World Mashup Articles

Cryptocurrency Market Rebounds – NASDAQ Might Trade Digital Coins

2018-04-28T13:01:00.002-07:00

Cryptocurrency markets are in the green again, pushing the total digital currency market capitalization close to $400 billion. Traders are blaming profit taking and bearish U.S. stock market trend for the latest broader market selloff. Bitcoin price (BTC) plunged below $9,000 level today after hitting one month high early in yesterday trading.

Altcoins are also in the doldrums. Ethereum (ETH) and Ripple (XRP) posted a double-digit decline in Wednesday trading. They are making small sideways moves today.

Ripple, the third largest cryptocurrency, dip more than 1% early today to $0.81. XRP hit $0.93 level last weekend. Litecoin (LTC), NEO (NEO), Cardano (ADA) and IOTA (MIOTA) also move higher today after trading in the red early in Thursday trading.

Bitcoin Cash (BCH) and EOS (EOS) are also gainers in today’s trading. BCH is up more than 4% to $1,344 and EOS price jump 3.3% to $14.72. The improvement in blockchain technologies of these coins boosts trader’s confidence.

Market Trend Remains Solid

The trader’s sentiments regarding the future fundamentals of cryptocurrency market remain stable despite the latest bearish trend. The potential for institutional investments and regulators acceptance adds to future fundamentals.

NASDAQ CEO comments have further encouraged investors confidence in cryptocurrency markets. The CEO believes NASDAQ could become a new platform for cryptocurrency traders once the market matures.

“Certainly Nasdaq would consider becoming a crypto exchange over time,” Nasdaq CEO Adena Friedman told CNBC’s Squawk Box Wednesday. “If we do look at it and say ‘it’s time, people are ready for a more regulated market,’ for something that provides a fair experience for investors.”

Adena Friedman wants regulators to play their role in streamlining digit currencies, as the CEO predicts cryptocurrencies to persist over the long-term.

NASDAQ has also announced a collaboration with cryptocurrency exchange Gemini. The partnership will give Gemini access to Nasdaq’s surveillance technology, which will help the cryptocurrency exchange to make sure that their platform offers a fair and “rules-based marketplace”.

Malala Yousafzai Biography

2018-04-28T12:24:00.004-07:00

Malala Yousafzai is a Pakistani school pupil and spokesperson for women’s right to education. In retaliation for her high profile campaign for education and criticism of the Taliban, she was shot in the head at close range by a Taliban gunman. She survived the gunshot wound and has become a leading spokesperson for human rights, education and women’s rights. She has received numerous peace awards and was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2014 along with Kailash Satyarthi, an Indian children’s rights activist.

Early Life Malala

Malala was born (12 July 1997) in Mingora, the Swat District of north-west Pakistan to a Sunni Muslim family. She was named Malala, which means ‘grief-stricken’ after a famous female Pashtun poet and warrior from Afghanistan.

Her father, Ziauddin Yousafzai is a poet and runs a chain of public schools. He is a leading educational advocate himself. In 2009, Malala began writing an anonymous blog for the BBC expressing her views on education and life under the threat of the Taliban taking over her valley. It was her father who suggested his own daughter to the BBC. She wrote under the byline “Gul Makai.”

During this period, the Taliban’s military hold on the area intensified. At times, Malala reported hearing artillery from the advancing Taliban forces. As the Taliban took control of the area, they issued edicts banning television, banning music, and banning women from going shopping and limiting women’s education. Many girls schools were blown up and as a consequence pupils stayed at home, scared of possible reprisals from the Taliban. However, for a time, there was a brief respite when the Taliban stated girls could receive primary education if they wore Burkhas. But, a climate of fear prevailed, and Malala and her father began to receive death threats for their outspoken views. As a consequence, Malala and her father began to fear for their safety. Her father once considered moving Malala outside of Swat to a boarding school, but Malala didn’t want to leave.

” I don’t know why, but hearing I was being targeted did not worry me. It seemed to me that everybody knows they will die one day.” I am Malala p.188

When her father suggested they stop their campaigns for human rights, Malala replied

“How can we do that? You were the one who said that if we believe in something greater than our lives, then our voices will only multiply ever if we are dead. We can’t disown our campaign!’ I am Malala p.188

People were asking me to speak at events. How could I refuse saying there was a security problem? We couldn’t do that, especially not as proud Pashtuns. My father always said that heroism is in the Pastun DNA. I am Malala p.180

After the BBC blog had ended, Malala featured in a documentary made by New York Times reporter Adam B.Ellick. She also received greater international coverage, and her identity about writing the BBC blog was revealed. In 2011, she received Pakistan’s first National Youth Peace Prize, and she was nominated by Archbishop Desmond Tutu for the International Children’s Peace Prize. Her increased profile and strident criticism of the Taliban caused Taliban leaders to meet, and in 2012, they voted to kill her.

On 9 October 2012, a masked gunman entered her school bus and asked “Which one of you is Malala? Speak up. Otherwise, I will shoot at you all.”

Malala was identified and she was shot with a single bullet which went through her head, neck and shoulder. Two other girls were also injured, though not as badly as Malala.

Malala survived the initial shooting but was in a critical condition. Her father was convinced she would die and told the village to prepare for her funeral. Her critical organs were failing, and she developed an infection. In a coma, she was moved to a hospital in Rawalpindi. Later on the 15 October, she was transferred to Birmingham in the United Kingdom for further treatment at a specialist hospital for treating military injuries. A couple of days later, she came out of a coma and responded well to treatment. She was discharged on January 3, 2013, and moved with her family to a temporary home in the West Midlands. Writing in her book “I am Malala” she writes.

“It was a miracle I was alive” (p.237)

She also writes about her lack of bitterness or desire for revenge.

“My only regret was that I hadn’t had a chance to speak to them before they shot me. Now they’d never hear what I had to say. I didn’t even think a single bad thought about the man who shot me – I had no thoughts of revenge – I just wanted to go back to Swat. I wanted to go home” I am Malala p.237

Response to Assassination attempt

Her assassination received worldwide condemnation and protests across Pakistan. Over two million people signed the Right to Education campaign. The petition helped the ratification of Pakistan’s first right to education bill in Pakistan.

Ehsanullah Ehsan, chief spokesman for the Pakistani Taliban, claimed responsibility for the attack, saying that Yousafzai was a symbol of the infidels and obscenity. However, other Islamic clerics in Pakistan issued a fatwa against the Taliban leaders and said there was no religious justification for shooting a schoolgirl.

United Nations petition

On 15 October, UN Special Envoy for global education, Gordon Brown, visited Malala whilst she was in hospital and launched a petition in her name – ‘In support for what Malala fought for.’

Using the slogan “I am Malala” the petition contains three demands

We call on Pakistan to agree to a plan to deliver education for every child.
We call on all countries to outlaw discrimination against girls.
We call on international organisations to ensure the world’s 61 million out-of-school children are in education by the end of 2015.

I am Malala – petition

On 12 July 2013, she spoke at the United Nations to a group of 500 youths calling for worldwide access to education.

“I am not against anyone, neither am I here to speak in terms of personal revenge against the Taliban or any other terrorist group. I’m here to speak up for the right of education for every child. I want education for the sons and daughters of the Taliban and all terrorists and extremists.” (BBC Link of speech)

Her global fame and admiration in the West have caused something of a backlash in Pakistan. Many in Pakistan fear the West’s support of Malala is hypocritical given the US drone strikes in Pakistan and Afghanistan. Also, her plight highlights the unchecked militancy of the Taliban, which is a problem for Pakistan. Some in Pakistan fear Malala is promoting a Western agenda. However, on her part, Malala is dismayed by conspiracy theories in her own country and is keen to portray her native Pakistan in a good light. Her BBC blog expresses such a sentiment.

…I immediately saw images of Pakistanis fill my screen. Not the usual rock hurling Pakistanis, irrationally shouting amidst flaming tyres, but gentle candle-lighting, beautiful Pakistanis with words of love and peace on their lips. It was UN International day of the Girl Child and the BBC chose to illustrate this with a story of what they termed a National Awakening in Pakistan, following the shooting of 14-year-old school girl, Malala Yousafzai. I was delighted at the apparent 24 hour flip from a narrative of “those Pakistanis are so barbaric they shoot their own school girls” to one of hope, resilience, and a more accurate reflection of the millions who reject such an act. (5 February, 2013)

Since 2013, she has studied at Edgbaston High School in Birmingham. She has continued to be a prominent activist based with her family living in Birmingham. In 2015, a documentary about Yousafzai was shortlisted for the Oscars ‘He Named Me Malala.’ In 2017, she began studying PPE at Lady Margaret Hall, Oxford University.

Freight Broker Profits

2017-11-10T10:04:00.002-08:00

Become A Freight Broker Or Freight Agent In 30 Days Or Less. Learn From A Ceo Who Started With No Experience And Now Does Over $32 Million Year. Huge Growth Opportunity In A $50 Billion Dollar Global Business Industry!

Click Here!

Infinity Scalper - New Forex Product That Sells! (view mobile)

2017-11-10T10:02:00.006-08:00

65 Percent Commission. Great Upsell. Want Your Traffic To Surprise You With Sales? Surprise It By Showing This Product! Fantastic Conversions! Great Epc! Affiliate Tools:http://www.infinityscalper.net/aff.html

Click Here!

Bitcoin Cryptocurrency Offer! (view mobile)

2017-11-10T10:01:00.004-08:00

10% Conversions On Internal Lists With $5 Epc! 3 Upsells! Best Crypto Offer On Cb! Contact Us For 90% Payout: Http://cryptocurrencyinstitute.org/affiliates

Click Here!

Rapid Trend Gainer - New Hot Forex Product! (view mobile)

2017-11-10T09:59:00.002-08:00

High Quality FX Indicator With 2 Upsells. 65/100 Commissions On Everything. Upto $195 Per Sale! Send 500 Clicks And See How Much Money This Offer Can Make You. Affiliate Tools Page - www.rapidtrendgainer.net/aff.html

Click Here!

Woodprofits - $80 Per Sale With 3 Upsells! - 11% Conversions!

2017-11-10T09:57:00.003-08:00

Conversion Monster On Woodworking, Diy, Survivalist, Green Energy Lists. Insane Epcs On Diy And Woodworking Traffic! Woodprofits - Guide To Starting A $90,000 Home Woodworking Business. Aff Tools: Http://woodprofits.com/affiliates

Click Here!

Hurricane Spin Scrubber- As Seen On Tv

2017-11-10T09:21:00.004-08:00

Cleaning Your Tub And Tiles Is Back Breaking Work. Not Anymore! Introducing The Hurricane Spin Scrubber! The Amazing Power Scrubber That Does The Hard Work For You - Fast! Hurricane Spin Scrubber Cuts Through Dirt And Grime With Ease

Click Here!

Biography of Queen Elizabeth II

2017-11-10T08:46:00.003-08:00

Queen Elizabeth (1952 – ) was crowned Head of State, Head of the Commonwealth and Supreme Governor of the Church of England in 1952.

She is the longest serving British monarch and has presided over half a century of continual change both within the Royal Family, Great Britain and the Commonwealth.

Queen Elizabeth II

Elizabeth was the eldest child of Prince Albert, the Duke of York (later George VI) and his wife Elizabeth (later known as the Queen Mother). Her father Prince Albert was second in line to the throne, until his elder brother Edward VIII abdicated in 1936 – pushing the shy Prince Albert into an unexpected role of King. King George VI rose to the challenge though he died early in 1952.

Elizabeth was educated at home, along with her sister Princess Margaret. During the Second World War, they were evacuated to Balmoral and later Windsor Castle. Towards the end of the war in 1945, Elizabeth joined the Women’s Royal Auxiliary Territorial Service, where she served as a driver and mechanic. After the war, she increasingly stepped into her role of performing public service, and made her first overseas trip to South Africa in 1947. Shortly before her 21st birthday, she said:

“I declare before you all that my whole life, whether it be long or short, shall be devoted to your service and the service of our great imperial family to which we all belong.”

In 1947, she married Prince Philip of Greece and Denmark in a ceremony at Westminster; they had known each other for several years. Some where opposed to the union because of his foreign ties, but this was overcome by his service in the Royal Navy. They have been happily married for over 70 years, and their relationship is a source of mutual strength, even if Prince Philip has a reputation for letting slip the odd colourful remark about foreigners. Elizabeth gave birth to their first child in 1948 – the future Prince Charles. They had four children in total. (Charles, Anne, Andrew, Edward)

In 1952, her father George VI passed away and Queen Elizabeth was crowned Queen to widespread enthusiasm. Her coronation set TV records around the globe, and it appeared to usher in a new era for the monarchy and British Commonwealth. News of Edmund Hilary reaching the peak of Mt Everest were delayed to coincide with her coronation. It appeared a symbolic end to the post-war austerity.

The 1950s could be seen as the golden age for the Queen. Deference and respect to the Royal family were still high, and the young Elizabeth looked like the fairy-tale Princess. However, over the next few decades, widespread social change saw a decline in traditional attitudes to the monarchy. Also the new era of TV and intense media scrutiny led to many unfavourable headlines as her children were caught up in marital problems and related scandals.

Yet, there were still high points for the Royal Family, such as her ‘Silver Jubiliee’ in 1977 and the wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana in 1981. By the 1990s, the media had a widespread fascination with Princess Diana, but as their marriage broke down, the Queen was increasingly perceived as being out of touch. In 1992, she famously declared the year to be her ‘annus horribilus‘ The year saw media headlines dominated by the marriage breakup of Charles and Diana, a fire in Windsor, and other criticisms of the Royal Family.

“1992 is not a year on which I shall look back with undiluted pleasure. In the words of one of my more sympathetic correspondents, it has turned out to be an ‘Annus Horribilis‘.” (Christmas address, 1992)

In 1996, Princess Diana died in a car crash, and temporarily there was public dismay as the Queen appeared distant and refused to fly flag at half mast. But, after the Queen later expressed admiration for Princess Diana the hostility evaporated. Nevertheless, the relationship between Princess Diana and the Queen were best described as being ‘cool’.

The Queen placed great emphasis on her job as uniting the Commonwealth – a difficult job in the post war period as de-colonisation led to many differing problems. However, the Queen usually received widespread acclaim, and many comment she was a real unifying presence at the Commonwealth meetings. In a speech at the United Nations, in 2010, she spoke of the importance of countries working together:

“In tomorrow’s world we must all work together as hard as ever, if we’re truly to be United Nations.”

After the difficulties of the 1990s, the 2000s saw a resurgence in her popularity as the Royal Family put many difficulties behind them, and they were able to celebrate good news. If 1992 was her annus horribilus, 2012, was perhaps her annus mirabilis. Firstly, in April, Prince William married Kate Middleton to widespread public enthusiasm. Then in summer, her Golden Jubilee was widely celebrated and popular despite the wet weather. Finally in July 2012, she took part in the opening ceremony of the London Olympics – which was a huge global success.

During her time as Head of State, Queen Elizabeth has sought to refrain from interfering in political issues and provide a moderating influence on the nation.

“We are a moderate, pragmatic people, more comfortable with practice than theory.” (30 April 2002)

She is a committed Christian and often mentions her religious beliefs in her Christmas addresses. However, in her role as Head of the Church of England, she has stated that she is committed to protecting the rights of all different faiths.

“The concept of our established Church is occasionally misunderstood and, I believe, commonly under-appreciated. Its role is not to defend Anglicanism to the exclusion of other religions. Instead, the Church has a duty to protect the free practice of all faiths in this country.”

– During a speech at Lambeth Palace, 15/02/2012.

Despite passing 90 years, she is in relative good health, and shows no sign of passing the throne to her heir Charles early. Though in recent years, she has began to cut back on public engagements.

Are The Bills Actually Good? They're Getting There

2017-11-02T15:51:00.002-07:00

The Buffalo Bills are 5-2. If the season were to end right at this moment (which it won’t, probably), the Bills would be in line for the No. 5 seed in the AFC. And with a win tonight at the Jets, they could pull even with the Patriots for first place in the AFC East. But are the Bills really any good? They’re certainly headed in the right direction, but as they reach the second half of the season, there’s reason to believe a regression is in order.

Buffalo Bills‬, ‪New York Jets‬, ‪NFL‬, ‪Thursday Night Football

It wasn’t supposed to go this way for Buffalo. At least not this quickly. When head coach Sean McDermott came aboard this year, he set about fumigating the stink left behind by his predecessor, Rex Ryan.

A handful of free agents—cornerbacks Stephon Gilmore and Nickell Robey-Coleman, inside linebacker Zach Brown, wideouts Robert Woods and Marquise Goodwin—wound up walking. GM Doug Whaley was fired in late April and replaced a couple of weeks later by Brandon Beane, who had previously worked with McDermott in Carolina. In August, after training camp began, Beane and McDermott continued with the tear-down by trading wideout Sammy Watkins, cornerback Ronald Darby, and inside linebacker Reggie Ragland. And just last week, Buffalo traded away defensive tackle Marcell Dareus, who not too long ago ago was thought to be the linchpin of the defense. The Bills hadn’t quite dismantled things down to the studs the way the Jets did, but they were accumulating draft capital for a future rebuild. This was a tank-lite.

One move the new regime didn’t make was to jettison quarterback Tyrod Taylor. Instead, they reworked Taylor’s contract, keeping him on the books at a bargain-basement price ($9.7 million against this year’s cap) relative to other starters. New offensive coordinator Rick Dennison installed a West Coast system that suits Taylor’s skills as a passer capable of using his legs to make plays with his arm and his feet once the pocket breaks down. But Taylor has been just good enough to make people doubt him.

Mina Kimes’s story on Taylor for ESPN The Magazine is recommended reading. “[T]he 28-year-old dual threat, known as T-Mobile, isn’t just divisive in Buffalo,” Kimes wrote. “He’s also polarizing around the NFL, where he’s become a Rorschach test for how we think about quarterbacks in 2017.” Just pick a stat to fit your side.

Since becoming a starter in 2015, Taylor has thrown 45 touchdown passes against just 14 interceptions. His interception rate of 1.4 percent, as Kimes noted, ranks fourth in the league in that time. But Taylor is not a volume passer; he’s only thrown for 250 yards or more eight times, including just once this year. This season, his passer rating, which does not take running into consideration, is 93.1, which ranks 11th in the league. His Total QBR, which factors in game situations and what receivers do after the catch, is 52.3, which ranks 17th. Buffalo’s offense ranks 18th in DVOA, and 16th in passing DVOA. Its success rate—a Football Outsiders metric that measures consistency—ranks 23rd when running the ball and 21st when passing. The Bills are 25th in yards per game (303.3). Buffalo’s offense is ... fine.

Charles Clay and Jordan Matthews have dealt with injuries, and Anquan Boldin retired before he played a down. The Bills traded this week for Panthers wideout Kelvin Benjamin, but until now Taylor has not had a marquee receiver—which Dennison’s scheme accounted for. NFL teams are using “11 personnel,” or one running back, one tight end, and three receivers, on 58 percent of all plays this season. The Bills, however, funnel much of what they do through their running backs, for which it helps to have a bona fide star in LeSean McCoy. Buffalo has used “11 personnel” on just 45 percent of its plays, second-fewest behind the Titans (39 percent). The Bills have also deployed one running back and two tight ends 27 percent of the time (exceeding the league average of 20 percent) in addition to going with two backs and two tight ends on 10 percent of all plays even though the rest of the league does this on just three precent of all snaps.

Running backs, then, have a lot to do with Buffalo’s passing game: McCoy (38 catches) has nearly twice as many receptions as anyone else on the team, and Taylor has targeted running backs 31 percent of the time—a figure that only trails the Saints (35 percent) and Bears (32 percent). And Taylor doesn’t take many chances: According to the NFL’s Next Gen Stats, Taylor’s aggressiveness—throws in which a defender is within one yard of an intended target—is just13.3 percent, the fourth-lowest total in the league. But what Taylor can do can’t always be quantified, such as this:

On both of those plays, Taylor showed both his elusiveness and an ability to keep his eyes downfield while also being able to throw his receiver open. Here, too, is one in which he hangs in the pocket and surveys the field before delivering a ball that’s behind Andre Holmes, but in the right spot relative to an opening in the Raiders’ secondary:

On the flip side, Taylor has taken 19 sacks—after being sacked a league-high 42 times last year—and shown a tendency to try to do too much. “While Taylor is a threat on the run and does a great job extending plays with his feet, there are times he needs to stay in the pocket and work within the structure of the play,” Bleacher Report’s Doug Farrar wrote earlier this year.

Here’s a play in which Taylor took a sack because he seemed determined not to run:

The biggest reason the Bills are 5-2 is because their defense has been able to generate turnovers. Their 17 takeaways are tied with the Ravens for the league lead, and their plus-14 turnover differential is far and away the league’s best. Safety Micah Hyde, formerly a sub-package player with the Packers, has been on the field for virtually every defensive snap and leads the NFL with five interceptions. Quarterbacks also have a passer rating of just 46.4 percent when throwing toward Hyde, per Pro Football Focus. Cornerback Tre’Davious White—the Bills’ first-round pick—has emerged as a possible rookie of the year candidate. And edge rusher Lorenzo Alexander is among the league’s leaders in PFF’s pass-rush productivity. All told, the Bills’ D is 10th in DVOA, but it’s 22nd in yards allowed per game, at 346.6.

But can they keep creating those turnovers? They might have to. Buffalo’s offense is 26th in punts per drive (47.3 percent), per Football Outsiders. And after tonight, Buffalo’s schedule gets appreciably more difficult, with upcoming games against the Saints at home, followed by road games at the Chargers and Chiefs, and a home game against the Patriots—the first of two matchups against the AFC East’s standard-bearers. Fans in Buffalo have waited 18 years to get back to the playoffs. Beane and McDermott have laid a good foundation—all those trades left the Bills with five picks in the first three rounds of next year’s draft, and Taylor’s new contract calls for a reasonable (as starting quarterbacks go) cap charge of $18 million in 2018—but the likeliest success for the Bills may be yet to come.

15 teachings of Lord Buddha that will help you live a better life

2017-11-01T15:33:00.003-07:00

Gautama Buddha, also known as Siddhartha Buddha was a sage who started to impact thousands of lives in sixth and fourth BCE (Before Common Era) with his profound spiritual wisdom. The word ‘Buddha’ means the enlightened one or the awakened one.

No matter what religion you follow, what culture you have been born and brought up in, Buddha’s teachings are universal. His teachings have the strength to awaken people to reality and make them introspect themselves. Lord Buddha’s teachings have not only given a deeper insight into one’s existence, but also made significant contribution in liberating one from the day-to-day conflicts in minds.

Inspiring millions of people today, Buddha’s wisdom in older days was kept alive through the oral tradition. It was only after 400 years of his death, that the first manuscript was written.

We bring you 15 quotes from the collection of Buddha’s teachings that will help you to attain a new perspective to peace, a state of well being and help you free yourself from the incarcerations of life.

Biography of Lord Buddha

2017-11-01T15:16:00.004-07:00

Siddhartha, who later became known as the Buddha – or The Enlightened One – was a prince who forsook the comforts of a palace to seek enlightenment. He realised the essential unreality of the world, and experienced the bliss of Nirvana. After his enlightenment he spent the remainder of his life teaching others how to escape the endless cycle of birth and death.

Biography of Lord Buddha

Buddha was born approximately 400 BCE in the area now known as Nepal. He was brought up in a palace with all the comforts and luxuries possible. Growing up a young noble prince, it is said his father sought to shield the young prince Siddhartha from the pain and suffering of the world. It is said his father had a premonition that Siddhartha would one day renounce the world.

However, at one point in his early adult life, Siddhartha sought to find a greater meaning to life. In disguise, he left the palace and wandered around the kingdom. Here, Siddhartha came across different people suffering from old age and illness, and witnessed death. This showed him the transitory nature of life, which had a great impact on him. As a consequence, Siddhartha resolved to seek a deeper meaning of life.

Secretly, Siddhartha left the palace – leaving behind his wife, son and all the worldly comforts that he had enjoyed. He devoted himself to meditation, seeking enlightenment amongst the ascetics of the forest.

In his intense quest for enlightenment, Siddhartha fasted excessively so his body wasted away; however, despite his great efforts enlightenment still remained a far cry. At one point, a passing woman gave him some food to eat and Siddhartha realised it was a mistake to seek enlightenment by torturing the body. He regained his strength and resolved to follow a ‘middle path’, avoiding excesses of both fasting and feasting.

On one day, Siddhartha resolved to sit under a Bodhi tree until he attained enlightenment. For several days, he sat in meditation seeking Nirvana. He was tested by various forces which tried to prevent him realising the goal.

However, Siddhartha was successful and entered into the blissful consciousness of Nirvana for several days. On returning to normal consciousness, Siddhartha the Buddha (Buddha means ‘enlightened one’) made the decision to spend the remainder of his life teaching others how to escape the inherent suffering of life.

For many years, Buddha travelled around India, especially around the Ganges plain and in Nepal, teaching his philosophy of liberation. His teachings were transmitted orally and not written down until many years after his death.

Many stories relate to the life of the Buddha in this teaching phase. His essential teachings were of love, compassion and tolerance. The Buddha taught that a seeker must have compassion for all living beings and this was the most important teaching. Although the Buddha disliked formal rules, a monastic following sprung up for those interested in following his path. He advocated strict celibacy for those wishing to follow his monastic path.

The Buddha would often give talks on enlightenment, but on one occasion, he simply held up a flower and maintained silence. Many left not understanding the point, but when later questioned, the Buddha replied that his real teaching could only be understood in silence. Talks could only give limited intellectual information which was not real enlightenment.

The Buddha sought to avoid deep philosophy, he avoided using the term God, preferring to talk about the practical way that a person may escape the cycle of birth and rebirth and attain enlightenment. Like many spiritual teachers, he often taught in parables to keep his teachings simple and practical.

The Buddha attracted hostility from those jealous of his popularity and spiritual development. One of his own monks Devadatta later became jealous of the Buddha and sought to split the community. He even tried on three occasions to kill the Buddha, but on each occasion he failed.

The Buddha passed away after many years of teaching and traveling throughout India. On his deathbed he told Ananda (his dearest disciple) that he should now rely on his teachings and own ethical conduct to be the guide of his life.

“For centuries the light of the Buddha has shone as a beacon beckoning men from across the sea of darkness. Like lost children, millions of seekers have reached out to the light with their heart’s inmost cry, and the Buddha has shown them the Way. The world stood before the Buddha with its ignorance, and the Buddha, the Enlightened One, gave man Truth. The world offered its age-old suffering to the Buddha’s heart and the Buddha, Lord of Compassion, showed man the Dharma.”

Stephen Hawking Biography

2017-11-01T14:52:00.003-07:00

Stephen Hawking is an English theoretical physicist, cosmologist and author. He is best known for his attempts to explain in clear terms the origins of the universe and some of the most complicated aspects of the cosmos and physics. Hawkings was the first scientist to offer a theory of cosmology explained by a union of the general theory of relativity and quantum mechanics.

Stephen Hawking

Early life Stephen Hawking

Stephen William Hawking was born on 8 January 1942 in Oxford, England. His family had moved to Oxford to escape the threat of V2 rockets over London. As a child he showed prodigious talents, if unorthodox study methods. On leaving school he got a place at University College, Oxford University where he studied Physics. His physics tutor at Oxford, Robert Berman, later said that Stephen Hawkins was an extraordinary student. He used few books and made no notes, but could work out theorems and solutions in a way other students couldn’t.

“My goal is simple. It is a complete understanding of the universe, why it is as it is and why it exists at all.”

On gaining a B.A.Hons in Physics, he briefly stayed to study Astronomy but was not interested in observing sun spots so moved to Trinity College, Cambridge where he was able to pursue his passion for theoretical astronomy and cosmology.

It was in Cambridge that Stephen Hawking first started to develop symptoms of neuro-muscular problems – a type of motor neuron disease. This quickly started to hamper affected his physical movements. His speech became slurred and he become unable to even feed himself. At one stage, the doctors gave him a life span of three years. However, the progress of the disease slowed down and he has managed to overcome his severe disability to continue his research and active public engagements. At Cambridge ,a fellow scientist developed a synthetic speech device which enabled him to speak by using a touch pad. This early synthetic speech sound has become the ‘voice’ of Stephen Hawking and as a result, he has kept the original sound of this early model – despite technological advancements.

Nevertheless, despite the latest technology, it can still be a time consuming process for him to communicate. Stephen Hawking has taken a pragmatic view to his disability:

“It is a waste of time to be angry about my disability. One has to get on with life and I haven’t done badly. People won’t have time for you if you are always angry or complaining. ” The Guardian (27 September 2005)

Stephen Hawking’s principle fields of research have been involved in theoretical cosmology and quantum gravity.

Amongst many other achievements, he developed a mathematical model for Albert Einstein’sGeneral Theory of Relativity. He has also undertook a lot of work on the nature of the Universe, The Big Bang and Black Holes.

Despite being one of the best physicists of his generation, he has also been able to translate difficult physics models into a general understanding for the general public. His books – A Brief History of Time and The Universe in A Nutshell have both became runaway bestsellers – with aBrief History of Time staying in the Bestsellers lists for over 230 weeks. In his books, Hawking tries to explain scientific concepts in everyday language, and give an overview to the workings behind the cosmos.

“The whole history of science has been the gradual realization that events do not happen in an arbitrary manner, but that they reflect a certain underlying order, which may or may not be divinely inspired.”

Stephen Hawking has become one of the most famous scientists of his generation. He makes frequent public engagements and his portrayed himself in popular media culture from programmes, such as The Simpsons to Star Trek.

He married Jane Wilde, a language student in 1965. He said this was a real turning point for him at a time when he was fatalistic because of his illness. They later divorced but had three children.

Biography of Plato

2017-10-31T22:28:00.007-07:00

Plato (423 BC – 348 BC) was a Classical Greek philosopher, mathematician, student of Socrates, writer of philosophical dialogues, and founder of the Academy in Athens, the first institution of higher learning in the Western world. Along with his mentor, Socrates, and his student, Aristotle, Plato helped to lay the foundations of Western philosophy and science. Plato influenced a whole range of subjects from philosophy to maths, logic and ethics.

Biography of Plato

The early life of Plato is only partially recorded, but he was born in an aristocratic family in Athens. This enabled him to gain a good education, where he soon impressed those around him with his speed of learning and clarity of thought.

Relationship with Socrates

A key element of Plato’s writings is his frequent references to Socrates. Socrates appears in most of Plato’s writings, and it is clear that Socrates and his Socratic dialogues had a big influence on the young Plato.

It is only through Plato, that we get a clear idea of Socrates’ philosophy and way of life. In Apology of Socrates, Plato writes an account of Socrates defending himself in a trial which ultimately led to his own death.

However, Plato was not merely transcribing the words of Socrates; he was also using his own interpretations and thought to add to that which he learned from him.

Plato’s Central Doctrines

Plato wrote on a whole range of topics, but it is his ethics and general philosophy which seemed to be his biggest interest. Plato wrote that he saw a distinction between the body (corporeal world) and the soul. He also saw a distinction between the imperfection of the material world and the highest ideals which transcend material imperfections. Plato felt that someone of a ‘philosophic mind’ could differentiate between outward limitations and the highest ideals of beauty, truth, unity and justice. It is a philosophy which hints at the limitations of the material and mental world and encourages an aspiration to higher ideals.

He also mentions that the life we live is based on previous choices in either this incarnation of the soul or previous incarnations. Plato’s philosophy was also heavily influenced by Pythagoras, especially his religious views on transmigration.

In Politics, Plato developed the idea of a ‘Philosopher King’ someone who would be a wisdom lover and develop the necessary qualities to rule over his people with wisdom and justice. He makes the analogy to a ship’s captain or doctor. Someone who knows best what his patient needs.

“Until philosophers rule as kings or those who are now called kings and leading men genuinely and adequately philosophise, that is, until political power and philosophy entirely coincide, while the many natures who at present pursue either one exclusively are forcibly prevented from doing so, cities will have no rest from evils,… nor, I think, will the human race.” (Republic 473c-d)

This made Plato a critic of the current Athenian system of democracy.

Style of Teaching

Plato doesn’t write treatises, but writes in an indirect way, encouraging the reader to ask questions and think for himself. There is also signs of development and changes in thought, though some of this is due to uncertainty over whether letters ascribed to Plato, were actually written by him. But, like his teacher Socrates, Plato is often happy to play role of observer rather than a preacher.

Biography of Paul McCartney

2017-10-28T11:05:00.004-07:00

Paul McCartney (born 18 June 1942) is an English singer / songwriter and a key member of the Beatles. After the Beatles split up in 1970, he pursued his own successful solo career, recording with a variety of artists, including his group The Wings. According to the Guinness Book of Records he is the best selling artist of all time.

Biography of Paul McCartney

Paul McCartney was born in Liverpool, 1942, and became interested in music from an early age.

As a teenager he was a budding singer song writer and became good friends with John Lennonand later George Harrison – this was to prove the nucleus for the Beatles. In the early 1960s, The Beatles began by playing gigs in clubs in Germany and Liverpool. It was at the Cavern club in Liverpool where they were spotted by manager Brian Epstein. He secured them their first major recording contract with Parlophone (after many other record companies like Decca had turned them down)

It was playing at the Cavern club than Paul and John Lennon realised most groups were just doing cover versions, this inspired them to write their own music and this was a feature of the Beatles recordings for the next ten years.

In 1963, the Beatles soon shot to international fame and became one of the most recognised names in the world, especially after there visit to US in 1964. At the peak of their fame, the Beatles followed a punishing schedule of recording, live performances and media interviews. The music of the Beatles captivated a new generation of music lovers, but also their free spirit and innovation captured the feeling of the 1960s and sense of breaking out of old forms and traditional ideas.

In 1966, the Beatles performed their last live tour in the US. They decided to stop live performances because of the hysterical screaming and attention of fans. This encouraged them to do more private recording.

In the late 1960s, the group spent more time in the recording studio. They also became more innovative, incorporating Eastern influences and new styles into their music. In 1967, the Beatles visited a meditation retreat by the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. McCartney said of the experience.

“The whole meditation experience was very good and I still use the mantra … I find it soothing.”

In the late 1960s, there was also increased tension between Paul McCartney and John Lennon. Lennon and McCartney were the two major composers and writers, but they started to drift apart. McCartney struggled with Lennon’s heavy LSD usage and also resented Yoko Ono’s presence in recording studios. However, despite personal tension, the late years of the Beatles produced some of the most memorable music of their career. It included ground-breaking albums such as Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, The Beatles and Abbey Road.

However, by 1970, the Beatles had split, with Lennon the keenest to pursue a new direction. The break up was difficult for McCartney who experienced a period of depression. However, his new wife, Linda encouraged him to pursue a new career path. This involved forming a new band – The Wings, which lasted until 1981. During the 1970s, the Wings had major successes. The Mull of Kintyre was the first single to sell more than two million copies.

In the early 1970s, there was some lingering friction and competitive spirit between Lennon and McCartney, though they did reconcile for a period in the 1974. McCartney was devastated by Lennon’s murder in 1980, and stated he wished he could have got to know him better.

“I would not have been as typically human and standoffish as I was if I knew John was going to die. I would have made more of an effort to try and get behind his “mask” and have a better relationship with him.”

Paul McCartney has produced over 60 gold discs and has sold over 100 million singles. His song ‘Yesterday’ from album Help! (1965) is the most covered song in history. Paul admitted that he had at times a difficult relationship with the media, in particular he got fed up with all the questions about the Beatles.

“the Beatles were always a great band. Nothing more nothing less”

― Paul McCartney

After marrying Linda McCartney in 1969, Paul become interested in vegetarianism and human rights. He has supported many animal rights charities. After Linda’s death from cancer in 1998, he recommitted himself to supporting Linda’s vegetarian food company and animal rights charities.

“You can judge a man’s true character by the way he treats his fellow animals.”

― Paul McCartney

Paul remarried Heather Mills in 2002. But, by 2006, the British press reported their breakup which led to an acrimonious divorce. As one of the most recognised and successful musicians on the planet, Paul McCartney is is great demand for opening major venues. He performed at the opening ceremony of the London Olympics in 2012.

Want To Finally Master Your Camera?

2017-10-24T14:49:00.001-07:00

Lowest Refund Rates On CB!!! High Converting And Killer Commission. Photography Is The Fastest Growing Hobby And It Seems Like Everyone Not Only Wants To Shoot Photos But Capture Videos. This Guide Is The Easiest Way To Get Out Of Auto.

Click Here!

Top Conv - Laserless Tattoo Removal ~75% Com~new Aff Bonus &prizes!

2017-10-24T14:47:00.001-07:00

2017: The Laserless Tattoo Removal Guide (tm) With Vsl & Fully Responsive Website! Cb's Top Converting Tattoo Removal Guide With 75% Com, $50 New Affiliate Bonus, Prizes, And Special Comm Rates For High Volume Affiliates~ Laserlesstattooremoval.com/jv

Click Here!

Trick Photography And Special Effects E-book

2017-10-24T14:38:00.003-07:00

Become Unique, Creative, And Artistic By Taking Breathtaking Photographs That Blow People's Minds Away! Dozens Of Rare Trick Photography Ideas Are Included In This 295 Page E-book, Along With 9 Hours Of How-to Photography Video Tutorials

Click Here!

Yoga Burn

2017-10-20T02:21:00.002-07:00

Attention Media Buyers: Introducing The 1st Ever Conversion-crushing Vsl For The Mass Markets Of Both Yoga And Weight Loss. If You Can Target Women 35+ You Can Absolutely Destroy With This Offer. Grab Your Link And Cash In! Affiliates@heryogasecrets.com

Click Here!

Unlock Your Hip Flexors - Huge Conversion Boost For 2017

2017-10-20T02:11:00.003-07:00

Uyhf Gives You A Practical, Easy-to-follow Program You Can Use To Instantly Release Your Hip Flexors For More Strength, Better Health And All Day Energy. Proven Swipes And Creatives Here: Http://www.criticalbench.com/partners/welcome.php

Click Here!

The 2 Week Diet By Brian Flatt - Just Launched By Proven Sellers! New!

2017-10-20T01:40:00.006-07:00

From The Creators Of 3 Week Diet Comes The Even Better Weight Loss Product. Tested And Proven To Convert! Customers Want Faster Fat Loss! This Is Gonna Be Massive For 2017! 4 Upsells And You Get 75% On All! Get Your Tools At Http://www.2weekdiet.com/affs

Click Here!

Vertical Jump Training: Vert Shock

2017-10-19T13:01:00.002-07:00

Professional Athlete Endorsed/ Created Vertical Jump Training System. Very High Conversion (expert Testing And Development), Low Refunds, Upsells And Re-bills To Your Aff Id. 24 Hr Support & Personalized Coaching. Aff Tools: www.vertshock.com/affiliates

Click Here!

Btv Award Winning Music Production Software

2017-10-16T03:37:00.003-07:00

Professional Beat Making Software With Awesome Sounds That Is Simple To Use And Sells Like Crazy. High Converting Beat Maker. A/b Tested Monthly. Newbie Affiliate Made Over $20k. Heavily Celebrity Endorsed. Multiple Price Points. Btvsolo.com/resources

Click Here!

Learn Photo Editing

2017-10-16T03:35:00.008-07:00

Photoshop Tutorials On How To Create Professional Looking Photos And Images. Turn Your Photos Into Magazine Covers By Learning The Secrets Of Color Grading And Photo Manipulation!

Click Here!

Biography of Albert Einstein

2017-10-12T03:04:00.002-07:00

Born in Germany 1879, Albert Einstein is one of the most celebrated scientists of the Twentieth Century. His theories on relativity laid the framework for a new branch of physics, and Einstein’s E = mc2 on mass-energy equivalence is one of the most famous formulas in the world. In 1921, he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics for his contributions to theoretical physics and the evolution of Quantum Theory.

Biography of Albert Einstein

Einstein is also well known as an original free-thinker, speaking on a range of humanitarian and global issues. After contributing to the theoretical development of nuclear physics and encouraging F.D. Roosevelt to start the Manhattan Project, he later spoke out against the use of nuclear weapons.

Born in Germany to Jewish parents, Einstein settled in Switzerland and then, after Hitler’s rise to power, the United States. Einstein was a truly global man and one of the undisputed genius’ of the Twentieth Century.

Early life Albert Einstein

Einstein was born 14 March 1879, in Ulm the German Empire. His parents were working-class (salesman/engineer) and non-observant Jews. Aged 15, the family moved to Milan, Italy where his father hoped Albert would become a mechanical engineer. However, despite Einstein’s intellect and thirst for knowledge, his early academic reports suggested anything but a glittering career in academia. His teachers found him dim and slow to learn. Part of the problem was that Albert expressed no interest in learning languages and the learning by rote that was popular at the time.

“School failed me, and I failed the school. It bored me. The teachers behaved like Feldwebel (sergeants). I wanted to learn what I wanted to know, but they wanted me to learn for the exam.” Einstein and the Poet (1983)

At the age of 12, Einstein picked up a book on geometry and read it cover to cover. – He would later refer to it as his ‘holy booklet’. He became fascinated by maths and taught himself – becoming acquainted with the great scientific discoveries of the age.

Despite Albert’s independent learning, he languished at school. Eventually, he was asked to leave by the authorities because his indifference was setting a bad example to other students.

He applied for admission to the Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich. His first attempt was a failure because he failed exams in botany, zoology and languages. However, he passed the next year and in 1900 became a Swiss citizen.

At college, he met a fellow student Mileva Maric, and after a long friendship, they married in 1903; they had two sons before divorcing several years later.

In 1896 Einstein renounced his German citizenship to avoid military conscription. For five years he was stateless, before successfully applying for Swiss citizenship in 1901. After graduating from Zurich college, he attempted to gain a teaching post but none was fortcoming; instead he gained a job in the Swiss Patent Office.

While working at the Patent Office, Einstein continued his own scientific discoveries and began radical experiments to consider the nature of light and space.

He published his first scientific paper in 1900, and by 1905 had completed his PhD entitled “A New Determination of Molecular Dimensions. In addition to working on his PhD, Einstein also worked feverishly on other papers. In 1905, he published four pivotal scientific works, which would revolutionise modern physics. 1905 would later be referred to as his ‘annus mirabilis‘

Einstein’s work started to gain recognition, and he was given a post at the University of Zurich (1909) and, in 1911, was offered the post of full-professor at the Charles-Ferdinand University in Prague (which was then part of Austria-Hungary Empire). He took Austrian-Hungary citizenship to accept the job. In 1914, he returned to Germany and was appointed director of the Kaiser Wilhelm Institute for Physics. (1914–1932)

Albert Einstein’s Scientific Contributions

Quantum Theory

Einstein suggested that light doesn’t just travel as waves but as electric currents. This photoelectric effect could force metals to release a tiny stream of particles known as ‘quanta’. From this Quantum Theory, other inventors were able to develop devices such as television and movies. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1921.

Special Theory of Relativity

This theory was written in a simple style with no footnotes or academic references. The core of his theory of relativity is that:

“Movement can only be detected and measured as relative movement; the change of position of one body in respect to another.”

Thus there is no fixed absolute standard of comparison for judging the motion of the earth or plants. It was revolutionary because previously people had thought time and distance are absolutes. But, Einstein proved this not to be true.

He also said that if electrons travelled at close to the speed of light, their weight would increase.

This lead to Einstein’s famous equation:

E = mc2

Where E = energy m = mass and c = speed of light.

General Theory of Relativity 1916

Working from a basis of special relativity. Einstein sought to express all physical laws using equations based on mathematical equations.

He devoted the last period of his life trying to formulate a final unified field theory which included a rational explanation for electromagnetism. However, he was to be frustrated in searching for this final breakthrough theory.

Solar eclipse of 1919

In 1911, Einstein predicted the sun’s gravity would bend the light of another star. He based this on his new general theory of relativity. On 29 May 1919, during a solar eclipse, British astronomer and physicist Sir Arthur Eddington was able to confirm Einstein’s prediction. The news was published in newspapers around the world, and it made Einstein internationally known as a leading physicist. It was also symbolic of international co-operation between British and German scientists after the horrors of the First World War.

In the 1920s, Einstein travelled around the world – including the UK, US, Japan, Palestine and other countries. Einstein gave lectures to packed audiences and became an internationally recognised figure for his work on physics, but also his wider observations on world affairs.

Bohr-Einstein debates

During the 1920s, other scientists started developing the work of Einstein and coming to different conclusions on Quantum Physics. In 1925 and 1926, Einstein took part in debates with Max Born about the nature of relativity and quantum physics. Although the two disagreed on physics, they shared a mutual admiration.

Exile

As a German Jew, Einstein was threatened by the rise of the Nazi party. In 1933, when the Nazi’s seized power, they confiscated Einstein’s property, and later started burning his books. Einstein, then in England, took an offer to go to Princeton University in the US. He later wrote that he never had strong opinions about race and nationality but saw himself as a citizen of the world.

“I do not believe in race as such. Race is a fraud. All modern people are the conglomeration of so many ethnic mixtures that no pure race remains.”

Once in the US, Einstein dedicated himself to a strict discipline of academic study. He would spend no time on maintaining his dress and image. He considered these things ‘inessential’ and meant less time for his research. Einstein was notoriously absent-minded. In his youth, he once left his suitcase at a friends house. His friend’s parents told Einstein’s parents: “That young man will never amount to anything, because he can’t remember anything.”

Although a bit of a loner, and happy in his own company, he had a good sense of humour. On January 3, 1943 Einstein received a letter from a girl who was having difficulties with mathematics in her studies. Einstein consoled her when he wrote in reply to her letter

“Do not worry about your difficulties in mathematics. I can assure you that mine are still greater.”

Einstein professed belief in a God “Who reveals himself in the harmony of all being”. But, he followed no established religion. His view of God sought to establish a harmony between science and religion.

“Science without religion is lame, religion without science is blind.”

– Einstein, Science and Religion (1941)

Politics of Einstein

Einstein described himself as a Zionist Socialist. He did support the state of Israel, but became concerned about the narrow nationalism of the new state. In 1952, he was offered the position as President of Israel, but he declined saying he had:

“neither the natural ability nor the experience to deal with human beings.” … “I am deeply moved by the offer from our State of Israel, and at once saddened and ashamed that I cannot accept it.”

Albert Einstein was involved in many civil rights movements such as the American campaign to end lynching. He joined the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and considered racism, America’s worst disease. But he also spoke highly of the meritocracy in American society and the value of being able to speak freely.

On the outbreak of war in 1939, Einstein wrote to President Roosevelt about the prospect of Germany developing an atomic bomb. He warned Roosevelt that the Germans were working on a bomb with a devastating potential. Roosevelt headed his advice and started the Manhattan project to develop the US atom bomb. But, after the war ended, Einstein reverted to his pacifist views. Einstein said after the war.

“Had I known that the Germans would not succeed in producing an atomic bomb, I would not have lifted a finger.” (Newsweek, 10 March 1947)

In the post-war McCarthyite era, Einstein was scrutinised closely for potential Communist links. He wrote an article in favour of socialism, “Why Socialism” (1949) He criticised Capitalism and suggested a democratic socialist alternative. He was also a strong critic of the arms race. Einstein remarked:

“I do not know how the third World War will be fought, but I can tell you what they will use in the Fourth—rocks!”
Einstein was feted as a scientist, but he was a polymath with interests in many fields. In particular, he loved music. He wrote that if he had not been a scientist, he would have been a musician. Einstein played the violin to a high standard.

“I often think in music. I live my daydreams in music. I see my life in terms of music… I get most joy in life out of music.”