Mend Your Diet - Cardinal Health Knowledge Base

Cardinal Health Knowledge Base

HEALTH PHYSICS = Cardinal Principles of Radiation Protection? > The exposure rate from a point source is 100 mR/hr at 120 cm. What is the exposure rate at 30 cm from the source? > If a survey meter reads 25 mR/hr, how long can a person stay at that location before receiving an exposure of 100 mR? > An x-ray tube has an output intensity of 2.8 mR/mAs. If 200 mA at 50 msec is used, what is the total exposure? > A fluoroscope emits 2 R/mA-minute at the table top for every mA of operation. What is the approximate patient entrance skin exposure (ESE) after a 3 minute fluoroscopic examination conducted at 2 mA? > What exposure will a radiologic technologist receive when exposed for 10 minutes at 4 meters from a source with intensity of 100 mR/min at 1 meter? > Using the information in question number 5, if the technologist is wearing an apron equivalent to 2 HVL, what would his/her exposure be underneath the apron?

Caring for a wild cardinal URGENT Okay we found a cadinal with a broken wing outside and we want to nurse it back to health. Is there anything I can do without bringing it to a vet first? What do i feed it? I need help. Nevermind. While I was looking up wildlife control, the bird passed on. Thanks anyway. The bird had a sezuire, that's how it died.

Resume Question.....really wierd, please help? On your resume, you state who you worked for and where Im having a hard time trying to figure out how to put this one position my resume I got placed by a staffing firm (Adecco) which is based in CT to work on a project for a company called Cardinal Health, which provides all the equipment used in hospitals. But...I didn't work at the Cardinal Health premises. We worked at a hospital called Westchester Hospital where we unloaded the Cardinal Health products and tested them etc. So anyway, on my resume...do I state I worked at Addecco, Cardinal Health, or Westchester hospital? How is this usually stated on a resume when you worked for a staffing firm?

Who is going to journey on to Florence through the Tuscan countryside ? We would stay at Bagni di Pisa (health giving waters are still offered to an international clientele) and visit Pisa during one of the city’s festivals, staying at Lungo river Arno palace to enjoy the best view of the festivities http://www.provincia.pisa.it/pisalive/it/Pisalive/pisalive.html Do you know a Villa which has hosted many illustrious guests such as Gustavus III of Sweden, Christian II of Denmark, the Royal Family of Great Britain, Benedict Stuart Cardinal of York, General Murat, Luigi Buonaparte, Paolina Borghese, Carlo Alberto of Savoy, the poets Byron and Shelley, and various other personages from the history books ?

What does a Medieval Cardinal do and what is their lifestyle? ? I am in grade 8 and I need help with this project on Medieval roles for Social Studies. I picked the cardinal. I need to know what does a cardinal do as a job and what is his income and responsibilities. I also need to know what his home, clothing, diet, values, health and vulnerabilities, activities (Entertainment) are in medieval times. I am not asking you to do my homework for me, but any information would be great. Good links to site will be very helpful. Thank you. :) Also, thier lifestyles, if there isnt that much information on it, which i couldnt find either. What other people in medieval times like a biship or a pope was a cardinals life style samiler to?

Who supports National Council of La Raza? You think mexican or hispanic companies with a strong message of pride, but no, you get American blue chip companies wanting nothing but to encourage more slave wage mexican workers. "We encourage individual Hispanic entrepreneurs to become an NCLR partner as well. Partners like you have firsthand knowledge of the hard work and dedication it takes to achieve the American Dream. We would deeply appreciate your involvement in our institution and welcome your membership participation. " Amerada Hess Corporation American Airlines Anheuser-Busch Companies AstraZeneca International AT&T Azteca Foods, Inc. Bridgestone/Firestone Trust Fund Catholic Healthcare West Caterpillar Foundation Cardinal Health Chevron Corporation ConAgra Foods, Inc. Coors Brewing Company The Cummins Foundation DaimlerChrysler Corporation Fund Eastman Kodak Company ExxonMobil Corporation Fannie Mae Greenberg Traurig, LLP Guaranty Bank Hallmark Cards, Inc. and the lists go on and on of US companies ALL of which employ illegals. www.ncla.org PS Vegas girl, what planet are you from? You should respond to why do you think these companies are suppoting La Raza?

Why are illegals worried about what the US Government will do? The US government can’t tie its own shoes let alone stop illegal immigration. The list of failed US government efforts is so long it makes the Arizona Cardinals look like Super Bowl contenders in comparison. Just look at the history. The War on Terror…No Iraq…No South Korea…No Iran….No Venezuela? Get in line! The hunt for Osama? Can’t catch one guy. This is embarrassing. Katrina? FEMA shows its ass. The war on Drugs? Really? The first amnesty for illegals that was supposed to have ended the problem. Gulf war I, mission accomplished almost? Vietnam? Had these young men lived they would be running the country today. The Great Society? One of the biggest jokes ever played on America. The first energy crisis in the 1970’s. You know, the one that was supposed to lead us to freedom from foreign oil! No child left behind? A few hundred billion dollars later we can’t even find the children. Social Security? Oxymoron Health Care? For those that can pay.

Need to determine value of a 2006 Forrest River Cardinal 5th Wheel Model#CAF29RKLE Kelly BB would be ideal? Purchased new, used this past winter for 4 weeks down south. Great rig, super clean, includes all Luxury Equipment & Features. Forced to sell due to health so I really need to get a realistic figure to price for sale. Somewhere between wholesale & retail would be great. I believe the reason why I can't find it is that it is classified as "Limited Edition". NADA list 2005 but not 2006. Unable to find Kelly Blue Book so it may have my 2006 model listed. Should you be able to find me a price to quote, it would be appreciated very much :-)

What is coming out of holy holes, according to vatican Church? Vatican Pope: condoms don't stop Aids http://www.guardian.co.uk/aids/story/0,7369,1059068,00.html Steve Bradshaw Thursday October 9, 2003 The Guardian The Catholic Church is telling people in countries stricken by Aids not to use condoms because they have tiny holes in them through which HIV can pass - potentially exposing thousands of people to risk. The church is making the claims across four continents despite a widespread scientific consensus that condoms are impermeable to HIV. A senior Vatican spokesman backs the claims about permeable condoms, despite assurances by the World Health Organisation that they are untrue. The church's claims are revealed in a BBC1 Panorama programme, Sex and the Holy City, to be broadcast on Sunday. The president of the Vatican's Pontifical Council for the Family, Cardinal Alfonso Lopez Trujillo, told the programme: "The Aids virus is roughly 450 times smaller than the spermatozoon. The spermatozoon can easily pass through the 'net' that is formed by the condom. "These margins of uncertainty... should represent an obligation on the part of the health ministries and all these campaigns to act in the same way as they do with regard to cigarettes, which they state to be a danger." The WHO has condemned the Vatican's views, saying: "These incorrect statements about condoms and HIV are dangerous when we are facing a global pandemic which has already killed more than 20 million people, and currently affects at least 42 million." The organisation says "consistent and correct" condom use reduces the risk of HIV infection by 90%. There may be breakage or slippage of condoms - but not, the WHO says, holes through which the virus can pass. Scientific research by a group including the US National Institutes of Health and the WHO found "intact condoms... are essentially impermeable to particles the size of STD pathogens including the smallest sexually transmitted virus... condoms provide a highly effective barrier to transmission of particle

I am muslim.I have found that ghost is guiding church. It is really amazing that ghost is still guiding church http://www.guardian.co.uk/aids/story/0,7369,1059068,00.html Steve Bradshaw The Guardian The Catholic Church is telling people in countries stricken by Aids not to use condoms because they have tiny holes in them through which HIV can pass - potentially exposing thousands of people to risk. The church is making the claims across four continents despite a widespread scientific consensus that condoms are impermeable to HIV. A senior Vatican spokesman backs the claims about permeable condoms, despite assurances by the World Health Organisation that they are untrue. The church's claims are revealed in a BBC1 Panorama programme, Sex and the Holy City, to be broadcast on Sunday. The president of the Vatican's Pontifical Council for the Family, Cardinal Alfonso Lopez Trujillo, told the programme: "The Aids virus is roughly 450 times smaller than the spermatozoon. The spermatozoon can easily pass through the 'net' that is formed by the condom. "These margins of uncer nty... should represent an obligation on the part of the health ministries and all these campaigns to act in the same way as they do with regard to cigarettes, which they state to be a danger." The WHO has condemned the Vatican's views, saying: "These incorrect statements about condoms and HIV are dangerous when we are facing a global pandemic which has already killed more than 20 million people, and currently affects at least 42 million." The organisation says "consistent and correct" condom use reduces the risk of HIV infection by 90%. There may be breakage or slippage of condoms - but not, the WHO says, holes through which the virus can pass. Scientific research by a group including the US National Institutes of Health and the WHO found "intact condoms... are essentially impermeable to particles the size of STD pathogens including the smallest sexually transmitted virus... condoms provide a highly effective barrier to transmission of particles of similar size to those of the smalles

Why there are unholy holes in holy condoms (according to Vatican Pope)? Vatican Pope: condoms don't stop Aids http://www.guardian.co.uk/aids/story/0,7369,1059068,00.html Steve Bradshaw Thursday October 9, 2003 The Guardian The Catholic Church is telling people in countries stricken by Aids not to use condoms because they have tiny holes in them through which HIV can pass - potentially exposing thousands of people to risk. The church is making the claims across four continents despite a widespread scientific consensus that condoms are impermeable to HIV. A senior Vatican spokesman backs the claims about permeable condoms, despite assurances by the World Health Organisation that they are untrue. The church's claims are revealed in a BBC1 Panorama programme, Sex and the Holy City, to be broadcast on Sunday. The president of the Vatican's Pontifical Council for the Family, Cardinal Alfonso Lopez Trujillo, told the programme: "The Aids virus is roughly 450 times smaller than the spermatozoon. The spermatozoon can easily pass through the 'net' that is formed Scientific research by a group including the US National Institutes of Health and the WHO found "intact condoms... are essentially impermeable to particles the size of STD pathogens including the smallest sexually transmitted virus... condoms provide a highly effective barrier to transmission of particles of similar size to those of the smallest STD viruses". The Vatican's Cardinal Trujillo said: "They are wrong about that... this is an easily recognisable fact." The church opposes any kind of contraception because it claims it breaks the link between sex and procreation - a position Pope John Paul II has fought to defend. In Kenya - where an estimated 20% of people have HIV - the church condemns condoms for promoting promiscuity and repeats the claim about permeability. The archbishop of Nairobi, Raphael Ndingi Nzeki, said: "Aids... has grown so fast because of the availability of condoms." Sex and the Holy City includes a Catholic nun advising her HIV-infected choirma

Questions about the St.louis Cardinals.? What is the diagnosis for Mark Mulder? Isn't John Mozeliak the worst GM ever? Doesn't want to trade, rid the team of all good experienced players in the offseason, Makes pessamistic comments about player's health. Why don't the Cardinals want Jim edmonds? When he became a free agent earlier in the season the Cards werent interested. Which trades are the cardinals interested in (both sides)?

help!!! with baby cardinals? i have been fostering 2 tiny baby cardinals for 2 1/2 weeks now. i have been grinding bird seed in a coffee bean grinder, sifting out seed hulls, making a cooked cereal with the powder, and adding a small amount of peanut butter fo protein. they are growing beautifully and have no health problems. i am trying to find out what i should enter into their diet. any good info out there? i could use it, as i wish to return these pigs in feathers to their natural habitat as soon as they are ready.

Journeying on to Florence through the Tuscan countryside: Lucca, Pisa, Siena, Arezzo? Journeying on to Florence through the Tuscan countryside: Lucca, Pisa, Siena, Arezzo and other delightful towns dot the road to Pisa where who are guested of the Agostini family Villa di Corliano. The family - and 2 resident ghosts - still welcome guest at the Villa, much as it they were at the height of its fame in the 1770’s. The stay at Bagni di Pisa (health giving waters are still offered to an international clientele) and visit Pisa during one of the city’s festivals, staying at the Agostini Palace to enjoy the best view of the festivities http://www.provincia.pisa.it/pisalive/it/Pisalive/pisalive.html The Villa has hosted many illustrious guests such as Gustavus III of Sweden, Christian II of Denmark, the Royal Family of Great Britain, Benedict Stuart Cardinal of York, General Murat, Luigi Buonaparte, Paolina Borghese, Carlo Alberto of Savoy, the poets Byron and Shelley, and various other personages from the history books. Relais dell'Ussero http://www.corliano.it

what is THE STATUS OF WOMAN IN ISLAM ? THE STATUS OF WOMAN IN ISLAM By Jamal A. Badawi CONTENTS PREFACE INTRODUCTION HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVES Women in Ancient Civilization WOMEN IN ISLAM 1. The Spiritual Aspect 2. The Social Aspect (a) As a Child and Adolescent (b) As a Wife (c) As a Mother 3. The Economic Aspect 4. The political Aspect CONCLUSION BIBLIOGRAPHY -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- PREFACE Family, society and ultimately the whole of mankind is treated by Islam on an ethical basis. Differentiation in sex is neither a credit nor a drawback for the sexes. Therefore, when we talk about status of woman in Islam it should not lead us to think that Islam has no specific guidelines, limitations, responsibilities and obligations for men. What makes one valuable and respectable in the eyes of Allah, the Creator of mankind and the universe, is neither one's prosperity, position, intelligence, physical strength nor beauty, but only one's Allah-consciousness and awareness (taqwa). However, since in the Western culture and in cultures influenced by it, there exists a disparity between men and women there is more need for stating Islam's position on important issues in a clear way. Dr. Jamal Badawi's essay, The Status of Women in Islam, was originally published in our quarterly journal, Al-lttihad, Vol. 8, No. 2, Sha'ban 1391/Sept 1971. Since then it has been one of our most-demanded publications. We thank Br. Jamal for permitting us to reprint his essay. We hope it will clarify many of the misconceptions. Anis Ahmad, Director Dept. of Education and Training MSA of U.S. and Canada P.O. Box 38 Plainfield, IN 46168 USA Jumada al Thani 1400 April 1980 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I. INTRODUCTION The status of women in society is neither a new issue nor is it a fully settled one. The position of Islam on this issue has been among the subjects presented to the Western reader with the least objectivity. This paper is intended to provide a brief and authentic exposition of what Islam stands for in this regard. The teachings of Islam are based essentially on the Qur'an (God's revelation) and Hadeeth (elaboration by Prophet Muhammad). The Qur'an and the Hadeeth, properly and unbiasedly understood, provide the basic source of authentication for any position or view which is attributed to Islam. The paper starts with a brief survey of the status of women in the pre-Islamic era. It then focuses on these major questions: What is the position of Islam regarding the status of woman in society? How similar or different is that position from "the spirit of the time," which was dominant when Islam was revealed? How would this compare with the "rights" which were finally gained by woman in recent decades? -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- II. HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVES One major objective of this paper is to provide a fair evaluation of what Islam contributed (or failed to contribute) toward the restoration of woman's dignity and rights. In order to achieve this objective, it may be useful to review briefly how women were treated in general in previous civilizations and religions, especially those which preceded Islam (Pre-610 C.E.). Part of the information provided here, however, describes the status of woman as late as the nineteenth century, more than twelve centuries after Islam. Women in Ancient Civilization Describing the status of the Indian woman, Encyclopedia Britannica states: In India, subjection was a cardinal principle. Day and night must women be held by their protectors in a state of dependence says Manu. The rule of inheritance was agnatic, that is descent traced through males to the exclusion of females. In Hindu scriptures, the description of a good wife is as follows: "a woman whose mind, speech and body are kept in subjection, acquires high renown in this world, and, in the next, the same abode with her husband." In Athens, women were not better off than either the Indian or the Roman women. "Athenian women were always minors, subject to some male - to their father, to their brother, or to some of their male kin. Her consent in marriage was not generally thought to be necessary and "she was obliged to submit to the wishes of her parents, and receive from them her husband and her lord, even though he were stranger to her." A Roman wife was described by an historian as: "a babe, a minor, a ward, a person incapable of doing or acting anything according to her own individual taste, a person continually under the tutelage and guardianship of her husband." In the Encyclopedia Britannica, we find a summary of the legal status of women in the Roman civilization: In Roman Law a woman was even in historic times completely dependent. If married she and her property passed into the power of her husband . . . the wife was the purchased property of her husband, and like a slave acquired only for his benefit. A woman could not exercise any civil or public office . could not be a witness, surety, tutor, or curator; she could not adopt or be adopted, or make will or contract. Among the Scandinavian races women were: under perpetual tutelage, whether married or unmarried. As late as the Code of Christian V, at the end of the 17th Century, it was enacted that if a woman married without the consent of her tutor he might have, if he wished, administration and usufruct of her goods during her life. According to the English Common Law: ...all real property which a wife held at the time of a marriage became a possession of her husband. He was entitled to the rent from the land and to any profit which might be made from operating the estate during the joint life of the spouses. As time passed, the English courts devised means to forbid a husband's transferring real property without the consent of his wife, but he still retained the right to manage it and to receive the money which it produced. As to a wife's personal property, the husband's power was complete. He had the right to spend it as he saw fit. Only by the late nineteenth Century did the situation start to improve. "By a series of acts starting with the Married women's Property Act in 1870, amended in 1882 and 1887, married women achieved the right to own property and to enter contracts on a par with spinsters, widows, and divorcees." As late as the Nineteenth Century an authority in ancient law, Sir Henry Maine, wrote: "No society which preserves any tincture of Christian institutions is likely to restore to married women the personal liberty conferred on them by the Middle Roman Law." In his essay The Subjection of Women, John Stuart Mill wrote: We are continually told that civilization and Christianity have restored to the woman her just rights. Meanwhile the wife is the actual bondservant of her husband; no less so, as far as the legal obligation goes, than slaves commonly so called. Before moving on to the Qur'anic decrees concerning the status of woman, a few Biblical decrees may shed more light on the subject, thus providing a better basis for an impartial evaluation. In the Mosaic Law, the wife was betrothed. Explaining this concept, the Encyclopedia Biblica states: "To betroth a wife to oneself meant simply to acquire possession of her by payment of the purchase money; the betrothed is a girl for whom the purchase money has been paid." From the legal point of view, the consent of the girl was not necessary for the validation of her marriage. "The girl's consent is unnecessary and the need for it is nowhere suggested in the Law." As to the right of divorce, we read in the Encyclopedia Biblica: "The woman being man's property, his right to divorce her follows as a matter of course." The right to divorce was held only by man. "In the Mosaic Law divorce was a privilege of the husband only .... " The position of the Christian Church until recent centuries seems to have been influenced by both the Mosaic Law and by the streams of thought that were dominant in its contemporary cultures. In their book, Marriage East and West, David and Vera Mace wrote: Let no one suppose, either, that our Christian heritage is free of such slighting judgments. It would be hard to find anywhere a collection of more degrading references to the female sex than the early Church Fathers provide. Lecky, the famous historian, speaks of (these fierce incentives which form so conspicuous and so grotesque a portion of the writing of the Fathers . . . woman was represented as the door of hell, as the mother of all human ills. She should be ashamed at the very thought that she is a woman. She should live in continual penance on account of the curses she has brought upon the world. She should be ashamed of her dress, for it is the memorial of her fall. She should be especially ashamed of her beauty, for it is the most potent instrument of the devil). One of the most scathing of these attacks on woman is that of Tertullian: Do you know that you are each an Eve? The sentence of God on this sex of yours lives in this age: the guilt must of necessity live too. You are the devil's gateway: you are the unsealer of that forbidden tree; you are the first deserters of the divine law; you are she who persuades him whom the devil was not valiant enough to attack. You destroyed so easily God's image, man. On account of your desert - that is death - even the Sop of God had to die). Not only did the church affirm the inferior status of woman, it deprived her of legal rights she had previously enjoyed. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- III. WOMAN IN ISLAM In the midst of the darkness that engulfed the world, the divine revelation echoed in the wide desert of Arabia with a fresh, noble, and universal message to humanity: "O Mankind, keep your duty to your Lord who created you from a single soul and from it created its mate (of same kind) and from them twain has spread a multitude of men and women" (Qur'an 4: 1). A scholar who pondered about this verse states: "It is believed that there is no text, old or new, that deals with the humanity of the woman from all aspects with such amazing brevity, eloquence, depth, and originality as this divine decree." Stressing this noble and natural conception, them Qur'an states: He (God) it is who did create you from a single soul and therefrom did create his mate, that he might dwell with her (in love)...(Qur'an 7:189) The Creator of heavens and earth: He has made for you pairs from among yourselves ...Qur'an 42:1 1 And Allah has given you mates of your own nature, and has given you from your mates, children and grandchildren, and has made provision of good things for you. Is it then in vanity that they believe and in the grace of God that they disbelieve? Qur'an 16:72 The rest of this paper outlines the position of Islam regarding the status of woman in society from its various aspects - spiritually, socially, economically and politically. 1. The Spiritual Aspect The Qur'an provides clear-cut evidence that woman iscompletely equated with man in the sight of God interms of her rights and responsibilities. The Qur'an states: "Every soul will be (held) in pledge for its deeds" (Qur'an 74:38). It also states: ...So their Lord accepted their prayers, (saying): I will not suffer to be lost the work of any of you whether male or female. You proceed one from another ...(Qur'an 3: 195). Whoever works righteousness, man or woman, and has faith, verily to him will We give a new life that is good and pure, and We will bestow on such their reward according to the their actions. (Qur'an 16:97, see also 4:124). Woman according to the Qur'an is not blamed for Adam's first mistake. Both were jointly wrong in their disobedience to God, both repented, and both were forgiven. (Qur'an 2:36, 7:20 - 24). In one verse in fact (20:121), Adam specifically, was blamed. In terms of religious obligations, such as the Daily Prayers, Fasting, Poor-due, and Pilgrimage, woman is no different from man. In some cases indeed, woman has certain advantages over man. For example, the woman is exempted from the daily prayers and from fasting during her menstrual periods and forty days after childbirth. She is also exempted from fasting during her pregnancy and when she is nursing her baby if there is any threat to her health or her baby's. If the missed fasting is obligatory (during the month of Ramadan), she can make up for the missed days whenever she can. She does not have to make up for the prayers missed for any of the above reasons. Although women can and did go into the mosque during the days of the prophet and thereafter attendance et the Friday congregational prayers is optional for them while it is mandatory for men (on Friday). This is clearly a tender touch of the Islamic teachings for they are considerate of the fact that a woman may be nursing her baby or caring for him, and thus may be unable to go out to the mosque at the time of the prayers. They also take into account the physiological and psychological changes associated with her natural female functions. 2. The Social Aspect a) As a child and an adolescent Despite the social acceptance of female infanticide among some Arabian tribes, the Qur'an forbade this custom, and considered it a crime like any other murder. "And when the female (infant) buried alive - is questioned, for what crime she was killed." (Qur'an 81:8-9). Criticizing the attitudes of such parents who reject their female children, the Qur'an states: When news is brought to one of them, of (the Birth of) a female (child), his face darkens and he is filled with inward grief! With shame does he hide himself from his people because of the bad news he has had! Shall he retain her on (sufferance) and contempt, or bury her in the dust? Ah! What an evil (choice) they decide on? (Qur'an 16: 58-59). Far from saving the girl's life so that she may later suffer injustice and inequality, Islam requires kind and just treatment for her. Among the sayings of Prophet Muhammad (P.) in this regard are the following: Whosoever has a daughter and he does not bury her alive, does not insult her, and does not favor his son over her, God will enter him into Paradise. (Ibn Hanbal, No. 1957). Whosoever supports two daughters till they mature, he and I will come in the day of judgment as this (and he pointed with his two fingers held together). A similar Hadeeth deals in like manner with one who supports two sisters. (Ibn-Hanbal, No. 2104). The right of females to seek knowledge is not different from that of males. Prophet Muhammad (P.) said: "Seeking knowledge is mandatory for every Muslim". (AlBayhaqi). Muslim as used here including both males and females. b) As a wife: The Qur'an clearly indicates that marriage is sharing between the two halves of the society, and that its objectives, beside perpetuating human life, are emotional well-being and spiritual harmony. Its bases are love and mercy. Among the most impressive verses in the Qur'an about marriage is the following. "And among His signs is this: That He created mates for you from yourselves that you may find rest, peace of mind in them, and He ordained between you love and mercy. Lo, herein indeed are signs for people who reflect." (Qur'an 30:2 1). According to Islamic Law, women cannot be forced to marry anyone without their consent. Ibn Abbas reported that a girl came to the Messenger of God, Muhammad (P.), and she reported that her father had forced her to marry without her consent. The Messenger of God gave her the choice . . . (between accepting the marriage or invalidating it). (Ibn Hanbal No. 2469). In another version, the girl said: "Actually I accept this marriage but I wanted to let women know that parents have no right (to force a husband on them)" (Ibn Maja, No. 1873). Besides all other provisions for her protection at the time of marriage, it was specifically decreed that woman has the full right to her Mahr, a marriage gift, which is presented to her by her husband and is included in the nuptial contract, and that such ownership does not transfer to her father or husband. The concept of Mahr in Islam is neither an actual or symbolic price for the woman, as was the case in certain cultures, but rather it is a gift symbolizing love and affection. The rules for married life in Islam are clear and in harmony with upright human nature. In consideration of the physiological and psychological make-up of man and woman, both have equal rights and claims on one another, except for one responsibility, that of leadership. This is a matter which is natural in any collective life and which is consistent with the nature of man. The Qur'an thus states: "And they (women) have rights similar to those (of men) over them, and men are a degree above them." (Qur'an 2:228). Such degree is Quiwama (maintenance and protection). This refers to that natural difference between the sexes which entitles the weaker sex to protection. It implies no superiority or advantage before the law. Yet, man's role of leadership in relation to his family does not mean the husband's dictatorship over his wife. Islam emphasizes the importance of taking counsel and mutual agreement in family decisions. The Qur'an gives us an example: "...If they (husband wife) desire to wean the child by mutual consent and (after) consultation, there is no blame on them..." (Qur'an 2: 233). Over and above her basic rights as a wife comes the right which is emphasized by the Qur'an and is strongly recommended by the Prophet (P); kind treatment and companionship. The Qur'an states: "...But consort with them in kindness, for if you hate them it may happen that you hate a thing wherein God has placed much good." (Qur'an 4: l9). Prophet Muhammad. (P) said: The best of you is the best to his family and I am the best among you to my family. The most perfect believers are the best in conduct and best of you are those who are best to their wives. (Ibn-Hanbal, No. 7396) Behold, many women came to Muhammad's wives complaining against their husbands (because they beat them) - - those (husbands) are not the best of you. As the woman's right to decide about her marriage is recognized, so also her right to seek an end for an unsuccessful marriage is recognized. To provide for the stability of the family, however, and in order to protect it from hasty decisions under temporary emotional stress, certain steps and waiting periods should be observed by men and women seeking divorce. Considering the relatively more emotional nature of women, a good reason for asking for divorce should be brought before the judge. Like the man, however, the woman can divorce her husband with out resorting to the court, if the nuptial contract allows that. More specifically, some aspects of Islamic Law concerning marriage and divorce are interesting and are worthy of separate treatment. When the continuation of the marriage relationship is impossible for any reason, men are still taught to seek a gracious end for it. The Qur'an states about such cases: When you divorce women, and they reach their prescribed term, then retain them in kindness and retain them not for injury so that you transgress (the limits). (Qur'an 2:231). (See also Qur'an 2:229 and 33:49). c) As a mother: Islam considered kindness to parents next to the worship of God. "And we have enjoined upon man (to be good) to his parents: His mother bears him in weakness upon weakness..." (Qur'an 31:14) (See also Qur'an 46:15, 29:8). Moreover, the Qur'an has a special recommendation for the good treatment of mothers: "Your Lord has decreed that you worship none save Him, and that you be kind to your parents. . ." (Qur'an 17:23). A man came to Prophet Muhammad (P) asking: O Messenger of God, who among the people is the most worthy of my good company? The Prophet (P) said, Your mother. The man said then who else: The Prophet (P) said, Your mother. The man asked, Then who else? Only then did the Prophet (P) say, Your father. (Al-Bukhari and Muslim). A famous saying of The Prophet is "Paradise is at the feet of mothers." (In Al'Nisa'I, Ibn Majah, Ahmad). "It is the generous (in character) who is good to women, and it is the wicked who insults them." 3. The Economic Aspect Islam decreed a right of which woman was deprived both before Islam and after it (even as late as this century), the right of independent ownership. According to Islamic Law, woman's right to her money, real estate, or other properties is fully acknowledged. This right undergoes no change whether she is single or married. She retains her full rights to buy, sell, mortgage or lease any or all her properties. It is nowhere suggested in the Law that a woman is a minor simply because she is a female. It is also noteworthy that such right applies to her properties before marriage as well as to whatever she acquires thereafter. With regard to the woman's right to seek employment it should be stated first that Islam regards her role in society as a mother and a wife as the most sacred and essential one. Neither maids nor baby-sitters can possibly take the mother's place as the educator of an upright, complex free, and carefully-reared children. Such a noble and vital role, which largely shapes the future of nations, cannot be regarded as "idleness". However, there is no decree in Islam which forbids woman from seeking employment whenever there is a necessity for it, especially in positions which fit her nature and in which society needs her most. Examples of these professions are nursing, teaching (especially for children), and medicine. Moreover, there is no restriction on benefiting from woman's exceptional talent in any field. Even for the position of a judge, where there may be a tendency to doubt the woman's fitness for the post due to her more emotional nature, we find early Muslim scholars such as Abu-Hanifa and Al-Tabary holding there is nothing wrong with it. In addition, Islam restored to woman the right of inheritance, after she herself was an object of inheritance in some cultures. Her share is completely hers and no one can make any claim on it, including her father and her husband. "Unto men (of the family) belongs a share of that which Parents and near kindred leave, and unto women a share of that which parents and near kindred leave, whether it be a little or much - a determinate share." ((Qur'an 4:7). Her share in most cases is one-half the man's share, with no implication that she is worth half a man! It would seem grossly inconsistent after the overwhelming evidence of woman's equitable treatment in Islam, which was discussed in the preceding pages, to make such an inference. This variation in inheritance rights is only consistent with the variations in financial responsibilities of man and woman according to the Islamic Law. Man in Islam is fully responsible for the maintenance of his wife, his children, and in some cases of his needy relatives, especially the females. This responsibility is neither waived nor reduced because of his wife's wealth or because of her access to any personal income gained from work, rent, profit, or any other legal means. Woman, on the other hand, is far more secure financially and is far less burdened with any claims on her possessions. Her possessions before marriage do not transfer to her husband and she even keeps her maiden name. She has no obligation to spend on her family out of such properties or out of her income after marriage. She is entitled to the "Mahr" which she takes from her husband at the time of marriage. If she is divorced, she may get an alimony from her ex-husband. An examination of the inheritance law within the overall framework of the Islamic Law reveals not only justice but also an abundance of compassion for woman. 4. The Political Aspect Any fair investigation of the teachings of Islam o~ into the history of the Islamic civilization will surely find a clear evidence of woman's equality with man in what we call today "political rights". This includes the right of election as well as the nomination to political offices. It also includes woman's right to participate in public affairs. Both in the Qur'an and in Islamic history we find examples of women who participated in serious discussions and argued even with the Prophet (P) himself, (see Qur'an 58: 14 and 60: 10-12). During the Caliphate of Omar Ibn al-Khattab, a woman argued with him in the mosque, proved her point, and caused him to declare in the presence of people: "A woman is right and Omar is wrong." Although not mentioned in the Qur'an, one Hadeeth of the Prophet is interpreted to make woman ineligible for the position of head of state. The Hadeeth referred to is roughly translated: "A people will not prosper if they let a woman be their leader." This limitation, however, has nothing to do with the dignity of woman or with her rights. It is rather, related to the natural differences in the biological and psychological make-up of men and women. According to Islam, the head of the state is no mere figurehead. He leads people in the prayers, especially on Fridays and festivities; he is continuously engaged in the process of decision-making pertaining to the security and well-being of his people. This demanding position, or any similar one, such as the Commander of the Army, is generally inconsistent with the physiological and psychological make-up of woman in general. It is a medical fact that during their monthly periods and during their pregnancies, women undergo various physiological and psychological changes. Such changes may occur during an emergency situation, thus affecting her decision, without considering the excessive strain which is produced. Moreover, some decisions require a maximum of rationality and a minimum of emotionality - a requirement which does not coincide with the instinctive nature of women. Even in modern times, and in the most developed countries, it is rare to find a woman in the position of a head of state acting as more than a figurehead, a woman commander of the armed services, or even a proportionate number of women representatives in parliaments, or similar bodies. One can not possibly ascribe this to backwardness of various nations or to any constitutional limitation on woman's right to be in such a position as a head of state or as a member of the parliament. It is more logical to explain the present situation in terms of the natural and indisputable differences between man and woman, a difference which does not imply any "supremacy" of one over the other. The difference implies rather the "complementary" roles of both the sexes in life. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- IV. CONCLUSION The first part of this paper deals briefly with the position of various religions and cultures on the issue under investigation. Part of this exposition extends to cover the general trend as late as the nineteenth century, nearly 1300 years after the Qur'an set forth the Islamic teachings. In the second part of the paper, the status of women in Islam is briefly discussed. Emphasis in this part is placed on the original and authentic sources of Islam. This represents the standard according to which degree of adherence of Muslims can be judged. It is also a fact that during the downward cycle of Islamic Civilization, such teachings were not strictly adhered to by many people who profess to be Muslims. Such deviations were unfairly exaggerated by some writers, and the worst of this, were superficially taken to represent the teachings of "Islam" to the Western reader without taking the trouble to make any original and unbiased study of the authentic sources of these teachings. Even with such deviations three facts are worth mentioning: 1. The history of Muslims is rich with women of great achievements in all walks of life from as early as the seventh century (B.C.) 2. It is impossible for anyone to justify any mistreatment of woman by any decree of rule embodied in the Islamic Law, nor could anyone dare to cancel, reduce, or distort the clear-cut legal rights of women given in Islamic Law. 3. Throughout history, the reputation, chastity and maternal role of Muslim women were objects of admiration by impartial observers. It is also worthwhile to state that the status which women reached during the present era was not achieved due to the kindness of men or due to natural progress. It was rather achieved through a long struggle and sacrifice on woman's part and only when society needed her contribution and work, more especial!; during the two world wars, and due to the escalation of technological change. In the case of Islam such compassionate and dignified status was decreed, not because it reflects the environment of the seventh century, nor under the threat or pressure of women and their organizations, but rather because of its intrinsic truthfulness. If this indicates anything, it would demonstrate the divine origin of the Qur'an and the truthfulness of the message of Islam, which, unlike human philosophies and ideologies, was far from proceeding from its human environment, a message which established such humane principles as neither grew obsolete during the course of time and after these many centuries, nor can become obsolete in the future. After all, this is the message of the All-Wise and all-knowing God whose wisdom and knowledge are far beyond the ultimate in human thought and progress.

Mchenry, IL or Crystal Lake, IL Health Clubs? Can't find a Health Club in Mchenry, IL? My husband and I need to find a health club in the area. We've recently moved and our current memembership with Bally's total fitness was cancel because there isn't a location anywhere near us. We've check out Cardinal Fitness but the Manager was so rude and it was pretty expensive to start and they where not running any promotions. Not to mention the crazyness because they are so busy! We wouldn't ever get a machine! They even run a waiting list for cardo! Snap fitness... the owner was really nice, but the location was super small and didn't have any showers and although open 24hrs there wasn't alot of machines available. The Health Bridge Fitness center is super nice and has all the things we want, but it's over $700 to join! I guess we are looking for a Bally's like enviorment and also the Ballys like memebership rates! Does anyone live in the area and know where is a good place to join? Or any suggestions? We are looking at Mchen

Is it true that all these famous people converted to Islam (against names are their stories on the net)? Priests and missionaries Prof. Abdul Ahad Dawud, Former Bishop of Uramiah, Formerly the Reverend David Benjamin Keldani, B.D. Abdullah al-Faruq - Formerly Kenneth L. Jenkins, minister and elder of the Pentecostal Church Abu Ishaq, Coptic Cardinal accepts Islam Anonymous Female Missionary - Former Catholic missionary Anselm Tormeeda - 14th century CE scholar and priest Dr. Gary Miller (Abdul-Ahad Omar) - Former missionary George Anthony - Former Catholic priest Ibrahim Khalil - Former Egyptian Coptic priest Dr. Jerald F. Dirks - Former minister (deacon) of the United Methodist Church. Khadijah 'Sue' Watson - Former pastor, missionary, professor. Master's degree in Divinity Martin John Mwaipopo - Former Lutheran Archbishop Muslima, The Former Catholic Missionary (Burundi) I understood that the church was being deceitful Rabbi Moisha Krivitsky of Makhachkala synagogue. ‘I live in the mosque’. Raphael Narbaez, Jr.- Former Jehovah's Witness minister, Latino in Los Anodes. Ruba Qewar, Jordanian Missionary revert to Islam Selma A. Cook, , Australian Missionary’s Journey to Allah. S.M. SULAYMAN, (Former Baptist Church Minister), U.S.A. Viacheslav Polosin - Former Archpriest of the Russian Orthodox Church Dr. Yahya A.R. Lehmann, Doctor of Theology, (Former Roman Catholic Priest Germany) Famous Converts To Islam Abdur-Raheem Greene (Formerly Anthony Greene) the well known caller to Islam Abu Ameenah Bilal Philips, the great Muslim scholar Dileep Kumar, Leaving Celebrity Status Behind Lady Evelyn Zeinab Cobbold, I have always been a Muslim. Hamza Yusuf (Mark Hanson), Destined for Greek Orthodox priesthood, turned to great Islamic preacher. Lord Headley Al-Farooq (England), Peer, Statesman, and Author. Hülya Kandemir, German Pop Singer Finds Destination in Islam. Dr. Jeffrey Lang, Professor of Mathematics at the University of Kansas, and Author of Islamic books. Jermaine Jackson, brother of world-famous star Michael Jackson. Jemima Goldsmith, HEADLINE: Why I chose Islam. Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe, the greatest writer of the German tradition. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, The greatest basketball player of all time. Leo Tolstoy, A confession by the Russian giant in the world of literature. Malcolm X - In His Own Words, USA, The famous Afro-American Muslim. Michael Wolfe, Author and writer of Islamic documentaries. Dr. Maurice Bucaille, Author of "The Bible, The Qur'an and Science", Muhammad Ali, The first three-time Heavy Weight Champion of the World. Muhammad Asad (Austria), Statesman, Journalist, Author, and translator of the Quran. Nuh Ha Mim Keller, From an American Catholic to one of the leading contemporary scholars of Islam. PROF. UMAR MITA, Economist, Social Worker and Preacher, (Japan). Wilfried (Murad) Hofmann, German Diplomat And NATO Officer. Yusuf Islam (Formerly Cat Stevens) Famous ex-Rock Star. Yvonne Ridley In the Hands of the Taliban: From Captive to Convert Sisters Aminah Assilmi "I couldn't be a Muslim! I was American and white!" Asiya Abd al-Zahir,Australia, "..the only religion I have ever been completely sure of.." Chahida Zanabi, Norway, "..i found [a belief that Jesus died] illogical and unjust" Elizabeth Clarke, Palm Beach Post Religion Writer. Convert Finds Women's Rights in Islam Fareena Alam, 18 years old female convert, the author of the great Website: http://www.themodernreligion.com/index.html Haji Maryam Mohammed Ahmed, American Muslima, She lives only to talk about Islam Karen's Testimony. "If Jesus is God, then why did he have a conversation with God" Dr. Kari Ann Owen.USA, Jewish, "I began to look .. to Islamic culture for moral guidance" Madonna Johnson "..all of my turmoil and anxiety was gone.." Maryam al-Mahdayah, There is no more conflict within, because I have come home". Maryam Jameelah, Converts' Stories: Interview with Maryam (formerly Margaret Marcus) Maureen McCormick, Life is good for Muslim women Michelle, "I came from a Jewish family in New York." Nakata Khaula, A Japanese Woman's Experience of Hijab. Noor, UK, Insights into Women in Islam vs. Women in Hinduism. Jocelyn Wiener, Times Staff Writer. Young, Female and Muslim Rashida S. (Rachel Singer) daughter of a devout Roman Catholic mother/very devout Jewish father. Rita, God works in mysterious ways Somayyah, From a Bathing Suit to Hijab. Tasha, I had been studying Islam ever since I was in 7th grade. Um Luqman, "Jesus(AS) made sense to me as being a Prophet". Zainab's Testimony. USA, "No a guy did not convert me". An ex-Sunday School teacher Brothers Abdullah - My journey to Islam (Video) A must watch. Abdul Malik Hamidullah, I discovered the logic and simplicity in Islam. Abdul Malik LeBlanc tells how he discovered Islam within the pages of Bible Abdus Salam Sipes, A former member of the KKK (Ku Klux Klan) Adam Wilson, USA, "IF YOU ARE A CHRISTIAN READ THIS" Ahmed Corpus (Formerly Marco Corpus), Philippines, Former Sunday School teacher & full-time ministry worker Dr. ALI SELMAN BENOIST, Doctor of Medicine, and a descendant of a French Catholic family. Christopher Patrick Nelson, Islam Saved My Mental Health and Returned My Soul . FAUZUDDIN AHMAD OVERING, Preacher and Social Worker. Giles Whittell, 'Allah came knocking at my heart', The Times UK, 7 January 2000, Ihsan Chua Gim Sam, Singapore, "..the concept of Trinity was introduced in 325 A.D.." Jameel William Aalim-Johnson, organizes the weekly Muslim congregational Friday prayer on Capitol Hill Hussein Amin, My Conversion from Christianity to Islam, John Kirch, USA, "I went on a 20-year-long search for the truth" Mahir Abdal-Razzaaq, Native American, Have you ever wondered what the name Tallahassee means? MAVIS B. JOLLY, The Qur'an, I found, works silently on the spirit. Mike LoPrete, USA, 19 year old college student. "I didn't get the idea of the trinity" Phreddie, My Conversion to Islam, I am only 18, and that fact seems to astound most people. Sherif Quinn Christianity: The Point of Departure. Shive Prasad Demolished Babri Masjid, India, That Day - Seeks Forgiveness Today ! Steven Krauss (Abdul-Lateef Abdullah), A Martial Art Led Me to Islam, TIM WEIS, I have European lineage. I am a Muslim. I am a Westerner Walter 'Abdul-Walee' Gomez, Latino immigrant finds peace in Islam. Yahya Donald W. Flood, USA, The Best Way to Live and Die

Tuscany spa on San Giuliano (Pisa)? Journeying around Monti Pisani like 200 years ago Journeying on to Florence through the Tuscan countryside around Monti Pisani: Lucca, Pisa and other delightful towns dot the road to Pisa where who are guested of the Agostini family Villa di Corliano. The family - and 2 resident ghosts - still welcome guest at the Villa, much as it they were at the height of its fame in the 1770’s. The stay at Bagni di Pisa (health giving waters are still offered to an international clientele) and visit Pisa during one of the city’s festivals, staying at the Agostini Pisa Palace to enjoy the best view of the festivities http://www.provincia.pisa.it/pisalive/it/Pisalive/pisalive.html San Ranieri festivities - Pisa Lungarno The Villa has hosted many illustrious guests such as Gustavus III of Sweden, Federico IV of Norway, Christian II of Denmark, the Royal Family of Great Britain, Benedict Stuart Cardinal of York, General Murat, Luigi Buonaparte, Paolina Borghese, Carlo Alberto of Savoy, the poets Byron and Shelley, and various other personages from the history books. The area of the Pisa hills was already an attraction for enlightened travellers in the first half of the 1700s with the growth of the thermal spa of San Giuliano (Bagni di Pisa), which became a fashionable spot for the well-off classes. The mansions on the road along the hills, already renowned as places of gentle idleness and relaxation in the heart of the countryside and also for their small industrial facilities for the transformation of agricultural products, soon assumed the characteristics of true leisure resorts, just like those narrated by Carlo Goldoni and which we can continue to enjoy today http://www.bagnidipisa.com/ . Shelley's house in Bagni di Pisa The Villa Agostini della Seta di Corliano http://www.villacorliano.it/ is on the road which runs along the foot of the hills from Pisa to Lucca, passing through the small town of San Giuliano Terme. The Villa is a historical fifteenth century mansion surrounded by a centuries old park. It is a property of great charm in which the owners offer, in 12 rooms and 2 suites, a relaxing stay immersed in the beauties of the local countryside. Guests, if they like, can join in the day to day activities of the villa. They can have relaxing strolls in the park, potter around in the gardens, chat or have dinner with the owners in the farmhouse of the villa – today a high class restaurant http://www.ladycarlotta.it/ They can also organize all the necessary details for your meetings, events, weddings in the 1700’s small pivate church or in the small Pisa Palace 1400’s sky garden or in the 35.000 smt park of Villa della Seta di Corliano. Villa di Corliano – San Giuliano Terme Conventions can be hosted in a historic Italian cinema http://www.lumierecinema.it/ (founded on 1905) and restructured with modern audio visual technologies on 2004 near the Vecchio Dado Resturant http://www.vecchiodado.com/ (founded on 1746) and the Royal Victoria Hotel http://www.royalvictoria.it/default-it.htm (founded on 1839). We also suggest a very good italian ice cream in the old “diacciaia” of the Caffè dell’Ussero, (founded on 1775) now located to De Coltelli gelateria http://www.decoltelli.it/ Caffè dell’Ussero – Pisa It is a monument to Italian culture in the 1400's Palazzo Agostini, on Lungarno. Its walls are covered with glorious memories from its most famous visitors of the Italian Risorgimento: Carlo Goldoni, Giacomo Casanova, Count Alfieri, Filippo Mazzei, Gioacchino Belli, Giuseppe Mazzini, John Ruskin, Domenico Guerrazzi, Giuseppe Giusti - who made it famous in his "Memories about Pisa" in 1841 - Renato Fucini, Giosuè Carducci, Cesare Abba, Giuseppe Montanelli. In 1839, it was seat of the meetings of the first Italian Congress of Scientists.

Are there really un-holy holes in holy condoms or they are lying about holy condoms? Vatican Pope: condoms don't stop Aids http://www.guardian.co.uk/aids/story/0,7369,1059068,00.html Steve Bradshaw Thursday October 9, 2003 The Guardian The Catholic Church is telling people in countries stricken by Aids not to use condoms because they have tiny holes in them through which HIV can pass - potentially exposing thousands of people to risk. The church is making the claims across four continents despite a widespread scientific consensus that condoms are impermeable to HIV. A senior Vatican spokesman backs the claims about permeable condoms, despite assurances by the World Health Organisation that they are untrue. The church's claims are revealed in a BBC1 Panorama programme, Sex and the Holy City, to be broadcast on Sunday. The president of the Vatican's Pontifical Council for the Family, Cardinal Alfonso Lopez Trujillo, told the programme: "The Aids virus is roughly 450 times smaller than the spermatozoon. The spermatozoon can easily pass through the 'net' that is formed

Born Again Christians Please: Condoms? Cardinals, bishops, priests and nuns in four continents say that condoms have tiny holes through which HIV can escape and infect the other person. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/3176982.stm As a Born Again Christian I would like to share my own experience. Recently I returned from a solo holiday in Thailand and was shocked to find I had genital warts. Its just that one day I had lent a pair of my underpants to another man. He had an accident in his due to the strong food. Then I forgot to wash the pants. The genital wart virus must have sat on the pants and then infected me. My wife and I went to the doctor who asked if I had sex with any bar girls. You can imagine my disgust at this slur on my reputation. The doctor said this form of infection was impossible, in front of my wife. He also told me to wear condoms. But if the church says that condoms have holes in them, then surely infection by underpants is possible. Should we listen to science or the church of God?

Is immigration out of control? Anthony Browne says Britain is already overcrowded, and that pro-immigration arguments are almost all flawed. Something strange is happening when a left-wing government publicly accuses the BBC, riddled with institutionalised political correctness, -of can you think of a more wounding insult?- a “Powellite anti-immigration agenda”. The Pope publicly denouncing one of his cardinals as a Satanist would hardly be more surprising. It is not just cats of the postwar fractured Left scratching each other's eyes out; David Blunkett s intemperate outburst was in reality an admission that he is losing the most important political argument of the day. It is not only that Britain doesn’t want mass immigration but that, despite the government's attempts to persuade us that we need it, even parts of the BBC are finally waking up to see that there are real problems. If it s Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday, it must be Heathrow The fact that the BBC found the courage to reflect the concerns of its licence-fee payers is a clear sign that the tide has turned in the immigration debate. The presenter of the programme, John Ware, declared in the Daily Mail that the BBC could no longer sew up its lips on the issue, and that anyone with an open mind has to face up to it. Unfortunately for the government, more and more people on both the Left and the Right are becoming open-minded on the problems of the government's policy of actively encouraging mass immigration. The pro-immigrationists trusty tactic of suppressing all inconvenient truth and debate by denouncing all critics as racist, fascist or xenophobic just isn’t working: there are too many intellectually honest people who can see that baseless insults aren’t answers to real problems. The subject of immigration has been taboo in Britain since Enoch Powell s infamous speech a third of a century ago: there has not, until a few months ago, been one debate in Parliament about the optimal types and scale of immigration, only debates on the minutiae of immigration laws. Everyone agreed to that silence so as to promote good community relations. But the government took advantage of the taboo to overturn 30 years of policy which aimed for zero primary immigration, claiming that it wants about 150,000 immigrants a year. Labour, in its self-righteous arrogance, performed this remarkable U-turn confident that no one would break the taboo. When I started writing in the Times about the economic and demographic consequences of mass immigration, Blunkett denounced me by name in Parliament as bordering on fascism. I was contacted by Sir Andrew Green, the former ambassador to Saudi Arabia, who had just set up a lobby-group, Migration Watch UK, to curb immigration, and wrote a profile of his new group. Ever since, Blunkett has been denouncing it as “right-wing” and “tin-pot”, despite the fact that its advisory council consists of former ambassadors, former heads of the government's immigration service, several professors, a Sri Lankan law lecturer and a Sudanese businessman. The trouble for the government is that while promoting mass immigration might make people feel cosmopolitan and modern, and calling critics racist may make people feel virtuous, few of the consequences of mass immigration have been thought through. The long immigration silence has meant that all negative consequences of migration have been suppressed, and only the positive aspects talked about. If you blind yourself to all negative consequences of a complex policy, you are bound to conclude that it is a thoroughly good thing and want as much of it as possible. Civil servants sat with ministers discussing all the good things about immigration without anyone daring to think any of the bad things, and they concluded that the borders should be pushed wide open. This state of immigration denial has led the government to develop an ostrich attitude to many of the damaging consequences of its open-border policy, where it ―and the left-wing media normally including the BBC― are psychologically almost incapable of being intellectually honest. It was only after the continued, hysterical screaming of most of the tabloid media that the government and other pro-immigrationists conceded there might be a problem with widespread abuse of the asylum system. Likewise, the government refused to accept that mass immigration from disease-prone countries brings in diseases until a piece I wrote for this magazine caused a storm of protest (and the usual smearing), and the government was provoked into reviewing the need for immigrant health tests. But there are many other issues that the government still refuses to face up to: 1. Mass immigration hugely exacerbates the housing crisis. When Migration Watch produced a report last week saying that levels of immigration would require 1.8 million extra homes by 2021, the government threw insults, said the figures were plucked out of thin air and refused to produce its own forecasts. In fact, Migration Watch simply used the government's own housing methodology, and the Housebuilders Federation says immigration is a leading driver in the demand for new housing. The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, responsible for housing, is taking away the rights of communities to refuse to have housing imposed on them, and yet refuses to admit that there is any connection between immigration and housing demand. The amount of housing needed is so vast that it will be impossible for the government to build its way out of this crisis. Like importing an HIV epidemic from Africa, this is an issue that won t go away. 2. Britain is already overcrowded: it is one of the most densely populated islands in the world; twice as densely populated as France and eight times as densely populated as America ―and increasing population density damages quality of life. Already, we can t find space for new airports, roads, prisons and asylum centres. It is not just millions of new houses, but the new infrastructure of roads, hospitals, schools, water supplies and other utilities. Our public transport system is ridiculously overstretched and roads are excessively congested. The government has embarked on a programme of population growth through immigration that will push the population up from 60 million to 66 million by 2031 but it refuses even to talk about the consequences of this. 3. Mass immigration -as opposed to limited immigration of skilled workers to meet shortages- damages the employment prospects of those already here, particularly the unskilled. The Home Office commissioned an economic study on the impact of immigration, which found that an increase in immigration amounting to 1 per cent of the non-immigrant population would lead to an increase of 0.18 percentage points in the non-immigrant unemployment rate. However, in an extraordinary act of politically correct immigration denial, the immigration minister Beverley Hughes issued a press release saying, ‘The research shows that it is simply not true that migrants “take the jobs” of the existing work force’. However, London, where most immigrants come, has become the unemployment black spot of Britain, with 7 per cent joblessness, higher than any region of the UK. There is such a large pool of cheap labour that, for the first time ever, national chains such as McDonald s and Burger King are no longer paying their highest rates in central London. Shop shelf-fillers now earn 10 per cent less in London than the average for the rest of the country. The world s leading expert on the economics of migration, Professor George Borjas of Harvard University, complains that everyone is happy to accept that increasing labour supply reduces wages in all circumstances except when it comes to immigration, when they enter denial. 4. Imposing mass immigration on a society that doesn’t want it damages relations between the communities that are already here. If people are opposed to the immigration policy, they are likely to be opposed to the people it brings in and will often confuse immigrants with those born here. The old wisdom that a firm but fair immigration policy is essential for good race relations has been forgotten by the government. Refusing to address legitimate concerns forces voters into the hands of extremist parties such as the British National party. 5. Mass immigration increases inequality in society by increasing the wealth of those who employ immigrants (who tend already to be rich) and reducing that of those who compete with them (who tend to be poor). The US government has estimated that half the rise in income inequality in the US is due to mass immigration. 6. Mass immigration is no solution to an ageing society, because immigrants grow old at just the same pace as non-immigrants. One of the country's top pension experts, Professor David Miles, said that trying to solve the pension crisis by importing more people is “madness”. 7. Mass migration of unskilled workers promotes low-skilled, low-wage industries and reduces economic productivity. Alan Greenspan told the Senate earlier this year that labour shortages in the US in the last century, when immigration was very low, forced companies to innovate and was the main reason why productivity in the US overtook that of Europe. Importing unskilled labour did nothing to save the textile mills of the north of England, and this disastrous policy has left behind impoverished, bitterly divided communities. 8. Much if not most of the supposedly temporary migration such as student visas, holiday working visas and seasonal agricultural workers is permanent because the dream of life in the West is so powerful for so many from the poor parts of the world. The government has no controls to ensure that those it invites in actually leave. 9. White flight is ghettoising Britain’s cities and fragmenting communities. A totally unpublicised report commissioned by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister last year found that white flight was now a leading cause of internal migration in the UK. In London as a whole, white Britons account for just 60 per cent of the population, and for fewer than half the population in six London boroughs. Mass immigration from the Third World to the cities exacerbates white flight, but the government refuses to face up to the consequences. Professor Robert Putnam, author of the celebrated Bowling Alone, which is about the decline of community spirit in the US, has found that the more ethnically diverse a population, the less sense of community there is. The government may not face up to these issues, but an increasing number of people are doing so. Bob Rowthorn, the left-wing professor of economics at Cambridge, dismisses all the economic arguments and opposes mass immigration on the grounds that all people have a right to decide their culture; Geoff Dench of the left-wing Institute of Community Studies in London's East End opposes mass immigration because of the welfare loss to the white working class, and because it is so damaging to race relations; Professor Lord Layard, the designer of Labour s welfare-to-work programme, has warned of the damaging impact on the unskilled; Ruth Lea, the head of policy at the Institute of Directors, has called on government to reduce immigration ―she insists businesses must look beyond the short-term profits of cheap labour, and look at the long-term social and economic consequences. As the taboo about immigration is broken, more people are becoming more open-minded about it. The government will eventually be forced to face reality and to curb its addiction to mass immigration. It is just a question of how much pain it puts the country through and how much it sacrifices the working classes and race relations before it does so.

SERIOUS QUESTIONS: About the Pope and Vatican City...Read Details? The Pope is the head of an "Absolute Monarchy"...Which, outside of a few minor laws, is comparable to a dictatorship. Put your gavels down and keep the stones in your pockets for a minute. My question is simple. The Pope is a Gov't Leader officially, so then are the members of the catholic church's Heirarchy (cardinals, bishops, priests, etc) essentailly ambassadors to the countries in which they reside? Also. Why isn't Vatican City part of the U.N.? They have a military (138 members, but still). They have a government. They have departments of state (health, finance, transportation, etc). So wouldn't that mean they could have sanctions put on them by the UN? So there's some questions. What are you're thoughts? I'm not attacking anybody, I was doing some reading, and this thought came to mind. Links: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vatican_City#Head_of_State http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Absolute_monarchy http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dictatorship Just as a side note...some of you are reading into things a bit much, and missing a few points. The pope IS an absolute monarch...that is a fact, it can't be changed. The Secretary of State and the Holy See have representative power to act in the pope's place being that the pope is concerned with things like...his church. He still retains absolute legislative and judicial power. Apparently though, there is disagreement as to if the Vatican has a seat in the UN or not...Which is it? Edit your answers if you wish, just make a note so i know you edited it.

What is a Medieval cardinal do and what is his lifestyle? I am in grade 8 and I need help with this project on Medieval roles for Social Studies. I picked the cardinal. I need to know what does a cardinal do as a job and what is his income and responsibilities. I also need to know what his home, clothing, diet, values, health and vulnerabilities, activities (Entertainment) are in medieval times. I am not asking you to do my homework for me, but any information would be great. Good links to site will be very helpful. Thank you. :) Also, thier lifestyles, if there isnt that much information on it, which i couldnt find either. What other people in medieval times like a bishop or a pope was a cardinals life style samiler to?

Does this describe you? Find your birthdate then read your sign. - Aries (The Ram) (cardinal, fire, personal): Keyword: "I am". The Aries person is assertive, brave, energetic, kind, action-oriented, intelligent, individualistic, independent, impulsive, full of strength, competitive, eager, straightforward, forceful, headstrong, pioneering, a leader, focused on the present and freedom-loving. They can also sometimes be intemperate, violent, impatient, fiery, rash, extreme, and arrogant. Suitable occupations are where initiative and enterprise are needed, and preferably physical activity; such as entrepreneurs, businessmen, soldiers, sportspeople and explorers. In medical astrology Aries governs the head and skull. In astrology Aries is ruled by the planet Mars. The sun sign dates for Aries are March 21 — April 19.[6] The fire form of Aries is a wildfire, an uncontrolled fire. - Taurus (The Bull) (fixed, earth, personal): Keyword: "I have". The Taurus person is resourceful, thorough, dependable, responsible, loyal, patient, placid, stable, sensual, affectionate, comfortable, solid, earthy, strong, money-oriented, practical, productive, cautious, musical, and artistic. They can also sometimes be stubborn, indulgent, insecure, acquisitive, possessive, rigid, stodgy and slow. Suitable occupations are where perseverance, practicality and responsibility are awarded,and security is available; such as builders, farmers, bankers, civil servants, accountants and artistic pursuits, especially singing and sculpture. In medical astrology Taurus governs the throat and neck. In astrology Taurus is ruled by the planet Venus and for a few modern astrologers, the dwarf planet Ceres. The sun sign dates for Taurus are April 20 — May 20.[7] The earth form of Taurus is fertile soil that has green growing plants. - Gemini (The Twins) (mutable, air, personal): Keyword: "I think". The Gemini person is versatile, inquisitive, whimsical, nimble, articulate, lively, active, curious, independent, talkative, sociable, mercurial, and feminine. They can also sometimes be restless, scattered, dual or two-faced, inconstant, rash, gullible, gossipy and superficial. Suitable occupations are where constant variety and/or travel are guaranteed; such as commercial traveller, writer, journalist, clerk, teacher, printing and publishing. In medical astrology Gemini governs the hands and lungs. In astrology Gemini is ruled by the planet Mercury. The sun sign dates for Gemini are May 21 — June 21.[8] The air form of Gemini is strong winds. - Cancer (The Crab) (cardinal, water, personal): Keyword: "I feel". The Cancer person is protective, sensitive, compassionate, tenacious, retentive, resourceful, empathetic, a great leader, charming, independent, mysterious, powerful, self-contained, intelligent, family and home oriented, maternal, security oriented, philosopher, honest, nurturing, motherly, warm, sympathetic, artistic, passionate, self-sacrificing, patriotic, sentimental, musical, emotional, and loving. They can also be touchy, clingy, over-protective, moody and crabby. Suitable occupations are where shrewd but sensitive nature can be constructively employed, or in looking after others; such as nurses, gardeners, archaeologists, fashion and hairdressing, hoteliers, publicans, estate agents. In medical astrology Cancer governs the stomach and breasts. In astrology Cancer is ruled by the Moon. The sun sign dates for Cancer are June 22 — July 22.[9] The water form of Cancer is a torrent, such as rain, a river, or the flow of the ocean. - Leo (The Lion) (fixed, fire, social): Keyword: "I will". The Leo person is creative, generous, proud, fun-loving, dramatic, dignified, theatrical, passionate, affectionate, ardent, ambitious, loves attention, independent, noble, a leader, sunny, naive, magnetic, kingly, and powerful. They can also sometimes be bossy, jealous, patronizing, promiscuous, snobbish, egotistical, boastful, over self-conscious, and arrogant. Leos like to think that they are special and important. They love attention, and will do anything to get it. Suitable occupations are where leadership, bossiness, and powerful self-assurance can be displayed; such as manager, director, social organizer, chairperson, acting, person of the year. In medical astrology Leo governs the heart and spine. In astrology Leo is ruled by the Sun. The sun sign dates for Leo are July 23 — August 22.[10] The fire form of Leo is a controlled bonfire. - Virgo (The Virgin) (mutable, earth, social): Keyword: "I analyze". The Virgo person is practical, industrious, efficient, thorough, methodical, exacting, precise, detail-oriented, observant, intelligent, critical, work and service oriented, painstaking, pragmatic, modest, discreet, health and cleanliness conscious, mentally active, and flexible. They can also be fussy, nervous, pedantic, petty, and over-critical. Virgos often have a long beautiful neck and can be careless with fingernails. Sui