2010-05-27 17:50:00
/New Delhi, May 27 (IANS) Thousands of Buddhists from all over the world, including the Dalai Lama and the Karmapa, Thursday led the Buddha Purnima celebrations in India that was attended by hundreds of monks from as far as Tibet and Nepal.
The Dalai Lama, leader of the Tibetan community, inaugurated a sprawling 22-acre park in Patna to commemorate Lord Buddha's 2,554th birth anniversary that is celebrated as Buddha Purnima.
It is the most sacred day for Buddhists as it not just marks the birth anniversary, but also enlightenment and passing to final Nirvana of Lord Buddha.
The inauguration of the Rs.125-crore Buddha Smriti (memorial) Park was attended by delegations from four predominantly Buddhist countries -- Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Japan and Thailand.
The foreign delegations brought consecrated Buddha urns and gifts that were kept at the memorial park by the Dalai Lama. He also planted a sapling of the tree under which Buddha is believed to have attained enlightenment in Bodh Gaya.
In Bodh Gaya, hundreds of Buddhists from across the world celebrated the occasion, the focus of the events being the Mahabodhi temple that is the faith's holiest shrine.
Delhi celebrated Buddha Purnima, enriched by the presence of hundreds of monks and lamas from all over the country besides Tibet and Nepal, including the Karmapa, one of the most important lineage holders of the teachings of Tibetan Buddhism.
As it is the first time that Buddha Purnima has fallen on the same day as per the Hindu and Tibetan calendars, it made the day very auspicious. The celebrations were marked by the arrival of the 17th Karmapa, Trinley Thaye Dorje, spiritual head of the Karma Kagyu tradition of Tibetan Buddhism.
'The Dharma is known as one of the best objectives of life, and it is accepted by one and all as the path of peace and prosperity. I pray for the sake of world peace and urge you all to do the same to overcome evil and the power of love to overcome unrest among all the people of the entire nation,' Dorje said.
In Dharamsala, where the Dalai Lama and most Tibetans live in exile since they fled to India in 1959, special prayers, sermons and recitation of Buddhist scriptures were conducted to mark the occasion by thousands of faithful followers.
Over 150,000 Tibetans live outside Tibet, most of them in India. There are an estimated six million Tibetans worldwide, including in Tibet.
Monday, May 31, 2010
Sunday, May 30, 2010
The Spiritual Pursuit of Today's Enlightenment
Spiritual formation occurs primarily in the context of community. Persons who remain connected with their brothers and sisters in the local church almost invariably grow in self-understanding. And they mature in their ability to relate in healthy ways to God and to fellow human beings. This is especially the case for those courageous Christians who stick it out through the messy process of interpersonal conflict. Long-term relationships are the crucible of genuine progress in the Christian life. People who stay grow.
People who leave do not grow. We all know persons consumed with spiritual wanderlust. We never get to know them well because they cannot seem to stay put. They move from church to church, avoiding conflict or ever searching for a congregation that will better satisfy their felt needs. Like trees repeatedly transplanted from soil to soil, these spiritual nomads fail to put down roots, and they seldom experience lasting, fruitful growth in their Christian lives.Despite what we know about spiritual growth, nearly all churches in America are characterized by an unwillingness of members to commit themselves deeply to their respective church. For some, it means church hopping; for most, it means keeping the church at arm's length—that is, living as if the individual's life is primary and that of the church is secondary.
Social scientists have intensively studied the particularly pervasive loss of social capital and lack of genuine community that characterize life in America and its churches. They have concluded that we are a radically individualistic society, oriented toward personal fulfillment in ways profoundly more "me-centered" than any other culture or people-group in world history. It is our individualism—our insistence that the rights and satisfaction of the individual must take priority over any group to which one belongs—that has seriously compromised our ability to stay in relationship and grow with one another as God intends.
As George Barna noted over a decade ago, American Christians are now quite convinced that "spiritual enlightenment comes from diligence in a discovery process, rather than commitment to a faith group and perspective." The faith is all about me—about God's wonderful plan for me, about my spiritual gifts, about how God can meet my needs and save my marriage. Culture has hijacked Christ. We have recast the wondrous God of salvation history in the role of a divine therapist who aids the individual Christian in his or her personal quest for spiritual fulfillment and self-discovery.
With such meager commitment to the church, it's little wonder that spiritual life in North America is so stunted.
Group Comes First
The early Christians had a markedly different perspective. Jesus' early followers were convinced that the group comes first—that I as an individual will become all God wants me to be only when I begin to view my goals, desires, and relational needs as secondary to what God is doing through his people, the local church. The group, not the individual, took priority in a believer's life in the early church. And this perspective (social scientists refer to it as "strong group") was hardly unique to Christianity. Strong-group values defined the broader social landscape of the ancient world and characterized the lives of Jews, Christians, and pagans alike. Note the second-century historian Josephus's perspective on activities at the Jerusalem Temple:
At these sacrifices, prayers for the welfare of the community must take precedence over those for ourselves; for we are born for fellowship, and he who sets its claims above his private interests is specially acceptable to God.
People who leave do not grow. We all know persons consumed with spiritual wanderlust. We never get to know them well because they cannot seem to stay put. They move from church to church, avoiding conflict or ever searching for a congregation that will better satisfy their felt needs. Like trees repeatedly transplanted from soil to soil, these spiritual nomads fail to put down roots, and they seldom experience lasting, fruitful growth in their Christian lives.Despite what we know about spiritual growth, nearly all churches in America are characterized by an unwillingness of members to commit themselves deeply to their respective church. For some, it means church hopping; for most, it means keeping the church at arm's length—that is, living as if the individual's life is primary and that of the church is secondary.
Social scientists have intensively studied the particularly pervasive loss of social capital and lack of genuine community that characterize life in America and its churches. They have concluded that we are a radically individualistic society, oriented toward personal fulfillment in ways profoundly more "me-centered" than any other culture or people-group in world history. It is our individualism—our insistence that the rights and satisfaction of the individual must take priority over any group to which one belongs—that has seriously compromised our ability to stay in relationship and grow with one another as God intends.
As George Barna noted over a decade ago, American Christians are now quite convinced that "spiritual enlightenment comes from diligence in a discovery process, rather than commitment to a faith group and perspective." The faith is all about me—about God's wonderful plan for me, about my spiritual gifts, about how God can meet my needs and save my marriage. Culture has hijacked Christ. We have recast the wondrous God of salvation history in the role of a divine therapist who aids the individual Christian in his or her personal quest for spiritual fulfillment and self-discovery.
With such meager commitment to the church, it's little wonder that spiritual life in North America is so stunted.
Group Comes First
The early Christians had a markedly different perspective. Jesus' early followers were convinced that the group comes first—that I as an individual will become all God wants me to be only when I begin to view my goals, desires, and relational needs as secondary to what God is doing through his people, the local church. The group, not the individual, took priority in a believer's life in the early church. And this perspective (social scientists refer to it as "strong group") was hardly unique to Christianity. Strong-group values defined the broader social landscape of the ancient world and characterized the lives of Jews, Christians, and pagans alike. Note the second-century historian Josephus's perspective on activities at the Jerusalem Temple:
At these sacrifices, prayers for the welfare of the community must take precedence over those for ourselves; for we are born for fellowship, and he who sets its claims above his private interests is specially acceptable to God.
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Memorial Day Honors
NEW BEDFORD — American Legion Post 1 and Auxiliary will conduct Memorial Day Exercises at 10:30 a.m. Sunday, May 30 at the Veterans' Plot in Pine Grove Cemetery and at noon at the Vietnam Veterans' Honor Roll at City Hall on William Street.
Memorial Day Exercises also will be held at 8:15 a.m. Monday, May 31 at the Veterans' Plot in Rural Cemetery and at 10 a.m. at the Veterans' Plot in St. Mary's Cemetery.
In addition, Post 1 veterans will participate in the New Bedford Memorial Day Parade at 11:30 a.m. Monday, May 31.
"We invite all veterans who are not associated with any veterans' organization to march with our post," said Commander Alvan T. Fuller.
For more information on how to become a member of the American Legion Post 1 Auxiliary, call Bernice Stenson, at (508) 992-9531.
"Our members who volunteer with their families and friends are greatly appreciated," said Stenson, who has served as auxiliary president since 1982.
The auxiliary is open to mothers, wives, daughters, granddaughters and stepfamilies of veterans.
Memorial Day Exercises also will be held at 8:15 a.m. Monday, May 31 at the Veterans' Plot in Rural Cemetery and at 10 a.m. at the Veterans' Plot in St. Mary's Cemetery.
In addition, Post 1 veterans will participate in the New Bedford Memorial Day Parade at 11:30 a.m. Monday, May 31.
"We invite all veterans who are not associated with any veterans' organization to march with our post," said Commander Alvan T. Fuller.
For more information on how to become a member of the American Legion Post 1 Auxiliary, call Bernice Stenson, at (508) 992-9531.
"Our members who volunteer with their families and friends are greatly appreciated," said Stenson, who has served as auxiliary president since 1982.
The auxiliary is open to mothers, wives, daughters, granddaughters and stepfamilies of veterans.
Friday, May 28, 2010
German Court Gets Religion in School Right
(AP) – 11 hours ago
BERLIN — A German court says that a Berlin high school doesn't have to provide a 16-year-old Muslim student with a private room to pray in during school hours.
The decision Thursday by a Berlin administrative court overturned a lower court's ruling last year that granting a private room was necessary to guarantee the student's right to freedom of religion.
But the higher court said that one pupil's rights could not be put before the good of the group as a whole.
It argued that in a school with students of various religious beliefs, neutrality was required to ensure a proper learning environment.
Copyright © 2010 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
BERLIN — A German court says that a Berlin high school doesn't have to provide a 16-year-old Muslim student with a private room to pray in during school hours.
The decision Thursday by a Berlin administrative court overturned a lower court's ruling last year that granting a private room was necessary to guarantee the student's right to freedom of religion.
But the higher court said that one pupil's rights could not be put before the good of the group as a whole.
It argued that in a school with students of various religious beliefs, neutrality was required to ensure a proper learning environment.
Copyright © 2010 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Self Help Guru Accussed!!!
(CN) - A translator of the Tao Te Ching claims that self-help guru Wayne Dyer, who rose to fame in 1976 with his best-selling "Your Erroneous Zones," lifted more than 200 lines of his work in two recent books sold in print, audio downloads for Kindle and iPhone, and in spinoff products such as calendars.
In his complaint in Los Angeles Federal Court, Stephen Mitchell says he spent 14 years producing his "interpretation" of Lao-Tzu's book, which he published, and copyrighted, as "Tao Te Ching: A New English Version."
Mitchell claims Dyer "copied verbatim a significant portion Mitchell's book" in two recent books, both published by co-defendant Hay House: "Living the Wisdom of the Tao" and "Change Your Thoughts - Change Your Life," and in "a number of spinoff products ranging from wall calendars to iPod applications."
Mitchell says his Tao Te Ching "is famous and beloved" and has sold more than 900,000 copies. His other translations include "The Gospel According to Jesus," which he translated from Greek, translations of Rilke from German and Neruda from Spanish, according to the complaint.
Mitchell says he "has also written interpretive versions of works in Chinese, Sanskrit and Akkadian." He says that for his Tao Te Ching, which he apparently translated from other translations, he spent 14 year "immers(ing) himself in intensive Zen training, which gave him a special, experiential insight into Law-tzu's wisdom."
"The book embodies language that conveys Mitchell's vision of Lao-tzu's meaning and the spirit of his teaching," the complaint states. "Some of the book's chapters expand on the literal translation; some chapters are Mitchell's original improvisations on Lao-tzu's theme. Accordingly, Mitchell's book is a highly original work."
Mitchell claims that Dyer has sold at least 64,000 paperback copies of "Living the Wisdom of the Tao," and 500,000 hardcover copies of "Change Your Thoughts."
He seeks an injunction to block the continued infringement of his copyright, unspecified damages and disgorgement of profits gained from his "time, energy, hard work, and creativity."
He is represented by Bryan Freedman and Jesse Kaplan with Freedman & Taitelman of Los Angeles.
In his complaint in Los Angeles Federal Court, Stephen Mitchell says he spent 14 years producing his "interpretation" of Lao-Tzu's book, which he published, and copyrighted, as "Tao Te Ching: A New English Version."
Mitchell claims Dyer "copied verbatim a significant portion Mitchell's book" in two recent books, both published by co-defendant Hay House: "Living the Wisdom of the Tao" and "Change Your Thoughts - Change Your Life," and in "a number of spinoff products ranging from wall calendars to iPod applications."
Mitchell says his Tao Te Ching "is famous and beloved" and has sold more than 900,000 copies. His other translations include "The Gospel According to Jesus," which he translated from Greek, translations of Rilke from German and Neruda from Spanish, according to the complaint.
Mitchell says he "has also written interpretive versions of works in Chinese, Sanskrit and Akkadian." He says that for his Tao Te Ching, which he apparently translated from other translations, he spent 14 year "immers(ing) himself in intensive Zen training, which gave him a special, experiential insight into Law-tzu's wisdom."
"The book embodies language that conveys Mitchell's vision of Lao-tzu's meaning and the spirit of his teaching," the complaint states. "Some of the book's chapters expand on the literal translation; some chapters are Mitchell's original improvisations on Lao-tzu's theme. Accordingly, Mitchell's book is a highly original work."
Mitchell claims that Dyer has sold at least 64,000 paperback copies of "Living the Wisdom of the Tao," and 500,000 hardcover copies of "Change Your Thoughts."
He seeks an injunction to block the continued infringement of his copyright, unspecified damages and disgorgement of profits gained from his "time, energy, hard work, and creativity."
He is represented by Bryan Freedman and Jesse Kaplan with Freedman & Taitelman of Los Angeles.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Prime Minister to Stay with Spiritual Thoughts
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, 78, wants to complete his five-year term. He made it clear in no uncertain terms at his press conference in New Delhi [ Images ] on Monday, wherein he told the country and his partymen that he is here to stay.
In reply to a question on his retirement plans, the prime minister said, "I have been given a job to do which is not completed yet. So the question of my retirement doesn't arise."
He appeared quite confident at what was called his 'national' press conference on the first anniversary of the United Progressive Alliance's [ Images ] second stint in power. But beyond this display of confidence about continuing in the highest seat of power there was nothing new, except supporting his Cabinet colleague and Telecom Minister A Raja [ Images ] who is facing serious corruption charges, and on the Left parties' absence in his government. He also continued Sonia Gandhi's [ Images ] line on inclusive growth while focusing on development. He avoided talking about Railway Minister Mamta Banerjee.
In a firm expression against the home ministry's idea of curbing the views of and moral support extended by non-government organisations and intellectuals to the Maoists, Dr Singh supported different views in the country by saying that Indian democracy welcomes such free expressions. He refused to rate his performance or his government but said, "I am not bothered about legacy issues. I have a task to complete."
Dr Singh's government's selling point remains the same: Promise of 10 percent growth in the medium term. The prime minister said in the current year he will deliver 8.5 percent growth. He promised people that he will bring down inflation to 5 to 6 percent by December.
In a statement that would irritate Trinamool Congress's [ Images ] Banerjee, the prime minister displayed some emotion when saying he missed the ideological support of the Left parties. When asked specifically if he misses the "structured support" of the Left parties, Dr Singh said, "If wishes were horses beggars would ride." He wanted all like-minded parties to join the government on the issue of inclusive growth.
On serious allegations that there were political deals to secure a majority in Parliament in 2008 and recently during the cut motion, Dr Singh said, "There was no deal (with Mayawati [ Images ] or Mulayam Singh Yadav [ Images ]). Take out any such misunderstanding from your heart (Is baare main ghalatfehmi dil se nikaal de!)." The prime minister's answer was so inadequate or unconvincing that the entire audience burst into laughter.
On expediting the execution of Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru, Dr Singh said clearly that he prefers the slow process under which "the legal process should be allowed to run its own course."
He also said, on expected lines, that there is not an iota of truth that there were differences between him and Congress President Sonia Gandhi.
He also said, in a routine manner, that if evidence is found he will take action against corruption. But he also accepted that corruption is a problem.
He also said that Congress General Secretary Rahul Gandhi [ Images ] is well qualified to hold a Cabinet post. When asked if he will make way for Rahul Gandhi, he said, "Let me say that I sometimes feel that younger people should take over. As (and) when the Congress party makes that judgement, I will be very happy to make place for anybody from the party."
Although he readily answered questions during his press conference, he gave the feeling that he is a secretive politician who doesn't reveal the story easily. More than 80 minutes of questioning failed to provoke him. He played a defensive game and didn't convey to the people anything new through the televised press conference nor did he indicate if his government would do anything different in the next four years.
He wanted to discuss most contentious issues at the "appropriate forum" and not in the press conference.
On Pakistan he used the same words he has said many times before. He spoke of a "non-confrontational" approach on all issues, which was quite frustrating for those who wanted to know more about the hows and whys of many issues dogging the nation.
On the issue of Pakistan, he said India [ Images ] cannot achieve its full potential unless it achieves peace with its immediate neighbours. He played safe when questioned about how he will reduce the trust deficit with Pakistan.
His answers most times were not candid enough. However, in spite of his bland answers, once again he came out as a mature, pragmatic and safe-playing prime minister. He scored big when he was specifically asked a provocative question on the states' performance in tackling the Maoists. This gave him a chance to rubbish the CMs' poor performance in tackling the Naxals but he said, "The problem has acquired such magnitude that the central government must help the states." Chief ministers of the six states fighting the Naxals will greatly appreciate Dr Singh's spirit.
Looking at it from the prime minister's point of view, one can say he scored over the media by successfully avoiding giving an insight into the working of his government. On contentious issues like census based on caste, he said the Cabinet is considering the issue and the nation will know when the decision is taken. On corruption in cricket also he said if any wrongdoing is found, the finance ministry will take action.
Every time a question was raised at Vigyan Bhavan (where the press conference was held), it hit a kind of a wall.
However, the most important development of the day was when he was asked about the corruption charges against Raja. Dr Singh surprised the nation when he didn't distance himself from the controversial minister, but rose to defend Raja. This was a big surprise because his party has not defended the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam [ Images ] minister in public. Dr Singh's defence of the 2G spectrum scam suggests that the Congress party has adopted a new political line on the issue.
The prime minister had this to say on Raja: "The issue has been discussed in Parliament. A Raja has also expressed his views in public. He has given a long in interview to The Hindu. I also discussed the issue with Raja. And he told me that all he did was implement a policy which was in place."
Dr Singh said Raja took action on basis of recommendations of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India and the Telecom Commission. This sentence may haunt Dr Singh because at the time of the allotment of 2G spectrum, TRAI had clearly told Raja to let the price be decided by market mechanisms.He said, "It is true that if you compare figures of what was collected through the 3G process and 2G process, there is huge gap. But I want you to look at the whole problem in proper perspective. There was a particular policy that was in place since 2003 before our government came into power."
Dr Singh said if the National Democratic Alliance policy on it was allowed to change then it would have discriminated the new players in the telecommunications market. He added, "Subsequently complaints were received and the chief vigilance commissioner asked the Central Bureau of Investigation to look into it. That process is on. It's not proper for me to express a definite option."
On balance, the prime minister had a good day, which means the media was disappointed.
In reply to a question on his retirement plans, the prime minister said, "I have been given a job to do which is not completed yet. So the question of my retirement doesn't arise."
He appeared quite confident at what was called his 'national' press conference on the first anniversary of the United Progressive Alliance's [ Images ] second stint in power. But beyond this display of confidence about continuing in the highest seat of power there was nothing new, except supporting his Cabinet colleague and Telecom Minister A Raja [ Images ] who is facing serious corruption charges, and on the Left parties' absence in his government. He also continued Sonia Gandhi's [ Images ] line on inclusive growth while focusing on development. He avoided talking about Railway Minister Mamta Banerjee.
In a firm expression against the home ministry's idea of curbing the views of and moral support extended by non-government organisations and intellectuals to the Maoists, Dr Singh supported different views in the country by saying that Indian democracy welcomes such free expressions. He refused to rate his performance or his government but said, "I am not bothered about legacy issues. I have a task to complete."
Dr Singh's government's selling point remains the same: Promise of 10 percent growth in the medium term. The prime minister said in the current year he will deliver 8.5 percent growth. He promised people that he will bring down inflation to 5 to 6 percent by December.
In a statement that would irritate Trinamool Congress's [ Images ] Banerjee, the prime minister displayed some emotion when saying he missed the ideological support of the Left parties. When asked specifically if he misses the "structured support" of the Left parties, Dr Singh said, "If wishes were horses beggars would ride." He wanted all like-minded parties to join the government on the issue of inclusive growth.
On serious allegations that there were political deals to secure a majority in Parliament in 2008 and recently during the cut motion, Dr Singh said, "There was no deal (with Mayawati [ Images ] or Mulayam Singh Yadav [ Images ]). Take out any such misunderstanding from your heart (Is baare main ghalatfehmi dil se nikaal de!)." The prime minister's answer was so inadequate or unconvincing that the entire audience burst into laughter.
On expediting the execution of Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru, Dr Singh said clearly that he prefers the slow process under which "the legal process should be allowed to run its own course."
He also said, on expected lines, that there is not an iota of truth that there were differences between him and Congress President Sonia Gandhi.
He also said, in a routine manner, that if evidence is found he will take action against corruption. But he also accepted that corruption is a problem.
He also said that Congress General Secretary Rahul Gandhi [ Images ] is well qualified to hold a Cabinet post. When asked if he will make way for Rahul Gandhi, he said, "Let me say that I sometimes feel that younger people should take over. As (and) when the Congress party makes that judgement, I will be very happy to make place for anybody from the party."
Although he readily answered questions during his press conference, he gave the feeling that he is a secretive politician who doesn't reveal the story easily. More than 80 minutes of questioning failed to provoke him. He played a defensive game and didn't convey to the people anything new through the televised press conference nor did he indicate if his government would do anything different in the next four years.
He wanted to discuss most contentious issues at the "appropriate forum" and not in the press conference.
On Pakistan he used the same words he has said many times before. He spoke of a "non-confrontational" approach on all issues, which was quite frustrating for those who wanted to know more about the hows and whys of many issues dogging the nation.
On the issue of Pakistan, he said India [ Images ] cannot achieve its full potential unless it achieves peace with its immediate neighbours. He played safe when questioned about how he will reduce the trust deficit with Pakistan.
His answers most times were not candid enough. However, in spite of his bland answers, once again he came out as a mature, pragmatic and safe-playing prime minister. He scored big when he was specifically asked a provocative question on the states' performance in tackling the Maoists. This gave him a chance to rubbish the CMs' poor performance in tackling the Naxals but he said, "The problem has acquired such magnitude that the central government must help the states." Chief ministers of the six states fighting the Naxals will greatly appreciate Dr Singh's spirit.
Looking at it from the prime minister's point of view, one can say he scored over the media by successfully avoiding giving an insight into the working of his government. On contentious issues like census based on caste, he said the Cabinet is considering the issue and the nation will know when the decision is taken. On corruption in cricket also he said if any wrongdoing is found, the finance ministry will take action.
Every time a question was raised at Vigyan Bhavan (where the press conference was held), it hit a kind of a wall.
However, the most important development of the day was when he was asked about the corruption charges against Raja. Dr Singh surprised the nation when he didn't distance himself from the controversial minister, but rose to defend Raja. This was a big surprise because his party has not defended the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam [ Images ] minister in public. Dr Singh's defence of the 2G spectrum scam suggests that the Congress party has adopted a new political line on the issue.
The prime minister had this to say on Raja: "The issue has been discussed in Parliament. A Raja has also expressed his views in public. He has given a long in interview to The Hindu. I also discussed the issue with Raja. And he told me that all he did was implement a policy which was in place."
Dr Singh said Raja took action on basis of recommendations of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India and the Telecom Commission. This sentence may haunt Dr Singh because at the time of the allotment of 2G spectrum, TRAI had clearly told Raja to let the price be decided by market mechanisms.He said, "It is true that if you compare figures of what was collected through the 3G process and 2G process, there is huge gap. But I want you to look at the whole problem in proper perspective. There was a particular policy that was in place since 2003 before our government came into power."
Dr Singh said if the National Democratic Alliance policy on it was allowed to change then it would have discriminated the new players in the telecommunications market. He added, "Subsequently complaints were received and the chief vigilance commissioner asked the Central Bureau of Investigation to look into it. That process is on. It's not proper for me to express a definite option."
On balance, the prime minister had a good day, which means the media was disappointed.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Dalai Lama Attends Cricket Match and China Media Exhort Him
By Saransh Sehgal
DHARAMSALA, India - The Dalai Lama's recent attendance at a cricket match here led Beijing to again taunt the Tibetan spiritual leader over past remarks that he is a "son of India", with Chinese media saying he is faking a passion for the sport to please his "Indian masters".
At the root of Beijing's criticism may be concerns that the religious leader will one day seek citizenship of India, where he has taken refuge for the past 52 years. This would complicate the thorny issue of succession when the 74-year-old passes away.
In recent years, the Dalai Lama has often referred to himself as "a son of India". At an event to mark 50 years of Indian hospitality to the Tibetans in New Delhi last year, he said, "I call myself a son of India. Over the years Tibetans have developed very close ties with the country."
This led various Chinese media to say that the Dalai Lama no longer had the right to be the religious leader of Tibetans. The criticism was revived last week when he attended an Indian Premier League (IPL) cricket match in Dharamsala as a special guest.
"The [Tibetan] religious leader was trying to prove himself a worthy son of India by participating in the country's favorite pastime ... Cricket is one of the most popular sports in India and the Dalai Lama of course has to have fun with his 'dad' since he wants to be a son of India," wrote a People's Daily editorial.
The Dalai Lama had no right to speak on "China's internal issue concerning Tibet", said the newspaper, if he were the "son of a foreign country".
Prior to the match, the Dalai Lama had held a "spiritual dialogue" with international players, blessing them with white silk scarves, reported London's Daily Telegraph. The spiritual leader reportedly told them that while he was never much of a sportsman, he once beat Zhou Enlai, the former Chinese premier, at table tennis.
Sri Lankan captain Kumar Sangakara and Mahela Jayawardene did not attend the meeting, as their government had said their presence might upset China. Sri Lanka supports a "one-China" policy and regards Beijing as a key political and military ally.
In January, in the article, "A look at the Dalai Lama's ridiculous Indian heart", the China Tibet Information Center said the spiritual leader's links with India were diluting Tibetan culture.
The Dalai Lama pleases his Indian masters not only by showing his willingness to be a "son of India", but also by effacing the originality of the Tibetan culture. The Dalai Lama uses such words to dwarf the rich Tibetan culture with distinctive local characteristics.
Why is he entitled to represent the voice of the Tibetan people? Furthermore, will a guy who betrayed southern Tibet to India really care about the well-being of the Tibetan people?
"Southern Tibet" is a reference to the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh, which China claims as its own. When the Dalai Lama last year visited the state, Zhu Weiqun, the executive vice director of China's United Front Work Department, accused the Tibetan spiritual leader of meddling in the border dispute.
The China Tibet Information Center added in the article that the Dalai Lama's "son of India" statements show that he has become subservient to his "Indian masters" while trying to deny his Chinese citizenship - a rare occasion when an official publication has described him as a Chinese citizen.
Many Tibetans fear that Chinese government plans to simply appoint its own replacement when the Dalai Lama passes away, with a veneer of tradition and religion thrown in. If the Dalai Lama were to become an Indian national, the next incarnation of the Dalai Lama could take place outside China, far from its control.
The outcry in Chinese media over the Dalai Lama's "son of India" remarks comes despite his clarification in March. "I describe myself as a son of India because my mind depends on Buddhist tradition of Nalanda and for the past 51 years, this body has lived on Indian rice and dal. So, physically also, I am a son of India," he reportedly told friends in Dharamsala.
The Tibetan government in exile says his remarks are being taken out of context. Spokesman Thubten Samphel says the Dalai Lama considers himself "a citizen of the world", and that his ties to India are strong due to Buddhism's ancient links to the country.
"China should be focusing on the larger and more pressing problems facing Tibet, rather than dwelling on such small issues," he was quoted as saying in the Hindu.
"[This response] reflects the Chinese government's arrogance. His Holiness the Dalai Lama had no freedom in Tibet, he left for India, where he enjoys freedom. What he does or he does not do, depends on his choice," he added.
The Dalai Lama's joint secretary, Tenzin Taklha, told Asia Times Online, "He [the Dalai Lama] is a Tibetan and has lived most of his life as a refugee in India. He has long been a guest of the government of India."
Taklha added that the Dalai Lama currently had no plans to seek Indian citizenship, though some Indian citizens have individually approached him with the idea.
"It's amusing to see how childish the Chinese can be, even about his attending an IPL match in Dharamsala, where he has lived for 50 years now," Taklha said. "He was only invited as it was the first time a cricket match has been played in Himachal. Chinese reactions are too immature to respond too, it's amusing watching them and reading their articles."
Exiled Tibetans here in general also seem not too concerned with what the Chinese media say - they still regard their Dalai Lama's words as supreme. Tsering, an elderly Tibetan in exile, told this correspondent, "His Holiness the Dalai Lama considers himself to be a citizen of the world, he is a living Buddha and so he is universal. His soul is always for Tibet and Tibetans."
Saransh Sehgal is a contributor based in Dharamsala, India, who can be reached at info@mcllo.com.
(Copyright 2010 Asia Times Online (Holdings) Ltd. All rights reserved. Please contact us about sales, syndication and republishing.)
DHARAMSALA, India - The Dalai Lama's recent attendance at a cricket match here led Beijing to again taunt the Tibetan spiritual leader over past remarks that he is a "son of India", with Chinese media saying he is faking a passion for the sport to please his "Indian masters".
At the root of Beijing's criticism may be concerns that the religious leader will one day seek citizenship of India, where he has taken refuge for the past 52 years. This would complicate the thorny issue of succession when the 74-year-old passes away.
In recent years, the Dalai Lama has often referred to himself as "a son of India". At an event to mark 50 years of Indian hospitality to the Tibetans in New Delhi last year, he said, "I call myself a son of India. Over the years Tibetans have developed very close ties with the country."
This led various Chinese media to say that the Dalai Lama no longer had the right to be the religious leader of Tibetans. The criticism was revived last week when he attended an Indian Premier League (IPL) cricket match in Dharamsala as a special guest.
"The [Tibetan] religious leader was trying to prove himself a worthy son of India by participating in the country's favorite pastime ... Cricket is one of the most popular sports in India and the Dalai Lama of course has to have fun with his 'dad' since he wants to be a son of India," wrote a People's Daily editorial.
The Dalai Lama had no right to speak on "China's internal issue concerning Tibet", said the newspaper, if he were the "son of a foreign country".
Prior to the match, the Dalai Lama had held a "spiritual dialogue" with international players, blessing them with white silk scarves, reported London's Daily Telegraph. The spiritual leader reportedly told them that while he was never much of a sportsman, he once beat Zhou Enlai, the former Chinese premier, at table tennis.
Sri Lankan captain Kumar Sangakara and Mahela Jayawardene did not attend the meeting, as their government had said their presence might upset China. Sri Lanka supports a "one-China" policy and regards Beijing as a key political and military ally.
In January, in the article, "A look at the Dalai Lama's ridiculous Indian heart", the China Tibet Information Center said the spiritual leader's links with India were diluting Tibetan culture.
The Dalai Lama pleases his Indian masters not only by showing his willingness to be a "son of India", but also by effacing the originality of the Tibetan culture. The Dalai Lama uses such words to dwarf the rich Tibetan culture with distinctive local characteristics.
Why is he entitled to represent the voice of the Tibetan people? Furthermore, will a guy who betrayed southern Tibet to India really care about the well-being of the Tibetan people?
"Southern Tibet" is a reference to the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh, which China claims as its own. When the Dalai Lama last year visited the state, Zhu Weiqun, the executive vice director of China's United Front Work Department, accused the Tibetan spiritual leader of meddling in the border dispute.
The China Tibet Information Center added in the article that the Dalai Lama's "son of India" statements show that he has become subservient to his "Indian masters" while trying to deny his Chinese citizenship - a rare occasion when an official publication has described him as a Chinese citizen.
Many Tibetans fear that Chinese government plans to simply appoint its own replacement when the Dalai Lama passes away, with a veneer of tradition and religion thrown in. If the Dalai Lama were to become an Indian national, the next incarnation of the Dalai Lama could take place outside China, far from its control.
The outcry in Chinese media over the Dalai Lama's "son of India" remarks comes despite his clarification in March. "I describe myself as a son of India because my mind depends on Buddhist tradition of Nalanda and for the past 51 years, this body has lived on Indian rice and dal. So, physically also, I am a son of India," he reportedly told friends in Dharamsala.
The Tibetan government in exile says his remarks are being taken out of context. Spokesman Thubten Samphel says the Dalai Lama considers himself "a citizen of the world", and that his ties to India are strong due to Buddhism's ancient links to the country.
"China should be focusing on the larger and more pressing problems facing Tibet, rather than dwelling on such small issues," he was quoted as saying in the Hindu.
"[This response] reflects the Chinese government's arrogance. His Holiness the Dalai Lama had no freedom in Tibet, he left for India, where he enjoys freedom. What he does or he does not do, depends on his choice," he added.
The Dalai Lama's joint secretary, Tenzin Taklha, told Asia Times Online, "He [the Dalai Lama] is a Tibetan and has lived most of his life as a refugee in India. He has long been a guest of the government of India."
Taklha added that the Dalai Lama currently had no plans to seek Indian citizenship, though some Indian citizens have individually approached him with the idea.
"It's amusing to see how childish the Chinese can be, even about his attending an IPL match in Dharamsala, where he has lived for 50 years now," Taklha said. "He was only invited as it was the first time a cricket match has been played in Himachal. Chinese reactions are too immature to respond too, it's amusing watching them and reading their articles."
Exiled Tibetans here in general also seem not too concerned with what the Chinese media say - they still regard their Dalai Lama's words as supreme. Tsering, an elderly Tibetan in exile, told this correspondent, "His Holiness the Dalai Lama considers himself to be a citizen of the world, he is a living Buddha and so he is universal. His soul is always for Tibet and Tibetans."
Saransh Sehgal is a contributor based in Dharamsala, India, who can be reached at info@mcllo.com.
(Copyright 2010 Asia Times Online (Holdings) Ltd. All rights reserved. Please contact us about sales, syndication and republishing.)
Monday, May 24, 2010
Business Needs a Spiritual Helper
Robert Llewellyn-Jones, Western Mail
WALES must not be neglected in the face of public sector cuts and needs to support budding entrepreneurs, the former chairman and chief executive of Tesco urged yesterday.
Lord MacLaurin, who was also chairman of mobile phone giant Vodafone, also said that the Welsh Assembly Government needs to be protective of the money needed for investment in jobs and industry for the future.
He was in Wales to speak at an Institute of Directors lunch at St David’s Hotel in Cardiff Bay.
In an exclusive interview with the Western Mail Lord MacLaurin called for the new coalition government to be “sympathetic” to areas of the UK such as Wales and Scotland in the light of planned cuts and called for a reduction in bureaucracy.
He said: “If I were Cameron and Clegg I would look very sympathetically at Wales and Scotland which are important parts of the UK that need help and investment for the future.
“We are in a black hole but there are areas like here in Cardiff and South Wales that need sensible investment going forward.
“Where I would make cuts is in bureaucracy, particularly in Westminster. The bureaucracy that we all have to work with is totally ridiculous.
“If I was in Number 11 Downing Street I would be looking at all this unnecessary paper filling, which extends to both the police force and our health service. By cutting this out we could save a great deal.”
Lord MacLaurin also said that – in the light of the problems in the eurozone following the Greek debt crisis – it was “fortunate” that the UK had not adopted the single currency.
“If we were in the euro we would be in deep trouble, like everyone else,” he said.
“I think two things about it. First, how long is Germany going to bail out the rest of Europe?
“Secondly, what would happen to the euro if Angela Merkel decided to return to the Deutschmark. If that happened, Europe would be flat on its face.”
On domestic matters, Lord MacLaurin said that Wales needed to encourage industry back through development of skills that formed the nation’s former industrial power base.
He said: “Nurturing the entrepreneurial spirit should be a high priority. Entrepreneurs should be encouraged with tax breaks but there must be money available for start-up businesses.
“They would have to go through a rigorous test before getting this but unfortunately banks are not lending. They must play their part in encouraging entrepreneurship which is what we need in this country.”
He added that the UK – as the former industrial heartland of Europe – has some “brilliant” minds that should be encouraged in a sensible way to encourage entrepreneurship.
Lord MacLaurin said that it was vital that companies of all sizes embrace the whole of their workforce and that previous examples of large companies that failed to do this had gone through “difficulties.”
He said: “One failed completely and the other two had a rocky time because the board of directors lost touch with their staff and customers. Woolworths – the doyen of the high street for generations – completely lost touch with the marketplace and passed into administration. Marks and Spencer and Sainsbury’s went through a difficult time because they had lost their way through sheer arrogance.
“Business executives cannot live in a comfort zone. Any manager who gets in that position causes his business problems.
“In the 1990s when Tesco passed Sainsbury’s as the market leader, we asked ourselves ‘do we go to America? Do we go to Eastern Europe then to Korea and Japan?’
“There is always a horizon about where you want to put your business and that’s getting out of your comfort zone. It’s about having a vision of where you want to put it.”
WALES must not be neglected in the face of public sector cuts and needs to support budding entrepreneurs, the former chairman and chief executive of Tesco urged yesterday.
Lord MacLaurin, who was also chairman of mobile phone giant Vodafone, also said that the Welsh Assembly Government needs to be protective of the money needed for investment in jobs and industry for the future.
He was in Wales to speak at an Institute of Directors lunch at St David’s Hotel in Cardiff Bay.
In an exclusive interview with the Western Mail Lord MacLaurin called for the new coalition government to be “sympathetic” to areas of the UK such as Wales and Scotland in the light of planned cuts and called for a reduction in bureaucracy.
He said: “If I were Cameron and Clegg I would look very sympathetically at Wales and Scotland which are important parts of the UK that need help and investment for the future.
“We are in a black hole but there are areas like here in Cardiff and South Wales that need sensible investment going forward.
“Where I would make cuts is in bureaucracy, particularly in Westminster. The bureaucracy that we all have to work with is totally ridiculous.
“If I was in Number 11 Downing Street I would be looking at all this unnecessary paper filling, which extends to both the police force and our health service. By cutting this out we could save a great deal.”
Lord MacLaurin also said that – in the light of the problems in the eurozone following the Greek debt crisis – it was “fortunate” that the UK had not adopted the single currency.
“If we were in the euro we would be in deep trouble, like everyone else,” he said.
“I think two things about it. First, how long is Germany going to bail out the rest of Europe?
“Secondly, what would happen to the euro if Angela Merkel decided to return to the Deutschmark. If that happened, Europe would be flat on its face.”
On domestic matters, Lord MacLaurin said that Wales needed to encourage industry back through development of skills that formed the nation’s former industrial power base.
He said: “Nurturing the entrepreneurial spirit should be a high priority. Entrepreneurs should be encouraged with tax breaks but there must be money available for start-up businesses.
“They would have to go through a rigorous test before getting this but unfortunately banks are not lending. They must play their part in encouraging entrepreneurship which is what we need in this country.”
He added that the UK – as the former industrial heartland of Europe – has some “brilliant” minds that should be encouraged in a sensible way to encourage entrepreneurship.
Lord MacLaurin said that it was vital that companies of all sizes embrace the whole of their workforce and that previous examples of large companies that failed to do this had gone through “difficulties.”
He said: “One failed completely and the other two had a rocky time because the board of directors lost touch with their staff and customers. Woolworths – the doyen of the high street for generations – completely lost touch with the marketplace and passed into administration. Marks and Spencer and Sainsbury’s went through a difficult time because they had lost their way through sheer arrogance.
“Business executives cannot live in a comfort zone. Any manager who gets in that position causes his business problems.
“In the 1990s when Tesco passed Sainsbury’s as the market leader, we asked ourselves ‘do we go to America? Do we go to Eastern Europe then to Korea and Japan?’
“There is always a horizon about where you want to put your business and that’s getting out of your comfort zone. It’s about having a vision of where you want to put it.”
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Religion, Politics, Guru and a Potential Riot
Srinagar, May 21, KONS: The chairman of the Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front, Muhammad Yasin Malik, today warned of a “mass upheaval” if the parliament attack accused, Muhammad Afzal Guru, was executed by Indian authorities.
“Thousands of Maqbools were born in Kashmir after Muhammad Maqbool Bhat was hanged in Tihar, which fanned a suppressed spark into a conflagration,” Malik said.
Addressing a public meeting in Tral, Malik said that Kashmiris, who were commemorating the assassinations of two stalwarts, Maulana Muhammad Farooq and Abdul Ghani Lone, could not be intimidated by threats of death and hanging.
He asked political circles and the civil society in India to play a constructive role in the Guru case.
The JKLF leader came down hard on the BJP and its like-minded parties for their shrill rhetoric on the issue.
“It does not behove a party which has not only talked of the peace process and resolving issues but also taken definite steps in this direction during its rule to talk of hanging just for political mileage,” he said.
“We have not talked only in the case of Afzal Guru, but had also appealed to the then president of Pakistan, General Pervez Musharraf, on behalf of Sarabjeet Singh, who was on death row in that country,” he said.
Malik said that resolving the Kashmir issue was imperative for world peace, and that Kashmiris who had sacrificed lakhs of lives in their struggle were the primary party to the issue.
“Kashmiris should be directly involved in the decision making process for a permanent and durable solution to the dangerous issue,” he said.
'Home ministry to take final call on Afzal's plea'
Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit Friday said the final decision on parliament attack convict Afzal Guru's mercy petition rests with the central home ministry.
She said the Delhi government has made its position clear on the matter in the file, which was sent back to Lieutenant Governor Tejendra Khanna Wednesday. In its reply, the Delhi government has not opposed Guru's death sentence but expressed concerns of law and order if he is executed.
"We have sent the file on mercy petition of Afzal Guru to the lieutenant governor. The final decision rests with the home ministry," Dikshit told reporters on the sidelines of a function here.
The file will be sent to the home ministry after getting clearance from Khanna's office.
As per the laid down procedure, the president sought the home ministry's views on the mercy petition of Guru in 2005.
The procedure on mercy petition also requires the home ministry to seek comments of the state government in whose jurisdiction the crime, for which the death penalty is awarded to the convict, has been committed. With inputs from wire agencies
“Thousands of Maqbools were born in Kashmir after Muhammad Maqbool Bhat was hanged in Tihar, which fanned a suppressed spark into a conflagration,” Malik said.
Addressing a public meeting in Tral, Malik said that Kashmiris, who were commemorating the assassinations of two stalwarts, Maulana Muhammad Farooq and Abdul Ghani Lone, could not be intimidated by threats of death and hanging.
He asked political circles and the civil society in India to play a constructive role in the Guru case.
The JKLF leader came down hard on the BJP and its like-minded parties for their shrill rhetoric on the issue.
“It does not behove a party which has not only talked of the peace process and resolving issues but also taken definite steps in this direction during its rule to talk of hanging just for political mileage,” he said.
“We have not talked only in the case of Afzal Guru, but had also appealed to the then president of Pakistan, General Pervez Musharraf, on behalf of Sarabjeet Singh, who was on death row in that country,” he said.
Malik said that resolving the Kashmir issue was imperative for world peace, and that Kashmiris who had sacrificed lakhs of lives in their struggle were the primary party to the issue.
“Kashmiris should be directly involved in the decision making process for a permanent and durable solution to the dangerous issue,” he said.
'Home ministry to take final call on Afzal's plea'
Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit Friday said the final decision on parliament attack convict Afzal Guru's mercy petition rests with the central home ministry.
She said the Delhi government has made its position clear on the matter in the file, which was sent back to Lieutenant Governor Tejendra Khanna Wednesday. In its reply, the Delhi government has not opposed Guru's death sentence but expressed concerns of law and order if he is executed.
"We have sent the file on mercy petition of Afzal Guru to the lieutenant governor. The final decision rests with the home ministry," Dikshit told reporters on the sidelines of a function here.
The file will be sent to the home ministry after getting clearance from Khanna's office.
As per the laid down procedure, the president sought the home ministry's views on the mercy petition of Guru in 2005.
The procedure on mercy petition also requires the home ministry to seek comments of the state government in whose jurisdiction the crime, for which the death penalty is awarded to the convict, has been committed. With inputs from wire agencies
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Sunday Services May 23, 2010
53, 446-3060; the Rev. Rex Zimmerman; Mass 7:30 p.m Saturday, 10:10 a.m. Sunday.
St. John Lutheran Church, E10723 Highway Z, 842-5212; service 7 p.m. Thursday; 7:45 a.m. and 10:15 a.m. Sunday. Sunday school/Bible study 9 a.m. Youth group, grades four through 12, 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday.
Bethany Lutheran Church, E19431 Church Road, 446-3050; service 9:30 a.m. Sunday.
New Hope Community Church, E1045 Highway J, 845-8541; the Rev. Dan Eisnor; service 9:30 a.m. Sunday; Sunday school 11 a.m.
Zion Lutheran Church, E7195 Star Road, 845-2014; the Rev. David Faulkner; worship services 7:30 p.m. Wednesday and 10 a.m. Sunday; Sunday school and Bible study, 8:30 a.m. Sunday.
Kronenwetter
Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 1901 Kowalski Road, 359-6962; the Rev. Frank Conner; 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Sunday.
Fellowship Baptist Church, 1130 Field Road, 693-6134; the Rev. Larry Moodie; 7 p.m. Wednesday; 9:30 a.m. Sunday school; services, 10:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m.
Ringle
Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church, R7395 Birch St., 446-3010; the Rev. Glenn Seefeldt; 7 p.m. Wednesday, 9:30 a.m. Sunday.
Rothschild
Crossroads Assembly of God, 1930 Highway XX, 355-9900; the Rev. Brian Williams, 7 p.m. Wednesday Bible study and 10 a.m. Sunday Service.
St. Mark Catholic Church, 602 Military Road, 359-5206; the Rev. Allan Slowiak; Mass 4:30 p.m. Saturday, 8 a.m. and 10 a.m Sunday, 8:10 a.m. Tuesday through Friday.
St. Therese Catholic Church, 112 W. Kort St., 359-2421; the Rev. Janusz Kowalski; 5 p.m. Saturday; 7:30 a.m., 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Sunday.
Mount Calvary Lutheran Church, 503 Schmidt Ave., 359-4500; the
Rev. Rich Block; worship 6 p.m., confirmation 6:45 p.m. Wednesday; traditional worship, 8 a.m., Sunday School, 9:15 a.m. and praise worship, 10:30 a.m. Sunday. Kidzworks, 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. May 23. For grades one through five. Studies and activities.
St. John Lutheran Church, E10723 Highway Z, 842-5212; service 7 p.m. Thursday; 7:45 a.m. and 10:15 a.m. Sunday. Sunday school/Bible study 9 a.m. Youth group, grades four through 12, 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday.
Bethany Lutheran Church, E19431 Church Road, 446-3050; service 9:30 a.m. Sunday.
New Hope Community Church, E1045 Highway J, 845-8541; the Rev. Dan Eisnor; service 9:30 a.m. Sunday; Sunday school 11 a.m.
Zion Lutheran Church, E7195 Star Road, 845-2014; the Rev. David Faulkner; worship services 7:30 p.m. Wednesday and 10 a.m. Sunday; Sunday school and Bible study, 8:30 a.m. Sunday.
Kronenwetter
Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 1901 Kowalski Road, 359-6962; the Rev. Frank Conner; 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Sunday.
Fellowship Baptist Church, 1130 Field Road, 693-6134; the Rev. Larry Moodie; 7 p.m. Wednesday; 9:30 a.m. Sunday school; services, 10:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m.
Ringle
Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church, R7395 Birch St., 446-3010; the Rev. Glenn Seefeldt; 7 p.m. Wednesday, 9:30 a.m. Sunday.
Rothschild
Crossroads Assembly of God, 1930 Highway XX, 355-9900; the Rev. Brian Williams, 7 p.m. Wednesday Bible study and 10 a.m. Sunday Service.
St. Mark Catholic Church, 602 Military Road, 359-5206; the Rev. Allan Slowiak; Mass 4:30 p.m. Saturday, 8 a.m. and 10 a.m Sunday, 8:10 a.m. Tuesday through Friday.
St. Therese Catholic Church, 112 W. Kort St., 359-2421; the Rev. Janusz Kowalski; 5 p.m. Saturday; 7:30 a.m., 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Sunday.
Mount Calvary Lutheran Church, 503 Schmidt Ave., 359-4500; the
Rev. Rich Block; worship 6 p.m., confirmation 6:45 p.m. Wednesday; traditional worship, 8 a.m., Sunday School, 9:15 a.m. and praise worship, 10:30 a.m. Sunday. Kidzworks, 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. May 23. For grades one through five. Studies and activities.
Friday, May 21, 2010
See a Movie and Enjoy the Day and Night
Julia Roberts travels to the idyllic South East Asian island of Bali in her latest film, Eat Pray Love, which hits cinema screens across the UK on 24th September. Based on the best-selling memoir by Elizabeth Gilbert, the film chronicles a quest for self-discovery, from food in Italy to the power of prayer in India and finally, spiritual enlightenment in Bali. Whether movie-lovers are inspired by the soul-searching journey, intrigued to discover the power of meditation, seeking inner peace, or simply want to explore the island’s tropical landscape or flop on the beach, there is a Hayes & Jarvis (0871 664 0246) Bali holiday to suit all tastes and budgets.
Flagging up the Indonesian island as a tropical paradise, Hayes & Jarvis believes the destination has something for everyone – from unspoilt beaches and hillside gardens to white water rafting and lively bars, and of course, its spiritual and cultural heritage. The long-haul specialist suggests following in the footsteps of the Hollywood star by jetting off to the Far East this winter for a holiday that combines the arty town of Ubud – surrounded by scenic rice fields, villages and ancient temples – with a beach stay in Sanur.
A one-week holiday combining three nights at Maya Ubud Resort and Spa with four nights at Bali Pavilions, Sanur costs £1,199 per person (based on two sharing). Both offer a spa, swimming pool and restaurant, with accommodation in contemporary Balinese-style villas, while Maya Ubud Resort also offers yoga, pilates, treks and nature walks. Departing on 13th November, the Hayes & Jarvis package includes seven nights’ four-star plus accommodation on a B&B basis, Singapore Airlines flights from London Heathrow and transfers.
Flagging up the Indonesian island as a tropical paradise, Hayes & Jarvis believes the destination has something for everyone – from unspoilt beaches and hillside gardens to white water rafting and lively bars, and of course, its spiritual and cultural heritage. The long-haul specialist suggests following in the footsteps of the Hollywood star by jetting off to the Far East this winter for a holiday that combines the arty town of Ubud – surrounded by scenic rice fields, villages and ancient temples – with a beach stay in Sanur.
A one-week holiday combining three nights at Maya Ubud Resort and Spa with four nights at Bali Pavilions, Sanur costs £1,199 per person (based on two sharing). Both offer a spa, swimming pool and restaurant, with accommodation in contemporary Balinese-style villas, while Maya Ubud Resort also offers yoga, pilates, treks and nature walks. Departing on 13th November, the Hayes & Jarvis package includes seven nights’ four-star plus accommodation on a B&B basis, Singapore Airlines flights from London Heathrow and transfers.
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Enlightenment Through Music
A long weekend of musical treat awaits Carnatic music lovers next month.
The New Zealand Carnatic Music Society is running the Sangeethotsavam. The Utsavam will run over the three days of the Queen's birthday weekend.
“We will be showcasing our local youth talent at the Yuvabharathi concerts on Saturday, 5th of June,” society president Dr Ashok Malur said.
“We expect this will go on for the morning and afternoon sessions. This programme will be at the Fickling Convention Centre.”
Dr Malur said the overseas artists would perform on June 6-7 in the evening. The artists this time are, the legendary Kum KanyaKumari who will present a violin duet with Embar Kannan who is a violinist of great repute. Kum Kanyakumari will present on 6th of June at 6.30pm.
The supremely acclaimed member of the Youth Brigade of the world of Carnatic Music, T M Krishna will present a vocal concert on the 7th of June at 5pm. He will be accompanied by R K Sriramkumar another excellent violinist.
Both the artists will be accompanied by the highly respected Mr Mannargudi Easwaran on the mridangam.
The evening concerts will be followed by a simple dinner for the members of the audience.
“So we welcome all to partake in this feast of spiritually uplifting music over the Queen's birthday weekend.It is said that the Margam of sangeetham is the quickest way of attaining spiritual enlightenment. Here is our opportunity to do so.”
The New Zealand Carnatic Music Society is running the Sangeethotsavam. The Utsavam will run over the three days of the Queen's birthday weekend.
“We will be showcasing our local youth talent at the Yuvabharathi concerts on Saturday, 5th of June,” society president Dr Ashok Malur said.
“We expect this will go on for the morning and afternoon sessions. This programme will be at the Fickling Convention Centre.”
Dr Malur said the overseas artists would perform on June 6-7 in the evening. The artists this time are, the legendary Kum KanyaKumari who will present a violin duet with Embar Kannan who is a violinist of great repute. Kum Kanyakumari will present on 6th of June at 6.30pm.
The supremely acclaimed member of the Youth Brigade of the world of Carnatic Music, T M Krishna will present a vocal concert on the 7th of June at 5pm. He will be accompanied by R K Sriramkumar another excellent violinist.
Both the artists will be accompanied by the highly respected Mr Mannargudi Easwaran on the mridangam.
The evening concerts will be followed by a simple dinner for the members of the audience.
“So we welcome all to partake in this feast of spiritually uplifting music over the Queen's birthday weekend.It is said that the Margam of sangeetham is the quickest way of attaining spiritual enlightenment. Here is our opportunity to do so.”
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Asia Enlightenment
Steve Herman | Bhutan
During my three-and-a-half year stint in South Asia, I have made five trips to the Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan.
In my six-nation area of responsibility only the Maldives, a nation composed of atolls, has a smaller population. Compared to India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Nepal, the other four countries I was tasked
with covering, Bhutan is an obscure and sleepy afterthought for most foreign correspondents.
But something kept drawing me back.
It was not only the serenity, cleanliness and the esoteric form of Buddhism practiced there.It was also the attitude of its people.
Contrary to the modern image of Himalayan Buddhists, the Bhutanese had a reputation as warriors - fending off, centuries ago, Tibetan invaders. The Bhutanese strike visitors as friendly, although a bit restrained and superstitious. Sociologists will likely tell you the Bhutanese have a spiritual and protective psyche.
The Bhutanese have certainly done their best to carefully filter the demands and fashions of the modern world.
Modernity has gradually crept into Bhutan. It was the last nation to begin TV broadcasting, in 1999. And now nearly every Bhutanese I met in the capital, Thimphu, seems to be on Facebook. But traditional fashion still dictates dress: men go to work wearing the gho and women don the kera.Bhutan, in recent years, has gained some outside attention for its unique concept of Gross National Happiness (GNH). This was a term coined by Bhutan's fourth King, Jigme Singye Wangchuck, in 1972 and meant as an alternative to the traditional measure of development, gross national product.
The small country of about 750,000 people is now taking GNH beyond an intellectual discourse and incorporating its values into its educational curriculum.
On several of my trips to Bhutan I sought to scrutinize this national state of happiness. Was it just a gimmick? Is it actually being implemented? Is it something the rest of the world should seriously explore? These were some of the questions I attempted to answer in my reports from Bhutan since 2007.
My most recent exploration took me to two places in BhutanThe first was the Changbangdu Primary School where classes begin with a moment of absolute silence. This is part of the new GNH curriculum Bhutan has introduced into its schools.
Teachers say they have already noticed a difference from the daily moments of meditation. Their students, they claim, are now more focused.
GNH also includes lessons on conservation and recycling. It also means teaching, for instance, why one should be considerate to other people. As a government policy, GNH, recognizes other components besides education, psychological well-being and ecology. They are: health, culture, living standards, proper use of time, community vitality and good governance.
Principal Dolma, who uses only one name, explains that Gross National Happiness is not only meant to be a classroom exercise.
"It's not just classroom teaching that we impart values," she explains in her office. "But the way a teacher speaks to the children, the way a teacher behaves with the children, so much so that even while we play games, value is imparted."
Bhutan's educators stress that happiness values, closely in line with the country's deep Buddhist faith, are not meant to bring religion into the classroom. But it is certainly not in conflict with those religious values.
That is what I found out when I visited the other important spot on my most recent Bhutanese journey - an old monastery difficult to find, up a winding side mountain road between the capital, Thimphu, and Paro.
During my three-and-a-half year stint in South Asia, I have made five trips to the Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan.
In my six-nation area of responsibility only the Maldives, a nation composed of atolls, has a smaller population. Compared to India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Nepal, the other four countries I was tasked
with covering, Bhutan is an obscure and sleepy afterthought for most foreign correspondents.
But something kept drawing me back.
It was not only the serenity, cleanliness and the esoteric form of Buddhism practiced there.It was also the attitude of its people.
Contrary to the modern image of Himalayan Buddhists, the Bhutanese had a reputation as warriors - fending off, centuries ago, Tibetan invaders. The Bhutanese strike visitors as friendly, although a bit restrained and superstitious. Sociologists will likely tell you the Bhutanese have a spiritual and protective psyche.
The Bhutanese have certainly done their best to carefully filter the demands and fashions of the modern world.
Modernity has gradually crept into Bhutan. It was the last nation to begin TV broadcasting, in 1999. And now nearly every Bhutanese I met in the capital, Thimphu, seems to be on Facebook. But traditional fashion still dictates dress: men go to work wearing the gho and women don the kera.Bhutan, in recent years, has gained some outside attention for its unique concept of Gross National Happiness (GNH). This was a term coined by Bhutan's fourth King, Jigme Singye Wangchuck, in 1972 and meant as an alternative to the traditional measure of development, gross national product.
The small country of about 750,000 people is now taking GNH beyond an intellectual discourse and incorporating its values into its educational curriculum.
On several of my trips to Bhutan I sought to scrutinize this national state of happiness. Was it just a gimmick? Is it actually being implemented? Is it something the rest of the world should seriously explore? These were some of the questions I attempted to answer in my reports from Bhutan since 2007.
My most recent exploration took me to two places in BhutanThe first was the Changbangdu Primary School where classes begin with a moment of absolute silence. This is part of the new GNH curriculum Bhutan has introduced into its schools.
Teachers say they have already noticed a difference from the daily moments of meditation. Their students, they claim, are now more focused.
GNH also includes lessons on conservation and recycling. It also means teaching, for instance, why one should be considerate to other people. As a government policy, GNH, recognizes other components besides education, psychological well-being and ecology. They are: health, culture, living standards, proper use of time, community vitality and good governance.
Principal Dolma, who uses only one name, explains that Gross National Happiness is not only meant to be a classroom exercise.
"It's not just classroom teaching that we impart values," she explains in her office. "But the way a teacher speaks to the children, the way a teacher behaves with the children, so much so that even while we play games, value is imparted."
Bhutan's educators stress that happiness values, closely in line with the country's deep Buddhist faith, are not meant to bring religion into the classroom. But it is certainly not in conflict with those religious values.
That is what I found out when I visited the other important spot on my most recent Bhutanese journey - an old monastery difficult to find, up a winding side mountain road between the capital, Thimphu, and Paro.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
No Protestant Christian on the U.S. Supreme Court
Since President Obama nominated Elena Kagan for the newly vacated seat of the last Protestant on the current Supreme Court, the religion blogosphere has been jammed with posts on what a Catholic/Jewish court means for America. And some have wondered how this came to pass culturally, not just politically.
Much of the reaction is really about a specific category of Protestants -- Evangelicals -- being missing in action on the high court. Not a peep from the mainline or liberal wing of Protestantism. Neither is anyone publicly mourning the vanishing WASPs -- White Anglo-Saxon Protestant. At least not so far as I've seen.For example: Patrick O'Callahan at the News Tribune in Tacoma, Wa. sees the real reason for the vanishing Protestant affiliation for Supreme Court nominees is the bias of the Ivy League against evangelicals -- specifically Harvard and Yale. (Hat tip here to Bob Kellemen at Everyday Christian for sending me to this
O'Callahan writes that in the Ivy League...
Evangelicals need not apply. This is an oversimplification, but Ivy League campuses and other high-prestige schools are not particularly hospitable to conservative Protestants. In fact, the professoriat at elite colleges appears outright hostile to evangelicals.
My guess is that the professors don't dislike their Christian convictions per se so much as they view evangelicals as political Neanderthals who oppose abortion rights and gay marriage, and vote for the likes of George W. Bush.
Some evangelicals also run into special problems reconciling a literal or near-literal reading of the Bible with evolution, the foundation of modern biology.
O'Callahan doesn't look very far back in Ivy League history -- back to when these were WASP bastions where Jews were specifically unwelcome. In a 2005 interview with Bloomberg News, Jerome Karabel, a professor of sociology at the University of California, Berkeley and author of The Chosen: The Hidden History of Admission and Exclusion at Harvard, Yale, and Princeton,
Much of the reaction is really about a specific category of Protestants -- Evangelicals -- being missing in action on the high court. Not a peep from the mainline or liberal wing of Protestantism. Neither is anyone publicly mourning the vanishing WASPs -- White Anglo-Saxon Protestant. At least not so far as I've seen.For example: Patrick O'Callahan at the News Tribune in Tacoma, Wa. sees the real reason for the vanishing Protestant affiliation for Supreme Court nominees is the bias of the Ivy League against evangelicals -- specifically Harvard and Yale. (Hat tip here to Bob Kellemen at Everyday Christian for sending me to this
O'Callahan writes that in the Ivy League...
Evangelicals need not apply. This is an oversimplification, but Ivy League campuses and other high-prestige schools are not particularly hospitable to conservative Protestants. In fact, the professoriat at elite colleges appears outright hostile to evangelicals.
My guess is that the professors don't dislike their Christian convictions per se so much as they view evangelicals as political Neanderthals who oppose abortion rights and gay marriage, and vote for the likes of George W. Bush.
Some evangelicals also run into special problems reconciling a literal or near-literal reading of the Bible with evolution, the foundation of modern biology.
O'Callahan doesn't look very far back in Ivy League history -- back to when these were WASP bastions where Jews were specifically unwelcome. In a 2005 interview with Bloomberg News, Jerome Karabel, a professor of sociology at the University of California, Berkeley and author of The Chosen: The Hidden History of Admission and Exclusion at Harvard, Yale, and Princeton,
Monday, May 17, 2010
Indian Guru Speaks for Dhoni
‘Come on Dhoni! You can do it’, well that’s not cricket fans but the iconic Big B words of encouragement to the Indian cricket team captain when the whole world is after him and his men in blue with whatever abuses, blames they have. But Amitabh Bachchan has come out in full support for MS Dhoni via his blog.
He writes, “I am appalled at the way MS Dhoni has been targeted. A week ago he was the apple of your eye and within seconds, in a show smacking of frivolity, you have through deliberate and unjustifiable cut, paste technology, made him into the creator of all that ails Indian cricket.”
Big B clarifies that, that doesn’t mean that he is not affected by the ouster of the Indian cricket team from T20 world cup and has come out heavily on the satellite channels for destroying the spirit of the players, he writes, “We are all very disappointed with the outcome of the T20 championships, but don't destroy the spirit of these magnificent athletes. From the early hours of the morning, the electronic (media) has only crucified the team and done nothing else. Don't kill their morale for god's sake."
He goes further by suggesting what he would have done if he was the head of a channel, he continues, “If I was heading a channel, I would repeatedly keep showing in my broadcast, the glorious victory of the year when we won the World Championships, rather than dwell on our players in their weaker moments. I have faith in Dhoni the wonderful band of brothers in the team. Regroup, regain and win."
Dhoni must be feeling the sign of relief after these encouraging words from Big B and won’t be surprised if answers his critics by borrowing a line from Big B’s 70’s blockbuster ‘Deewar’ and shuts all the critics mouth by saying “Mere pass Bachchan hai”. Source: Indiaglitz
He writes, “I am appalled at the way MS Dhoni has been targeted. A week ago he was the apple of your eye and within seconds, in a show smacking of frivolity, you have through deliberate and unjustifiable cut, paste technology, made him into the creator of all that ails Indian cricket.”
Big B clarifies that, that doesn’t mean that he is not affected by the ouster of the Indian cricket team from T20 world cup and has come out heavily on the satellite channels for destroying the spirit of the players, he writes, “We are all very disappointed with the outcome of the T20 championships, but don't destroy the spirit of these magnificent athletes. From the early hours of the morning, the electronic (media) has only crucified the team and done nothing else. Don't kill their morale for god's sake."
He goes further by suggesting what he would have done if he was the head of a channel, he continues, “If I was heading a channel, I would repeatedly keep showing in my broadcast, the glorious victory of the year when we won the World Championships, rather than dwell on our players in their weaker moments. I have faith in Dhoni the wonderful band of brothers in the team. Regroup, regain and win."
Dhoni must be feeling the sign of relief after these encouraging words from Big B and won’t be surprised if answers his critics by borrowing a line from Big B’s 70’s blockbuster ‘Deewar’ and shuts all the critics mouth by saying “Mere pass Bachchan hai”. Source: Indiaglitz
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Sunday Radio is 2 Hour Service
Reviewed by Chris Maume
Sunday, 16 May 2010
There's so much about the world that's rubbish, so many ways in which our species has made a complete mess of things, that misanthropy feels like a rational response to modern life.
A clear leader in the field is Charlie Brooker, who has distinguished himself in print and on television with his scabrous crescendos of disgust and contempt. It clears the passages to witness a heartfelt tirade against those deserving of our condemnation, and Brooker reliably hands out metaphorical kickings where they are most needed.
He's not done much radio, but I'd say getting him in the studio and letting him rant till he can rant no longer would make a simple but unbeatable format. Instead, he's got his own game show, So Wrong It's Right, "about Britain's favourite subject: failure". Given the vein-bulging abuse of which he is a virtuoso, I was expecting something dark and vicious. It was funny but the passages remained uncleared.
In a round where the panel had to come up with the best-worst reality TV show, the comedian Rufus Hound suggested Blaze of Granny, in which senior citizens compete to suggest the most gruesome manner of their own death: "Tonight, Vernon, I'm going to be kicked to death by a donkey!" Not quite nasty enough for Brooker, who said: "I'd like to see somebody inhale a drainpipe full of bees."
I'd read a couple of notices that took a dim view of the nastiness; frankly, I could have handled more. But if Brooker's misanthropy dial was only turned up half way, David Mitchell's profound disgruntlement with the modern world more than compensated. In the Putrid Modern Hell round, he railed against new technology and the different platforms and formats it spawns. "I want to make comedy shows in a system that already exists, please," he pleaded. "I want everyone to have to watch BBC1, BBC2 or ITV, and for me to be on one of those."
I'd go for that – although then we probably wouldn't have digital radio, or BBC6 Music, upon which another relative radio newcomer is making his mark, winning the Sony Rising Star award last week. Quite right, too: Jarvis Cocker's Sunday Service is two hours of radio paradise. The music is fantastic – a gorgeous duet by Morrissey and Siouxsie Sioux; Roland Kovac and his Panorama Sound Orchestra; Dory Previn's Valley of the Dolls theme tune; and a track from a Motown album made by Albert Finney, no less. And the bits in between are filled by the former Pulp singer's delightful musings – Picasso's visit to Sheffield; Mr Noisy's extravagant brogues in the Mr Men stories; the cricket team convened by JM Barrie which included Conan Doyle, Milne, Jerome and Wodehouse.
There's more than a touch of John Peel about Cocker: laconic delivery, an endearing cack-handedness in the studio – and the giddy expansion of one's musical horizons. When 6 Music gets the chop, they'll definitely need to find a home for him somewhere.
Sunday, 16 May 2010
There's so much about the world that's rubbish, so many ways in which our species has made a complete mess of things, that misanthropy feels like a rational response to modern life.
A clear leader in the field is Charlie Brooker, who has distinguished himself in print and on television with his scabrous crescendos of disgust and contempt. It clears the passages to witness a heartfelt tirade against those deserving of our condemnation, and Brooker reliably hands out metaphorical kickings where they are most needed.
He's not done much radio, but I'd say getting him in the studio and letting him rant till he can rant no longer would make a simple but unbeatable format. Instead, he's got his own game show, So Wrong It's Right, "about Britain's favourite subject: failure". Given the vein-bulging abuse of which he is a virtuoso, I was expecting something dark and vicious. It was funny but the passages remained uncleared.
In a round where the panel had to come up with the best-worst reality TV show, the comedian Rufus Hound suggested Blaze of Granny, in which senior citizens compete to suggest the most gruesome manner of their own death: "Tonight, Vernon, I'm going to be kicked to death by a donkey!" Not quite nasty enough for Brooker, who said: "I'd like to see somebody inhale a drainpipe full of bees."
I'd read a couple of notices that took a dim view of the nastiness; frankly, I could have handled more. But if Brooker's misanthropy dial was only turned up half way, David Mitchell's profound disgruntlement with the modern world more than compensated. In the Putrid Modern Hell round, he railed against new technology and the different platforms and formats it spawns. "I want to make comedy shows in a system that already exists, please," he pleaded. "I want everyone to have to watch BBC1, BBC2 or ITV, and for me to be on one of those."
I'd go for that – although then we probably wouldn't have digital radio, or BBC6 Music, upon which another relative radio newcomer is making his mark, winning the Sony Rising Star award last week. Quite right, too: Jarvis Cocker's Sunday Service is two hours of radio paradise. The music is fantastic – a gorgeous duet by Morrissey and Siouxsie Sioux; Roland Kovac and his Panorama Sound Orchestra; Dory Previn's Valley of the Dolls theme tune; and a track from a Motown album made by Albert Finney, no less. And the bits in between are filled by the former Pulp singer's delightful musings – Picasso's visit to Sheffield; Mr Noisy's extravagant brogues in the Mr Men stories; the cricket team convened by JM Barrie which included Conan Doyle, Milne, Jerome and Wodehouse.
There's more than a touch of John Peel about Cocker: laconic delivery, an endearing cack-handedness in the studio – and the giddy expansion of one's musical horizons. When 6 Music gets the chop, they'll definitely need to find a home for him somewhere.
Saturday, May 15, 2010
When CASH is a Spiritual Thing
By THEAN LEE CHENG
leecheng@thestar.com.my
Cash. A simple four-letter word, but the most critical metric in the economic world today.
When former Harvard business professor Ram Charan was a child, he learned the importance of money.
“Before the crisis struck, your company's indicators of success were increasing earnings per share and growing revenues by gaining market share. Today, it is cash. You absolutely must have sufficient cash or credible access to it, to weather the storm. And with today's information technology, you can and should know your company's cash position every single day,” he writes in Leadership in the Era of Economic Uncertainty.
Ram was in Kuala Lumpur at the end of March as a guest speaker in an instalment of Sime Darby Bhd's lecture series held at the Sime Darby Convention Centre.
There, he spoke about the importance of execution.Much has transpired between the time when he was an 11-year-old helping out with the family shoe business and being the Dallas-based advisor and speaker he is today.
But he has not forgotten the importance of cash flow.
Back then, his duty was to clean the shoes, deal with customer requests and count the rupees in the till in that little shop of about 400sq ft.
Although he has the benefit of an early training in business, he grew up unaware that he was adept at it.
“I will go to the shop after school. My two older brothers and I were also dealing with customers,” he recalls.
When it was time for him to enter university, he joined the engineering department because “that was the way to get out into the new world”.
Finance and the business world were not on his agenda.
After earning his engineering degree, he took a job in Australia in a gas and light company for four years.
It was during this time that he realised that he has good business acumen.
He was encouraged to do his MBA and doctorate degrees, which he did at Harvard Business School, where he graduated with high distinction.
He served on its business faculty after his doctorate.
About 30 years ago, he quit a tenured professorship at Boston University to devote himself full-time to consulting.
Today, Ram is alone at the top of his profession - not so much a consultant but a guru, a corporate sage with access to boardrooms across the globe, and enjoys intimate, enduring relationships with an array of powerful CEOs.
Among them are Jack Welch, formerly of General Electric (“He has this rare ability to distil the meaningful from the meaningless and transfer it to others in a quiet, effective way without destroying confidences.”); Dick Harrington of Thomson Corp (“He probably knows more about corporate America than anybody.”); and Verizon's Ivan Seidenberg (“I love him. He's my secret weapon.”).
“He's like your conscience,” says former Citicorp CEO John Reed, in a magazine article. “Just when you sort of think you have everything done and you're feeling pretty good about yourself, he calls you up and says, 'Hey, Reed, did you do this and that and the other?'”
Writes Fortune magazine: “What he does is hard to describe. But the most powerful CEOs love it enough to keep him on the road 24/7 and make him the most influential consultant alive.”
At 71, Ram continues to travel extensively.
He purchased his first apartment at 67 in Dallas.
leecheng@thestar.com.my
Cash. A simple four-letter word, but the most critical metric in the economic world today.
When former Harvard business professor Ram Charan was a child, he learned the importance of money.
“Before the crisis struck, your company's indicators of success were increasing earnings per share and growing revenues by gaining market share. Today, it is cash. You absolutely must have sufficient cash or credible access to it, to weather the storm. And with today's information technology, you can and should know your company's cash position every single day,” he writes in Leadership in the Era of Economic Uncertainty.
Ram was in Kuala Lumpur at the end of March as a guest speaker in an instalment of Sime Darby Bhd's lecture series held at the Sime Darby Convention Centre.
There, he spoke about the importance of execution.Much has transpired between the time when he was an 11-year-old helping out with the family shoe business and being the Dallas-based advisor and speaker he is today.
But he has not forgotten the importance of cash flow.
Back then, his duty was to clean the shoes, deal with customer requests and count the rupees in the till in that little shop of about 400sq ft.
Although he has the benefit of an early training in business, he grew up unaware that he was adept at it.
“I will go to the shop after school. My two older brothers and I were also dealing with customers,” he recalls.
When it was time for him to enter university, he joined the engineering department because “that was the way to get out into the new world”.
Finance and the business world were not on his agenda.
After earning his engineering degree, he took a job in Australia in a gas and light company for four years.
It was during this time that he realised that he has good business acumen.
He was encouraged to do his MBA and doctorate degrees, which he did at Harvard Business School, where he graduated with high distinction.
He served on its business faculty after his doctorate.
About 30 years ago, he quit a tenured professorship at Boston University to devote himself full-time to consulting.
Today, Ram is alone at the top of his profession - not so much a consultant but a guru, a corporate sage with access to boardrooms across the globe, and enjoys intimate, enduring relationships with an array of powerful CEOs.
Among them are Jack Welch, formerly of General Electric (“He has this rare ability to distil the meaningful from the meaningless and transfer it to others in a quiet, effective way without destroying confidences.”); Dick Harrington of Thomson Corp (“He probably knows more about corporate America than anybody.”); and Verizon's Ivan Seidenberg (“I love him. He's my secret weapon.”).
“He's like your conscience,” says former Citicorp CEO John Reed, in a magazine article. “Just when you sort of think you have everything done and you're feeling pretty good about yourself, he calls you up and says, 'Hey, Reed, did you do this and that and the other?'”
Writes Fortune magazine: “What he does is hard to describe. But the most powerful CEOs love it enough to keep him on the road 24/7 and make him the most influential consultant alive.”
At 71, Ram continues to travel extensively.
He purchased his first apartment at 67 in Dallas.
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Sunday Service for Fallen Firemen
KINGDOM CITY -- Three firemen from around the state who died on duty will be honored during a ceremony Sunday morning at the Missouri Firefighters Memorial in Kingdom City.
In addition to those who died in line of duty, the memorial also honors firemen who had more than 10 years of service. Their names are included in a separate area of the memorial.
Four Fulton firemen who died of natural causes after their service ended will be honored this weekend at the memorial. They are: William C. Whitlow, Velbert M. Nickelson, John W. (Dub) Keely and Howard Henderson.
The Callaway Lodge 105 of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows (I.O.O.F) will host its annual Candlelight Service at 9 p.m. Sataurday at the memorial.
The 8th Annual Firefighters Memorial service will be at 10 a.m. Sunday at the Memorial. Callaway Lodge 105 of the I.O.O.F. will serve a light breakfast from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. before and after the 10 a.m. ceremony.
A bell will be rung during the ceremony to honor the memory of each fallen firefighter honored this year.
Last year Duncan's name was inscribed on the Firefighters Memorial.
He died at the age of 80 while fighting a fire at the Beta Theta Pi fraternity house on the Westminster College campus.
Duncan helped found the Volunteer Fulton Fire Department and served as fire chief for 33 years and as a Fulton fireman for 52 years.
He operated a tin shop in Fulton as his full-time occupation.
Two years before he died fighting the fire, he was honored on Sept. 12, 1944, by the city of Fulton with "Duncan Day." Several hundred people gathered at the City Park for a program in tribute to Duncan.
Duncan has no known relatives. The firefighters organization has asked that anyone who knows a relative of Duncan to notify the relative of the ceremonies at Kingdom City this weekend.
His obituary in the Fulton Sun Gazette reported his wife was Clara Annie Huggett Duncan. They had four sons, Harry Grant Duncan and Willis Singleton Duncan of Alexandria, Va., Mitchell Grant Duncan of Detroit, and Henry Shirley Duncan of Jefferson City.
Duncan was a member of the local I.O.O.F. Lodge from Oct. 7, 1895 until his death.
Duncan had served as past Noble Grand of the Fulton Lodge and was a member of its board of trustees. He was instrumental in getting the old lodge building on Court Street erected. The building formerly housed the JC Penny department store and now houses Cornerstone Antiques.
Duncan also was a Mason from 1923 and he was a member of the First Presbyterian Church.
Although the Fulton Volunteer Fire Department was not formed until 1896, Duncan headed a volunteer bucket brigade in 1894.
In 1896, Fulton Mayor W. Ed Jameson and Duncan established a volunteer fire department. Their equipment was a hand-drawn cart, a small hose and rubber buckets.
Later the volunteer department obtained motorized equipment and was brought up-to-date with modern equipment.
A full-time Fulton fire chief was hired after Duncan's death. Duncan and other Fulton firefighters were paid on a part-time basis until his death in 1946.
Two Westminster College students who were not members of the fraternity that burned admitted they started the fire after a night of heavy drinking.
The Firefighters Memorial at Kingdom City was dedicated May 18, 2002. On the black granite walls the names are inscribed of all known Missouri firefighters who have died in the line of duty. The first was Fred Turnbull of the St. Louis Volunteer Fire Department in 1838.
The Firefighter in Prayer statue is actually the second one. The original statue was in transit through New York City on Sept. 11, 2001, en route to the planned memorial in Kingdom City.
Missouri firefighters wanted to honor immediately the New York firemen who died in the Sept. 11 terrorist attack and decided to give the statue originally intended for the Missouri Firefighters Memorial to the New York Fire Department.
On Sept. 19, 2001, the New York Fire Department accepted the gift of the first Firefighter in Prayer statue from Missouri Fire Service. The gift was in honor of the 343 firefighters who died in collapse of the World Trade Center.
The original remains in New York City at 8th Avenue and 41st Street and was one of the first 9/11 Memorials erected.
In addition to those who died in line of duty, the memorial also honors firemen who had more than 10 years of service. Their names are included in a separate area of the memorial.
Four Fulton firemen who died of natural causes after their service ended will be honored this weekend at the memorial. They are: William C. Whitlow, Velbert M. Nickelson, John W. (Dub) Keely and Howard Henderson.
The Callaway Lodge 105 of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows (I.O.O.F) will host its annual Candlelight Service at 9 p.m. Sataurday at the memorial.
The 8th Annual Firefighters Memorial service will be at 10 a.m. Sunday at the Memorial. Callaway Lodge 105 of the I.O.O.F. will serve a light breakfast from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. before and after the 10 a.m. ceremony.
A bell will be rung during the ceremony to honor the memory of each fallen firefighter honored this year.
Last year Duncan's name was inscribed on the Firefighters Memorial.
He died at the age of 80 while fighting a fire at the Beta Theta Pi fraternity house on the Westminster College campus.
Duncan helped found the Volunteer Fulton Fire Department and served as fire chief for 33 years and as a Fulton fireman for 52 years.
He operated a tin shop in Fulton as his full-time occupation.
Two years before he died fighting the fire, he was honored on Sept. 12, 1944, by the city of Fulton with "Duncan Day." Several hundred people gathered at the City Park for a program in tribute to Duncan.
Duncan has no known relatives. The firefighters organization has asked that anyone who knows a relative of Duncan to notify the relative of the ceremonies at Kingdom City this weekend.
His obituary in the Fulton Sun Gazette reported his wife was Clara Annie Huggett Duncan. They had four sons, Harry Grant Duncan and Willis Singleton Duncan of Alexandria, Va., Mitchell Grant Duncan of Detroit, and Henry Shirley Duncan of Jefferson City.
Duncan was a member of the local I.O.O.F. Lodge from Oct. 7, 1895 until his death.
Duncan had served as past Noble Grand of the Fulton Lodge and was a member of its board of trustees. He was instrumental in getting the old lodge building on Court Street erected. The building formerly housed the JC Penny department store and now houses Cornerstone Antiques.
Duncan also was a Mason from 1923 and he was a member of the First Presbyterian Church.
Although the Fulton Volunteer Fire Department was not formed until 1896, Duncan headed a volunteer bucket brigade in 1894.
In 1896, Fulton Mayor W. Ed Jameson and Duncan established a volunteer fire department. Their equipment was a hand-drawn cart, a small hose and rubber buckets.
Later the volunteer department obtained motorized equipment and was brought up-to-date with modern equipment.
A full-time Fulton fire chief was hired after Duncan's death. Duncan and other Fulton firefighters were paid on a part-time basis until his death in 1946.
Two Westminster College students who were not members of the fraternity that burned admitted they started the fire after a night of heavy drinking.
The Firefighters Memorial at Kingdom City was dedicated May 18, 2002. On the black granite walls the names are inscribed of all known Missouri firefighters who have died in the line of duty. The first was Fred Turnbull of the St. Louis Volunteer Fire Department in 1838.
The Firefighter in Prayer statue is actually the second one. The original statue was in transit through New York City on Sept. 11, 2001, en route to the planned memorial in Kingdom City.
Missouri firefighters wanted to honor immediately the New York firemen who died in the Sept. 11 terrorist attack and decided to give the statue originally intended for the Missouri Firefighters Memorial to the New York Fire Department.
On Sept. 19, 2001, the New York Fire Department accepted the gift of the first Firefighter in Prayer statue from Missouri Fire Service. The gift was in honor of the 343 firefighters who died in collapse of the World Trade Center.
The original remains in New York City at 8th Avenue and 41st Street and was one of the first 9/11 Memorials erected.
Spirituality is Big Business & Fraud Sometimes Too
By - http://www.artofliving.org
His holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar answers questions, this time about politics and the question of fraud and corruption.
Question: "I feel that spirituality and politics have separated in today’s world. How will the two meet?"
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: Spiritualize politics. Spirituality is essential to keep politics away from corruption, fraud and war. Politics without spirituality will lead to narrow-mindedness. Mahatma Gandhi was an extremely spiritual man, and that’s why he was able to lead a non-violent revolution in India. We must also encourage spiritual people to take an interest in politics. They shouldn’t think that it is dirty, and for corrupt or fraudulent people.
Any post – a minister’s, chief minister or an officer’s post – is to serve others, not to enjoy yourself. You get the post so that you can serve the citizens. You have to neither hold on to it nor run away from it.
Leaving a rank is not about leaving prestige or position. This should be understood. Politics is supposed to be an important limb in the administration of a country. In ancient times, kings, and ministers used to take a keen interest in spirituality. Those who were not spiritual, were unable to support society’s progress.
Leaders should have five types of qualities: satya-darshi (truthfulness), sama-darshi (equanimous), priya-darshi (pleasantness), paar-darshi (transparency) and door-darshi (visionary). Then the country can progress.
His holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar answers questions, this time about politics and the question of fraud and corruption.
Question: "I feel that spirituality and politics have separated in today’s world. How will the two meet?"
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar: Spiritualize politics. Spirituality is essential to keep politics away from corruption, fraud and war. Politics without spirituality will lead to narrow-mindedness. Mahatma Gandhi was an extremely spiritual man, and that’s why he was able to lead a non-violent revolution in India. We must also encourage spiritual people to take an interest in politics. They shouldn’t think that it is dirty, and for corrupt or fraudulent people.
Any post – a minister’s, chief minister or an officer’s post – is to serve others, not to enjoy yourself. You get the post so that you can serve the citizens. You have to neither hold on to it nor run away from it.
Leaving a rank is not about leaving prestige or position. This should be understood. Politics is supposed to be an important limb in the administration of a country. In ancient times, kings, and ministers used to take a keen interest in spirituality. Those who were not spiritual, were unable to support society’s progress.
Leaders should have five types of qualities: satya-darshi (truthfulness), sama-darshi (equanimous), priya-darshi (pleasantness), paar-darshi (transparency) and door-darshi (visionary). Then the country can progress.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Certified Life Coaching has a Fee
(I-Newswire) May 10, 2010 - IMMEDIATE RELEASE-‘ Symbiosis Coaching a pioneering Life Coaching institute in India brings to every life coaching enthusiasts two Life Coaching courses namely Certified Life Coach and Certified Master Spirit Life Coach.’
Life Coaching is a booming concept in India and Symbiosis Coaching is one of the first few Life Coaching institutes in India. Life Coaching is usually an expensive affair, but Symbiosis Coaching has challenged this notion as well. Symbiosis Coaching has made optimum utilization of technology. Learning needs to be continuously reinforced and that demands repeated reading and listening to the course materials. Symbiosis Coaching uses internet and teleconferencing facilities, which not only helps in strengthening the learning but also makes the whole course highly cost effective. The Certified Life Coach Programme costs just $ 499 USD and if somebody chooses to make the payment in installments then he or she has to shell out $110 USD per installment. The certified Life Coach programme contains 24 independent, stand alone modules, which are delivered over 24 weeks. The tuition fee of Master Spirit Life Coach Programme is $649 USD and every installment costs $145 USD.
Both the courses teach about ethical guidelines and professional standards, establishing the coaching agreement, establishing trust and intimacy with the client, coaching presence, active listening, powerful questioning, direct communication, creating awareness, designing actions, planning and goal setting, managing process and accountability and last but not the least working with effective coaching models.
The Master Spirit Life Coach Programme also teaches about spirituality. The courses are accredited by Certified Coaches Alliance. Both the courses offer amazing job opportunities, since Life Coaching is sought by bought by individuals and corporate.
Life Coaching is a booming concept in India and Symbiosis Coaching is one of the first few Life Coaching institutes in India. Life Coaching is usually an expensive affair, but Symbiosis Coaching has challenged this notion as well. Symbiosis Coaching has made optimum utilization of technology. Learning needs to be continuously reinforced and that demands repeated reading and listening to the course materials. Symbiosis Coaching uses internet and teleconferencing facilities, which not only helps in strengthening the learning but also makes the whole course highly cost effective. The Certified Life Coach Programme costs just $ 499 USD and if somebody chooses to make the payment in installments then he or she has to shell out $110 USD per installment. The certified Life Coach programme contains 24 independent, stand alone modules, which are delivered over 24 weeks. The tuition fee of Master Spirit Life Coach Programme is $649 USD and every installment costs $145 USD.
Both the courses teach about ethical guidelines and professional standards, establishing the coaching agreement, establishing trust and intimacy with the client, coaching presence, active listening, powerful questioning, direct communication, creating awareness, designing actions, planning and goal setting, managing process and accountability and last but not the least working with effective coaching models.
The Master Spirit Life Coach Programme also teaches about spirituality. The courses are accredited by Certified Coaches Alliance. Both the courses offer amazing job opportunities, since Life Coaching is sought by bought by individuals and corporate.
Monday, May 10, 2010
Guru Sign of Respect at Copenhagen
K J M Varma
Beijing, May 9 (PTI) "Mr Guru" was how US President Barack Obama greeted Prime Minister Manmohan Singh during the Copenhagen Climate Summit, which showed the degree of respect he has for the Indian leader, Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh said today.
"President Obama has certainly got the right instincts on India. I know for fact, when Obama was in negotiating room, three times he mentioned word Guru when he referred to our PM.
Your Prime Minister is our Guru," Ramesh, who is here on a visit, told an interactive session with the members of Foreign Correspondent Club.
At the end of the negotiations the US had with BASIC countries -- Brazil, South Africa, China and India -- the first person Obama went to was Singh and said: "Mr Guru what will we do?"
The BASIC countries hammered out the Copenhagen Accord, which has now been recognised by over 100 countries.
http://www.ptinews.com/news/645711_Obama-called-Indian-PM--Mr-Guru--at-Copenhagen
Beijing, May 9 (PTI) "Mr Guru" was how US President Barack Obama greeted Prime Minister Manmohan Singh during the Copenhagen Climate Summit, which showed the degree of respect he has for the Indian leader, Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh said today.
"President Obama has certainly got the right instincts on India. I know for fact, when Obama was in negotiating room, three times he mentioned word Guru when he referred to our PM.
Your Prime Minister is our Guru," Ramesh, who is here on a visit, told an interactive session with the members of Foreign Correspondent Club.
At the end of the negotiations the US had with BASIC countries -- Brazil, South Africa, China and India -- the first person Obama went to was Singh and said: "Mr Guru what will we do?"
The BASIC countries hammered out the Copenhagen Accord, which has now been recognised by over 100 countries.
http://www.ptinews.com/news/645711_Obama-called-Indian-PM--Mr-Guru--at-Copenhagen
Saturday, May 8, 2010
Houses of Worship
ATHENS
* Unitarian Universalist Church, 112 North St., (570) 888-9569: Dance of the Universal Peace group from Ithaca will be the guests at the 10 a.m. Sunday service.
BEAVER DAMS
* Moreland Presbyterian Church, Beaver Dams-Moreland Road: Pastor Ann Campbell will give the sermon at the 9:30 a.m. Sunday service. Children's Sunday school, nursery.
BENTLEY CREEK
* Bentley Creek Baptist Church, 13545Berwick Turnpike, (570) 596-2115: Sunday school at 9:30 a.m. Pastor Jim Ellis will deliver the message "A Mother's Miracle" based on Exodus 2 at the 10:30 a.m. Sunday service. Nursery.
BIG FLATS
* American Baptist Community Church, 180 Hibbard Road, (607) 562-8144, www.tabbigflats.org: Sunday school at 9:30 a.m. The Rev. Syd McCrorey will deliver the message at the 10:30 a.m. Sunday service. Children's church, nursery.
* Big Flats United Methodist Church, 109 Hillview Drive, (607) 562-8581: Worship service at 10:30 a.m. Sunday.
* Big Flats Wesleyan Church, 561 Maple St., (607) 562-3444, www.bigflatswesleyanchurch.com: Bible study at 9 a.m. Pastor Bern Lytle will preach a sermon on "Repentance: He Came to His Senses" the third in a series "Prodigal God" at 10:30 a.m. Sunday. Children's ministry and child care during both services.
* First Presbyterian Church of Big Flats, 95 Main St., (607) 562-8048, www.BigFlatsFirstPres.org: www.bigflatsfirstpres.org: The Rev. Rick Price will honor mothers at the 10:30 a.m. Sunday service. Food Pantry will be open Tuesday noon to 2 p.m.
* Higher Hope Church, Wings of Eagles Discovery Center, 17 Aviation Drive, (607) 377-2991, www.higherhopechurch.org: Pastor Michael Schooley will deliver the message "Practical Christianity" at the 10 a.m. Sunday service. High Five 4 Kidz for children up to fourth grade held concurrently.
* Unitarian Universalist Church, 112 North St., (570) 888-9569: Dance of the Universal Peace group from Ithaca will be the guests at the 10 a.m. Sunday service.
BEAVER DAMS
* Moreland Presbyterian Church, Beaver Dams-Moreland Road: Pastor Ann Campbell will give the sermon at the 9:30 a.m. Sunday service. Children's Sunday school, nursery.
BENTLEY CREEK
* Bentley Creek Baptist Church, 13545Berwick Turnpike, (570) 596-2115: Sunday school at 9:30 a.m. Pastor Jim Ellis will deliver the message "A Mother's Miracle" based on Exodus 2 at the 10:30 a.m. Sunday service. Nursery.
BIG FLATS
* American Baptist Community Church, 180 Hibbard Road, (607) 562-8144, www.tabbigflats.org: Sunday school at 9:30 a.m. The Rev. Syd McCrorey will deliver the message at the 10:30 a.m. Sunday service. Children's church, nursery.
* Big Flats United Methodist Church, 109 Hillview Drive, (607) 562-8581: Worship service at 10:30 a.m. Sunday.
* Big Flats Wesleyan Church, 561 Maple St., (607) 562-3444, www.bigflatswesleyanchurch.com: Bible study at 9 a.m. Pastor Bern Lytle will preach a sermon on "Repentance: He Came to His Senses" the third in a series "Prodigal God" at 10:30 a.m. Sunday. Children's ministry and child care during both services.
* First Presbyterian Church of Big Flats, 95 Main St., (607) 562-8048, www.BigFlatsFirstPres.org: www.bigflatsfirstpres.org: The Rev. Rick Price will honor mothers at the 10:30 a.m. Sunday service. Food Pantry will be open Tuesday noon to 2 p.m.
* Higher Hope Church, Wings of Eagles Discovery Center, 17 Aviation Drive, (607) 377-2991, www.higherhopechurch.org: Pastor Michael Schooley will deliver the message "Practical Christianity" at the 10 a.m. Sunday service. High Five 4 Kidz for children up to fourth grade held concurrently.
Connecticut Sunday
DANBURY -- The idea came to the Rev. Cindy Maddox several years ago as she walked a labyrinth at Wisdom House Retreat and Conference Center in Litchfield. The twisting, turning path, which offers a place for spiritual meditation, helped the pastor meditate and reflect when a hectic schedule was taking its toll on her.
"I was thinking about how busy we are as a church, and how hectic people's lives are personally. I was wishing we had a labyrinth closer so our people could experience the benefits of the spiritual practice of walking a labyrinth," Maddox said.
"I suddenly realized that we could build our own."
Maddox took the idea back to the Ministry Council at her parish, the King Street United Church of Christ, and work began soon afterward. The labyrinth will be dedicated Sunday in a ceremony following the
9:30 a.m. worship service.
Just as a labyrinth itself takes many twists and turns, so did the congregation's path in completing it, Maddox said.
"We decided to make it a memorial garden so that we could honor loved ones who have died," she said. "We hired a woman to help us lay out the design, and a number of church members came on several different days to lay out the bricks. Members brought rocks, and one, Steve Fuller, built a stone wall."
Boy Scout Alex Brittain agreed to take on the landscaping as part of his Eagle Scout project.
Alex belongs to Troop 52 in Danbury, which is sponsored by the church.
"Along with the help of Scouts in my Troop, the work was completed in April," he said. "We installed two new sections of fence, a bench, a walkway and the peace pole."
The peace pole was made last year by the church's confirmation class. The tall wooden pole has the word "peace" inscribed on it in many languages.
"Members of the church have been working on this project for at least three years," said Fuller, of Danbury, a church member. "It has been a community effort.
"Dave McKee cleared the land with a backhoe, different people helped lay the brick for the pathway and many church members got involved. This past Sunday, we worked on planting more shrubs.
"Landscape architect Bill Montgomery, a church member, laid out the way the shrubs were to be planted, and I worked with Pastor Maddox and Amanda Deming to finish the planting."
A memorial plaque honoring more than 50 loved ones of the congregation has been ordered and is expected in time for Sunday's ceremony.
Walking a labyrinth can be a deeply spiritual and centering experience. At its most basic level, the labyrinth is a metaphor for the journey to the center of your deepest self and back out into the world with a broadened understanding of who you are.
Wisdom House describes it in this way:
"Life is full of twists and turns. Life's journey is rarely one straight path directed toward our goal ... The labyrinth's path moves us through twists and turns until we reach the center. Throughout the walk, we rely on our faith and trust that the winding path truly leads to God, the center of our life. When we walk the labyrinth with the presence of God, even amid life's twists and turns, we will find our way back home."
Labyrinths and mazes have often been confused. A maze is like a puzzle to be solved. It has twists, turns and blind alleys. It is a left-brain task that requires logical, sequential, analytical activity to find the correct path into the maze and out.
A labyrinth has only one path; the way in is the way out. There are no blind alleys. The path leads you on a circuitous path to the center and out again.
"As far as we know, ours is the only labyrinth of its kind in Danbury," said Maddox, "and it is open to the public."
Thanks to the contributions of the congregation and its friends, the community will have a resource for meditation and reflection for many seasons to come.
For more information, contact the Rev. Cindy Maddox at 203-748-0719 or pastor@kingstchurch.org.
"I was thinking about how busy we are as a church, and how hectic people's lives are personally. I was wishing we had a labyrinth closer so our people could experience the benefits of the spiritual practice of walking a labyrinth," Maddox said.
"I suddenly realized that we could build our own."
Maddox took the idea back to the Ministry Council at her parish, the King Street United Church of Christ, and work began soon afterward. The labyrinth will be dedicated Sunday in a ceremony following the
9:30 a.m. worship service.
Just as a labyrinth itself takes many twists and turns, so did the congregation's path in completing it, Maddox said.
"We decided to make it a memorial garden so that we could honor loved ones who have died," she said. "We hired a woman to help us lay out the design, and a number of church members came on several different days to lay out the bricks. Members brought rocks, and one, Steve Fuller, built a stone wall."
Boy Scout Alex Brittain agreed to take on the landscaping as part of his Eagle Scout project.
Alex belongs to Troop 52 in Danbury, which is sponsored by the church.
"Along with the help of Scouts in my Troop, the work was completed in April," he said. "We installed two new sections of fence, a bench, a walkway and the peace pole."
The peace pole was made last year by the church's confirmation class. The tall wooden pole has the word "peace" inscribed on it in many languages.
"Members of the church have been working on this project for at least three years," said Fuller, of Danbury, a church member. "It has been a community effort.
"Dave McKee cleared the land with a backhoe, different people helped lay the brick for the pathway and many church members got involved. This past Sunday, we worked on planting more shrubs.
"Landscape architect Bill Montgomery, a church member, laid out the way the shrubs were to be planted, and I worked with Pastor Maddox and Amanda Deming to finish the planting."
A memorial plaque honoring more than 50 loved ones of the congregation has been ordered and is expected in time for Sunday's ceremony.
Walking a labyrinth can be a deeply spiritual and centering experience. At its most basic level, the labyrinth is a metaphor for the journey to the center of your deepest self and back out into the world with a broadened understanding of who you are.
Wisdom House describes it in this way:
"Life is full of twists and turns. Life's journey is rarely one straight path directed toward our goal ... The labyrinth's path moves us through twists and turns until we reach the center. Throughout the walk, we rely on our faith and trust that the winding path truly leads to God, the center of our life. When we walk the labyrinth with the presence of God, even amid life's twists and turns, we will find our way back home."
Labyrinths and mazes have often been confused. A maze is like a puzzle to be solved. It has twists, turns and blind alleys. It is a left-brain task that requires logical, sequential, analytical activity to find the correct path into the maze and out.
A labyrinth has only one path; the way in is the way out. There are no blind alleys. The path leads you on a circuitous path to the center and out again.
"As far as we know, ours is the only labyrinth of its kind in Danbury," said Maddox, "and it is open to the public."
Thanks to the contributions of the congregation and its friends, the community will have a resource for meditation and reflection for many seasons to come.
For more information, contact the Rev. Cindy Maddox at 203-748-0719 or pastor@kingstchurch.org.
Friday, May 7, 2010
Do Something Special for Mother's Day
Anthology: The San Diego venue will host a special a la carte brunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. with music from the house and. Menu items include Carpaccio of Hawaiian Pineapple, Hand Foraged Morel Mushroom Ravioli, Dungeness Crab Benedict, Huevos Rancheros and more. There will also be a 6 p.m. dinner show with Luscious Noise. Go to anthologysd.com or call 619-595-0300.
Arterra, San Diego Marriott Del Mar: The restaurant will offer a buffet brunch from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. with an assortment of breakfast items and entrees including smoked cheddar mac & cheese, roasted chicken breasts, carved ham and New York strip loin steak and Scottish salmon. Cost is $39.95 for adults, $16.95 for children 10 and under and free for children under 3. Visit arterrarestaurant.com.
Courtyard by Marriott, Rancho Bernardo: The hotel will host its first-ever Mother's Day brunch from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for $16.95 per adult and $10 per child ages 4 to 12. The buffet will feature shrimp, roast beef and an omelet station, as well as $3 mimosas and Bloody Marys. Go to www.marriott.com/sanbo or call 858-613-2007.
Firefly Grill & Wine Bar: The Encinitas restaurant will host an a la carte brunch beginning at 11 a.m. Wines are $5 per glass. Brunch items include Stuffed French Toast with honey cream cheese, Carlsbad strawberries and blueberry maple syrup; Smoked Salmon Omelet with oven-dried tomatoes, red onion, capers and breakfast potatoes; Jumbo Lump Crab Benedict with two poached eggs, hollandaise sauce and breakfast potatoes; Braised Beef Shirt Rib Hash with fried eggs and breakfast potatoes; and more. Go to fireflygrillandwinebar.com or call 760-635-1066.
Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar: The La Jolla and San Diego locations of Fleming's will host a three-course prix-fixe brunch from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. The menu is $29.95 per person, and items include a wedge salad, beef tenderloin and vegetable frittata, berry-stuffed French toast, walnut turtle pie, creme brulee and more. Each mother will receive a $25 dining card to use on a future visit; go to flemingssteakhouse.com.
George's California Modern: The La Jolla restaurant will host an a la carte brunch from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. May 9. Menu items include Meyer Lemon Ravioli; Chino Minestrone Soup; Brioche French Toast; Spanish Tortilla; California Lamb Chops; and more. Go to www.georgesatthecove.com or call 858-454-4244.
The Grand Del Mar: The Capella hosts brunch from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for $85 per adult and $30 per child ages 6 to 12. Brunch buffet includes lobster cocktail; tagliatelle with grapefruit, prosciutto and goat cheese; baked halibut with savory cabbage and peach beurre blanc; white chocolate creme brulee; and more. Call 858-314-2000. Amaya will have brunch from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and dinner from 5 to 9 p.m. The brunch is $38 per person and includes items such as yogurt parfait, brioche French toast with banana and chocolate-hazelnut sauce, rotisserie chicken breast with potato puree and mushroom ragout, milk chocolate float and more. For dinner, Amaya will have its regular menu, as well as a three-course chef's tasting menu for $40 ($65 with wine pairings). Call 858-314-2727. Last, from 2 to 4 p.m. May 7 to 9, there will be afternoon tea and bubbly for $42. Moms receive a glass of champagne, followed by tea service in The Library; call 858-314-1988.
Hacienda de Vega: The Escondido restaurant will host a brunch buffet from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in its garden. There will also be a lunch and dinner buffet from 2 to 9 p.m. Buffet is $19 (champagne buffet is $26). Go to haciendadevega.com or call 760-738-9804.
Harbor's Edge: The restaurant at the Sheraton San Diego Hotel and Marina will offer a sustainable brunch from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. for $44.95 per adult and $21.95 per child (5 and under are free), along with $2 mimosas and a $5 tableside bloody Mary bar. Menu items include Apple Walnut Crepes, Egg White Frittata, Sesame Mahi-Mahi Skewers, Black Bean Short Ribs, Lobster Bisque, Whole Kippered King Salmon, Gruyere Fondue and more. Call 619-692-2398.
HomeTown Buffet: The restaurants are running a "We Celebrate Moms" promotion on Sunday and Monday, when customers will receive a card with a special code, which is entered at www.wecelebratemoms.com. From there, guests can win everything from restaurant gift cards to spa certificates to a cruise. Go to buffet.com.
Lael's: The restaurant at the Manchester Grand Hyatt will serve a champagne brunch from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for $59 per adult, $30 per senior and $10.50 per child ages 4 to 12 (3 and younger are free). Brunch items include a seafood and California sushi bar, volcanic salt-crusted prime rib with whole-grain mustard bordelaise, herb and citrus grouper au papillotte with lemon butter, apple fennel pork with braised red cabbage, jambalaya made to order, omelets, waffles and more. Call 619-358-4918.
Loews Coronado Bay: Loews Coronado Bay Resort will host a champagne brunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for $60 per adult and $30 for children 12 and under. Moms will receive a $20 gift card to donorschoose.org, which can be used to help fund educational projects for public schools. Buffet items include custom omelets, eggs benedict, sushi and shellfish, a grill and carving station, made-to-order crepes and more. Go to www.loewshotels.com/coronadobay or call 619-424-4444.
Marie Callender's: The restaurant chain will offer brunch starting at $15.99 for adults (prices vary by location). Brunch includes an omelet bar, carving station, soup and salad bar, a waffle bar, pastries and more; go to mariecallenders.com.
The Marine Room: The La Jolla restaurant will have a special a la carte menu. Menu items include Maltese Orange Ginger Coated Wild Prawns ($17), Organic Sweet Corn And Mascarpone Brulee ($13), Pistachio Butter Basted Australian Lobster Tail ($39), Angelino Plum Polenta, White Asparagus, Cipollini, Pine Nut Gremolata Center Cut Angus Filet Mignon ($36), Signature Cobblestone Pie and more. Go to marineroom.com or call 866-644-2351.
Morton's The Steakhouse: The steakhouse will offer a three-course meal from 3 to 9 p.m. for $59 per person (the regular menu is also available). Options include Morton's salad, single-cut filet mignon, colossal shrimp Alexander, broiled salmon filet, a choice of potato or vegetable, and a dessert. Go to mortons.com/sandiego or call 619-696-3369.
Mount Palomar Winery: The Temecula winery will host a luncheon from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. for $40 per person and $25 per person ages 21 and under (those 21 and under may also select a sandwich or pizza from the Taverna Deli menu with a soda or water for $10). Mediterranean BBQ luncheon items include filet mignon and chicken kebabs with marinated onions, parsley and ground sumac; saffron rice with pine nuts; hummus with pita bread; and more. Luncheon also includes a glass of wine and a wine tasting ticket. Go to mountpalomar.com or call 951-676-5047, ext. 112.
Arterra, San Diego Marriott Del Mar: The restaurant will offer a buffet brunch from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. with an assortment of breakfast items and entrees including smoked cheddar mac & cheese, roasted chicken breasts, carved ham and New York strip loin steak and Scottish salmon. Cost is $39.95 for adults, $16.95 for children 10 and under and free for children under 3. Visit arterrarestaurant.com.
Courtyard by Marriott, Rancho Bernardo: The hotel will host its first-ever Mother's Day brunch from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for $16.95 per adult and $10 per child ages 4 to 12. The buffet will feature shrimp, roast beef and an omelet station, as well as $3 mimosas and Bloody Marys. Go to www.marriott.com/sanbo or call 858-613-2007.
Firefly Grill & Wine Bar: The Encinitas restaurant will host an a la carte brunch beginning at 11 a.m. Wines are $5 per glass. Brunch items include Stuffed French Toast with honey cream cheese, Carlsbad strawberries and blueberry maple syrup; Smoked Salmon Omelet with oven-dried tomatoes, red onion, capers and breakfast potatoes; Jumbo Lump Crab Benedict with two poached eggs, hollandaise sauce and breakfast potatoes; Braised Beef Shirt Rib Hash with fried eggs and breakfast potatoes; and more. Go to fireflygrillandwinebar.com or call 760-635-1066.
Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar: The La Jolla and San Diego locations of Fleming's will host a three-course prix-fixe brunch from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. The menu is $29.95 per person, and items include a wedge salad, beef tenderloin and vegetable frittata, berry-stuffed French toast, walnut turtle pie, creme brulee and more. Each mother will receive a $25 dining card to use on a future visit; go to flemingssteakhouse.com.
George's California Modern: The La Jolla restaurant will host an a la carte brunch from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. May 9. Menu items include Meyer Lemon Ravioli; Chino Minestrone Soup; Brioche French Toast; Spanish Tortilla; California Lamb Chops; and more. Go to www.georgesatthecove.com or call 858-454-4244.
The Grand Del Mar: The Capella hosts brunch from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for $85 per adult and $30 per child ages 6 to 12. Brunch buffet includes lobster cocktail; tagliatelle with grapefruit, prosciutto and goat cheese; baked halibut with savory cabbage and peach beurre blanc; white chocolate creme brulee; and more. Call 858-314-2000. Amaya will have brunch from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and dinner from 5 to 9 p.m. The brunch is $38 per person and includes items such as yogurt parfait, brioche French toast with banana and chocolate-hazelnut sauce, rotisserie chicken breast with potato puree and mushroom ragout, milk chocolate float and more. For dinner, Amaya will have its regular menu, as well as a three-course chef's tasting menu for $40 ($65 with wine pairings). Call 858-314-2727. Last, from 2 to 4 p.m. May 7 to 9, there will be afternoon tea and bubbly for $42. Moms receive a glass of champagne, followed by tea service in The Library; call 858-314-1988.
Hacienda de Vega: The Escondido restaurant will host a brunch buffet from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in its garden. There will also be a lunch and dinner buffet from 2 to 9 p.m. Buffet is $19 (champagne buffet is $26). Go to haciendadevega.com or call 760-738-9804.
Harbor's Edge: The restaurant at the Sheraton San Diego Hotel and Marina will offer a sustainable brunch from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. for $44.95 per adult and $21.95 per child (5 and under are free), along with $2 mimosas and a $5 tableside bloody Mary bar. Menu items include Apple Walnut Crepes, Egg White Frittata, Sesame Mahi-Mahi Skewers, Black Bean Short Ribs, Lobster Bisque, Whole Kippered King Salmon, Gruyere Fondue and more. Call 619-692-2398.
HomeTown Buffet: The restaurants are running a "We Celebrate Moms" promotion on Sunday and Monday, when customers will receive a card with a special code, which is entered at www.wecelebratemoms.com. From there, guests can win everything from restaurant gift cards to spa certificates to a cruise. Go to buffet.com.
Lael's: The restaurant at the Manchester Grand Hyatt will serve a champagne brunch from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for $59 per adult, $30 per senior and $10.50 per child ages 4 to 12 (3 and younger are free). Brunch items include a seafood and California sushi bar, volcanic salt-crusted prime rib with whole-grain mustard bordelaise, herb and citrus grouper au papillotte with lemon butter, apple fennel pork with braised red cabbage, jambalaya made to order, omelets, waffles and more. Call 619-358-4918.
Loews Coronado Bay: Loews Coronado Bay Resort will host a champagne brunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for $60 per adult and $30 for children 12 and under. Moms will receive a $20 gift card to donorschoose.org, which can be used to help fund educational projects for public schools. Buffet items include custom omelets, eggs benedict, sushi and shellfish, a grill and carving station, made-to-order crepes and more. Go to www.loewshotels.com/coronadobay or call 619-424-4444.
Marie Callender's: The restaurant chain will offer brunch starting at $15.99 for adults (prices vary by location). Brunch includes an omelet bar, carving station, soup and salad bar, a waffle bar, pastries and more; go to mariecallenders.com.
The Marine Room: The La Jolla restaurant will have a special a la carte menu. Menu items include Maltese Orange Ginger Coated Wild Prawns ($17), Organic Sweet Corn And Mascarpone Brulee ($13), Pistachio Butter Basted Australian Lobster Tail ($39), Angelino Plum Polenta, White Asparagus, Cipollini, Pine Nut Gremolata Center Cut Angus Filet Mignon ($36), Signature Cobblestone Pie and more. Go to marineroom.com or call 866-644-2351.
Morton's The Steakhouse: The steakhouse will offer a three-course meal from 3 to 9 p.m. for $59 per person (the regular menu is also available). Options include Morton's salad, single-cut filet mignon, colossal shrimp Alexander, broiled salmon filet, a choice of potato or vegetable, and a dessert. Go to mortons.com/sandiego or call 619-696-3369.
Mount Palomar Winery: The Temecula winery will host a luncheon from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. for $40 per person and $25 per person ages 21 and under (those 21 and under may also select a sandwich or pizza from the Taverna Deli menu with a soda or water for $10). Mediterranean BBQ luncheon items include filet mignon and chicken kebabs with marinated onions, parsley and ground sumac; saffron rice with pine nuts; hummus with pita bread; and more. Luncheon also includes a glass of wine and a wine tasting ticket. Go to mountpalomar.com or call 951-676-5047, ext. 112.
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Episcopal Meetings Set
Episcopal News Service
>May 5, 2010
>Episcopal News Service is available at
>http://www.episcopalchurch.org/ens.
>Today's Episcopal News Service includes:
* TOP STORY - Faith leaders push for climate, energy legislation in the
Senate
* DIOCESAN DIGEST - LOS ANGELES: How does our garden grow?
* DIOCESAN DIGEST - MARYLAND: Convention pledges involvement in
immigration debate, sets growth plan
* WORLD REPORT - CANADA: Primate, faith leaders to call for justice at
G8/G20 meetings
* PEOPLE - Geoffrey Tristram succeeds Curtis Almquist as superior of
Society of Saint John the Evangelist
* MULTIMEDIA: Jubilee: Episcopal Church documentary chronicles
transformation in Dallas neighborhood
* CALENDAR - Upcoming special events and services
* SPIRITUAL REFLECTIONS - May 9, 2010 - Sixth Sunday of Easter - Year C
* DAYBOOK - May 6: Today in Scripture, Prayer, History
* EBAR PICK - "The Nearness of God: Parish Ministry as Spiritual
Practice"
>_____________________
>TOP STORIES
Faith leaders push for climate, energy legislation in the Senate
>By Lynette Wilson
[Episcopal News Service] Lately, when the Rev. Canon Sally Bingham,
president and founder of Interfaith Power and Light, preaches a sermon
about the United States' dependence on fossil fuels and the possible
shift toward renewable energy sources she turns to Luke chapter 5 and
the metaphor that Jesus used when talking to the frustrated fishermen on
the Sea of Galilee.
"When it's not working, put your nets on the other side of the boat,"
Bingham, also an Episcopal priest, said in a telephone interview from
Washington, D.C., where Interfaith Power & Light, a national
organization with 35 state affiliates aimed at mobilizing a religious
response to global warming, is having its annual meeting.
Full story: http://www.episcopalchurch.org/79425_122066_ENG_HTM.htm
More Top Stories: http://www.episcopalchurch.org/ens
>_____________________
>DIOCESAN DIGEST
LOS ANGELES: How does our garden grow?
With a blessing from the presiding bishop Episcopal school spreads hope
through community service project
>By Pat McCaughan
[Episcopal News Service] Each weekday 10-year-old Elena Forbath eagerly
looks up to Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori - or at least an
image of her - while checking the organic garden at the Gooden School in
Sierra Madre, California, in the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles.
"I like to see what's growing big. The squash and tomatoes and Swiss
chard are growing like crazy. We already pulled the beets," said Elena
during a May 4 telephone interview.
Full story: http://www.episcopalchurch.org/81803_122063_ENG_HTM.htm
_ _ _ _ _
MARYLAND: Convention pledges involvement in immigration debate, sets
growth plan
>By Mary Frances Schjonberg
[Episcopal News Service] The 226th meeting of the Episcopal Diocese of
Maryland's convention called on members of the diocese to understand the
issues involved in the ongoing immigration debate in the United States
and to advocate for comprehensive policy reform.
Full story: http://www.episcopalchurch.org/81803_122058_ENG_HTM.htm
More Diocesan news: http://www.episcopalchurch.org/81803_ENG_HTM.htm
>_____________________
>WORLD REPORT
CANADA: Primate, faith leaders to call for justice at G8/G20 meetings
>By Ali Symons
[Anglican Church of Canada] Archbishop Fred Hiltz of the Anglican Church
of Canada will join about 80 international religious leaders in Winnipeg
June 21-23 at the 2010 World Religions Summit: Interfaith Leaders in the
G8 Nations.
Full story: http://www.episcopalchurch.org/81808_122059_ENG_HTM.htm
More World news: http://www.episcopalchurch.org/81808_ENG_HTM.htm
>_____________________
>PEOPLE
Geoffrey Tristram succeeds Curtis Almquist as superior of Society of
Saint John the Evangelist
>By ENS staff
[Episcopal News Service] Br. Geoffrey Tristram was formally installed
May 4 as superior of the Society of Saint John the Evangelist, a
monastic community of the Episcopal Church based in Cambridge,
Massachusetts.
Tristram succeeds Br. Curtis Almquist, who has served as the society's
superior for the past nine years.
Full story: http://www.episcopalchurch.org/81831_122060_ENG_HTM.htm
More People: http://www.episcopalchurch.org/81831_ENG_HTM.htm
>_____________________
>MULTIMEDIA
Jubilee: Episcopal Church documentary chronicles transformation in
Dallas neighborhood
Jubilee, a new documentary chronicling a 12-year relationship that
comprehensively transformed both an affluent Episcopal Church and a
Dallas neighborhood located in a high-crime area, is now available
online at http://episcopalchurch.org/multimedia/jubilee.
>_____________________
>CALENDAR
A round-up of upcoming special events, services, concerts and diocesan
conventions taking place throughout the Episcopal Church is available at
http://www.episcopalchurch.org/calendar.htm
>_____________________
>SPIRITUAL REFLECTIONS
>May 9, 2010 - Sixth Sunday of Easter - Year C
(RCL) Acts 16:9-15; Psalm 67; Revelation 21:10, 22-22:5; John 14:23-29
or John 5:1-9
>By the Rev. Suzanne E. Watson
[Sermons That Work] Picture this scene. There's a person we will call
"Samantha," who is a good, faithful Christian. She has attended church
most Sundays for about a decade. She volunteers when needed and even
served on the vestry for a term. She always attends special church
events and Christian education offerings.
But somehow, Samantha feels that something is missing. She somehow
senses, and secretly fears, that despite all this church activity, she's
not much different than her friends who don't attend church at all, who
go to yoga class, soccer games, or just sleep in instead.
Full reflection:
http://www.episcopalchurch.org/sermons_that_work_121578_ENG_HTM.htm
More Spiritual Reflections:
http://www.episcopalchurch.org/82457_ENG_HTM.htm
>_____________________
>DAYBOOK
>On May 6, 2010...
* Today in Scripture: http://www.episcopalchurch.org/82457_ENG_HTM.htm
* Today in Prayer: Anglican Cycle of Prayer:
http://www.anglicancommunion.org/acp/index.cfm
* Today in History: On May 6, 1704, non-Anglicans were excluded from
membership in South Carolina's assembly.
>May 5, 2010
>Episcopal News Service is available at
>http://www.episcopalchurch.org/ens.
>Today's Episcopal News Service includes:
* TOP STORY - Faith leaders push for climate, energy legislation in the
Senate
* DIOCESAN DIGEST - LOS ANGELES: How does our garden grow?
* DIOCESAN DIGEST - MARYLAND: Convention pledges involvement in
immigration debate, sets growth plan
* WORLD REPORT - CANADA: Primate, faith leaders to call for justice at
G8/G20 meetings
* PEOPLE - Geoffrey Tristram succeeds Curtis Almquist as superior of
Society of Saint John the Evangelist
* MULTIMEDIA: Jubilee: Episcopal Church documentary chronicles
transformation in Dallas neighborhood
* CALENDAR - Upcoming special events and services
* SPIRITUAL REFLECTIONS - May 9, 2010 - Sixth Sunday of Easter - Year C
* DAYBOOK - May 6: Today in Scripture, Prayer, History
* EBAR PICK - "The Nearness of God: Parish Ministry as Spiritual
Practice"
>_____________________
>TOP STORIES
Faith leaders push for climate, energy legislation in the Senate
>By Lynette Wilson
[Episcopal News Service] Lately, when the Rev. Canon Sally Bingham,
president and founder of Interfaith Power and Light, preaches a sermon
about the United States' dependence on fossil fuels and the possible
shift toward renewable energy sources she turns to Luke chapter 5 and
the metaphor that Jesus used when talking to the frustrated fishermen on
the Sea of Galilee.
"When it's not working, put your nets on the other side of the boat,"
Bingham, also an Episcopal priest, said in a telephone interview from
Washington, D.C., where Interfaith Power & Light, a national
organization with 35 state affiliates aimed at mobilizing a religious
response to global warming, is having its annual meeting.
Full story: http://www.episcopalchurch.org/79425_122066_ENG_HTM.htm
More Top Stories: http://www.episcopalchurch.org/ens
>_____________________
>DIOCESAN DIGEST
LOS ANGELES: How does our garden grow?
With a blessing from the presiding bishop Episcopal school spreads hope
through community service project
>By Pat McCaughan
[Episcopal News Service] Each weekday 10-year-old Elena Forbath eagerly
looks up to Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori - or at least an
image of her - while checking the organic garden at the Gooden School in
Sierra Madre, California, in the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles.
"I like to see what's growing big. The squash and tomatoes and Swiss
chard are growing like crazy. We already pulled the beets," said Elena
during a May 4 telephone interview.
Full story: http://www.episcopalchurch.org/81803_122063_ENG_HTM.htm
_ _ _ _ _
MARYLAND: Convention pledges involvement in immigration debate, sets
growth plan
>By Mary Frances Schjonberg
[Episcopal News Service] The 226th meeting of the Episcopal Diocese of
Maryland's convention called on members of the diocese to understand the
issues involved in the ongoing immigration debate in the United States
and to advocate for comprehensive policy reform.
Full story: http://www.episcopalchurch.org/81803_122058_ENG_HTM.htm
More Diocesan news: http://www.episcopalchurch.org/81803_ENG_HTM.htm
>_____________________
>WORLD REPORT
CANADA: Primate, faith leaders to call for justice at G8/G20 meetings
>By Ali Symons
[Anglican Church of Canada] Archbishop Fred Hiltz of the Anglican Church
of Canada will join about 80 international religious leaders in Winnipeg
June 21-23 at the 2010 World Religions Summit: Interfaith Leaders in the
G8 Nations.
Full story: http://www.episcopalchurch.org/81808_122059_ENG_HTM.htm
More World news: http://www.episcopalchurch.org/81808_ENG_HTM.htm
>_____________________
>PEOPLE
Geoffrey Tristram succeeds Curtis Almquist as superior of Society of
Saint John the Evangelist
>By ENS staff
[Episcopal News Service] Br. Geoffrey Tristram was formally installed
May 4 as superior of the Society of Saint John the Evangelist, a
monastic community of the Episcopal Church based in Cambridge,
Massachusetts.
Tristram succeeds Br. Curtis Almquist, who has served as the society's
superior for the past nine years.
Full story: http://www.episcopalchurch.org/81831_122060_ENG_HTM.htm
More People: http://www.episcopalchurch.org/81831_ENG_HTM.htm
>_____________________
>MULTIMEDIA
Jubilee: Episcopal Church documentary chronicles transformation in
Dallas neighborhood
Jubilee, a new documentary chronicling a 12-year relationship that
comprehensively transformed both an affluent Episcopal Church and a
Dallas neighborhood located in a high-crime area, is now available
online at http://episcopalchurch.org/multimedia/jubilee.
>_____________________
>CALENDAR
A round-up of upcoming special events, services, concerts and diocesan
conventions taking place throughout the Episcopal Church is available at
http://www.episcopalchurch.org/calendar.htm
>_____________________
>SPIRITUAL REFLECTIONS
>May 9, 2010 - Sixth Sunday of Easter - Year C
(RCL) Acts 16:9-15; Psalm 67; Revelation 21:10, 22-22:5; John 14:23-29
or John 5:1-9
>By the Rev. Suzanne E. Watson
[Sermons That Work] Picture this scene. There's a person we will call
"Samantha," who is a good, faithful Christian. She has attended church
most Sundays for about a decade. She volunteers when needed and even
served on the vestry for a term. She always attends special church
events and Christian education offerings.
But somehow, Samantha feels that something is missing. She somehow
senses, and secretly fears, that despite all this church activity, she's
not much different than her friends who don't attend church at all, who
go to yoga class, soccer games, or just sleep in instead.
Full reflection:
http://www.episcopalchurch.org/sermons_that_work_121578_ENG_HTM.htm
More Spiritual Reflections:
http://www.episcopalchurch.org/82457_ENG_HTM.htm
>_____________________
>DAYBOOK
>On May 6, 2010...
* Today in Scripture: http://www.episcopalchurch.org/82457_ENG_HTM.htm
* Today in Prayer: Anglican Cycle of Prayer:
http://www.anglicancommunion.org/acp/index.cfm
* Today in History: On May 6, 1704, non-Anglicans were excluded from
membership in South Carolina's assembly.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
New Guru in London
A new gurdwara is coming up in Manchester at a cost of two million pounds to cater to the religious needs of the growing numbers of Sikh worshippers living in the area.
The Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji Gurdwara Temple is being built on the premises of a former car parts warehouse demolished earlier this month.
The site is close to the current place of worship which will be retained for community activities.
The original temple was established in 1961, when seven families joined to worship together, reports from Manchester said. Since 1961, more Sikhs have moved to Manchester, mainly from the Punjab region of India.
Parkash Singh, secretary for the temple's building development team, said, "We are really pleased that work has got under way as it's been a long time coming. It will be great benefit to the members here and to the wider Sikh community and local residents."
The temple will house a place for worship as well as an education centre and function facilities which will be made available to the wider community. The existing site already has an IT suite and library which will remain.
The project has been funded by 1.1 million pounds in donations from the temple's members and the wider Sikh community, as well as a 900,000 pounds loan. Architect Amar Egan a temple member, drew up plans free of charge.
Singh said, "This will help us to welcome more families to worship and we will be able to hold more classes to teach Punjabi as well as other educational classes".
He added, "We've had support from the local community, Manchester City Council planning, conservation area organisations, and importantly the Gurdwara members and wider national Sikh community".
The Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji Gurdwara Temple is being built on the premises of a former car parts warehouse demolished earlier this month.
The site is close to the current place of worship which will be retained for community activities.
The original temple was established in 1961, when seven families joined to worship together, reports from Manchester said. Since 1961, more Sikhs have moved to Manchester, mainly from the Punjab region of India.
Parkash Singh, secretary for the temple's building development team, said, "We are really pleased that work has got under way as it's been a long time coming. It will be great benefit to the members here and to the wider Sikh community and local residents."
The temple will house a place for worship as well as an education centre and function facilities which will be made available to the wider community. The existing site already has an IT suite and library which will remain.
The project has been funded by 1.1 million pounds in donations from the temple's members and the wider Sikh community, as well as a 900,000 pounds loan. Architect Amar Egan a temple member, drew up plans free of charge.
Singh said, "This will help us to welcome more families to worship and we will be able to hold more classes to teach Punjabi as well as other educational classes".
He added, "We've had support from the local community, Manchester City Council planning, conservation area organisations, and importantly the Gurdwara members and wider national Sikh community".
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Railway Karma
Changing Tracks — Reinventing the Spirit of Indian Railways: V. Nilakant, S. Ramnarayan; Collins Business, an imprint of HarperColins Publishers, A-53, Sector 57, Noida, Uttar Pradesh-201301. Rs. 399.
The dramatic upswing in the performance of the Indian Railways in the first decade of the 21st century attracted worldwide attention. The world's second largest railway network under a single management found itself in a difficult financial situation in 2000, casting a shadow on its future. Over the next eight years, the iconic organisation had a surplus of Rs. 13,000 crore after accounting for all expenditures and depreciation, and this it achieved without changing its protocols, procedures, and structure. Nilakant and Ramnarayan have identified four distinctive features of this change: leveraging of the strengths, instead of being preoccupied with the weaknesses; changing the mindset about business models; sustaining the momentum of change by fostering positive emotions; and persevering with the changes till the goals are achieved. Calling this transformation a successful “experiment” in organisational change, they say its future success will be determined by the infusion, inter alia, of emotional connection and result-orientation and by a significant strengthening of cross-functional collaboration in the organisation.
Ramakrishna Paramahamsa — The Sadhaka of Dakshineswar: Rs. 325.
His Words — The Preachings and Parables of Ramakrishna Paramahamsa: Rs. 399. Both by Amiya P. Sen; Penguin/Viking, 11, Community Centre, Panchsheel Park, New Delhi-110017.
The life and teachings of Ramakrishna have been written upon by innumerable scholars, disciples, followers, and devotees. The first of the two handy volumes traces the several contradictions of the 19th century Bengal the man embodied: between his Vaishnav roots and Sakti worship; between bhakti and gyan; and between guru and sadhaka (spiritual practitioner).
The dramatic upswing in the performance of the Indian Railways in the first decade of the 21st century attracted worldwide attention. The world's second largest railway network under a single management found itself in a difficult financial situation in 2000, casting a shadow on its future. Over the next eight years, the iconic organisation had a surplus of Rs. 13,000 crore after accounting for all expenditures and depreciation, and this it achieved without changing its protocols, procedures, and structure. Nilakant and Ramnarayan have identified four distinctive features of this change: leveraging of the strengths, instead of being preoccupied with the weaknesses; changing the mindset about business models; sustaining the momentum of change by fostering positive emotions; and persevering with the changes till the goals are achieved. Calling this transformation a successful “experiment” in organisational change, they say its future success will be determined by the infusion, inter alia, of emotional connection and result-orientation and by a significant strengthening of cross-functional collaboration in the organisation.
Ramakrishna Paramahamsa — The Sadhaka of Dakshineswar: Rs. 325.
His Words — The Preachings and Parables of Ramakrishna Paramahamsa: Rs. 399. Both by Amiya P. Sen; Penguin/Viking, 11, Community Centre, Panchsheel Park, New Delhi-110017.
The life and teachings of Ramakrishna have been written upon by innumerable scholars, disciples, followers, and devotees. The first of the two handy volumes traces the several contradictions of the 19th century Bengal the man embodied: between his Vaishnav roots and Sakti worship; between bhakti and gyan; and between guru and sadhaka (spiritual practitioner).
Monday, May 3, 2010
Guru of Glow
How did Jennifer Lopez get her ``J.Lo Glow?'' Ask Scott Barnes. He invented it. The celebrity makeup artist and author of About Face, Amazing Transformations Using Secrets of the Top Celebrity Makeup Artist (Fair Winds/Quayside, $24.99) has been working with the actress for 11 years, most recently on The Back-up Plan. We gabbed with the 42-year-old Detroit native:
What is the `J.Lo Glow?'
``Essentially, it's a monochromatic palette, with glossy, nude lips and dewy skin. It makes you look youthful no matter your age. It's looking lit from within.''
How did you achieve Lopez's look in her new movie?
``Well, she's already gorgeous. She's Jennifer Lopez, for God's sake. Her character had money but was a free spirit, a pet shop owner, so I made her kind of hip, modern, clean, pretty. A little more glamorous than a plain Jane that lives next door.''
Tell us about the book.
``A large part of it focuses on makeovers of real women, ages 19 to 64, transforming the everyday woman into a movie star, like they did the old days, sending the actresses to Max Factor.''
What is the message?
``It's about the power of beauty. It's one thing to make yourself up for vanity's sake and quite another when your look can affect the outcomes of lives around you, using your beauty to be heard.''
Can you give an example?
``The [biblical] Book of Esther. She becomes queen of Persia because of her grooming and wound up leading an entire race of people. It doesn't get more significant than that.''
Anyone in modern day?
``Nancy Pelosi is always put together very well. If a beautiful woman is talking you're more apt to listen.''
So unattractive women won't be listened to?
``The bra-burning is passé -- not that it's not important or relevant. But what better power than to be gorgeous? That's why society listens to celebrities and why politics has gotten so heavily into Hollywood. Like, it wasn't about the inauguration, it was more about a who's who.''
Beside Lopez, whom do you consider gorgeous and powerful?
``I love Kim Kardashian. Her face is freakishly symmetrical. Very rarely do I see that. She has a great skin, a great smile. Very charming.''
What is the best makeup advice you can give South Florida women?
``Protect yourself from the sun. Fake a tan. Tanning beds are shaped like coffins for a reason.''
-- MADELEINE MARR
• Meet Scott Barnes from 6-8 p.m. Thursday at Books & Books Bal Harbour Shops and at Silvia Tcherassi Atelier, 4101 Ponce de Leon Blvd., Coral Gables, 6-8 p.m. Friday.
Miami.com writer Maria Tettamanti contributed to this report.
What is the `J.Lo Glow?'
``Essentially, it's a monochromatic palette, with glossy, nude lips and dewy skin. It makes you look youthful no matter your age. It's looking lit from within.''
How did you achieve Lopez's look in her new movie?
``Well, she's already gorgeous. She's Jennifer Lopez, for God's sake. Her character had money but was a free spirit, a pet shop owner, so I made her kind of hip, modern, clean, pretty. A little more glamorous than a plain Jane that lives next door.''
Tell us about the book.
``A large part of it focuses on makeovers of real women, ages 19 to 64, transforming the everyday woman into a movie star, like they did the old days, sending the actresses to Max Factor.''
What is the message?
``It's about the power of beauty. It's one thing to make yourself up for vanity's sake and quite another when your look can affect the outcomes of lives around you, using your beauty to be heard.''
Can you give an example?
``The [biblical] Book of Esther. She becomes queen of Persia because of her grooming and wound up leading an entire race of people. It doesn't get more significant than that.''
Anyone in modern day?
``Nancy Pelosi is always put together very well. If a beautiful woman is talking you're more apt to listen.''
So unattractive women won't be listened to?
``The bra-burning is passé -- not that it's not important or relevant. But what better power than to be gorgeous? That's why society listens to celebrities and why politics has gotten so heavily into Hollywood. Like, it wasn't about the inauguration, it was more about a who's who.''
Beside Lopez, whom do you consider gorgeous and powerful?
``I love Kim Kardashian. Her face is freakishly symmetrical. Very rarely do I see that. She has a great skin, a great smile. Very charming.''
What is the best makeup advice you can give South Florida women?
``Protect yourself from the sun. Fake a tan. Tanning beds are shaped like coffins for a reason.''
-- MADELEINE MARR
• Meet Scott Barnes from 6-8 p.m. Thursday at Books & Books Bal Harbour Shops and at Silvia Tcherassi Atelier, 4101 Ponce de Leon Blvd., Coral Gables, 6-8 p.m. Friday.
Miami.com writer Maria Tettamanti contributed to this report.
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