For the last several years I have loved to watch the Sunday morning talk shows. Not always but most times they had the brightest and most interesting people discussing the issues of the day. But recently the quality of the shows has gone way down. Now the majority of the talk is just 'talking points' from politicians, not really substantive discussions of the issues.
Thank heavens; Fareed Zakaria has come to the rescue with his Sunday afternoon talk show, Global Public Square (GPS)! He interviews excellent people from around the world and it is an orderly and intelligent process. Each guest is asked terrific questions and we get to listen to their opinions and views. There is no shouting or interruption or rebuttal. If needed Fareed gives a correction or asks a follow-up question for clarification and challenge. He is extremely well versed in all the issues around the world and well respected by significant and important thinkers from many countries. Today, October 5, 2008, the first guest was Bill Gates and the later guests were from India, China and Singapore. The reactions from the international community are very important and were enlightening. Gates was asked to explain why 75% of his and Warren Buffett's wealth in the charitable foundation is being spent overseas instead of here at home. I've wondered about that too. It doesn't seem right or smart. But Gates gave an intelligent and reasonable explanation that makes me feel better about it. Overall our country is doing pretty well and we have a good governmental system and many private enterprises trying to allocate our resources in the best possible ways. We haven't figured out what to do about our education system or what to do with all the kids who drop out of even high school. The total is staggering at 50% of our inner city kids and 17% nationwide. But the problems are not about a lack of money. From a world point of view there are many worse inequities and injustices that his foundation is trying to improve. It makes sense. We, the American people, care about justice and fairness everywhere. Of course if things change the foundation could redirect their resources.
I also liked Bill's endorsement of Warren Buffett's philosophy about not leaving too much to his kids. He told about Buffett saying "Why don't we just take all the descendents of the Olympic winners from 50 years ago and put them in our Olympic games?" The same thing is true about passing down so much wealth and control to the kids of very successful people. I like that.
Now, about what to do about our school system and the dropouts, I have some ideas.
Jerry W. Willis
[http://www.jerrywwillis.com]
To receive the free E-Workbook: Starting the Journey - the first step in understanding your Purpose in Life which will help you and your kids build the life you've been dreaming of, visit [http://www.jerrywwillis.com] go to the Contact Us tab fill in the information, ask any questions and make any comments and submit.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/1556701
Tuesday 16 February 2016
Have You a Use For Bamboo?
A hardy plant, bamboo grass can be quite daunting to deal with when planted in your backyard. Bamboo will grow as far and wide as you will allow it, covering most a yard in months and just about all of the sky line if you allow it. Bamboo is also difficult to remove, as it virtually cannot be killed. No matter how much you poison it, chop it, burn it, dry it out, bamboo will just return in a matter of weeks without warning.
With it being such a hardy plant, bamboo has developed many new and exciting uses. Not only is it pest resistant, it can help farmers with wind erosion and rain run off. This sturdy plant can keep soil in place, particularly in new construction areas, where the goal is to keep soil in the proper place and not have it move after a heavy rain.
Its durability makes bamboo an excellent industrial material as well. When dried and treated, bamboo can be used for a multitude of products, such as clothing, paper, furniture and building/construction material. Bamboo is also considered a food alternative. Bamboo shoots are widely held as a delicacy in Asian cultures, but are slowly finding an audience in American and European cultures as well. The Chinese have even devised a way of making beer out of bamboo. There are fragrances now that are use the essence of bamboo. You can even wear bamboo organic clothing. The possibilities are endless when it comes to bamboo!
There are so many ways to use bamboo shoots, runners and stalks for industrial and commercial use. Its quick growing nature makes it a valuable renewal resource, only requiring a few weeks to grow to full capacity rather than several decades as most trees. In fact, certain species of bamboo can grow up a foot a day, if living in the proper conditions.
While most bamboo is native to Asia and Australia, there are some that have become acclimated to certain regions of the United States, particularly the more tropical regions of the south. Florida has many types of bamboo growing wild in the swamps, as well as in the landscapes of well-groomed and finely manicured yards. Bamboo is a naturally dense plant and makes for a great environmentally friendly and very private fencing substitute.
The American trend is to use bamboo as a hardwood flooring alternative to pine, oak and other flooring. Since bamboo is naturally pest resistant, it makes it a great choice for household use. It is also as strong and durable as its hard wood cousin. While bamboo might be a bit more expensive at times, it is an environmentally friendly, eco-centric decision to install bamboo flooring in your home.
Purchasing bamboo products is a sound decision. Not only do bamboo products stand the test of time, yet as a renewable resource, bamboo can be replenished in nature within weeks without any major environmental harm. Utilizing the growing speed, strength and versatility of bamboo allows the environment a chance to replenish its own tree population and gives us much more sound, environmentally friendly options.
Blair LeMire is a writer, director, producer, and artist who first garnered the attention of the international press in 1998 when he performed his song Linda Angel at the vigil held for Linda McCartney at London's Trafalgar Square. The heartfelt tribute attracted the attention of news cameras, and his impromptu performance was televised internationally.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/1550760
With it being such a hardy plant, bamboo has developed many new and exciting uses. Not only is it pest resistant, it can help farmers with wind erosion and rain run off. This sturdy plant can keep soil in place, particularly in new construction areas, where the goal is to keep soil in the proper place and not have it move after a heavy rain.
Its durability makes bamboo an excellent industrial material as well. When dried and treated, bamboo can be used for a multitude of products, such as clothing, paper, furniture and building/construction material. Bamboo is also considered a food alternative. Bamboo shoots are widely held as a delicacy in Asian cultures, but are slowly finding an audience in American and European cultures as well. The Chinese have even devised a way of making beer out of bamboo. There are fragrances now that are use the essence of bamboo. You can even wear bamboo organic clothing. The possibilities are endless when it comes to bamboo!
There are so many ways to use bamboo shoots, runners and stalks for industrial and commercial use. Its quick growing nature makes it a valuable renewal resource, only requiring a few weeks to grow to full capacity rather than several decades as most trees. In fact, certain species of bamboo can grow up a foot a day, if living in the proper conditions.
While most bamboo is native to Asia and Australia, there are some that have become acclimated to certain regions of the United States, particularly the more tropical regions of the south. Florida has many types of bamboo growing wild in the swamps, as well as in the landscapes of well-groomed and finely manicured yards. Bamboo is a naturally dense plant and makes for a great environmentally friendly and very private fencing substitute.
The American trend is to use bamboo as a hardwood flooring alternative to pine, oak and other flooring. Since bamboo is naturally pest resistant, it makes it a great choice for household use. It is also as strong and durable as its hard wood cousin. While bamboo might be a bit more expensive at times, it is an environmentally friendly, eco-centric decision to install bamboo flooring in your home.
Purchasing bamboo products is a sound decision. Not only do bamboo products stand the test of time, yet as a renewable resource, bamboo can be replenished in nature within weeks without any major environmental harm. Utilizing the growing speed, strength and versatility of bamboo allows the environment a chance to replenish its own tree population and gives us much more sound, environmentally friendly options.
Blair LeMire is a writer, director, producer, and artist who first garnered the attention of the international press in 1998 when he performed his song Linda Angel at the vigil held for Linda McCartney at London's Trafalgar Square. The heartfelt tribute attracted the attention of news cameras, and his impromptu performance was televised internationally.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/1550760
Where Would You Find Socialites?
Socialites can be male or female, and the one distinctive quality they have is that they are rich people who regularly attend and hold entertaining parties and other functions. Where might you find socialites? There are many answers to that interesting question.
Any sort of a ritzy social function could be a place where socialites congregate. Charity fundraisers are one example of the type of social function that socialites might attend. They typically include a fancy dinner, speakers and often some kind of entertainment such as a charity auction or a dance. Socialites will come to these events to make large donations to their favorite charities, and also to be seen doing so.
Parties are a favorite hangout of socialites. They typically throw lavish parties for their fellow socialites, and attend those thrown by others of their class. Great sums of money are spent on servants, catered foods, live music, and other types of entertainments. These parties are often held at their mansions or at swank restaurants, hotels or country clubs.
Socialites also tend to congregate in large cities that are known to be hubs of entertainment, like New York City and London. Although they often travel around the world attending parties and events, they often make a name for themselves as a regular attender of socialite functions in a particular city.
Socialites tend to not be as well-known to the general public as are entertainers, simply because they lack the media exposure that many entertainers enjoy. Nevertheless, both groups are equally wealthy, yet may or may not party in the same circles.
Socialites often go to great lengths to protect and keep their anonymity by opting to attend exclusive social functions. These are sometimes covered by large newspapers, but typically these people spend a great deal of time letting everyone know that they are attending events that only cater to their own class.
No matter the location, socialites are also known for the luxurious clothing that they wear. Fashion designers such as Oscar de la Renta are known for being a designer to the socialites. Oscar de la Renta specializes in ready to wear clothing, accessories, fragrance, bridal designs, furs and a home collection. Other fashion designers called upon by famous party goers are Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren, Donna Karan, Chanel and Christian Dior. Socialites utilize the services of these famous designers for their party clothing needs, and designers often craft one-of-a-kind designs just for special clients that include socialites.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/1572951
Any sort of a ritzy social function could be a place where socialites congregate. Charity fundraisers are one example of the type of social function that socialites might attend. They typically include a fancy dinner, speakers and often some kind of entertainment such as a charity auction or a dance. Socialites will come to these events to make large donations to their favorite charities, and also to be seen doing so.
Parties are a favorite hangout of socialites. They typically throw lavish parties for their fellow socialites, and attend those thrown by others of their class. Great sums of money are spent on servants, catered foods, live music, and other types of entertainments. These parties are often held at their mansions or at swank restaurants, hotels or country clubs.
Socialites also tend to congregate in large cities that are known to be hubs of entertainment, like New York City and London. Although they often travel around the world attending parties and events, they often make a name for themselves as a regular attender of socialite functions in a particular city.
Socialites tend to not be as well-known to the general public as are entertainers, simply because they lack the media exposure that many entertainers enjoy. Nevertheless, both groups are equally wealthy, yet may or may not party in the same circles.
Socialites often go to great lengths to protect and keep their anonymity by opting to attend exclusive social functions. These are sometimes covered by large newspapers, but typically these people spend a great deal of time letting everyone know that they are attending events that only cater to their own class.
No matter the location, socialites are also known for the luxurious clothing that they wear. Fashion designers such as Oscar de la Renta are known for being a designer to the socialites. Oscar de la Renta specializes in ready to wear clothing, accessories, fragrance, bridal designs, furs and a home collection. Other fashion designers called upon by famous party goers are Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren, Donna Karan, Chanel and Christian Dior. Socialites utilize the services of these famous designers for their party clothing needs, and designers often craft one-of-a-kind designs just for special clients that include socialites.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/1572951
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)