Online Help Makes FAFSA Application as Easy as 1-2-3
If you’re planning for college, completing and submitting your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (or FAFSA) is the all important first step in finding a way to pay for your college education. Still the top resource for college funding, the Federal government lays out more than 80 billion dollars of student aid per year as grants, work-study programs or loans. To get your piece of the pie, you’ll want to submit your FAFSA application as early as possible.
The FAFSA application process has an undeserved reputation as a being difficult to understand and hard to complete. The less than stellar reputation may in part be attributable to fee-for-service providers that are in business to help college-bound high school juniors and seniors complete the application. The Federal government has made the application easy to complete online by offering extensive online help that guides applicants through the application process. Also, the government charges no fees of any kind. The FAFSA application is free to all.
You’ll want to kick off Step One of the FAFSA application process by applying for and receiving your own personal identification number, or PIN. Your PIN makes it possible to apply for student aid online, a process the government has streamlined and made as easy as possible. You can also use your PIN to sign your FAFSA application online and access and correct information contained in your Student Aid Report, or SAR. The SAR is the report you’ll receive once the government has processed your completed FAFSA application. It tells you the level of Federal student aid to which you may be entitled based on your financial need.
You’ll need to get your PIN as soon as possible at pin.ed.gov before beginning Step Two of the application process. In this step, you should complete your FAFSA application online at fafsa.ed.gov, a site also known as FAFSA on the Web. The government has designed this site to offer step-by-step instructions as you answer each question in the FAFSA application. The online process also catches any potential mistakes you make and prompts you to correct them. Filing at FAFSA on the Web is also the fastest way to get into and through the Federal application process. Most FAFSA applications are processed within just a few days of their filing date.
Once you’ve filed your FAFSA application, expect to start Step Three, the final phase in the application process, in about three to five days if you filed your FAFSA application online, or in seven to ten days if you filed by mail. That’s when you’ll receive your SAR, or Student Air Report. The SAR contains your Expected Family Contribution, or EFC, which is the amount your family is estimated to be able to contribute to your college education. Your financial need is determined by subtracting the EFC from the cost of attendance at a particular college or university. Once you receive your SAR, review it for any errors and once it’s complete, contact the financial aid office at the college or colleges you’re considering. The financial aid office will let you know the type and amount of financial aid a particular college is willing to offer.
While not difficult to understand or complete, this three-step application process has more details than can be covered in a short article such as this. But the information provided here should pave the way for reviewing an easy-to-read, comprehensive government document that will shepherd you through the application process. Download the 60-page PDF document, entitled “Funding Education Beyond High School”, from studentaid.ed.gov.
What to Do as the First Responder at an Accident
In any accident situation, most untrained individuals will automatically run to the scene without concern for their own safety. The main thought is, understandably, to help the person in need. However, as you will learn, the scene of an accident is no place to rush around without thought.
How you react from the moment you reach the scene will determine whether you’re part of the problem or part of the solution. Many would-be saviors have ended up victims while trying to help. If you are ever at the scene of an accident when it occurs, or come upon the accident later, here are a few guidelines to help you, and the victim, stay safe:
#1. Stop and Observe
No matter what type of accident it is, always stop and look around before running to help the injured individual. Pay attention to possible downed power lines, broken gas mains, and gasoline or diesel spills. Hazardous materials are also a possibility; some chemicals can kill with one breath.
Taking the time to observe and assess the situation may be hard, depending on the condition of the injured individual, but it is extremely necessary. Remember that you can’t help if you get hurt while trying to save someone.
#2. Assessment
Once you are aware of the area around you and are assured it’s safe, try to figure how serious the victim’s injuries are and dial 911. If the individual is awake and aware, try to get as much information as you can so you can answer the questions of the 911 dispatcher. If the victim is not conscious, immediately call 911 before looking them over.
If the area is not safe
Although it’s hard to see someone lying in a pool of chemicals, blood or in many other unsafe situations, do not approach. Immediately dial 911, stay calm and describe the situation. Staying calm is paramount. The dispatcher may give you instructions and you have to be clear-headed enough to follow them.
#3. First Aid
Even untrained first responders can provide the necessary help to keep an injured individual alive. Unless absolutely necessary, do not move the victim. While waiting for the emergency providers to arrive look the victim over and use “A-B-C-D”:
Airway If the victim is unconscious, check their airway and make sure it’s clear of obstruction. If there is a problem and their tongue is in the way, lift the chin carefully. If they’re on their back and fluids are filling their mouth, very carefully turn the victim on their side, keeping the back and neck as straight as possible.
Breathing Sometimes the airway is clear, but the injured individual is still not breathing. In this case, you may need to perform artificial respiration.
Circulation If the person is bleeding profusely, you may need to control it with a tourniquet, direct pressure or elevating the bleeding area. You will also want to check for a pulse. If there is none, you may need to perform CPR (Cardio Pulmonary Respiration).
Delicate central nervous system As mentioned above, do not move the injured person unless absolutely necessary. Especially after an injury caused by impact, moving the neck and lower back can cause severe problems, such as paralysis, or even death.
#4. Stay With the Victim
At any time, an unconscious victim can wake, confused and disoriented. During this time, they can do irreparable harm to themselves. If possible, stay with them until the paramedics arrive.
Although no one can truly prepare for an accident, having a well-stocked first aid kit on hand at all times is a good start. Make sure you know how to use it. For further preparation, you might also take CPR and First Aid classes.
The biggest difference between being part of the solution and part of the problem is not to panic. Follow the above guide, no matter what type of accident it is, and stay safe!
What to Do as the First Responder at an Accident
In any accident situation, most untrained individuals will automatically run to the scene without concern for their own safety. The main thought is, understandably, to help the person in need. However, as you will learn, the scene of an accident is no place to rush around without thought.
How you react from the moment you reach the scene will determine whether you’re part of the problem or part of the solution. Many would-be saviors have ended up victims while trying to help. If you are ever at the scene of an accident when it occurs, or come upon the accident later, here are a few guidelines to help you, and the victim, stay safe:
#1. Stop and Observe
No matter what type of accident it is, always stop and look around before running to help the injured individual. Pay attention to possible downed power lines, broken gas mains, and gasoline or diesel spills. Hazardous materials are also a possibility; some chemicals can kill with one breath.
Taking the time to observe and assess the situation may be hard, depending on the condition of the injured individual, but it is extremely necessary. Remember that you can’t help if you get hurt while trying to save someone.
#2. Assessment
Once you are aware of the area around you and are assured it’s safe, try to figure how serious the victim’s injuries are and dial 911. If the individual is awake and aware, try to get as much information as you can so you can answer the questions of the 911 dispatcher. If the victim is not conscious, immediately call 911 before looking them over.
If the area is not safe
Although it’s hard to see someone lying in a pool of chemicals, blood or in many other unsafe situations, do not approach. Immediately dial 911, stay calm and describe the situation. Staying calm is paramount. The dispatcher may give you instructions and you have to be clear-headed enough to follow them.
#3. First Aid
Even untrained first responders can provide the necessary help to keep an injured individual alive. Unless absolutely necessary, do not move the victim. While waiting for the emergency providers to arrive look the victim over and use “A-B-C-D”:
Airway If the victim is unconscious, check their airway and make sure it’s clear of obstruction. If there is a problem and their tongue is in the way, lift the chin carefully. If they’re on their back and fluids are filling their mouth, very carefully turn the victim on their side, keeping the back and neck as straight as possible.
Breathing Sometimes the airway is clear, but the injured individual is still not breathing. In this case, you may need to perform artificial respiration.
Circulation If the person is bleeding profusely, you may need to control it with a tourniquet, direct pressure or elevating the bleeding area. You will also want to check for a pulse. If there is none, you may need to perform CPR (Cardio Pulmonary Respiration).
Delicate central nervous system As mentioned above, do not move the injured person unless absolutely necessary. Especially after an injury caused by impact, moving the neck and lower back can cause severe problems, such as paralysis, or even death.
#4. Stay With the Victim
At any time, an unconscious victim can wake, confused and disoriented. During this time, they can do irreparable harm to themselves. If possible, stay with them until the paramedics arrive.
Although no one can truly prepare for an accident, having a well-stocked first aid kit on hand at all times is a good start. Make sure you know how to use it. For further preparation, you might also take CPR and First Aid classes.
The biggest difference between being part of the solution and part of the problem is not to panic. Follow the above guide, no matter what type of accident it is, and stay safe!
10 ways to cut your property taxes
Property taxes are decided collectively by school boards, town boards, legislators, and councils. The tax rate is set by collating the amount of funds an area needs. This is then divided that by the total taxable assessed value of the area. The tax an individual pays is computed by multiplying the tax rate by the assessed value of your property and then deducting any applicable exceptions. Property taxes are at an all time high. Studies indicate that they have increased more than 35% in five years.
Property is assessed by determining property costs in any given area. Property is valued by studying: the current sale price of properties in the area, costs to be incurred to replace the property, potential realization of property if it is rented, sold, or gifted, and the historical value of a property.
There are a few ways in which you could save on taxes:
1. Check if the state you reside in is offering any rebates. For example, a money back rebate, energy rebate, capping of taxes, or home owners rebate where under certain conditions you may be eligible to claim a rebate.
2. Ensure that the property is assessed right. This will ensure that you do not have to pay excess taxes. Assert your right to check you assessment report ensure that there are no miscalculations, mistakes, or assumptions. If in any doubt, do put in an appeal. According to statistics almost 50% of the cases win some relief.
3. Check all exemptions allowed according to the law.
4. Buy property jointly with a partner or family member. This way both owners become eligible for tax rebates.
5. Check if your assessment is in according to other properties in your neighborhood. Check with the assessment office or with your neighbors themselves. It helps to know applicable laws. Use the help of a real estate professional to put together a file of properties similar to yours that have a lower assessment. Or, use the banks appraisal to support your case. Be sure that the case you gather together is water tight.
6. Use a property consultant to help you save taxes. Some charge a flat fee while others just a percentage of what you save. A professional will check how assessment is done and also if there are any loop holes you can use.
7. There is strength in numbers. Get together with other owners who are also checking or fighting assessments. Check on the National Taxpayers Union Web site http://www.ntu.org for your rights.
8. Ask you home loan provider whether you are eligible for refund of property taxes paid. Some agreements have a provision for this. Many mortgages have automatic escrow of taxes.
9. Even before you buy a home find out what the property taxes are in the area and what have been the increases in tax rates.
10. Be sure to read through assessment and tax manuals published by your local authorities. These will give a clear idea of what are the parameters used and what you must do to reduce or pay the correct property taxes.
In order to be money smart you need to get the help of an efficient and dedicated accountant, plan your tax liabilities well, known thoroughly all aspects of Property Tax. If you are prudent, you can benefit by using ways and means to cut your tax burden and liabilities.
Top 7 Youth Fundraising ideas
The most important rule in planning a youth fundraiser is to make sure that everybody has fun!
These ideas will work well for a youth group, a church young people’s group, non-profit group or a youth sports (e.g. football, baseball) group.
Here are seven ideas to get your fundraising started:-
Sales -if you type in youth fundraiser on any search engine you’ll find offers to sell cookie dough, pizza cards, scratch cards, candles, sports goods and plenty more. Depending on the age of the children and the type of group, the locality, consider which of these are likely to be well received in your area. Using existing contacts with family, neighbours and friends alone can be quite profitable.
Car wash – this can be a profitable way to raise funds. It will need good planning. A great free guide to organising a successful car wash event is available from www.carwashguys.com , called How to run a successful car wash fundraiser and is written by Lance Winslow.
Fundraising auction – clear out the garage, spring clean the house, ask for donations – and then auction!. Publicise your auction well in advance around the neighbourhood, invite friends and family, have a printed list of auction items and get someone you trust to run the actual auction itself for you.
Sponsored event – such as a walk, sleepover, or 24 hour sports event – your young people will have their own ideas as to what they’d like to do!
Photos – arrange for a photographer to come for a day or evening. Book a time slot for families, children, publicise the event. Arrange a good level of commission on all photographs purchased and ensure plenty of flyers are available to distribute.
Website advertising – does your group have a website? Could you set up a free blog to keep people informed? If so, consider selling advertising space to local suppliers who may be interested – e.g. the local sports shop.
Dance/Disco/Live Music/Barbeque/Casino event – any event that will work for your locality. Obviously, some church youth groups might find a casino night inappropriate. However, most of these are suitable for young people to help to arrange and to attend.
For other ideas to raise money, get your group together and do a little brainstorming. Everyone will have ideas that they can contribute and this will help to get them involve in the fundraising effort.
Remember to follow some simple rules:-
- Never go out fundraising alone, but always in groups of at least two.
- Have some printed information about your project and how much you are planning to raise.
- Involve as many friends and family members as you can – they will want to support what you are involved with.
- Have fun!
Thanks for visiting our hints and tips on organizing a youth fundraiser.
For further hints and tips on fundraising, visit “http://www.simple-fundraising-ideas.com/youth-fundraiser-ideas.html “>Simple Youth Fundraising Ideas
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Cowboy Fashion Do’s
Technically speaking, all Stetson Company hats can be branded as a Stetson. However, American popular culture has created for us the image of a Stetson hat as the classic cowboy hat. Cowboy hats are distinguished as having wide brims and high, distinctly-shaped crowns. Straw, fur, and wool felt are the common materials used for making these hats. Straw, aside from being cheaper, is the best hat for during hot weather. However, age and long wear might cause it to become brittle. For durability, fur felt hats of either beaver or rabbit are best though more expensive. If you think that you can put on any cowboy hat and it will do, you might be surprised that there are fashion do’s and dont’s when it comes to wearing one.
Banish the thought that real cowboys only wear one hat. Real cowboys have several cowboy hats and other than function, they have other reasons. First, straw and hats of light color are fashionable and must be worn only in the summer or dry seasons. This is because they are airy, breathable, and as your science teacher always says, light colors absorb less heat. Second, the season for dark colored and felt hat is during the colder months. Aside from protecting the head against the bitter weather, these hats also absorb more heat, thereby keeping the cowboy warm. Though no clear reason is given why, white hats are no-no after the celebration of Labor day. You might just be branded as a fashion flop if you do so.
Okay you got your hat and you know how to wear one, but still, it’s not enough to project a cowboy image. Cowboys follow certain etiquette when wearing hats, and you would do yourself a good deed to do as they do. Cowboy hats are not worn indoors except in public places that are enclosed and large (malls, square dance halls). Like all other hats, take it off when seated at a table, especially during meals. Wearing it while dining gives the impolite impression that you’re in a hurry to finish eating and leave. A big no is wearing it inside Churches. If you feel like wearing it in a church, by all means attend service at a Cowboy Church.
Cowboys pay respect to ladies. Doff your hat to passing ladies by way of greeting and respect. Don’t exclude men in uniform either. Church officials are also rendered the same courtesy. To do this properly, bow your head slightly at an angle and hold your hat by its crown. Lift it slightly as if taking it off, pause, and place it back. During services that require standing for a period of time (flag ceremonies, mass) hold your hat by its crown at chest level as if in a semi-hug. Now that you’ve learned your hat basics and etiquette, brush your cowboy hats and head out. The town needs you partner.
National Intelligence Estimate Al-Qaeda back stronger then ever Whos Kidding Who???
The Intelligence apparatus of the United States is required to publish what is referred to as the National Intelligence Estimate. It is a distillation of the major intelligence issues facing the United States as seen through the eyes of some 17 different intelligence organizations. One of the purposes of the National Intelligence Estimate is to CYA. If something bad were to happen, at the very least the bureaucracy could then point back and say, see, it was in the Estimate.
This latest one is very special in that you must read between the lines to understand what it is saying. Some of the key concepts are US Homeland will face a persistent and evolving terrorist threat over the next three years. Main threat comes from Islamic terrorist groups and cells, especially Al-Qaeda. Group has protected or regenerated key elements of its Homeland attack capability, including: as a safe haven in the Pakistan Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA). We assess that..Al-Qaedas association with Al-Qaeda Iraqs helps Al-Qaeda to energize the broader Sunni extremist community, raise resources, and to recruit and indoctrinate operatives, including for Homeland (meaning United States) attacks.
This is not what you said Two Years Ago, Mr. President!!!!
In the last National Intelligence Estimate two years ago, Al-Qaeda was on the run, broken up, being smashed. There was supposedly a direct link between the war in Iraq and the lessened threat level presented by Al-Qaeda. This is why we say; you must read between the lines of the latest estimate. If things were so bad for Al-Qaeda just two years ago, how could they have to quote the document, REGENERATED? What were we doing, sleeping at the switch.
Lets Look Back a Moment
1) We had Bin Laden trapped in Afghanistan after the 9/11 tragedy, absolutely trapped. Instead of finishing the man and his people with our own troops who were present and capable of doing the job, we paid the local trial leaders in American $100 dollar bills to do the job. Bin Laden paid them more, and escaped successfully with his underlings to the safety of the Pakistani mountains where he is today.
2) We have given President Musharraf over $10 billion in cold American currency to finish Bin Laden and he never got the job done. He constantly gives lip service to the task, but nothing happens. In fact, Musharraf cut a deal with the chieftains protecting Bin Laden to let them administer these provinces, and now the chiefs have not adhered to their side of the bargain.
3) President Bush has always stated that this country is safer because we went into Iraq. This latest National Intelligence Estimate does not agree with that assessment, although the intelligence agencies will not say so directly. The fact that Al-Qaeda has reconstituted itself and is bigger and stronger than ever clearly tells you that the resources, which have gone into Iraq, were a diversion from the real war on terrorism, which is Al-Qaeda.
For more on this topic, please see our expanded article on our website
Benefits Of Lamination Services
Lamination services are available in many office supply stores or print shops. Laminating is an art and if you dont know how to do it, you can easily ruin your project. The price you will pay is relatively small, considering the damage that can be done by improper lamination. A professional will know which type of lamination is right for your particular project.
Applying laminate to objects increases and extends the life of the document. This is typically done on maps, art, news articles, posters, photographs, reports and a wide range of other documents. The process covers the document with a thin plastic covering that protects it from moisture, tears and wear.
The equipment used in laminating documents can be quite expensive, particularly for wide format projects. Unless you have a need for extensive laminating, the equipment will be cost prohibitive. It is much cheaper to hire a service for less frequent lamination needs. Another option is to purchase a machine for small jobs and send larger projects out to be professionally laminated.
Often, printed materials will need to be protected. This is especially true for water based inks. These images will be destroyed if they come in contact with water. Moisture and excessive humidity in the air can cause the same problem. A laminate film over the project will prevent these problems and your document will last for years.
Options in Lamination Services
When you contact a professional, you will find that you have several choices in laminating your project. The first decision you will need to make is in the finish you want on the project. The most common finishes available are high gloss, semi gloss, satin or crystal finishes. The higher the gloss, the stronger and more durable the finish. However, the project will also have a shiny look. If you dont want the high shine, consider a satin or crystal finish for your document. The professional performing the service can make suggestions that will help you make a decision.
You have two choices for the edges of your document. Many finished products have a small laminated edge on all four sides of the document. This edge is usually about 1/8 on all sides. If you dont want this clear edge, you can request edge to edge lamination. This method leaves no overhand. The laminate ends at the edge of the document.
Another choice is in the mounting of the document. You may decide to have the image mounted prior to being laminated. This is a great choice for posters, photographs or art work. Projects of any size can be mounted, from small photographs, to large poster sized art work.
Cost of Lamination Services
The cost of the service can vary widely. Some shops charge by the piece and others by the foot. In general, smaller jobs are charged by the sheet. Larger items, such as wide format laminating, are charged by the finished linear foot.
The thickness of the item being laminated also affects the price. In most shops, the thickness can vary from three to seven ml. The thickness of the document, the mounting or both will affect the total thickness of the project. In general, the thicker the item, the more expensive the lamination.
Extra services, such as mounting or binding will add to the total cost of the project. Many shops offer binding the pages of your project into books. This is often done for business reports or booklets for business meetings or conferences. Binding gives your project a more professional look that will give people a good impression of you and your business.
Creating an Integral Culture
Observers have noted that contemporary society is characterized by three sets of opposing forces:
1. BUSINESS-AS-USUAL forces that want to maintain the existing institutions and ways of doing things. They want to keep the mechanisms of institutional and governmental control pretty much as they are, keep the economy global and growing, and keep the world’s economic wealth in the hands of those who currently possess it.
2. NOSTALGIC forces that want to go back to an earlier time and way of doing things to a simpler, less anarchic period characterized by traditional values and a slower pace of change.
3. INSIGHTFUL forces which recognize that neither of the above approaches are viable. This group’s vision is rooted in a deeper-than-ordinary understanding of our existential situation, and incorporates a new ethics which values both the-good-of-the-whole and the well-being of individuals. These forces advocate
the long term sustainability of human society,
economic justice (e.g., an adequate material standard of living for all, and an equitable sharing of resources and the fruits of technological innovation), and
the establishment of cultures and institutions which allow people to develop their innate physical, intellectual, emotional, and spiritual potentials, facilitate a deep understanding of our existential situation, and lead people to voluntarily choose an empathetic, caring-based personal morality a morality that is compatible with our existential situation, and which must become widespread if this vision of the future is to become an actuality.
This INSIGHTFUL group is surprisingly large. For more than a decade, pollster and values researcher Paul H. Ray studied the lifestyles, interests, values, expectations, preferences, and choices of Americans. Based on his work with hundreds of focus groups, dozens of surveys, and especially a highly-focused values survey at the end of 1994 [1], Ray reports that the insightful group, who he calls cultural creatives, total 44 million people. He says:
“American culture is changing rapidly. . . . Three different streams of cultural meanings and worldviews are evident at this moment in history: Traditional, Modern and Trans-Modern (i.e. becoming Integral), each comprising distinct subcultures of values. I use the terms Heartlanders, Modernists, and Cultural Creatives to denote, respectively, the bearers of these three subcultures.
“Today’s Heartlanders believe in a nostalgic image of return to small town, religious America, corresponding to the period 1890 to 1930. It is a mythical image that defines for its adherents the Good Old American Ways. The Heartlanders, America’s cultural conservatives, are 29% of the population, or 56 million adults.
“Modernism emerged 500 years ago in Europe at the end of the Renaissance. . . The dominant values are personal success, consumerism, materialism, and technological rationality. Bearers of Modernism represent about 47% of the population, or 88 million adults.
“Cultural Creatives (CCs) are so called because they are coming up with most new ideas in American culture, operating on the leading edge of cultural change. CCs have two wings: Core Cultural Creatives and Green Cultural Creatives.
“Core CCs (10.6%, or 20 million) have both person-centered and green values: seriously concerned with psychology, spiritual life, self-actualization, self-expression, like the foreign and exotic (are xenophiles), enjoy mastering new ideas, are socially concerned, advocate “women’s issues” and are strong advocates of ecological sustainability. They tend to be “leading edge” thinkers and creators. They tend to be upper middle class, and their male:female ratio is 33:67, twice as many women as men.
“Green CCs (13%, or 24 million) have values centered on the environment and social concerns from a secular view, with average interest in spirituality, psychology, or person-centered values. They appear to be followers of the Core CCs and tend to be middle class.
“This new subculture is busily constructing a new approach to the world: a new set of concepts for viewing the world, an ecological and spiritual worldview, a whole new literature of social concerns, a new problematique for the planet in place of the old set of problems that Modernism set out to solve, a new set of psychological development techniques, a return in spiritual practices and understandings to the perennial psychology and philosophy, an elevation of the feminine to a new place in human history.[2]“
Ray explains his use of the word Integral:
“The appearance of the Cultural Creatives is about healing the old splits: between inner and outer, spiritual and material, individual and society. The possibility of a new culture centers on the reintegration of what has been fragmented by Modernism: self-integration and authenticity; integration with community and connection with others around the globe, not just at home; connection with nature and learning to integrate ecology and economy; and a synthesis of diverse views and traditions, including philosophies of East and West. Thus Integral Culture.”
Other studies support Ray’s analysis. Duane Elgin has reported on a massive 43-nation World Values Survey[3] which revealed a major values shift in Scandinavia, Switzerland, Britain, Canada and the United States. Ronald Inglehart, the study’s coordinator, calls it the “postmodern shift.” The study revealed:
A loss of confidence in all kinds of hierarchical institutions including government, business, and religion.
A shift in emphasis from external authority to the authority that comes from an inner sense of what is appropriate.
A shift from concern about material well-being to subjective well-being.
A tendency to subordinate economic growth to environmental sustainability.
A growing interest in discovering personal meaning and interest in life.
An interest in roles for women that allow for greater self-realization.
In the “Wisdom in Action” section of THE WISDOM PAGE there is a list of 80+ links to organizations working toward a sustainable and more equitable world. Also on that web site are reviews of two integrative books books that link the inner and outer, the personal and the societal, to give us a clearer sense of how we can heal and transform ourselves, our institutions, and the global society: Ken Wilber’s A THEORY OF EVERYTHING, and a Michael Lerner’s SPIRIT MATTERS. (A link to THE WISDOM PAGE appears with the author information at the end of this article.)
NOTES:
[1] Ray, Paul H. 1996 – The Integral Culture Survey: A Study of the Emergence of Transformational Values in America – a study sponsored by the Institute of Noetic Sciences and the Fetzer Institute, and available from the Institute of Noetic Sciences as Research Report 96-A, 415-331-5650.
Note: A more recent work which covers much of the same territory but updates some of the numbers is The Cultural Creatives by Paul H. Ray and Sherry Ruth Anderson. It was published in 2000 by Harmony Books, New York. You might also want to check out the Cultural Creatives Web site.
[2] Ray, 1996, pp. ix, x, 72.
[3] Elgin, Duane, 1997. Global Consciousness Change: Indicators of an Emerging Paradigm. San Anselmo, CA: Millennium Project.
Birthday Cards – A Brief History
Have you noticed just how large the card section at your local grocery store has become? Did you know that there are entire businesses devoted to the selling of cards? One of the biggest occasions is someones birthday, and the sheer volume of available cards leaves many a would-be customer somewhat breathless in the attempt to score just the right card for the occasion. The gambit of birthday cards runs from the cute and funny, to the raunchy and oblique. Yet, have you ever wondered just where this custom originated?
It is said that birthday celebrations did not take place until people found ways of recording time. Obviously, this makes a lot of sense and if we consider that in those days Paganism was still the recognized religion of most, the fears of evil spirits dominated the thought and feelings of people. It was feared that spirits were on the attack and a person would be most vulnerable at the exact moment of the anniversary of their birth. Thus, elaborate rituals were conceived that sought to protect someone from an onslaught of negative energy. One of the most important components in the fight against this evil force was the counteraction with good energy, which caused friends and relatives to come out in droves and bring well wishes to the birthday celebrant. Wishes for happiness, a long life, health, prosperity, perhaps the finding of a spouse or birth of a child, and any other positive wish were thought to vanquish the evil spirits that lurked around the person on that date.
When you look at todays variety of birthday cards, you can easily discern that very little with respect to well wishes has changed. Each card contains a host of well wishes, some in a joking some in a religious vein, but always with happy thoughts and words of encouragement following. It is thought that England was the birthplace of the modern birthday card. Originally only the rich were able to afford to commission and purchase these elaborately manufactured cards, but very soon the idea caught on and almost everyone was able to afford to purchase cards. Other decided to make their own cards, which is a trend that is gaining new popularity these days with the advent of rubber stamps. Children love to make cards by hand, and their eagerness to apply stickers, draw hearts, and scribble their own well-wishes is superseded only by the recipients eagerness to receive these little treasures.
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