Buddha's Teachings
In Introduction to Buddhism Geshe Kelsang gives us a brief overview of Buddha's teachings:
Forty-nine days after Buddha attained enlightenment he was requested to teach. As a result of this request, Buddha rose from meditation and taught the first Wheel of Dharma. These teachings which include the Sutra of the Four Noble Truths and other discourses, are the principal source of the Hinayana, or Lesser Vehicle, of Buddhism. Later, Buddha taught the second and third Wheels of Dharma, which include the Perfection of Wisdom Sutras and the Sutra Discriminating the Intention respectively. These teachings are the source of the Mahayana, or Great Vehicle, of Buddhism. In the Hinayana teachings Buddha explains how to attain liberation from suffering for oneself alone, and in the Mahayana teaching he explains how to attain full enlightenment, or Buddhahood, for the sake of others. Both traditions flourished in Asia, at first in India and then gradually in other surrounding countries, including Tibet. Now they are also beginning to flourish in the West.
"Dharma" means "protection". By practicing Buddha's teachings we protect ourself from suffering and problems. All the problems we experience during daily life originate from ignorance, and the method for eliminating ignorance is to practice Dharma.
Practicing Dharma is the supreme method for improving the quality of our human life. The quality of life depends not upon external development or material progress, but upon the inner development of peace and happiness. For example, in the past many Buddhists lived in poor and underdeveloped countries, but they were able to find pure, lasting happiness by practicing what Buddha had taught.
If we integrate Buddha's teachings into our daily life we will be able to solve all our inner problems and attain a truly peaceful mind. Without inner peace, outer peace is impossible. If we first establish peace within our minds by training in spiritual paths, outer peace will come naturally; but if we do not, world peace will never be achieved, no matter how many people campaign for it.
Saturday, August 18, 2007
Who is Buddha
Who is Buddha?
As mentioned above Buddha can refer to the historical Buddha Shakyamuni or to anyone who has attained full enlightenment. Geshe Kelsang Gyatso explains in Introduction to Buddhism:
In general, 'Buddha' means 'Awakened One', someone who has awakened from the sleep of ignorance and sees things as they really are. A Buddha is a person who is completely free from all faults and mental obstructions. There are many people who have become Buddhas in the past, and many people will become Buddhas in the future….There is nothing that Buddha does not know. Because he has awakened from the sleep of ignorance and has removed all obstructions from his mind, he knows everything of the past, present, and future, directly and simultaneously. Moreover, Buddha has great compassion which is completely impartial, embracing all living beings without discrimination. He benefits all living beings without exception by emanating various forms throughout the universe, and by bestowing his blessings on their minds. Through receiving Buddha's blessings, all being, even the lowliest animals, sometimes develop peaceful and virtuous states of mind. Eventually, through meeting an emanation of Buddha in the form of a Spiritual Guide, everyone will have the opportunity to enter the path to liberation and enlightenment. As the great Indian Buddhist scholar Nagarjuna said, there is no one who has not received help from Buddha.
It is impossible to describe all the good qualities of a Buddha. A Buddha's compassion, wisdom, and power are completely beyond conception. With nothing left to obscure his mind, he sees all phenomena throughout the universe as clearly as he sees a jewel held in the palm of his hand. Through the force of his or her compassion, a Buddha spontaneously does whatever is appropriate to benefit others. He has no need to think about what is the best way to help living beings - he naturally and effortlessly acts in the most beneficial way. Just as the sun does not need to motivate itself to radiate light and heat but does so simply because light and heat are its very nature, so a Buddha does not need to motivate himself to benefit others but does so simply because being beneficial is his very nature.
Like the reflections of the moon that effortlessly appear in any body of still water, a Buddha's emanations spontaneously appear wherever living beings' minds are capable of perceiving them. Buddhas can emanate in any form whatsoever to help living beings. Sometimes they manifest as Buddhists and sometimes as non-Buddhists. They can manifest as women or men, monarchs or tramps, law-abiding citizens or criminals. They can even manifest as animals, as wind or rain, or as mountains or islands. Unless we are a Buddha ourself we cannot possibly say who or what is an emanation of a Buddha.
Of all the ways in which a Buddha helps living beings, the supreme way is by emanation as a Spiritual Guide. Through his or her teachings and immaculate example, an authentic Spiritual Guide leas his or her disciples along the spiritual path to liberation and enlightenment. If we meet a qualified Mahayana Spiritual Guide and put into practice everything he or she teaches, we shall definitely attain full enlightenment and become a Conqueror Buddha. We shall then be in a position to repay the kindness of all living beings by liberating them from the sufferings of samsara and leading them to the supreme bliss of Buddhahood.
As mentioned above Buddha can refer to the historical Buddha Shakyamuni or to anyone who has attained full enlightenment. Geshe Kelsang Gyatso explains in Introduction to Buddhism:
In general, 'Buddha' means 'Awakened One', someone who has awakened from the sleep of ignorance and sees things as they really are. A Buddha is a person who is completely free from all faults and mental obstructions. There are many people who have become Buddhas in the past, and many people will become Buddhas in the future….There is nothing that Buddha does not know. Because he has awakened from the sleep of ignorance and has removed all obstructions from his mind, he knows everything of the past, present, and future, directly and simultaneously. Moreover, Buddha has great compassion which is completely impartial, embracing all living beings without discrimination. He benefits all living beings without exception by emanating various forms throughout the universe, and by bestowing his blessings on their minds. Through receiving Buddha's blessings, all being, even the lowliest animals, sometimes develop peaceful and virtuous states of mind. Eventually, through meeting an emanation of Buddha in the form of a Spiritual Guide, everyone will have the opportunity to enter the path to liberation and enlightenment. As the great Indian Buddhist scholar Nagarjuna said, there is no one who has not received help from Buddha.
It is impossible to describe all the good qualities of a Buddha. A Buddha's compassion, wisdom, and power are completely beyond conception. With nothing left to obscure his mind, he sees all phenomena throughout the universe as clearly as he sees a jewel held in the palm of his hand. Through the force of his or her compassion, a Buddha spontaneously does whatever is appropriate to benefit others. He has no need to think about what is the best way to help living beings - he naturally and effortlessly acts in the most beneficial way. Just as the sun does not need to motivate itself to radiate light and heat but does so simply because light and heat are its very nature, so a Buddha does not need to motivate himself to benefit others but does so simply because being beneficial is his very nature.
Like the reflections of the moon that effortlessly appear in any body of still water, a Buddha's emanations spontaneously appear wherever living beings' minds are capable of perceiving them. Buddhas can emanate in any form whatsoever to help living beings. Sometimes they manifest as Buddhists and sometimes as non-Buddhists. They can manifest as women or men, monarchs or tramps, law-abiding citizens or criminals. They can even manifest as animals, as wind or rain, or as mountains or islands. Unless we are a Buddha ourself we cannot possibly say who or what is an emanation of a Buddha.
Of all the ways in which a Buddha helps living beings, the supreme way is by emanation as a Spiritual Guide. Through his or her teachings and immaculate example, an authentic Spiritual Guide leas his or her disciples along the spiritual path to liberation and enlightenment. If we meet a qualified Mahayana Spiritual Guide and put into practice everything he or she teaches, we shall definitely attain full enlightenment and become a Conqueror Buddha. We shall then be in a position to repay the kindness of all living beings by liberating them from the sufferings of samsara and leading them to the supreme bliss of Buddhahood.
BUDDHA QUOTES
BUDDHA quotes A dog is not considered a good dog because he is a good barker। A man is not considered a good man because he is a good talker.
Buddha A jug fills drop by drop।
Buddha All that we are is the result of what we have thought। If a man speaks or acts with an evil thought, pain follows him. If a man speaks or acts with a pure thought, happiness follows him, like a shadow that never leaves him.
Buddha All that we are is the result of what we have thought। The mind is everything. What we think we become.
Buddha All things appear and disappear because of the concurrence of causes and conditions। Nothing ever exists entirely alone; everything is in relation to everything else.
Buddha All wrong-doing arises because of mind। If mind is transformed can wrong-doing remain?
Buddha Ambition is like love, impatient both of delays and rivals।
Buddha An idea that is developed and put into action is more important than an idea that exists only as an idea।
Buddha An insincere and evil friend is more to be feared than a wild beast; a wild beast may wound your body, but an evil friend will wound your mind।
Buddha Believe nothing, no matter where you read it, or who said it, no matter if I have said it, unless it agrees with your own reason and your own common sense।
Buddha Better than a thousand hollow words, is one word that brings peace।
Buddha Chaos is inherent in all compounded things। Strive on with diligence.
Buddha Ennui has made more gamblers than avarice, more drunkards than thirst, and perhaps as many suicides as despair।
Buddha Even death is not to be feared by one who has lived wisely।
Buddha Every human being is the author of his own health or disease।
Buddha Hatred does not cease by hatred, but only by love; this is the eternal rule।
Buddha Hatred does not cease through hatred at any time। Hatred ceases through love. This is an unalterable law.
Buddha Have compassion for all beings, rich and poor alike; each has their suffering। Some suffer too much, others too little.
Buddha He is able who thinks he is able।
Buddha He who experiences the unity of life sees his own Self in all beings, and all beings in his own Self, and looks on everything with an impartial eye।
Buddha He who loves 50 people has 50 woes; he who loves no one has no woes।
Buddha Health is the greatest gift, contentment the greatest wealth, faithfulness the best relationship।
Buddha Holding on to anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else; you are the one who gets burned।
Buddha However many holy words you read, however many you speak, what good will they do you if you do not act on upon them?
Buddha I do not believe in a fate that falls on men however they act; but I do believe in a fate that falls on them unless they act।
Buddha I never see what has been done; I only see what remains to be done।
Buddha In a controversy the instant we feel anger we have already ceased striving for the truth, and have begun striving for ourselves।
Buddha In the sky, there is no distinction of east and west; people create distinctions out of their own minds and then beleive them to be true।
Buddha It is a man's own mind, not his enemy or foe, that lures him to evil ways।
Buddha It is better to conquer yourself than to win a thousand battles। Then the victory is yours. It cannot be taken from you, not by angels or by demons, heaven or hell.
Buddha It is better to travel well than to arrive।
Buddha Just as a candle cannot burn without fire, men cannot live without a spiritual life. Buddha Just as treasures are uncovered from the earth, so virtue appears from good deeds, and wisdom appears from a pure and peaceful mind। To walk safely through the maze of human life, one needs the light of wisdom and the guidance of virtue.
Buddha Let us rise up and be thankful, for if we didn't learn a lot today, at least we learned a little, and if we didn't learn a little, at least we didn't get sick, and if we got sick, at least we didn't die; so, let us all be thankful।
Buddha No one saves us but ourselves। No one can and no one may. We ourselves must walk the path.
Buddha On life's journey faith is nourishment, virtuous deeds are a shelter, wisdom is the light by day and right mindfulness is the protection by night। If a man lives a pure life, nothing can destroy him.
Buddha Peace comes from within। Do not seek it without.
Buddha Teach this triple truth to all: A generous heart, kind speech, and a life of service and compassion are the things which renew humanity।
Buddha The foot feels the foot when it feels the ground।
Buddha The mind is everything। What you think you become.
Buddha The only real failure in life is not to be true to the best one knows
Buddha The secret of health for both mind and body is not to mourn for the past, nor to worry about the future, but to live the present moment wisely and earnestly।
Buddha The secret of health for both mind and body is not to mourn for the past, worry about the future, or anticipate troubles, but to live in the present moment wisely and earnestly. Buddha The tongue like a sharp knife... Kills without drawing blood।
Buddha The virtues, like the Muses, are always seen in groups। A good principle was never found solitary in any breast.
Buddha The way is not in the sky. The way is in the heart
Buddha The whole secret of existence is to have no fear। Never fear what will become of you, depend on no one. Only the moment you reject all help are you freed.
Buddha The wise ones fashioned speech with their thought, sifting it as grain is sifted through a sieve।
Buddha There are only two mistakes one can make along the road to truth; not going all the way, and not starting।
Buddha There has to be evil so that good can prove its purity above it।
Buddha There is nothing more dreadful than the habit of doubt। Doubt separates people. It is a poison that disintegrates friendships and breaks up pleasant relations. It is a thorn that irritates and hurts; it is a sword that kills.
Buddha Those who are free of resentful thoughts surely find peace।
Buddha Thousands of candles can be lighted from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened। Happiness never decreases by being shared.
Buddha Thousands of candles can be lit from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened। Happiness never decreases by being shared.
Buddha Three things cannot be long hidden: the sun, the moon, and the truth।
Buddha To be idle is a short road to death and to be diligent is a way of life; foolish people are idle, wise people are diligent।
Buddha To enjoy good health, to bring true happiness to one's family, to bring peace to all, one must first discipline and control one's own mind। If a man can control his mind he can find the way to Enlightenment, and all wisdom and virtue will naturally come to him.
Buddha To keep the body in good health is a duty... otherwise we shall not be able to keep our mind strong and clear।
Buddha To live a pure unselfish life, one must count nothing as one's own in the midst of abundance।
Buddha Unity can only be manifested by the Binary। Unity itself and the idea of Unity are already two.
Buddha Virtue is persecuted more by the wicked than it is loved by the good।
Buddha We are formed and molded by our thoughts। Those whose minds are shaped by selfless thoughts give joy when they speak or act. Joy follows them like a shadow that never leaves them.
Buddha We are shaped by our thoughts; we become what we think। When the mind is pure, joy follows like a shadow that never leaves.
Buddha We are what we think। All that we are arises with our thoughts. With our thoughts, we make the world.
Buddha What is the appropriate behavior for a man or a woman in the midst of this world, where each person is clinging to his piece of debris? What's the proper salutation between people as they pass each other in this flood?
Buddha What we think, we become।
Buddha Whatever words we utter should be chosen with care for people will hear them and be influenced by them for good or ill
Buddha When one has the feeling of dislike for evil, when one feels tranquil, one finds pleasure in listening to good teachings; when one has these feelings and appreciates them, one is free of fear. Buddha Without health life is not life; it is only a state of langour and suffering - an image of death।
Buddha Work out your own salvation। Do not depend on others.
Buddha You can search throughout the entire universe for someone who is more deserving of your love and affection than you are yourself, and that person is not to be found anywhere। You yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe deserve your love and affection.
Buddha You will not be punished for your anger, you will be punished by your anger।
Buddha You, yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection।
Buddha Your work is to discover your work and then with all your heart to give yourself to it. Buddha Your work is to discover your world and then with all your heart give yourself to it
Buddha A jug fills drop by drop।
Buddha All that we are is the result of what we have thought। If a man speaks or acts with an evil thought, pain follows him. If a man speaks or acts with a pure thought, happiness follows him, like a shadow that never leaves him.
Buddha All that we are is the result of what we have thought। The mind is everything. What we think we become.
Buddha All things appear and disappear because of the concurrence of causes and conditions। Nothing ever exists entirely alone; everything is in relation to everything else.
Buddha All wrong-doing arises because of mind। If mind is transformed can wrong-doing remain?
Buddha Ambition is like love, impatient both of delays and rivals।
Buddha An idea that is developed and put into action is more important than an idea that exists only as an idea।
Buddha An insincere and evil friend is more to be feared than a wild beast; a wild beast may wound your body, but an evil friend will wound your mind।
Buddha Believe nothing, no matter where you read it, or who said it, no matter if I have said it, unless it agrees with your own reason and your own common sense।
Buddha Better than a thousand hollow words, is one word that brings peace।
Buddha Chaos is inherent in all compounded things। Strive on with diligence.
Buddha Ennui has made more gamblers than avarice, more drunkards than thirst, and perhaps as many suicides as despair।
Buddha Even death is not to be feared by one who has lived wisely।
Buddha Every human being is the author of his own health or disease।
Buddha Hatred does not cease by hatred, but only by love; this is the eternal rule।
Buddha Hatred does not cease through hatred at any time। Hatred ceases through love. This is an unalterable law.
Buddha Have compassion for all beings, rich and poor alike; each has their suffering। Some suffer too much, others too little.
Buddha He is able who thinks he is able।
Buddha He who experiences the unity of life sees his own Self in all beings, and all beings in his own Self, and looks on everything with an impartial eye।
Buddha He who loves 50 people has 50 woes; he who loves no one has no woes।
Buddha Health is the greatest gift, contentment the greatest wealth, faithfulness the best relationship।
Buddha Holding on to anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else; you are the one who gets burned।
Buddha However many holy words you read, however many you speak, what good will they do you if you do not act on upon them?
Buddha I do not believe in a fate that falls on men however they act; but I do believe in a fate that falls on them unless they act।
Buddha I never see what has been done; I only see what remains to be done।
Buddha In a controversy the instant we feel anger we have already ceased striving for the truth, and have begun striving for ourselves।
Buddha In the sky, there is no distinction of east and west; people create distinctions out of their own minds and then beleive them to be true।
Buddha It is a man's own mind, not his enemy or foe, that lures him to evil ways।
Buddha It is better to conquer yourself than to win a thousand battles। Then the victory is yours. It cannot be taken from you, not by angels or by demons, heaven or hell.
Buddha It is better to travel well than to arrive।
Buddha Just as a candle cannot burn without fire, men cannot live without a spiritual life. Buddha Just as treasures are uncovered from the earth, so virtue appears from good deeds, and wisdom appears from a pure and peaceful mind। To walk safely through the maze of human life, one needs the light of wisdom and the guidance of virtue.
Buddha Let us rise up and be thankful, for if we didn't learn a lot today, at least we learned a little, and if we didn't learn a little, at least we didn't get sick, and if we got sick, at least we didn't die; so, let us all be thankful।
Buddha No one saves us but ourselves। No one can and no one may. We ourselves must walk the path.
Buddha On life's journey faith is nourishment, virtuous deeds are a shelter, wisdom is the light by day and right mindfulness is the protection by night। If a man lives a pure life, nothing can destroy him.
Buddha Peace comes from within। Do not seek it without.
Buddha Teach this triple truth to all: A generous heart, kind speech, and a life of service and compassion are the things which renew humanity।
Buddha The foot feels the foot when it feels the ground।
Buddha The mind is everything। What you think you become.
Buddha The only real failure in life is not to be true to the best one knows
Buddha The secret of health for both mind and body is not to mourn for the past, nor to worry about the future, but to live the present moment wisely and earnestly।
Buddha The secret of health for both mind and body is not to mourn for the past, worry about the future, or anticipate troubles, but to live in the present moment wisely and earnestly. Buddha The tongue like a sharp knife... Kills without drawing blood।
Buddha The virtues, like the Muses, are always seen in groups। A good principle was never found solitary in any breast.
Buddha The way is not in the sky. The way is in the heart
Buddha The whole secret of existence is to have no fear। Never fear what will become of you, depend on no one. Only the moment you reject all help are you freed.
Buddha The wise ones fashioned speech with their thought, sifting it as grain is sifted through a sieve।
Buddha There are only two mistakes one can make along the road to truth; not going all the way, and not starting।
Buddha There has to be evil so that good can prove its purity above it।
Buddha There is nothing more dreadful than the habit of doubt। Doubt separates people. It is a poison that disintegrates friendships and breaks up pleasant relations. It is a thorn that irritates and hurts; it is a sword that kills.
Buddha Those who are free of resentful thoughts surely find peace।
Buddha Thousands of candles can be lighted from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened। Happiness never decreases by being shared.
Buddha Thousands of candles can be lit from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened। Happiness never decreases by being shared.
Buddha Three things cannot be long hidden: the sun, the moon, and the truth।
Buddha To be idle is a short road to death and to be diligent is a way of life; foolish people are idle, wise people are diligent।
Buddha To enjoy good health, to bring true happiness to one's family, to bring peace to all, one must first discipline and control one's own mind। If a man can control his mind he can find the way to Enlightenment, and all wisdom and virtue will naturally come to him.
Buddha To keep the body in good health is a duty... otherwise we shall not be able to keep our mind strong and clear।
Buddha To live a pure unselfish life, one must count nothing as one's own in the midst of abundance।
Buddha Unity can only be manifested by the Binary। Unity itself and the idea of Unity are already two.
Buddha Virtue is persecuted more by the wicked than it is loved by the good।
Buddha We are formed and molded by our thoughts। Those whose minds are shaped by selfless thoughts give joy when they speak or act. Joy follows them like a shadow that never leaves them.
Buddha We are shaped by our thoughts; we become what we think। When the mind is pure, joy follows like a shadow that never leaves.
Buddha We are what we think। All that we are arises with our thoughts. With our thoughts, we make the world.
Buddha What is the appropriate behavior for a man or a woman in the midst of this world, where each person is clinging to his piece of debris? What's the proper salutation between people as they pass each other in this flood?
Buddha What we think, we become।
Buddha Whatever words we utter should be chosen with care for people will hear them and be influenced by them for good or ill
Buddha When one has the feeling of dislike for evil, when one feels tranquil, one finds pleasure in listening to good teachings; when one has these feelings and appreciates them, one is free of fear. Buddha Without health life is not life; it is only a state of langour and suffering - an image of death।
Buddha Work out your own salvation। Do not depend on others.
Buddha You can search throughout the entire universe for someone who is more deserving of your love and affection than you are yourself, and that person is not to be found anywhere। You yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe deserve your love and affection.
Buddha You will not be punished for your anger, you will be punished by your anger।
Buddha You, yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection।
Buddha Your work is to discover your work and then with all your heart to give yourself to it. Buddha Your work is to discover your world and then with all your heart give yourself to it
Thursday, August 16, 2007
SATELLITES
Types of SATELLITES
- Anti-Satellite weapons, sometimes called "Killer satellites" are satellites designed to destroy "enemy" satellites, other orbital weapons and targets. Some are armed with kinetic rounds, while others use energy and/or particle weapons to destroy satellites, ICBMs, MIRVs. Both the U.S. and the USSR had these satellites. Links discussing "Killer satellites", ASATS (Anti-Satellite satellite) include USSR Tests ASAT weapon and ASAT Test. See also IMINT
- Astronomical satellites are satellites used for observation of distant planets, galaxies, and other outer space objects.
- Biosatellites are satellites designed to carry living organisms, generally for scientific experimentation.
- Communications satellites are satellites stationed in space for the purpose of telecommunications. Modern communications satellites typically use geosynchronous orbits, Molniya orbits or Low Earth orbits.
- Miniaturized satellites are satellites of unusually low weights and small sizes. New classifications are used to categorize these satellites: minisatellite (500–200 kg), microsatellite (below 200 kg), nanosatellite (below 10 kg).
- Navigational satellites are satellites which use radio time signals transmitted to enable mobile receivers on the ground to determine their exact location. The relatively clear line of sight between the satellites and receivers on the ground, combined with ever-improving electronics, allows satellite navigation systems to measure location to accuracies on the order of a few metres in real time.
- Reconnaissance satellites are Earth observation satellite or communications satellite deployed for military or intelligence applications. Little is known about the full power of these satellites, as governments who operate them usually keep information pertaining to their reconnaissance satellites classified.
- Earth observation satellites are satellites intended for non-military uses such as environmental monitoring, meteorology, map making etc. (See especially Earth Observing System.)
- Solar power satellites are proposed satellites built in high Earth orbit that use microwave power transmission to beam solar power to very large antennae on Earth where it can be used in place of conventional power sources.
- Space stations are man-made structures that are designed for human beings to live on in outer space. A space station is distinguished from other manned spacecraft by its lack of major propulsion or landing facilities — instead, other vehicles are used as transport to and from the station. Space stations are designed for medium-term living in orbit, for periods of weeks, months, or even years.
- Weather satellites are satellites that primarily are used to monitor Earth's weather and climate.
SAMUEL ADAMS
Samuel Adams (September 27 [O.S. September 16] 1722[2] – October 2, 1803) was an American statesman, politician, writer and political philosopher, and one of the Founding Fathers of the United States.[3] Adams was instrumental in garnering the support of the colonies for rebellion against Great Britain, eventually resulting in the American Revolution, and was also one of the key architects of the principles of American republicanism that shaped American political culture.
Born in Boston, Massachusetts, Adams was brought up in a religious and politically active family. After being educated at Boston Latin School and Harvard College, Adams became a mercantile businessman, but this proved not to be his vocation and he soon turned to politics, and became an influential political writer and theorist. Adams established himself as one of the voices of opposition to British control in the colonies; he argued that the colonies should withdraw from Great Britain and form a new government.[4] Adams called for the colonists to defend their rights and liberties, and led town meetings in which he drafted written protests against Parliament's colonial tax measures such as the Stamp Act of 1765. Adams played a prominent role during protests against the Stamp Act, and in the events of the Boston Tea Party in 1773. He participated in the Continental Congress.[5] He also advocated the adoption of the Declaration of Independence at the Second Continental Congress.
After the United States declared its independence in 1776, Adams helped write the Massachusetts Constitution with John Adams, his cousin, and James Bowdoin.[6] Afterwards, Adams helped draft the Articles of Confederation.[7] Following the end of the American Revolutionary War, he ran for the House of Representatives in the 1st United States Congressional election, but was unsuccessful in his bid. He was elected Lieutenant Governor of Massachusetts in 1789,[8] and after John Hancock's death in 1793, Adams served as the acting governor until he was elected governor in January of the following year.[9] He served in that position until June 1797 when he retired from politics. He died six years later on October 2, 1803।
| Samuel Adams | |
 | |
| | |
|---|---|
| In office October 8, 1793 – June 2, 1797 | |
| Lieutenant(s) | Moses Gill |
| Preceded by | John Hancock |
| Succeeded by | Increase Sumner |
| | |
| In office 1789 – 1793 | |
| Governor | John Hancock |
| Preceded by | Benjamin Lincoln |
| Succeeded by | Moses Gill |
| | |
| Born | September 27 [O.S. September 16] 1722 Boston, Massachusetts |
| Died | October 2, 1803 Boston, Massachusetts |
| Political party | None |
| Spouse | Elizabeth Checkley, Elizabeth Wells |
| Religion | Congregationalist[1] |
| Signature |  |
SELECTED PICTURE
A panorama of the Forum in Rome - once the center of social and political life in ancient Italy.
WALNUTS
 Persian Walnut, Juglans regia | ||||||||||||
| Scientific classification | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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BAMBOO SHOOTS
Bamboo shoots ( are the edible shoots (new bamboo culms that come out of the ground) of bamboo species Bambusa vulgaris and Phyllostachys edulis. They are used in numerous Asian dishes and broths, and are available in supermarkets in various sliced forms, both fresh and canned version.
In certain parts of Japan, China and Taiwan the giant timber bamboo is harvested in spring or early summer, after slicing and boiling is also edible. This bamboo has a very acrid flavor and should be sliced thin and boiled in a large volume of water several times. Oldhamii is more widely know as a non-invasive landscaping bamboo।
GOLDEN MILE COMPLEX
GOLDEN MILE COMPLEX is a high-rise commercial and residential building on Beach Road in Kallang, Singapore. The building was formerly known as Woh Hup Complex।
The Golden Mile Complex's shopping mall in the atrium houses numerous Thai clubs, shops and eateries.
 | |
| Location | Beach Road, Kallang, Singapore |
|---|---|
| Primary usage | Commercial and Residential |
| Opening date | 1973 |
| Last renovated on | 1983, 1986 |
| Floor count | 16 |
| Owner | Singapura Developments |
| Management | Singapura Developments |
History
In 1966, the Urban Renewal Department of the Housing and Development Board was formed to facilitate greater flexibility and autonomy in comprehensive redevelopment of Singapore's Central Area. The Golden Mile Complex development was the result of the department's first Sales of Sites programme in 1967.
The "Golden Mile" refers to the strip of land between Nicoll Highway and Beach Road. It was planned by the Singapore Government as a high-rise spine fronting Kallang Basin. The area used to be occupied by squatters and small marine industries.
Built at a cost of S$18 million and completed in 1973, the 16-storey Golden Mile Complex is one of the early pioneers of integrating mulitple operations into a single mixed-use development in Singapore. Today, the complex's shopping mall houses numerous Thai clubs, shops and eateries, as well as tourist and ticketing agencies for travellers going to Malaysia by bus or coach.[2]
A minor upgrading was carried out on the Golden Mile Complex building in 1983, when tinted glass was added to the Beach Road façade to achieve the desired overall thermal transfer value rating. In 1986, the whole building was redecorated.
In March 2006, the Golden Mile Complex was described as a "vertical slum", "terrible eyesore" and "national disgrace" by Singapore Nominated Member of Parliament Ivan Png: "Each individual owner acts selfishly, adding extensions, zinc sheets, patched floors, glass, all without any regard for other owners and without any regard for the national welfare." The residents have also done over their balconies to create an extra room.[3][2]
The Golden Mile Complex, which is located on a 99-year leasehold site starting from 1969, has been planned to be put up for an en bloc sale. If the sale for the strata-titled mixed development is successful, the building would be redeveloped.
The Golden Mile Complex is a commercial and residential development, providing offices, shopping, entertainment services and apartment living within its podium and stepped terrace structure. It houses 411 shops, 226 offices and 68 residential units.[2] The building was designed by Gan Eng Oon, William Lim and Tay Kheng Soon of the Singapore architect firm Design Partnership, now known as DP Architects.
DAMSON
The Damson is an edible drupaceous fruit, a cultivated variety of the plum tree. It is also known as the Damask Plum (but is slightly different from the Bullace).
The name Damson derives from the Latin prunum damascunum, "plum of Damascus". It is believed that damsons were first cultivated in antiquity in the area around the ancient city of Damascus, capital of modern-day Syria, and were introduced into England by the Romans. This latter point has been proven, as remnants of damsons are often found during archaeological digs of ancient Roman camps across England, and ancient writings describe the use of damson skins in the manufacture of purple dye. The damson was introduced into the American colonies by English settlers prior to the American Revolution and are regarded as thriving better in the eastern United States than other European plum varieties.
The damson is identified by its small, oval shape (though slightly pointed at one end), smooth-textured yellow-green flesh, and skin from dark blue to indigo. The tree blossoms with small, white flowers in early April and fruit is harvested in late August, early September.
The skin of the damson is heavily acidic, rendering the fruit unpalatable to some for eating out of hand. Because of this acidic, tart flavour, damsons are commercially grown for preparation in jellies and jams. A range of varieties of damson are available, with some such as 'Merryweather' being more appropriate for eating when ripe straight from the tree while varieties such as 'Farleigh' benefit from cooking.
The term damson is often used to describe red wines with acidic, plummy flavors. Damson wine is also a favorite among some people. Damson gin is made like sloe gin, although less sugar is necessary as the damsons are sweeter than sloes।
IELTS
IELTS is the International English Language Testing System. It measures ability to communicate in English across all four language skills – listening, reading, writing and speaking – for people who intend to study or work where English is the language of communication.
Since 1989, IELTS has been proven and trusted worldwide to provide a secure, global, authentic and customer-focused test which measures true to life ability to communicate in English. Close to 5,000 education institutions, faculties, government agencies and professional organisations around the world recognise IELTS scores as a trusted and valid indicator of ability to communicate in English.
More than 700,000 people a year are now using IELTS to open doors throughout the English-speaking world and beyond। The test is taken every year across 120 countries, and is one of the fastest growing English language tests in the world, and sets the standard in integrity, research and innovation.
IELTS – the International English Language Testing System – has increased recognition enormously in the US over the last five years with now more than 1,100 institutions accepting the test for undergraduate, graduate and professional school admissions. In addition IELTS is used for VisaScreen through CGFNS for non-native speaker nurses and healthcare workers applying to work in the US. Professional bodies and organizations such as many state boards of nursing around the country, Association of Schools of Public Health, Association of Veterinary State Boards, and the Institute for International Education (IIE) recognize IELTS for applicants in the US, Canada, Australia, and the UK. IELTS is jointly managed by the three international partners British Council, Cambridge ESOL and IDP Education Australia.
IELTS International, the organization managing the US test center network, is very pleased to announce a Call for IELTS Test Center Applications with a view to opening new test centers as soon as the fall of 2007. IELTS International is particularly seeking applications from educational institutions in major metropolitan areas that service non-native speaker students and alien residents.
The IELTS test is administered at local test center level, requiring a commitment to the scheduling and administration of the test in a standardized and secure environment, and the local marketing of the service. Becoming an IELTS test center provides excellent opportunities for staff professional development through training – which is provided by IELTS– as proctors, raters and examiners; a medium-term opportunity to develop revenues; and the status of offering the IELTS test service to both internal and external clients.
To begin the process, please submit by email or regular mail a brief ‘Expression of Interest’ letter by August 31, 2007. The letter should include the following information:
1. History of the organization applying to be a test center, including date of establishment.
2. Operational status – a brief overview of programs, staffing and premises.
3. Relationship with educational and professional organizations, such as NAFSA, TESOL, NAGAP.
4. Financial status – brief details of how the organization is funded.
If your institution produces an annual review, please also include a copy with your letter.
On receipt and review of the letter, IELTS International will send an application packet including details of selection criteria, examiner requirements, an outline of the test administrator’s duties, computer and other facilities (the test is currently pen and paper) and action plan. Proposed centers need to have the capacity to test at minimum 30 candidates once per month.ASTRONAUT
An astronaut or cosmonaut is a person trained by a human spaceflight program to command, pilot, or serve as a crew member of a spacecraft. While generally reserved for professional space travelers, the term is sometimes applied to anyone who travels into space, including scientists, politicians, journalists, and tourists.
Until 2003, professional space travelers were sponsored and trained exclusively by governments, either by the military or by civilian space agencies. However, with the launch of the privately-funded SpaceShipOne in 2005, a new category of astronaut was created—the commercial astronaut. With the rise of space tourism, NASA and the Russian Federal Space Agency agreed to use the term "spaceflight participant" to distinguish those space travelers from professional astronauts on missions coordinated by those two agencies.
The criteria for what constitutes human spaceflight vary. The FAI defines spaceflight as any flight over 100 kilometres (62 miles). However, in the United States, professional, military, and commercial astronauts who travel above an altitude of 80 kilometres (50 miles) are awarded astronaut wings।
BEQUIESCAT
REQUIESCAT
Strew on her roses,roses,
And never a spray of yew.
In quiet she reposes;
Ah! would that I did too.
Her mirth the world required;
She bathed it in smile of glee.
But her heart was tired, tired,
And now they let her be.
Her life was turning,turning,
In mazes of heat and sound;
But for peace her soul was yearning,
And now peace laps her round.
Her cabind and ample spirit,
It flutterd and faild for breath;
To-night it doth inherit
The vasty hall of death.
Strew on her roses,roses,
And never a spray of yew.
In quiet she reposes;
Ah! would that I did too.
Her mirth the world required;
She bathed it in smile of glee.
But her heart was tired, tired,
And now they let her be.
Her life was turning,turning,
In mazes of heat and sound;
But for peace her soul was yearning,
And now peace laps her round.
Her cabind and ample spirit,
It flutterd and faild for breath;
To-night it doth inherit
The vasty hall of death.
RAINBOWS
Rainbows are optical and meteorological phenomena that cause a spectrum of light to appear in the sky when the Sun shines onto droplets of moisture in the Earth's atmosphere. They take the form of a multicoloured arc, with red on the outer part of the arch and violet on the inner section of the arch. More rarely, a double rainbow is seen, which includes a second, fainter arc with colours in the opposite order, that is, with violet on the outside and red on the inside.
Even though a rainbow spans a continuous spectrum of colours, traditionally the full sequence of colours is most commonly cited and remembered as red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet।
Full featured double rainbow in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, Alaska
ROCKET
ROCKET
A rocket is a vehicle, missile or aircraft which obtains thrust by the reaction to the ejection of fast moving fluid from within a rocket engine.
The history of rockets goes back to the 13th century. By the 20th century it included human spaceflight to the Moon, and in the 21st century rockets have enabled commercial space tourism.
Rockets are used for fireworks and weaponry, as launch vehicles for artificial satellites, and for human spaceflight and exploration of other planets. While they are inefficient for low speed use, they are, compared to other propulsion systems, very lightweight, enormously powerful and can achieve extremely high speeds.
Chemical rockets operate by expanding hot exhaust gas made from propellant against the inside of a bell nozzle, this generates forces that both accelerate the gas to extremely high speed, as well as, since every action has an equal and opposite reaction, generating a large thrust on the rocket.
Chemical rockets contain a large amount of energy in an easily liberated form, and can be very dangerous, although careful design, testing, construction and use can minimise the risks.
A rocket is a vehicle, missile or aircraft which obtains thrust by the reaction to the ejection of fast moving fluid from within a rocket engine.
The history of rockets goes back to the 13th century. By the 20th century it included human spaceflight to the Moon, and in the 21st century rockets have enabled commercial space tourism.
Rockets are used for fireworks and weaponry, as launch vehicles for artificial satellites, and for human spaceflight and exploration of other planets. While they are inefficient for low speed use, they are, compared to other propulsion systems, very lightweight, enormously powerful and can achieve extremely high speeds.
Chemical rockets operate by expanding hot exhaust gas made from propellant against the inside of a bell nozzle, this generates forces that both accelerate the gas to extremely high speed, as well as, since every action has an equal and opposite reaction, generating a large thrust on the rocket.
Chemical rockets contain a large amount of energy in an easily liberated form, and can be very dangerous, although careful design, testing, construction and use can minimise the risks.
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
JAMES MADISON
Today's featured article
The Report of 1800 was a resolution drafted by James Madison (pictured), arguing for the sovereignty of the individual states under the United States Constitution and against the Alien and Sedition Acts. The Virginia General Assembly adopted the Report in January 1800. The document primarily subtly amends arguments from the 1798 Virginia Resolutions, and the main reason for producing the Report was to answer criticisms that had been leveled at the Resolutions. The arguments made in the Resolutions and the Report were later used frequently during the nullification crisis of 1832, when South Carolina declared federal tariffs to be unconstitutional and void within the state. Madison, however, rejected the concept of nullification and the notion that his arguments supported such a practice. Whether Madison's theory of republicanism really supported the nullification movement, and more broadly whether the ideas he expressed between 1798 and 1800 are consistent with his work before and after this period, are the main questions surrounding the Report in the modern literature.
जेम्स MADISON
Today's featured article
The Report of 1800 was a resolution drafted by James Madison (pictured), arguing for the sovereignty of the individual states under the United States Constitution and against the Alien and Sedition Acts. The Virginia General Assembly adopted the Report in January 1800. The document primarily subtly amends arguments from the 1798 Virginia Resolutions, and the main reason for producing the Report was to answer criticisms that had been leveled at the Resolutions. The arguments made in the Resolutions and the Report were later used frequently during the nullification crisis of 1832, when South Carolina declared federal tariffs to be unconstitutional and void within the state. Madison, however, rejected the concept of nullification and the notion that his arguments supported such a practice. Whether Madison's theory of republicanism really supported the nullification movement, and more broadly whether the ideas he expressed between 1798 and 1800 are consistent with his work before and after this period, are the main questions surrounding the Report in the modern literature.
Monday, August 13, 2007
SELECTED BIOGRAPHY
Selected biography
William Henry Gates III (born October 28, 1955 in Seattle, Washington) is the founder, chairman, former chief software architect, and former CEO of Microsoft. Forbes magazine's The World's Billionaires list has ranked him as the richest person on earth for the last thirteen consecutive years. According to the Forbes 2006 magazine, Bill Gates's current net worth is approximately $53 billion. When family wealth is considered, his family ranks second behind the Walton family. Gates is the first one to reach the richest peak from technology world.
FIGHTER AIRCRAFT
A fighter aircraft is a military aircraft designed primarily for attacking other aircraft, as opposed to a bomber, which is designed to attack ground targets, primarily by dropping bombs. Fighters are comparatively small, fast, and maneuverable. Fighter aircraft are the primary means by which armed forces gain air superiority। At least since World War II, air superiority has been a crucial component of victory in most modern warfare, particularly "conventional" warfare between regular armies, and their acquisition and maintenance represent a very substantial proportion of military budgets in militaries that maintain modern fighter forces.
An A-10 Thunderbolt II, F-86 Sabre, P-38 Lightning and P-51 Mustang fly in formation during an air show at Langley Air Force Base, Virginia. The formation displays two generations of Air Force fighter aircraft, and an attack aircraft (the A-10).
CAD
Selected article
Computer-aided design (CAD) is the use of a wide range of computer-based tools that assist engineers, architects and other design professionals in their design activities. It is the main geometry authoring tool within the Product Lifecycle Management process and involves both software and sometimes special-purpose hardware. Current packages range from 2D vector based drafting systems to 3D solid and surface modellers.
CAD is sometimes translated as "computer-assisted", "computer-aided drafting", or a similar phrase. Related acronyms are CADD, which stands for "computer-aided design and drafting", CAID for Computer-aided Industrial Design and CAAD, for "computer-aided architectural design". All these terms are essentially synonymous, but there are a few subtle differences in meaning and application.
CAD was originally the three letter acronym for "Computer Aided drafting" as in the early days CAD was really a replacement for the traditional drafting board. But now is the term is often interchanged with "Computer Aided Design"
to reflect the fact that modern CAD tools do much more than just drafting.GMAW
Selected picture
SELECTED BIOGRAPHY
Selected biography
Her parents were Quakers who, unconventionally for their time, insisted on giving her the same quality of education that boys received. She worked as a librarian and also pursued astronomy at her father's observatory.
Using a telescope, she discovered "Miss Mitchell's Comet" (Comet 1847 VI, modern designation is C/1847 T1) in the autumn of 1847. Some years previously, King Frederick VI of Denmark had established gold medal prizes to each discoverer of a "telescopic comet" (too faint to be seen with the naked eye). The prize was to be awarded to the "first discoverer" of each such comet (note that comets are often independently discovered by more than one person). She duly won one of these prizes, and this gave her worldwide fame, since the only previous woman to discover a comet had been Caroline Herschel.
SCIENCE NEWS
Science News
- August 09: NASA launches Space Shuttle Endeavour, carrying Barbara Morgan, the first Educator Astronaut in space, and six other astronauts on a mission to the International Space Station.
- July 6: An article in Science reports the recovery of DNA in ice samples extracted from southern Greenland. The age of these fragments is estimated between 400 to 800 thousand years. (BBCNews)
- July 5: Due to a strong dust storm the planned activities of the Opportunity rover on Mars, including entering the Victoria crater, are delayed. (SpaceRef.com)
- June 27: At a news conference in Cairo, Egyptologists claim to have identified the 3,000-year-old mummy of pharaoh/queen Hatshepsut, ancient Egypt's most powerful female ruler. The DNA identification of the queen (whose mummy was originally discovered, but not identified, by Howard Carter in 1903) is being billed as the biggest archaeological find in Egypt since the 1922 discovery of Tutankhamun's tomb. Some archaeologists, however, express strong scepticism about the possibility of using DNA technology to identify the queen. (BBC News)
- June 22: Space Shuttle Atlantis lands safely at Edwards Air Force Base, California, after inclement weather prevents a landing at Kennedy Space Center, Florida, ending STS-117. (Reuters)
- June 15: Research is published into a promising new method for producing DMF, which has the potential to challenge bioethanol and biodiesel as a common liquid biofuel.
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