What Are The Recent End Of The World Theories?

Most of the recent end of the world theories are connected with each other. These days, end of the world predictions have affected the minds of people. Some are freaking out about the rumors going on. In the past, there are end of the world theories that have failed. However, up until today, there are recent end of the world theories that has yet to come.

Here is the list of some of the recent end of the world theories:

Predictions About Armageddon - The world has witnessed two world wars over the past century. However, several prophets stated that the Final War between the good and the evil will take place in 2012. According to the prophecies coming from the bible, great Tribulation will happen all around the world. In addition, as 2012 nears, lots of natural catastrophes will wreak havoc. These days, some of the recent end of the world theories including earthquakes, famines and wars have become inevitable.

The Occurrence Of Pandemic Disease - Included in the recent end of the world theories list is the likely occurrence of a pandemic disease. A virulent disease will occur and will devastate humans all over the world. Several scientists supported the theory because of its higher chances of becoming real.

Colonization Of Extraterrestrial Beings - One of the most controversial and recent end of the world theories is alien colonization. According to several recent end of the world theories, extraterrestrial beings will wipe away the entire human race and will take over the world. In the past, there were stories of alien abductions and sightings that have been reported. However, no concrete evidences were given regarding the particular theories about the end of the world. Some realists even criticized the idea of having extraterrestrial beings.

Massive Asteroid - There are threats that a massive asteroid will hit the earth. In the past, asteroid reports have been sensationalized. During the Prehistoric Era, asteroid was the one responsible for the extinction of the dinosaurs. As a result, there are scientists that advocated the idea as one of the recent end of the world theories. Some of them even calculated that the likely event will occur in 2036.

Solar Flares - It has been one of the most probable theories about the end of the world. Even NASA stated that the likely occurrence of solar flares might be seen in 2012. However, there are no ideas of how big it will be. According to several biblical prophecies, the sun will play a major role on the likely end of the world.

Mayan Calendar - One of the most famous recent end of the world theories involves the Mayan Calendar. According to the Mayans, the world will suffer from devastation in December 21, 2012. The Mayan Calendar has been included in many 2012 end of the world predictions. However, the Mayans did not give any exact information on how the world will end.

People are asking if the recent end of the world theories will really happen or it will end up as failures just like in the past. Having said that, only time can tell if those theories will really occur.

More Nostradamus are on the internet which shows the end of the world in December 21 2012.

How To Find The Most Relevant News Items Online

Picking out relevant news from the irrelevant junk that appears every day in the newspapers, on your television screen, or on the news portal you subscribe to, could be a tedious job. Especially when it is the first thing you are doing in the morning. Or better still, when you are looking for a piece of news that is pertinent to your industry and field of work, and all you can lay your hands on is spiced up stories, that if nothing else, definitely make sure that the news sells like hot cakes.

Moreover news readers everywhere today are faced with another major challenge. That of advertisements! All kinds of news portals everywhere are flooding with advertisements of every possible company that you have ever come across. From small ads, telling you how fabulous the company is, to quarter page to sometimes even full page ads, newspapers, news channels and almost every news portal today is brimming with advertisements. And while newspapers, news channels or news portals may be the best place for a marketer it certainly is not a pleasant experience for the viewer or the reader. Imagine waking up early in the morning, wanting to update yourself with whatever has happened in the world around you, in the last few hours, while you were tucked away in the comforts of your bed, only to be greeted with an array of advertisements of sorts. That definitely is not the best beginning to any day.

Hence many of you, who are almost addicted to news, simply get disgusted at this whole hoax that presents itself in today's world in the form of news. Especially if you have been looking for breaking news, or handpicked news, having to sift through not only a lot of irrelevant news but also a great amount of unnecessary and time consuming advertisements may turn out to be an extremely irritating experience. To now save you from this form of torture you have several news portals available on the World Wide Web, that handpick news items for you and not only that, usually these sites are usually free from advertisements of any sort. They choose relevant articles, from relevant industrial sectors and then place them under separate categories. This makes the task of looking for news a far more pleasant and pleasurable experience, because in this case you can exactly click on the category of news you want or be specific about the particular beat of news that you are looking for, and you have all that you need to know about that particular industry right at your disposal.

Explow is one such website which has hit the nail right at the target. Not only do you have specific categories like recent news, but you also have your news items divided into specific categories like Business, Entertainment, Technology, Health, Lifestyle and Money & Finance. Moreover you also have an option of searching the website for exactly the kind of news that you are looking for. With websites like these have made their way to the internet it makes the life of an average reader way simpler.

http://explow.com is a news website with user friendly pages so that you can sit back and read news with ease. We have used our experience and expertise to bring to our end users the most interesting news of the latest happenings.

A Blackfeet Warrior Who Enforced Federal Promises

Elouise Cobell was a warrior, as Jim Scott, vice chairman of the board of directors for Montana's First Interstate Bank, told mourners at her funeral service last Saturday.

But Cobell's fights did not take place on any battlefield. Instead, she carried her courage and quest for fairness to bank boardrooms and courtrooms, where she sought to end a long era of government mismanagement and misappropriation of assets owned by Native American people.

Cobell, a member of the Blackfeet Nation, died of cancer Oct. 16 and was mourned by family, friends and admirers from around the country. Over the course of her life, Cobell, also known as Inokesquetee saki, or Yellow Bird Woman, was awarded both a "genius grant" from the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation and the rare honor of a warrior's eagle feather from the Blackfeet Nation. Her work earned her the recognition of U.S. presidents and leaders of the American Indian and business communities.

Sadly, Cobell did not live to see the fruits of her greatest endeavor. For most of the last 16 years of her life, she served as the chief plaintiff in the landmark class action suit Cobell v. Salazar. That suit sought redress for more than 300,000 people who have suffered financially from the federal government's failure to fulfill its fiduciary duty for assets held in trust by the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

Though the suit has not been fully resolved, the government has agreed to a $3.4 billion settlement. Under that settlement, $1.5 billion would be directed to individuals, $1.9 billion would be used to buy and consolidate privately owned land on reservations, and $60 million would be dedicated to a scholarship fund for American Indian youth.

The settlement is an important step toward righting the series of financial and cultural abuses perpetrated against native people over the past century and a half, in the wake of the more violent conflicts that began as soon as European settlers arrived.

The particular problems addressed by the lawsuit originated with the Indian General Allotment Act of 1887, also known as the Dawes Act. That law, dressed up as an attempt to relieve American Indian poverty, appropriated communally held tribal lands without consent and allotted them to individual tribe members. Rather than redistributing the land outright, however, the law directed the federal government to hold the land in trust for its new owners for 25 years. In the meantime, the government sold off the "surplus" land left over after each tribe member had been given a meager allotment, dramatically reducing the size of Native American land holdings and interspersing tribal land with non-tribal land. This allotment method was part of a broader, systematic attempt at coerced assimilation, which also involved forcibly sending Native American children to schools where they were forbidden to speak their native tongues.

In 1934 the Indian Reorganization Act stopped future allotments and restored at least some of the so-called surplus land to its American Indian owners. However, that act also made the trust period for existing allotments permanent.

Since then, the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) has been responsible for collecting individual American Indians' income from sources such as oil and gas production, grazing leases, coal production and timber sales on their allotted lands. As of 1996, the BIA held control over more than 387,000 individual accounts, totaling around $450 million at any given time.

Around the end of the 20th century, substantial evidence began to surface that the BIA allowed huge sums of money to go uncollected or unaccounted for. The BIA regularly failed to meet established accounting standards, leaving only an incomplete, gap-ridden paper trail that made the true amounts held by individuals impossible to verify. A report prepared in 1989 by Arthur Andersen & Co., which was hired to perform an audit, stated, "The accounting systems and internal control procedures utilized by the Bureau suffer from a wide variety of procedural weaknesses and other problems, such as inadequate training and supervision of personnel. Certain of these weaknesses are so pervasive and fundamental as to render the accounting systems unreliable."

Meanwhile, as generations passed, the remnants of the allotment system resulted in the creation of what are known as fractionated lands: properties that have so many separate owners that they are of little practical use to any of those individuals. These fractionated lands can provide only minimal income to their myriad owners and, because of the logistical problems created by their shared ownership, are often left unused.

The legal settlement will compensate individuals whose money was mismanaged by the BIA and provide for the purchase and consolidation of the fractionated lands. Cobell certainly knew that the settlement she worked so hard to obtain would not resolve all of the problems faced by the country's American Indian population. Reservations today remain, in far too many cases, remote and neglected pockets of poverty, isolation, poor health and little hope. The settlement will, however, provide resources to make life a little better for individuals in the present and set the stage for improved land management in the future.

Although I lived in Cobell's home state of Montana for seven years, and wrote periodically about Native American affairs while I was there, I never met her. I left the state in 1981, a good 15 years before she launched her class-action battle. But, like so many others, I admire her accomplishments. Many great tribal leaders of the past had to settle for fleeting tactical victories while their people's freedoms and properties were steadily diminished. Elouise Cobell, in contrast, will be remembered as the warrior who forced Washington to make amends.

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Genetic Engineering: Boon Or Curse?

Genetic Engineering is the alteration of the genes of an organism, to improve its chances of survival, boost its immunity, help in its regeneration and reproduction, and in more complex fields of study - even clone them. It is the direct manipulation of an organism's genes. It uses the techniques of cloning and transformation to alter the structure and characteristics of genes directly. It has ushered in a new era of science and technology with many successful applications. The most notable of such applications include increased crop productivity, development of insulin in hamster ovary cells, development of organs such as 'ear' on the body parts of mice and the most known example that really accelerated the researches on genetics and its application - cloning of a sheep named Dolly in 1997.

Today, genetic engineering is one of the most hotly debated topics in the world. Many believe and hope that it can once and forever get rid of all human sufferings due to diseases, disability, starvation, etc. On the other hand, more conservative and pessimistic people - who actually believe they are rather realistic, argue that genetic engineering will never be able to accomplish what it promises. They argue that it will do more harm than good citing the principles of natural selection and evolution.

Genetic Engineering has a wide range of applications including agriculture, animal husbandry, medicine and surgery. With its help, various species of crops have grown immune to many lethal diseases. Hybridization has helped to increase crop yield. Today, many species of crops such as wheat are genetically altered for high nutrition value and quicker and higher productivity. Countries all over the world are adopting genetically enhanced crops which have helped to minimize food scarcity, provide highly nutritious food and grow crops much immune to various illness and pesticides. This has thus brought about a new era of agricultural revolution, which can hopefully eradicate starvation and malnutrition.

However, some people believe that genetically altered crops are not healthy in the long run. There are also doubts about the effects of such highly enhanced and immune crops in the much delicate ecosystem. Genetically altered animals are also thought to bring about similar problems.

Similarly, genetic engineering which has proved revolutionary in the medical sector is also believed by some people to be morally and socially unethical. Altering some organism's genes is thought to be against religious beliefs and values. It is also considered immoral to hybridize some organism for selfish human needs. Most of these arguments are correct and not baseless. There have been many cases of genetically enhanced crops being potentially harmful to the consumers as well as the ecosystem. Also, it is not hard to get to the point of argument that genetic engineering, especially cloning and hybridization are immoral and unethical. However, most of the people that support the ever-increasing applications of genetic engineering argue that something that might free humans from all kinds of sufferings is bound to have some drawbacks. These drawbacks are in fact correctable provided required effort is put in. Therefore, there must not be a stop to the applications of and researches on genetic engineering. It is too great an opportunity for humans to undo their past mistakes of conflicts that have brought poverty, of mismanaged civilization and development that have brought destruction of natural resources and disturbed the delicate ecosystem, and of thoughtless and haphazard technological advancement

A Survey of Top News Sites for Internet Users

Among a large number of news websites, only a handful are reputable and have earned the distinguished honor of being the first choice among a loyal band of new followers. The Internet had ushered a world of instant news which is accessible from anywhere at any time. Various websites had come up such as reuters.com; cnn.com; abcnews.go.com etc which provide minute by minute update of news and information which is happening around the globe.

Cnn.com is a part of the larger Time Warner Inc. which provides information and entertainment news, films and other programming across a global audience in excess of a billion. Cnn.com has been a definitive first choice for a large number of US and world viewers who always get their daily dose of what's happening from this source. Cnn.com has been a pioneer news broadcasting and publishing company effectively setting the tone for the day for millions of Americans. A global audience which riches over billion comprising all five continents also check cnn.com and the international section of both the electronic and the television media for their news.

Reuters.com is a part of the Thompson Reuters group, which is the largest international multimedia news agency. They provide news of the world financial news, sports, entertainment, technology and other news. A global network of news reporting including pictures taken, backed by a professional team of technology specialists makes reuters.com a first choice for not only news readers but also a global list of newspapers, magazines and online publications.

NewsDaily.com is another news site known for its trending news and a wide coverage of topics and issues. NewsDaily.com was started by ScienceDaily back in 1995. Since then they have had more than 3 million visitors each month and over 15 million in page views. NewsDaily.com has been covering major trending news since it inception more than one and a half decade ago.

Other websites that are also popular include yahoo.com which has been a popular news and information portal ever since it was launched back in 1994. Although the project that David Filo and Jerry Yang was trying to develop had nothing to do with commercialization and the popularity that it gains today, Yahoo!'s core concept of being a Yet Another Hierarchical Officious Oracle has been made. It took them less than 3 years to be known and become regularly use; soon more people were using Yahoo! That the founders ever thought that it would be possible.

Another great trending news site is Google news. Although Google news does not have an internal reporting system and what they show on their website are basically borrows content from handed of websites that produce original content pertaining to top news. However having said that one has a wonderful way to access all major news website a single place at Google News.

Many other news sites exist. A simple Google search can help users find what best suits their needs.

Online Debate Forums - Potent Tool of Opinion Formation

Online debate forums have become a potent tool of opinion formation. Participating in such forums will help the participants keep abreast of the latest happenings around and get across new ideas. Moreover, these debates help you to play the role of a socially responsible citizen.

One of the blessings of the Internet in today's age is that it has given a people a platform with which they can voice their opinion on critical issues affecting them. With easy accessibility of Internet, more and more people of all ages are voicing their opinion through various social networking sites and other public forums. These forums are not only involving people but also making an impact on the institutions or organisations which are the subject of the discussion. These are instrumental in creating awareness among the common people.

The popularity of online forums has developed a potent tool of opinion formation. Debate does not mean arguing and launching verbal criticism on one another to gain brownie points on a certain topic but to give a diversified perspective to an issue in order to come to a practical and mutually agreeable conclusion. It is an effective medium to promote opinion formation reflecting all perspectives. Important issues require an arena of free thinking rather than the presumption of facts by the people at the top of the society. Online debate forums offer just that.

There are many advantages of joining an online debating forum. The foremost being you will be enjoying a community membership comprising of academics, experts and a large number of people just like you, waiting to voice their opinion. Being a part of such a community and discussing issues with such well informed friends will undoubtedly help you in broadening your perspective. Participating in such forums will help you keep abreast of the latest happenings around. You come across new ideas and also get an opportunity to refine the old ones. Above all, these debates help you to play the role of a socially responsible citizen.

The online debate forums eliminate the importance of geographical location. Thus, in whichever corner of the country you live, you can easily participate in the discussion in order to give your own perspective and at almost any time of the day. You can voice your concerns and views while working in the office or before going to bed. This aspect of the online forums makes it different from regular forums where one has to take time out from his/her regular life. Moreover, on online forums, you need not disclose your real identity, hence you get an opportunity to voice yourselves without any fear or favour.

If you are a resident of United Kingdom, then you can join these debating forums to play a role in the solution of issues critical to society. These online initiatives invite people to participate in debates on various relevant public issues, be it national or international. The platforms cover all good debate topics under the sun - social, economic or political. While participating in debates on these online platforms, one gets to share views with academics and opinion leaders which helps in developing an intellectual approach to any given topic. This is the place where you can seek answers and contribute to the formation of a better society to live in, so participate and explore the issues in depth and feel free to speak your mind.

LeicesterExchange.com is a leading online debating community inviting people to participate in debates relating to social, economic and political issues in UK.

News Media and Its Responsibility to the People

Newspaper is the oldest and the most conventional method of focusing on different types of reports from several parts of the world. It also provides varieties of topics, contents, articles, news and many more to millions of people at their doorstep. Today, a large number of English Newspapers, journals and magazines in India are flourishing in across of the country. The Indian paper industry has been providing a number of credible English papers to the millions of readers, both at the national as well as at the regional levels.

Today's English news headlines can be classified in three categories like international, national and regional. Internationals English papers cover global news, national newspapers contain generally national reports and regional newspapers cover mostly regional rumors and highlight local news. In India, The Statesman is one of the oldest English new mass media of India. These are also many top and credible Indian English papers like The Tribune, The Times of India, The Pioneer, The Northeast Tribute, The Hindu, The Sunday Indian, Telegraph India, Indian Express, and Asian Age English News from the Indian State of Indian States.

Today, the Indian newspaper industry has gained marvelous ground of success for different languages of newspapers that are circulated throughout in this country.

But many English papers are the most published and circulated in different parts of India. You can read more about Today's English news headlines. You can get more information and all happenings in the country and the world. Indian newspapers serve as an ideal banner for companies who would look forward to advertise their products or services keeping in the mind strength of the readers nationwide. In this country, newspapers read while taking a cup of tea early in the morning. The papers stand at an advantage of making its stand in full view of the massive number of readers. Indian English news media subscribe and read all nook or corner of this country. Most of the companies advertise their services and products in big English newspapers.

Newspapers act as the ideal method of public relations due to its strength as the best way of communication. Now, English papers have earned for incredible reputation for high quality reporting and in depth analysis. Many English magazines and journals provide in- depth reports, surveys, analysis, expert views and columns and articles on a variety of subjects like campaigns, brand journeys, snippets on news, celebrity endorsements, research, features, interviews, book extracts and reviews.

Eqbal Sajid writes about " At A Glance of Indian English newspapers "like News headlines, Today's English news headlines, English news.

The Five Basic Traits, Continuity, Genes Versus Environment, and the Twin Studies

This article describes the five basic traits, continuity, genes versus environment and the twin studies. In terms of the five basic traits, I would describe myself as an extroverted, open to experience, conscientious, agreeable and not neurotic woman, or a woman who tends to be described by these traits. Not only can most people notice these traits in me over time or for a while but also they can notice them in all the areas of my life, such as the social, the spiritual, the financial, the physical, and the mental area. I am characterized by these traits in the long haul or in a continuous way.

There are two kinds of continuity: absolute and differential. Absolute continuity is the consistency in the amount of traits exhibited, and differential continuity is the consistency in individual differences in trait results over time. Some research showed how extraversion or positive affectivity, correlate to BAS or behavioral approach system, which manifests positive approach behaviors after incentives. BAS has dopamine and electrical brain pathways. Neuroticism manifests itself in anxiety, depression, moodiness, nervousness, hostility, vulnerability, hypochondriasis and overall emotional instability. I may have had neuroticism very mildly, for very short period of times, during childhood traumas, but, from my adolescence onward, I have been overall emotionally stable.

I have clients who score high in neuroticism, but I do not have friends who exhibit neuroticism and I choose to associate with people who have little or no neuroticism. After recommending neurotic friends that they get professional help, and after observing that they were not following my friendly recommendations, I kindly and politely de-committed and disassociated from them. I have no patience for people who act like victims of the world. I believe people create their own reality and everything happens for a reason. I believe adults cannot still blame their childhood for everything that goes wrong in their lives or for all of their failures. I believe people have to become aware, take responsibility, and design their future. Also, with the advancement of medicine and technologies, today, people can access any kind of information, so, if someone does not want to improve his or her life, unless they are mentally challenged, then that means they simply do not want to improve it, or they enjoy staying in a more mediocre state, or they are lazy.

In regard to conscientiousness, I am disciplined, responsible, reliable or committed, organized and perseverant. My word is law, and when I commit to someone or something, I follow-through and complete the task or experience, unless my life is threatened. I keep my word and I expect others to keep their word, as well, especially with me. The people who know me can safely say I am a person to count on. I like to keep my physical and electronic work and living space organized. I have implemented systems that help me stay organized, that help me stay focused and concentrated on the task at hand, that help me complete my tasks and that allow me instant retrievability of objects or information. This does not mean that if you enter my home or home office, everything is perfectly put together at all times.

I have a cat and a puppy and occasionally they put things out of order or, if I am having a busy day, I may not be caught up with my organization. In all the scientific, reliable and validated tests for perseverance, I score high. I believe that my perseverance is one of the major factors in the successes I have had and I have. If I really want something, I would not take the word no for an answer. At the same token, I understand when it is time to let go if something is not working out or becomes unethical. For instance, I invested three months of unpaid training with a company in San Diego. The company is owned by husband and wife who are going through their fifth divorce each. They have brought their drama to the workplace, overstepping professional boundaries, and, at some point, the husband made some sexual advances on me. Although I had persevered for three months and I was determined to succeed with their company, I determined, at the time of the advances, that I had to cut my losses, keep distance and let go of their neuroticism or emotional instability.

In regard to agreeableness, I am popular, I get along with everyone, I am empathetic, which makes me a great fit for this industry and niche, I love to help, I enjoy people and clients immensely, I am generous, and love is a priority in my life, maybe even over money. Love (family and friends) has always been the number one societal value in Italy, where I grew up. In the USA, monetary successes are usually more important than relations, but, although I am both an American and a European citizen now, I still, just like when I was growing up, embrace the old continent's values. In regard to openness to experience, I am usually the first one, in a group, to volunteer to try something new and pioneer new ways, as long as it is not endangering my life or lives of others. For instance, I am open to try new food recipes or combinations, new medical technologies (eleven years ago, I donated my eggs to my friends who could not have children on their own and they had triplets, but, at the time, egg donation fertility was brand new and not completely tested), investments, and new work methodologies. I take chances and I do not regret later. Sometimes I lose big and sometimes I win big.

In regard to openness to extraversion, I am quite highly extraverted. I am not afraid to talk to anyone. I am a just a bit shy with men I find attractive, but I am still extroverted. I get re-energized and recharged by being around people. I enjoy people. I have some friends who are introverted, and, because of my psychological experience, I know when they need to be alone and I am respectful of their need. Longitudinal research showed differential continuity in traits over adulthood. Many psychologists, including myself, although I only have a Master's, believe that childhood temperament provides a trampoline for traits to shape. Temperament is differences in behavior since childhood, related to genes. Caspi (1998) claims temperament becomes traits through: learning processes, environmental elicitation and construal, social and temporal comparisons, and environmental selection and manipulation (Caspi, 1998).

In my life, I grew up in Europe, in an isolated, rural place, which was torture for my extroversion. As soon as I could, at age twenty, of course, I moved to one of the most populated country on earth: the United States. As of today, I could comfortably say I could never live in the country or in a place under populated, for more than for a short vacation. Today, we know that genes are responsible for the inheritance of characteristics. An infant takes about half of his or her genes from the biological mother and about half from the biological father. Genes are transmitted through generations. Through generational transmissions, strange occurrences could happen to transform or mutate genes for the better or for the worse. Living creatures' bodies may change over time to solve environmental challenges or problems. These changes become inclusive fitness of the living beings of that species. The best example of these changes is the human mind.

The University of Minnesota study of identical twins grown up apart showed that genes contribute in a major way to personality traits. By the same token, for anyone to be alive, behave and develop personality, both genes and the environment are necessary. Research shows that measurable traits are heritable. Personality is the result of the interaction between genes and the environment. In twin studies, non-shared environmental factors that shape personality are: prenatal environment, accidents, birth order, sibling interaction, parental style, peer group and teacher influences. Genes can affect how one person decides to perceive the environment or reality or they can affect the environment that the individual chooses. For instance, in my case, being the second child, I was always compared to my older sister and asked why I was not like her. I rebelled against those questions, and I became her exact opposite. I don't think she and I have anything in common, although I love her. Was my personality the result of genes or the environment, such as the birth order? It was probably a combination of both, even if most of my family and relatives ' personalities are like my sister's and parents'. So far, I have only one second degree aunt and my only nephew, who share my personality, which is 10% of my relatives.

Longitudinal studies document that people tend to increase agreeableness, conscientiousness, responsibility, autonomy and self-confidence during adulthood, especially educated women. Jack Block (1995), through the California Q-sort, studied ego control and resiliency His studies generated the following personality kinds: individuated, traditional, conflicted and assured. In my case, I am definitely individuated. I pride myself to be original and I am often told so by people around me, in terms of my creative and original thoughts. I love thinking outside the box. I don't like to conform or be traditional; I prefer to be cutting edge and innovative, of course still remaining within ethical and moral standards. I have been one of the first Italians to adopt vegan nutrition. Perhaps, as a young girl, being raised by parents who were not fortunate to receive a high education, and having had a father, who became physically sick when I was six years old, I was conflicted. I thought I was the cause of that sickness, which is a natural thought for kids at that age. Growing up, I became more and more assured. I always knew what I wanted to be, to do and to have when I was older, since age seven or so.

Personality changes may occur depending on life goals, tasks, projects, values, coping mechanisms, interests, interpretations of the past, and visions. Characteristic adaptations and integrative life stories add on to traits in shaping personality. My life is a testimony of the previous statement. I am looking forward to continuing to discover more research studies in the field of Personality Psychology.

Japan Earthquake, Tsunami and Nuclear Fallout

My heart goes out to the people of Japan. In 1970 I was a member of a hula troupe and we performed at The Narugo Hotel in Nagoya for three months. After landing in Tokyo, our troupe boarded the 'bullet train' to Sendai (the northern capital of Japan). Then we rode by car for a couple of hours until we reached our hotel. The people at the hotel and the President of the hotel, President Kumagai and his wife Mama San greeted us with broad and welcoming smiles. They bowed deeply and we bowed in return. We were taken to a room in the hotel where we were treated with a special dinner of sukiyaki made and served the authentic Japanese way. We were instructed every step of the way about how to proceed with adding each ingredient into the bowl of hot soup. What struck me the most was the genteel, polite and respectful way in which the people treated us. I felt so much aloha in Japan. I loved the people and never forgot their hospitality. When it was time to return home even though I was homesick, I was sad to leave the country.

When the earthquake and tsunami hit Japan, I was taken back in time when I was there many years ago. My memories of northern Japan (Sendai, Narita and Nagoya) came back to me crystal clear. It was as if I had just been there. I remembered the beauty of the countryside with it's deep green color. The numerous fishing boats with their fishing nets dotted the ocean ports. The humility of the people was astounding. They spoke with low voices not calling attention to themselves. At one point during my experience in Japan, I contemplated staying there. I have been riveted to the television even though others may have had their fill of the news coverage. I had lived through a disaster, Hurricane Iniki on the island of Kauai that hit on September 11, 1992. This was a level 4 hurricane that leveled the entire island. I lost my home. For five days I was in shock. I thought I was going to die along with many other people. I'll never forget that sinking and helpless feeling. This is another reason why my heart goes out to the people of Japan. When you've lived through a disaster you carry a deep sense of compassion for others during times of need. Please pray for the Japanese people and their country. Whatever happened there could just as easily happen anywhere else. Have compassion, integrity and love. Visualize engulfing the country with positive energies and with white light. You may also visualize different colors of light such as violet for protection (the light of forgiveness), green for healing, blue for calmness and pink for love. We're all in this life together. Whatever happened in Japan could just as well happen to us.

Text REDCROSS to 90999 or go online to donate $10 or more for Japan. May God bless everyone!

Deidre Glendon MEd is the author of The Healing Light, Trouble in Paradise and Light of Forgiveness. A death experience that profoundly changed her life led her to help people with intuitive insights. Her tips on inner peace have helped many to find happiness and forgiveness in their lives. Just click on the books for more tips.

The Threat of Terrorism: What to Do

Terrorism threats are so serious they can shake up plenty of countries all over the world. They have also caused a lot of people to be always on the lookout.

Because of the harsh effects of terrorism to life, it's not surprising if you feel a high level of anxiety and stress. But then you can't afford to let it get the best of you.

Here are some tips on how to deal with terrorism threats:

Keep tabs on the news. Instead of watching the daytime soap operas or reading gossip blogs, watch or read news in CNN, ABC, and other news channels. You may also want to subscribe to your daily newspaper. When you're aware of what's happening in your surroundings, the more you're prepared for anything.

Read travel advisories. If you're planning to travel to another country, it's ideal you get to know first about travel advisories. What are the places you should avoid? What should you watch out for? Better yet, avoid visiting those countries that are in terrorism alert as much as possible.

Follow the security rules. Whether you're traveling outside or within the country, make sure that you're aware and that you're following the different security laws. A lot of them may be stringent, but just keep in mind they're doing these for your own good. It's a whole lot better to be very safe than very sorry later.

Be more aware of your surroundings. Be more observant of what's happening around you. Try to take note of anything suspicious.

Learn to distinguish between fears and reality. Sometimes the threat of terrorism becomes so real to you it paralyzes you. You no longer want to go out or ride buses and trains. You prefer to be at your home at all times, and you stop pursuing the things you normally do.

It's very essential you can learn to differentiate what's real from your own fears. Ask yourself the question, "Is there really a threat within our area?" Unless you can really see the common signs of terrorism, there is really nothing that you should be worried about.

Meditate. Before your start or end the day, meditate. Meditation brings you to the present moment, where you don't worry about anything. It removes the clutter in your mind, the negative thoughts that are causing your depression and anxiety. You can also combine meditation with affirmations or subliminal messages. These include the following:

I am a man (or woman) of peace and harmony.
I believe in love and the value of human life.
I can do a lot of things for the world.

Read positive news. Just to counter all the negative thought you pick up about terrorism threats, read something positive. You can research about the various organizations doing humanitarian missions, as well as how they're doing in their respective goals. Gather positive news reports about your community or even about your country.

Volunteer. You'll react less if you are more involved. A lot of organizations need your help.

Nelson Berry is the Pioneer of Subliminal Messages Videos and Subliminal MP3s Audio Subliminal Messages Online. Click for 4 Free Subliminal Video Messages Downloads (valued at $160).

Merger and Acquisitions - Future in the Light of Impending Changes in the Takeover Code

India is one among the fastest developing countries with a highly impressive growth story. But to sustain this level of growth there needs to be a favourable environment conducive to development. Subsequently Indian regulators are these days sitting on the edge, recreating and revamping the legal framework for Indian incorporations. Significant alterations have been due from long time. However, owing to the rigidity of Indian legal system, the processes have been outstretched. The business and number of corporate organisations have increased manifold over the years. In this dynamic era, one cannot think of sticking to age-old legal regime. A legislation which is too old will lose its relevance and jeopardise the objective for which it was enacted.

Therefore, one such law relating to India's mergers and acquisitions ('M&A') are finally set to undergo a complete makeover as the Takeover Regulations Advisory Committee ('TRAC') under the chairmanship of Mr C Achutan in a 139 page report to the Securities and Exchange Board of India ('SEBI') has proposed sweeping changes to the Substantial Acquisition of Shares and Takeover Regulations, 1997 ('Takeover Code'/'Takeover Regulation') which were introduced to regulate the takeovers happening in our country and to facilitate the orderly development of the related activities which would have an impact on the M&A market.

Brief preview on the genesis of the Takeover Code

2. It would be worthwhile to review genesis of the Takeover Code starting from 1990. Briefly, it may be stated as follows:

• In 1990 the Government amends clause 40 of the Listing Agreement according to which threshold acquisition level reduced from 25 per cent to 10 per cent; change in management control to trigger public offer; minimum mandatory public offer of 20 per cent; disclosure requirement through mandatory public announcement.

• In 1992 SEBI (Substantial Acquisition of Shares and Takeovers) Regulations, 1992 was notified.

• In 1994 SEBI (Substantial Acquisition of Shares and Takeovers) Regulations, 1994 was notified replacing 1992 Regulations introducing new provisions to enable both negotiated and open market acquisitions and allowing competitive bids.

• In 1995 SEBI sets up committee under former Chief Justice of India P N Bhagwati to review the 1994 Takeover Regulations in order to frame comprehensive regulations.

• In 1997 Bhagwati Committee submits its report on the Takeover Regulations to SEBI.

• In 1997 SEBI accepts Bhagwati Committee report and notified SEBI (Substantial Acquisition of Shares and Takeovers) Regulations, 1997 after which it has been time and again being amended to suit the prevailing market conditions in order to facilitate an investor friendly market.

Rationale behind codifying the Takeover Code

3. With the announcement of the policy of globalisation, the doors of Indian economy were opened for the overseas investors. But to compete at the world platform, the scale of business was needed to be increased. In this changed scenario, mergers and acquisitions were the best option available for the corporate considering the time factor involved in capturing the opportunities made available by the globalisation. But soon the predators with huge disposable wealth started exploiting this opportunity to the prejudice of retail investor. This created a need for some regulations to protect the interest of investors which were done through enactment of the Takeover Code and various other ancillary rules and regulations. The major objectives of the Takeover Code can summarised as follows:

Investors having the option of choosing to exit from the company

Tougher requirements for disclosure of material information with respect to the open offer enabling the investor to make an informed decision

Effective and efficacious completion of takeover formalities in a timely manner

Key recommendations of the TRAC

4. Key recommendations of the TRAC can be summarized as follows:

4.1 Trigger of the Takeover Code

(i) The threshold for triggering of the Takeover Code has been increased from 15 per cent to 25 per cent.

(ii) The creeping acquisition limit of 5 per cent in one financial year increased from 15 per cent-55 per cent to 25 per cent-75 per cent. Such acquisition can be made in any manner (including through open market purchases, negotiated deals, bulk or block deals, preferential allotment, etc.).

(iii) Acquisition of control over a target company would require the acquirer to make an open offer.

4.2 Size of open offer

The size of open offer has been increased from 20 per cent to 100 per cent of the shares of the company.

4.3 Offer price

(i) For direct acquisition - Volume-weighted average market price ('VWAP') for 60 trading days prior to the public announcement to replace average of the weekly high and low of the closing prices of shares for past 26 weeks or 2 weeks. Further, in addition to highest negotiated price between parties and highest price paid by acquirer and PAC during 26 weeks prior to public announcement, VWAP for shares acquired by acquirer and PAC during past 52 weeks also to be considered for determining open offer price.

(ii) For indirect acquisition - New price indicator introduced in the form of highest price paid by acquirer or PAC between date of primary acquisition and date of public announcement for indirectly acquired target company, in addition to the existing price indicators. Further, offer price shall stand enhanced by additional 10 per cent per annum for the period between date of primary acquisition and date of detailed public statement.

4.4 Definition of 'control'

The definition of 'control' to include not only the right but also the ability to appoint majority of the directors on the Board of the target company.

4.5 Deemed direct acquisition - Concept of deemed direct acquisition introduced if the proportionate net asset value/sales turnover/market capitalisation of the indirectly acquired target company as a percentage of the consolidated net asset value/sales turnover/market capitalisation of the directly acquired entity is in excess of 80 per cent, on the basis of the most recent audited annual financial statements.

4.6 Delisting

An acquirer would be required to state upfront in public announcement its intention to delist the target company. If the shareholding of the acquirer is between 75 per cent to 90 per cent after the open offer, the acquirer would be required to either bring his holding down to ensure compliance with the Listing Agreement, or proportionately reduce both his acquisitions under the agreement that triggered the open offer and the acquisitions under the open offer. No requirement to make a separate delisting offer under Delisting Regulations if acquire crosses 90 per cent delisting threshold through the open offer under the Takeover Code.

4.7 Competing offers

The period for making competing offer changed to 15 business days from the date of detailed public statement of open offer. Further, within 21 business days from expiry of the offer period, any competing acquirer would be free to negotiate and acquire the shares tendered to the other competing acquirer, at the same price that was offered by him to the public.

4.8 Non-compete fees

Omitted. Promoters to be paid the same price per share as the public shareholders.

4.9 Open offer process - (i) Timing of public announcement - A summary public announcement on the same day of agreeing to acquire shares or voting rights in, or control over the target company. A detailed public statement within 5 business days from making of the summary public announcement. (ii) Timeline for open offer - 57 business days.

4.10 Obligations of the manager

The manager is free to deal with the shares of the target company after the offer period.The manager shall file a report with the Board within 15 business days from the expiry of tendering period.

Analysis of the recommendations

6. On basis of the recommendations given by the TRAC, an attempt is being made to analyse the impact of the recommendations that would have on each of the stakeholder in the succeeding paras:

6.1 Promoters of the target company

Rise in hostile takeovers of companies in which the promoters have a lower shareholding will be simple. This argument is augmented by the new threshold limits from 15 per cent to 25 per cent.

• Substantial shareholders to benefit from the exemption that is provided in the case of increase in voting rights due to buy-back of shares that happens but this rule is subject to certain conditions. This rule also benefits those who do not participate in any buy-back but end up crossing the threshold for open offer.

• The present Takeover Code permits creeping acquisition only up to 55 per cent but the recommendations permits creeping acquisition of 5 per cent per annum up till 75 per cent for any acquirer who holds 25 per cent or more voting rights in the target company.

• Promoters will now be paid at the same rate for their stake as is paid to other public shareholders of the target company due the abolishment of non-compete fees. This move could severely impact the stake sale done by many promoters in listed companies.

6.2 Public shareholders

• One of the primary intention for creating a Takeover Code is to protect the interest of all the stakeholders and this includes public shareholders as well. TRAC has recommended that the open offer size be increased from the present 20 per cent to 100 per cent. This could be viewed as path breaking because it gives exit opportunity to all the shareholders and not just a handful.

• TRAC urged the Central Board of Direct Taxes to put proposal to the Government for an amendment in the Income-tax Act to exempt capital gains resulting from sale of shares tendered in an open offer.

• By deletion of the concept of non-compete fee, all sort of difference between promoters and public shareholders have been removed. A uniform price is offered to one and all, thus, introducing an equitable treatment to every stakeholders.

• Risk associated with the volatile market conditions will be minimised as the timeline has been shortened for the open offer. Largely the price determined for the open offer at times ends up to be substantially lower than the market prices when the shares are finally tendered.

• One major change envisages is with respect to the accountability of the independent directors. The independent directors have to compulsorily make reasoned recommendations on the open offer. For the public shareholders this is a welcome move as they stand to gain from the experience and wisdom of the independent directors.

6.3 Strategic acquirers

• Increase in the cost for acquiring a listed company on the account of increased open offer size from 20 per cent to 100 per cent.

• Due to the increase in the cost of acquisition the domestic acquirers would find it difficult as the banks would have limitations in providing the finance. Moreover, at the same time foreign entity, wanting to acquire Indian company, would be placed at an advantage as there would be easy access to money outside India.

• Delisting becomes easier as the acquirer can bypass the requirements of the Delisting Regulations and delist the company directly if the acquirer's stake in the target company exceeds the delisting threshold.

• There are newer alternatives to the acquisition as it now also includes their own liquid shares or convertible securities.

6.4 Private equity investors

• The higher trigger option of 25 per cent should see an increment in the volume of private equity investment as now they can increase their stake in listed companies upto 24.99 per cent without having to worry about triggering the open offer requirements

• There is still a lack of clarity on the definition of 'control'. Instances such as when a private equity investor does not have a positive control over the affairs of the company by only getting minority rights. 'Defacto control' provides a better solution here than 'dejure control'.

6.5 Target company

• As mentioned earlier, there is an increase with respect to the

accountability of the independent directors as from now on they have to give compulsorily reasoned recommendations to their shareholders with respect to the open offer explaining whether they are in favour of the open offer or not.

• There is a new requirement for passing a special resolution by

the shareholders of the target company if they wish to dispose off an asset/undertaking within a period of two years from the end of the offer period.

Conclusion

7. TRAC has attempted to simplify the Takeover Code and align it with the international best practices. The report of TRAC sets a benchmark to emulate before any new legislation is introduced since some of the important principles followed by TRAC such as sound statistical analysis, relying on past court rulings, analysing international Takeover Codes, plugging the loopholes based on some of the recent cases, etc., are extremely important for developing a robust legislation which can stand the test of time. If SEBI stamps the recommendations of TRAC with force of law, replacing the extant Takeover Code, then the Report of TRAC will be guiding light for takeover regime in India in the next decade to come as was Bhagwati Committee Report in the previous decade.

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History of Fast Food

It is believed that fast food originated during the ancient Roman times where cooked meals were available instantly during games and festivals. Fast food gained prominence after Merriam-Webster dictionary recognized it in the year 1951. In some countries like India, the fast food industry is exploding and growing at the rate of 41 percent each year.

Fast food is one that is available readily and served to the customers through a fast service. The culture started essentially as an urban phenomenon to meet the needs of busy people. The concept of fast food is very old, but it became modernized and professional after the end of the Second World War.

Some popular food outlets:

White Castle
It is one of the oldest food chains in the U.S. It was started by Billy Ingram in the year 1921 in Wichita, Kansas. The company has the reputation of being the first one to sell a billion burgers.

Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC)
It is popularly known as KFC throughout the world. It was founded by Harland Sanders in 1930 as a single outlet. Today it has worldwide presence. KFC is better known for its fried chicken and it boasts of a recipe that is very confidential.

7- Eleven
It is another popular food outlet in the U.S with around 7,100 outlets. It sells ice blocks to refrigerated foods.

McDonald's
Started as a drive-in restaurant in the U.S., it has its outlets spread across all the continents. The founding fathers were Dick and Mac McDonalds. It sells food items ranging from hamburgers, milk, coffee, soft drinks, French fries and milkshakes. It has 31,000 outlets globally in 126 countries and the business revenue is 13 billion per year.

All may not like fast foods, not all foods are good for you. Junk foods contain high fat in them and cause obesity.

About Author:
Kum Martin is an online leading expert in people biography. He also offers top quality articles like:
American Indian Movement, Christopher Columbus Facts

The Sanctuary Mission

We say change is great; luckily for the community Nada Thomson made a big change from organising properties to lives. Nada Thomson started out as a Personal Organizer with her own business called Artful Organizers and made the change into supporting the poor around 2006.

As a Christian organisation, it seeks to assist those members of the community who would otherwise be ignored. Any ethnic groups regardless of religion are welcome, the Sanctuary will try to help as many people as they can. The mission consists of men and women from 25 to 55. The help they supply, helps the thousands of people who pass through their doors every year.

The street outreach team does an essential job, going out to the community on their own turf, offering and giving support such as meals and Children's Aid. The support does not stop there, the Sanctuary also has health clinics, support for those who are using drugs and rehab for the mind and body. Purposeful employment is another service, with teams helping people into work through employment training.

To commemorate Xmas, the Sanctuary gives a big Christmas feast which takes place each year. This feast is made more special with a play, a talent show and from the church donation, a gift bag is given out. Through the summer there is a 5k walk and in September the charity has a music concert. The events are not just for the people who rely on the mission for assistance, anyone that contributes is welcome, this way they can see their money is put to good use. There genuinely should be no difference between rich and poor, people are part of a community. People, who have been stripped of their significance to society, will be given back their pride. Making a difference is more than just supplying money but also about getting new friends.

We're not here to substitute social services, we're here to work alongside social services, Thomson tells us. People are regarded as friends and are now living in a property rather than on the street. These people could not do it by themselves, for that reason the Sanctuary has helped them find a house and furnish it.

The life of a young woman, born and growing up in Toronto is one of the Sanctuary's success stories and gives you an idea of the help given. After she was born this baby was placed in the foster care system; the following facts will show you why. This poor baby never stood a chance of a good life when it began with a family member setting fire to her cot. Inadequate hygiene led to her grandmother seeing her covered in cockroaches. One of the worst heinous acts she was put through was that of being sexually abused. When she was in foster care the heartache did not come to an, with numerous foster homes, addictions and relationships that didn't last, this, now young woman, was at a very low point in her life. A multitude people helped her and she has now been a regular at Sanctuary for four years.

Julie Kinnear is MLS GTA agent and environmental activist.