Previous to I overlook this with all that may be going on, I arrived throughout a different resource in town when I'm speaking my certification check last week (or was it the week before?).  I was shopping on the web for a area to take my check when the “PC ProSchools” link arrived up as being a possible examination site.  It turns out it can be really close to me (I-96 and East Beltline) and is pretty new (as well new for Google Maps - about a calendar year old).

I thought I realized of a lot of the Microsoft exercising facilities in town and had by no means noticed of them.  I received to my experiment about 15 minutes early and they had been fully booked so I started asking about their applications and examining a number of their material.  I ended up acquiring a tour with the amenities and applications by a guy named Richard Fera (who was genuinely useful).

They had an excellent coaching lab (room for 50 at fresh machines, dual projectors, dual stations from the back from the area for a lot more trainers (3 trainers available in the complete school)).  They had an open lab and what looked like a server place / wiring closet (which turned out being an “advanced lab” place).  Their focus is around the infrastructure side (i.e. the MCSE route) on getting the servers up and working and all sorts of troubleshooting.  They will not offer plans for application growth (i.e. the MCPD route).  So they had never over heard in the experiment I'm taking but it was quite obvious that their testing lab received rather a bit of use.

They're a Microsoft Platinum Partner provider for training (which says a good deal about volume, graduation price, certification fee, and placement price (>70%)).  It can be an fascinating design due to the fact they operate it kind of like a thing involving a technical trainer (i.e. providing 1 type at a time) and a school (full-blown multi-year system).  They provide an intense one-year program that's open to any high-school graduate who meets some basic criteria.  The classes are either M/W or T/Th (using a couple of Fridays thrown in for test-prep and labs) from five:30-10:30, that is quite somewhat of function.  But within the end make sure you have your MCSE.

Add to this that they also do placement and have work shopping for folks - positioned 48 on the lass course of 50.

Reading through this post it seems form of like an advertisement, but it genuinely isn't.  I'd create about any new resource course, university, book, etc. that could possibly be beneficial to persons undertaking what I do (or supported the servers I ought to operate on) and do that relatively typically.  If I realized someone who was thinking about servers and hardware, and hunting for the employment with out committing 2-4 a long time to college, this appears to be like the sort of thing you'd need to have to help keep you on monitor and get it carried out easily.  It is an selection worth examining out at lowest.

Are you currently considered one of hundreds who really feel as if they’re stuck inside a dead end employment? Possibly you invest various hours on  a daily basis wondering how you possibly can escape and move on to anything much better. If not a effective job, at smallest some thing less stressful and far a lot more fulfilling. You have observed the commercials about each of the opportunities in IT, but is it in your case? Can you truly succeed in this type of discipline?

The solution can be a resounding yes. It really is presently one of the quickest developing fields on the task market place. Right now is the excellent time to jump in and come to be an IT professional.  Laptop or computer Proschools can support you get there.

Gurus predict that just about half of the workforce from the United States will probably be employed in industries wherever IT services are abundant. This really is currently evident as many corporations right now rely on technology to purpose far more efficiently and retain up while using the fierce competitors. The IT business can present you with the power to acquire employment where you happen to be financially rewarded and respected for your personal abilities, something we all want and deserve.

Beneath we have listed some truth in regards to the IT industry for your personal review. This information must give you an concept on the best way to locate that successful occupation you’ve been searching for.

Careers in IT are envisioned to increase at a fee of 36% in excess of the next ten a long time

The IT area accounts for an estimated 25% with the tasks developed from 2002 towards the current day

Computer-related work are among the very best 20 most effective developing professions from the United States. This range is estimated to boost much more than twice as fast as other occupations

It’s been reported that IT projects present the highest earnings of all of the 20 most effective developing professions.

It really is one of the fasted increasing places of employment in the land. This area continues to provide you with possibilities to hundreds as much on the contracts developed for IT go unfilled due to the lack of competent candidates.

The opportunities in Data Technology are endless as this domain can only strengthen. Just have a look at what we’ve already witnessed so far. Inside a short sum of time, it may just be you reaping the gains of this booming sector. With various local institutions and on-line courses like Pc Pro Universities, having commenced has by no means been less difficult.

Easily hop within the net, confer which has a couple of specialists and acquire the earliest action towards establishing your new vocation.

What is Help Receptionist counter?

A Support Desk job supplies the foundation to explore other satisfying careers in computers. You really don't need previous computer system expertise to start your education and learning and in just ten brief weeks you'll be able to be starting your new career! If you will need a quick solution…get trained…and get functioning!

Support Desk can be a important department at every single organization that utilizes computer systems. Right now which is virtually each and every firm, building Support Receptionist counter a recession evidence profession! Guide Cubical technicians respond to phone calls and e-mail messages from buyers looking for help with pc complications. Let’s say an accountant suddenly can not access payroll info that may be saved on the laptop or computer system. This accountant would contact you and it will be your responsibility to troubleshoot and fix this issue. In responding to these inquiries, help-desk technicians must listen meticulously to the consumer, ask questions to diagnose the character from the issue, after which it patiently stroll the buyer through the problem-solving actions.
Get the correct instruction speedily so you can commence generating the appropriate money quicker.

Our Pc Assist Cubical software can take your operate practical knowledge along with your recent talents, and blend it with an training focused on certainly one of the fastest expanding occupations from the U.S. in just ten weeks. Like a Microsoft IT Academy using a confirmed and detailed software we can transform you right into a remarkably sought right after Help Receptionist counter Expert with business standard certifications. This routine is 100% online so that you can keep on to do the job while in university. And our benefits speak for themselves.

The U.S. Dept of Education and learning National Center for Schooling Statistics tells us that a 4 yr school monitor now usually takes 6 several years which includes a 57% graduation rate along with a 2 yr community college/tech classes now calls for 3 years with an alarming 23% graduation charge. Sadly, the majority of us do not have that form of time to start off making the money we have to survive. And who desires to danger people odds of completing the plan? Our graduation prices are in excess of 80%.
Take on the earliest move toward receiving again on track.

Unemployment rates are hitting record high amounts and our country is struggling out of an financial recession; you cannot afford to wait any longer. Whether you've previously been laid off, dread the loss of your respective employment or just want to produce a transform, a different vocation may be yours! You'll be able to be on your way to the career that provides the salary and protection you will need.

See for your self by registering for an informational seminar total with routine and tuition information. Basically click within the “Attend Job Revival” button and you’ll be in your way!

Laptop or computer ProSchools Graduation Good results
Pc ProSchools, a Microsoft Academy, is proud to announce its very first graduating type of 2008. In 2007 around 300 IT Pros graduated from Laptop or computer ProSchools' Help Desk/MCSA software.

FOR Fast Launch
PR Log (Press Discharge) – Apr 18, 2008 – In excess of 150 graduates and their guests filed in to the Country Inn & Suites in Brookfield, WI on a cool spring evening to celebrate a six month journey to becoming an IT professional.

Last August, students in monitor 183 began their journey at the Brookfield Campus of Personal computer ProSchools, a Microsoft IT Academy licensed by the Wisconsin Educational Approval Board and accredited by ACCET.   Trail 183 contained manufacturers, construction workers, secretaries, retail representatives and office workers. All committed to changing their lives and becoming  Guide Cubical Analysts, Network Administrators or Personal computer Technicians to name just a number of and on March 20, 2008 they were one phase closer.

The Commencement ceremony began with a Welcoming Address from Campus Director Laura Polancich. Polancich, whose primary responsibility at Personal computer Pro Educational institutions is to provide task placement providers was proud to congratulate the a lot more than half in the graduating class that had already secured a task from the higher paying IT industry and made a commitment to continue assisting people still searching. Following Vice President of Educational Companies, Kate Pelchat, presented an Executive Address and congratulated the course for their hard work and dedication. Pelchat compared the graduates’ journey at Desktop Pro Educational institutions towards the CAT5 cable they had been given at their initial orientation highlighting the ups and downs and even the knots at times and shared a quote from Ernest Hemmingway that “It is good to have an conclusion to journey in direction of nevertheless it may be the journey itself that matters in the conclusion.”

Lead Instructor Mick Brentar stood just before the type for his final lecture, so to speak. He challenged them to keep on learning always and explained how proud he is to now call them colleagues inside the IT Business.
The Keynote Address was delivered by Ricardo Monteen, a Aid Receptionist counter Manager at Manpower Corporation along with a former graduate of Pc ProSchools from 1 calendar year ago. He chronicled his journey, sharing how different his life is now. It was a total circle moment for everyone as Monteen explained how he had just hired four Computer Pro Educational institutions graduates for his Assist Workplace team.

The mood was higher as the evening concluded which has a punch and cake reception where by families, graduates and faculty shared memories; all knowing that the sum of a journey is a new perspective of home and for all that perspective is really different 6 months later.
Graduate Wendy Tokarz shared “Being able to graduate with my course and conquer this type of challenging goal feels good. My family and friends are so proud of me. It is just excellent!”

At the time of this publication, a smaller amount than a single month later, over 75% of these graduates, including Tokarz have been offered IT positions and have begun enjoying the gains of their new careers.

Desktop Pro Schools an ally in improving laptop or computer access among individuals with disabilities

Last Spring, New Horizons Un-Limited (NHU) had the good fortune of meeting Laura, the Campus Director of Laptop or computer Pro Schools’ Brookfield campus, at a Brew City HDI chapter meeting. At the meeting, NHU expressed a need to have for volunteer technicians to assist with their computer refurbishing and assist cubical activities. Seeing this opportunity as being a approach to give back again, even though also supporting the occupation goals of her students, Laura swiftly recruited students to support NHU.

Above this past 365 days, NHU has welcomed practically a dozen Desktop Pro Schools students as volunteers. Even though all on the student volunteers have had a solid technical foundation, many of them have been lacking that all important expert expertise to support them win their dream employment.

What NHU presents in practical knowledge for the students is exceeded by what they, as volunteers, have contributed to NHU's program. They have expertly refurbished dozens of computer systems, which, in turn, have been donated to dozens of individuals with disabilities that would not have otherwise been able to afford a home computer system.

Just like NHU's student volunteers, the individuals that receive the refurbished computers are trying to boost their lives through technology. A pc means much more to them than many of us could ever imagine.

To a lot of of NHU's recipients, a computer may be the tool they must pursue their dream work and ultimately their own financial freedom.

NHU's refurbishing system is operate entirely by volunteer technicians. It basically would not be probable without the expertise and dedication of their volunteers.

NHU's most recent group of volunteers will be graduating from Personal computer Pro Colleges in just weeks. It can be NHU's hope that the experience the students have received will assist the students reach their profession goals.

NHU would like to extend a special thank you to Craig, Dan, Fred, Jim and Jonathan for their dedication to seeing that all folks, no matter their income, may have admittance to a home pc.

Computer ProSchools Unveils New Website
Cutting edge know-how illustrates a apparent picture of this state-of-art Microsoft IT Academy. Pc ProSchools, Inc. is excited to announce its new website located at www.pcproschools.edu.

FOR Immediate Discharge
PR Log (Press Release) – Apr 23, 2008 – Since 1994 Desktop ProSchools has been providing IT training in the Milwaukee spot. In excess of the several years, Personal computer ProSchools expanded operations opening campuses in Green Bay, WI and Madison, WI. In 2006 and 2007 the campuses in Grand Rapids, MI and Indianapolis, IN respectively opened. “As we grow we would like to present a consistent brand image,” explains CEO James Brent. “When you enter a Starbucks, you immediately know in which you are due to the colors and décor and their promotional items and website carry this same sense and image.” 

Earlier this 12 months Laptop or computer ProSchools hired InovaOne, a full-service strategic consulting business specializing in creative design and production, media delivery and detailed outsourcing companies located in Roswell, GA, to create a different branding concept. In addition towards the website, InovaOne made a different logo, school colors and promotional materials to present a consistent image at the five Pc ProSchools’ campuses located throughout the Mid-West.

“The objective of our new website is to provide prospective students while using the initial data so they're excited to take on the subsequent move and routine a campus visit” shares Vice President of Marketing and Admission, Wendy Mirenda.  “When we first started talking to InovaOne I used to be impressed with how they used high-tech avenues to present their messages. Like a state-of-the art Microsoft IT Academy, I believed we must be performing that.”  And the new website does just that! www.pcproschools.edu offers interactive videos to highlight all that Desktop ProSchools has to provide you with. In addition, a prospective student can examination their own IT knowledge via the Personal computer Knowledge Assessment or sign up to visit a campus correct as a result of the website.

Overall, the new website offers general details about Pc ProSchools, a series of student accomplishment stories shared directly from the students themselves inside a video testimonial format, Job Providers and IT Sector Information tabs providing insight into how Desktop ProSchools gives students that winning advantage inside the speediest expanding sector within the US. Another added benefit stands out as the new Employers page where by IT managers and employers can find out far more and contact us directly to hire one of our graduates.

Desktop ProSchools also switched towards the .edu website address from the prior .com address. This address is exclusive to educational institutions, requiring proof of your accredited status before even securing the total address. After achieving accreditation with ACCET last 365 days Computer ProSchools qualified for this educational based address line. “We’re an accredited school,” explains VP of Training, Kate Pelchat, “we ought to be letting the general public know that by way of the use from the .edu address.” Visitors familiar with using the original website will now simply be redirected automatically for the www.pcproschools.edu website.
For additional info on Personal computer ProSchools visit www.pcproschools.edu. For much more data about InovaOne visit www.inovaone.com.

NEW YORK, Jan. 4 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — The ASPCA(R) (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals(R)) has appointed Tim Rickey as Senior Director of its newly created Field Investigations and Response team, effective January 4, 2010.

Rickey was formerly the Director of the Animal Cruelty Task Force and Disaster Response team for the Humane Society of Missouri (HSMO), where he recently led the largest dog fighting raid in U.S. history, covering eight states and seizing more than 500 dogs in one day.

“Tim Rickey's unrelenting commitment to fighting animal cruelty is longstanding and will assure that the ASPCA's resources are coordinated and focused on our mission to prevent cruelty to animals,” said Matt Bershadker, Senior Vice President of the ASPCA's Anti-Cruelty department. “His courage and tenacity has meant a second chance for countless animals and serves as a giant step forward in the fight against animal cruelty.”

In his new post, Rickey will lead the efforts of the ASPCA's Field Investigations and Response team, which covers natural disasters as well as large and small animal rescue operations. The team is part of the ASPCA's Anti-Cruelty group, which is also comprised of Humane Law Enforcement, Government Relations, and Forensic Sciences and Anti-Cruelty Projects.

Rickey's 20-year career has been devoted to animal welfare issues, first as an animal caretaker at the Joplin (Mo.) Humane Society and as an animal control officer for 11 years at Joplin Animal Control. He joined the HSMO in 2002 as a statewide animal cruelty investigator, and was named director of its Anti Cruelty Task Force and Disaster Response team in 2005.

Rickey led the HSMO's recovery efforts following Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, Gustav and Ike, major floods in Iowa and multiple Missouri incidents including ice storms, floods and tornados. He also directed field operations for large scale rescues in states throughout the Midwest and Southeast and was instrumental in ensuring that animals are included in statewide disaster planning throughout Missouri.

In 2008, Rickey and his team of investigators provided information that led to an 18-month, multi-state dog fighting investigation with the Missouri Highway Patrol and the FBI. On July 8, 2009, he coordinated animal rescue efforts and crime-scene evidence gathering in five states: Missouri, Illinois, Iowa, Texas, and Oklahoma. Dogs also were rescued in Nebraska, Arkansas and Mississippi. The multi-location evidence and animal recovery operation was assisted by the ASPCA and Humane Society of the United States. Rickey was one of four recipients of the ASPCA's “Law Enforcement Officer” of the Year award, presented at the ASPCA's Humane Awards Luncheon on October 29, 2009.

Rickey attended the University of Missouri-Columbia's National Cruelty Investigation School. He is a frequent instructor on such topics as animal welfare and the law. He is also certified in numerous animal rescue operations, including large animal, swift water and rope rescue, and has completed Department of Homeland Security/FEMA coursework. He earned diplomas in Veterinary Technology, as well as Wildlife, Forestry and Conservation, from Thompson Learning Institute.

Born in Joplin, Mo., Rickey and his wife, Teresa, and their two daughters live near St. Louis, where they tend to their own menagerie, which includes a cat, three dogs, three horses, four goats and 17 chickens — all rescues.

About the ASPCA(R)

Founded in 1866, the ASPCA(R) (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals(R)) is the first humane organization established in the Americas and serves as the nation's leading voice for animal welfare. One million supporters strong, the ASPCA's mission is to provide effective means for the prevention of cruelty to animals throughout the United States. As a 501 (c) (3) not-for-profit corporation, the ASPCA is a national leader in the areas of anti-cruelty, community outreach and animal health services. The ASPCA, which is headquartered in New York City, offers a wide range of programs, including a mobile clinic outreach initiative, its own humane law enforcement team, and a groundbreaking veterinary forensics team and mobile animal CSI unit. For more information, please visit www.aspca.org.

SOURCE ASPCA

RELATED LINKS
http://www.aspca.org/

The Great Manhattan Chihuahua Stampede

They waited outside the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals headquarters on E. 92nd St. with pure hearts: They were there to adopt chihuahuas. But there were 150 people and only 15 chihuahuas. Things got weird.

Last week, 15 chihuahua were flown, with much fanfare, from shelters in California to the ASPCA in New York on Virgin America. They fled grim prospects in a state with a glut of chihuahua as massive as its budget deficit—the result of Paris Hilton worship plus “Beverly Hills Chihuahua” plus Californians' natural childishness and inability to have nice things. The media spin was: Big-hearted New Yorkers would save the dogs from Californians who treated them like handbags with legs. Today, the dogs would be adopted and New York would win.

At noon, about 150 chihuahua-starved New Yorkers lined the sidewalk outside the ASPCA, lured by the many media reports. The Russian guy at the head of the line, a retired Museum of Natural History security guard, had been there since 7:40 AM. His nose was so red it looked injured. He said he likes chihuahuas because “You can take them in hand and make them happy.” (He got his chihuahua—see above.) Another woman liked how chihuahuas were easy to maintain. “They're a wash-and-wear dog,” she said.

This was likely the biggest congregation of New York chihuahua fans ever. “Yorkies reign in New York,” said Angela, a retired bookkeeper. She was holding her chihuahua, Peanut, which was shivering even though it was wearing a red sweater. Angela seemed resolute in spite of the cold and the 30 people in front of her, but Peanut looked like she was about to shake her bones apart. “I just know I'm going to get one,” Angela said. “I have a lot of love in my family and I want to give a dog a happy home.”

Nearby, a construction worker named Joe was less certain. “This is a fucking joke,” Joe said. “In the paper they said there were hundreds of chihuahua. Now they tell us there are only 15?” His girlfriend said, “You need to stop talking, Joe.” Joe stared straight ahead. “This whole freaking thing is bullshit,” Joe said. “I took time off work. We should bum rush the doors.”

Then something started happening in the middle of the line; people were yelling “chihuahuas!” chihuahuas!” Jesus. Were they actually going to do it? Was this going to be the Great Manhattan Chihuahua Stampede of 2010?

No: they were yelling at an MTA bus-driver, slowly cruising his empty bus down the line. He wanted to know what was going on, and they were trying to tell him. “I can't stand chihuahuas!” he yelled out the door. “Come on, get a pit-bull! Forget about a chihuahua!”

By 12:30, a lot of people in line had forgotten about a chihuahua and gone home. Inside, the lobby of the ASPCA had the feel of an Emergency Room post-bus crash. The dozen or so potential adopters who had made it in were filling out paperwork. They seemed tense and worried, like the families of survivors in ICU. Just outside the door, in front of an RV with a giant picture of a cat on it, an ASPCA staffer was trying to convince a man to look at other breeds of small dogs. A woman held two Styrofoam cups of hot water, her arms splayed helplessly.

“Did anyone get a dog yet?” she asked. “I didn't see anyone come out with a dog yet!”

Send an email to Adrian Chen, the author of this post, at adrian@gawker.com.

By: Crazy Cat Woman

Woman found with 37 cats in Brooklyn apartment

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Naples Fl. Construction

By JUDITH BURNS

WASHINGTON - The Environmental Protection Agency issued a final rule Monday aimed at reducing pollution from construction sites, saying that it will significantly improve the quality of water nationwide.

The rule will be phased in over four years, starting in February, and when it is fully in effect, the EPA estimates there will be four billion fewer pounds of sediment discharged from construction sites each year.

Nearly 82,000 home builders, commercial and industrial building contractors, and civil-engineering companies are expected to be covered by the rule, which the EPA estimates will impose about $953 million of annual costs.

Such costs could raise home prices and cause a small number of builders to go out of business, resulting in some job losses, the EPA said in a draft version of the final rule.  It said job losses may be temporary given the relatively high turnover in the construction industry, and acknowledged that the new rule is being introduced at a time when construction has fallen off sharply.

“However, the four year phasing process is expected to give the industry sufficient time to experience several years of growth before all the rule requirements are in effect,” the EPA draft said.

Construction site owners and operators covered by the rule will have to use best management practices, including soil stabilization and erosion control, to ensure that soil that is excavated, moved or otherwise disturbed by construction activity doesn't pollute nearby bodies of water. In addition, owners and operators at larger construction sites will be subject for the first time to federal monitoring requirements and limits on storm water discharges.  The monitoring requirements will take effect first at sites that disturb 20 or more acres and eventually at sites of 10 or more acres.

The EPA said the rule, which will establish minimum national standards, is intended to work in concert with existing state and local regulations that may be more stringent.

Adoption of the rule came in response to a court order in a lawsuit brought by a handful of states and nonprofit environmental groups alleging that the agency had failed to issue regulations required under the Clean Water Act.  A U.S. district court ordered the EPA to issue the rule no later than Dec. 1, 2009.

A spokesman for the National Association of Home Builders couldn't be reached immediately for comment. A spokesman for Associated Builders and Contractors Inc. said the group wouldn't be able to comment until the final rule is published in the Federal Register.

A first luxury high-rise on Dallas, TX own ‘Gold Coast' boasts a VIP list and an intriguing past according to writer David Flick.

“There was a time, during one of the most colorful eras in Dallas history, when the building at 3525 Turtle Creek Boulevard, was so famous, it didn't matter that it had no other name,” he said. “During the early 1960s, heartthrob Fabian stayed there while in town for a play.”

When construction of 3525 was announced in 1957, it was the first luxury high-rise along Turtle Creek, a strips that has since become Dallas' version of Chicago's Gold Coast, according to research.

Residents are working to put the building on the National Register of Historic Places, according to a recent article.

Preservation Dallas, which is helping residents apply for historic status, has called the design by Dallas architect Howard Meyer “the most fully realized and successful modernist apartment building in Texas, perhaps in America,” writes Flick.

The 22-story building has a rich history of celebrities, a raid, crime, and theft among other legends.

But Meyer, who died in 1988, once said in an interview that when builders Edward Dicker and Jerome Frank hired him, they gave him a simple marching order: “We're giving you the best site in Dallas,” wrote Flick.

The building's pinwheel design gave each unit three views and nonconjoining walls that assured greater privacy, according to literature.

The building's most notable feature - the latticelike concrete brise soleil - was designed to filter the harsh Texas sun, states Flick.

There were powder rooms on each floor for the maids, a large staff contractually forbidden to accept tips, a daily courtesy carwash, a swimming pool, and a dining room, according to a website.

All that luxury came with a price, according to the article.

Dicker's explanation in 1957 that the luxury high-rise was needed “because the rich man has been neglected in the past 30 years” triggered nationwide snickering.

In less-security-conscious days, the elite residential building had a restaurant and beauty shop open to the public.

The private Club 3525 had a separate entrance off the porte-cochere, through which 56 of its patrons were loaded into paddy wagons in May 1960 after a vice squad raid to curtail after-hours drinking, according to reports.

The blogosphere is abuzz over an apparently leaked document showing the United States trying to push its controversial DMCA-style notice-and-takedown process on the world. But since Threat Level already lives in the land of the DMCA, or Digital Millennium Copyright Act, we’re more bothered by the fact that the U.S. proposal goes far beyond that 1998 law, and would require Congress to alter the DMCA in a manner even more hostile to consumers.

At issue is the internet section of the Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement being developed under a cloak of secrecy by dozens of countries. The leaked document is a three-page European Commission memo written by an unnamed EU official, which purports to summarizes a private briefing given in September by U.S. trade officials.

The language in the Sept. 30 memo shows the United States wants ISPs around the world to punish suspected, repeat downloaders with a system of “graduated response” — code for a three-strikes policy that results in the customer eventually being disconnected from the internet with the ISP alone deciding what constitutes infringement and fair use.

While the proposal specifically says that three strikes wouldn’t be mandated, it might as well be. That’s because companies that refused to implement the policy would be ejected from the immunity or “safe harbor” that otherwise protects them from copyright infringement lawsuits over the actions of their customers.

Currently, the DMCA grants safe harbor status to internet companies that promptly remove allegedly infringing content at the request of the copyright holder. Only if they fail to do so can they be held liable in court, and face up to $150,000 in damages per infringement.

Under the U.S. proposal described in the memo, removing infringing content would no longer be enough to qualify for safe harbor. Companies would have to actively work to combat the flow of unauthorized copyrighted material through their pipes, and specifically implement the “graduated response” program.

Here is the key paragraph:

“On the limitations from 3rd party liability: to benefit from safe-harbours, ISPs need to put in place policies to deter unauthorized storage and transmission of IP infringing content (ex: clauses in customers’ contracts allowing, inter alia, a graduated response). From what we understood, the US will not propose that authorities need to create such systems. Instead, they require some self-regulation by ISPs.”

Threat Level obtained the document on condition it not be posted, and we haven’t independently verified its authenticity, or that it accurately reflects the positions of the U.S. trade representatives. The document indicates the U.S. refused to turn over anything in writing itself, and briefed E.U. representatives on the plan orally in the hope of avoiding leaks.

The Obama administration has been obsessively secretive about the draft ACTA treaty — even, at one point, claiming national security could be jeopardized if the proposed treaty’s working documents were disclosed to the public. Now, it seems, we know what the administration is hiding.

Obama hasn’t asked Congress to implement a three-strike policy, which could anger consumers and watchdog groups. But if the administration gets three strikes written into ACTA, and the United States signs and ratifies the treaty, Congress would be obliged to change the DMCA to comply with it, while the administration throws its hands in the air and says, “It wasn’t our idea! It’s that damn treaty!”

That practice is common enough to have a name: policy laundering.

Language in the leaked text throws open the door to ISP filtering for unauthorized content, though there’s no way for filters to know whether the material constitutes fair use. That plan is similar to a proposal by the Motion Picture Association of America, which wants ISPs to filter for unauthorized motion pictures.

The three-strikes language would be gold to companies like MediaSentry, which browse peer-to-peer networks for infringing content, and identify a user’s IP address and ISP. MediaSentry’s work was crucial in the RIAA’s 6-year-long litigation campaign that amounted to about 30,000 copyright lawsuits against individual file sharers using Kazaa, Limewire and other services.

Until today, the most alarming thing in the proposed ACTA treaty has been the secrecy surrounding it. But now the threat level is higher. It seems the executive branch would rather negotiate with other nations, instead of its own elected officials, about the future of a free and open internet.

La blogosphère est en effervescence sur un document montrant apparemment fui les États-Unis tentent de pousser son controversé DMCA avis de style et de processus de takedown sur le monde. Mais depuis Threat Level vit déjà dans le pays de la DMCA, ou Digital Millennium Copyright Act, nous sommes plus gênés par le fait que la proposition des États-Unis va bien au-delà de cette loi de 1998, et nécessiterait le Congrès pour modifier la DMCA d'une manière même plus hostile pour les consommateurs. L'enjeu est la section Internet de l'Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement développé sous le sceau du secret par des dizaines de pays. La fuite d'un document est un de trois pages de la Commission européenne note rédigée par un fonctionnaire anonyme de l'UE, qui prétend résume un exposé privée donnée en Septembre par des responsables américains du commerce. La langue dans la note de service le 30 septembre montre que les États-Unis veulent que les FAI à travers le monde pour punir les suspects, downloaders répéter avec un système de "riposte graduée" - code pour la politique de la grève de trois qui se traduit par le client d'être finalement déconnecté d'Internet avec l'ISP seul de décider ce qui constitue une infraction et l'usage loyal. <! —
Télécommandes Universelles »http://www.wired.com/threatlevel/2009/11/policy-laundering/ ';
/ / -> Alors que la proposition est dit expressément que trois grèves ne seraient pas prescrites, cela aurait tout aussi bien. C'est parce que les entreprises qui ont refusé d'appliquer la politique serait éjectée de l'immunité ou la "sphère de sécurité» qui protège contre les poursuites autrement les droits d'auteur d'infraction dans les actions de leurs clients. Actuellement, les subventions DMCA statut de "sphère de sécurité pour Internet d'entreprises qui éliminent rapidement incriminées des contenus à la demande du titulaire du droit d'auteur. Seulement si elles ne le font pas peuvent-ils être tenus responsables en justice, et faire face à 150.000 $ en dommages et intérêts par infraction. En vertu de la proposition américaine décrit dans le mémo, élimination de la teneur de contrefaçon ne serait plus suffisante pour bénéficier d'une "sphère de sécurité. Les entreprises auraient à travailler activement pour lutter contre le flux de matériel non autorisé sous copyright par leurs tuyaux, et en particulier mettre en œuvre la "riposte graduée" du programme. Voici le paragraphe clé: "Sur les limites du 3e responsabilité civile: pour bénéficier de« refuge », les FAI doivent mettre en place des politiques visant à dissuader le stockage et la diffusion illicites de contrefaçon de la propriété intellectuelle du contenu (ex: les clauses dans les contrats clients» permettant, entre entre autres, une réponse progressive). D'après ce que nous avons compris, les USA ne proposera que les autorités doivent créer de tels systèmes. Au lieu de cela, ils nécessitent une certaine auto-régulation par les FSI. "Threat Level obtenu le document à la condition qu'il ne pas être affiché, et nous n'avons pas vérifiées de manière indépendante l'authenticité, ou qu'il reflète fidèlement les positions des représentants commerciaux des États-Unis. Le document indique que les États-Unis ont refusé de remettre quelque chose dans l'écriture elle-même, et a informé l'UE représentants sur le plan oralement dans l'espoir d'éviter les fuites. L'administration Obama a été obsessivement secret sur le projet de traité ACTA - même, à un moment donné, en faisant valoir la sécurité nationale pourrait être compromise si des documents de travail du projet de traité ont été divulgués au public. Maintenant, il semble, nous savons ce que l'administration se cache. Obama n'a pas demandé au Congrès pour mettre en œuvre une politique à trois grève, qui pourrait la colère des consommateurs et des groupes de surveillance. Mais si l'administration reçoit trois grèves inscrit dans l'ACTA, et les États-Unis le signent et ratifient le traité, le Congrès serait obligé de changer le DMCA pour s'y conformer, tandis que l'administration lève ses mains en l'air et dit: "Il n 'était pas t notre idée! C'est ce traité damn! "Cette pratique est assez commun d'avoir un nom: le blanchiment des politiques. Langue dans le texte fuite ouvre grand la porte à l'ISP de filtrage des contenus non autorisés, mais il n'existe aucun moyen pour les filtres de savoir si le matériel qui constitue une utilisation équitable. Ce plan est similaire à une proposition de la Motion Picture Association of America, qui veut que les FAI à filtrer pour les films non autorisés. Les trois grèves de la langue serait l'or à des sociétés comme MediaSentry, qui broutent peer-to-peer pour avoir enfreint le contenu et identifier un utilisateur, l'adresse IP et ISP. MediaSentry travail a été crucial dans la 6, la RIAA ans de campagne à long contentieux qui s'élevait à environ 30.000 poursuites en justice contre les partageurs de fichiers individuels en utilisant Kazaa, Limewire et autres services. Jusqu'à aujourd'hui, la chose la plus alarmante dans le projet de traité ACTA a été le secret qui l'entoure. Mais maintenant le niveau de menace est plus élevé. Il semble que le pouvoir exécutif serait plutôt de négocier avec d'autres nations, au lieu de ses propres fonctionnaires élus, sur l'avenir d'un Internet libre et ouvert.

If we wanted to win the game, we had to follow the directions to get to the next clue. We had to follow the directions on the path that was created by the compass. It would be amazing if we had directions for everything that comes our way in life. I mean it would be nice to have directions on how to deal with difficult people, how to calm a crying baby at 3 A.M. and how to teach your teenager how to drive without losing your mind.

The truth is that we have been given directions to follow for our spiritual life. The problem with directions is that they are only as good as the person giving them and our willingness to follow them. Jesus has offered the ultimate spiritual direction for our lives. I want to look at one verse that really drives this point home.

“I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. John 14:6

Jesus made it clear that He was the way to spiritual freedom and spiritual life.
Jesus has given us a unique promise and an exclusive claim. Jesus bridges the gap between God and humanity by being both fully God and fully human. Jesus has become the bridge that fills the gap and he is the promise that offers us direction for life

Jesus has become our path. He has cut through the difficulties and trials of life. Jesus cleared us a path that cut through the power of sin and the penalty of death. Jesus is the way and he is our guide for a divine direction

In our society there is an increasing shift to be inclusive and tolerant of ideas, lifestyles and faiths. Jesus makes it extremely clear that His claim is completely exclusive. “No one comes to the Father except through me.” Jesus is the way and there is no other. There can be no riding the fence; because the claim of Jesus demands a response. Either you accept Him or you reject Him.

Jesus is the only way into the presence of God, God's acceptance and God's family. Jesus is the way into salvation which leads us to heaven and the promise of eternal life.

Everyone wants to go to heaven and everyone wants to live forever. Jesus has given us the ultimate direction for this life and the next. We are now given a choice; either accept Him as the way, the truth and the life Him or to completely reject Him. We can get to heaven but it must be God's way because we can not get there by any other means. Jesus is the way and God provided Jesus to know the way, show the way and go the way. All we have to do is follow Him and he will lead us home. This world, this place is not our home because we are just passing through. We are travelers on our way to a greater home. Jesus can and will show you the way if you let him

Christian faith is extremely simple but far too often people make it too difficult. Paul said in Romans 10:9-10: That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.

Today is the day that you can allow Jesus to be your spiritual compass, place your faith in the ultimate claim of Jesus and join the family of God.

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The place of Muslim women in Arab and Muslim nations is marked by rampant inequality, oppression, and even violence. This subjugated status is attributed not only to Islamic law, or shar'ia, but to the structure of these societies that are based on deeply entrenched patriarchal. A chief proponent of the inequity and maltreatment of Muslim women has been the interpretation of the Qur'an in favor of men. This male domination of Islamic teachings has served to reinforce the current patriarchal rule that determines women's status in these societies. Such patriarchal became a key component in the founding of Arab societies from the beginning of Islam. Indeed, by some accounts it seems that women in the early Islamic Arab world were afforded a more independent, equal position in society. There are abundant records of the high status, wealth, and education of the Prophet Muhammed's first wife Khadija as well as the extremely influential position held by his second wife A'isha (Yamani 199). While the Qur'an states that men are to “protect and maintain” women, most men in Muslim cultures clearly bend this instruction to their own advantage.

The role of patriarchal order in the early Islamic Arab world was vital in building and upholding a new society (Yamani 88). As this order became firmly established, male authority came to be the basis of family law, as well as just about every area of society. In too many cases, patriarchal rule over women reaches lethal extremes in the form of fundamentalist regimes or male family members. A recent example of the unspeakable treatment of Muslim women was the period of time when the extremist Taliban ruled Afghanistan. There fanatical tactics forced women to comply to a number of ludicrous rules which surpassed mere subjugation, though fear of beating, harassment, rape, or death (Bloch 49). Another cruel yet legally sanctioned manifestation of Islamic patriarchal rule in Arab societies is the crime of honor, in which a male family members may murder a woman caught committing to adultery or engaging in pre-marital sex. Even the suspicion of such an act by a male relative is considered legally acceptable shot in the name of Islamic fundamentalist regimes, often for such crimes as appearing in public (Yamani 146). Genital mutilation is a practice which has recently been abolished in Egypt but that continues on in other Muslim societies, in which the clitoris and labia area detached to remove sexual desire (Beyer p.2). In Algeria and Sudan women are brutally raped and beheaded, sometimes for the mere crime of not covering their heads. These heinous acts represent the full extent of patriarchal force when combined with Islamic fundamentalism that take place all too often in Arab and Muslim countries. The structure of these societies is based upon the supreme authority of the patriarch, and women bear the brunt of this authority.

Depending on which country one examines, the contemporary social conditions vary, but far-reaching measures of inequality pervade them all. While men and women are granted the same religious duties and potential rewards under the Qur'an, such equality is not reflected in other areas of society. Upon examination of this holy text, one would deduce that females are encouraged to pursue an education alongside men, yet in reality they are significantly outnumbered in all levels of school. Also inherent in the teachings of Islam is the idea that men's and women's roles are ont the same, yet serve to complement one another. Women's roles as mothers and homemakers are valued, yet their access to employment in most Muslim societies is quite limited (Yamani 206). Fortunately, Islamic law does permit room for women in the workplace, and in some societies, for example Iran and Jordan, they are invited to serve government positions. However, the employment rates of women in these regions remain ever-fixedly below those of men. In another sphere of life incredibly central to women, marriage and child custody, the law also favors men. While the Qur'an does allow women the right to choose a husband, it is he who has ultimate control during and after the marriage. This has much to do with the way Islamic law is interpreted to perpetuate gender roles in which an obedient and subservient wife will be rewarded. It is undeniable that Islamic law discriminates against women in the matters of marriage and divorce. Indeed, they are unable to fathom the rights afforded to men, including polygamy, concubine, and easily attained divorce. Furthermore, in the case of divorce men are awarded full custody over the children once a boy reaches the age of seven and a girl the age of nine. This slight window of time given to the mother is immediately revoked in the event that she remarries, however (Yamani 75). These and other discriminatory laws force the majority of Muslim women in the Middle East to continue in the uphill battle for equality under Islam.

Women's oppression and subjugated status in Arab and Muslim countries continues amidst a backdrop of globalization in which Western ideologies are imposed worldwide. This propagation of Western standards, often through the popular media, has created a widespread perception of a polarized East vs. West. Often, the East refers to an “Oriental Other” that seems to oppose the core values of American society. Particularly in the aftermath of resurgent Islamic fundamentalism in the late 1970s and early 1980s did anti-Islamic attitudes emerge in the West. Since that time, these general attitudes have escalated into an all-out challenge between Western power and Islamic fundamentalism, with attacks on both sides. As Middle Eastern nations began to pose a threat to the U.S., as during the Persian Gulf War, media portrayals of Arabs and Muslims became increasingly generalized and racial in nature. This Islam-bashing served to justify American invasion of Iraq, or at least tried to. At the forefront came what the West seemed to perceive as their primary point of contention with the Eastern “other” - the treatment of women under Islam. This Eurocentric media focus on the appearance and sexual segregation of women in most cases only led to a reinvigorated Islamicisation in which the female body was to be protected from Western eyes (Moghissi 36-37). European colonization of Muslim countries, while supposedly promoting the liberation of women, often had the opposite effect by inciting extremist groups to become more militant in their fundamentalist approach to preserving Islamic tradition. In other words, women bore the brunt of the conflict as symbolic vessels of Islamicization. The very occupation of Western forces in Muslim and Arab societies diverted political focus from the rights of Muslim women to the enemy at hand. In theory, Western concern for the numerous human rights crimes of extremists should serve to help the plight of female victims in these societies. Yet, as author Nawal el Saasawi puts it, the United States “indirectly supports” these regimes by agreeing not to subvert them (Beyond Borders). The globalizing forces that have projected Eurocentric ideology worldwide and reinforced an East vs. West mentality have contributed little to the amelioration of the plight of Muslim women whose rights they claim to advocate.

Perhaps the most visible symbol of the Muslim woman is the veil, for which different policies exist in various societies, reflecting the diversity of women's lives under Islam. While such policies regarding the covering of women vary, the Western world views this gender practice as representative of women's general oppression in all Muslim and Arab nations. Yet, the feelings of Muslim women towards this custom are as varied as the many different faces beneath the veils. In many Islamic societies such as Iran and Algeria, wearing the veil is mandatory and non-compliance runs the risk of legal and extra-legal punishment of varying severity. Other national governments as in Egypt and Jordan, technically allow the option to wear the veil, albeit amidst strong encouragement or coercion by fundamentalist groups. As in the latter two societies, the choice to cover oneself often represents a choice between “capitalist modernization…and the security and protection that the Islamists promise” (Moghissi 44). This picture contrasts starkly with the situation of Muslim women living in Western societies who have the choice whether or not to veil themselves, and who view this decision in terms of the ideological appeal of Islam (Moghissi 44). Indeed it is such women who seem to find the veil empowering; within a new society they are able to assert their cultural identity. The luxury of choice generally has an impact on the attitudes of Muslim women towards this practice. Nevertheless, most Middle Eastern Muslim women agree that veiling is the least of their problems, and that efforts must first be focused on maintaining political and economic stability, particularly in war-torn nations. In Muslim society, women's bodies are perceived as posing a sort of “threat to social stability”, which play an instrumental role in the preservation of honor for both sexes (Brooks 32). The issue of the veil is indeed as multifaceted as the women beneath it, surpassing a general Eurocentric perception that all Muslim women suffer an identical fate. These women are caught between a Western-perpetuated standard of female beauty and the Islamic idea of protected femininity under a sheath of fabric. The many arguments over the wearing of the veil seem to send the message that Muslim women are merely bodies, who have the potential to satisfy either side of the East vs. West coin.

Outside perceptions of women under Islamic rule have led Western feminists to hastily suggest their brand of feminism to ameliorate the situation. However, what these women seem to ignore is that Western feminist goals and tactics may completely clash with the cultures and politics under which most Middle Eastern women live. Feminism, as defined by Azza M. Karam, is “an individual or collective awareness that women have been and continue to be oppressed in diverse ways and for diverse reasons because of their gender…” (Afkhami and Friedl 18). This definition reminds us the necessity of recognizing inherent differences among different types of feminist movements based on differing conditions in each society. Islamic feminism, for example, refers to the movement of women working within their faith in order to gain rights. Advocates of this movement often criticize the Western feminist movement for seemingly representing only the interests of white, northern, middle and upper-class women. There is also the view held by some Islamic feminists that their Western counterparts tend to generalize the oppression of all third-world women (Afkhami 19). The societies in which these female Muslim activists live further embed in them the notion of “one voice against Imperialism”, as proposed by the late Ayatollah Khomeini in Iran (Moghissi 137). Indeed, these women are wary of a Western approach to attaining women's rights which simply does not fit the context of their respective societies. While Western women live in a world in which their liberties and rights are guaranteed by democratic institutions, this is not true for most Muslim women in the Middle East. Women living under strict Islamic regimes live among the threat of punishment at the hands of officers, making it dangerous, if not deadly to use certain Western feminist tactics. By no means is this to say that Islamic feminist groups place a lesser value on activism or that they remain voiceless, though Western media may perpetuate that image. The realities faced by women living in Muslim and Arab societies shape their particular brands of feminism.

Islamic feminists further contrast with Western ones over key elements which they perceive as de-valuing and ignoring different cultures and the importance of women's naturally complementary roles. A claim made by some Islamic feminists against Western women's rights movements is that they eventually serve to exploit women as sex objects and tools of capitalist, patriarchal society. Many also see the sexual freedom of Western women as opposing the Muslim virtue of natural female modesty. In general, some such women characterize the Western feminist movement as encouraging the “loose, shameful…character” in its women (Yamani 211). Considering the highly complex nature of Islamic sexuality and its perceived relationship with both male and female honor, it becomes easier to understand the opposition to and stereotypes of a brand of feminism that has led to such sexual autonomy for women. More importantly, a significant number of Islamic feminists feel that Western feminism undervalues the role of wife and mother by focusing on competition with men in the job market. The Islamic precept of the vital complementary nature of men and women's roles does not signal a lower status than men. Such roles give many Muslim women a sense of purpose and importance, and have been a key instrument in gaining political influence over these areas of society, most notably in Iran. While these women advocate female employment, they believe that the goal of competition with men serves to further burden Western women, and therefore do not wish to emulate them (Yamani 200). In sum, several factors influence the critical stance of Islamic feminists towards their Western counterparts. In addition to being politically infeasible for them, Islamic women view the Western feminist agenda as being diametrically opposed to their goals and their way of life.

While not the only method for gaining ground in the women's rights movement in the Middle East, Islamic feminism is the most realistic, and so far the most successful, way to advocate for equality. This type of feminism allows women to work within an indigenous framework that is more fitting to their own political and cultural realities, rather than try to adopt foreign methods. As one woman pointed out, many Islamic feminists during periods of war or military occupation by Western nations are disinclined to borrow foreign concepts at a time when foreigners are causing such devastation (Beyond Borders). Ironically, the very purpose of the Islamic women's rights movement must often be concealed. In other words, these women sometimes find it necessary to appear as though they are advocating their various reforms purely in the name of Islam, not gender equality (Yamani 211). As Islamic fundamentalism does not appear to be releasing its grip any time in the near future, women in these societies have learned how to use it to their advantage. They do this by revisiting the origins of Islam, and emphasizing the relatively independent, autonomous position held by women at this time. Looking to the wealthy, educated, and commanding first wife of Muhammed, Khadija, and his second wife of tremendous political prominence, A'isha, Islamic feminists feel more optimistic about their current struggle (Yamani 200). Also using specific dictates from the Qur'an, these groups have worked to underline the equality under God which must be upheld for all Muslims. By working within the confines of their own societies and not attempting to import foreign ideals to gain feminist ground, Middle Eastern feminists have done just that.

Probably the most noteworthy example of the success of Islamic feminist tactics has taken place in Iran. Over the past two decades since the Revolution and establishment of a strictly Islamic state, women there have been stripped of many hard-gained rights. In place of old laws came new, clearly discriminatory legislation that erased any semblance of gender equality, with the exception of the right to vote. As the supposed shining example of Islam to the world, Iranian women have fought a clever battle with the government in which Islam is used to regain rights. Searching through the Qur'an and the annals of Islamic history, they use traditional teachings and ideas in their defense. For instance, citing the teaching that all Muslims are to “become learned”, women have regained significantly greater access to different areas of education, and now make up over half of Iranian college students. Women also demanded recognition in the political sphere, and more were elected on government committees in which they have had influence over the legislation that affects their lives. When all women judges lost their positions in the wake of the revolution, “Iranian women lawyers refused to be marginalized”, and were subsequently allowed to act as advisers to male lawyers. In court, these female advisers wield influence over cases involving custody struggles and other matters imperative to women's rights (Yamani 205-206). Islamic feminists' battle in Iran has been slow and arduous, as are all feminist movements. Nonetheless, the exemplary progress gained by these ingenuous Iranian women continue to improve the lives of their mothers, sisters, daughters, and friends by bringing about a greater atmosphere of tolerance and reception to their demands.

Today, Islamic women worldwide continue to fight an uphill battle for equal rights within fundamentalist regimes. Not all have gained the degree of success of Persian women, and most still live under highly repressive conditions in which there appears to be little room for negotiation. And yet they continue to negotiate, gaining ground in each nation. In 1999, a decree was issued to allow Kuwaiti women the vote and election to Parliament, but the ruling was swiftly overturned. The Moroccan government has suggested new reforms to women's property and marriage rights, but have faced an onslaught of conservative, fundamentalist opposition. However, in Syria, Iraq, and Turkey a larger number of women are being elected to governmental positions. Also, four Muslim countries have been, or continue to be headed by a woman. Recently, female circumcision in Egypt was officially banned, and women in Qatar were given the guarantee of equal rights to participate in the first parliamentary ballot election to take place this year. Women in Turkey have an unprecedented level of rights rivaling that even of the Western world, and led by a progressive and secular president. There, women's rights are attained more quickly in all areas, yet are still faced with opposition (Time.com). Though the measures of feminist success throughout the Muslim world differ and nearly always meet with harsh opposition, women remain dedicated to their claims to equality.

In a contemporary world of rapidly spreading ideologies and cultural messages, the image of the Muslim woman is not always an accurate one. Western homogenization of Muslim women's experiences provides another barrier with which to see her situation more clearly. If the voices beneath the veils go unheard, it is not for lack of feminist activism on the part of many women living under fundamentalist Islamic regimes. Their goals may not be the same as those of their Western feminist counterparts, but they face a similar uphill battle to attaining equality with men. Rather than rejecting a religion that should give them hope, many Islamic women use its fundamental teachings to liberate themselves from backwards, misogynistic laws. Despite monstrous and even violent opposition, women in these countries continue to pioneer for their desperately needed rights, so veiling themselves becomes a choice and not a burden.

Bibliography

Moghissi, Haideh. (1999). Feminism and Islamic Fundamentalism: The Limits of Postmodern Analysis. London and New York: Zed Books.

Afkahmi, Mahnaz and Friedl, Erika. Eds. (1997). Muslim Women and the Politics of Participation. Syracuse, New York: Syracuse University Press.

National Film Board of Canada. (2000). “Beyond Borders: Arab Feminists Talk about their Lives”. Canada.

Yamani, Mai. Feminism and Islam (1996): Legal and Literary Perspectives. New York: New York University Press.

Bloch, Hannah and Beech, Hanna. “Lifting the Veil”. Time Magazine. December 3, 2001.

Beyer, Lisa. “The Women of Islam” pp1-3. Time.com. November 25, 2001.

www.time.com/world/article/0,8599,185647-2,00.html

Brooks, Geraldine. Nine Parts of Desire (1995). New York: Broadway Publishing.

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Muslim group calls for burka ban in Canada

By Charles Lewis, National Post

A Canadian Muslim group is calling on Ottawa to ban the wearing of the burka in public, saying the argument that the right to wear it is protected by the Charter’s guarantee of freedom of religion is false.

“The burka has absolutely no place in Canada,” said Farzana Hassan, of the Muslim Canadian Congress. “In Canada we recognize the equality of men and women. We want to recognize gender equality as an absolute. The burka marginalizes women.”

She said many women who cover their face in public are being forced to by their husbands and family. As a result, she argued, these women are denied opportunities and cannot live freely as other women in this society.

“The Koran exhorts Muslims toward modesty, which can be expressed in a number of different ways and it doesn’t have to be that you have to cover your face or you have to wear a virtual tent wherever you go. This is not a requirement of Islam or the Koran. We are saying this practice has become a political issue promoted by extremists and to counter this trend we are asking for a ban on the burka.”

The proposal calls for the banning of “masks, niqabs and burkas.” A niqab covers the face but allows the eyes to be seen; a burka covers the entire body and the eyes are obscured by a mesh covering.

“For me that is a huge embarrassment,” said Ms. Hassan. “It brings the kind of criticism Muslims face.”

Ms. Hassan said her group is bringing this up now because of an edict released this week in Egypt, by a top Muslim authority, calling for a ban on the burka.

Ms. Hassan said she is not asking for the banning of the hijab, which just covers the hair, but she would also like to see that custom vanish.

Professor Amir Hussain, who teaches theology at Loyola Marymount College in Los Angeles, but grew up in Toronto, said the fact that the burka is not in the Koran does not mean that it is not part of authentic religious practice and that many religions absorb cultural practices that eventually become sacred.

He said he does not believe there are enough women wearing the burka in Canada to call it a serious issue. But for those women who are being forced to wear it by family members, the best way to deal with it is to reach out to those women on an individual level.

He said any legal ban will infringe on fundamental democratic rights.

“In Turkey, a secular society, it is illegal to wear it. In Iran you’ll be punished if you don’t wear it. Either way imposing a belief on women.”

In the past few years, the debate over what kind of religious dress should be allowed has been loud and intense.

In June, French President Nicolas Sarkozy went so far as to call a parliamentary commission to look at whether to ban the wearing of burkas and niqabs in public. In France, religious headgear of any faith has already been banned in public schools.

Also in June, the Michigan Supreme Court amended its rules of evidence to give trial judges discretion over whether a woman can be fully veiled when testifying or when bringing accusations. The new rule did not mention Muslims but it will clearly affect Muslims.

Last year an Ontario judge said religious beliefs did not give a woman the right to wear a veil while testifying against her alleged rapist. The decision is now before the Ontario Court of Appeal.

In 2007, a Quebec election official created controversy when he said veiled Muslim women would have to take off their veil if they wanted to vote.

Wahida Valiante, chair of the Canadian Islamic Congress, said the right to wear a burka is absolutely covered by the Charter and no one can dictate what constitutes proper religious practice.

But she said by constantly bringing up a “miniscule” issue, that, too, skews society’s impression of Islam.

“If anyone ever finds this to be a huge problem I’d be the first one to participate in that discourse. There’s freedom of choice. Women can take their bra off and we don’t have any laws against that. So in that context a woman can choose to cover their face in this country.”

Electronic music, simply put, is a genre of electronic music that originated in Britain in the late 1980s. It is typically fast-paced, features digital and electric sounds, and is most widely created with electronic components such as computers, synthesizers, sound cards, samplers, and drum machines. It goes by many names in the United Kingdom: house, Euroelectronic, techno, jungle, Brit-hop, hip house, trance, funk, electronica, garage, and rave. It was heavily influenced by black American electronic music-”Britain is the great melting pot of America's black music styles (and has been for decades-think back to the Beatles and Rolling Stones)”-with artists such as “The Jacksons,” “The Spinners,” and “Earth Wind and Fire” providing a funky, soulful foundation for early electronic music (Hamilton). It was equally influenced, however, by the clubs in the Balearic Islands, where the club scene was described as “vibrant and eclectic” (Langois). Electronic tunes dominated the club scene in the exotic getaway, and injected newcomers with electronic sounds-a brand of music that was energizing and original. The Balearic Islands was a popular British summer getaway location, and young Brits returning from vacation sought to re-create the energetic sound in their local clubs. The earliest electronic clubs in London were run by DJs who had worked previously in the Balearic Islands, and sought to bring the Mediterranean style and sound to clubs in England (Langois). Also, with the introduction and popularity of euphoric “uppers” such as ecstasy, the electronic scene of the United Kingdom was energized and transformed (Langois). Thus, the electronic culture of the United Kingdom was born.

The energy and originality of fast-paced electronic music were not exclusive to the Balearic Islands, however, as artists such as Michael Jackson had popularized electronic, electronic-friendly in the early 1980s, nearly a decade before. “Thriller” was an important contribution that laid the foundation for electronic music to move toward a more mainstream audience, and was the best-selling album in international music history and is the eighth-most commercially successful album in British history, with sales reaching 3,578,107 as of November 2006 (Queen is champion of UK album sales). The record was the first of Michael Jackson's seven consecutive number one records (his debut effort “Off the Wall” peaked at 5 on the charts) as it spent 8 weeks at the top of the British charts, another 15 weeks in the second slot. Of its nine tracks, six were hit singles: “Billie Jean” was a top single; “Beat it” made it to the third slot; “Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'” and “The Girl is Mine,” the latter featuring Paul McCartney, peaked at 8; the title track just cracked the top ten while “P.Y.T.” (”Pretty Young Thing”) just missed the top ten at 11. The album's success is recognized worldwide and is undeniable, but the album's influence on laying the foundation for the electronic music craze has been overlooked.

“Thriller” uses electronic keyboards, electronic orchestras, lengthy voice-overs, sound effects, and electronic bass beats (many times constant and fast-paced) almost exclusively on most of its nine tracks, many of which are fast-paced electronic tracks. Even the construction of some of the album's most popular songs are similar to modern electronic tracks. Beginning with the first track, “Wanna Be Startin' Somethin',” the album gets off to a fast-paced start with an unrelenting electronic bass beat that keeps the track moving quickly throughout. Even before the keyboard solo accompanied by sound effects, the song's fast pace and funky electronic bass beat have made it a electronic floor classic even before the popularity of electronic music hit the United Kingdom. Moving to the eighth track, “P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing),” the beat is an archetypal example of a disco-era funk song with a strong beat and constant electric bass accompanied by loud, strong keyboards, all set to a pace that is lightning fast and perfect for the dance floor.

The track that is most reminiscent to the style of music popularized in the electronic music craze, however, is also the most popular track. “Billie Jean” features a melody that takes a simple, yet beautiful climb and fall by an electronic keyboard set to a fast-paced electronic beat that grows faster as it approaches the chorus. The song was a top single in the United Kingdom, and the first 1:50 of the track sound almost identical to most modern electronic tracks: an extra-long introduction with just a simple up and down bass beat melody, then an added keyboard melody, then vocals and a swelling to the chorus. Even the progression of the song is reminiscent of most modern techno or house tracks: a long introduction of percussion, an added keyboard melody, added vocals and a speeding up toward the chorus. And the music video for Billie Jean features Michael Jackson dancing on an electronic floor with lights that flash brightly when the melody rises and falls, similar to the special effects so popular in the rave music scene. For these tracks and more, “Thriller” was clearly a direct precursor to the electronic music that would gain popularity throughout the 1990s.

Some of the tracks from Michael Jackson's earliest albums were so reminiscent of the electronic music genre that they were later released on singles as electronic club remixes. From “Thriller,” the “You Are Not Alone” single released in 1995 featured two remixes of “Wanna Be Startin' Something” with “Brothers in Rhythm House Mix” and “Tommy D's Main Mix.” From Jackson's debut album, “Off the Wall,” the “Who Is It?” single, which was released in 1993, featured a “Roger's Underground Club Solution” remix of “Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough.” Also from “Off the Wall” came the 1996 single of “They Don't Care About Us,” which features a electronic music remix of “Rock With You” titled “Frankie's Favorite Club Mix.” Since his very first efforts, Jackson's sound has always been electronic-friendly and subsequent paragraphs will prove he has continued to be so throughout his career.

Working with the framework that was constructed by pioneer artists such as Michael Jackson and others, electronic music found a small amount of support in the local clubs of London in the late 1980s and early 1990s. DJs, at least initially, were the most influential members of the electronic culture. DJs laid the foundation through their individual styles and choice of music, and set the trends that would define the early electronic music of the United Kingdom. In the clubs, the DJs were God: they decided what music would be played and for how long it would be played. DJs played what styles and tracks they thought were high-quality and simply ignored the rest. In having total control of the playlist and the club, DJs set the trends and had a great deal of influence in dictating what was popular in the genre. In the charts, DJs were the primary and most regular consumers of new releases; they were “largely responsible for the early chart placings of the majority of new entries” (Hamilton). Also, DJs were most likely to buy multiple remixed versions of songs they had already purchased, which was important because record companies who invested in electronic music “needed to keep a single selling to the same people who have already bought it” in order to increase the single's revenue and expand its market base (Hamilton).

DJs could only carry the genre on a local level, however, as its cutting-edge beats and fresh style quickly became wildly popular and electronic music grew to become an underground phenomenon across the United Kingdom. More than anything, young Brits craved a genre of music that was vibrant and original-electronic music provided it. And by the early 1990s, electronic music had been adopted into the mainstream of the United Kingdom club scene. Music fans eager to comingle gathered in any venue that would accommodate them; recording studios, playgrounds, gyms, film studios, country mansions, hotel basements and restaurants served were used to host “several hundred hedonists in search of a good time” (Traveling along the U.K. underground). More than anything, music fans enjoyed electronic music because it had never been done before and was exciting. “The idea is to keep it fresh,” one electronic club owner stated. “We're starting to do theme parties and putting on different DJs. We've never gone for mega names…we provide a different atmosphere every time” (Traveling along the U.K. underground).

Electronic music had gained in popularity and by the very early 1990s, it spawned sub-genres that were incredibly popular in their own right. Rave music is a branch of electronic music that became extremely popular. “Raves,” parties with high-volume music, an colorful lighting, and often a presentation of a “dream-like ambience created by special effects,” were originally small, centralized get-togethers for fans with similar musical tastes (Langlois). As rave music's fan base grew exponentially in the early 1990s, however, raves “rapidly grew larger than existing clubs and electronic halls were able or willing to accommodate” (Langlois) And, like the patrons of electronic music, raves were held for large numbers of people (sometimes up to tens of thousands) in venues not suited for entertainment such as warehouses, abandoned airfields, and agricultural land (Langlois) Rave music became recognized in the mainstream of British society as a result of these venue choices, as mass amounts of young men and women gathering in non-licensed areas raised concerns from British citizens as well as the national British media (Langlois).

It was not until the early-mid 1990s that electronic music became an established genre, however. The popularity of electronic music in the United Kingdom experienced a boom in the first years of the 1990s, as the technological advancements that took place worldwide in the early part of the decade propelled the genre to the mainstream for the first time in its short history. By the early 1990s, technology such as personal computers and music synthesizers were for the first time made affordable to the average British citizen. Electronic music, which had always relied on a synthesized, electronic sound, experienced an increase in popularity as citizens were able to create and mix their own music through the electronic hardware that was now readily available. This brought about great changes in the record industry of the United Kingdom, as a younger, more technologically-focused generation of Britons began to mature and made a niche for themselves in the British charts (U.K. Biz Looks To Electronic Club Culture To Reverse Fortunes).

The most significant reason electronic music took off in the early 1990s, however, is attributed to one of the artists who helped found the genre back in the early 1980s. Michael Jackson's “Dangerous,” which went platinum multiple times in the United Kingdom, spawned a series of singles made entirely of electronic track remixes that would influence British music culture in a way no artist or group had done before: it would popularize electronic music in the United Kingdom by mixing electronic music with a more pop, mainstream sound. The track which would prove most influential in establishing the early popular electronic music sound was the single “Black Or White: The Clivilles & Cole House/Club Mix,” a remix from a song on “Dangerous.” The track was released in November 1991, and made it to the top 15 of the United Kingdom charts-an astonishing feat for a single, and even more astonishing for a remix single. But what was most impressive was that the track was a electronic track released in an era when electronic music was only an underground phenomenon and unrecognizable by casual British music fans.

But how did Jackson manage to make a popular electronic track when electronic music was only still just an underground phenomenon? Other than adding his signature brand of mainstream pop to the track, the answer is simple: the track was simply a faster, electronically-enhanced version of a song, “Black or White,” which had already proven to be a smash hit in the United Kingdom, as it peaked at the top position on the charts when it was originally released. Michael Jackson, one of Britain's most popular and all-time best-selling artists (he is the only artist other than Queen to hold two albums in the top ten all-time U.K. record sales), added an underground electronic track element to his already wildly popular song and released it the United Kingdom-capitalizing on a fresh sound that had been yet untouched by the British record companies (Queen is champion of UK album sales). By mixing his already-popular pop style with a new and exciting brand of music that was known only to underground electronic fans, Michael Jackson introduced electronic music to the world and was a pioneer of the more popularized genre of electronic music that prevails today.

Another reason why electronic music became extremely popular in the beginning of the decade is that British record executives, who had dismissed electronic music as an underground phenomenon that was utterly unappealing to mainstream music culture, began to understand the vast popularity of the genre and embraced it in hopes of boosting sagging record sales (U.K. Biz looks to electronic club culture to reverse fortunes). And as the genre was fresh and largely uncultivated in the United Kingdom, record executives had their pick of an abundant pool of fresh talent in need of a record label contract. One British record executive described the excess of talent thusly: “Every Monday morning, we get in, say, 15 or 20 records from small labels…First releases. White labels. And the stuff is really good. It's really energetic, and it works” (U.K. Biz Looks To Electronic Club Culture To Reverse Fortunes). Major and minor British record labels offered a benefit never extended to electronic music artists before: promotion. Newly-signed bands, already popular in their respective localities, exploded as a result of the national promotion they received from their respective record companies. Record executives were flooded with new talent, and had a new genre of new acts to promote to a British public that simply could not wait to get its hands on the next hot electronic music record.

The last reason why electronic music increased in popularity in the early 1990s was an added emphasis on touring. British groups are notorious for their distaste of long tours, and record executives in the early electronic music era began to place greater emphasis on touring as a way to connect with fans and promote albums. British record executive Nick Angel stated in 1993 that “It's not entirely satisfactory to people to have these seemingly endless 12-inchers,” explaining that singles, which were once the staple of British record companies' revenue, are simply not as important and profitable in the emerging electronic music era as they once were (U.K. Biz Looks To Electronic Club Culture To Reverse Fortunes). It was in this era that British record executives recognized that touring was the most effective technique to stir up the emerging mass of electronic music patrons, who had always been fond of the live music scene in the clubs they had frequented for so many years. Muff Winwood, former director of Sony U.K., said about British bands distaste for touring: “You ask a British band to do a 15-day English tour with one day on and one day off, and they complain if they have to double-up in a room with their mate. Certainly, we've got to our own bands a little more conscientious, if you like, about their own work ethic” (U.K. Biz Looks To Electronic Club Culture To Reverse Fortunes).

Michael Jackson continued to pioneer the electronic music genre throughout the mid 1990s, as his singles were packaged almost exclusively with electronic club remixes of his most popular songs. The “Who Is It?” single was released in 1993 and featured a club mix of “Who Is It?” as well as a “Roger's Underground Club Solution” remix of “Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough.” The “Remember the Time” single was released in 1993 and was made up entirely of electronic remixes. “Remember the Time” was remixed on the single five times with “Silky Soul 7'',” “New Jack Radio Mix,” “12'' Main Mix,” “E-Smoove's Late Nite Mix,” and “Maurice's Underground” while “Black or White” was remixed four times with “the Civilles & Cole Radio Mix,” “House with Guitar Radio Mix,” “the Civilles & Cole House-Club Mix,” and “the Underground Club Mix.” In 1995, the “Scream” single featured five electronic club remixes of the hit song with “Single Edit, No. 2,” “Def Radio Mix,” “Naughty Radio Edit with Rap,” “Dave 'Jam' Hall's Extended Urban Remix,” and “Classic Club Mix.” Later that same year, the “You Are Not Alone” single was released and featured three electronic remixes; the single reached number one on the United Kingdom charts. In 1996, the “They Don't Care About Us” single was released and featured fix electronic club remixes of “They Don't Care About Us,” a “Frankie's Favorite Club Mix” of “Rock With You,” and a “Hani's Club Experience” remix of “Earth Song.”

As electronic music followed the lead set by artists such as Michael Jackson and moved toward a more mainstream pop sound, it appealed to a more wide audience of British music fans and by 1996 “electronic music become the largest selling sector of the UK's recorded music industry” (Electronic music comes of age). As it became more mainstream, however, electronic music began to lose its originality as it took on many of the conventions of mainstream acts. First of all, it became “poppier and popular,” and the underground electronic culture that was notorious for “careers beginning with singles conceived in bedrooms” was starting to evolve into a genre dominated by “album-producing bands capable of performing live” (Electronic music comes of age).

Michael Jackson's mid-1990s efforts, most notably “Blood on the Electronic Floor,” were wildly popular, dominated almost entirely by electronic tracks and club mixes, and propelled the already increasingly-pop genre into toward a full-blown mainstream sound. Tracks such as “Scream Louder (Flyte Tyme Remix),” “Money (Fire Island Radio Edit),” “2 Bad (Refugee Camp Mix),” “Stranger In Moscow (Tee's In-House Club Mix),” “This Time Around (D.M. Radio Mix),” “Earth Song (Hani's Club Experience),” and “You Are Not Alone (Classic Club Mix)” cater to the electronic craze sweeping the United Kingdom (Blood on the Electronic Floor). Frank Ceraolo, director of marketing at Epic records, said of “Blood on the Electronic Floor”: ” just want to electronic to his music. That's what this album is about–giving people something great to electronic to, which has always been one of Michael's greatest strengths as an artist” (LANGLOIS). With this release and more, Michael Jackson had become such an icon in the electronic floor genre that his albums became a forum to showcase club remix skills and were widely touted as promotional tool for up-and-coming DJs to make themselves known. “Blood on the Electronic Floor” was described by Rolling Stone magazine was “a cute little package that should increase the mainstream visibility of some of clubland's finest (Langois). And by the late 1990s, Michael Jackson and others had created a monster, as “Electronic music become the punk rock for this generation of Brits” (Electronic music comes of age).

For better or worse, artists who have embraced the electronic music genre as openly as Michael Jackson have helped electronic music become the popular brand of music in the United Kingdom. What began as a tropical, energetic sound from the Balearic Islands has become” (U.K. Electronic Getting Lost In Translation?). London music producer Mickie Most, whose artists have sold over 250 million albums since the 1960s, explains that “everyone [in the U.K.] is stuck on producing electronic music, which has become the mainstream” (Rock of Aged). And as Jackson's latest effort, “Invincible,” was a electronic-friendly album that was met with enormous success in the United Kingdom, it appears that Jackson's electronic-floor success in Britain is far from over.

Works Cited

Boehm, Erich. “Electronic music comes of age; sales, awareness of genre on rise in U.K. and abroad.(A Week in the Life of U.K. Showbiz).” Variety 369.n6 (Dec 15, 1997): 37(2). Expanded Academic ASAP. Thomson Gale. CSU Sacramento University Library. 23 May. 2007 .

Cheeseman, Phil. “Traveling along the U.K. underground. (dance music) (On the Tip) (Industry Overview).” Billboard 104.n39 (Sept 26, 1992): 34(2). Expanded Academic ASAP. Thomson Gale. CSU Sacramento University Library. 23 May. 2007
.

Duffy, Thom, and Dominic Pride. “U.K. biz looks to electronic club culture to reverse fortunes. (British sound recording industry) (The Billboard Report).” Billboard 105.n47 (Nov 20, 1993): 1(2). Expanded Academic ASAP. Thomson Gale. CSU Sacramento University Library. 23 May. 2007 .

Hamilton, James. “Hamilton: what's hot, what's not.” Billboard 100. n30 (Jul 23, 1988): 31 (1). Proquest. CSU Sacramento Library. 23 May. 2007 .

Langlois, Tony. “Langlois DJs and house music culture in the UK. (disc jockeys).” Popular Music 11.n2 (May 1992): 229(10). Expanded Academic ASAP. Thomson Gale. CSU Sacramento University Library. 23 May. 2007
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Paoletta, Michael. “U.K. electronic getting lost in translation?(Electronic).” Billboard 116.6 (Feb 7, 2004): 33(1). Expanded Academic ASAP. Thomson Gale. CSU Sacramento University Library. 23 May. 2007
.

Welte, Jim. Queen is Champion of UK Album Sales. 16 Nov. 2006

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Pupils told to bring own toilet paper to school

Source

Pupils in a Irish school are being asked to bring their own toilet paper to school to help offset funding cutbacks.

The principal of St John's Girls National School in Carrigaline, County Cork, confirmed she had sent out a memo to parents last week requesting that their daughters occasionally bring a roll of toilet paper to give to the class teacher, who would dispense the rolls to students when needed.

The bizarre request is part of the school's cost-containment programme so that dwindling state funding can be better spent on education, says principal Catherine O'Neill.

She refused to divulge the school's annual budget but said that the Government's abolition of various grants was behind the request.

The letter, dated 1 October, reads: “Dear parent. From time to time we will request your daughter to bring in a toilet roll to her class teacher. These rolls will be specifically for your daughter's class and will be dispensed by the class teacher. We would also request that your daughter has tissues in her sack at all times. This is due to cutbacks. we are endeavouring to trim down expenses and ensure we use our grants towards the educational needs of your child.”

She stressed that the request was just that, and pupils were not obliged to comply.

“We thought with this request that it wouldn't be a burden on families. We're just hoping to spend money on education,” she said.

“We're all aware of cutbacks. We didn't mean to insult anyone. It's kind of humorous,” she said, adding she didn't believe her school was the first to make such a request.

But a parent of one pupil said he was astonished when he got the letter last week.

“Are things really this bad? This is like something Frank McCourt might have written about growing up in the 1930s,” he said. “I was flabbergasted.”

Irish National Teachers' Organisation spokesman Peter Mullan said many schools were reeling under funding cutbacks and parents were being asked to shoulder an even greater burden of their child's educational costs.

Despite the Government increasing the capitation grant to cover basic operating costs in the last budget, other grants have been removed. They include the free-book scheme for low-income students, the school library grant and a special grant for Traveller children, he says.

“Two years ago, the Government promised to spend €252m to upgrade computers but not a cent has been spent on them,” he said.

Consequently, parents are being asked to hold fundraising drives in order to pay for basic upgrades of their school's computer system, he says.

Students are also being asked to bring items like egg cartons and yoghurt containers to use for art class, he says.

“Parents were being asked to fund superficial things but now they're being asked to pay the core things,” he said.

“It's no longer a few books or computer equipment. It's now for basic running costs,” he said.

The Department of Education, however, said that schools were now getting more funding for basic operating costs after the capitation grant was increased last year to €200 per student.

He added that St John's Girls school had received close to €379,000 in state funding for its 540 pupils since January 2008.

“The school has not come to the department about any financial difficulty,” he said.

Source Irish Independent

Where Have All the Christians Gone?

Posted on 29 September 2009

 

The number of people who claim no religious affiliation, meanwhile, has doubled since 1990 to fifteen percent, its highest point in history.

AP

Christianity is plummeting in America, while the number of non-believers is skyrocketing.

A shocking new study of Americans’ religious beliefs shows the beginnings of a major realignment in Americans’ relationship with God. The American Religious Identification Survey (ARIS) reveals that Protestants now represent half of all Americans, down almost 20 percent in the last twenty years. In the coming months, America will become a minority Protestant nation for the first time since the pilgrims.

The number of people who claim no religious affiliation, meanwhile, has doubled since 1990 to fifteen percent, its highest point in history. Non-believers now represent the third-highest group of Americans, after Catholics and Baptists.

Other headlines:

1) The number of Christians has declined 12% since 1990, and is now 76%, the lowest percentage in American history.

2) The growth of non-believers has come largely from men. Twenty percent of men express no religious affiliation; 12% of women.

3) Young people are fleeing faith. Nearly a quarter of Americans in their 20’s profess no organized religion.

4) But these non-believers are not particularly atheist. That number hasn’t budged and stands at less than 1 percent. (Agnostics are similarly less than 1 percent.) Instead, these individuals have a belief in God but no interest in organized religion, or they believe in a personal God but not in a formal faith tradition.

The implications for American society are profound. Americans’ relationship with God, which drove many of the country’s great transformations from the pilgrims to the founding fathers, the Civil War to the civil rights movement, is still intact. Eighty-two percent of Americans believe in God or a higher power.

But at the same time, the study offers yet another wake-up call for religious institutions.

First, catering to older believers is a recipe for failure; younger Americans are tuning out.

Second, Americans are interested in God, but they don’t think existing institutions are helping them draw closer to God.

Finally, Americans’ interest in religion has not always been stable. It dipped following the Revolution and again following Civil War. In both cases it rebounded because religious institutions adapted and found new ways of relating to everyday Americans.

Today, the rise of disaffection is so powerful that different denominations needs to band together to find a shared language of God that can move beyond the fading divisions of the past and begin moving toward a partnership of different-but-equal traditions.

Or risk becoming Europe, where religion is fast becoming an afterthought.

Bruce Feiler is bestselling author of eight books, including “Walking the Bible” and “Abraham,” and the host of the PBS series on “Walking the Bible.” A frequent commentator on National Public Radio, CNN and FOX News. His latest book “America’s Prophet: Moses and the American Story” will be published in October.