http://www.theupperchamber.com/ Sun, 05 Feb 2012 23:28:19 +0000 MyBB http://www.theupperchamber.com/showthread.php?tid=79051 Sat, 04 Feb 2012 21:22:37 +0000 http://www.theupperchamber.com/showthread.php?tid=79051 http://www.theupperchamber.com/showthread.php?tid=79050 Fri, 27 Jan 2012 19:59:47 +0000 http://www.theupperchamber.com/showthread.php?tid=79050 The Beast Revelation

This letter is dedicated to all Christians.

The following letter is a summary of Revelation 13. Its purpose is to show the method used in finding the conclusions which have been stated. Nothing new has been added from my previous letters. It is more of a compilation of them all. This writing is the same material in different words. The Bible uses this same method of explanation. There are four Gospels. In each you see a different view of the same material. This can be beneficial because the meaning becomes more exact. Although, if this is a first time reader, then this will all be news to you. With that in mind, here we go.

The first thing that should be addressed when doing any study of Bible prophecy is what questions do I intend to answer. Some of these questions can seem a little simplistic, but their answers are much more complicated. In my studies there were only a few questions that I saw as needing an answer. My questions were very simple. First, who is this individual who is identified by the number 666? Second, who is the false prophet and how does he make the whole world worship the beast whose number is 666. Another question has to do with these same individuals. Could these two individuals be the same person, or for that matter Satan himself? Where is Satan during all this? That last question is very important. It actually goes straight to the answer of all the questions. Finally, when would someone expect to see these individuals on the Earth? Literally, what time frame should I see them? Those are the questions. The answers are much more involved.

This narrative will attempt to show how the answers are figured out. These answers can be seen from events that happen in the nightly news. This leads me to a key, which most of us know, but most of us forget. The Bible is a history book. Some events have happened, while some are waiting to happen. It is the ones that have not happened that we are most concerned with. Here is another key. By the way, these keys I speak of are keys to understanding. The Lord spoke in parables. The reason he gave was that it was for some to know the mysteries of God, while it was for some to know not. In hearing, they do not hear. In seeing, they do not see. I compare it to telling the truth, while hiding it at the same time. Many of the parables that the Lord spoke he immediately gave an answer to. He showed how he used certain symbols and words to describe subjects and then gave their meanings. Now for the punch line. The Lord also spoke in parables that he did not identify. These parables go straight to the hidden meaning of these end times. Another key is word substitution. An example of this is a pretty well-known item from Revelation. This word substitution deals with Revelation 13:1. The beast has seven heads and ten horns. In Revelation 17 those heads and horns are defined. The heads are identified as mountains, while the horns are identified as kings. This changes the whole picture of what the beast is symbolically to what it is literally. Now Rev.13:1 can be read as follows with just the items discussed thus far. And I saw a beast rise up out of the sea having seven mountains and ten kings. That is a simple and easy word substitution. Know that this will happen many times throughout the Bible.

Now, getting back to the questions. The question is, where is Satan? If this question can be answered, you can eliminate some others. Some prophecy teachers believe that Satan is the beast, or that Satan is the false prophet. This interpretation is misleading, and it also creates a stumbling block in the path to a proper interpretation. I almost always get this question. How can you know who the beast is when he cannot be revealed? 2nd Thess. Chapter 2 states that he cannot be revealed, until something is removed first. Most scholars have this part right. That is a picture of the Rapture. What they have wrong is that Satan and the beast are not the same individual. Satan cannot be revealed until after the rapture, but he is not the beast. Therefore, I can identify the beast and his false prophet. People say prove it. So I did. I told them how to understand using the keys that I have mentioned. Revelation 13 is a parable, but God is not giving the definition, or the explanation. This one is for us to figure out. Ok, so where is Satan? In the book of Job, we get a view of Satan's abilities. In one scene, he is discussing with God about Job. Question, where is God? He is in heaven. Also, in his conversation with God Satan is talking as if he knows and has seen Job. God declares that he can do whatever he wants to Job, but he was not allowed to kill him. Now we know something else about Satan. He also has access to the Earth, and can affect peoples lives. So, it appears that Satan can be everywhere he wants to be, on Earth or in heaven. We know Satan and his angels will be cast out of heaven as per Revelation 12. This would further the idea that he is now in heaven. We also see Satan one other time, when he tempted Christ during his time on Earth. It says that he was taken to the wilderness to be tempted of Satan? Most people, and rightly so, have thought the wilderness to be a place on Earth, but this is a parable I believe. The Lord was in the wilderness and was tempted by Satan, but the wilderness is in heaven. This parable is read in Isaiah 35. It is the wilderness and the solitary place where the redeemed of the Lord walk. So, this last item being the most hard to prove, suffice it to say, that when Rev.12 says Satan will be cast out, he must be there in heaven to be cast out. Alright, now we can answer a couple questions. One, Satan is himself, and he is in heaven. Therefore, he is not the beast or the false prophet. These three work together, but each has his own identity.

Now to dissect Revelation 13. As I have already stated, Revelation 13 is a word substitution parable. The seven heads are seven mountains and the ten horns are ten kings. Ok, we know from this description that the beast as described is a group of possibly ten countries. This brings me to another point. There are three definitions for the beast in Revelation 13. The first is a group of countries rising up out of the sea. The second is in Rev.13:11 and is a beast with two horns (kings). Remember horns are kings as per Rev. 17. Finally, there is a beast who is identified by the number 666. It is this last beast that causes all to receive a mark and that no man can buy and sell save he who has the mark, his number, or his name. There are three items here. Nowhere does it say that the mark is the number 666. This might have been a good guess 20 yrs. ago , but it is pretty hard to believe. Imagine people running around with a mark of 666 on their right hands. It sounds like a cartoon, but this is what the prophecy teachers want you to believe. Ok, another problem that sounds like a cartoon is the interpretation of the word "all." They want you to believe that no man could buy or sell if they did not worship the beast and take his mark. Interpreting the word "all" to mean everyone in the world. This is not the case. For one, we know that the beast is made up of only possibly ten countries. Everyone in this world lives in roughly 190 countries. I don't think we could possibly mean everyone. How about, all of those people concerned with the mark. Also, how do you cause all people concerned to receive a mark, and why? The most obvious way to mark everyone is at the voting booth. All people, rich and poor, small and great, or free and bond are potential voters. So, Mahmoud Abbas was elected president of the Palestinian Authority, and in the process all voters received an indelible ink mark on their right hands. This mark was to prevent double voting and corruption in the election. Ok, we have a mark. It is not 666. At this point he fits the part, but not completely. Still, there is no ready identification of 666 concerning him. This election was in January 2005.

Back to Rev.13. We have seven mountains and ten kings. Prophecy teachers want us to believe that a city with seven mountains is the seat of the antichrist and he rules with ten nations. Their logical conclusion was the Europe Union and the Vatican. This started the revived Roman empire theory. This theory has been around since the reformation. It is hard to believe this charade has gone on so long. Teachers are still preaching the Revived Roman Empire. This theory had some validity before the twentieth century and now has to be eliminated. None of these teachers could have predicted the fall of the Ottoman Empire and its division into so many separate sovereign nations. Back to our word substitution. There is an interesting item here concerning the word mountains in scripture. The word mountains can have two meanings. It can be either a mountain range, or a nation. This is the hardest part of this whole exercise, trying to figure out what mountains are describing. Teachers will have you believe it is a city with seven mountains. In actual fact, mountains here are referring to nations. This also pertains to the head wound. The wound was not a literal head wound at all, but was a nation that was wounded. The beast's head or nation was wounded and was healed. This is the Palestinian Authority after the beginning of the Oslo Accords. The land that Israel possessed was now being given back to the Palestinians and the beast's nation is being healed. Ok, so now I have seven nations and ten kings, Rev.13:1. Why do I have three more kings than nations? It seems I have a king for each nation, but three left over. In Daniel in says the beast subdued three kings. These three kings don't necessarily have to be from different countries. It seems so, but is not expressly mentioned. It is another parable. The three kings who were subdued by the beast were Israeli Prime Ministers. These three Prime Ministers all served during the seven years of the Oslo Accords and were voted out of office because of terror perpetrated during Yasser Arafat's rule. Now, I am down to seven nations. These seven nations will wage war. I can easily see seven nations that will wage war here very soon; Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Egypt, Iran and the Palestinian Authority or Iraq, and there opponent Israel. This is exactly the same beast that is presented in Rev.17:10, just in a slightly different appearance. There are seven kings, five are fallen. This means five kings were defeated in war. Israel is referred to the "one that is," and the one that came later is the Palestinian Authority. This is a description of Israel's war for Independence. Literally, this was the beast being born. The war in 1967 is the beast rising up out of the sea in Rev.13:1. It was the unresolved issues of this conflict that resulted in the Oslo Accords of 1993. This seven year peace treaty was confirmed by Yitzhak Rabin and Yasser Arafat.

Now, there is another beast in Rev.13:11. This beast has two horns or kings. This is a picture of the Palestinian Authority after the elections of January 2006. This is when Hamas ran in the elections and won a majority in parliament. Now the P.A. was a country with two kings. Abbas was the President and Ismail Haniyeh was the Prime Minister. Here is where the problem with money came about. Western Nations did not want to donate money to a known terrorist organization so looked for a way they could still fund Abbas's P.A., but not let any money get to Hamas. This is when the number 666 identified an individual. The temporary international mechanism was adopted on June 16, 2006. This program allowed Western Nations to donate funds directly to Abbas, while bypassing Hamas. If you were a member of Fatah, or on Abbas's payroll you got paid. This is how the people were allowed to buy and sell. They received salaries, whereas before the mechanism, they had no way of getting paid from the Government. Hamas did not receive salaries. Also, Hamas did not receive the mark of the beast. They boycotted the elections for President in Jan. 2005.
It is more obvious who is being talked about the closer you get to the end.

In conclusion, to my three beast definitions. Mahmoud Abbas fits all three definitions. He was a member of the P.A. when it was formed. He took over from Yasser Arafat after his death. He was one of the two kings of the second beast in Rev.13:11. Lastly, he is the one identified by the number 666, which could have been Arafat had he lived.

Now, concerning the the false prophet. The following four verses below all refer to the false prophet, Ismail Haniyeh.

Rev.13:11- and I beheld another beast coming up out of the Earth, and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon.
Rev.13:12- And he exercises all the power of the first beast before him, and causes the earth and them which dwell therein, to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed.
Rev.13:13- "And he does great wonders, so that he makes fire come down from heaven on the Earth in the sight of men".
Rev.13:15- And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast, should be killed.

Hamas exercised all the power of the first beast (Abbas's P.A.) because they were now an equal partner in the Government. Also, the leader of Hamas caused them to worship or honor the first beast because Hamas would not honor the first beast. The first beast was the PA without Hamas as a member. The image of the beast is what the Government of Mahmoud Abbas represented. Verse 12 does not mention the image yet, we are just informed that the false prophet caused them to worship the first beast. Verse 14 and 15 gives the details of how that worshipping or honor was to commence. An image was created of the first beast that he (the false prophet) caused to be honored. This image of the beast is three items; the recognition of Israel, the honoring of all prior Palestinian agreements, and a renunciation of terror.

The last question I think that needs addressed is how do you know the timing is right? Meaning, there have been so many translations, how do you know that this one is correct? This is a question I always get asked. The answer, in my mind, is sort of a mix between two different prophecies. The first is the seven day prophecy as recorded in Genesis. It is a similtude between this and the amount of recorded time that has already happened on Earth. In the book of Peter, God says one day to him is as a thousand years. If that idea is applied to the Genesis creation, everyday that God created something one thousand years passed. Finally, on the last day he rested from his work, and his rest was one thousand years or one of God's days. This was one full week or 7000 years. After God's rest he started his work again, and he created Adam. Starting with Adam, it was approximately 4000 years to the time of Christ. Also, we know that Christ was here roughly 2000 years ago. If God was to be consistent with his one week schedule, then we could expect his day of rest to fall somewhere after the year two thousand. 4000 plus 2000 is six days and on the seventh he rested for one thousand years. This is not an exact estimate, but it can put you in the right ballpark when searching for the correct timing of Revelation. This is the estimate. The next item is more exact. Daniel 9:27 says that he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week. Many in Hebrew is Rab. This was a covenant confirmed with Yitzhak Rabin. It was the beginning of land for peace, or the Oslo Accords. When you see this agreement happen you should be aware that this prophecy will last seven years. There is only one problem with this item. Prior to it happening, everyone thought that the end of the seventh year of the agreement God would return and begin his rest. Well, that did not happen. The reason was a logical misinterpretation. It just mentions that this agreement must occur along with the prophecies mentioned, not that they would all happen and end on the last day of the seventh year. This has thrown everyone watching off-course for a time. Although, this was not such a terrible mistake if the watcher could see the right answer and get his, or her perspective back. When you have these two items coinciding at the expected time, then you know Revelation can be interpreted with accuracy. The events should start happening, as they have, as I have recorded in this letter.

May God bless all who read this letter.

Michae1]]> The Beast Revelation

This letter is dedicated to all Christians.

The following letter is a summary of Revelation 13. Its purpose is to show the method used in finding the conclusions which have been stated. Nothing new has been added from my previous letters. It is more of a compilation of them all. This writing is the same material in different words. The Bible uses this same method of explanation. There are four Gospels. In each you see a different view of the same material. This can be beneficial because the meaning becomes more exact. Although, if this is a first time reader, then this will all be news to you. With that in mind, here we go.

The first thing that should be addressed when doing any study of Bible prophecy is what questions do I intend to answer. Some of these questions can seem a little simplistic, but their answers are much more complicated. In my studies there were only a few questions that I saw as needing an answer. My questions were very simple. First, who is this individual who is identified by the number 666? Second, who is the false prophet and how does he make the whole world worship the beast whose number is 666. Another question has to do with these same individuals. Could these two individuals be the same person, or for that matter Satan himself? Where is Satan during all this? That last question is very important. It actually goes straight to the answer of all the questions. Finally, when would someone expect to see these individuals on the Earth? Literally, what time frame should I see them? Those are the questions. The answers are much more involved.

This narrative will attempt to show how the answers are figured out. These answers can be seen from events that happen in the nightly news. This leads me to a key, which most of us know, but most of us forget. The Bible is a history book. Some events have happened, while some are waiting to happen. It is the ones that have not happened that we are most concerned with. Here is another key. By the way, these keys I speak of are keys to understanding. The Lord spoke in parables. The reason he gave was that it was for some to know the mysteries of God, while it was for some to know not. In hearing, they do not hear. In seeing, they do not see. I compare it to telling the truth, while hiding it at the same time. Many of the parables that the Lord spoke he immediately gave an answer to. He showed how he used certain symbols and words to describe subjects and then gave their meanings. Now for the punch line. The Lord also spoke in parables that he did not identify. These parables go straight to the hidden meaning of these end times. Another key is word substitution. An example of this is a pretty well-known item from Revelation. This word substitution deals with Revelation 13:1. The beast has seven heads and ten horns. In Revelation 17 those heads and horns are defined. The heads are identified as mountains, while the horns are identified as kings. This changes the whole picture of what the beast is symbolically to what it is literally. Now Rev.13:1 can be read as follows with just the items discussed thus far. And I saw a beast rise up out of the sea having seven mountains and ten kings. That is a simple and easy word substitution. Know that this will happen many times throughout the Bible.

Now, getting back to the questions. The question is, where is Satan? If this question can be answered, you can eliminate some others. Some prophecy teachers believe that Satan is the beast, or that Satan is the false prophet. This interpretation is misleading, and it also creates a stumbling block in the path to a proper interpretation. I almost always get this question. How can you know who the beast is when he cannot be revealed? 2nd Thess. Chapter 2 states that he cannot be revealed, until something is removed first. Most scholars have this part right. That is a picture of the Rapture. What they have wrong is that Satan and the beast are not the same individual. Satan cannot be revealed until after the rapture, but he is not the beast. Therefore, I can identify the beast and his false prophet. People say prove it. So I did. I told them how to understand using the keys that I have mentioned. Revelation 13 is a parable, but God is not giving the definition, or the explanation. This one is for us to figure out. Ok, so where is Satan? In the book of Job, we get a view of Satan's abilities. In one scene, he is discussing with God about Job. Question, where is God? He is in heaven. Also, in his conversation with God Satan is talking as if he knows and has seen Job. God declares that he can do whatever he wants to Job, but he was not allowed to kill him. Now we know something else about Satan. He also has access to the Earth, and can affect peoples lives. So, it appears that Satan can be everywhere he wants to be, on Earth or in heaven. We know Satan and his angels will be cast out of heaven as per Revelation 12. This would further the idea that he is now in heaven. We also see Satan one other time, when he tempted Christ during his time on Earth. It says that he was taken to the wilderness to be tempted of Satan? Most people, and rightly so, have thought the wilderness to be a place on Earth, but this is a parable I believe. The Lord was in the wilderness and was tempted by Satan, but the wilderness is in heaven. This parable is read in Isaiah 35. It is the wilderness and the solitary place where the redeemed of the Lord walk. So, this last item being the most hard to prove, suffice it to say, that when Rev.12 says Satan will be cast out, he must be there in heaven to be cast out. Alright, now we can answer a couple questions. One, Satan is himself, and he is in heaven. Therefore, he is not the beast or the false prophet. These three work together, but each has his own identity.

Now to dissect Revelation 13. As I have already stated, Revelation 13 is a word substitution parable. The seven heads are seven mountains and the ten horns are ten kings. Ok, we know from this description that the beast as described is a group of possibly ten countries. This brings me to another point. There are three definitions for the beast in Revelation 13. The first is a group of countries rising up out of the sea. The second is in Rev.13:11 and is a beast with two horns (kings). Remember horns are kings as per Rev. 17. Finally, there is a beast who is identified by the number 666. It is this last beast that causes all to receive a mark and that no man can buy and sell save he who has the mark, his number, or his name. There are three items here. Nowhere does it say that the mark is the number 666. This might have been a good guess 20 yrs. ago , but it is pretty hard to believe. Imagine people running around with a mark of 666 on their right hands. It sounds like a cartoon, but this is what the prophecy teachers want you to believe. Ok, another problem that sounds like a cartoon is the interpretation of the word "all." They want you to believe that no man could buy or sell if they did not worship the beast and take his mark. Interpreting the word "all" to mean everyone in the world. This is not the case. For one, we know that the beast is made up of only possibly ten countries. Everyone in this world lives in roughly 190 countries. I don't think we could possibly mean everyone. How about, all of those people concerned with the mark. Also, how do you cause all people concerned to receive a mark, and why? The most obvious way to mark everyone is at the voting booth. All people, rich and poor, small and great, or free and bond are potential voters. So, Mahmoud Abbas was elected president of the Palestinian Authority, and in the process all voters received an indelible ink mark on their right hands. This mark was to prevent double voting and corruption in the election. Ok, we have a mark. It is not 666. At this point he fits the part, but not completely. Still, there is no ready identification of 666 concerning him. This election was in January 2005.

Back to Rev.13. We have seven mountains and ten kings. Prophecy teachers want us to believe that a city with seven mountains is the seat of the antichrist and he rules with ten nations. Their logical conclusion was the Europe Union and the Vatican. This started the revived Roman empire theory. This theory has been around since the reformation. It is hard to believe this charade has gone on so long. Teachers are still preaching the Revived Roman Empire. This theory had some validity before the twentieth century and now has to be eliminated. None of these teachers could have predicted the fall of the Ottoman Empire and its division into so many separate sovereign nations. Back to our word substitution. There is an interesting item here concerning the word mountains in scripture. The word mountains can have two meanings. It can be either a mountain range, or a nation. This is the hardest part of this whole exercise, trying to figure out what mountains are describing. Teachers will have you believe it is a city with seven mountains. In actual fact, mountains here are referring to nations. This also pertains to the head wound. The wound was not a literal head wound at all, but was a nation that was wounded. The beast's head or nation was wounded and was healed. This is the Palestinian Authority after the beginning of the Oslo Accords. The land that Israel possessed was now being given back to the Palestinians and the beast's nation is being healed. Ok, so now I have seven nations and ten kings, Rev.13:1. Why do I have three more kings than nations? It seems I have a king for each nation, but three left over. In Daniel in says the beast subdued three kings. These three kings don't necessarily have to be from different countries. It seems so, but is not expressly mentioned. It is another parable. The three kings who were subdued by the beast were Israeli Prime Ministers. These three Prime Ministers all served during the seven years of the Oslo Accords and were voted out of office because of terror perpetrated during Yasser Arafat's rule. Now, I am down to seven nations. These seven nations will wage war. I can easily see seven nations that will wage war here very soon; Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Egypt, Iran and the Palestinian Authority or Iraq, and there opponent Israel. This is exactly the same beast that is presented in Rev.17:10, just in a slightly different appearance. There are seven kings, five are fallen. This means five kings were defeated in war. Israel is referred to the "one that is," and the one that came later is the Palestinian Authority. This is a description of Israel's war for Independence. Literally, this was the beast being born. The war in 1967 is the beast rising up out of the sea in Rev.13:1. It was the unresolved issues of this conflict that resulted in the Oslo Accords of 1993. This seven year peace treaty was confirmed by Yitzhak Rabin and Yasser Arafat.

Now, there is another beast in Rev.13:11. This beast has two horns or kings. This is a picture of the Palestinian Authority after the elections of January 2006. This is when Hamas ran in the elections and won a majority in parliament. Now the P.A. was a country with two kings. Abbas was the President and Ismail Haniyeh was the Prime Minister. Here is where the problem with money came about. Western Nations did not want to donate money to a known terrorist organization so looked for a way they could still fund Abbas's P.A., but not let any money get to Hamas. This is when the number 666 identified an individual. The temporary international mechanism was adopted on June 16, 2006. This program allowed Western Nations to donate funds directly to Abbas, while bypassing Hamas. If you were a member of Fatah, or on Abbas's payroll you got paid. This is how the people were allowed to buy and sell. They received salaries, whereas before the mechanism, they had no way of getting paid from the Government. Hamas did not receive salaries. Also, Hamas did not receive the mark of the beast. They boycotted the elections for President in Jan. 2005.
It is more obvious who is being talked about the closer you get to the end.

In conclusion, to my three beast definitions. Mahmoud Abbas fits all three definitions. He was a member of the P.A. when it was formed. He took over from Yasser Arafat after his death. He was one of the two kings of the second beast in Rev.13:11. Lastly, he is the one identified by the number 666, which could have been Arafat had he lived.

Now, concerning the the false prophet. The following four verses below all refer to the false prophet, Ismail Haniyeh.

Rev.13:11- and I beheld another beast coming up out of the Earth, and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon.
Rev.13:12- And he exercises all the power of the first beast before him, and causes the earth and them which dwell therein, to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed.
Rev.13:13- "And he does great wonders, so that he makes fire come down from heaven on the Earth in the sight of men".
Rev.13:15- And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast, should be killed.

Hamas exercised all the power of the first beast (Abbas's P.A.) because they were now an equal partner in the Government. Also, the leader of Hamas caused them to worship or honor the first beast because Hamas would not honor the first beast. The first beast was the PA without Hamas as a member. The image of the beast is what the Government of Mahmoud Abbas represented. Verse 12 does not mention the image yet, we are just informed that the false prophet caused them to worship the first beast. Verse 14 and 15 gives the details of how that worshipping or honor was to commence. An image was created of the first beast that he (the false prophet) caused to be honored. This image of the beast is three items; the recognition of Israel, the honoring of all prior Palestinian agreements, and a renunciation of terror.

The last question I think that needs addressed is how do you know the timing is right? Meaning, there have been so many translations, how do you know that this one is correct? This is a question I always get asked. The answer, in my mind, is sort of a mix between two different prophecies. The first is the seven day prophecy as recorded in Genesis. It is a similtude between this and the amount of recorded time that has already happened on Earth. In the book of Peter, God says one day to him is as a thousand years. If that idea is applied to the Genesis creation, everyday that God created something one thousand years passed. Finally, on the last day he rested from his work, and his rest was one thousand years or one of God's days. This was one full week or 7000 years. After God's rest he started his work again, and he created Adam. Starting with Adam, it was approximately 4000 years to the time of Christ. Also, we know that Christ was here roughly 2000 years ago. If God was to be consistent with his one week schedule, then we could expect his day of rest to fall somewhere after the year two thousand. 4000 plus 2000 is six days and on the seventh he rested for one thousand years. This is not an exact estimate, but it can put you in the right ballpark when searching for the correct timing of Revelation. This is the estimate. The next item is more exact. Daniel 9:27 says that he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week. Many in Hebrew is Rab. This was a covenant confirmed with Yitzhak Rabin. It was the beginning of land for peace, or the Oslo Accords. When you see this agreement happen you should be aware that this prophecy will last seven years. There is only one problem with this item. Prior to it happening, everyone thought that the end of the seventh year of the agreement God would return and begin his rest. Well, that did not happen. The reason was a logical misinterpretation. It just mentions that this agreement must occur along with the prophecies mentioned, not that they would all happen and end on the last day of the seventh year. This has thrown everyone watching off-course for a time. Although, this was not such a terrible mistake if the watcher could see the right answer and get his, or her perspective back. When you have these two items coinciding at the expected time, then you know Revelation can be interpreted with accuracy. The events should start happening, as they have, as I have recorded in this letter.

May God bless all who read this letter.

Michae1]]> http://www.theupperchamber.com/showthread.php?tid=78159 Sun, 08 Jan 2012 16:03:13 +0000 http://www.theupperchamber.com/showthread.php?tid=78159 However, debt is
Bandits are back in power because of its]]> However, debt is
Bandits are back in power because of its]]> http://www.theupperchamber.com/showthread.php?tid=77778 Wed, 04 Jan 2012 07:58:20 +0000 http://www.theupperchamber.com/showthread.php?tid=77778 rohs (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) Directive is one of the laws that were adopted by the European Union, with an aim to control such hazards. Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive, together with the WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) Directive, forms the European Law. The Restriction of Hazardous Substances directive focuses on the restriction of certain harmful substances for the manufacturing of the electrical and electronic equipment.

The products manufactured in the member states of the European Union are bound to be RoHS compliant. These are tested for the presence of the restricted chemicals or substances, which include, lead, cadmium, polybrominated biphenyls and diphenyl ether, mercury and hexavalent chromium. Since lead is the most important among the restricted ones, the directive is also sometimes called as lead free directive. The principles of the directive suggest that the manufacturers or the producers themselves should the responsible to see that their products do not use harmful substances. These substances are equally harmful for the customers, as well as, for those who are employed in the manufacturing process.

Though the rule is strict, certain substances are also manufactured which are either partially or wholly exempted from abiding by the restrictions of the RoHS directive. They include certain metal parts, solders, paints and pigments, batteries and PVCs, which have lead as one of their ingredients. Mercury can also be found in certain switches in the automobiles, and the fluorescent lamps.]]> rohs (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) Directive is one of the laws that were adopted by the European Union, with an aim to control such hazards. Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive, together with the WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) Directive, forms the European Law. The Restriction of Hazardous Substances directive focuses on the restriction of certain harmful substances for the manufacturing of the electrical and electronic equipment.

The products manufactured in the member states of the European Union are bound to be RoHS compliant. These are tested for the presence of the restricted chemicals or substances, which include, lead, cadmium, polybrominated biphenyls and diphenyl ether, mercury and hexavalent chromium. Since lead is the most important among the restricted ones, the directive is also sometimes called as lead free directive. The principles of the directive suggest that the manufacturers or the producers themselves should the responsible to see that their products do not use harmful substances. These substances are equally harmful for the customers, as well as, for those who are employed in the manufacturing process.

Though the rule is strict, certain substances are also manufactured which are either partially or wholly exempted from abiding by the restrictions of the RoHS directive. They include certain metal parts, solders, paints and pigments, batteries and PVCs, which have lead as one of their ingredients. Mercury can also be found in certain switches in the automobiles, and the fluorescent lamps.]]> http://www.theupperchamber.com/showthread.php?tid=66172 Mon, 01 Aug 2011 13:31:45 +0000 http://www.theupperchamber.com/showthread.php?tid=66172
Dear Sir or Madam,

On behalf of the Institute for Cultural Diplomacy, I am writing to bring to your attention Masters Program in Cultural Diplomacy and International Relations. We are currently accepting our new applications for this MA program, and would be grateful if you could share this announcement by forwarding the information below to anyone you think may be interested in applying.

MA in International Relations and Cultural Diplomacy
The Institute for Cultural Diplomacy, in Cooperation with Dubrovnik International University
(Berlin and Dubrovnik, from October 2011)
(http://www.icd-academy.org); Application Form>

On behalf of the Institute for Cultural Diplomacy I would like to thank you in advance for your help in this matter. If you have any further questions regarding the MA program or our institution,please do not hesitate to contact us at: info@culturaldiplomacy.org

With warm regards and gratitude,

Mark Donfried
Director & Founder
Institute for Cultural Diplomacy (ICD)
Ku´damm Karree (3rd Floor/Hochhaus)
Kurfürstendamm 207-8 Berlin, Germany-10719
Phone: 00.49.(0)30.2360-7680
Fax: 00.49.(0)30.2360-76811
http://www.culturaldiplomacy.org
info@culturaldiplomacy.org



------------ Please forward the announcement found below --------Thank you --------------


MA in International Relations and Cultural Diplomacy
The Institute for Cultural Diplomacy in Cooperation with Dubrovnik International University
(Berlin and Dubrovnik, from October 2011)
(http://www.icd-academy.org) Application Form>

The Institute for Cultural Diplomacy and Dubrovnik International University (DIU) are pleased to announce the launch of a graduate Master of Arts program in International Relations and Cultural Diplomacy. Offered by DIU in partnership with the ICD, the program will combine the traditional academic components of international relations with a new focus on the role of soft power and cultural diplomacy in contemporary global affairs. Students will have access to an expert faculty with experience in international politics and diplomacy, and will acquire the knowledge and skills needed to work in a complex global order.

If you would like any further information about the ICD Academy contact us under academy@culturaldiplomacy.org

******
The Institute for Cultural Diplomacy
http://www.culturaldiplomacy.org

The Institute for Cultural Diplomacy is an international, not-for-profit, non-governmental organization with headquarters in Berlin, Germany. The goal of the ICD is to promote global peace and stability by strengthening and supporting intercultural relations at all levels. Over the past decade the ICD has grown to become one of Europe’s largest independent cultural exchange organizations, hosting programs that facilitate interaction among individuals of all cultural, academic, and professional backgrounds, from across the world.

ICD Events
Previous events held by the Institute for Cultural Diplomacy include the Berlin International Economics Congress 2011 (Berlin, March 9th - 12th 2011 – http://www.biec.de ), which hosted The Hon. Nahas Angula - Prime minister of Namibia; The Hon. Jean-Paul Adam - Foreign Minister of the Republic of Seychelles; TheHon. Alberto Jose Guevara Obregon - Minister of Finance of Nicaragua; The Hon. Al Imam Al Sadig Al Mahdi - Former Prime minister of Sudan; The Hon. Akua Sena Dansua - Minister for Tourism of Ghana; and The Hon. Edmund Bartlett - Minister of Tourism of Jamaica.

In January 2011 the ICD hosted "The Future of US Foreign Policy" (Washington DC, January 4th-6th), which hosted The Honorable Michael Chertoff - Former United States Secretary of Homeland Security; Senator William Emerson Brock III - 18th United States Secretary of Labor; Admiral James Milton Loy - Former Commandant of theCoast Guard; Vivian Schiller – Former CEO and President of NPR; Governor William Weld - Former Governor of Massachusettsand The Hon. Senator Tim Hutchinson - Former United States Senator from Arkansas.

In November 2010 the ICD hosted “A World without Walls: An InternationalConference on Peacebuilding, Reconciliation and Globalization in an Interdependent World”, which marked the twentieth anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall (http://www.world-without-walls.org). Speakers in this event included Lord Anthony Giddens (Baron Giddens, of Southgate) - Former Director of the London School of Economics; Janez Janša - Former Prime Minister of Slovenia; Joaquim Chissano - Former President of Mozambique; and Lord Jack McConnell - Former First Minister of Scotland.

For more information on speakers who have attended previous ICD events, please click here.

Please address any additional queries to info@culturaldiplomacy.org

With warm regards and gratitude,

Mark Donfried
Director & Founder

Institute for Cultural Diplomacy (ICD)
Ku´damm Karree (3rd Floor/Hochhaus)
Kurfürstendamm 207-8 Berlin, Germany-10719
Phone: 00.49.(0)30.2360-7680
Fax: 00.49.(0)30.2360-76811
http://www.culturaldiplomacy.org
info@culturaldiplomacy.org

Join the ICD’s global network on Facebook – click here
Keep up-to-date with the latest developments in the field by following the ICD on Twitter – click here
Become a member of the ICD and help create a strong Cultural Diplomacy community – click here
This e-mail contains privileged and confidential information intended only
for the use of the individual or entity named above. If the reader of this
e-mail is not the intended recipient or the employee or agent responsible
for routing it to the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any
review, dissemination, copying or forwarding of this e-mail is strictly
prohibited. If you have received this e-mail in error, please reply to the
sender of such and delete the e-mail in its entirety. Thank you.]]>
Dear Sir or Madam,

On behalf of the Institute for Cultural Diplomacy, I am writing to bring to your attention Masters Program in Cultural Diplomacy and International Relations. We are currently accepting our new applications for this MA program, and would be grateful if you could share this announcement by forwarding the information below to anyone you think may be interested in applying.

MA in International Relations and Cultural Diplomacy
The Institute for Cultural Diplomacy, in Cooperation with Dubrovnik International University
(Berlin and Dubrovnik, from October 2011)
(http://www.icd-academy.org); Application Form>

On behalf of the Institute for Cultural Diplomacy I would like to thank you in advance for your help in this matter. If you have any further questions regarding the MA program or our institution,please do not hesitate to contact us at: info@culturaldiplomacy.org

With warm regards and gratitude,

Mark Donfried
Director & Founder
Institute for Cultural Diplomacy (ICD)
Ku´damm Karree (3rd Floor/Hochhaus)
Kurfürstendamm 207-8 Berlin, Germany-10719
Phone: 00.49.(0)30.2360-7680
Fax: 00.49.(0)30.2360-76811
http://www.culturaldiplomacy.org
info@culturaldiplomacy.org



------------ Please forward the announcement found below --------Thank you --------------


MA in International Relations and Cultural Diplomacy
The Institute for Cultural Diplomacy in Cooperation with Dubrovnik International University
(Berlin and Dubrovnik, from October 2011)
(http://www.icd-academy.org) Application Form>

The Institute for Cultural Diplomacy and Dubrovnik International University (DIU) are pleased to announce the launch of a graduate Master of Arts program in International Relations and Cultural Diplomacy. Offered by DIU in partnership with the ICD, the program will combine the traditional academic components of international relations with a new focus on the role of soft power and cultural diplomacy in contemporary global affairs. Students will have access to an expert faculty with experience in international politics and diplomacy, and will acquire the knowledge and skills needed to work in a complex global order.

If you would like any further information about the ICD Academy contact us under academy@culturaldiplomacy.org

******
The Institute for Cultural Diplomacy
http://www.culturaldiplomacy.org

The Institute for Cultural Diplomacy is an international, not-for-profit, non-governmental organization with headquarters in Berlin, Germany. The goal of the ICD is to promote global peace and stability by strengthening and supporting intercultural relations at all levels. Over the past decade the ICD has grown to become one of Europe’s largest independent cultural exchange organizations, hosting programs that facilitate interaction among individuals of all cultural, academic, and professional backgrounds, from across the world.

ICD Events
Previous events held by the Institute for Cultural Diplomacy include the Berlin International Economics Congress 2011 (Berlin, March 9th - 12th 2011 – http://www.biec.de ), which hosted The Hon. Nahas Angula - Prime minister of Namibia; The Hon. Jean-Paul Adam - Foreign Minister of the Republic of Seychelles; TheHon. Alberto Jose Guevara Obregon - Minister of Finance of Nicaragua; The Hon. Al Imam Al Sadig Al Mahdi - Former Prime minister of Sudan; The Hon. Akua Sena Dansua - Minister for Tourism of Ghana; and The Hon. Edmund Bartlett - Minister of Tourism of Jamaica.

In January 2011 the ICD hosted "The Future of US Foreign Policy" (Washington DC, January 4th-6th), which hosted The Honorable Michael Chertoff - Former United States Secretary of Homeland Security; Senator William Emerson Brock III - 18th United States Secretary of Labor; Admiral James Milton Loy - Former Commandant of theCoast Guard; Vivian Schiller – Former CEO and President of NPR; Governor William Weld - Former Governor of Massachusettsand The Hon. Senator Tim Hutchinson - Former United States Senator from Arkansas.

In November 2010 the ICD hosted “A World without Walls: An InternationalConference on Peacebuilding, Reconciliation and Globalization in an Interdependent World”, which marked the twentieth anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall (http://www.world-without-walls.org). Speakers in this event included Lord Anthony Giddens (Baron Giddens, of Southgate) - Former Director of the London School of Economics; Janez Janša - Former Prime Minister of Slovenia; Joaquim Chissano - Former President of Mozambique; and Lord Jack McConnell - Former First Minister of Scotland.

For more information on speakers who have attended previous ICD events, please click here.

Please address any additional queries to info@culturaldiplomacy.org

With warm regards and gratitude,

Mark Donfried
Director & Founder

Institute for Cultural Diplomacy (ICD)
Ku´damm Karree (3rd Floor/Hochhaus)
Kurfürstendamm 207-8 Berlin, Germany-10719
Phone: 00.49.(0)30.2360-7680
Fax: 00.49.(0)30.2360-76811
http://www.culturaldiplomacy.org
info@culturaldiplomacy.org

Join the ICD’s global network on Facebook – click here
Keep up-to-date with the latest developments in the field by following the ICD on Twitter – click here
Become a member of the ICD and help create a strong Cultural Diplomacy community – click here
This e-mail contains privileged and confidential information intended only
for the use of the individual or entity named above. If the reader of this
e-mail is not the intended recipient or the employee or agent responsible
for routing it to the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any
review, dissemination, copying or forwarding of this e-mail is strictly
prohibited. If you have received this e-mail in error, please reply to the
sender of such and delete the e-mail in its entirety. Thank you.]]> http://www.theupperchamber.com/showthread.php?tid=66171 Mon, 01 Aug 2011 13:26:56 +0000 http://www.theupperchamber.com/showthread.php?tid=66171 The ICD Academy for Cultural Diplomacy
(Berlin – September 2011)
******
What impact does religion have on one's culture and identity?
Can religion be used as a tool for cultural diplomacy or is it a cultural barrier?
How is Globalization changing the world of religion?


The ICD Academy for Cultural Diplomacy – "Faith, Globalisation and Interreligious Dialogue”
(Weeklong Seminar, Berlin, September 19th-23rd, 2011 - Held Parallel to Pope Benedict XVI's visit to Berlin scheduled for September 22nd, 2011)
http://www.culturaldiplomacy.org/academy...en_academy
"Faith, Globalisation and Interreligious Dialogue" is an weeklong seminar taking place in Berlin from September 19th - 23rd, 2011 to explore the relationship between religion, international relations, and globalization through a program of workshops, lectures & discussions, debates and cultural activities.
To apply please visit:
http://www.culturaldiplomacy.org/academy...y_seminars

******

The ICD Academy was established to allow individuals of all academic and professional backgrounds the opportunity to learn more about the subject of cultural diplomacy. Each Academy Session will therefore seek to explore the history and development of cultural diplomacy, with a particular focus on the state-sponsored cultural diplomacy of the cold war, and then to evaluate the development of the concept and its application by different actors across the world today.

During their time in Berlin participants will also have the opportunity to take part in cultural and social activities and to visit institutions such as the German Foreign Office, the German Parliament, the Berlin City Hall, cultural institutions and Berlin-based embassies.

The Academy Session timetables are designed to allow participants the opportunity to discuss salient issues with experts from the field, whilst providing a framework for group discussions amongst each other.
******

Please address any additional queries to info@culturaldiplomacy.org

We look forward to seeing you in Berlin.]]> The ICD Academy for Cultural Diplomacy
(Berlin – September 2011)
******
What impact does religion have on one's culture and identity?
Can religion be used as a tool for cultural diplomacy or is it a cultural barrier?
How is Globalization changing the world of religion?


The ICD Academy for Cultural Diplomacy – "Faith, Globalisation and Interreligious Dialogue”
(Weeklong Seminar, Berlin, September 19th-23rd, 2011 - Held Parallel to Pope Benedict XVI's visit to Berlin scheduled for September 22nd, 2011)
http://www.culturaldiplomacy.org/academy...en_academy
"Faith, Globalisation and Interreligious Dialogue" is an weeklong seminar taking place in Berlin from September 19th - 23rd, 2011 to explore the relationship between religion, international relations, and globalization through a program of workshops, lectures & discussions, debates and cultural activities.
To apply please visit:
http://www.culturaldiplomacy.org/academy...y_seminars

******

The ICD Academy was established to allow individuals of all academic and professional backgrounds the opportunity to learn more about the subject of cultural diplomacy. Each Academy Session will therefore seek to explore the history and development of cultural diplomacy, with a particular focus on the state-sponsored cultural diplomacy of the cold war, and then to evaluate the development of the concept and its application by different actors across the world today.

During their time in Berlin participants will also have the opportunity to take part in cultural and social activities and to visit institutions such as the German Foreign Office, the German Parliament, the Berlin City Hall, cultural institutions and Berlin-based embassies.

The Academy Session timetables are designed to allow participants the opportunity to discuss salient issues with experts from the field, whilst providing a framework for group discussions amongst each other.
******

Please address any additional queries to info@culturaldiplomacy.org

We look forward to seeing you in Berlin.]]> http://www.theupperchamber.com/showthread.php?tid=66170 Mon, 01 Aug 2011 13:26:10 +0000 http://www.theupperchamber.com/showthread.php?tid=66170
******
What is meant by 'multiculturalism'?
How has this concept impacted upon German society?

How is this political concept applied in other European states?

******
Cultural Bridges in Germany – "Multiculturalism in the 21st Century and its Reality in Germany“ (Language: German)
(Weeklong Seminar, Berlin, September 5th - 9th, 2011 - Held Parallel to "Germany meets Turkey: A Forum for Young Leaders“ (GMT)
http://www.cultural-bridges-in-germany.org/

Cultural Bridges is a network of young leaders committed to the challenges and chances that Germany faces on a national and international level. The Forum offers a platform for interdisciplinary discussions on selected themes, such as multiculturalism in the 21st century and explores Germany´s role and responsibilities in this global context.

To apply please visit:
http://www.culturaldiplomacy.org/cultura..._about-cbg

Germany Meets Turkey: A Forum for Young Leaders (GMT)
(Language: English)
(Weeklong Seminar: Berlin, September 5th - 9th, 2011 – Held Parallel to “Cultural Bridges in German: A Forum for Young Leaders ” CBG)
http://www.germanymeetsturkey.org/

The principal focus of "Germany Meets Turkey: A Forum for Young Leaders" is to develop a network of young leaders committed to building and sustaining lasting ties between Germany and Turkey in the fields of politics, academia, science, media, business and culture, thereby strengthening the bilateral relationship. The network is supported through a diverse range of ongoing activity and is highlighted each year by a weeklong study tour for new members, which alternates between Turkey and Germany.

To apply please visit:
http://www.culturaldiplomacy.org/germany...ation-form


Please address any additional queries to info@culturaldiplomacy.org

We look forward to seeing you in Berlin.]]>
******
What is meant by 'multiculturalism'?
How has this concept impacted upon German society?

How is this political concept applied in other European states?

******
Cultural Bridges in Germany – "Multiculturalism in the 21st Century and its Reality in Germany“ (Language: German)
(Weeklong Seminar, Berlin, September 5th - 9th, 2011 - Held Parallel to "Germany meets Turkey: A Forum for Young Leaders“ (GMT)
http://www.cultural-bridges-in-germany.org/

Cultural Bridges is a network of young leaders committed to the challenges and chances that Germany faces on a national and international level. The Forum offers a platform for interdisciplinary discussions on selected themes, such as multiculturalism in the 21st century and explores Germany´s role and responsibilities in this global context.

To apply please visit:
http://www.culturaldiplomacy.org/cultura..._about-cbg

Germany Meets Turkey: A Forum for Young Leaders (GMT)
(Language: English)
(Weeklong Seminar: Berlin, September 5th - 9th, 2011 – Held Parallel to “Cultural Bridges in German: A Forum for Young Leaders ” CBG)
http://www.germanymeetsturkey.org/

The principal focus of "Germany Meets Turkey: A Forum for Young Leaders" is to develop a network of young leaders committed to building and sustaining lasting ties between Germany and Turkey in the fields of politics, academia, science, media, business and culture, thereby strengthening the bilateral relationship. The network is supported through a diverse range of ongoing activity and is highlighted each year by a weeklong study tour for new members, which alternates between Turkey and Germany.

To apply please visit:
http://www.culturaldiplomacy.org/germany...ation-form


Please address any additional queries to info@culturaldiplomacy.org

We look forward to seeing you in Berlin.]]> http://www.theupperchamber.com/showthread.php?tid=66169 Mon, 01 Aug 2011 13:24:58 +0000 http://www.theupperchamber.com/showthread.php?tid=66169
*****

Is diplomacy a viable tool of statecraft in the Mediterranean?
What is the role of religion in shaping the relations between Mediterranean countries?
What potential actors and opportunities can be identified as stakeholders of peace in the Mediterranean region?


“A World without Walls 2011” - “Promoting Peace and Stability in the Mediterranean: An International Peacebuilding Congress”
(Barcelona, International Conference, September 22nd - 25th, 2011 - Held Parallel to “La Merce Festival 2011”)
http://www.world-without-walls.org

To apply please visit:
http://www.culturaldiplomacy.org/academy...ation-form

“Cultural Diplomacy in the Mediterranean” - A Forum for Young Leaders
(Weeklong Seminar: Barcelona, September 22nd – 28th, 2011 – Held Parallel to “La Merce Festival 2011”)
http://www.culturaldiplomacy.org/cde/ind..._cdm_about
**Participants of the forthcoming CDM weeklong seminar will take part in the International Conference “A World Without Walls 2011” (Barcelona, 22nd – 25th, 2011)

To apply please visit:
http://www.culturaldiplomacy.org/cde/ind...ation-form

A World without Walls is a global conference held annually by the Institute for Cultural Diplomacy and other leading international organizations. Its aim is to reflect on the changing nature of international relations since the fall of the Berlin Wall, and to consider the implications of these changes for peace building and stability in different regions of the world. The 2011 conference will focus the attention of the international community on the importance of strengthening intercultural relations within the Mediterranean region. It will bring together world's leading experts in politics, diplomacy, peace & conflict, academia, and civil society, for a four-day program of lectures and discussions.

Some of the topics to be covered at the conference will include:

Israel-Palestine (Focus: Plausibility of a two-State Solution, Global Context, Third Party Interventions)
Israel and its Neighbors (Focus: Relations between Israel, Egypt, Lebanon and Syria)
Cyprus (Focus: Greek-Turkish Relations, EU Membership, Local Initiatives, Recent Developments)
Syria and Lebanon (Focus: Syrian Lebanese Relations, The “Arab Spring”, Relations between Ethnic and Religious Groups, Iran-Hezbollah-Hamas)
Egypt, Lybia and Tunisia (Focus: The “Arab Spring”, Relations between Ethnic and Religious Groups, Al Qaeda, Relationship with Europe)
Algeria (Focus: A History of Conflict and Division)
Balkans (Focus: Peace Building Initiatives, Kosovar Independence, the International Criminal Court)
Greek-Albanian Relations (Focus: Recent Developments, Immigration)
Migration from Africa to Europe (Focus: Illegal Immigration and Repatriation, Integration of the African Diaspora)
EU Expansion (Focus: The EU Boundary, EU Neighborhood policy, EU Membership Process, Turkish Membership)
Climate Change (Focus: Desertification, Rising Sea levels, Regional Cooperation, Energy Policies)

Please address any additional queries to info@culturaldiplomacy.org

We look forward to seeing you in Barcelona.]]>
*****

Is diplomacy a viable tool of statecraft in the Mediterranean?
What is the role of religion in shaping the relations between Mediterranean countries?
What potential actors and opportunities can be identified as stakeholders of peace in the Mediterranean region?


“A World without Walls 2011” - “Promoting Peace and Stability in the Mediterranean: An International Peacebuilding Congress”
(Barcelona, International Conference, September 22nd - 25th, 2011 - Held Parallel to “La Merce Festival 2011”)
http://www.world-without-walls.org

To apply please visit:
http://www.culturaldiplomacy.org/academy...ation-form

“Cultural Diplomacy in the Mediterranean” - A Forum for Young Leaders
(Weeklong Seminar: Barcelona, September 22nd – 28th, 2011 – Held Parallel to “La Merce Festival 2011”)
http://www.culturaldiplomacy.org/cde/ind..._cdm_about
**Participants of the forthcoming CDM weeklong seminar will take part in the International Conference “A World Without Walls 2011” (Barcelona, 22nd – 25th, 2011)

To apply please visit:
http://www.culturaldiplomacy.org/cde/ind...ation-form

A World without Walls is a global conference held annually by the Institute for Cultural Diplomacy and other leading international organizations. Its aim is to reflect on the changing nature of international relations since the fall of the Berlin Wall, and to consider the implications of these changes for peace building and stability in different regions of the world. The 2011 conference will focus the attention of the international community on the importance of strengthening intercultural relations within the Mediterranean region. It will bring together world's leading experts in politics, diplomacy, peace & conflict, academia, and civil society, for a four-day program of lectures and discussions.

Some of the topics to be covered at the conference will include:

Israel-Palestine (Focus: Plausibility of a two-State Solution, Global Context, Third Party Interventions)
Israel and its Neighbors (Focus: Relations between Israel, Egypt, Lebanon and Syria)
Cyprus (Focus: Greek-Turkish Relations, EU Membership, Local Initiatives, Recent Developments)
Syria and Lebanon (Focus: Syrian Lebanese Relations, The “Arab Spring”, Relations between Ethnic and Religious Groups, Iran-Hezbollah-Hamas)
Egypt, Lybia and Tunisia (Focus: The “Arab Spring”, Relations between Ethnic and Religious Groups, Al Qaeda, Relationship with Europe)
Algeria (Focus: A History of Conflict and Division)
Balkans (Focus: Peace Building Initiatives, Kosovar Independence, the International Criminal Court)
Greek-Albanian Relations (Focus: Recent Developments, Immigration)
Migration from Africa to Europe (Focus: Illegal Immigration and Repatriation, Integration of the African Diaspora)
EU Expansion (Focus: The EU Boundary, EU Neighborhood policy, EU Membership Process, Turkish Membership)
Climate Change (Focus: Desertification, Rising Sea levels, Regional Cooperation, Energy Policies)

Please address any additional queries to info@culturaldiplomacy.org

We look forward to seeing you in Barcelona.]]> http://www.theupperchamber.com/showthread.php?tid=66168 Mon, 01 Aug 2011 13:22:50 +0000 http://www.theupperchamber.com/showthread.php?tid=66168 ICD Summer Conference & Young Leaders Forum (London- August 2011)

******
• Does cultural identity divide more than it bridges people?
• Is there a European Identity emerging?
• Is Globalization a synonym for Americanization?

The Language of Art & Music - "A Three Piece Puzzle: The Relationship between Culture, International Relations and Globalization"
(International Conference, London, August 25th - 29th, 2011 - Held Parallel to “The Notting Hill Carnival 2011”)
http://www.icd-languageofartandmusic.org
To apply please visit:
http://www.culturaldiplomacy.org/academ ... cationform

ICD Young Leaders Forums:
http://www.icd-ylf.org

Art as Cultural Diplomacy: A Forum for Young Leaders (ACD)
(Weeklong Seminar, London, August 22nd - 29th, 2011 - Held Parallel to “The Notting Hill Carnival 2011”)
http://www.icd-artasculturaldiplomacy.org
**Participants of the forthcoming ACD weeklong seminar will take part in the International Conference "A Three Piece Puzzle: The Relationship between Culture, International Relations and Globalization" (London, August 25th - 29th 2011)

KEY SPEAKERS
• Denis Beuret- Minister of Culture, Switzerland
• The Hon. Yasar Yakis- ICD Advisory Board Member, Former Foreign Minister of Turkey
• The Hon. Dr. Alfredo Palacio- ICD Advisory Board Member, Former President of Ecuador
• Trudy Gold- Chief Executive of London Jewish Cultural Center]]> ICD Summer Conference & Young Leaders Forum (London- August 2011)

******
• Does cultural identity divide more than it bridges people?
• Is there a European Identity emerging?
• Is Globalization a synonym for Americanization?

The Language of Art & Music - "A Three Piece Puzzle: The Relationship between Culture, International Relations and Globalization"
(International Conference, London, August 25th - 29th, 2011 - Held Parallel to “The Notting Hill Carnival 2011”)
http://www.icd-languageofartandmusic.org
To apply please visit:
http://www.culturaldiplomacy.org/academ ... cationform

ICD Young Leaders Forums:
http://www.icd-ylf.org

Art as Cultural Diplomacy: A Forum for Young Leaders (ACD)
(Weeklong Seminar, London, August 22nd - 29th, 2011 - Held Parallel to “The Notting Hill Carnival 2011”)
http://www.icd-artasculturaldiplomacy.org
**Participants of the forthcoming ACD weeklong seminar will take part in the International Conference "A Three Piece Puzzle: The Relationship between Culture, International Relations and Globalization" (London, August 25th - 29th 2011)

KEY SPEAKERS
• Denis Beuret- Minister of Culture, Switzerland
• The Hon. Yasar Yakis- ICD Advisory Board Member, Former Foreign Minister of Turkey
• The Hon. Dr. Alfredo Palacio- ICD Advisory Board Member, Former President of Ecuador
• Trudy Gold- Chief Executive of London Jewish Cultural Center]]> http://www.theupperchamber.com/showthread.php?tid=65917 Fri, 29 Jul 2011 13:24:15 +0000 http://www.theupperchamber.com/showthread.php?tid=65917 http://www.theupperchamber.com/showthread.php?tid=65654 Wed, 27 Jul 2011 21:58:27 +0000 http://www.theupperchamber.com/showthread.php?tid=65654 http://www.theupperchamber.com is my favorite website now, i hope that i will stay longer here]]> http://www.theupperchamber.com is my favorite website now, i hope that i will stay longer here]]> http://www.theupperchamber.com/showthread.php?tid=63669 Fri, 08 Jul 2011 08:16:32 +0000 http://www.theupperchamber.com/showthread.php?tid=63669 http://www.theupperchamber.com/showthread.php?tid=62180 Fri, 17 Jun 2011 07:21:39 +0000 http://www.theupperchamber.com/showthread.php?tid=62180 http://www.theupperchamber.com/showthread.php?tid=46172 Thu, 21 Apr 2011 06:34:27 +0000 http://www.theupperchamber.com/showthread.php?tid=46172
Although the Canadian political system reflects well fundamental democratic reforms that have served to advance humanity’s ability to govern itself, it is not without its challenges. Cynicism and apathy about the Canadian electoral system seem to have reached a new high, especially among younger voters. Some political scientists have attributed this apathy to a general decline in interest in institutional democracy.

They correlate it to a disconnect between what politicians are saying and doing and the way people, and especially youth, would like to see democracy operate. Ethical scandals, attack ads and the heightened acrimony between parties sour the public’s attitude toward politicians and government.

Such practices are perhaps inevitable characteristics of political systems founded on a competitive, partisan approach. These systems often tend to work in the interest of those with the influence and money required to mount and finance electoral campaigns. The ethic of partisan politics fosters divisiveness and immoderate rhetoric which reinforces the voter’s sense of disillusionment.

The Baha’i community employs a different model in electing local and national councils, called Spiritual Assemblies. Each year on April 20—the First day of the Ridvan Festival that marks the 1863 declaration by Bahá'u'lláh of his mission to found a new religion dedicated to uniting humanity—Baha’is in communities across the country gather to elect local Assemblies.

The spirit of these elections is unique. There are no nominations, campaigns, or promises; the electors cast their confidential vote for those adult Baha’is in their community they think best qualified to serve in this capacity. What is more, the elections take place in an atmosphere of prayer and contemplation, and are motivated by a vision of service. Assemblies operate according to a consultative model that favours consensus building.

Similarly, the National Spiritual Assembly in Canada, as in other countries, is elected by delegates selected in democratic elections by local electors in the same manner, free of partisanship, nominations and campaigns. National Assembly members in turn use the same process to elect the members of the Baha’i community’s international governing council, the Universal House of Justice.

Canadian Baha’is have been using this electoral model, learning how to apply it over many years. The first local Spiritual Assembly was elected in 1922, in Montreal. Today, there are 239 of these local councils charged with overseeing the affairs of Baha’i communities within a given local area.

The Baha’i Faith has no clergy; local activities are driven by a high degree of individual initiative supported and guided by various institutions, including the Spiritual Assembly. The primary concern of the elected institutions is to develop the capacity of the Baha’i community to enable growing numbers of people, in their locality, to take control of their own material, spiritual and intellectual development.

While the Baha'i electoral model is practiced as yet in relatively small communities around the world, the fact that it is global and has been carried out in regions of the world unfamiliar with longstanding democratic traditions shows just how promising it is. Worldwide, there are 184 National Spiritual Assemblies and approximately 12,000 local Spiritual Assemblies. As Baha'i communities are growing in size and complexity, considerable learning is taking place among the members of the Baha'i Faith as they strive to apply the appealing principles of the Baha'i electoral model to new and more challenging contexts.

© 2011 Bahá’í Community of Canada
__________________
married for 43 years, a teacher for 35, a writer and editor for 10, and a Baha'i for 51(in 2010]]>
Although the Canadian political system reflects well fundamental democratic reforms that have served to advance humanity’s ability to govern itself, it is not without its challenges. Cynicism and apathy about the Canadian electoral system seem to have reached a new high, especially among younger voters. Some political scientists have attributed this apathy to a general decline in interest in institutional democracy.

They correlate it to a disconnect between what politicians are saying and doing and the way people, and especially youth, would like to see democracy operate. Ethical scandals, attack ads and the heightened acrimony between parties sour the public’s attitude toward politicians and government.

Such practices are perhaps inevitable characteristics of political systems founded on a competitive, partisan approach. These systems often tend to work in the interest of those with the influence and money required to mount and finance electoral campaigns. The ethic of partisan politics fosters divisiveness and immoderate rhetoric which reinforces the voter’s sense of disillusionment.

The Baha’i community employs a different model in electing local and national councils, called Spiritual Assemblies. Each year on April 20—the First day of the Ridvan Festival that marks the 1863 declaration by Bahá'u'lláh of his mission to found a new religion dedicated to uniting humanity—Baha’is in communities across the country gather to elect local Assemblies.

The spirit of these elections is unique. There are no nominations, campaigns, or promises; the electors cast their confidential vote for those adult Baha’is in their community they think best qualified to serve in this capacity. What is more, the elections take place in an atmosphere of prayer and contemplation, and are motivated by a vision of service. Assemblies operate according to a consultative model that favours consensus building.

Similarly, the National Spiritual Assembly in Canada, as in other countries, is elected by delegates selected in democratic elections by local electors in the same manner, free of partisanship, nominations and campaigns. National Assembly members in turn use the same process to elect the members of the Baha’i community’s international governing council, the Universal House of Justice.

Canadian Baha’is have been using this electoral model, learning how to apply it over many years. The first local Spiritual Assembly was elected in 1922, in Montreal. Today, there are 239 of these local councils charged with overseeing the affairs of Baha’i communities within a given local area.

The Baha’i Faith has no clergy; local activities are driven by a high degree of individual initiative supported and guided by various institutions, including the Spiritual Assembly. The primary concern of the elected institutions is to develop the capacity of the Baha’i community to enable growing numbers of people, in their locality, to take control of their own material, spiritual and intellectual development.

While the Baha'i electoral model is practiced as yet in relatively small communities around the world, the fact that it is global and has been carried out in regions of the world unfamiliar with longstanding democratic traditions shows just how promising it is. Worldwide, there are 184 National Spiritual Assemblies and approximately 12,000 local Spiritual Assemblies. As Baha'i communities are growing in size and complexity, considerable learning is taking place among the members of the Baha'i Faith as they strive to apply the appealing principles of the Baha'i electoral model to new and more challenging contexts.

© 2011 Bahá’í Community of Canada
__________________
married for 43 years, a teacher for 35, a writer and editor for 10, and a Baha'i for 51(in 2010]]> http://www.theupperchamber.com/showthread.php?tid=41684 Tue, 15 Mar 2011 13:15:00 +0000 http://www.theupperchamber.com/showthread.php?tid=41684
*****

The International Symposium on Cultural Diplomacy 2011
“Hard Vs. Soft Power in Local and Global Politics: Redefining Concepts of Power and Influence in an Age of Interdependence, Digital Revolution, and Social Media”
(Berlin, 11th-15th May 2011)
http://www.culturaldiplomacy.org/academy...omacy-2011

The change over the past two decades from an international system based on independent nation states to an interdependent world facing global challenges has been widely explored and analyzed. At the level of international relations the change is accompanied by a growing understanding of the importance of global public goods. Activity to tackle climate change, for example, can no longer be pursued by individual states acting alone. Similarly, issues that have traditionally been considered of domestic concern have been given an international dimension: national policies on immigration, healthcare, education, and economics must increasingly be coordinated with international partners.

In addition to the changes outlined above, a further development can be identified in national and international politics: Digital communication technologies and social media are revolutionizing the interaction between politicians and citizens. For politicians, new technologies are providing an easier, cheaper way of informing a broad range of people about new policies, opinions, and initiatives. For citizens, the diverse range of media that have emerged as a result of technological advancements means that they can keep up-do-date with developments around the world, in real time. Combined, these developments mean that interaction between politicians and citizens is intensified. Moreover, the information is flowing in two directions: Campaigns and initiatives launched from the blogosphere can be seen to influence the presentation of policy decisions, but also the policies themselves. In countries where traditional media are state controlled, social media have become a valuable mechanism to organize and execute protests, and express the “mood of the nation”.

The International Symposium on Cultural Diplomacy 2011 is being hosted to analyze these two developments: The sharing of power and responsibility horizontally, across national barriers, and vertically, between politicians and citizens.

Symposium Participants
The Symposium is open to applications from diplomatic and political representatives, civil society practitioners, private sector figures, journalists, young professionals, students and scholars, and other interested stakeholders in international relations from across the world.

The online application form can be found under:
http://www.culturaldiplomacy.org/academy...ation-form

Symposium Speakers
Speakers during the Symposium will include leading figures and experts from international politics, academia, the diplomatic community, civil society and the private sector, from across the world. These speakers will include a number of individuals from the ICD Advisory Board (for further information about the Advisory Board please click here

Certificate of Attendance
All participants will be awarded an official certificate of attendance upon completion of the program, which will provide details of the speakers who took part and the topics discussed. Each certificate will be signed by two members of the ICD's Advisory Board.

Participant Papers
The Institute for Cultural Diplomacy encourages research and progressive thought into the fields of culture, globalization, and international relations. In this regard, the ICD welcomes participants of the Symposium to submit papers on this subject. The papers can cover any topic within these fields, according to your own particular interests and passions. Participants can submit work that they have completed in the past for other purposes, ongoing research or a paper written specifically for the conference. Groups of students are also allowed to submit collaborative pieces of work.

Sustainable Network
Symposium participants will become part of a growing international network of people from across the world with different fields of interest and levels of experience, who share a commitment to intercultural exchange. Participants will be able to remain in touch with each other through the ICD Online Network.


For any additional information please address any queries to info@culturaldiplomacy.org]]>
*****

The International Symposium on Cultural Diplomacy 2011
“Hard Vs. Soft Power in Local and Global Politics: Redefining Concepts of Power and Influence in an Age of Interdependence, Digital Revolution, and Social Media”
(Berlin, 11th-15th May 2011)
http://www.culturaldiplomacy.org/academy...omacy-2011

The change over the past two decades from an international system based on independent nation states to an interdependent world facing global challenges has been widely explored and analyzed. At the level of international relations the change is accompanied by a growing understanding of the importance of global public goods. Activity to tackle climate change, for example, can no longer be pursued by individual states acting alone. Similarly, issues that have traditionally been considered of domestic concern have been given an international dimension: national policies on immigration, healthcare, education, and economics must increasingly be coordinated with international partners.

In addition to the changes outlined above, a further development can be identified in national and international politics: Digital communication technologies and social media are revolutionizing the interaction between politicians and citizens. For politicians, new technologies are providing an easier, cheaper way of informing a broad range of people about new policies, opinions, and initiatives. For citizens, the diverse range of media that have emerged as a result of technological advancements means that they can keep up-do-date with developments around the world, in real time. Combined, these developments mean that interaction between politicians and citizens is intensified. Moreover, the information is flowing in two directions: Campaigns and initiatives launched from the blogosphere can be seen to influence the presentation of policy decisions, but also the policies themselves. In countries where traditional media are state controlled, social media have become a valuable mechanism to organize and execute protests, and express the “mood of the nation”.

The International Symposium on Cultural Diplomacy 2011 is being hosted to analyze these two developments: The sharing of power and responsibility horizontally, across national barriers, and vertically, between politicians and citizens.

Symposium Participants
The Symposium is open to applications from diplomatic and political representatives, civil society practitioners, private sector figures, journalists, young professionals, students and scholars, and other interested stakeholders in international relations from across the world.

The online application form can be found under:
http://www.culturaldiplomacy.org/academy...ation-form

Symposium Speakers
Speakers during the Symposium will include leading figures and experts from international politics, academia, the diplomatic community, civil society and the private sector, from across the world. These speakers will include a number of individuals from the ICD Advisory Board (for further information about the Advisory Board please click here

Certificate of Attendance
All participants will be awarded an official certificate of attendance upon completion of the program, which will provide details of the speakers who took part and the topics discussed. Each certificate will be signed by two members of the ICD's Advisory Board.

Participant Papers
The Institute for Cultural Diplomacy encourages research and progressive thought into the fields of culture, globalization, and international relations. In this regard, the ICD welcomes participants of the Symposium to submit papers on this subject. The papers can cover any topic within these fields, according to your own particular interests and passions. Participants can submit work that they have completed in the past for other purposes, ongoing research or a paper written specifically for the conference. Groups of students are also allowed to submit collaborative pieces of work.

Sustainable Network
Symposium participants will become part of a growing international network of people from across the world with different fields of interest and levels of experience, who share a commitment to intercultural exchange. Participants will be able to remain in touch with each other through the ICD Online Network.


For any additional information please address any queries to info@culturaldiplomacy.org]]> http://www.theupperchamber.com/showthread.php?tid=39383 Tue, 22 Feb 2011 05:51:05 +0000 http://www.theupperchamber.com/showthread.php?tid=39383 ------------------------------------------------
The opposite of freedom of religion is the banning of religion. The Baha’i faith-community in Iran is a case in point. Iran has effectively banned the Baha’i religion by criminalizing it as a religious organization.

On the heels of the 1979 Islamic Revolution, the Iranian regime tried to eradicate the Baha’i Faith as a viable religious organization by executing its leaders. In 1981, the state summarily executed all nine members of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of Iran. In 1984 and 1986, Iranian authorities executed the majority of the members of the new National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of Iran, which had been elected to replace the martyred members of that same council.

After two failed attempts, which drew international condemnation, the Iranian leadership soon discovered that, whenever it tried to “cut off the head” of the Baha’i community, the head would grow back, for the simple reason that the Baha’i community would democratically elect a new national administrative body.

The alternative to killing was criminalization. In 1983, when summary executions of elected Baha’i leaders didn’t work (because new Baha’i leaders were soon elected to take their place), the government of Iran simply outlawed Baha’i administration in toto. This was a stroke of evil genius. For the Iranian regime knew that the Baha’i administrative councils had no legal recourse but to comply. In strict conformity to the Baha’i principle of obedience to government, the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of Iran, in quiet grandeur, complied with the Iranian ban on organized Baha’i activity by voluntarily suspending its administrative network (August 1983).

In 1996, thirteen years later, the U.N. Special Rapporteur on the Question of Religious Intolerance (in his report to the U.N. Commission on Human Rights) urged that “the ban on the Baha’i organization should be lifted to enable it to organize itself freely through its administrative institutions, which are vital in the absence of a clergy, so that it can engage fully in its religious activities.” See Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor, “Iran: International Religious Freedom Report” (Washington, D.C.: U.S. Department of State, 2001, http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/irf/2001/5691.htm).

This fell on deaf ears in the hardened hearts of the ardent “Islamic” ruling elite. Confronted with the Special Rapporteur’s concerns, Iranian officials declared that the Baha’is “are not a religious minority, but a political organization which was associated with the Shah’s regime, is against the Iranian Revolution and engages in espionage activities.” (Id.)

Given that Baha’is shun partisan politics like the plague, this argument was as specious as it was spurious. The charge of espionage is especially incredible. In its open letter to Iran’s Prosecutor-General, the editors of Iran Press Watch wrote:

Since, on comparative legal grounds, the case bears no facial semblance to any act of “classical spying” that is criminalized under any statutory “Espionage Act” under any system of jurisprudence, we can only conclude that the State cannot meet its burden of proof by laying out a prima facie case for espionage.
--------------
Google this article for the remaining sections.-Ron Price, Tasmania]]> ------------------------------------------------
The opposite of freedom of religion is the banning of religion. The Baha’i faith-community in Iran is a case in point. Iran has effectively banned the Baha’i religion by criminalizing it as a religious organization.

On the heels of the 1979 Islamic Revolution, the Iranian regime tried to eradicate the Baha’i Faith as a viable religious organization by executing its leaders. In 1981, the state summarily executed all nine members of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of Iran. In 1984 and 1986, Iranian authorities executed the majority of the members of the new National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of Iran, which had been elected to replace the martyred members of that same council.

After two failed attempts, which drew international condemnation, the Iranian leadership soon discovered that, whenever it tried to “cut off the head” of the Baha’i community, the head would grow back, for the simple reason that the Baha’i community would democratically elect a new national administrative body.

The alternative to killing was criminalization. In 1983, when summary executions of elected Baha’i leaders didn’t work (because new Baha’i leaders were soon elected to take their place), the government of Iran simply outlawed Baha’i administration in toto. This was a stroke of evil genius. For the Iranian regime knew that the Baha’i administrative councils had no legal recourse but to comply. In strict conformity to the Baha’i principle of obedience to government, the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of Iran, in quiet grandeur, complied with the Iranian ban on organized Baha’i activity by voluntarily suspending its administrative network (August 1983).

In 1996, thirteen years later, the U.N. Special Rapporteur on the Question of Religious Intolerance (in his report to the U.N. Commission on Human Rights) urged that “the ban on the Baha’i organization should be lifted to enable it to organize itself freely through its administrative institutions, which are vital in the absence of a clergy, so that it can engage fully in its religious activities.” See Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor, “Iran: International Religious Freedom Report” (Washington, D.C.: U.S. Department of State, 2001, http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/irf/2001/5691.htm).

This fell on deaf ears in the hardened hearts of the ardent “Islamic” ruling elite. Confronted with the Special Rapporteur’s concerns, Iranian officials declared that the Baha’is “are not a religious minority, but a political organization which was associated with the Shah’s regime, is against the Iranian Revolution and engages in espionage activities.” (Id.)

Given that Baha’is shun partisan politics like the plague, this argument was as specious as it was spurious. The charge of espionage is especially incredible. In its open letter to Iran’s Prosecutor-General, the editors of Iran Press Watch wrote:

Since, on comparative legal grounds, the case bears no facial semblance to any act of “classical spying” that is criminalized under any statutory “Espionage Act” under any system of jurisprudence, we can only conclude that the State cannot meet its burden of proof by laying out a prima facie case for espionage.
--------------
Google this article for the remaining sections.-Ron Price, Tasmania]]> http://www.theupperchamber.com/showthread.php?tid=39382 Tue, 22 Feb 2011 05:47:54 +0000 http://www.theupperchamber.com/showthread.php?tid=39382
The novel by the same name came out in 1959, the year I had joined this new world religion. I don’t remember when I saw the film, but last night I saw a reimagining, a remake so to speak, of this film.-Ron Price with thanks to 1“The Manchurian Candidate(2004),” Wikipedia, 16 February 2011; and 2The United States requested an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council on October 25 1962 to discuss the Cuban missile crisis; the film was released on 24 October 1962.

I don’t remember seeing you in this film,
Frank,1 perhaps it was because they took
it out of circulation from 1963 to 1988...
after JFK's assassination. Controversial
on publication, and just as timely today,
is that novel The Manchurian Candidate.
It is & was a riveting take, a sci-fi concept,
of American soldiers captured, brainwashed,
programmed by first Chinese captors and, in
this new version, American conspirators who
returned to the states as unsuspected political
assassins to secure by techno-psycho-means
the top job in the nation: the Presidency!

You can read all about it if the topic interests
you;2 the film showed to me what I had come
to believe as early as the 1960s that humanity
had strayed too far, suffered too great a decline
to be redeemed by the political forces of the left
or the right, however disinterested their motives
or concerted the action, or unsparing the zeal &
devotion of the socialists or liberals, labour or
republican, democrat or conservative: channels,
pursuits that are ultimately doomed to failure!*

1 Frank Sinatra starred in the 1962 version of The Manchurian Candidate
2 Several internet sites will provide a detailed outline of the plot of this film

Ron Price
18 February 2011]]>
The novel by the same name came out in 1959, the year I had joined this new world religion. I don’t remember when I saw the film, but last night I saw a reimagining, a remake so to speak, of this film.-Ron Price with thanks to 1“The Manchurian Candidate(2004),” Wikipedia, 16 February 2011; and 2The United States requested an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council on October 25 1962 to discuss the Cuban missile crisis; the film was released on 24 October 1962.

I don’t remember seeing you in this film,
Frank,1 perhaps it was because they took
it out of circulation from 1963 to 1988...
after JFK's assassination. Controversial
on publication, and just as timely today,
is that novel The Manchurian Candidate.
It is & was a riveting take, a sci-fi concept,
of American soldiers captured, brainwashed,
programmed by first Chinese captors and, in
this new version, American conspirators who
returned to the states as unsuspected political
assassins to secure by techno-psycho-means
the top job in the nation: the Presidency!

You can read all about it if the topic interests
you;2 the film showed to me what I had come
to believe as early as the 1960s that humanity
had strayed too far, suffered too great a decline
to be redeemed by the political forces of the left
or the right, however disinterested their motives
or concerted the action, or unsparing the zeal &
devotion of the socialists or liberals, labour or
republican, democrat or conservative: channels,
pursuits that are ultimately doomed to failure!*

1 Frank Sinatra starred in the 1962 version of The Manchurian Candidate
2 Several internet sites will provide a detailed outline of the plot of this film

Ron Price
18 February 2011]]> http://www.theupperchamber.com/showthread.php?tid=35493 Sat, 22 Jan 2011 00:00:06 +0000 http://www.theupperchamber.com/showthread.php?tid=35493 -------------------------------
EMPLOYMENT-SOCIAL-ROLE POSITIONS: 1943-2010


1999-2010-Writer & Editor, Poet & Publisher, Journalist & Independent Scholar; Retired Teacher & Lecturer, Tutor & Adult Educator, Taxi-Driver & Ice-Cream Salesman, George Town Tasmania Australia
2002-2005-Program Presenter City Park Radio Launceston
1999-2004-Tutor and/or President George Town School for Seniors Inc
1988-1999 -Lecturer in General Studies & Human Services West Australian Department of Training
1986-1987 -Acting Lecturer in Management Studies & Co-ordinator of Further
Education Unit at Hedland College in South Hedland WA
1982-1985 -Adult Educator Open College of Tafe Katherine NT
1981 -Maintenance Scheduler Renison Bell Zeehan Tasmania
1980-Unemployed due to Bi-Polar Disability
1979 -Editor External Studies Unit Tasmanian CAE, Launceston; Youth Worker Resource Centre Association Launceston; Lecturer in Organizational Behaviour Tasmanian CAE; Radio Journalist ABC Launceston
1976-1978 -Lecturer in Social Sciences & Humanities Ballarat CAE Ballarat
1975 - Lecturer in Behavioural Studies Whitehorse Technical College, Box Hill Victoria
1974 -Senior Tutor in Education Studies Tasmanian CAE Launceston
1972-1973 -High School Teacher South Australian Education Department
1971 Primary School Teacher Whyalla SA Australia
1969-1971 Primary School Teacher Prince Edward County Board of Education Picton Ontario Canada
1969 Systems Analyst Bad Boy Co Ltd Toronto Ontario
1967-68 -Community Teacher Department of Indian Affairs & Northern
Development Frobisher Bay NWT Canada
1959-67 -Summer jobs-1 to 4 months each- from grade 10 to end of university
1949-1967 - Attended 2 primary schools, 2 high schools and 2 universities in
Canada-McMaster Uni-1963-1966 Windsor Teachers’ College-1966/7
1944-1963 -Childhood(1944-57) & adolescence(1957-63) in and around
Hamilton Ontario
1943 to 1944-Conception in October 1943 to birth in July 1944 in Hamilton Ontario

2. SOME SOCIO-BIO-DATA TO 2010

I have been married twice for a total of 43 years. My second wife is a Tasmanian, aged 65. We’ve had one child: age 33 in 2010. I have two step-children: ages: 43 and 40 in 2010 and two step-grandchildren, age 17 and 15 in 2010. I am 66, am a Canadian who moved to Australia in 1971 and have written several books--all available on the internet. I retired from full-time teaching in 1999, part-time teaching in 2003 and volunteer teaching/work in 2005 after 35 years in classrooms. In addition, I have been a member of the Baha’i Faith for 51 years. Bio-data: 6ft, 230 lbs, eyes-brown/hair-grey, Caucasian.

My website is found at: http://www.users.on.net/~ronprice/ You can also go to any search engine and type: Ron Price followed by any one of a number of words: poetry, Bahá'í, literature, history, bipolar disorder, psychology, sociology, inter alia.
________________________________________________

  1.jpg (Size: 18.46 KB / Downloads: 0) ]]> -------------------------------
EMPLOYMENT-SOCIAL-ROLE POSITIONS: 1943-2010


1999-2010-Writer & Editor, Poet & Publisher, Journalist & Independent Scholar; Retired Teacher & Lecturer, Tutor & Adult Educator, Taxi-Driver & Ice-Cream Salesman, George Town Tasmania Australia
2002-2005-Program Presenter City Park Radio Launceston
1999-2004-Tutor and/or President George Town School for Seniors Inc
1988-1999 -Lecturer in General Studies & Human Services West Australian Department of Training
1986-1987 -Acting Lecturer in Management Studies & Co-ordinator of Further
Education Unit at Hedland College in South Hedland WA
1982-1985 -Adult Educator Open College of Tafe Katherine NT
1981 -Maintenance Scheduler Renison Bell Zeehan Tasmania
1980-Unemployed due to Bi-Polar Disability
1979 -Editor External Studies Unit Tasmanian CAE, Launceston; Youth Worker Resource Centre Association Launceston; Lecturer in Organizational Behaviour Tasmanian CAE; Radio Journalist ABC Launceston
1976-1978 -Lecturer in Social Sciences & Humanities Ballarat CAE Ballarat
1975 - Lecturer in Behavioural Studies Whitehorse Technical College, Box Hill Victoria
1974 -Senior Tutor in Education Studies Tasmanian CAE Launceston
1972-1973 -High School Teacher South Australian Education Department
1971 Primary School Teacher Whyalla SA Australia
1969-1971 Primary School Teacher Prince Edward County Board of Education Picton Ontario Canada
1969 Systems Analyst Bad Boy Co Ltd Toronto Ontario
1967-68 -Community Teacher Department of Indian Affairs & Northern
Development Frobisher Bay NWT Canada
1959-67 -Summer jobs-1 to 4 months each- from grade 10 to end of university
1949-1967 - Attended 2 primary schools, 2 high schools and 2 universities in
Canada-McMaster Uni-1963-1966 Windsor Teachers’ College-1966/7
1944-1963 -Childhood(1944-57) & adolescence(1957-63) in and around
Hamilton Ontario
1943 to 1944-Conception in October 1943 to birth in July 1944 in Hamilton Ontario

2. SOME SOCIO-BIO-DATA TO 2010

I have been married twice for a total of 43 years. My second wife is a Tasmanian, aged 65. We’ve had one child: age 33 in 2010. I have two step-children: ages: 43 and 40 in 2010 and two step-grandchildren, age 17 and 15 in 2010. I am 66, am a Canadian who moved to Australia in 1971 and have written several books--all available on the internet. I retired from full-time teaching in 1999, part-time teaching in 2003 and volunteer teaching/work in 2005 after 35 years in classrooms. In addition, I have been a member of the Baha’i Faith for 51 years. Bio-data: 6ft, 230 lbs, eyes-brown/hair-grey, Caucasian.

My website is found at: http://www.users.on.net/~ronprice/ You can also go to any search engine and type: Ron Price followed by any one of a number of words: poetry, Bahá'í, literature, history, bipolar disorder, psychology, sociology, inter alia.
________________________________________________

  1.jpg (Size: 18.46 KB / Downloads: 0) ]]> http://www.theupperchamber.com/showthread.php?tid=32094 Wed, 22 Dec 2010 04:55:00 +0000 http://www.theupperchamber.com/showthread.php?tid=32094
By 2005 I was no longer employed in FT, PT or casual-volunteer work, and no longer an active participant in non-partisan politics as it is played in its myriad ways in organizational and community life. By the time I came to enjoy all of these televideo, telemovie, accounts of partisan politics, I was in my late middle age, age 55 to 60, and the early years of late adulthood, 61 to 66. By these years in my lifespan I had come to agree with the French political sociologist Alexis de Tocqueville who wrote that: “There are many men of principle in political parties, but there is no party of principle.” I had also begun to appreciate the following words of H.L. Mencken, the American journalist, essayist, magazine editor, satirist, and acerbic critic of American life and culture. “Under democracy,” he wrote in 1956, “one party always devotes its chief energies to trying to prove that the other party is unfit to rule---and both commonly succeed, and they are also right.”2 –Ron Price with thanks to 1The Dismissal, TV Docudrama in 1983 on the removal in 1975 of Australian Prime Minister Gough Whitlam; and 2Quotations on Politics,” The Quote Garden.

Those who are too smart to engage in politics
are punished by being governed by those who
are dumber, said Plato 2500 years ago….And,
as the American politician Stewart Udall wrote:
we have come to confuse power with greatness.
The idea that you can merchandise candidates
for high office like breakfast cereal & that you
can gather votes like box tops is one of the many
and ultimate indignities of democratic processes.1
These were some of the reasons I have been, over
the last fifty years, attracted to the Baha’i electoral
process in all its forms, practices and philosophies.

1 Adlai Stevenson in his speech of the Democratic National Convention on 18 August 1956.

Ron Price
20 December 2010]]>
By 2005 I was no longer employed in FT, PT or casual-volunteer work, and no longer an active participant in non-partisan politics as it is played in its myriad ways in organizational and community life. By the time I came to enjoy all of these televideo, telemovie, accounts of partisan politics, I was in my late middle age, age 55 to 60, and the early years of late adulthood, 61 to 66. By these years in my lifespan I had come to agree with the French political sociologist Alexis de Tocqueville who wrote that: “There are many men of principle in political parties, but there is no party of principle.” I had also begun to appreciate the following words of H.L. Mencken, the American journalist, essayist, magazine editor, satirist, and acerbic critic of American life and culture. “Under democracy,” he wrote in 1956, “one party always devotes its chief energies to trying to prove that the other party is unfit to rule---and both commonly succeed, and they are also right.”2 –Ron Price with thanks to 1The Dismissal, TV Docudrama in 1983 on the removal in 1975 of Australian Prime Minister Gough Whitlam; and 2Quotations on Politics,” The Quote Garden.

Those who are too smart to engage in politics
are punished by being governed by those who
are dumber, said Plato 2500 years ago….And,
as the American politician Stewart Udall wrote:
we have come to confuse power with greatness.
The idea that you can merchandise candidates
for high office like breakfast cereal & that you
can gather votes like box tops is one of the many
and ultimate indignities of democratic processes.1
These were some of the reasons I have been, over
the last fifty years, attracted to the Baha’i electoral
process in all its forms, practices and philosophies.

1 Adlai Stevenson in his speech of the Democratic National Convention on 18 August 1956.

Ron Price
20 December 2010]]> http://www.theupperchamber.com/showthread.php?tid=32093 Wed, 22 Dec 2010 04:53:05 +0000 http://www.theupperchamber.com/showthread.php?tid=32093
Hegemony, as Gramsci saw it, is always a process, a realized complex of experiences, relationships and activities, with specific and changing pressures and limits. Its internal structures are highly complex….It has continually to be renewed, recreated, defended and modified. It is also continually resisted, limited, altered, challenged by pressures not at all its own.2

Gramsci died the same year as his father! He died within days of the articulation of the first Baha’i Seven Year Plan(1937-1944). This Plan was about to be formulated in late April and early May of 1937 by the delegates to the National Convention in Chicago. The Baha’i community was itself being transformed while Gramsci was writings his Notebooks into a very different hegemony, process and complex of relationships.
-Ron Price with thanks to 1Edward Said, Orientalism, Penguin Books, London, 2003(1978), p.7; and 2Raymond Williams, Marxism and Literature, Oxford UP, Oxford, 1977, p.112.

You died the same year as your father
after such a short life.1 Hunch-backed
and underdeveloped, family in poverty
and plagued by health problems your
entire life. But you read and read and
had that wonderful memory…....Your
writings have been published recently
especially your prison Notebooks and
their 3000 pages written during those
last eleven years of your life in prison.2

An informal network of pockets of small,
local, ingrown and amorphous groups
evolved at this time into a national unit
of a global, well-organized religion with
a national consciousness in world society.3
I found the events-interesting synchronicity.

1 Gramsci died at the age of 46.

2 Not published in English until the 1990s these Notebooks, these writings are the fruits, some say, of a genius. That being said, some also say, they are virtually impossible to understand. They are not cohesive in any sense of the word and offer no linear insight to tell the reader a story. They do, however, offer a great deal of insight into Gramsci's thoughts about virtually every topic from people he met to the thinkers of his days. His prose and poetry go to the heart of his thoughts, a heart which was politics. His work on hegemony, whenever it appears is brilliant and should be given apt time to study. These Notebooks are not for the casual reader. Readers need to have some background with Gramsci’s thought and the period in which he was writing. For serious scholars of Gramsci’s thoughts and works these Notebooks are a must have. Otherwise, I would recommend reading his collected works. In the edited volumes of his writings readers will find a more cohesive story presented. They will not get this in his Notebooks.

3 Loni Bramson-Lerche, “Some Aspects of the Development of the Baha’i Administrative Order in America: 1922-1936,” Studies in Babi & Baha’i History, Vol.1, ed. Moojan Momen, Kalimat Press, 1982, pp. 255-300.

Ron Price
15 December 2010]]>
Hegemony, as Gramsci saw it, is always a process, a realized complex of experiences, relationships and activities, with specific and changing pressures and limits. Its internal structures are highly complex….It has continually to be renewed, recreated, defended and modified. It is also continually resisted, limited, altered, challenged by pressures not at all its own.2

Gramsci died the same year as his father! He died within days of the articulation of the first Baha’i Seven Year Plan(1937-1944). This Plan was about to be formulated in late April and early May of 1937 by the delegates to the National Convention in Chicago. The Baha’i community was itself being transformed while Gramsci was writings his Notebooks into a very different hegemony, process and complex of relationships.
-Ron Price with thanks to 1Edward Said, Orientalism, Penguin Books, London, 2003(1978), p.7; and 2Raymond Williams, Marxism and Literature, Oxford UP, Oxford, 1977, p.112.

You died the same year as your father
after such a short life.1 Hunch-backed
and underdeveloped, family in poverty
and plagued by health problems your
entire life. But you read and read and
had that wonderful memory…....Your
writings have been published recently
especially your prison Notebooks and
their 3000 pages written during those
last eleven years of your life in prison.2

An informal network of pockets of small,
local, ingrown and amorphous groups
evolved at this time into a national unit
of a global, well-organized religion with
a national consciousness in world society.3
I found the events-interesting synchronicity.

1 Gramsci died at the age of 46.

2 Not published in English until the 1990s these Notebooks, these writings are the fruits, some say, of a genius. That being said, some also say, they are virtually impossible to understand. They are not cohesive in any sense of the word and offer no linear insight to tell the reader a story. They do, however, offer a great deal of insight into Gramsci's thoughts about virtually every topic from people he met to the thinkers of his days. His prose and poetry go to the heart of his thoughts, a heart which was politics. His work on hegemony, whenever it appears is brilliant and should be given apt time to study. These Notebooks are not for the casual reader. Readers need to have some background with Gramsci’s thought and the period in which he was writing. For serious scholars of Gramsci’s thoughts and works these Notebooks are a must have. Otherwise, I would recommend reading his collected works. In the edited volumes of his writings readers will find a more cohesive story presented. They will not get this in his Notebooks.

3 Loni Bramson-Lerche, “Some Aspects of the Development of the Baha’i Administrative Order in America: 1922-1936,” Studies in Babi & Baha’i History, Vol.1, ed. Moojan Momen, Kalimat Press, 1982, pp. 255-300.

Ron Price
15 December 2010]]>