Education In The World

Personal Finance Basics – Do You Know What APR Means?

Have you looked at the ads for credit cards? If you have with even minimal attention you will know that one of the most prominent things they display is the APR, or the credit card rate. Lots of people simply choose the card with the lowest APR rate, which is a good first step. It is correct that the APR of your credit card is one of the most important factors you should consider when choosing your card (although it is not the only one). So, if you do not understand the APR you really should start improving your personal finance basics by gaining a proper understanding of them.
The APR on your credit card is the rate if interest your supplier will charge you on the amount you owe them. So obviously, the lower the APR, the lower your payments, unless you pay off your card in full each month. If you do clear your card monthly, the APR will not be as important as it is to those who do not clear their cards each month.
Each month your card supplier will send you a bill stating the full amount you owe them and the minimum payment you must pay by the due date. If you do not meet this date you will be charged a late fee and perhaps other penalties depending on the terms and conditions of your supplier.
So you can pay the minimum amount specified, or the whole amount, or any amount in between. The important thing to understand is you will NOT be charged any interest if you make full payment.
But, if you do not pay off the whole amount, you will pay interest charges on the amount left. This interest will be added to your next bill. The interest you will be charged is that you agreed to when you signed up for your card. And compared to, say, a bank loan, the interest, or APR, is very high.
So it is possible to start a spiral of debt in this way if you do not know how these things work. Always borrowing on your card without paying it off each month will accrue high interest charges which you will have to pay eventually.
Do not misunderstand me here. I am not saying you should never use your card if you cannot pay it off in full at the end on the month. I am saying your personal finance basics should be good enough to inform you when you can do this and when you should look for another source of funds.

Education In The World

The Fall of Man – Part 5 – In the Garden – Original Sin

The Bible states that the woman saw that the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil was good for food, it was pleasant to the eyes, and it made one wise. She then ate of the fruit and gave some to her husband. (Genesis 3:6)
Genesis chapter three verse six reveals the lusts that the devil uses to tempt mankind. The woman saw that the fruit was pleasant to the eyes, (lust of the eyes). She saw that it was good for food, (lust of the flesh). She also desired the fruit to be wise, (pride of life).
Every sin that man does is caused by one of these three temptations: lust of the eyes, lust of the flesh, and pride of life. (I John 2:16-17)
We would be wise to run from these three temptations as fast and as far as we can. People are too easily caught in the web of sin. Many good men and women have ruined their lives by succumbing to seemingly harmless acts.
A Short Story
A man goes to the grocery store to get milk for his wife. He sees a pretty check out girl. (This is not a sin, as long as he doesn’t lust after her.) He gets in line and when he checks out he flirts with her. (This is sin, lust of the won’t run home and tell his wife he flirted with the local store clerk.) She flirts back. He thinks, ‘Boy, I can’t believe she flirted with me.’ (pride of life)
He finds himself going to the store more often and getting into her checkout line. One day he accidentally brushes against her. She brushes back. Soon he is caught in an illicit affair. (Lust of the flesh)
His wife soon discovers his infidelity, and they divorce. Sin has ruined his marriage. What we sow we reap.
Many will laugh at the we see the ravages of sin the newspaper, on television, and in our own circle of friends. The time to defeat sin is when temptation first raises its ugly head.
Back to Original Sin
It is also interesting to note that Adam was with Eve and did not stop her. Remember that God said, “In the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt die.”
God gave Adam the commandment before Eve was created. Adam was not deceived. He was responsible for the sin. “For in Adam all die…” (I Corinthians 15:22)
Eve was deceived. (II Corinthians 11:3) ” the woman being deceived was in transgression.” (I Timothy 2:14)
The above verses demonstrate the difference between sin and transgression. Transgression comes from deception; sin is a willful act.
It is evident from scripture that death indeed was brought by Adam’s sin. How callous Adam was to watch Eve eat the fruit after God warned him.
As Christians we cannot sit by and watch the world perish, as Adam watched Eve eat the fruit. We must share the love of Jesus and share the hope of eternal life that rests with Christ alone.
Copyright 2010 J-me

Education In The World

Outstanding in the Field: A Reluctant Messenger Speaks

Imagine the vast cosmic configurations of life. Each step we take, every decision we make creates an impact, immediate and irreversible, forwarding the momentum of our existence in unique ways which cannot be duplicated. Once a precious moment has passed it cannot be retrieved. Such is the nature of life. Death has its own unique imprint as well. Human beings have explored the concept of our “reality” in-depth, now for a millennium or two, seeking knowledge about a condition of being which remains well beyond our capacity to grasp until we arrive at the threshold of death’s dark door. Then, and only then, will we comprehend its significance, the consequences of this inevitable transition, as it occurs and in its aftermath. Instead of being “lights out” it is this moment of realization which will provide us with clarity, illuminating the Light of our immortal existence.
Contemplate the same infinite array of possibilities, the variables associated with death. Some proclaim our end as total dissolution: ashes to ashes, dust to dust. Others insist that we are all essentially spirit having a human experience; so popular a sentiment it became a bumper sticker. Though it may be more logical, few of us really want to think that all we are and all we have become in life is sacrificed to the sands of time the instant we succumb to death; a demise all too final and morbid for most to endure. A “lights out” scenario is disquieting to those of us who sense something else, something far greater than ourselves. Instead, we choose to worship someone virtually invisible. We dare to believe in a much higher power: God as the Creator. Longing for reassurances, for the promise of another state of being beyond our transient, merely mortal existence, the masses pray to the Holy Spirit for divine guidance, hoping for transition to a better place, wishing to be received elsewhere as we perish from this planet.
In an attempt to fill the perceived void created by our collective fear of the unknown, there are many souls wandering this world, proclaiming uncommon knowledge about what death holds in store. Whether pledged from a pulpit or delivered in the form of another know-it-all-tell-it-all book, there are those among us who pretend to hold the key to the eternal question which plagues mankind: what happens when we die? Yet, the mystery remains unsolved. No one ever seems to offer up any definitive proof one way or the other. Some prey upon the frightened, vulnerable only because of the power of fear. Others truly believe what they say, thereby living in bad faith. For any human being to suggest they have the answer is ludicrous. Truth be told, we are all little children lost in the dark, searching for the pure and everlasting light we sense coming from the cosmos…a vast expanse we stare into hopefully as we wish upon a star.
To offer false hope is cruel, the height of hypocrisy; an insidious form of malfeasance. Frauds perpetrate disingenuous prophesies on the gullible, masquerading as sages and oracles, manipulating the masses, passing on their own belief system as factual when there is no evidence to substantiate their claims. Pass the plate. As for myself, considered by many to be an expert in the field of paranormal activity, I must protest, otherwise pleading the case by asserting my ignorance on the topic which continues to befuddle the human mind. As the author of a memoir which stymies those who read it, I do not claim to know precisely what it is that so profoundly affected my fundamental spiritual development. To do so would be dishonest and deliberately disrespectful of those who ask sincere and erudite questions, humbly seeking the truth. I am the one who is humbled by what I have seen but I will never attempt to persuade anyone else that my perceptions should become their own. Even such direct, personal experience does not a guru make.
To those who feel compelled to seek me out for answers I do not possess, please allow me to assure you, I know no more now than I did at the tender age of twelve when I first witnessed a full-body apparition. Forty years has made no substantive difference in terms of accumulated knowledge; my thoughts on the subject are all theory and conjecture, nothing like everyone else. If I might be so bold as to assert, “I don’t know” is a perfectly legitimate answer, validated by the honesty of the response to equally ardent questions; I’m so sorry to disappoint those who’ve hoped I hold the secret key. There is no key and death remains a mysterious, secretive process. Ultimately, my responsibility ended with the act, charged as I was with the task of chronicling these events; various supernatural episodes which occurred within our haunted family home over the course of a decade. I am merely the messenger. Otherwise, I would qualify as another self-proclaimed metaphysical mystic actively engaged in a form of spiritual malpractice.
It is imperative that I express myself clearly. What I impart is a series of thought-provoking questions; a valuable exercise in its own right. From a unique perspective, my point of reference is oddly skewed by having grown up in a house alive with death. While undergoing this second metamorphosis of my lifetime (the first being a decade spent in my childhood home) I now find myself in a rather peculiar predicament. When we were children, no one believed us. Friends shunned us. Our parents insisted we keep “it” quiet, discretion being the better part of valor. Some say we were courageous. Others say we were foolish for staying in such a place. Opinions, one and all — everyone is entitled. I refuse to prey upon the fear and insecurity of those who seek answers. Beware of those who claim expertise in a subject none of us know anything about: immortality.
No. I am neither a prophet or a sage. Rather, a reluctant messenger who longs to satisfy those who seek truth, I am able only to proclaim my own. The world is a wonder and I have spent my entire life wondering what it is I saw as a child, what it means to die and why some souls seem unwilling or unable to transition. Perhaps what has provided lifelong comfort for me is what others find so disconcerting; the potential for becoming wedged between this life and whatever exists beyond it. Some do not want to believe in ghosts or spirits because it has a tendency to complicate the equation. Others have no choice in the matter. Those willing to believe their eyes and allow all of their senses to function, including the intuitive sixth sense, will inevitably come to the conclusion that the paranormal is a normal part of existence. The implications are staggering, a notion which verifies an afterlife and sometimes vilifies those apparently stuck in-between, lingering suspended in the ether, lost and forsaken in a kind of no man’s land forever. This is indeed a frightening scenario. Our dearly departed have much to tell us, if only we learn how to listen.
Frequently described as someone outstanding in the field of paranormal inquiry, instead I find myself on secure ground looking in, marveling as millions continue seeking truth from pulpits and pulp fiction, in pursuit of a theory which works for them. Each one must find their own spiritual path. My supernatural excursion began long ago in the midst of the natural world, as an escape from the numerous inexplicable events occurring in our ancient farmhouse. Wandering the peaceful woods of my childhood homestead, I often found myself mesmerized by elements of the seasons; the artwork of ice, cascading leaves riding the wind, the sweet aroma of garden flowers enticing me ever closer. As a solitary figure, one who possesses no more knowledge than any other living soul, I find myself uncomfortable when perceived as anything other than what I am: an insatiably curious woman who is still contemplating the cosmic secrecy of seed.
Whether engaged in a staring contest with the stars or fixated on a clump of grass beneath my feet, I am most at ease when utterly alone, out…standing in the field, attempting to comprehend the wonder of it all. I have no answers to share, formulating more questions the more I observe. Based on what I have already witnessed with my own eyes, I’ve come to the conclusion that there is “something” beyond our mortal existence but no one on Earth knows precisely what it is and no one should pretend to know otherwise. Ultimately, our spirituality is defined by the journey we embark upon, a path we must each travel alone. Guidance? I have none to offer. As far as I’m concerned, the journey itself is a gift. Those who seek outside themselves may never be satisfied with the outcome, struggling with their fear of the unknown — the “lights out” scenario known as death. Only when we arrive at our moment of departure will clarity be achieved; that instant when the everlasting Light is turned on, illuminating the illusive cosmic secrecy of our true nature of spirit.
Andrea Perron, author
“House of Darkness House of Light”

Education In The World

The Law of Attraction – What’s the Secret to Prosperity?

The secret to prosperity is something that’s supposed to have been hidden from us, either by a coterie of top business men who, knowing the secret, thought it far too important to allow the masses knowledge of it. Or it was hidden from us by ancient practitioners of the arts, again because the masses should have no idea of how to use such a powerful tool. The masses have had rather a raw deal, haven’t we?
I don’t know how true any of this may be. I think it has a lot to do with the mental make-up of people like you and I. People have been brought up to believe that the harder they work, the more money they’ll make. Their employers will be more likely to notice them and promotions will follow.
There always seems to be something faintly distasteful about the man or woman who retires at, say, 40 years of age. Now, they sun themselves on the world’s finest beaches, stay at the most luxurious hotels, and generally live a lifestyle which we can only dream about. If we do dream about it.
By the time we’ve returned from work, taken the kids to their various activities, picked them up again, and had dinner, we watch TV for an hour and it’s off to bed. No time for considerations of wealth, provided we have enough to live on. This is a shame.
Sometimes you wish a great voice would yell ‘Stop! Enough already with the routine. Why don’t you people learn to live, not just exist from one week’s end to the next?’ Since this will never happen, you really can’t blame people for continuing in their lifestyle of work, kids and household chores. These things have to be done.
But perhaps foregoing the TV for a couple of nights a week and studying the Law of Attraction and delving into the secret of prosperity, lives could be altered and enjoyed so much more.
I don’t think we necessarily fear the rich. We fear the power they wield. Supposing Donald Trump or Warren Buffet suddenly appeared on your doorstep. I think it fairly certain that we’d show them considerable deference, not because they have such wealth, but simply because of their power.
Why do they have such power? Because of their mindset. They’re totally positive for one thing and because of that, totally decisive.
The secret of prosperity isn’t to wish for money, but problems to solve. Hypnosis is the quickest way to go about this. As far as making money on the Internet’s concerned, find a group of people with a problem, solve it for them, and the satisfying sound of credit cards being slapped down will be heard.
The other thing to make sure about is that this problem isn’t going to go away. Weight loss, for instance. This is an excellent problem to solve and it certainly isn’t going anywhere.
Bodybuilding is another. Bigger muscles, tighter abs, better this, better that. The point is, they’re all problems to one section or another of the population. These examples are broad, of course, but narrow them down into ‘niches,’ write articles, advertise, and the money should follow.

Education In The World

Mental Fitness

The mind is a terrible thing to waste. That statement is true. I can give you a lot of reasons why we should stimulate our mind. One of those is, our mind has a limitless potential. Yes it includes imagination. Imagination is where it all begins. Then our mind crunches numbers and ideas to make that idea as solid as reality.
Our brain is where everything starts. This is where our memories from our childhood are stored; this is where we remember how it was like being a child. This is where we draw knowledge and information when we work. Without using our brain, we wouldn’t be using our full potential as a person.
If you’re a person that feels like you can’t think like the most intelligent guy in class, you’re wrong. You might be more intelligent than him. Why? Because you know your current limits. It’s up to you to decide to exceed that limit and exceed the most intelligent guy in class.
If you know Albert Einstein, You’d probably remember him giving a statement like we humans use only a small portion of our brain. There’s a whole untapped resource of knowledge waiting to be used. It’s how we reach into it and make something happen.
If you’re asking how to reach higher in thinking power, you need to start exercising your brain.
You can start with crossword puzzles so your brain can get shocked and think. Crossword puzzles not only makes you think logically, it makes you think creatively. If you can’t find the answer, you can cheat the answer to expand your knowledge. It’s not the cleanest thing to do, but it’s a way for you to learn.
If you know how to drive, you can expand your brain by creating a picture of every street in your city through your brain. You can use landmarks to help you out in doing so. Memorizing and creating a picture of every street in your mind helps you to recall knowledge and other things faster.
I found this useful because I love to drive. I know Global positioning systems are helpful, but nothing beats a challenge of the brain. As I learn new roads, I learn new shortcuts on how to get to other places. I create a mental Global positioning system when I need to go somewhere.
Challenging your mind can be one of the more stressful things to do in life. But it helps you be a more logical person and can help you get through in life because you have a lot of knowledge to share and use.

Education In The World

The Academic Aspects of Martial Arts

Most martial arts organisations will have theoretical components to their syllabus. Usually, this is to provide an insight into the language and culture of the country from which the art originates. I find the academic side very easy to cope with, as somebody who naturally learns in the academic style. Many artists though, find the academic aspects tedious and difficult, and so tend to reject their usefulness.
This begs the question: is the theoretical side to martial arts necessary? I would argue yes.
Firstly, martial arts contain dangerous knowledge. You don’t want to wrong sort of person to be taught martial arts, and by the wrong sort of person, I mean of course somebody who would use that knowledge in an offensive manner. And there are plenty of these people who train already, I see them often. A strong academic presence makes it harder for these people to progress, and hence acts as a barrier for them to learn the more dangerous techniques. Aggressive people would find it hard to maintain the patience required for academic learning.
Secondly, one could argue that it is disrespectful to train in the martial art of another culture, but reject all other elements of that culture. It seems almost greedy to take only certain bits of that culture. The academia commands a certain respect towards the culture. As is well known in martial arts, respect is always an important virtue.
Thirdly, it adds another layer to any examination procedure. For example, there may be two students, both equally keen on the martial art they are studying, but one may naturally be better at the movements, as some people are. In a grading this looks as though one is more enthusiastic than the other. Everybody has strengths and weaknesses in different fields, so those who struggle with the physical tasks may excel in other areas, such as language or history. Studying academic aspects provides an opportunity for some to demonstrate their interest despite a drawback.
Fourthly, it is a way of standardising education. Some organisations become very heavily fractured, giving rise to a multitude of descriptions of the practical elements (which is particularly bad in English, which has so many words). Using another language, one that is unfamiliar to many, makes it harder for such uncertainties to come about when there is communication between these different groups.
The most common point made against academic studies is that they waste time that could otherwise be used to improve your technique. This is definitely true if one is intending to enter a competition, but as for a general progression through martial arts, a grandmaster would need a very broad knowledge of his or her art. That knowledge is easiest learnt along the way.