tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-85904833019478966382024-03-05T14:16:58.466-08:00A Bahá'í PointA Bahá'í-inspired blog aimed at addressing many issues- local and global. This blog is meant to serve as inspiration and a resource for those who just want to make the world a better place through social and economic development. This site has links to other sites pre-categorized for readers. Viewers can comment on posts and give feedback on what they want from this blog.JA Pilzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13092554203712897532noreply@blogger.comBlogger33125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8590483301947896638.post-58227656729685492932020-04-28T14:40:00.000-07:002020-04-28T15:05:07.247-07:00<div class="_2cuy _3dgx" data-block="true" data-editor="aji57" data-offset-key="7s3a1-0-0" style="caret-color: rgb(29, 33, 41); color: #1d2129; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="7s3a1-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">This is the kick-off for a new weekly series, based off an event that has been happening weekly at the Baha'i Center of Clearwater on Sundays at 11AM. A Baha'i Point Group is sharing this content because we believe in expanding our frontiers of learning. This is one of the gems produced from efforts from around the world, showcased here for the mutual advancement of the content-creators and viewers like you. We hope that you can bring your questions and ideas to guide where this initiative can go next!</span></div>
</div>
<div class="_2cuy _3dgx" data-block="true" data-editor="aji57" data-offset-key="ffvlp-0-0" style="caret-color: rgb(29, 33, 41); color: #1d2129; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; padding: 6px 0px 0px; text-size-adjust: auto; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="ffvlp-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;">
<span data-offset-key="ffvlp-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">The video of the introductory presentation on March 29, 2020 is posted online for those who missed this event: </span></div>
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="ffvlp-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;">
<ul>
<li><span data-offset-key="ffvlp-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hYiBfXZbtcA&feature=youtu.be">Discovery of Reality - Introduction (Click here to view video)</a></span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hYiBfXZbtcA&feature=youtu.be" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="634" data-original-width="990" height="204" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXIl1AsndrgAxLb7N65PCCvUhZ90xD_g4plImLntgkbC-3XJfqYHAVFwYX-pd6F18iDHVHLV0ExdMnk8rv9PYkX7AS0qcOUCasWAsmXPhdLjPbA6zvpwqvU6H0Gv9mCQ2XYXWinNz-mpY4/s320/Screen+Shot+2020-03-31+at+12.21.27+AM.png" title="Introduction: "Discovery of Reality"" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Discovery of Reality - Introduction</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span data-offset-key="ffvlp-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hYiBfXZbtcA&feature=youtu.be"><span id="goog_1492353702"></span></a></span></div>
</div>
<div class="_2cuy _3dgx" data-block="true" data-editor="aji57" data-offset-key="8lpfm-0-0" style="caret-color: rgb(29, 33, 41); color: #1d2129; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; padding: 6px 0px 0px; text-size-adjust: auto; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="8lpfm-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;">
<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="https://youtu.be/UM0gQmS_UNQ" target="_blank">Discovery of Reality - Tools to Describe Reality (click here to view video)</a></li>
</ul>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://youtu.be/UM0gQmS_UNQ"><img border="0" data-original-height="837" data-original-width="1600" height="167" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv9rbVZ590safw-eNmyePCZCxFs6YJBrS15D_z34cbxPPHd2mou4F_ZnJZVSOCtl9XBVZimwCC8qlQB7Lmj4sjOWOtzB1C8nq856Dn9kjDYk-3EB2-4esUNEP-mUDFltQZ8nq7zJrCH2Na/s320/Screen+Shot+2020-04-28+at+5.53.39+PM.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://youtu.be/UM0gQmS_UNQ">Discovery of Reality - Tools to Describe Reality</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<br />
<span data-offset-key="8lpfm-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span data-offset-key="8lpfm-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><b>More information:</b></span></div>
</div>
<div class="_2cuy _3dgx" data-block="true" data-editor="aji57" data-offset-key="g42v-0-0" style="caret-color: rgb(29, 33, 41); color: #1d2129; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; padding: 6px 0px 0px; text-size-adjust: auto; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="g42v-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;">
<ul>
<li><span data-offset-key="g42v-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://clearwaterbahais.org/events/sunday-adult-learning-classes">https://clearwaterbahais.org/events/sunday-adult-learning-classes</a></span></li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
JA Pilzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13092554203712897532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8590483301947896638.post-1582473378798350882020-03-23T20:54:00.000-07:002020-03-23T20:54:09.600-07:00Dealing with the Coronavirus - One Individual Baha'is Perspective<div style="caret-color: rgb(29, 33, 41); color: #1d2129; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; text-size-adjust: auto;">
It is rather apparent that the wisdom of the Divine teachings of Baha'u'llah has been made more apparent and manifested unto those with eyes to see and ears to hear. From the Aqdas' admonition of placing one's hand in a communal food bowl to not using public baths, the Baha'i Faith's teachings are synonymous with wisdom in this interconnected age and now one of a global pandemic.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></div>
<div style="caret-color: rgb(29, 33, 41); color: #1d2129; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px; text-size-adjust: auto;">
Recent research suggests that the consumption of alcohol and SARS-CoV-2 does not mix well. Smoking is admonished further because of the illness' impact on the lungs, and that fresh air and sunlight can be beneficial mentally, spiritually, and vitamin D is helpful against the fight of this disease .</div>
<div style="caret-color: rgb(29, 33, 41); color: #1d2129; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px; text-size-adjust: auto;">
It is often told how much Baha'u'llah and Abdul Baha loved gardens and the countryside. Culturally, many Baha'is are encouraged to live in the countryside--away from large cities and their even more prevalent materialism. I've never been more thankful to live on ten acres than now.</div>
<div style="caret-color: rgb(29, 33, 41); color: #1d2129; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px; text-size-adjust: auto;">
I believe Shoghi Effendi once commented that many of the friends are unduly swayed by the media in their respective countries. We know the importance of personal investigation of truth and the importance of science and reality. Understanding this, I have been watching this pandemic over the past couple months (before it was a pandemic) and realized the true dire situation that was to befall us. You may have seen my warnings in postings on Social Media. Naturally, I couldn't help everyone, so I figured that I would try to warn my fellow Baha'is first. Many of them didn't heed my unsolicited advice--perhaps understandably so--but those that did are better prepared than most. I have been able to assist some of those that didn't plan as much as they would have liked.</div>
<div style="caret-color: rgb(29, 33, 41); color: #1d2129; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px; text-size-adjust: auto;">
Abdul Baha was knighted because he planned ahead and fed many people in the aftermath of World War I. Trying to humbly follow in his footsteps as much as possible (something one can never truly do) I calmly, rationally and with steadfastness planned ahead. Having planned ahead months ago, I was able to get what I needed before the panic buying started, and enough to help others in this trying time. This has helped prevent further disruptions in the supply chain because I can allow others to get what they think they need.</div>
<div style="caret-color: rgb(29, 33, 41); color: #1d2129; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px; text-size-adjust: auto;">
Today I mailed a box of N95 masks and goggles to a Baha'i RN in Arizona because the hospital she works at refused to provide her with masks (I wore a mask and gloves as a precaution to the post office). I mentioned this to the post office worker, and she told me that it was very generous of me as opposed to what is happening on the news. I told her that I'm a Baha'i and we are called to be of service to humanity. She informed me that her daughter is a nurse in Tampa dealing with the same situation, so I gave her half a box of masks to hopefully tide her over until the hospitals get resupplied.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></div>
<br />
<div style="caret-color: rgb(29, 33, 41); color: #1d2129; display: inline; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-top: 6px; text-size-adjust: auto;">
</div>
<br />
<div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(29, 33, 41); color: #1d2129; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 6px 0px; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
Stay safe, calm, and at home if possible. However, use this time to be of service of others, don't forget your fellow Baha'is-- be their blessing.</div>
<div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(29, 33, 41); color: #1d2129; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 6px 0px; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(29, 33, 41); color: #1d2129; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 6px 0px; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
Written by Chance Wilson</div>
JA Pilzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13092554203712897532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8590483301947896638.post-57240952018363063022013-05-04T23:10:00.000-07:002013-05-04T23:13:36.283-07:00Sustainable Earth Rising<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Many
people can claim to know the problems with industrial air pollution; however,
pollution in our water can also be caused by everyday practices and can be just
as harmful. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) calls
polluted runoff non-point source pollution. According to the EPA, non-point
source pollution is caused by rainfall or snowmelt that moves over and through
the ground. As the runoff moves, it picks up and carries away natural and
human-made pollutants, finally depositing them into lakes, rivers, wetlands,
coastal waters and ground waters. This kind of pollution is a very complex
issue to consider because it is extremely hard to find the source.</span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ8gU_QgxFXJYqfqt6GNqTtJOt2X7SY0B8lVi9qdIJMT-mCnNF_hEWmOUBAaO3EyM6AGD4V8Lo7MD8kRenhiF7QOXl0SJTIazEP73nEkw58PVFc2TFdpxItQ6cXDOrsfWr7e3Nxn4teL0/s1600/sea+floor+in+western+Baltic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ8gU_QgxFXJYqfqt6GNqTtJOt2X7SY0B8lVi9qdIJMT-mCnNF_hEWmOUBAaO3EyM6AGD4V8Lo7MD8kRenhiF7QOXl0SJTIazEP73nEkw58PVFc2TFdpxItQ6cXDOrsfWr7e3Nxn4teL0/s320/sea+floor+in+western+Baltic.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Underwater
video frame of the sea floor in the western Baltic </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">covered with dead or dying
crabs, fish and clams killed by oxygen depletion.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"> When high concentrations of
nutrients are found in the watershed due to human activities, hypoxic
(low-oxygen) areas are formed that cause dead zones. These dead zones are
caused by algae blooms that take large amounts of oxygen out of the water upon
decomposition. One famous spot for low oxygen is located in the Gulf of Mexico dead
zone because of its sheer size and geographical qualities. The dead zone in
question is the drainage area for 41% of the continental United States and
reaches sizes up to 21,756 square kilometers or 8,400 square miles (NOAA).
Marine life is at risk to survive within such areas, hence the name “dead zone”.
From large examples in the Mississippi Delta to the smaller ones in local lakes
and ponds, water pollution caused by humans is running rampant in a society
that does not know of its very existence.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"> Polluted runoff can be created
through many means. Excess fertilizers, herbicides, insecticides, sediment,
salts, bacteria, and nutrients are all sources of pollution. Oil, grease, and
toxic chemicals from urban runoff and energy production are also included as
pollutants in runoff. There are more sources that cause nonpoint source
pollution, adding to the complexity of the issue.</span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"> Cities in the United States and
around the world are creating initiatives to control rainwater runoff. Green
areas – including ‘pocket parks,’ green roofs, and green walls – are being
created to slow rainfall runoff. Green roofs capture 60% of rainfall and also
improve air quality, vegetation and wildlife habitat.</span></span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6U8iPdok0Has5sIAvw1TwZ4ABsUYJhV2g2l5X3miqIYc1d8Nh-ex5EDfp7e_K5cW9w3lW54dth6VVBufFC_l7TSDj5BUcA72CY_q7xwLrdm_CLfaU8Kp2H0SIE9NS4bNN3w66COfGGCM/s1600/runoff1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6U8iPdok0Has5sIAvw1TwZ4ABsUYJhV2g2l5X3miqIYc1d8Nh-ex5EDfp7e_K5cW9w3lW54dth6VVBufFC_l7TSDj5BUcA72CY_q7xwLrdm_CLfaU8Kp2H0SIE9NS4bNN3w66COfGGCM/s1600/runoff1.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #535353; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Bureau of Environmental Services, Portland, Oregon<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Rainwater flows into a sidewalk planter from a street in
Portland, Oregon.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large; text-align: center;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large; text-align: center;"></span>
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large; text-align: center;">Sidewalk planters are
just one method that is being used in an effort to allow rain water, normally
unable to pass through concrete, to be absorbed into the ground below. The
expansion of initiatives to reclaim water, such as in the South Cross Bayou
Reclamation facility in St. Petersburg, FL, is an example of a practice for
other cities to follow. Sustainable farming practices, like the use of
hydroponics in growing produce, are able to drastically cut water usage and
reduce runoff. Regardless, hydroponics does not require pesticides, since the
whole process can be conducted in a controlled environment. The raising of
livestock does not have to result in polluted runoff, because the waste is manageable.
Eliminating the mismanagement of wastes in general can be an effective solution
to polluted runoff.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="font-size: large;"> A
basic tenet of business management for any company is the mastery of the art of
doing more for less – efficiency. Far from ignoring the necessity of
eliminating harmful pollutants from the environment, the incentives for businesses
and communities to act benefit the environmental stewardship initiatives that
are very crucial to expediting the necessary implementation of sustainable
water management. The ability to control a problem that keeps running off is
within the grasp of all humanity. The creation of economic incentives to do so
will only bolster smarter and more efficient water management.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"> Besides
the sustainability projects mentioned above, there are a variety of others that
are not related to water pollution. For example, Pavegen Systems, a London
company, is developing unique tiles. These tiles acquire kinetic energy from a
person’s footsteps and convert that energy into electricity. One challenge in
the advancement of the tiles is ensuring that they are durable enough to
withstand numerous footsteps and damage from weather. If the tiles become
practical for long-term use, they can be utilized at a sports event so that
athletes can generate some of the electricity needed to power the electronic
used at the event. Similar to the tiles of Pavegen Systems is a wearable knee
brace, made by the Canadian company Bionic Power, that takes kinetic energy as
the wearer walks or runs. This technology is especially valuable to members of
the military who work in places where electricity is not easily accessible.
Another example of sustainability is a cooling panel designed by a team of
Stanford scientists. The cooling panel can mostly reflect sunlight through the
Earth’s atmosphere and back into space. Potentially, a cooling panel of this
kind could be used to cool buildings, vehicles, and other structures. In developing
countries, cooling panels could be used as a replacement or supplement to air
conditioners while reducing the need for electricity. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;"> All that has been
stated is just an inkling of the possibilities open to all of humanity. If the
human collective can unite and put its efforts together within the scope of a
common goal, then the betterment of our planet can be made certain. </span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;">“So powerful is the light of unity, that it can illuminate the whole
earth.</span>”</span> <span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">We have the power to bring life to our planet, just as we
have the power to destroy it. The advancing desertification on this planet can
be halted and reversed. The droughts we have created in the Amazon can be
reversed. The pollution and destruction wreaked on our planet can be undone and
reversed through the unification of humanity's forces. The redirection of
humanity’s efforts can be for the betterment of this planet.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><b><u>References</u></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 11.5pt;">"Copenhagen
Plans Adaptation for Climate Change." <i>Ec.europa.eu</i>. Eco-innovation <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 11.5pt;">Action
Plan, n.d. Web. 23 Mar. 2013.
<http: about-eco-innovation="" denmark="" ec.europa.eu="" ecoap="" en.htm="" environment="" policies-matters="">.<o:p></o:p></http:></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 11.5pt;">"NOAA:
Gulf of Mexico Dead Zone Predictions Feature Uncertainty." <i>USGS News: <o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 11.5pt;">(6/21/2012
11:00:00 AM)</span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 11.5pt;">.
N.p., n.d. Web. 23 Mar. 2013.
<http: article_pf.asp="" newsroom="" www.usgs.gov="">.<o:p></o:p></http:></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 11.5pt;">"Polluted
Runoff (Nonpoint Source Pollution) | US EPA." <i>EPA</i>. Environmental <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 11.5pt;">Protection
Agency, n.d. Web. 23 Mar. 2013.
<http: index.html="" owow_keep="" www.epa.gov="">.<o:p></o:p></http:></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 11.5pt;">"Where
Does the Water Go?" <i>U.S. Cities Seek New Ways to Control Runoff</i>.
N.p., n.d. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 11.5pt;">Web. 23 Mar. 2013.
<http: article="" html="" wsj.com="">.<o:p></o:p></http:></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">Khadilkar, Dhananjay. "Energy-Harvesting
Street Tiles Generate Power from Pavement <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">Pounder: Scientific American."<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><i>Scientific American</i>. Scientific
American, Inc., 20 Apr <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">2013. Web. 3 May 2013.
<http: article.cfm="" id="pavement-<o:p" www.scientificamerican.com=""></http:></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">pounders-at-paris-marathon-generate-power>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">Myers, Andrew. "Stanford scientists develop
new type of solar structure that cools buildings in <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">full sunlight."<i>Stanford News</i>.
Stanford University, 15 Apr 2013. Web. 3 May 2013. <http: april="" fan-solar-cooling-041513.html="" news.stanford.edu="" news="">.<o:p></o:p></http:></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">Bahá'u'lláh.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><i>Gleanings From the Writings of Bahá'u'lláh</i>. Wilmette : US Bahá’í Publishing Trust, <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">1990. 346. Web. <http: b="" en="" gwb-132.html="" reference.bahai.org="" t="">.</http:></span><o:p></o:p></div>
A Bahá'í Point Grouphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07391562939256848184noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8590483301947896638.post-25925742339514937902012-04-02T16:16:00.012-07:002012-04-14T17:27:22.470-07:00The Centenary of an Important Visit to the United States of America<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 300; line-height: 20px;"></span><br />
<div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 16px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-bottom: 20px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-weight: 300; line-height: 20px;"></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span id="goog_2007504401"></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_600130041"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTVapzAIbVLagh5_YF0OpPeQTlIaG_L6KR4YTC-68W93nq7hZWI0FdE5Uf83rn2psFFyz_VK4T-i_kWtt-1NXf9qAP0BxXs10NKajCQSs9fRXSVxMoTMPmvC-Kn90WDowcx6iArvFGLh5L/s1600/logo.png" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.239days.com/" target="_blank">Click On Me!</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The year 1912, said US presidential candidate Eugene Debs, “is a year supreme with possibilities.” A fiercely contested election challenged Americans to decide what kind of country they wanted. Minorities and women fought for civil rights. Workers faced off against corporations. Soldiers landed on foreign shores, sparking debate on the nation’s role in the world. Did Americans really believe—like Theodore Roosevelt— that “The welfare of each of us is dependent fundamentally upon the welfare of all of us”?</div>
</div>
<div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 16px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-bottom: 20px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;">
On April 11, 1912, a new voice joined the conversation. It belonged to ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.</div>
<div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 16px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-bottom: 20px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;">
It was the unlikeliest of voices. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá had just been released by the Turkish government after 40 years as a prisoner of conscience. For 239 days he traveled across America, speaking about issues that still define us. He reached across political, religious, racial, class, and gender lines to confront Americans with a vision of human nature, social unity, and the nation’s future that was 100 years ahead of its time.</div>
<div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 20px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<a href="http://centenary.bahai.us/sites/default/files/imagecache/page-main-image/main_image/tn_Abdu%27l-Baha%20-%20175_0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" class="imagecache imagecache-page-main-image imagecache-default imagecache-page-main-image_default" height="222" src="http://centenary.bahai.us/sites/default/files/imagecache/page-main-image/main_image/tn_Abdu%27l-Baha%20-%20175_0.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" title="" width="264" /></a><b><i>Prejudice is a Learned Behavior</i></b></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, 'Nimbus Sans L', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;"></span><br />
<div class="views-field-field-overview-value" style="margin-left: 25px;">
<div class="field-content">
<div id="node-708">
<div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif !important; font-size: 14.5px; margin-bottom: 9px; margin-left: 9px; margin-right: 9px; margin-top: 9px; padding-top: 17px;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, 'Nimbus Sans L', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">In 1912, the country was torn with racial division, and “separate but equal” was the highest level of interracial relations to which the nation aspired. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá challenged America to go beyond tolerance, to embrace diversity completely, and to demolish racial barriers in law, education and even marriage.</span></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="views-field-field-overview-value" style="margin-left: 25px;">
<div class="field-content">
<div id="node-708">
<div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif !important; font-size: 14.5px; margin-bottom: 9px; margin-left: 9px; margin-right: 9px; margin-top: 9px; padding-top: 17px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, 'Nimbus Sans L', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;"></span></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;"><b><i></i></b></span><br />
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;"><b><i><br />
</i></b></span></i></b></span></div>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;"><b><i>Unity in Diversity: Watchword of the Bahá'í Community</i></b></span></h3>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, 'Nimbus Sans L', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;"></span><br />
<div class="views-field-field-overview-value" style="margin-left: 25px;">
<div class="field-content">
<div id="node-742">
<div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif !important; font-size: 14.5px; margin-bottom: 9px; margin-left: 9px; margin-right: 9px; margin-top: 9px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, 'Nimbus Sans L', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;"><br />
</span></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="views-field-field-overview-value" style="margin-left: 25px;">
<div class="field-content">
<div id="node-742">
<div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif !important; font-size: 14.5px; margin-bottom: 9px; margin-left: 9px; margin-right: 9px; margin-top: 9px;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, 'Nimbus Sans L', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">Perhaps the most prominent social message that ‘Abdu’l-Bahá brought to the West was the need for international peace, which he called “the most momentous question of this day.” While much of the popular discussion involved the political requisites to peace, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá focused on social and spiritual issues, linking universal peace with such topics as women’s suffrage, a world tribunal, collective security, the necessity of religious unity and the need for justice.</span></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;"><b><i></i></b></span><br />
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;"><b><i><br />
</i></b></span></i></b></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;"><b><i>'Abdu'l-Bahá Called for Greater Education and Opportunity for Women</i></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, 'Nimbus Sans L', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;"></span><br />
<div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif !important; font-size: 14.5px; line-height: 1.4em !important; margin-bottom: 9px; margin-left: 9px; margin-right: 9px; margin-top: 9px; text-indent: 2px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, 'Nimbus Sans L', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;"><span class="quo"><br />
</span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif !important; font-size: 14.5px; line-height: 1.4em !important; margin-bottom: 9px; margin-left: 9px; margin-right: 9px; margin-top: 9px; text-indent: 2px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, 'Nimbus Sans L', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;"><span class="quo">‘</span>Abdu’l-Bahá described gender equality through the powerful analogy of a bird attempting to fly:</span></div>
<blockquote style="color: #3f5c3b; font-style: italic; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 2em; margin-right: 2em; margin-top: 1em;">
<div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif !important; font-size: 14.5px; line-height: 1.4em !important; margin-bottom: 9px; margin-left: 9px; margin-right: 9px; margin-top: 9px; text-indent: 2px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, 'Nimbus Sans L', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">The world of humanity is possessed of two wings: the male and the female. So long as these two wings are not equivalent in strength, the bird will not fly. Until womankind reaches the same degree as man, until she enjoys the same arena of activity … humanity cannot wing its way to heights of real attainment.</span></div>
</blockquote>
<b><i>Ending Extremes of Wealth and Poverty</i></b><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, 'Nimbus Sans L', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;"></span></div>
<div class="field field-type-text field-field-overview" style="clear: left;">
<div class="field-items">
<div class="field-item odd">
<div style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif !important; font-size: 14.5px; line-height: 1.4em !important; margin-bottom: 9px; margin-left: 9px; margin-right: 9px; margin-top: 9px; text-align: left; text-indent: 2px;">
On the eve of ‘Abdu’l-Bahás journey across America, a new industrial order had emerged, creating nationwide prosperity, but also exacerbating crushing poverty and inequity. Publishers and industrialists grew very wealthy providing newspapers, magazines, automobiles and steel, building the railroads that crisscrossed the <span class="caps" style="font-size: 0.9em;">U.S.</span> and the ships that transported American manufactured goods to Europe. In the midst of such vast wealth, the poor languished in crowded and often disease-ridden urban housing. The first decades of the 20th century saw huge numbers of children working in mines, glass factories, textiles, agriculture, canneries, and as newsboys, messengers, bootblacks, and peddlers. In 1904, the National Child Labor Committee was formed and a national child labor reform campaign began, but a law to actually prevent child labor would not be passed by Congress until the mid 1930s.</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="field field-type-filefield field-field-large-photo" style="margin-bottom: 20px; margin-left: -18px; width: 735px;">
<div class="field-items">
<div class="field-item odd">
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="field field-type-text field-field-history" style="border-left-color: rgb(0, 51, 89); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; clear: right; color: saddlebrown; display: block; float: right; margin-left: 15px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 20px; padding-left: 15px; width: 202px;">
<div class="field-items">
<div class="field-item odd">
<div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, 'Nimbus Sans L', sans-serif !important; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.4em !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 1em; text-indent: 2px;">
The year 1912 saw America with a population of 92 million, with a low 2% unemployment rate, but the chasm between the wealthy and the poor was impassible. Workplaces were profoundly unsafe. On the railroads alone, between 1890 and 1917, 72,000 workers were killed and more than 2 million injured. In addition, there was no social safety net—worker’s compensation was a new idea, passed by just 10 states by 1911. Neither Social Security, Medicare, nor Aid to Families with Dependent Children existed—so the elderly, widows, orphans and the ill were left to their own devices, meager as they were. Partly due to these social disparities, worsened by poor sanitation and a lack of good public health practices,<span class="caps" style="font-size: 0.9em;">U.S.</span> life expectancy was on average just 48 years for men and 52 years for women.<br />
Labor unions grew in size and influence as the middle classes became more unhappy and restless with the status quo. Poverty was on the rise, industrial monopolies continued to increase despite the Sherman Antitrust Act of 1890, safety for workers in the workplace was largely dismissed as irrelevant, and children were in the workplace in their thousands. Nearly 20% of urban children were undernourished and only one-third were enrolled in elementary school. Immigrants had flooded the cities, many—including Poles, Finns from Russia, and Macedonians and Bulgarians from Turkey—fleeing political or religious oppression. Others, like the Irish, fled famine and poverty, swelling the ranks of the poor.<br />
Social reforms in the 1940s took the first small steps to redress these inequities through the Social Security system, whereby the aged would receive an income set aside from their earnings, and the poor would receive medical care. The <span class="caps" style="font-size: 0.9em;">U.S.</span> <span class="caps" style="font-size: 0.9em;">GI</span> bill after World War <span class="caps" style="font-size: 0.9em;">II</span> enabled thousands of returning military men and women to obtain college degrees and rise to serve their countries in all the professions.</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="node-body" style="clear: left;">
<h3 style="color: #003359; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 1.2em; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.2em; margin-bottom: 0.769em; margin-top: 0.769em;">
<br />
</h3>
</div>
<br />
<br />
Below are some great links to obtain more information:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://239days.com/" target="_blank">239 Days In America</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://centenary.bahai.us/" target="_blank">US Bahá'í Community: Commemoration of the Centenary of 'Abdu'l-Bahá's Visit to America</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://centerofcovenanttalks.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Talks Given by 'Abdu'l-Bahá</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://portraitsabdulbaha.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Portraits of 'Abdu'l-Bahá</a><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://abdulbahawest.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Photographs of 'Abdu'l-Bahá in the West</a></span><br />
<br />
<a href="http://arthursbookshelf.com/bahaihistory/239days.html" target="_blank">239 Days: 'Abdu'l-Bahá's Journey in America, By: Allan L. Ward</a><br />
<br />
An Excerpt from <i style="font-weight: bold;">239 Days: 'Abdu'l-Bahá's Journey in America</i>:<br />
<br />
Chapter 2<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"></span><br />
<div class="chaptitle" style="color: navy; display: block; font-size: 1.4em; margin-bottom: 0.6em; margin-left: 0.6em; margin-top: 1em; text-align: left;">
First Days in America: New York City</div>
<hr />
<div style="display: block; line-height: 1.3em; margin-left: 0.6em; margin-right: 0.6em; text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">The next day was Thursday, April 11, 1912, 'Abdu'l-Bahá's first day in America. As the Cedric came up the bay, reporters went out on the tugboat to board the ship at quarantine in order to interview 'Abdu'l-Bahá. Among them was Wendell Phillips Dodge, of the New York City News Association, whose report was sent out through the Associated Press. He wrote:</span></div>
When the ship news reporters boarded the Cedric down the bay 'Abdu'l-Bahá was found on the upper deck, standing where he could see the pilot, his long, flowing oriental robe flapping in the breeze... His face was light itself as he scanned the harbor and greeted the reporters. His first words were about the press, saying: "The pages of swiftly appearing newspapers are indeed the mirror of the world... But it behooveth the editors of the newspapers to be sanctified from the prejudice of egotism and desire, and to be adorned with the ornament of equity and justice."<br />
<br />
When the ship was abreast the Statue of Liberty, standing erect and facing it, 'Abdu'l-Bahá held his arms wide apart in salutation, and said: "There is the new world's symbol of liberty and freedom. After being forty years a prisoner I can tell you that freedom is not a matter of place. It is a condition. Unless one accept dire vicissitudes he will not attain. When one is released from the prison of self, that is indeed a release."... The ship now pointed its nose up the North River, and gazing ... at the ... skyscrapers, (He said): "These are the minarets of Western World commerce and industry... The ship now reached its pier, where were anxiously waiting several hundred Bahá'ís ... who had been craning their necks down the river for a first sight of him since early morning.'<br />
<br />
- Please enjoy this wealth of information.<br />
<pre style="display: block; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 0.9em; line-height: 1.3em; margin-left: 1.2em; margin-right: 1.2em;"></pre>
<pre style="display: block; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 0.9em; line-height: 1.3em; margin-left: 1.2em; margin-right: 1.2em;"></pre>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-style: initial; border-style: initial; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1150625186"><img alt="" class="imagecache imagecache-page-main-image imagecache-default imagecache-page-main-image_default" height="320" src="http://centenary.bahai.us/sites/default/files/imagecache/theme-image/main_image/abdulbaha-overview-small_0.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" title="" width="289" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://centenary.bahai.us/" target="_blank">Click On Me!</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLljAmq_YrKF4Bs3qdl1N9Zzhqi16rsaaV4Fa-vWnDUiX9uGDLHUrdAM_CzXSW9NiGM1lf_iZw0oQ8gTk767Jt09g7bAVQg675MF0jpHw5QdxWgu5zOyi6DlKoLoUDpuCeiIuazioet5Rf/s1600/Abdu'l-Baha's+portrait-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLljAmq_YrKF4Bs3qdl1N9Zzhqi16rsaaV4Fa-vWnDUiX9uGDLHUrdAM_CzXSW9NiGM1lf_iZw0oQ8gTk767Jt09g7bAVQg675MF0jpHw5QdxWgu5zOyi6DlKoLoUDpuCeiIuazioet5Rf/s1600/Abdu'l-Baha's+portrait-1.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Photograph of 'Abdu'l-Bahá</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUWEbeYUwp02WYRVGqCmy_Q6ueWBaYmG9eGdifqF5Vct4n0qkg9lc7QigcRUD4EC36R2d7SRtP1EAY1Vyj_r5-xMs2wzFvFxceOmgPUtQmakDmKHAus1UmXiFNOqNTPZG9zowgKtkATEiO/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-04-03+at+11.49.12+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUWEbeYUwp02WYRVGqCmy_Q6ueWBaYmG9eGdifqF5Vct4n0qkg9lc7QigcRUD4EC36R2d7SRtP1EAY1Vyj_r5-xMs2wzFvFxceOmgPUtQmakDmKHAus1UmXiFNOqNTPZG9zowgKtkATEiO/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-04-03+at+11.49.12+AM.png" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="quo">‘</span>Abdu’l-Bahá’s journeys in America lasted 239 days between April and December 1912. While much of his time was spent in the major metropolitan centers of the country, a number of small towns were also on the itinerary, and indeed ‘Abdu’l-Bahá never seemed to be as interested in material development as in spiritual capacity. Most of His cross-country travels were by train, which was the most convenient form of long-distance travel at the time. He spent 10 days in Canada, and a little over a month on the West coast, with the rest of the time shared among the cities and towns of the Eastern and Central United States.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">For more information about the cities 'Abdu'l-Bahá visited: <a href="http://centenary.bahai.us/cities" target="_blank">http://centenary.bahai.us/cities</a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">---------</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Below is a video that contains 'Abdu'l-Bahá's message in more depth, concluding this article. Please enjoy.</span></div>
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/zV6mtVmWtpg" width="640"></iframe><br />
<br /></div>JA Pilzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13092554203712897532noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8590483301947896638.post-30731796073564133292011-10-02T14:36:00.000-07:002012-01-09T13:34:42.605-08:00An Appeal for Education<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Below is an appeal from Rainn Wilson (from <i>The Office</i>) regarding the attack on the Bahá'í Institute for Higher Education (BIHE). Please watch the video and share it with everyone.<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/29493907?byline=0&portrait=0&color=ff0000" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="400"></iframe><br /><a href="http://vimeo.com/29493907">Rainn Wilson BIHE Video Appeal</a> from <a href="http://educationunderfire.com/">Education Under Fire</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com/user8622897">Vimeo</a>.<br /><br />No one deserves to be denied an education. Students denied an education in Iran deserve their human rights to be recognized. The Bahá'í Institute for Higher Education is now illegal in Iran. The one hope Bahá'í students had to gain a higher education has now been taken away. Society's quintessential rights are under attack. An attack upon human rights somewhere will always be an attack on human rights everywhere.<br /><br />Everyone has the right to an education.<br /><br /><b>We cannot remain silent</b><br /><br />People are standing up for human rights. Nobel Peace Prize laureates, Archbishop Desmond Tutu and President (of East Timor) José Ramos-Horta, have written an open letter about these abuses addressed to the International Academic Community. Everyone can participate. To take action, please click on this: <a href="http://action.educationunderfire.com/p/dia/action3/common/public/?action_KEY=6910">TAKE ACTION</a><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/29487639?byline=0&portrait=0&color=ff0000" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="400"></iframe><br /><a href="http://vimeo.com/29487639">President and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Jose Ramos-Horta Defends the BIHE and the Baha’is in Iran</a> from <a href="http://educationunderfire.com/">Education Under Fire</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com/user8622897">Vimeo</a>.<br /><br /><b>A Warning From The Past</b><br /><br /><br /><div class="p1"><i>When the Nazis came for the communists,<br />I remained silent;<br />I was not a communist.<br /><br />When they locked up the social democrats,<br />I remained silent;<br />I was not a social democrat.<br /><br />When they came for the trade unionists,<br />I did not speak out;<br />I was not a trade unionist.<br /><br />When they came for the Jews,<br />I remained silent;<br />I wasn't a Jew.<br /><br />When they came for me,<br />there was no one left to speak out.</i></div><div class="p1"><i><br /></i></div><div class="p1">- Martin Niemöller<br /><br /><br />Other groups of people are now being targeted by the Iranian government. From political opposition to oppressing people who simply practice other religions, innocent people are now becoming victims of government sponsored persecution. If the Bahá'ís are never guaranteed their rights, the people of Iran will never be guaranteed their rights. It is clearly seen today in documented events as shown in the following websites:<br /><br /></div><div class="p1"><a href="http://religion.blogs.cnn.com/2011/09/29/iranian-pastor-refuses-to-reject-religion-faces-execution/?hpt=hp_c2">Iranian Pastor Who Refuses to Reject Religion Faces Persecution</a><br /><div><br /><a href="http://www.cnn.com/2011/10/14/world/meast/iran-denial-of-education/">CNN: Iranian students barred for beliefs, say Campaigners</a></div><div><br /><b>Standing for Education</b><br /><b><br /></b><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> Around the world, people are standing up in support of education. From the East and West, people are speaking out. Everyone can have a role. </span></b></div><div><br /><a href="http://news.bahai.org/story/858">UN Secretary General "deeply troubled" by developments in Iran</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.educationunderfire.com/your-tools/pdf/Amnesty%20EUF%20Endorsement.pdf">Letter of Endorsement From Amnesty International</a><br /><br /></div><div><a href="http://blog.amnestyusa.org/iar/new-film-on-persecution-of-bahais-to-be-released-just-as-iran-slaps-harsh-sentences-on-bahai-educators/">Article from Amnesty International - New film on persecution of Bahá'ís to be released just as Iran slaps harsh sentences on Bahá'í educators</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.iranpresswatch.org/">Iran Press Watch</a></div><div><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/RVELsQNmC68" width="400"></iframe> </span></b><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></b><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/6vgMm8zBJqM" width="400"></iframe></span></b><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></b><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/wM-b_PZ8o-w" width="400"></iframe></span></b><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></b><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">An attack on education somewhere is an attack on education everywhere.</span></b><br /><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">We cannot remain silent.</span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></b></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;"><a href="http://action.educationunderfire.com/p/dia/action3/common/public/?action_KEY">Take Action</a></span></div></div></div>JA Pilzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13092554203712897532noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8590483301947896638.post-2515315755626906142011-09-27T17:10:00.000-07:002011-10-14T12:39:53.445-07:00Education For All<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><b>The importance of <i>The Universal Declaration of Human Rights</i></b></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 14px;"> Human rights are taken for granted by many individuals. The right to equality before the law, to a fair trial, to religion, and thought are all human rights. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 14px;">Human rights, as it is currently known worldwide, became established in 1948. The United Nations can be given credit for the creation of <i>The Universal Declaration of Human Rights</i>. This simple document has enabled people to have a chance to gain the opportunities that have never been offered to them. The end to slavery, genocide, or any other kind of oppression upon any person(s) - that is the purpose of </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 14px;"><i>The Universal Declaration of Human Rights</i>.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 14px;">For more information:</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 14px;"> <a href="http://www.un.org/en/documents/udhr/">The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (from the United Nations website)</a></span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RNwL2mjApRw">In 30 Words - The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (Amnesty International video)</a> </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Denied Education</b></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> Sadly, human rights are not enjoyed by everyone. Below is a video that will explain what is happening right now to the Bahá'ís in Iran.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 14px;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/30003583?byline=0&portrait=0&color=ff0000" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="400"></iframe></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://vimeo.com/30003583">Education Under Fire Trailer (3 min)</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/educationunderfire">Education Under Fire</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span></span><br />
<div class="" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-style: inherit; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">For more informaiton: <a href="http://www.educationunderfire.com/">Education Under Fire</a></span></div><div class="" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-style: inherit; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> Justice is important. The Bahá'ís in Iran don't have it. Unfounded defamatory speech against the Bahá'ís in Iran is supported by the Iranian Government. Bahá'ís are barred basic rights of citizenship like higher education. The constitutional protections in the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Iran guarantees to every Iranian citizen rights which the Bahá'ís don't have. Educational programs set up to teach Bahá'í students have been targeted in raids. Arrests and convictions have been made solely on the basis of religion, and about 97 Iranian Bahá'ís are currently in prison today. Over 400 arrests have been made since August 2004, and many Bahá'ís are under unwarranted government surveilance. Bahá'í businesses are being looted among other acts without any government investigations to bring justice, and some businesses are even confiscated. Also, business licenses and jobs are denied to Bahá'ís. All of these facts don't amount to the number of Bahá'ís that lost their lives solely on the basis of belief. More facts about the injustices are being uncovered thanks to the efforts of people who won't stay silent as fellow human beings are persecuted.</span></div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-style: inherit; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">The Universal Declaration of Human Rights guarantees Bahá'ís the human rights that others have taken away from them.</span></div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-style: inherit; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://news.bahai.org/human-rights/iran/iran-update/" style="-webkit-transition-duration: 0.25s; -webkit-transition-property: color, text-shadow; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-style: initial; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; color: #006699; cursor: pointer; font-style: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The Bahá'í World News Service: Human Rights in Iran and Egypt</a> has more specific information</span></div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-style: inherit; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dv2pbVUXV3k" style="-webkit-transition-duration: 0.25s; -webkit-transition-property: color, text-shadow; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-style: initial; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; color: #006699; cursor: pointer; font-style: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The Bahá'í Martyrs</a> is a video that will show what has been happening to the Bahá'ís since the faith's inception. (Viewer discretion is advised.)</span></div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-style: inherit; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><b>Conclusion</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span><br />
We cannot stay silent.</span></div>JA Pilzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13092554203712897532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8590483301947896638.post-40294676555516585572011-04-11T20:17:00.000-07:002011-04-29T19:44:15.719-07:00A Changing Perspective on Well-Being<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> The world that exists today is not the same as it was centuries ago. Humanity has developed drastically over the past two centuries, and the effects of such a recent development can be felt around the world. Humanity is at a crossroads.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiLmbw5A2hOvfUAzD4xBBNoauMAug7LsBS-hOTiMlMb5NBLXxUk_KB_BnpK3JDqotDWmbqXdL_6jCuZFhIhyT76y5Y5Tsm-FCUktcOXnOCtBlMz3Z0FsJFAt78YU5RmR0b_veztXstyVbZ/s1600/Earth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiLmbw5A2hOvfUAzD4xBBNoauMAug7LsBS-hOTiMlMb5NBLXxUk_KB_BnpK3JDqotDWmbqXdL_6jCuZFhIhyT76y5Y5Tsm-FCUktcOXnOCtBlMz3Z0FsJFAt78YU5RmR0b_veztXstyVbZ/s320/Earth.jpg" width="320" /></a><br /> Since the beginning of recorded history, the whole of humanity has always been at the mercy of nature. The great civilizations of the past rose and fell like the ocean's tides. The current global civilization that is emerging from only two centuries of innovation and consolidation still has more to accomplish. The same unsustainable practices of the kingdoms and empires of the past is in practice now. There is one vital thread our civilization is clinging on to that distinguishes the present from the past.<br /><br /> The ability to effectively change the face of the planet is within the grasp of every human being. For example, the individual is in power to decide what to purchase from the supermarket. The global economic structure is currently founded on consumer demand. If there's a need, there is someone who will have to address it. As always, there is a need for everyone to live a healthy life that is necessary for well-being - "a contented state of being happy and healthy and prosperous"(1). Whole economies can be geared towards the production of a product to meet the need of the individual. One individual's choice to purchase one product can revolutionize the economy of another country. Mountains are flattened in order to extract resources, like coal, to meet the large demand worldwide. The consumer's choice to avoid a product will send the message to a company that such a product is not welcome. No longer does an elite class rule over the masses with an iron fist. The change of view of the masses is important if the global civilization under-development is to truly be everlasting. The fate of future generations depends upon it.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0OEzVjLlyoQsqUddO_gJGbmggtsJOyYQiK5qMMj0n-T6V97aBlXjMcNVjGGIrMbCZ04321Oi0P4uJ_Jn1w_50mFHvxO5yL9-WSG83FqvwoedYEUFNExwkYYbIvw7cMkTfwAxqPtYkgrl9/s1600/earth-day-earth-in-hands.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0OEzVjLlyoQsqUddO_gJGbmggtsJOyYQiK5qMMj0n-T6V97aBlXjMcNVjGGIrMbCZ04321Oi0P4uJ_Jn1w_50mFHvxO5yL9-WSG83FqvwoedYEUFNExwkYYbIvw7cMkTfwAxqPtYkgrl9/s320/earth-day-earth-in-hands.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The fate of the world is in the people's hands.<br /><br /> The change in the current perspective on well-being is what future generations depend upon. For one, the current economy is a dynamic economy - always changing to meet the needs of the consumer. Also, in an effort to be "economical," companies limit the lifespan of their products in order to sell more. In addition, the resources available are used as if they are unlimited. Instead of aiming toward the creation of the best possible product, companies aim to create a product better than the others. Although the competition between companies has lowered the prices of the consumer, the companies must not forget their true purpose. The Well-Being of the global community should be the purpose of every individual entity - person or organization.<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:xx-small;"><br /></span><br />"Let your vision be world-embracing, rather than confined to your own self. The Evil One is he that hindereth the rise and obstructeth the spiritual progress of the children of men..."(2)<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:xx-small;"><br /></span><br />If such a vision is embraced by all, the ability to have an everlasting civilization will be within the grasp of humanity. Equity and justice towards all is a necessity. The planet needs it.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigLmtZQ3peETAGZcSgC8W35gVP9wSKD4aF3w6XPdgIVL5RaIHD3dboAOwYnVsVhRPuDYhOj1kk9ClzGZoHyi-sJ__koeI5kIvV3ZLvr1OfahZ35BYpPZlLljhhsFyJi21uvJjZXM6A6TIa/s1600/raised-hands.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigLmtZQ3peETAGZcSgC8W35gVP9wSKD4aF3w6XPdgIVL5RaIHD3dboAOwYnVsVhRPuDYhOj1kk9ClzGZoHyi-sJ__koeI5kIvV3ZLvr1OfahZ35BYpPZlLljhhsFyJi21uvJjZXM6A6TIa/s320/raised-hands.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /> When the people realize how a global vision leads to their own well-being, the world will be further revolutionized. Not only will there be an even larger explosion of ideas, the prosperity of all will be achieved. Companies that rely on an outdated economic model powered by stinginess and fear, anticipating a shortage of new ideas, will wonder why such a fear of a shortage of any ideas had been so prevalent. The impediment of progress is caused by the very fear of it occurring. Sacrifice has been and will always be the reason for the advancement of the world. The fear of making sacrifices must be eliminated if people truly don't want their fears becoming a reality. Regardless, sacrifices must be made in a proactive or reactive society. The question of when and what to sacrifice remains. The dilemma of the world based on fear is a reality for many. From the beginning of recorded history, fear has been used to control others. Instead of the promotion of education and understanding, fear is promoted to spur people into action. Fear is the dictator's best friend.<br /><br /> From time immemorial, humanity has progressed continuously despite the many obstacles that it has faced. People are tired of the abuse that the malicious and corrupt have perpetrated. As of late, the will of the people has overcome the fear of repression. As a result of sacrifice of themselves for the well-being of others, the people have rejected the practices of their ancestors and have become the cause of the development of the entire human race. The development of the human race will require something different in every age. At the heart of humanity's development is the sacrifice of the people. "Until a being setteth his foot in the plane of sacrifice, he is bereft of every favour and grace"(3).<br /><br />From a prison in 'Akká in the late 19th Century, a call was sounded to the rulers and peoples of the world:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmLp8eAPF2tELc_kk0IWpIrIcZu6Ji9gPlzNXjlz05vVou_pr7MJQNeWmIt2H2mDjSG59lBxgxIYxMxtrBoCjY7FWFq-TSHgQJVvS6sDzMGPgO8iKQQ5Ddy6_vzY4xBjFJPWpKnQ8M_iST/s1600/p37.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmLp8eAPF2tELc_kk0IWpIrIcZu6Ji9gPlzNXjlz05vVou_pr7MJQNeWmIt2H2mDjSG59lBxgxIYxMxtrBoCjY7FWFq-TSHgQJVvS6sDzMGPgO8iKQQ5Ddy6_vzY4xBjFJPWpKnQ8M_iST/s320/p37.bmp" width="320" /></a> "<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; line-height: 22px;font-family:Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif;font-size:14px;"><i>We desire but the good of the world and the happiness of the nations; yet they deem Us a stirrer up of strife and sedition worthy of bondage and banishment…. That all nations should become one in faith and all men as brothers; that the bonds of affection and unity between the sons of men should be strengthened; that diversity of religion should cease, and differences of race be annulled—what harm is there in this?… Yet so it shall be; these fruitless strifes, these ruinous wars shall pass away, and the ‘Most Great Peace’ shall come…. Yet do We see your kings and rulers lavishing their treasures more freely on means for the destruction of the human race than on that which would conduce to the happiness of mankind…. These strifes and this bloodshed and discord must cease, and all men be as one kindred and one family…. Let not a man glory in this, that he loves his country; let him rather glory in this, that he loves his kind…."</i></span>(4)<br /><br /> The concept of world citizenship could never be fathomed by the masses in its entirety. The energies released in the realization of such a concept of world citizenship and its prerequisites have caused an irreversible change that must occur as a result. The advent of the maturation of the human race is apparent, and such a process is still taking place across the globe. The shock waves can be felt in every nation on earth, and no one is sheltered from such a phenomenon. The peoples of the world are realizing that "the earth is but one country, and mankind its citizens"(5).<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik4oL9bGdZXAvV5KMFfJRuiUnEOUdW2UnsXOkxdb5OOIEtkCubV43vqL4hP3bOyPvia4nov11qyvGMD_IfCctKGXklV0rzTi-Muk3siKGtGRtXiDdQilALKxnqYDCn2ZSzmUJXdiIUjWa9/s1600/image002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik4oL9bGdZXAvV5KMFfJRuiUnEOUdW2UnsXOkxdb5OOIEtkCubV43vqL4hP3bOyPvia4nov11qyvGMD_IfCctKGXklV0rzTi-Muk3siKGtGRtXiDdQilALKxnqYDCn2ZSzmUJXdiIUjWa9/s320/image002.jpg" width="320" /></a> The planet is in need of responsible actions on the part of humanity, as a whole. With humanity's greater understanding of reality, such a realization should amount to a greater amount of productivity, progress, and happiness. With an increase in the potential destruction humans can cause, the potential production of the human race must also be just as large. Instead of a narrow-minded view of progress that is essentially harmful, people must expand their horizons and understand the full impact of their actions. Please consider the term sustainability. The effects of the actions of individuals are sustained - "maintained at length without interruption or weakening"(6). What one person commits on one side of the world affects everyone permanently.<br /><br />"Be anxiously concerned with the needs of the age ye live in, and center your deliberations on its exigencies and requirements."(7)<br /><br /> In conclusion, the perspective on well-being based on self-improvement is essentially the same as world-betterment. Self-improvement can be defined as "the act of improving yourself"(8). The perspective of many must be changed from a limited self-centered view with negative effects on the surroundings to a altruistic view with the understanding of the inter-connectedness of the peoples of the world. Self-advancement undeniably relies upon the advancement of others. Companies are composed of people, and companies depend upon people. It is the duty of every individual to demand world-betterment in order for anyone to act.<br /><br />"So powerful is the light of unity that it can illuminate the whole earth."(9)<br /><br />- Bahá'u'lláh<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5GxS5xd29Y_aUKKRU41JnnJCnjWgkz8YFrAqtiQxo5UmCs2OplfaLdak4Lb0Hs-_bCMO05uxCMQQKVerzttAsL7pH1B-ETqSsso4NBdI2EKS3RZSnWecMsk9cAnlRl8N7SZ8KQxg12rso/s1600/p36.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="427" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5GxS5xd29Y_aUKKRU41JnnJCnjWgkz8YFrAqtiQxo5UmCs2OplfaLdak4Lb0Hs-_bCMO05uxCMQQKVerzttAsL7pH1B-ETqSsso4NBdI2EKS3RZSnWecMsk9cAnlRl8N7SZ8KQxg12rso/s640/p36.bmp" width="640" /></a></div><u><b><br /></b></u><br /><u><b>Citations</b></u><br /><br />1. (Princeton University's WordNet Search - 3.0)<br /> http://wordnetweb.princeton.edu/perl/webwn?s=well-being<br />2. (Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá'u'lláh, XLIII, p. 94)<br /> http://reference.bahai.org/en/t/b/GWB/gwb-43.html<br />3. (Selections From the Writings of 'Abdu'l-Bahá, XXVI, p.76)<br /> http://reference.bahai.org/en/t/ab/SAB/sab-37.html<br />4. (Proclamation of Bahá'u'lláh, Introduction)<br /> http://reference.bahai.org/en/t/b/PB/pb-1.html<br />5. (Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá'u'lláh, CXVII, p.250)<br /> http://reference.bahai.org/en/t/b/GWB/gwb-117.html<br />6. (Princeton University's WordNet Search - 3.0)<br /> http://wordnetweb.princeton.edu/perl/webwn?s=sustained<br />7. (Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá'u'lláh, CVI, p.213)<br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"> http://reference.bahai.org/en/t/b/GWB/gwb-106.html</div>8. (Princeton University's WordNet Search - 3.0)<br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"> http://wordnetweb.princeton.edu/perl/webwn?s=self-improvement</div>9. (Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá'u'lláh, CXXXII, p.288)<br /> http://reference.bahai.org/en/t/b/GWB/gwb-132.html</div>JA Pilzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13092554203712897532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8590483301947896638.post-63594158139511675682011-03-20T13:32:00.000-07:002011-03-30T19:40:00.989-07:00Artifacts Worth Some Time: "An Explanation of the Greatest Name" and an article about the U.S. Bahá'í House of Worship<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> There have been many scholars who have wrote wonderful works worth noting. One of those erudites is Abu'l-Qasim Faizi. He has done extensive research on the Greatest Name, known to many Bahá'ís as the Bahá'í Ringstone Symbol. In short, the work should speak for itself.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://sites.google.com/site/abahaipoint/research-and-artifacts" target="_blank" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="187" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9hHx3sfRQFsGfRrlyh3ao-v7EuiQj2XSoHWhIOlsZGJFNrs-VI28pPrBf0beZZQNkXm8ozNCPrR5XysZVQtOaBcSX4jYJAoBdHYHRiJrYV1J8NyoM_ICKJ96WeLzT1-ahcUQhkLHaGkE0/s320/bahai+ring.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />As a final note on the Greatest Name, it must be understood that the work of Abu'l-Qasim Faizi is preliminary in its scope. There is more examination and analysis to be done.<br /><br /><a href="http://sites.google.com/site/abahaipoint/research-and-artifacts" target="_blank" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNWU6XiMVnRFgisawJU07HbZglBBGrPXbHapaJikJygtfUC8JsPDlf3t4f4M4vhJw2-lwcTA-Y44yS2U5Xtvp6jIPo7lKw4CVjKksxLf0irADMsOCaqem_Uhxi0eJEtyH4H3YjQ5TtvYLp/s320/3FGTD00Z.jpg" width="240" /></a> The other document to present is an article that speaks about<br />the Bahá'í House of Worship in the United States. The article sheds some light on the Bahá'í House of Worship - its history, purpose, and significance for the world. <br /><br /><br /><br /> Now that two separate articles have been presented, it is now the task of the reader to follow this link: <a href="http://sites.google.com/site/abahaipoint/research-and-artifacts" target="_blank">http://sites.google.com/site/abahaipoint/research-and-artifacts</a> to learn more about these two important topics.</div>JA Pilzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13092554203712897532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8590483301947896638.post-50417786335175917452011-02-18T14:45:00.000-08:002012-04-05T14:25:37.149-07:00The Fate Of The World<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"> This post is about The Next Movement that will change the world. People around the world must realize the only way to create change is through action. The world is in the hands of people who are building the future everyday. We are the people who can change the world.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"> Only a century and a half has passed since the following words were uttered that would change the world: </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px;">"THE world’s equilibrium hath been upset through the vibrating influence of this most great, this new World Order. Mankind’s ordered life hath been revolutionized through the agency of this unique, this wondrous System—the like of which mortal eyes have never witnessed" (1).</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"> </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"> Everyone must find out what is revolutionizing the life of mankind. The source of the change that is revolutionizing the world must be found. The people of the world must realize that the earth is the home of the human race as a whole. It is the duty of every individual to arise and search for the cure for the planet's ills. The guardians of the earth are not the governments. The people are the ones who will choose what path to take: To Let The World Burn or To Save The World. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"> The video that is presented in the article is a wake-up call for everyone. We are the Next Movement. It is the Revolution Of The Intellect.</span><br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/pdDedWXLHPQ" title="YouTube video player" width="640"></iframe><br />
<br />
<u>Citations</u><br />
<br />
1. Source Website - http://reference.bahai.org/en/t/b/PB/pb-63.html </div>JA Pilzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13092554203712897532noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8590483301947896638.post-40477591552676758952011-01-14T19:34:00.000-08:002011-02-13T15:10:57.577-08:00Stunning Panoramic Views<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">The links below provide access to detailed panoramic views of the Bahá'í Temples of Germany and India. Anyone can now explore these beautiful places without leaving home!<br />
<br />
Both House of Worships are shown below. The images are preceded by the link to the "Panoramic View" followed by the link to the "Official Web Site for the House of Worship."<br />
<br />
Please explore both of these beautiful places!</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://www.p4panorama.com/panos/lotustemple/index.html">A Panoramic View of the Interior of the Bahá'í House of Worship in India</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4WHZJ3lmq_4">A Video of the Indian Bahá'í House of Worship</a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://www.bahaihouseofworship.in/">The Official Site for the Bahá'í House of Worship in New Delhi, India</a></div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE_jIUI0SjlddsLhqxvBoMplO9FOmp2NNbLmoMCtTySAVgfwgp_k7LPhx4jBqqhnlhtJ72o_9IkWPBl-YusciU_DqFXERp-rSqRBWJIQ6esZALgoqhxuZt6w-aRoItNK_BBSPF3nHs6nP6/s1600/lotus+temple+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE_jIUI0SjlddsLhqxvBoMplO9FOmp2NNbLmoMCtTySAVgfwgp_k7LPhx4jBqqhnlhtJ72o_9IkWPBl-YusciU_DqFXERp-rSqRBWJIQ6esZALgoqhxuZt6w-aRoItNK_BBSPF3nHs6nP6/s1600/lotus+temple+2.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmsxtEMHtRPSa4eXd7j0Q1-HHbHHjLRFaQm6OUuit-odQZvivrDF45v0qzWhbjwwjG4G3SoCQMB1TjX69jq7UE-bPSee8oJN4CnFXvypCc8HgM6PxUsIX_6ChGoKcgOshooX79YAnyspjK/s1600/lotus-temple.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmsxtEMHtRPSa4eXd7j0Q1-HHbHHjLRFaQm6OUuit-odQZvivrDF45v0qzWhbjwwjG4G3SoCQMB1TjX69jq7UE-bPSee8oJN4CnFXvypCc8HgM6PxUsIX_6ChGoKcgOshooX79YAnyspjK/s1600/lotus-temple.gif" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Above are Photographs of the Bahá'í House of Worship in New Delhi, India. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It has been commonly called "The Lotus Temple" due to its beautiful form that resembles a lotus.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It is currently the most visited building on Earth.</div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
<br />
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
<u><span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.360cities.net/image/baha-i-house-of-worship?utm_source=google_earth&utm_medium=all_images#0.00,-90.00,90.0">A Panoramic View of the Interior of the Bahá'í Temple in Germany</a></span></u></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ES_GC09FATw">A Video of the German Bahá'í House of Worship</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.bahai.de/haus-der-andacht/">The Official Site for the German Bahá'í House of Worship</a><br />
<br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfLOe74T9Css8Q4LqLZ4g0eEumuwvuqQf29X3m9keQGVRq4eiZvDWRLY6w7WYbxFVpWflK_kMQyuv8ueIxDGyTtKUSFbLCoSvRuNikyQhO_4nP5UdgEj5CtePrbStuQ4aggm1Hod0L3spj/s1600/Germany+Temple.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfLOe74T9Css8Q4LqLZ4g0eEumuwvuqQf29X3m9keQGVRq4eiZvDWRLY6w7WYbxFVpWflK_kMQyuv8ueIxDGyTtKUSFbLCoSvRuNikyQhO_4nP5UdgEj5CtePrbStuQ4aggm1Hod0L3spj/s320/Germany+Temple.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2BALJ93qBeUY10TFIbAm_WekeD4bLb6HGzs1kVY8mak0X04rDbDLq295ncucv4MH3PQQSw4GIamifpU4M-QKvaaaCUAHNTh4-JOFnzdrGXDL_tHt5K2F-xXkt0rdc7kyDlyi-t_R0nhw6/s1600/germany.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2BALJ93qBeUY10TFIbAm_WekeD4bLb6HGzs1kVY8mak0X04rDbDLq295ncucv4MH3PQQSw4GIamifpU4M-QKvaaaCUAHNTh4-JOFnzdrGXDL_tHt5K2F-xXkt0rdc7kyDlyi-t_R0nhw6/s320/germany.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Above are Photographs of the Bahá'í House of Worship in Frankfurt (Langenhain-Hofheim), Germany.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div></div>JA Pilzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13092554203712897532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8590483301947896638.post-88716264481239679342011-01-12T14:42:00.000-08:002011-01-16T12:34:32.735-08:00The Difference Between Animals and Humans<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6RG3zTv-dBs41k9gh8b5ARh7k0F3Lof8JPs5-rG6i1N8AQXAmsmqADAgthHOBCqSiFBzovjhZRW_M6tz-q5rRVHsaiNDwaDeHZnaNYlLwpBLNENvUYyXoCCBf5fRQg04kRv58DwKgNUE/s1600/lion.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5561433794492203762" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6RG3zTv-dBs41k9gh8b5ARh7k0F3Lof8JPs5-rG6i1N8AQXAmsmqADAgthHOBCqSiFBzovjhZRW_M6tz-q5rRVHsaiNDwaDeHZnaNYlLwpBLNENvUYyXoCCBf5fRQg04kRv58DwKgNUE/s320/lion.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; float: right; height: 251px; margin: 0 0 10px 10px; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
In today’s current society there are numerous separate kingdoms, genera, and species in the world. However a basic generalization of all these organisms are the mineral, vegetable, animal, and human kingdoms in this world. Although these kingdoms may have some similarities, there is a major difference between the human kingdom and the rest of the kingdoms in the world of nature. The difference between mankind and the other life forms in nature is free will, which is made apparent through the existence of the human spirit.<br />
<br />
Free will is given to all humans through their ability to make a choice and decide on their fate whether they use it for good or bad. However, “Nature is subjected to an absolute organization, to determined laws, to a complete order and a finished design, from which it will never depart.” (1) While humans in and of themselves have the power to “resist and oppose nature because he discovers the constitution of things…” (1) Since saying that since humankind is not subject to this set design, humans may do what they please.<br />
<br />
Nature itself has no intelligence nor will for it cannot make any decisions because it has no soul. For example, “the nature of fire is to burn” (1) and “the nature of water is fluidity; it flows without will or intelligence.” However, man has free will hence leading to numerous inventions, which are due to the discovery of the constitution of nature. For instance, the discovery of the basic principles of physics have allowed us to currently create vast and incredible things, and the discovery of viruses and bacteria have allowed us to invent vaccines and cures for certain diseases. <br />
<br />
Therefore, mankind must consider this single idea: if humans have been created with free will and souls, should man not act more proper than common animals. Unfortunately, as our knowledge of the constitution of nature grows so does our free will, thereby allowing humans to commit more wrongs than rights. As it is written in The Hidden Words:<br />
<br />
“O SON OF SPIRIT! Noble have I created thee, yet thou hast abased thyself. Rise then unto that for which wast created.”(2)<br />
<br />
May the peoples of the world grow and develop to enable humanity to become a noble being; and use their free will to not simply profit themselves like simple animals, but to profit the entirety of creation.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />
References</span><br />
1) (Abdu'l-Baha, Some Answered Questions, pgs. 3-4)<br />
2) (Baha'u'llah, The Hidden Words from Arabic, number: 22)Adeeb Rohanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08547199527403176435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8590483301947896638.post-66623640251609540732010-12-01T17:34:00.000-08:002010-12-02T13:55:11.528-08:00Synthetic Biology: A Revolutionary Technology<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"> <br />
Humanity is undergoing a technological revolution the likes of which has never been recorded in history. It is true that humanity has more to accomplish as well. There is no limit to what the human race can accomplish. It is only a matter of time before another paradigm shift is introduced to humanity which will enable the process of progress to accelerate even further.</div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>A new science is emerging as scientists learn more about how the genomes of organisms operate. Instead of mastering the binary-code that is the basis of the technological revolution, scientists are learning how to master DNA. DNA is what the building blocks of life are made of. According to the forensic science expert, Professor Ian Shaw, "DNA is an enormous, complex molecule found in the nuclei of all cells in the body. It carries the genetic code and is responsible for passing information on from one generation to another."(1) Individual sections of DNA code for specific proteins. Proteins are required to build and repair body tissue. Proteins have other crucial functions in the body as well. Enzymes and hormones are proteins. Without DNA, which is the foundation of protein synthesis, humans would never exist on Earth.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Since DNA is such an important molecule, scientists in the field of synthetic biology have been working to unlock the potential of DNA for use in society. In May 2010, scientists were able to create the first bacteria strain from man-made DNA. According to Dan Vergano of USA TODAY, "The long-anticipated advance, reported in the Journal <i>Science</i>, is a $40 million milestone in the nascent field of 'synthetic biology' and points towards a future of designer microbes manufacturing fuels, chemicals and materials." (2) By manipulating DNA, scientists are able to essentially program organisms such as bacteria. In the future, scientists definitely will be able to program organisms to manufacture alternative fuels that will replace the fossil-fuels that is polluting the air everyone on Earth breaths.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4k9VcPeeh2ktwn-tJGVXF6-yhhXFiF8zwav24MhqTIfOWfqOL8OoMMhq5PiRuWajS1nH0yJb77NIAJtPfE532hELVUk0TyonYCUr_1axn5UznYFQtySdcsVuAH3IoUce7PKH8-b3eB9XY/s1600/genomex-large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4k9VcPeeh2ktwn-tJGVXF6-yhhXFiF8zwav24MhqTIfOWfqOL8OoMMhq5PiRuWajS1nH0yJb77NIAJtPfE532hELVUk0TyonYCUr_1axn5UznYFQtySdcsVuAH3IoUce7PKH8-b3eB9XY/s320/genomex-large.jpg" width="165" /></a><br />
Speaking of alternative fuels, the study team that worked to create the first bacteria strain hopes to repeat its success in algae as a step to producing chemicals from engineered microbes. "This is not life from scratch" because "[they] are taking advantage of 3 billion years of evolution to transplant a genome into a cell." (2) The possibilities that the engineering of DNA introduces is endless. It is only a matter of time that the field of synthetic biology leaves a large mark on human history.</div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
<br />
<b><u>Sources</u></b><br />
<br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">(1) http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/408202.stm</div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">(2) http://www.usatoday.com/tech/science/discoveries/2010-05-21-genome21_ST_N.htm</div></div></div>JA Pilzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13092554203712897532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8590483301947896638.post-23445976804179691642010-11-08T13:59:00.000-08:002010-11-10T11:59:07.181-08:00Human Rights<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXqUfn_uMO6tAqeEmAEkCoCISbSJWRj1TFNuDmSOKIprjndIAoZ3ZYFF8cIiGQWOdFNcyOTie9W2BU9GWGxJpQ_paBkRFLprsurrwc25XX6KtEDb6IE2A2NPa0kpCZ3Frm1d70bg6OCO4/s1600/Bahai.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537308963416452898" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXqUfn_uMO6tAqeEmAEkCoCISbSJWRj1TFNuDmSOKIprjndIAoZ3ZYFF8cIiGQWOdFNcyOTie9W2BU9GWGxJpQ_paBkRFLprsurrwc25XX6KtEDb6IE2A2NPa0kpCZ3Frm1d70bg6OCO4/s200/Bahai.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 128px; margin: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 200px;" /></a><br />
In different places around the world, there are many different levels of human rights. Some places are better off then others. We should all look out for our fellow brothers and sisters around the world. Many people mistreated for their race, color, religion or culture. Human rights are rights and freedoms to which every human being is entitled to. "<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">Bahá'u'lláh</span> teaches that an equal standard of human rights must be recognized and adopted. In the estimation of God all men are equal; there is no distinction or preferment for any soul in the dominion of His justice and equity." - </span><b style="text-decoration: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><a href="http://reference.bahai.org/en/t/c/BWF/bwf-7.html#pg240" style="text-decoration: none;">Abdu'l-Baha, Baha'i World Faith - 'Abdu'l-Baha Section, pp. 240-241</a></span></b></span><br />
<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><b><br />
</b></span></span></div><div><div>Here's a video on <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><b>Bahá'í Human Rights.</b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal;"><br />
</span></b></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
</span></span>The Link: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yuJ_x_EpKyc">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yuJ_x_EpKyc</a></div><div><br />
</div><div><br />
</div><div><br />
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8590483301947896638.post-23190093779886349382010-11-08T13:49:00.000-08:002011-01-09T19:22:12.532-08:00The People With No Camel<div><br />
</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">And now, here is a video about something that many people know very little about. This video is about the extraordinary. It is nothing but extraordinary and heartfelt by millions of people across the globe.</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium; line-height: 16px;"><b><i>The People With No Camel</i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> is a piece of history. It has an importance that the rest of humanity will only realize in due time. Knowledge is a gift bestowed only on those who are willing to know.</span></b></span></span></div><div><br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CsK9wVR5dJw">Click on This to See the Movie</a></div><div><br />
<object height="385" width="640"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/CsK9wVR5dJw?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/CsK9wVR5dJw?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="385"></embed></object></div>A Bahá'í Point Grouphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07391562939256848184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8590483301947896638.post-87818225468758517222010-11-08T13:27:00.000-08:002011-01-09T19:28:32.174-08:00A Video That Everyone Can Relate To<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P_g21wl48AY">Click on This to Watch the Movie</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<object height="385" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/P_g21wl48AY?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/P_g21wl48AY?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object>A Bahá'í Point Grouphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07391562939256848184noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8590483301947896638.post-65010659334132249602010-10-28T15:00:00.000-07:002010-12-24T09:10:16.246-08:00The Negative Effects of C02 and a Simple Solution<div class="MsoNormal">The world has constantly been under numerous threats, natural disasters, war, or simple prejudices. One of the most ignored and important issues today is the continuous problem of the excessive amount of C02 in our ecosystem. Although our ecosystem needs this molecule for numerous reasons, we must remember that anything in excess will destroy the world. In other words, moderation is key in all interactions. For example, if a man were to consume 1 oz. of water in one sitting then his body would accept this beverage, however if this same man were to consume his own body weight or even half of his body weight of water then the man would most likely pass away. The same can be said of our ecosystem, for although we need C02 an excessive of amount of it will only hurt us.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwNZRjZ49PNh2LLiEifY2pm0QUhT8Albajfg-gVm0oamTbK4G-biD-7xBmahAL48gVp0Z1xjgNfNPI8imFrHyoNSvZOKDh10kNFtC9oi_xV_tEjeE3fntCSVbtvDabqqEtjnrYhj6SdYc/s1600/carbon.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533222025619660690" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwNZRjZ49PNh2LLiEifY2pm0QUhT8Albajfg-gVm0oamTbK4G-biD-7xBmahAL48gVp0Z1xjgNfNPI8imFrHyoNSvZOKDh10kNFtC9oi_xV_tEjeE3fntCSVbtvDabqqEtjnrYhj6SdYc/s320/carbon.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: right; height: 208px; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; width: 296px;" border="0" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Due to human activities in the past 150 years we have been experiencing a large amount of C02 released into the air. In the 1850’s the concentration of C02 in our air was approximately 280 ppm and in 1998 is currently 364 ppm. The increase in carbon dioxide is largely due to the increase in the number of environmentally irresponsible factories, dirty power plants, and cars on the road. As humans, the larger our population becomes, the larger the demand for products becomes; and as a result of this, the amount of fossil fuels being used must increase to meet this demand. Currently 22% of the world’s C02 is from man and only increasing day by day. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Although carbon dioxide may consist of a large portion of the percentage of air in our atmosphere it still can affect us negatively in numerous ways. The world must realize that even though C02 assists with photosynthesis of plants to make sugars and other aspects of life; there is also a point where carbon dioxide can be in excess. Studies have shown how plants will fail to photosynthesize properly, when CO2 is in excess, which is likely to happen with our large emission of CO2. Mankind still has to achieve a moderate level of C02 emissions, or the world will eventually suffer from an excess amount of CO2 in our ecosystem.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Some of the negative effects of C02 are those of global warming. It is largely due to the fact that many scientists say that climate change is merely part of a universal cycle that is caused by miscellaneous things such as solar cycles and revolutionary patterns of the earth around the sun. Many people from various backgrounds try to keep discrediting the theory and automatically omitting it as a possible outcome. The greenhouse effect is a theory which in fact actually helps mankind in a sense because it warms the Earth by trapping sunlight (heat) in the greenhouse gasses (C02, hydrogen) and preventing an ice age from occurring. However, since there is no moderation in the way humankind releases these emissions, all of humanity must suffer through a disaster bound to be heading our way, for although hydrogen is one of the greenhouse gasses, C02 contributes 50% — 60% of global warming. In turn, global warming is suspected of causing an increase in storm activity, melting of the ice caps, and other environmental problems.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">As mankind advances, the entire world must realize that unless moderation of the C02 in the atmosphere is achieved, there will be countless disasters to come. Although they are not currently manifested, there can be no denying that an excess of C02 will eventually harm our current ways of life. Although the effects of CO2 may not seem apparent currently, once an extreme concentration of C02 exists in the atmosphere, it will harm us all. Therefore, let's put away the notion that there is no alternative to fossil fuels. Instead, let's act moderately not only in our amount of C02 being emitted, but also in the way we act and think. By living life in moderation, it is creating not only a healthy world but also a peaceful humanity. </div>A Bahá'í Point Grouphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07391562939256848184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8590483301947896638.post-66651283111972771782010-08-09T07:44:00.001-07:002010-09-04T04:09:04.766-07:00What Do You Think?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR5p4KUTnO2YO-kVX-z93qD-4HaHCnZ3p-RtGHNaPgm7KAsUX0Wr0lUhgoI56RDcY22rkTahPh3D91jriuMnfTernI2Yx1MuH2LzKRKXn9oGQJ0r9O7ZimdXjEl1MHyqi1pT-nZ2wwc2w/s1600/tunnel.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503424497780834146" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR5p4KUTnO2YO-kVX-z93qD-4HaHCnZ3p-RtGHNaPgm7KAsUX0Wr0lUhgoI56RDcY22rkTahPh3D91jriuMnfTernI2Yx1MuH2LzKRKXn9oGQJ0r9O7ZimdXjEl1MHyqi1pT-nZ2wwc2w/s320/tunnel.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; float: right; height: 320px; margin: 0 0 10px 10px; width: 214px;" /></a><br />
<div>Today, we are living in a world that demands new strategies to survive. Energy is a very big topic worldwide. Please share your ideas about what the world should do to solve its problems.</div><div><br />
</div><div>For example, should we use farm-grown energy like ethanol? Should we continue to search our planet for more oil? </div><div><br />
</div><div>Should we invest in more-elaborate alternative energies like solar, wind, and geothermal energies?</div><div><br />
</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">We want your input. Please comment below this post.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></div><div><br />
</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></div><div><br />
</div><div><br />
</div>A Bahá'í Point Grouphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07391562939256848184noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8590483301947896638.post-42604386331674004572010-08-02T07:07:00.000-07:002011-01-28T12:15:35.028-08:00Wolfram|Alpha - The Computational Knowledge Engine<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><a href="http://www.wolframalpha.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492073027456067554" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDt6ZAmNqPEakG8MySs4yhyphenhyphengVCbOEPjyHoKBYOQfkgfpt9kWKjWayUNkFexrV-hdRKjiuqGN9DhEXg4IQOGEFVQnWuWr8DUpNNV1G0vgUX7uIE2GfNeb8umgBmqq0QfJ0ikxQKRqZMdcI/s200/Wolfram+Alpha+logo.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 199px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 214px;" /></a>So many innovations have sprung from the Internet and the World Wide Web. From email to social networking sites to blogs like this one, the web has significantly strengthened communications around the world while spreading information. Just over a year old, Wolfram|Alpha, another web innovation, has already revolutionized access to computational knowledge.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">What is Wolfram|Alpha? W|A is not, as some call it, a search engine. Steven Wolfram, creator of<span style="font-style: italic;"> </span>W|A, calls it a computational knowledge engine, as it does not just puke back sites that may have answers, such as Google. Backed by twenty years of research, W|A utilizes a database of curated data from expert sources and trillions of algorithms to directly give you the answers. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia;">The main goal of W|A is "to make</span></span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia;">all systematic knowledge immediately computable and accessible to everyone" and "</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia;">to collect and curate all objective data; implement every known model, method, and algorithm; and make it possible to compute whatever can be computed about anything."</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The numerous categories that W|A separates its data is impressive as well. Categories include mathematics, statistics and data analysis, physics, chemistry, engineering, web and computer systems, units and measures, dates and times, socioeconomic data, health and medicine, culture and media, and people and history. </span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">W|A's potential is perhaps the most exciting of all. </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Popular Science</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> magazine identified W|A as the "Best of What's New" Grand Award winner of 2009, while W|A had only existed for eight months. In some schools around the world, W|A is being used by students and teachers alike to enhance academic learning. But W|A, as well as computational sciences in general, is still in its infancy. In 50 years, W|A will not only have much more data and algorithms. W|A could be a common tool of everyday life, used by schools, businesses, government, and perhaps even the majority of internet users. One way W|A has already begun to do that by enabling web developers to create widgets that only perform specific calculations and add them to their website.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">All in all, W|A may play in the future an enormous role in not only computing answers to questions but also in educating and putting professional knowledge into the hands of people of every race, ethnicity, religion, class, and country. </span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; line-height: 16px;"><a href="http://www.wolframalpha.com/">Wolfram|Alpha</a></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia;"><a href="http://www.wolframalpha.com/examples/">W|A Examples</a></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://blog.wolframalpha.com/">W|A Blog</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://developer.wolframalpha.com/widgets/">W|A Widgets</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden" /><input id="jsProxy" onclick="jsCall();" type="hidden" /><br />
<div id="refHTML"></div><br />
<br />
<h3>Part 1: An Intro to Wolfram|Alpha by Stephen Wolfram</h3><br />
<br />
<object height="385" width="640"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/FHIp6cHYkDg&hl=en_US&fs=1?rel=0"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/FHIp6cHYkDg&hl=en_US&fs=1?rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="385"></embed></object><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<h3>Part 2: An Intro to Wolfram|Alpha by Stephen Wolfram</h3><br />
<br />
<object height="385" width="640"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/TjFXW2FhogE&hl=en_US&fs=1?rel=0"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/TjFXW2FhogE&hl=en_US&fs=1?rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="385"></embed></object></div>Alex Clarkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15008194180103603546noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8590483301947896638.post-7639597409407855432010-07-23T21:24:00.000-07:002010-07-23T21:26:01.748-07:00The Ruhi Books<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The members of <b>A </b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Bahá'í Point</b> have now made it possible for people around the world to access, view, download, and share the Ruhi Books online. The </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>A </b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Bahá'í Point</b> <b>Group</b> has also offered to help facilitate Ruhi Book Study Circles. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Please Click on the page in this blog that is designated for the Ruhi Books. You will be able to access the Ruhi Books from there. Also, clicking on the picture of Ruhi Book 1 at the bottom of this post would suffice.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">What Are Study Circles?</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><div style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.4em;">The term <b>study circle</b> has become common terminology in the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bah%C3%A1%27%C3%AD_Faith" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0645ad; text-decoration: none;" title="Bahá'í Faith">Bahá'í Faith</a> to describe a specific type of gathering for the study of the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bah%C3%A1%27%C3%AD_teachings" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0645ad; text-decoration: none;" title="Bahá'í teachings">Bahá'í teachings</a>, with an emphasis on "promoting the well-being of humanity."<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-0" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1em;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bah%C3%A1'%C3%AD_study_circle#cite_note-0" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0645ad; text-decoration: none; white-space: nowrap;">[1]</a></sup></div><div style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.4em;">Study circles are a form of <a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Distance_learning" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0645ad; text-decoration: none;" title="Distance learning">distance learning</a> designed to systematically bring education about spiritual concepts to the grassroots level. Because they are intended to be sustainable and reproducible on a large scale, study circles shy away from formally taught classes, opting instead for participatory methods. They are usually led by a tutor whose role is not to act as an expert but rather to facilitate the rhythm and pace of the study circle. In this way, attendees of study circles are expected to become active participants in their own learning process.</div><div style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.4em;">Another foundational principle of study circles is a heavy emphasis on the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Bah%C3%A1%27%C3%AD_texts" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0645ad; text-decoration: none;" title="Category:Bahá'í texts">Bahá'í writings</a> as a means of finding unity of vision and action by focusing on the essentials of Bahá'í belief.</div><div style="line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.4em;">At the present time, the most common curriculum used in study circles is one that was originally developed at the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ruhi_Institute" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0645ad; text-decoration: none;" title="Ruhi Institute">Ruhi Institute</a> in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colombia" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0645ad; text-decoration: none;" title="Colombia">Colombia</a> but is now used in Bahá'í communities all over the world. Because of its origin, most <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bah%C3%A1%27%C3%AD_Faith" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0645ad; text-decoration: none;" title="Bahá'í Faith">Bahá'ís</a> refer to this curriculum as the Ruhi sequence or Ruhi materials. Additional courses used by study circles vary from country to country and include the "Fundamental Verities" and "Core Curriculum" materials developed in the United States, among others.</div><h2 style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; color: black; font-size: 19px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0.6em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.17em; padding-top: 0.5em; width: auto;"><span class="mw-headline" id="Notes">Notes</span></h2><div class="references-small" style="font-size: 12px;"><ol class="references" style="line-height: 1.5em; list-style-image: none; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 3.2em; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.3em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><li id="cite_note-0" style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><b><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bah%C3%A1'%C3%AD_study_circle#cite_ref-0" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0645ad; text-decoration: none;">^</a></b> The introduction to 'Reflections on the Life of the Spirit' states that the Institute's purpose is "to use the courses as means of serving the Cause and promoting the well-being of humanity." (p. 1)</li>
</ol></div><h2 style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; color: black; font-size: 19px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0.6em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.17em; padding-top: 0.5em; width: auto;"><span class="mw-headline" id="References">References</span></h2><ul style="line-height: 1.5em; list-style-image: url(http://bits.wikimedia.org/skins-1.5/vector/images/bullet-icon.png?1); list-style-type: square; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 1.5em; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.3em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;"><span class="citation" id="CITEREFRuhi_Foundationreprinted_2003" style="font-style: normal; word-wrap: break-word;">Ruhi Foundation (reprinted 2003), written at Colombia, <i>Book 7: Walking Together on a Path of Service</i>, Ruhi Institute, West Palm Beach, Florida: Palabra Publications, <a class="internal mw-magiclink-isbn" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/1890101079" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0645ad; text-decoration: none;">ISBN 1890101079</a></span></li>
</ul><div><br />
</div><div>Author's note: The description above was copied from Wikipedia.</div><div><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://sites.google.com/site/abahaipoint/home/ruhi-books" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFkdb34_j0QdbCCcR-c8ST8bwlu5HYgsVtS7miPVIT0LppSsLkLvLBH4ru6GPffiZG3UCFQrTtHkrt9-EgCye12Qd4DKlVf9qavwD1rYxlGPtX1VGOkgrzP15_v5HvfeDPKhkQ_y8dGGqx/s320/RLS1.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">CLICK ON ME!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div><br />
</div></span>JA Pilzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13092554203712897532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8590483301947896638.post-45552910967570365402010-07-08T10:59:00.000-07:002010-07-08T17:28:48.794-07:00Artificial Intelligence<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvnfWyQCigVNNN601aBztwsQ8-5B-trpH41p0ipxBptq_V7PVEkZirO2LsKLOAQDH_7G-1lTcOEdaTfWWD5XtFRs6amLRr96KHjLWv6um9K6muO3Lqm4iyHGXpy_x5FqEcRSWCo6vpxko/s1600/Asimo+robot.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 142px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvnfWyQCigVNNN601aBztwsQ8-5B-trpH41p0ipxBptq_V7PVEkZirO2LsKLOAQDH_7G-1lTcOEdaTfWWD5XtFRs6amLRr96KHjLWv6um9K6muO3Lqm4iyHGXpy_x5FqEcRSWCo6vpxko/s200/Asimo+robot.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491690864359801346" border="0" /></a>Computers these days are getting smaller, yet their power is increasing at an exponential rate. However, as technological aspects of life improve, the grasp of materialism tightens on the hearts of mankind. Artificial intelligence, in particular is a growing scientific field and obsession. It has been predicted by artificial intelligence scientists that within only a few decades, computers will have surpassed the processing power and cognitive capabilities of human beings many times over. Some have said that before this century is finished, a single computer will have the processing power of nine trillion human brains!<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br />Now, this may be exaggerated and a bit overly optimistic. Nevertheless, the prospect is quite possible and brings some intriguing questions to mind. Will computers or robots ever have consciousness? If so, should they be granted the same rights as humans? Could the human race be eventually taken over by ingenious, self-aware machines? Indirect answers to these questions can all be found in <span style="font-style: italic;">Some Answered Questions</span> by 'Abdul-Baha. When demonstrating the proofs and evidences of the existence of God, 'Abdul-Baha states that:<br /><br />"It is certain and indisputable that the creator of man is not like man because a powerless creature cannot create another being. The maker, the creator, has to possess all perfections in order that he may create.<br /><br />Can the creation be perfect and the creator imperfect? Can a picture be a masterpiece and the painter imperfect in his art? For it is his art and his creation. Moreover, the picture cannot be like the painter; otherwise, the painting would have created itself. However perfect the picture may be, in comparison with the painter it is in the utmost degree of imperfection."<br /><br />(Abdu'l-Baha, Some Answered Questions, p. 3)<br /><br />Humans are obviously not perfect in any way, let alone all ways. Thus, man is incapable of creating an artificial intelligence that possesses consciousness and self-awareness. Moreover, machines do not have free will like humans. All machines are limited by their physical design and their programming, their hardware and their software. They do and will unhesitatingly comply with all reasonable orders given to them if programmed properly and as long as viruses don't interfere. Unlike humans, machines don't take the time to consider if an act is morally right or not. Machines, somewhat like animals, can't go against their programming or instincts, although animals are capable of <span style="font-style: italic;">some</span> voluntary actions. A major distinction in the Baha'i Faith between human beings and animals is that humans have souls, can know and love God, and can control their instincts. 'Abdul-Baha asserts:<br /><br />"But when you look at Nature itself, you see that it has no intelligence, no will. For instance, the nature of fire is to burn; it burns without will or intelligence. The nature of water is fluidity; it flows without will or intelligence. The nature of the sun is radiance; it shines without will or intelligence. The nature of vapor is to ascend; it ascends without will or intelligence. Thus it is clear that the natural movements of all things are compelled; there are no voluntary movements except those of animals and, above all, those of man. Man is able to resist and to oppose Nature because he discovers the constitution of things, and through this he commands the forces of Nature; all the inventions he has made are due to his discovery of the constitution of things. For example, he invented the telegraph, which is the means of communication between the East and the West. It is evident, then, that man rules over Nature."<br /><br />(Abdu'l-Baha, Some Answered Questions, p. 3)<br /><br />There are people who channel the majority of their attention, time, and money towards attempting in vain to create an inorganic life-form that can rival humans in all aspects. It will be interesting to see how close man can come to making an intelligent, conscious entity that surpasses even himself in humanity's present condition. Robots can undoubtedly be valuable in doing labor and calculations. In the future, numerous computers may be used to operate houses, cars, and numerous other things, yet hostile takeovers by machines will remain in the realms of science fiction. Overall, no matter how much potential machines may have, our resources should be completely devoted to relieving the world's ailments and uniting the human race, rather than trying to construct an artificial race.<br /></div><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div>Alex Clarkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15008194180103603546noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8590483301947896638.post-29950870699110871542010-06-19T19:28:00.000-07:002010-06-22T16:56:54.528-07:00Update on Oil Spill<meta content="text/html; charset=utf-8" equiv="Content-Type"><meta content="Word.Document" name="ProgId"><meta content="Microsoft Word 9" name="Generator"><meta content="Microsoft Word 9" name="Originator"><link href="file:///C:/DOCUME%7E1/Owner/LOCALS%7E1/Temp/msoclip1/01/clip_filelist.xml" rel="File-List"><style>
<!-- /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} -->
</style><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">Recently, numerous proposals have been given to stop the oil spill, however the common disunion between our members of government continues to impede the progress of the oil spills clean up. However, when the lives of millions our at stake from the rise of prices of seafood to the death of innocent people from contaminated waters, we must stand united against such a foul foe.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Obama’s administration has attempted to fix the problem by hiring some experts on the environmental disaster. Among his workers are Ken Salazar, Steven Chu, Carol M. Browner, Ray Mabus, and Michael R. Bromwich. Although people have been brought to attempt to solve the problem, no solution or real effort has been aroused to solve this issue. Constantly the news reports of the disastrous oil spill and efforts being considered to end such a catastrophe, but the danger has not been stopped which will eventually pose a threat to all of life in the world. </div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal">BP has been one of the few to make an effort to resolve this issue, but keep in mind that because they had started the problem, it is their responsibility to solve it. Currently, BP has lost 86 billion dollars in attemp<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF_wcdLOIviEAscxzW8nyTXp5NxsbEgEjK1IS8lkIIh3vyf4kSC_7J834fONcZ9eS_zpwrq4hjxzy_Cz_NHHtVPxSEpto6fJ0VdoMtuOjJxIT2BEtKL3egBHONf92GJHucl-G66JD-D-E/s1600/Oil+spill+picture.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484677825988897298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF_wcdLOIviEAscxzW8nyTXp5NxsbEgEjK1IS8lkIIh3vyf4kSC_7J834fONcZ9eS_zpwrq4hjxzy_Cz_NHHtVPxSEpto6fJ0VdoMtuOjJxIT2BEtKL3egBHONf92GJHucl-G66JD-D-E/s320/Oil+spill+picture.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: right; height: 214px; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; width: 320px;" /></a>ts to solve the oil spill disaster, considering that the explosion of their rig had caused the undersea well to be blown. However, BP says that they will handle the remaining damage claims in 30 to 45 days, by this time the oil spill would be too deadly to prevent any irreversible damage. Some tar balls have been seen recently on Florida beaches, as an example of the nearing danger that approaches even the United States. </div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal">Now BP has made a statement saying that in the future they will take and receive people who make various claims within 30 to 60 days. Although this may seem dim, progress has been made because in the past this was not allowed. Also through this disaster we have proven that nations can stand for the greater good. Twenty-two other nations, including Britain, have offered us various machines to clean up the spill. However, these offers all come with price tags that would further the United State’s debt. Although humanity has made some progress in somewhat unifying to solve a world problem, mankind must realize that in order for us to continue to thrive, humanity must not be caught on material wealth, and should strive to assist each other without any conditions. </div>Adeeb Rohanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08547199527403176435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8590483301947896638.post-47029393337180670462010-06-16T14:41:00.000-07:002010-07-23T08:59:37.874-07:00Bahá'í Outline of EducationIn today’s current society education is most often mistaken with instruction. The purpose of instruction is to transfer knowledge from one person to another, much like children and their teachers at school. When one is properly educated this individual will truly understand himself and the world around him. The lesson being taught to the child will also have a profound effect on the child, and make him or her more useful to mankind. The Bahai view upon the purpose of education is that every individual should be considered as a treasure house in which God has deposited jewels that should be manifested through the process of education, thereby benefiting mankind. <br /><div class="MsoNormal">Unfortunately, numerous universities do not delve within a child’s mind and attempt to discover the potential within. The most frequent thing done is that if a child cannot learn the material it is presented then he or she will be left behind. The children who eventually are left behind become neglected and therefore left in a wilderness of ignorance. Numerous types of these children will eventually participate in unscrupulous actions and other various wrongdoings due to their lack of true education.</div><div class="MsoNormal">However, each child has a true potent<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpYLNQrLwGD0a-1Sdb5dquOM12bEycEWXMQjM_yxwO4KcBnHb9KemhqCfk3roZo-1CPbirYq3CMzwPBSMT2rHr4PkqCn8yNCQStn4qkuFjaBTfqLbjteypei8OMIjr7DfIf83Nyx6-BDw/s1600/Education+Picture.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483490732903322018" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpYLNQrLwGD0a-1Sdb5dquOM12bEycEWXMQjM_yxwO4KcBnHb9KemhqCfk3roZo-1CPbirYq3CMzwPBSMT2rHr4PkqCn8yNCQStn4qkuFjaBTfqLbjteypei8OMIjr7DfIf83Nyx6-BDw/s320/Education+Picture.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 320px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 320px;" /></a>ial to be manifested through proper education. For example, there was once a king of India who had four sons and wished for his sons to have private tutoring in subjects such as philosophy, mythology, and other subjects for that time period. The teacher had given them a sentence to memorize and write one hundred times for the first lesson and the sentence was “Don’t ever grow impatient, no matter the circumstances, and keep smiling.” After the first lesson one of the four boys reported to the teacher that he had not yet learned the phrase, but the teacher did not wait and continued to teach the other students. </div><div class="MsoNormal">After some months had passed, the king and some ministers had attended class with the four boys. The teacher first explained and said that, “These three boys have advanced very much. They have memorized so many books and homework, but alas, your majesty, this one has not yet learned the first sentence I have given him.” The kind and one of his ministers had rebuked him for his ignorance and lack of success. However, the child had kept on smiling and patiently listening while they yelled at him. His teacher had then discovered that this child was the one who had truly learned and had said, “Your majesty, he is the one who has learned. The others only have memorized.” Thereby, exemplifying the importance of proper education and not instruction in today’s society.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Although the path to true education may not be a viable option currently. The difference between instruction and education must be known for humanity to truly prosper. The children of this century each have numerous qualities waiting to be manifested, but only through the proper education process and not pure memorization. Hopefully, the world will recognize each child’s potential and properly educate each child so that they may be beneficial to the prosperity of humanity. </div>Adeeb Rohanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08547199527403176435noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8590483301947896638.post-60045160142471475882010-06-05T17:34:00.000-07:002010-09-01T10:21:21.227-07:00The Oil Spill Sends A Call For Change<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> With an oil spill that has been sending oil into the ocean for over a month, a severe threat is presented to the marine life, the local economy, and the future of the oil industry. With such a disaster like the oil spill, the destiny of the world hangs in the balance. The formation of methane ''ice crystals'' (formally known as a methane hydrate) along with the inaccessibility of the oil pipe has created a virtual disaster for BP in its efforts to stop the flow of oil into the Gulf of Mexico. The demise of BP can be possible with the propable legal actions to ensue.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> The legal problems that BP faces is only a glimpse of the waning oil industry. The need for a global change in the reliance on oil, particularly in the USA, is an issue to be dealt with. The increase in the production of alternative fuels is a necessity to drive the world in a new direction. The picture below stands as a testimony to the horrors of this oil spill and those to occur in the future. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.newsweek.com/content/newsweek/photo/2010/05/22/oil-spill-timeline/_jcr_content/body/photogallery/image1.img.jpg/1275646296260.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" qu="true" src="http://www.newsweek.com/content/newsweek/photo/2010/05/22/oil-spill-timeline/_jcr_content/body/photogallery/image1.img.jpg/1275646296260.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div align="center">(This photo is courtesy of NewsWeek)</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="left"> The world must realize that sacrificing the world's natural resources is not worth the short term energy gains from oil. The peoples of the world must realize that the short term gains are not worth the long term losses. Sometimes, the best choices are not the easiest to carry out. In this case, it is clearly visible that offshore drilling is not the remedy to an addiction on oil. More people are using more energy everyday. If the energy capacity of the world needs to grow to meet demand, proper actions must be carried out. A revision in the energy infrastructure of the world is neccessary. The future starts today.</div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left"> This disaster in the Gulf of Mexico might not be in vain. The possibilities of change are apparent. As a global community, everyone can learn from their mistakes and work together to create a better world. This oil spill is a wake-up call to the world. The world can learn from all of the aspects of the oil spill, and avoid another. The future belongs to everyone, and it is the responsibility of all to ensure a good one.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>A Word of Wisdom</strong></div><em><strong>O SON OF MAN!</strong></em><br /><br />My calamity is My providence, outwardly it is fire and vengeance, but inwardly it is light and mercy. Hasten thereunto that thou mayest become an eternal light and an immortal spirit. This is My command unto thee, do thou observe it. <em>-Baha'u'llah</em> (From the Hidden Words of Baha'u'llah)<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Oil Location Forecast</strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVBETka4DXO7mce_wklvmz26FbjX0MBT-gJPes6JNvPTFH1MI_32GbzFwNrJ1-Y8TuPeZwkALULMUpl3wnDcsfb5cKysV47dax74yLRPkmGA22CDBKrXbpSQUyTNSn-cc-QZyj9ZcT3VE/s320/gulf-oil-spill-forecast-0601-600x460.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511995528449494610" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 246px; " /></span></div></div>JA Pilzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13092554203712897532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8590483301947896638.post-13592679427671771822010-05-20T15:02:00.000-07:002010-05-24T17:50:46.572-07:00Electric Cars Being Made On A Larger Scale<a href="http://www.blogger.com/"></a><span id="goog_550390527"></span><span id="goog_550390528"></span>Finally, the Launch Date for the Chevy Volt has been announced. <br />
<br />
It starts selling in California by November 2010, only months away from now.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6rBmSQ4PFT98Ksoj-n7GWPJdQ8Lg4IlgKl3W9KX7mTWP2L9elXp4151JZwPbNQfEXg9hmyIblC5Si-b7RdBu3ynvnpIxMxV8SNSCHZ-tUzEFRVorr4qWKYaDqpOW9sy7WeQqU5wohsP6v/s1600/chevy-volt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6rBmSQ4PFT98Ksoj-n7GWPJdQ8Lg4IlgKl3W9KX7mTWP2L9elXp4151JZwPbNQfEXg9hmyIblC5Si-b7RdBu3ynvnpIxMxV8SNSCHZ-tUzEFRVorr4qWKYaDqpOW9sy7WeQqU5wohsP6v/s320/chevy-volt.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Why is it so important? <br />
<br />
The car seen above is revolutionary. The Nissan Leaf may be a great all-electric car with a range of 100 miles, but the Chevy Volt offers something else. The Chevy Volt performs more than the Nissan Leaf can with the ability to still use gasoline. With an initial electric range of 40 miles, the Chevy Volt can utilize power from fossil fuels and charge its battery when the battery runs out. That extends its life to cover a lot more than 100 miles. <br />
<br />
In summary, the production of these kinds of cars is setting the stage for a new future which includes a need to upgrade the energy grid to support electric cars. Eventually, mass transit will become more developed in areas previously without it. Progress is very good. People are now going to work for tomorrow.<br />
<br />
Let us all hope that this is a start to a larger wave of more efficient transportation. <br />
<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">With an oil spill threatening the lives of many in the Gulf of Mexico, people can see that producing more oil is not the answer to their problems. If the world can harness alternative fuels, everyone will be happier... except for oil companies that don't want to start producing alternative fuels.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzWkgaSWb1lnL5YKLhKZWr_axKxTr1FHZ16TzMFclgWXVXYg1-g7JyuxKSPDqoIRowLSQ8BVILGUBlkhDO8uSiqWt6VH-NEwKT2JZbTs6fVM2kQaa6D94G82XxK2An3WfTcGd2bfnExCUw/s1600/nissan_leaf_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" gu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzWkgaSWb1lnL5YKLhKZWr_axKxTr1FHZ16TzMFclgWXVXYg1-g7JyuxKSPDqoIRowLSQ8BVILGUBlkhDO8uSiqWt6VH-NEwKT2JZbTs6fVM2kQaa6D94G82XxK2An3WfTcGd2bfnExCUw/s320/nissan_leaf_2.jpg" /></a>Below are links to the web sites that give more information on both cars:</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://www.nissanusa.com/leaf-electric-car/index?dcp=ppn.39666654.&dcc=0.216878497#/leaf-electric-car/index">The Website for the Nissan Leaf</a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://www.chevrolet.com/pages/open/default/future/volt.do">The Web Site for the Chevy Volt</a></div>JA Pilzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13092554203712897532noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8590483301947896638.post-80167324233215165072010-05-05T13:44:00.000-07:002010-05-22T13:00:23.830-07:00Alternatives to consumer culture focus of new Baha'i document | Bahai Faith | Baha'i Faith<a href="http://www.bahai.us/prosperity">Alternatives to consumer culture focus of new Baha'i document | Bahai Faith | Baha'i Faith</a><br />
<br />
Today, it is well-known that a consumer culture is dominating the world stage. Businesses compete with one another to exploit people everyday to come and buy their product. Many can argue that this highly competitive atmosphere is just business as usual. On the other hand, a rift is forming between producers and consumers. Producers are producing more while consumers are consuming more until they can no longer.<br />
<br />
There is one question: can prosperity be achieved solely through the accumulation of wealth or belongings?<br />
<br />
The International Baha'i Community is addressing this issue. Click on the link above below the title of this article to find out more.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHirH5GeTuoCqETRfarlK7ZvRaFtqGmE3umALbvTUGNY3u-Y4YGbBgPcjaNB_D0B5zap1hZTX6YYmhuewa55TYIglZZQrvfinKRI09IeiWnIxqnZdJVgCJ4BENEWiYujrwYonDrzlJ-JIs/s1600/photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHirH5GeTuoCqETRfarlK7ZvRaFtqGmE3umALbvTUGNY3u-Y4YGbBgPcjaNB_D0B5zap1hZTX6YYmhuewa55TYIglZZQrvfinKRI09IeiWnIxqnZdJVgCJ4BENEWiYujrwYonDrzlJ-JIs/s320/photo.jpg" tt="true" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>JA Pilzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13092554203712897532noreply@blogger.com0