Can the Germans ever make up their minds? The neverending public debate over the pros and cons of Rechtschreibreform just reached a fever pitch again with the recent surprise decision by several German newspapers to abandon the spelling reforms they introduced back in 1998. I know Germans are change-averse, but this is ridiculous! Is Germany headed for orthographic chaos? - Part of a series of articles on Rechtschreibreform
Simple Path To A Focused Mind
Breathing Meditation
In becoming aware of ourselves and the world around us, mediation can be a key to understanding. Often, we are controlled by our habits: it is easy to worry, to let the mind wander or become irritated.
Developing a clear, undistracted state of mind is as simple as breathing in and out. In breathing meditation, which begins with a few slow, deep breaths through the nose, the breath itself becomes the object of awareness. As you inhale and exhale, discover where you can most feel your breath (it may be just below your nostrils or even the rise and fall of your chest).
That feeling is the meditation's point of focus.
- 1) Sit, comfortably but straight, in a position neither too rigid nor relaxed.
- 2) Bring your attention back to your point of focus and allow your eyes to rest, motionless. This will encourage your mind to rest as well.
- 3) Now, calm and focused, you are ready to begin the meditation. Concentrate on the place where you feel your breath and simply feel your inhalations and exhalations. Remember to breathe naturally and don't try to control the breath.
- 4) Your mind may begin to wander, curiosity getting the better of you. There are many distractions, both within ourselves and in our environments. Sounds, emotions, and sensations can all capture our thoughts. When this occurs, return to your point of focus: your breath as it gently flows in and out.
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Learning on Demand:
The Learning Center Option
Fast-paced business environments require companies learn, without employees being in the classroom all day. Susan Aaron, The Learning Coach
If you've had a project fall into your lap that required learning something new, you know the main hurdle is usually tracking down where and how to get the learning you need. Wouldn't it be great if someone could anticipate your learning needs and present you with the tools to get your job done? Well, Tamar Elkeles, vice president of learning at QUALCOMM, has created an award-winning Learning Center that does just that and serves up learning on demand. (more)
ALTERNET ROUNDUP
Drug Peddling
It's time to rein in the biggest drug peddler of themall -- the pharmaceutical
industry. Author Marcia Angell tackles the $200 billion collossus in her new
book, 'The Truth about the Drug Companies.' -->> Read Kelly Hearn's Q&A with Angell: http://www.alternet.org/envirohealth/19537/-->>
SEPTEMBER SURPRISE
Bob Harris, AlterNet
Tom Ridge has announced that September is NationalPreparedness Month -- and it's not political?
http://www.alternet.org/election04/19535/
THE WAR ON DEMOCRACY
Greg Palast, AlterNet
Will the gang that fixed Florida fix the vote in Venezuelawhere Hugo Chavez is expected to win this Sunday?http://www.alternet.org/story/19530/
PASS THE MIC
Mark Anthony Neal, Africana.com
Twenty years after the release of Roxanne Shante's"Roxanne's Revenge" and Salt & Pepa's "Showstopper," forthe most part women rappers and scholars are stillstruggling to be included in the cipher of hip hop culture.http://www.alternet.org/mediaculture/19527/
READERS WRITE: CANADIANS DO IT BETTER
AlterNet Canadians weigh in on Molly Ivins' assessment of them. http://www.alternet.org/story/19543/
IRAQ, A BATTLEGROUND STATE
Michael Schwartz, tomdispatch.com
The Bush administration's decision to launch an all-outoffensive in Najaf is not motivated by military strategy but by electoral math. http://www.alternet.org/waroniraq/19538/
*More in War on Iraq: http://www.alternet.org/waroniraq/
LOCKING UP NEW VOTERS
Dan Frosch, In These Times
Prison reform groups along with voting rights organizationsare working in unprecedented numbers across the country toregister ex-felons for 2004. http://www.alternet.org/election04/19528/
VICTORIA'S SECRETS
Noy Thrupkaew, The American Prospect
The daughter of Mafia boss John Gotti bares all in a newreality series - and she's every bit as deliciouslytrashy, immature, and colorful as expected. http://www.alternet.org/mediaculture/19533/
*More in MediaCulture: http://www.alternet.org/mediaculture/
FLAT-GROWTH BATTLEGROUNDS
Thomas Schaller, Gadflyer
Battleground states are among the U.S. economy's worstperformers. http://www.alternet.org/election04/19523/
BEYOND THE SUPER FREAK MASK
Adam Williams, PopMatters
The late Rick James was a brilliant innovator and artist -- one who will unfortunately forever be associatedwith the cliched trappings of sex, drugs and rock 'n roll. http://www.alternet.org/story/19548/
UNCOMMON BUFFALO AND THE BUFFALO COMMONS
Diane Dufva Quantic, Prairie Writers Circle
The notion of a 'Buffalo Commons' on the Great Plains reflects the hardiness of Plains people, who know how to survive on their own in blizzards and drought -- and economic downturns. http://www.alternet.org/envirohealth/19522/
*More in EnviroHealth: http://www.alternet.org/envirohealth/
These stories and more are available on AlterNet.http://www.alternet.org/
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