NLPInfo.com
SSpecialAAirSService, SAS Survival Secrets Episode 2, Youtube
911 Investigator, Interpreting Media NLP Neuro-Linguistic Programming, Youtube

How OSS is Helping to Develop Nicaragua

2010-07-25T19:28:00.009-05:00

Introduction

Open source software can affordably aid in the development of Nicaragua by providing a variety of services for educational institutions, the government, and local businesses.
Before explaining how Nicaragua can benefit from this technology, the following definitions must be presented in order to clarify the difference between Open Source Software and an Operating System. An operating system, or OS, is a computer’s master control program that sets the standards for every running application (Operating System). Examples of an operating system include, but are not limited to the following: Apple’s OSX Leopard, Microsoft’s Windows 7, Ubuntu 9.10, OpenSUSE, and Debian are all examples of operating systems. Open Source Software, or OSS, can be defined as software that is distributed with its source code so that others may modify the software for their own use (Open Source). Examples of open source software include, but are not limited to the following: Linux operating system, Apache Web server, and Open Office are all examples of open source software. An open source operating system is an operating system that comes with the source code. Such a system would include any distribution of Linux including Ubuntu, Linux Mint, OpenSUSE, Fedora, Mandriva, Debian, and Frugalware.
Linux Tour, which promotes the use of the Linux operating system, has events throughout the year including a Mandriva install party, día Debian, OpenSUSE day, and Software Freedom Day (Eventos 2008). Software Freedom Day is a day in which those who are well acquainted with Linux advertise the benefits of open source software to local businesses and schools (Competition 2008). During this event, Linux users demonstrate how to solve common problems of home users, small businesses, and educational institutions using open source software (Competition 2008). Workshops entitled “Learning by Doing” teach people how to make their own Web sites using Wordpress and how to use the astronomy program Stellanarium (Competition 2008). People can also avail of a free installation of various Linux programs at Linux Tour events (Competition 2008). Software Freedom Day 2008 was streamed live via MarcaAcmeTV and was viewed by people in Nicaragua, Chile, Brazil, Argentina, as well as other regions in Latin America (Competition 2008). As a result of Software Freedom Day, 400 free software discs were distributed and 30 computers had free software installed at the event (Competition 2008).
Because of local groups such as Ubuntu Nicaragua and the Linux User Group and events like Linux Tour, use of open source software in Nicaragua has increased. The following are two graphs demonstrating the increase:

[Source: Grupo Usuario Linux de Nicaragua (Nicaragua’s Linux Group),
This graph reveals how many people in Nicaragua use a form of open source software as their operating system. Although Linux is slightly ahead of Mac, it trails behind Windows. All of the operating systems just below Mac in the list are other open source operating systems. So when one adds all of these together, the percentage is much higher but still way below Windows. The next graph reveals a pattern in open source operating system use in Nicaragua.
From 1994 until 2000, there were almost no Linux users in Nicaragua. From 2000 onward, the trend for Linux use was upward sloping. The amount of Linux users is only 128 according to Linux Counter; however, these are only the number of users who added his or her computer to the registry at Linux Counter. Most people do not register their software. The figure of only 128 Linux users makes little sense and conflicts with the over 21,000 Linux users listed in the first graph. The trend, therefore, is the most important factor of this graph.
[Source: Linux Counter]
The following is some background information regarding Nicaragua’s economy: Nicaragua is the poorest country in Central America and is the second poorest in the Americas behind Haiti (Nicaragua). Around 79% of the population live on less than $2 per day; almost half the population live on less than $1 per day (Nicaragua). Although unemployment was not very high (5.6%) in 2008, underemployment was a staggering 46.5% (World Fact Book). The year 2009 has not been an economically successful one for Nicaragua (World Fact Book). Due to decreased export demand, GDP fell by almost 3% in 2009 (World Fact Book). Public debt was approximately 87% of the GDP in Nicaragua (World Fact Book). Although there are many industries in Nicaragua —including food processing, beverages, footwear, wood, textiles, clothing, petroleum refining, machinery, metal products, and chemicals— agricultural products and raw materials are Nicaragua’s main exports (World Fact Book). Exports from Nicaragua include coffee, sugar, tobacco, gold, beef, shrimp, lobster, and peanuts (World Fact Book). Imports to Nicaragua include consumer goods, machinery and equipment, raw materials, and petroleum products (World Fact Book). Nicaragua imported $1.624 billion more than they exported in 2009 (World Fact Book).
Investing in human capital can be difficult for an under-developed nation (World Fact Book). Of the 5.8 million people living in Nicaragua, only 185,000 of them have internet access (World Fact Book). The lack of internet access could hinder the learning of young children and the operations of a small business. Because many businesses and schools are unable to afford most popular software, they are beginning to experiment with OSS.

Education

Nicaragua is very limited in funds for education (Nicaragua). The Ministry of Education is allowed to use the budget level from 2000 for every year until 2010 due to IMF restrictions (Nicaragua). The salary of school teachers is low (Nicaragua). Schools cannot afford to spend on expensive software when their budgets are being cut.
The Ministry of Education, National Technological Institute, Ubuntu Nicaragua Team, and delegates from the main private and private universities have developed a plan to develop an Ubuntu-based educational system for both public and private schools throughout the country (Nicaraguan Schools Go Ubuntu). Guardabarranco, Nicaragua’s national bird, is now the official name of this education project (20,000 Ubuntu Laptops). In 2009, 20,000 laptops for teachers were distributed with Linux pre-installed (20,000 Ubuntu Laptops). Throughout Nicaragua, there are now 175 public schools with computer labs (Flying on the Wings of Freedom). Their choice of distribution was developed by the government of Extremadura, Spain (Flying on the Wings of Freedom).
Despite this progress, many schools are still limited in their ability to educate their students. Most computer labs only have seven computers for a class of 35 to 40 students to share (Flying on the Wings of Freedom). Some schools in Nicaragua do not have internet access and thus, cannot upgrade their systems (Flying on the Wings of Freedom). The local Linux User Group, or LUG, is supporting one school by upgrading all of their systems to GnuLinEx 2006 (Flying on the Wings of Freedom). The LUG group is also contacting local companies to ask if they are able to donate some hardware for the schools to use in the computer lab (Flying on the Wings of Freedom).
The chart below demonstrates the gradual improvements that can lead to a booming economy over time. For instance, Preschool enrollment has more than doubled (Nicaragua Country Brief). Rural road conditions have improved (Nicaragua Country Brief). The amount of time required to start a business has nearly been sliced in half (Nicaragua Country Brief). Perhaps the most drastic improvement is in regards to technology. The percentage of small, rural towns being connected to public telephones has nearly quadrupled in only five years (Nicaragua Country Brief). If internet usage were made available to follow these trends, a boost in technology and education –and thus output– would occur.
[Source: World Bank]
Kevin Brandes is a software engineering student at the Oregon Institute of Technology (Brandes Part II). Legal versions of Windows sell for little less than they do in the states (Brandes). According to Brandes, Nicaraguans, unlike Americans, do not hold a bias against open source software due to the products being free (Brandes). Nicaraguans are more concerned with what the software can do than what brand they come from (Brandes). Brandes went to Nicaragua to teach people how to use Linux, including how to configure thin clients (Brandes). The thin client aspect allowed Brandes and others to offer affordable systems to rural schools (Brandes). Linux allowed Brandes and his group to use any hardware, including those donated by businesses (Brandes). Keving believes that his most important project to date was running OpenSUSE 9.0 on their diskless clients, which give a clear advantage over Windows when marketing to local schools and businesses (Brandes Part II). According to Kevin, Microsoft inspectors visit internet cafés in Costa Rica to see verify authenticity (Brandes). If this happens to Nicaragua, many more businesses will have to turn to Linux and other free software.

Government

Agriculture is known as the base of Nicaragua’s economy (Wilm). Denis Cáceres of Debian Nicaragua had just begun working with the Mesoamerican Information Service about Sustainable Agriculture when he and a few others began a project to develop an information system for the Ministry of Agriculture, supported by Swedish and Spanish agencies (Wilm). The idea was to combine a Wiki text portion with a Javascript-based statistics portion and put it online so that anyone can access current and historic data (Wilm). The system, entitled ALBAstryde, would be entirely open source so that anyone can have access to the information and edit it as needed (Wilm). Cáceres explained the reason for an open source system was so that the system would grow to someday envelop the whole agricultural sector in a few years (Wilm). No one organization or company has control over the information; and thus, no one can hold Nicaragua hostage (Wilm). Cáceres believes that the next step for Nicaragua is to incorporate the system into every subdivision of the Ministry (Wilm). There has been an enormous surge in desiring free software after the ALBAstryde project (Wilm). Many times, however, there is not enough technical knowledge to use it (Wilm).
The internet is becoming more available in poorer parts of the country (Wilm). As a result, the government has a real opportunity to help their people through the use of open source systems. The person in charge of the informatics department later admitted to the SIMAS team, “You know that we did not really support you from the beginning because we did not trust free software, but now that will have to change. The Ministry and SIMAS need to work together and maybe soon we will migrate to Linux systems, because we see that this system really works (Wilm).” The government is now also using the Linux for its Migration Project (Nicaragua: Open Source).
Roughly 50 desktop computers are being migrated to Ubuntu in various departments (Nicaragua: Open Source). The government has teamed up with Linux User Groups (LUG) for their assistance with these systems (Nicaragua: Open Source). As a result, three team members of Nicaragua’s LUG group have now been employed full-time by the government to give Ubuntu support to users (Nicaragua: Open Source).

Businesses

Blogger LEOGG has been working with LUG and public institutions around Nicaragua to take advantage of the various uses of open source software (Nicaragua: Open Source). In his article “Nicaragua Libre” he explained how he helped the rural town of Jalapa develop and use Linux-based software (Nicaragua: Open Source). In Jalapa, there are two particularly intriguing projects in which LEOGG is involved. One of these is the digitalization of thousands of public records (Nicaragua: Open Source). Fifteen computers are devoted exclusively to using Ubuntu Hardy and XSane for this task (Nicaragua: Open Source). The second project is in relation to adding Ubuntu and a custom-made software for making and receiving payments to 12 cashier booths (Nicaragua: Open Source).
Most recently, Nicaragua’s LUG has been chosen to produce a new technology program on Canal 2, Nicaragua’s largest television network, broadcasted weekly (Nicaragua: Open Source). This new program is beneficial to business owners as it would demonstrate beneficial, new open source technologies. ALBAstryde, the open source program for the Ministry of Agriculture, can greatly benefit businesses as well as the government. Information cannot be held secretively by any organization under such a system (Wilm). If the velocity of knowledge sharing is raised, risk for small businesses will decrease, especially for those in agriculture. This knowledge sharing has the potential to encourage new industries and greater competition.

Policy Implications

Like with everything, there are pros and cons to everything. The following are some pros and cons of using open source software:
To clarify the chart above, the pros and cons must be explained in further detail. Open source software is important to developing nations because it is free. It is also relatively easy to install due to software centers. Software centers or packages come with open source operating systems. These packages have a wide variety of software for educational, business, programming, and science purposes. Open source software is versatile because the source code can be adapted for personal use. Graphical User Interface, or GUI, allows users to cut down terminal and code usage. All of these advantages allow open source software to be used with little trouble.
Unfortunately open source operating systems have frequent errors. To remedy these errors, one must use the terminal. Frequent errors can lead to inefficiency in a business because time is money. Compatibility is not that big of an issue anymore due to changes in updates in software and changes made by Linux. Many companies still consider investing in a Linux-compatible program a waste of time and resources. Until Linux gains more market share, many companies are likely to continue to support only Windows and Mac. Some users will not want to settle for an open source alternative to the software they love. Software attachment could be solved by either demonstrating the similarities between the popular software and the open source equivalent or by simply making the popular software available to those who use Linux.
Open source software is an option for under-developed and developing nations because it is free and relatively easy to use. If a business is hoping to compete globally, more sophisticated, and thus expensive, software is needed. For the majority of small businesses and government programs, however, open source software can lead to rapid progress.
Rapid growth is achieved by higher levels of output in the economy. Output is determined by its inputs. In economics the following formula can be used to summarize the relationship between output and inputs:
Y=f(K,L,T)
Output is represented by the letter Y. The equation reads that output is a function (f) of capital (K), labor (L), and technology (T). Due to the positive relationship between output and its inputs K, L, and T, an increase in any of the inputs causes an increase in the output. This reasoning can be used to determine the rate of output for a company, an industry, or the economy as a whole.
This equation can be used to analyze the effects open source software has on Nicaragua’s economy. An increase in the use of open source software leads to an improvement in technology and thus an increase in production; T increases. The use of open source software in schools has led to an increase in computer labs and thus, more hardware; K increases. Because businesses pay less for their software, they can focus on investing into the business in other ways; K increases. As students are educated to use open source software at an early age, these individuals will age into skilled adult workers; L increases. This increase in education will lead to improvements in technology and so K and T will increase even further.
A visual representation of this rapid growth can be seen in the chart below:

In most industrialized nations there is a trade-off between manufactured and agricultural goods. As an economy pumps more into one good, the amount available to pump into another type of good dissipates. The production possibilities curve is the maximum amount of output that can be reached from the amount of input available. If open source technology is used, Nicaragua can save money. That money can be used toward paying back their International Monetary Fund debt or toward paying for various government projects. Open source operating systems come with software packages that can be used to educate students in regards to biology, astronomy, computer programming, geography, and even learning a foreign language. Educated students will become highly skilled workers. These workers will be able to produce higher quality goods. Open source code can be used to design software for businesses so that they can produce more or save time. All of these factors can raise productivity.
Another way in which open source software benefits Nicaragua is by creating a collective mind of information. Open source software can be used, and has been used, in Nicaragua to share information and build upon that knowledge. Businesses and government officials can then make well-educated decisions. This collective mind hive would help Nicaragua develop rapidly simply because the information made available will lead to further revolutionary ideas in the fields of business, education, science, and policy-making. The sharing of ideas would better educate the masses and lead to higher productivity in a short amount of time.
In conclusion, utilizing free, open source software would give Nicaragua a competitive advantage if it were distributed throughout all areas of the government. Open source software is an option that can enable the government and educational sectors to deal with budget cuts without sacrificing quality. Students benefit from the knowledge obtained by using open source software. As a result, Nicaragua will have a highly skilled work force that is able to compete on a global scale. Open source systems also improve communication and data sharing, which is vital for a modernized government or business. Governments can better ensure that there are no monopolies, at least in regards to information, with open source systems. The government of Nicaragua should consider implementing open source software packages and personalized software in every department. This will significantly lower the cost to tax payers and improve their communication systems. Businesses can avail of the government systems online and use that information to aid in their decision-making. As a whole, open source software is a cost-effective way to increase knowledge, productivity, and output.

Works Cited

"20,000 Ubuntu Laptops for Teachers in Nicaragua." ComuNIdad. 24 Nov. 2009. 04 Mar. 2010. .
Avila, Renata. "Americas: Looking Forward to Central America Free Software Festival." Global Voices. 09 June 2009. 05 Mar. 2010. .
Brandes, Kevin. "How I Spent My Summer Vacation: Bringing Linux to Nicaragua." Linux Journal. 30 July 2004. 06 Mar. 2010. .
Brandes, Kevin. "How I Spent My Summer Vacation: Bringing Linux to Nicaragua, Part II." Linux Journal. 2 Aug. 2004. 06 Mar. 2010. .
"Competition 2008: Final Report." Software Freedom Day. 2008. 6 Mar. 2010. .
Crafts, Nicholas. "Productivity Growth In The Industrial Revolution: A New Growth Accounting Perspective." Jan. 2002. 7 Mar. 2009. .
"Eventos 2008." Linuxtour. 29 Nov. 2008. 07 Mar. 2010. .
"Flying on the Wings of Freedom." ComuNIdad. 4 Aug. 2008. 4 Mar. 2010. .
“Linux Users in Nicaragua.” The Linux Counter. 10 Mar. 2010. .
"Nicaragua." La Esperanza Housing & Development Casas De La Esperanza. Nov. 2009. 06 Mar. 2010. .
“Nicaragua Country Brief.” The World Bank. 17 Aug. 2009. 10 March 2010. .
"Nicaragua: Open Source Software in Public Institutions." Ground Report. 18 July 2008. 04 Mar. 2010. .
"Nicaraguan Schools Go Ubuntu." ComuNIdad. 13 Nov. 2009. 04 Mar. 2010. .
"Open Source." Encyclopedia. PC Magazine. 7 Mar. 2010. .
"Operating System." Encyclopedia. PC Magazine. 7 Mar. 2010. .
"Sistemas Operativos." Grupo Usuario Linux De Nicaragua Estadísticas De Acceso. Grupo Usuario Linux De Nicaragua. 7 Mar. 2010. .
"Ubuntu Nicaragua." Ubuntu Nicaragua. 06 Mar. 2010. .
Wilm, Johannes. "Nicaragua Builds An Innovative Agricultural Information System Using Open Source Software." Linux Journal. 12 Nov. 2009. 4 Mar. 2010. .
World Fact Book: Nicaragua. Central Intelligence Agency, 4 Mar. 2010. 4 Mar. 2010. .

The Damaging Effects of Ephedra

2009-09-11T22:50:00.005-05:00

Ephedra, better known as Ma Huang in China, is an herbal plant that has been used for over 4,000 years by the Chinese to treat respiratory infections (Fast Facts: Ephedra). Ephedra typically grows in desert conditions (Health Canada Notice: Information Ephedra/Ephedrine). Early US settlers used ephedra in the form of “Mormon tea” or “Squaw tea” for medicinal purposes (Fast Facts: Ephedra). Ephedrine, the harmful chemical found in Ephedra sinica, is now being coupled with caffeine to act as a quick weight loss supplement (Health Canada Notice: Information Ephedra/Ephedrine). Ephedrine has only been synthesized and regulated under the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act of 1938, making the herb a regulated supplement for less than 100 years (Consumer Alert). Ephedrine, until 2003, could be found in over 200 over the counter dietary supplements (Fast Facts: Ephedra). As a result of major studies and many complaints and deaths, the US Food and Drug Administration outlawed the use of ephedrine in December 2003 (Consumer Alert).
Many people would take ephedrine to lose weight, increase energy, sculpt their bodies, and to induce a euphoric high without being aware of the health risks (Health Canada Notice: Information Ephedra/Ephedrine). The short term effects of ephedrine could make people feel ecstatic, alert, and full of energy, but it could also make people feel dizzy, sweaty, anxious, and flush (Health Canada Notice: Information Ephedra/Ephedrine). Adverse effects of ephedrine can also leave a person with a headache, a decreased appetite, gastrointestinal distress, tachycardia, irregular heartbeat, hypertension, seizures, and psychosis (Health Canada Notice: Information Ephedra/Ephedrine). Ephedrine can significantly increase a person’s blood pressure leaving a person with heart problems, strokes, or death (Consumer Alert). Ephedrine aggravates the following conditions: heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, anxiety and restlessness, glaucoma, pheochromocytoma, thyroid disease, and enlarged prostate (Health Canada Notice: Information Ephedra/Ephedrine). A study that was based on data from the American Association of Poison Control Centers found that ephedrine was the cause of 64 percent of all adverse effects involving herbs; ephedrine can only be found in less than 1 percent of all herbal products (Ephedra). There are over 1,000 reports of serious health issues due to ephedrine and over 100 deaths (Fast Facts: Ephedra). One of the more famous deaths due to ephedra was the death of the Baltimore Orioles pitcher who died at only 23 years old (Fast Facts: Ephedra).
The herbal weight loss supplements containing ephedra had been banned in Europe and Canada before the recent ban in the US (US Government to Expand Ephedra Research). In 1997, the US Food and Drug Administration proposed to require all supplements containing ephedra to carry a warning label on the bottles stating that the drug should not be used longer than seven days (Consumer Alert). In 2000 the US Food and Drug Administration modified the proposal (Consumer Alert). The International Olympic Committee was one of the very first to ban ephedra use (Ephedra). During the 2000 Olympics a Romanian gymnast was stripped of his gold medal when he tested positive for ephedra (Ephedra). In September of 2001, the NCAA banned the use of ephedra (Ephedra). Soon the NFL also began treating ephedra use the same as cocaine and marijuana (Ephedra). Today, most sporting groups ban ephedra or at least discourage its use (Fast Facts: Ephedra). In 2002 Canada banned ephedra (Health Canada Notice: Information Ephedra/Ephedrine). Finally in December 2003 the US announced it too would ban ephedrine use (Consumer Alert). Although the US Food and Drug Administration warned everyone to stop ephedra use immediately, the ban on ephedra was to become effective 60 days after the consumer alert (Consumer Alert).
The US was not always open to deterring ephedra use. In 1997 the US Food and Drug Administration wanted to put warning labels on ephedrine products, similar to those on cigarettes (Consumer Alert). Although the agency had received numerous reports of adverse effects, they insisted that the reports could not provide a scientific basis in which to accurately assess the safety of ephedrine (US Government to Expand Ephedra Research). Without a “scientific basis” the US could not ban ephedra (US Government to Expand Ephedra Research). As a result, the HHS funded the RAND Corporation to peruse the existing information regarding ephedrine (US Government to Expand Ephedra Research). Just because the US Food and Drug Administration was not willing to ban the herb instantly does not mean they ignored the calls for action. The administration strengthened its monitoring system and placed all the information it received from reports of complaints into a single system to monitor safety issues (US Government to Expand Ephedra Research). The administration also reviewed information regarding ephedra’s pharmacology, clinical studies regarding ephedra’s effectiveness, and the reports regarding adverse effects in order to be able to ban the herb (Consumer Alert). A year before ephedra was banned in the US, the HHS had planned to “clamp down” on the illegal synthetic ephedra market (US Government to Expand Ephedra Research). In 2002, the US Food and Drug Administration had sent six letters to firms selling illegal synthetic ephedra (US Government to Expand Ephedra Research). These letters were warnings for the firms to inform the administration of their plans to correct the illegal activity or else the Food and Drug Administration would act (US Government to Expand Ephedra Research). One well known company, Biogenics, signed an agreement in April 2002 stating that it would cease the sale of synthetic ephedra (US Government to Expand Ephedra Research). One of the largest US manufacturers of ephedra, Metabolife International, faces numerous lawsuits from those claiming they were not warned of the potential side effects (US Government to Expand Ephedra Research). This company supported the HHS’ decision on investigating ephedra as opposed to banning it immediately (US Government to Expand Ephedra Research). In February 2003, the Food and Drug Administration announced measures that would include enforcements against ephedra selling firms making unsubstantiated claims about their products (Consumer Alert). In October 2001, the US Marshals successfully removed $2.8 million worth of synthetic ephedra products from the market (US Government to Expand Ephedra Research).
The result of further studies indicated that ephedrine is dangerous even in recommended dosages (Ephedra). The makers of ephedra products were not required to report the effects of the herb because it is a supplement and not a drug (Ephedra). The data suggested that there is little evidence of ephedra’s effectiveness except for short-term weight loss (Consumer Alert). The research also confirmed that ephedra raises blood pressure and stresses the circulatory system causing a myriad of potential problems (Consumer Alert). The herb now met the requirements for banning a supplement based on the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994, the Food and Drug Administration was able to ban all ephedra use. Officials say that other herbs are currently being watched as “possible health hazards” including chaparral, comfrey, willow bark, and wormwood (Fast Facts: Ephedra). No immediate action is expected to be taken against these herbs until more information can be found (Fast Facts: Ephedra).

"Consumer Alert." US Food and Drug Administration. 30 Dec. 2003. 24 Nov. 2007 .
"Ephedra." CBS News. 19 Nov. 2007 .
"Fast Facts: Ephedra." Fox News. 30 Dec. 2003. 21 Nov. 2007 .
"Health Canada Notice: Information Ephedra/Ephedrine." National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities. Jan. 2002. 24 Nov. 2007 .
"US Government to Expand Ephedra Research." Nutra Ingredients. 17 June 2002. 19 Nov. 2007 .

Open Source Software and the Oligopoly

2009-08-30T11:13:00.008-05:00

I have today, for the first time, seen Linux in action. I was amazed at how advanced Linux is compared to Vista and Mac OSX. I know there are minor compatability issues, but Macs and Vista has compatability issues. So why don't people use Linux? It's free, it's more advanced, it has free software on it that would cost thousands otherwise. The only reason I can think of is oligopoly: Microsoft and Apple working hand-in-hand to corner the market. Think about it, we only hear about Macs and Vista. In my university, photojournalism majors MUST have the newest Mac laptop in order to enroll in that major. Business courses require that students use Office 2007, the latest version of Office. Professors claim that they don't like it but MUST tell the students to use 2007. Why? Why must they promote something they don't like? I think the school is getting money to promote Macs and Microsoft Office 2007. I would be perfectly happy settling for Windows XP or Linux... they are both adequate for what I need. Office 2003 or Open Office works just as well for businesses as Office 2007. Why must we always be forced through society, education, or careers to buy the latest, unnecessary gadgets and software? It's like the film Antitrust (a very good film, by the way). In the film Antitrust, a major software developing company, killed (literally) all the competition that showed promise. I don't think that Mac and Windows CEOs kill, I think they stomp out competition by working together. Just like Comcast and CableOne. Comcast takes one half of Mississippi while Cableone has a monopoly over the other half. The same goes with Target and Walmart. When you see a Super Walmart, you don't see a Super Target, only a regular Target and vica versa. I have to reformat my XP, but afterward, I will not fall into this marketing ploy. I will use XP along with Linux (it IS possible to have two OSs on a computer) and use Open Office and other open source software. Anything else, in my opinion, is unnecessary and overrated. Microsoft and Apple are too rich for my taste: they overprice their items, offer mediocre service, and use patent laws to crush anyone who comes up with something better. Trust me, just watch a Linux video on Youtube and you'll see how advanced they are... and they are FREE. They came out with 3D desktops and aero screens YEARS ago: before OSX and Vista came out. I would never pay for something when there is something better that is free. So stick it to the man and join me in the free software revolution ;) !

Review: Endgame

2009-08-15T21:35:00.008-05:00

Endgame, a documentary by Alex Jones, reveals the elites who dominate the world's money supply, commerce, governments, media, and entertainment. In his documentary, Jones exposes the elites' blueprint toward their ultimate goal, global governance and control. Alex Jones takes you on a tour of the exclusive Bilderberg Group as he lays out their agenda of eugenics, world government, spy databases, and more. He shatters the myths behind many popular beliefs regarding many political, economic, and social topics through the revealing of documents, interviewing of experts in the field, and reviewing of historical data.
In my opinion, this is by far the most important documentary of our time. It is so important, in fact, that I encourage everyone who views my blog to watch this documentary in full. For your convenience, I have provided a high quality version of this film embedded right here in this post. Feel free to view this film in sections or altogether in your leisure. The following is a summary followed by the documentary itself:

"For the New World Order, a world government is just the beginning. Once in place they can engage their plan to exterminate 80% of the world's population, while enabling the "elites" to live forever with the aid of advanced technology. For the first time, crusading filmmaker Alex Jones reveals their secret plan for humanity's extermination, Operation: ENDGAME."-Quote by Alex Jones

H1N1: How To Prepare

2009-08-13T11:18:00.008-05:00

I am sure we have all seen the wide-spread panic displayed on the mainstream international media outlets regarding the upcoming fall swine flu "pandemic"; but is such pandemonium really necessary?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, only 436 Americans have died as a result of swine flu (Link Here). Also on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website is a figure for the amount of people who die from classic influenza each year, 36,000 people (Link Here).
When comparing the above figures, H1N1 hardly seems to be a concern as of now, and yet the World Health Organization has already labeled the H1N1 outbreak a "pandemic" (Link Here).
The media has warned those who are health care workers, young, or pregnant be first priority for vaccinations. Reuters has stated that half the US population should be vaccinated (Link Here). With such confusion and panic, what should people do?
Sit back, breathe deeply, and look at the facts.
Swine flu is nothing to be concerned about, as of now. Although it is a blend of human, bird, and swine viruses, the H1N1 virus has a similar affect to a healthy body as influenza. According to the president of the Paul Ehrlich Institute the side affects of the vaccine could be worse than the actual virus (Link Here). The same link also quotes a German lung expert who claims that this vaccine increases the risk of cancer. The Japanese health ministry will reissue a warning against taking Tamiflu due to the deaths of several Japanese children who had taken the drug (Link Here). This link displays a clip from a FOX News broadcast in which the reporter admits that despite the fact that the government has 20 million doses of the new H1N1 vaccine, they are only now conducting human trials on the vaccine and that FEMA and NORTHCOM will prepare teams in case of an outbreak. The following is a clip by the famous Dr. Mercola warning against the H1n1 vaccine. In the clip, Dr. Mercola tells viewers which vaccine to take if they are ever forced to take the vaccine (Link Here). My suggestion is to listen closely to Dr. Mercola's advice, prepare the way you normally would for winter (i.e. washing hands, being mindful of germs, etc), and to not panic. Normally I would finish with my own suggestions or thoughts, but Dr. Mercola's clip says it all... Plus, HE is the doctor.
I hope everyone stays safe this flu season.
:)

Seek2ruth on Unions.org!

2009-08-13T10:21:00.008-05:00

Unions.org has posted "Report: How the EU Promoted Growth in Ireland" under "Recent News":
Click Here.
The most exciting part of this is that they posted a screen-shot of the Seek2ruth blog:
Click Here.
I hope viewers of Unions.org will click on some of the videos on the sidebar as they are extremely thought-provoking. The more people begin to question their reality because of blogs like this one and others like it, the more we can progress as a race, the human race.

What It Means To Be "Fuel Efficient"

2009-08-11T10:00:00.009-05:00

The "Cash for Clunkers" program has become a sensation amongst those who are either spending too much on petrol or are concerned about the environment. People all over the country have swapped their BMWs, Mercedes, Fords, Cadillacs, Jeeps, and Hummers for Kias, Toyotas, Smarts, and Nissans. The problem with this is that it is not a direct swap. People who paid a large sum of money for their BMWs, Cadillacs, and Mercs are now trading them in for only $4 to 5 K off a new, less expensive vehicle. For those who own such cars, I doubt paying for a new, less expensive vehicle is a problem. Unfortunately, many lower middle class workers are trading in their vehicles because petrol is too volatile for their wallets. As a result of this new purchase, they are now in debt. These are the people who do not benefit from the "Cash for Clunkers" program.
Unfortunately, fully electric vehicles, which are becoming more and more efficient, are still much too expensive for the average consumer. Hybrids seem to be the only fuel efficient options on the market. The Ford Focus is the most fuel efficient non-hybrid vehicle in America. But even with the somewhat affordable hybrid technology, one can only reach a maximum of 48mpg.
There is an affordable option: foreign cars. No, no, I don't mean foreign MADE cars. I am talking about US AND foreign made cars that were made for the European, Japanese, and Indian markets. After seeing this statement you are probably thinking, "This would be much too expensive to implement for the lower middle class. People would have to ship the vehicles here." Well, that is not what I am suggesting.
I am suggesting that Ford, Chrysler, Nissan, Mercedes, Toyota, and every other car manufacturer build cars in the US to the EU's fuel standards. "But won't that mean that our SAFETY standards will be jeopardized?" NO! Even though we sell F150s and Hummers, both the EU and US have large container trucks; therefore, cars must be able to withstand an impact from these trucks. Also, roads in some EU countries are far more narrow than ours. If the cars were not safe, then they would not be allowed on European roads. The gap between US and EU fuel economy is staggering! Here are just a few examples (Warning: this will make you sick!):

US Model w/ US MPG:
Yaris, 1.5L, 32MPG;
Land Cruiser, v8, 15MPG;
Smart, 36MPG;
Insight, 1.3L, 41MPG;
Prius, 46MPG.

UK Model w/ US MPG:
Yaris, 1.0L, 47.09MPG;
Yaris, 1.3L, 46.16MPG;
Yaris, 1.4L, Diesel, 57.42MPG;
Land Cruiser, 25.58MPG;
Land Cruiser, v8, 23.08MPG;
Smart Diesel, 71.33MPG;
Insight, 1.3L, 53.50MPG;
Prius, 60.36MPG.

I think these figures say it all. For those of you who do not believe me, look it up for yourself.
Here are my sources:
http://www.fueleconomy.gov (Search all)
http://www.toyota.co.uk (Search: Land Cruiser, Prius, Yaris)
http://www.honda.co.uk (Search: Insight)
http://www.green-car-guide.com/articles/479/1/Smart-Diesel-is-coming-to-the-UK/Page1.html

Book Review: Van Doren's A History of Knowledge

2009-08-06T08:08:00.010-05:00

A History of Knowledge is exactly what the title implies, a history of knowledge through the eyes of Charles Van Doren. In the book, readers are allowed a glimpse of ancient civilizations, medieval monarchies, revolutionary wars, scientific breakthroughs, modern civilizations, and future civilizations. In A History of Knowledge the progress of mankind is demonstrated through Van Doren’s words regarding culture, science, and politics.
In Van Doren’s A History of Knowledge, the progress of mankind is described through culture. Before the Common Era, ancient rulers often feared change. Change meant change of thought and, more importantly, change of power. In fear of losing their positions to a revolt, rulers often kept the majority uneducated so they could continue their rule unchallenged. Such fear, lack of adequate education, and manipulation still exists in some countries but is much less severe than in ancient times. India, Pakistan, and China were places of high inequality and a “survival of the fittest” attitude. In this ancient society, man knew his place and did not venture far in thought. Monarchies existed in most, if not every, country. Fear and inequality were taught through their religions and cultures. Chinese civilizations later allowed people freedom with restriction. This change allowed for a better educated population and better technologies. This freedom of thought led to the first written language in Mesopotamia and the great architecture and mathematics of the Aztecs and Incas. Greeks also allowed limited democracy. Limited democracies allowed for minds like Aristotle, Plato, and Socrates to report their findings. Unfortunately, the word “limited” also meant that these men risked their lives for being too open and honest. Socrates paid the ultimate price for not standing down and for proclaiming the truth. Despite this setback, the study of the stars, medicines, and society began to thrive in Greece. Telescopes, equations, manuscripts, and theatre soon followed. It would take centuries more for democracy to be fully implemented around the world; however, ancient man fully appreciated and enjoyed the few rights given to him.
Unfortunately for mankind, another dark era of fear and enslavement shortly ensued. This new era is known as the Dark Ages. As Christianity began to flourish, a new mindset emerged. This mindset included three ideas: the city of God is separate from that of man, man is sinful and must pay for redemption, and wars must be fought in the name of God. During this time, one would imagine that very little could be scientifically done without criticism. Many minds were curious about philosophy and the cosmos. As long as these thinkers included God in their thoughts, all was well. According to St. Augustine, the city of God must be separate from the city of man. The city of man can be explained through reason; however, the city of God was free from the comprehension of mortals. This idea led to the hindering of science and the robbing from the people. Because the city of God is separate from man, there must be two rulers on earth: one to represent man, the other to represent God. Thus the monarchy of ancient times met the power of the Pope. Together, these two powers caused great havoc upon the masses. Wars were fought in the name of Christianity. A percentage of crops were given to the church and state. The Pope and King were often allies and would ensure the other’s position. Afraid of war, plague, and eternal damnation, the people turned to the church for comfort. The church robbed the people by ensuring their place in heaven for a price. Clergymen also traveled selling false religious items and promising forgiveness. If anyone were to question the state or the church, they would be killed as heretics. Many great men have been hanged, burned, and poisoned because of heresy; therefore, anytime a breakthrough was found in science, some men remained silent while others disguised the news. As the people suffered, the Pope and King enjoyed their luxury.
Monarchies were great for rulers. Kings and noblemen were treated with the utmost regard and given all of their luxuries at the people’s expense. The people were kept ignorant so they would not know how the government and church had fooled them. They were unable to read or write and worked too hard to have time to ponder. Although this setup was ideal for monarchs, the system was very inefficient. Because the people were hungry and tired, they were unable to work to the best of their ability. Because the people were uneducated and paid very little, they were unable to find new methods of producing more efficiently. With the proper funds, the farmers could have developed a new method of farming that would produce more with less effort, thus doubling output. Although change was still not wanted by rulers, this would be a change that would have been beneficial to them. Instead of stealing the little wealth the people had, the nobles could have taken a small percentage from each farmer and paid them for their work. By doing so, the worker would be fully fed and physically fit to work long hours with ease. Their marginal revenue product would have far exceeded the small price for growth. Instead, the rulers chose to keep the masses ignorant and hungry.
The Renaissance brought a renewal of understanding and progress. As people began to learn how to read, their focus began to shift from God to man. Although Renaissance men and women still believed and worshiped God, they became preoccupied with learning languages, how to play an instrument, how to dance, and how to argue philosophy. With this surge of knowledge came progress. New medicines, technologies, and scientific breakthroughs emerged. People became reintroduced to the Greek ways that the Catholic Church once condemned. The reading of Greek philosophy and science made man more interested in adapting and building on old ideas. Leonardo de Vinci began developing machinery and masterpieces that remain a wonder to this day. The writings of Dante, Milton, Cervantes, and Shakespeare would not be so widespread if it were not for the creation of Gutenberg’s Printing Press. Renaissance man longed for knowledge and adventure. During this period, people were buying and selling more goods to more people than any time before that. Kings and queens invested heavily in trade and exploration. The travels of Marco Polo, Henry the Navigator, and Christopher Columbus were the first steps to globalization. Galileo Galilei, Johannes Kepler, René Descartes, and Isaac Newton revolutionized science and lead to what people now know as “classical physics”. The finding of a heliocentric solar system, elliptical orbits, and gravity shook the foundation of science and paved the way to even more earth-shattering breakthroughs. Religious foundations of the Catholic Church were questioned for the first time publicly by Martin Luther. All in all, people began to think for themselves. Nothing could hold back the great, determined minds of the Renaissance.
Such determination continued into the 18th century. The free thinking of the Renaissance evolved into a longing for freedom in government. Governments began to find it difficult to control their people when they were well educated. Rebellions broke throughout the colonies and soon revolution seemed inevitable. Many believe that colonial men fought the British on their own with riffles and canons. European nations fought beside the colonies, ensuring their freedom. The European aristocracy would soon regret letting the genie out of the bottle. The French Revolution occurred shortly after the American Revolution. The aristocracy of neighboring countries shook in their boots. Man had finally gained the freedom of choice in government. Democracy was limited no more. Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, George Washington, and many others proclaimed the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. This proclamation rung through many lands and created a ripple effect which enabled others to do the same. With democracy came free markets and capitalism.
During the 18th century, revolutions continued in the form of the Industrial Revolution. This capitalist revolution was a sinister one. Children were forced to work in unsafe conditions. Deaths on the job were frequent occurrences. Appalled by the condition of the working class, Karl Marx sought a bridge between the working man and the bourgeoisie. That solution was communism. According to Marx, communism would grant the working man certain rights. In Marx’s communist utopia all men of all occupations would be equal. Unfortunately, there was a catch to this utopian society. Citizens would have to give their full trust to the government, allowing it to do as it pleases. Economically, no communist government can survive. In a communist society, most of the country’s money is spent on capital, or machinery. This tactic is useful in rebuilding structures and society; however, high spending on capital can not last for long. Pumping more money into capital allows for larger economic growth; however, the more a government pumps money into capital, the less money is left for consumer goods. This is known as the substitution effect. The people in communist societies had a limited variety of goods. Similar to capitalist societies of the time, people were overworked and received very little for their money. Both extreme capitalist and communist systems are ineffective in the long term. The World War II and the Cold War are excellent examples of the way governments portrayed a good verses evil doctrine. Both wars were not really good verses evil, but communism verses capitalism. Many confuse capitalism with democracy. Capitalism is an economic system that promotes private, free markets. Democracy is a form of government that promotes the voicing of citizens' ideas without representatives. The United States does not have a democratic government but a republic. Socialism, the opposite of fascism, has recently gained popularity in today’s society. Perhaps a society with government funded health care and education programs, limited government intervention in the marketplace, and only necessary restrictions on corporations is the bridge between the age-old war between capitalism and communism.
The 20th century was the century for science. There have been many improvements in all fields of science in the 20th century. All modern science has built upon the principles established by the great Albert Einstein. Einstein began where Newton left off, gravity. Einstein showed that gravity acts like a net that bends to the weight of the Earth and the Sun. Einstein also explained the creation of energy through E=mc² and the joining of space and time in the intricate fabric of space-time. Some of the many advancements of the 20th century are as follows: airplanes, rockets, satellites, radios, televisions, microwaves, lasers, robots, and the internet. A new type of physics also emerged in the 20th century, chaos. This science first emerged as quantum mechanics. Quantum mechanics showed that at particle level, predictions must be made to determine what outcome will occur. From quantum mechanics emerged new theories of how the world works. As presented in the book, Van Doren explains the Big Bang and the possibility of the universe decreasing in size and collapsing. A new finding that is not included in the book is a form of matter called dark matter. Dark matter and dark energy constitute the majority of the universe. Dark matter does not allow for a cyclic universe. The universe can only expand. Dark matter and dark energy act like a glue that holds the universe together. Another advancement presented in the late 20th century –that is not presented in the book—is the finding of new theories that would combine classical physics with quantum physics. The most popular of these is String Theory. These new theories call for the universe to have many more dimensions than are currently known to man. If any of these theories are found to be true, this would shatter many age-old beliefs. Technology in the 20th century advanced more than in any other era. The pace in which newly advanced products emerge on the market is staggering. Because the demand for the latest hi-tech gadgets is constant, the incentive for companies to continue to pursue better technologies is high. The technology of the 20th century allowed for greater efficiency and comfort.
In A History of Knowledge, Van Doren wrote his predictions of the future. According to Van Doren, the 21st century would be a bizarre world where a one world government would rule and robots would demand authority. Some of his findings are true in today’s society. Some reports on the British Broadcasting Company suggested a universal law could be made in the near future granting robots equal rights as humans: the right to life, marriage, children, and even marriage with humans. The last suggestion is by far the most disturbing; however, a robot takeover of the world is highly unlikely anytime soon. The newest advancements in lifelike robots are robots that react to touch, think, and look similar to humans. Eventually the human race can very likely be replaced by a higher being. Many think this higher being will be an alien or a monkey. The human replacement will probably be robots. Van Doren was also accurate when describing the dangers presented to the environment: Global warming is no longer a prediction and is now widely accepted as a reality. The ozone layer and rainforests are still being destroyed by man. A recent proposal by environmentalists is currently shocking libertarians and humanitarians. According to some environmentalists, the only way to sustain the earth is to significantly reduce the population. Van Doren also realizes the impact of the human imprint. It would be controversial and hypocritical to condemn the murder of babies in China or the genocide in Darfur if the United States were to adopt a policy of population control. Genetic modification is another potential danger. Population growth is bad for the earth. A massive population reduction can be even more dangerous. Extending life has never been seen as a bad thing until now. If the upper class is the only group that can afford life extension, many of the problems in today’s society might continue for centuries. Population control is already being implemented in the United States and everywhere in an unexpected way. Global citizens are being poisoned. Toxins are being emptied into the food supply without labels required to warn the people that the food they are eating is genetically modified or with pesticides or hormones. Lack of exercise, along with an unhealthy diet and pharmacutical drugs, cause many of the health problems that are most popular today: diabetes, heart attacks, blood clots, acid reflux, kidney problems, arthritis, depression, and some insomnia.
The most controversial topic brought forth in the book A History of Knowledge was the suggestion of a world government. According to Charles Van Doren, world government would ensure peace. Libertarians and Constitutionalists would disagree whole-heartedly. Libertarians and Constitutionalists, as well as nationalists, believe that world government could jeopardize democracy and lead to the enslavement of the world population. According to them, the small percentage of people who have the most money and most influence would be the ones ruling. As a result, every law passed would benefit them. History has shown that power corrupts. If a tiny fraction of the world population gains control over the whole population, global citizens might see ridiculous price hikes, mass poverty and debt, and a non-existent middle class. World government could also do as Van Doren proposed, promote peace. Countries could no longer engage in war with another country because of resources or land. The international law would forbid war and the robbing of resources. Each continent would export goods to benefit the whole. Poverty could be eradicated and everyone could have a well-paying job. This sounds too close to socialism. Actually, it kind of is. This form of socialism is a watered-down, modern socialism. It is the form of socialism that already exists in countries like the United States and the European Union. The European Union is leaning more toward socialism than the United States, but they are both socialistic democracies. This term suggests that the governments of these countries are different shades of gray between socialism and democracy. In Europe, a 2/3 vote determines whether or not a piece of legislation is passed. This vote ensures a democracy. The expansion of their government ensures socialism. In the United States, citizens enjoy public schools, post offices, and libraries. The next step for the United States is public health care. After that, who knows? The most important things to be "socialized" are health care and schooling. Everything else is extra. This balance between socialism and capitalism might work better than some imagine, as long as the tip of the balance is not swayed too much to one side. Too little and too much regulation can be harmful to the environment, safety, security, and the economy. Unfortunately, such power has already damaged the United States’ economy. The government continues trying to regulate the economy. Once a government does this, the economy is forced further off its natural cycle. Europe, on the other hand, refuses to allow lower rates to banks despite protests. Such a response under pressure is how the government should handle an economic crisis: leave it alone. Personally, I think world government can be tolerable as long as local governments still hold certain rights. The Constitution should never be null and void. Unfortunately, the Constitution is slowly being stripped away by new legislation. This could mean the end of America. Some believe the end of America will lead to a union with Mexico and Canada and a one world government. Such fears are not without reason. Hopefully Van Doren’s predictions are correct. Hopefully a one world government would be one of peace and not fear.
Charles Van Doren’s A History of Knowledge is an excellent read. This book caused me to continue thinking about his proposals late into the night. The major theme of the book is progress. Van Doren shows that progress was not always welcome in societies. Currently, progress is sought and considered mandatory. Van Doren questions whether or not our current thoughts toward progress are correct: if society should seek progress the way it does. Progress can be used for good or bad. Progress can lead to cleaner energy sources, longer life-spans, and the removal of illness and aging. Progress could also lead to the destruction of mankind. Progress throughout history can be found in science, politics, and in the myriad of cultural practices. Progress can be either feared or revered. Van Doren’s extensive knowledge regarding all topics is impressive. In conclusion, A History of Knowledge is a thought provoking book that encourages the questioning of ideals and ideas.

How to Heal: Suggestions for the People of Sudan

2009-08-05T16:35:00.005-05:00

Sudan has shown great instability since before the genocide in 2003. Here is a list of events detailing the instability of the Sudanese government since 1985:
1985: new constitution;
1989: coup; government overthrown; Al-Bashir suspends constitution; removal of freedom of the press; banning of political parties and trade unions;
1993: Revolutionary Command Council dissolved; Bashir appointed president; major political parties boycott election; allegations of electoral fraud;
1998: new constitution; National Congress (backed by Bashir) held major positions within government, media, schools, judiciary system, and security forces;
1999: constitution suspended; Parliament dissolved before it could pass legislation to limit Bashir's power;
2003: genocide begins.
Roughly 400,000 people were murdered in the Darfur genocide. The attacks spread from Darfur, to the rest of Sudan, and into regions of neighboring Chad. The Sudanese government funded and aided the militants who conducted the mass slaughter. The International Criminal Court has now issued an arrest warrant for the president of Sudan for war crimes. What should be done in a situation like this?
New, new NEW!! The answer is new: new government, new institutions, new symbols, new education. When a government is involved in killing its own citizens, that government should be replaced with one voted on by the people. Institutions should be placed by that government to transition into an era of growth and healing. To heal old wounds, memorials commemorating the lives lost should be erected. Old symbols of hatred should be replaced with new symbols, such as a new constitution and flag. Black Africans and Muslim Africans should work together in developing their new society based on equality and freedom. The horrific history of Sudan should not be left to rust, but used to educate the new generations of Sudanese so that it never happens again. The US can give monetary aid to Sudan, but the people of Sudan must do this themselves. Their new society must be built by the people, not by someone else. When foreign governments replace leaders or propose their own changes, the transition is seldom a positive one and often leads to resentment. Sudan can prosper economically through trade with China and the US. Sudan's resources, once they are in the hands of the people, can provide for their citizens and be used for trade in order to develop Sudan in the global marketplace. Instead of depending solely on the oil and minerals sold internationally, Sudan should develop new industries and cradle those industries until they grow large enough to export. This would create more high-paying jobs, raise Sudan's terms of trade, increase production, and increase GDP by increasing consumption and exports. There is hope for Sudan and the rest of Africa, as long as the people have control over their lives.
"Anything the mind can conceive, and believe, it can achieve." -Napoleon Hill

Report: How the EU Promoted Growth in Ireland

2009-08-04T09:44:00.004-05:00

The Republic of Ireland was transformed into a sovereign nation after the revolution against the British on the 3rd of May 1921 (Republic of Ireland). Prior to joining the European Union, Ireland’s economy was predominantly agricultural based (Republic of Ireland). Recently Ireland has modernized its economy by focusing more on services, high-tech industries, and trade (Republic of Ireland). After joining the European Union in 1979, the island of Ireland experienced substantial economic growth due, in part, to heavy investment by the European Union.
When Ireland first joined the European Union, the country was considered one of the poorest in the EU (Development of the Irish Economy). When Ireland joined the European Economic Community (the EEC) in 1973, Ireland had high unemployment, an average level of income per head that was 62% of the European Union’s average, and high emigration (The Impact of EU Membership on Ireland). For the reasons mentioned above, Ireland was designated as an “Object 1” region by the European Union between 1975 and 1999 (The Impact of EU Membership on Ireland). Today, Ireland is one of the richest economies in Europe (Development of the Irish Economy). According to the European Commission website regarding Ireland in the European Union, Ireland’s growth is due to a combination of many factors including the following: a stable political system in Ireland, a young educated English-speaking population, a large market of consumers as a result of the EU, unrestricted trade between EU members, the encouragement of free and fair competition between EU states, deregulation of the marketplace throughout Europe, a single European market, high levels of Foreign Direct Investment, billions of euro funded by the EU over 36 years, the break-up of national monopolies, and the introduction of low corporate taxes in Ireland (12.5%) (The Impact of EU Membership).

Trade Unions, such as the European Union, increase trade and limit trade barriers, thus promoting growth for member nations. Member states within the European Union experience both static and dynamic benefits of trade. Countries that benefit from free trade see an improvement in their Gross National Product, or GNP, and in their resource allocation. The countries now specialize in the industries they have a comparative advantage in. All factors shift to the productive industry. The countries export what they have a comparative advantage in and imports what they do not. These are the static benefits. The dynamic benefits include a decrease in unemployment due to a chain effect. First, export industries grow, causing a higher demand in materials from local industries. The local industries, in turn, produce more jobs and hire more workers. Free trade restrains cost-push inflation, or stagflation. Free trade can also act as a shock absorber in case of a disaster or unexpected event. Labor and capital flow, enabling an even playing field for companies and workers. Technology advances as knowledge flows. An expansion in the market allows for greater competition, price decreases, and more variety for consumers. Because of an increase in the shipping of goods, services, capital, and people due to free trade, infrastructure will have to improve. Investment will boom and the county’s output and income will increase. These things occurred in Ireland after the European Union began funding infrastructure projects and promoting economic integration.
The National Development Plan/Community Support Framework 2000-2006 funded and supported infrastructure, human resources, research and development, industry, agriculture/rural development, and other sustainable policies (National Development Plan/Community Support Framework 2000-2006). Approximately €54 billion was invested under the plan –which ended in December 2006 (National Development Plan/Community Support Framework 2000-2006). The plan resulted in the expansion of major towns, new residential areas, and new businesses (National Development Plan/Community Support Framework 2000-2006). The framework allowed for improving schools and creating roughly 31,000 new childcare businesses (National Development Plan/Community Support Framework 2000-2006). It has funded public transportation investments in the following initiatives: the Luas, the Dublin Port Tunnel, the Iarnrόd Éireann rail fleet modernization, and the Rural Transport Initiative (National Development Plan/Community Support Framework 2000-2006). The NDP/CSF also funded projects in the water and sewage treatment areas and tourism (National Development Plan/Community Support Framework 2000-2006). Funding by the European Union has aided in the development of Ireland as a knowledge-based economy through the NDP/CSF (National Development Plan/Community Support Framework 2000-2006).
Integration policies have also been vital in the development of Ireland. The introduction of the Single European Act of 1987, which was implemented on the 1st of January 1993, provided opportunities for growth in the Irish economy (Ireland and the EU). The SEA enhanced Ireland’s image as a low-cost manufacturing area, attracting foreign investment (Ireland and the EU). Through the Single European Act, the EU attempted a viable single market by ridding itself of non-tariff barriers (Ireland and the EU). The Single European Act called for four freedoms: the free movement of people, free movement of goods, free movement of capital, and the free movement of services (Ireland and the EU). According to Jacques Delors, a former President of the Commission, the promise of deeper integration attracted high levels of foreign investment from Japan and the United States (Ireland and the EU). Delors claimed that removing trade barriers and furthering integration were the most important factors in the growth of the Irish economy (Ireland and the EU). In 1993, state aid to companies was outlawed (Ireland and the EU). Ireland was affected by this change since it could no longer fund Irish Steel, Telecom Eireann, and Aer Lingus (Ireland and the EU). As a result, private sector investment created more jobs in Ireland (Ireland and the EU). The creation of Irish companies such as Ryanair and Esat Telecom became successful (Ireland and the EU). Irish citizens can now invest in a broader range of bonds and equities from inside and outside of the EU (Ireland and the EU). Common standards and total protection allow for a level playing field that has led to greater completion in the EU (Ireland and the EU). Greater competition has led to more variety for consumers, lower prices, and higher returns to shareholders (Ireland and the EU). Although a wave of Irish immigrants came to America in the 19th and 20th centuries, Ireland is now seeing a wave of immigration due to the free movement of labor (Underhill). Roughly 200,000 Polish citizens have moved to Ireland (Underhill). Five percent of Ireland’s population is Polish (Underhill). All of these have contributed to Ireland’s growth due to integration policies in the Single European Act (Ireland and the EU).
The European Union consists of 27 member states and 493 million citizens (European Cohesion Policy). Although the European Union may seem like a large mother government that tightly molds its states, the citizens have their say through elected officials at the European level (Elections to the European Parliament). Citizens opinions are voiced and their rights protected by locally elected parliamentary figures (Elections to the European Parliament). Since 2007, the European Parliament has had 785 Ministers of the European Parliament, or MEPs, from all 27 states (Elections to the European Parliament). Ireland currently has 13 MEPs representing the following areas: 3 seats for the North West region, 4 seats for Dublin, 3 seats for the East, and 3 for the South (Elections to the European Parliament). Elections are held every five years (Elections to the European Parliament). One seat will be dropped in Dublin in the June 2009 elections, causing Ireland to hold 12 seats in the European Parliament (Elections to the European Parliament). In an open letter to the public, presidents Van der Brande and Pöttering stress the importance of voting, “The European public need to be made aware that their vote is crucial, since, by voting, they take their destiny as European citizens into their own hands (Pöttering).” In a symbolic reference to the power European citizens possess, the former Presidents continue, “Let's join forces to enable our fellow Europeans to take ownership of their continent (Pöttering).” Ireland, therefore, has a voice in the Union through representatives –a system similar to the United States.
The legal tender of Ireland had been the Irish pound since 1938 (Irish Pound). During the twenty years of the European Monetary System, the Irish pound demonstrated its lack of stability by fluctuating below 74 pence in 1981 and as high as 110 pence in 1992 (Irish Pound). The Irish Pound steadily depreciated against the Deutsche Mark until reaching a cumulative depreciation of 34% in 1993 (Irish Pound). The British and Irish 1p and 2p coins were unofficially interchangeable until the introduction to the euro (Irish Pound). On the 1st of January 1999, the euro was adopted by 11 countries, including Ireland (Irish Pound). The euro was fixed at IR£ 0.787564 (Irish Pound). It wasn’t until the 1st of January 2002 that Ireland began to replace the Irish pound with the euro (Irish Pound). The cash changeover in Ireland was one of the fastest in the Eurozone (Irish Pound). When the change took place, many in Ireland believed that prices rose because of traders taking advantage of the confusion (Irish Pound). In fact, the opposite was the case. The switch to the euro unintentionally led to the finding of steeper pricing in Ireland relative to the rest of the European Union prior to the euro (Hickman). In response, the Irish government called for an investigation (Hickman). The European Monetary Union, also known as the EMU or the Eurozone, consists of 16 countries (The Euro). The currency of the Eurozone is controlled by the European Central Bank, the ECB, which also controls the monetary policy of the Eurozone (The Euro). In 2007 and 2008 the euro rose dramatically against the dollar, eventually reaching $1.60 on April 22nd 2008 (Liang). International economist Jeffrey Frankel believes that the euro could overtake the dollar as the leading international currency within ten years (Frankel). This would mean that the euro would be used for international transactions and to store value. OPEC, the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, discussed in February 2008 whether or not they would continue to use the dollar as its main currency (OPEC May Switch to Euro). The Middle East Economic Digest, or MEED, quoted Secretary-General Abdullah al-Badri as saying, “Maybe we can price oil in the euro. It can be done, but it will take time (OPEC May Switch to Euro).” Amid the financial crisis, however, the euro has dropped against the dollar and currently rests at $1.3002 (Benchmark Currency Rates).

This graph demonstrates the correlation between the demand and supply of dollars. This is relevant in explaining a possibility as to why the euro has recently leveled out against the dollar. When the euro was booming, Europeans bought items from the United States at a lower price than in Europe. This was most evident during holidays, especially Christmas. When European’s purchasing power is high because of increased income and a beneficial exchange rate, Europeans consume more foreign and local goods. When consumption increases, the demand for dollars increase, causing the two currencies to level out.
Determinates of the exchange rate between the US and the EU can be expressed in the function: r=f (GNPUS, GNPEU, PUS, iUS, iEU, government, political events, and speculation). This states that the exchange rate is a function of –or is determined by– the Gross Net Profit of both countries, the price level of both countries, the interest rates of both countries, government interference, political events, and speculation. The definition of an exchange rate can be summarized in the equation: r=# of $/€. This simply means that the exchange rate is determined by the number of dollars per euro. Although the euro spiked against the dollar roughly one year ago, the euro has leveled out against the dollar. This could be because of three things. It could be because the increase in trade increased income and output, which caused people to consume more foreign goods, or imports. The price of the dollar would then rise relative to the euro. Another explanation could be the buying and selling of currency, called arbitrage. If a purchaser of currency tries to take advantage of the foreign exchange market, he or she might actually level it out through his or her transactions. The global financial crisis could also be the cause of the decline of the euro. Europe, as well as the whole world, is currently dealing with tough economic times. People are not consuming as much, investors are not investing as much, and everything seems uncertain. Protectionism has caught on like wildfire as a result of this uncertainty. New non-trade barriers are being placed by governments in the EU and the US. Such barriers will lower the amount of imports, or in-payments. Other countries may retaliate and exports may be refused or significantly cut. If this occurs, the economic recession might easily become a serious depression.
A major industry in Ireland is the construction industry. A possible indicator of Ireland’s economic decline could have been the drop construction employment prior to the economic crisis (Building Jobs Figure’s Record Drop). Average house prices dropped 1% in March and 10% in one year (Average Irish National House Prices Fell by 1.0% in March 2009; Down 10.0% in 12-Month Period; National Prices Now Back to November 2004 Levels). House are now priced at 2004 levels (Average Irish National House Prices Fell by 1.0% in March 2009; Down 10.0% in 12-Month Period; National Prices Now Back to November 2004 Levels). Even the International Monetary Fund has stated that the economic crisis in Ireland will be particularly severe because of the reversal of the housing boom (IMF: Irish Recession “Particularly Severe”). According to the Bank of Ireland, there has been a drop in new company registrations of about 18.4% when compared to the first quarter of 2008 (Bank of Ireland Says New Irish Company Registrations Fell 18.4% in the First Quarter Compared to Q1 2008). In County Dublin, the figure is about 20% and 21% in County Cork (Bank of Ireland Says New Irish Company Registrations Fell 18.4% in the First Quarter Compared to Q1 2008). Unemployment shot up to 10.9% in March (Crimmins). The Bank of Ireland and Allied Irish Bank received €3.5 billion from the Irish government in February (AIB and Bank of Ireland Both get €3.5 Billion). According to Joe Gill, Director of Research for the Bloxham Stockbrokers, stock markets would have fallen an additional 50%, interest rates would have increased above 10%, and inflation would have entered double digits if Ireland were not a member of the Eurozone during the economic crisis (Irish Economy: Ireland outside Euro During Financial Crisis Would Mean Further Market Fall of 50%; Interest Rates Above 10%; Inflation in Double Digits).
The European Union has begun funding €750.72 million in projects from 2007 until 2013 in Ireland (The Impact of EU Membership on Ireland). The European Regional Development Fund, or ERDF, will fund €375.36 million of that figure (The Impact of EU Membership on Ireland). The European Social Fund, or ESF, is funding the other half (The Impact of EU Membership on Ireland). The €375.36 million that the ESF will fund will be used toward human capital (The Impact of EU Membership on Ireland). The National Strategic Reference Framework, or NSRF, sets general terms on how this money should be spent (The Impact of EU Membership on Ireland). The priorities of the NSRF are as follows: to promote investment in human capital, support research and development, and strengthen competitiveness by improving infrastructure and promoting sustainable development (Cohesion Policy 2007-13). The Competitive and Employment Objective 2007-13 calls for the sectioning of Ireland into Phasing-in and competitiveness and employment regions (Cohesion Policy 2007-13). The Midland and Western region, which will be the phasing-in region, will receive €228.7 million from the ERDF (Cohesion Policy 2007-13). The Southern and Eastern Region, which is the competitiveness and employment region, will receive €146.6 million from the ERDF (Cohesion Policy 2007-13). Ireland’s National Strategic Regional Framework is primarily aimed toward the Lisbon Strategy for growth (Cohesion Policy 2007-13).
Another determinate of Ireland’s future is the Lisbon Treaty. In June 2008, Ireland held a referendum in order to pass the Lisbon Treaty that would amend their constitution (Focus On: Treaty of Lisbon). Massive propaganda campaigns on both sides ensured a vote in their favor. Here are some of the arguments for and against the Lisbon Treaty. Those who voted against the treaty claim that the treaty is 96% the same as the EU Constitution, which was halted after some member nations voted no (Arguments). Those who voted for the Lisbon Treaty argue that Europe has done so much for Ireland and that a vote against the treaty would be a stab in the back (Arguments). The European Citizen’s Initiative proposed in the Lisbon Treaty would give 1,000 citizens the opportunity to voice their concerns on issues (Arguments). Those who oppose the treaty argue that the European Citizen’s Initiative does not require that the Commission take into account the concerns of the people (Arguments). The Commission, they argue, initiates policy and has no link between itself and its citizens (Arguments). Another concern regarding the treaty was that the treaty would allow the European Union to make major changes to itself without any referendum or treaty (Arguments). Those in support of the Lisbon Treaty ensure that the changes allowed are minor and that each country has their veto right preserved (Arguments). Those in favor of the treaty claim that the treaty would enable majority voting, which would allow for small countries to have a larger voice in the EU (Arguments). Their opponents claim that Germany would have 16.7%, France would have 12.8%, and the UK would hold 12.3% of the vote while Ireland would hold only 0.8% of the vote, thus decreasing its power within the union and over some of its own internal matters (Arguments). Voters in the campaign for the Lisbon Treaty agree that Europe needs to be united in order to be a large influence on the global arena (Arguments). The Lisbon Treaty calls for the new position of High Representative for Foreign Affairs (Arguments). This new position would ensure a common foreign policy (Arguments). Another new position would be the European Council President, a position that changes every 30 months (Arguments). Some are concerned because the amount of power given to this position is unspecified in the Lisbon Treaty (Arguments). Proponents of the treaty claim that the Council President will have no decision-making authority (Arguments). These are just some of the many arguments made for and against the Lisbon Treaty.
On the 12th of June 2008, the Irish people voted no to the Lisbon Treaty (Press Release Archive June 2008). Commissioner Charlie McCreevy later made a speech in which he announced that the EU would not be halted as a result of the referendum and that things will go on as before (Press Release Archive June 2008). He went on to say that politicians should take the outcome as a learning experience (Press Release Archive June 2008).President Barroso also announced that he respected the outcome of the referendum and stated that the European Union should address the people’s concerns (Press Release Archive June 2008). On the 20th of November, Sweden ratified the Lisbon Treaty despite the Irish no vote (Focus On: Treaty of Lisbon). On that date, 25 out of the 27 member states ratified the Lisbon Treaty (Focus On: Treaty of Lisbon). In December, Ireland announced to the European Council that it would hold a second referendum in 2009 when concerns are quelled (Focus On: Treaty of Lisbon).
Ever since Ireland joined the EU in 1978, the European Union has contributed financially and politically to the Irish system. As a result, a once agriculture-based economy with little growth is now a booming gem in Europe. Through integration and investment Ireland has become a hot spot for manufacturing and knowledge-work. Despite the refusal of the Lisbon Treaty, the majority of Ireland –roughly 82%– believes that the European Union’s aid has benefitted Ireland (Press Release Archive June 2008). More money is being pumped into the Irish economy via the European Union and foreign investment to help ensure that Ireland’s economic future is stable and bright.

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Seek2ruth

2009-07-26T15:50:00.000-05:00

Welcome to my blog. I have begun composing my own blog to educate and learn. This blog is dedicated to global politics and economics. Please feel free to comment or write suggestions.