Society and culture

Muslims in Macedonia belong to five ethnic groups: Albanians, Turks, Roma, Bosnians and Macedonian Muslims (also known as Torbeshi, Pomaks or Poturs). Within these five groups the majority are Sunni, with a minority belonging to 6 Sufi orders (the Helveti, Qadiri, Sinani, Rufa’i, Naqsh-Bandi and Malami.) And just to make things really interesting there are also Bektashi, who are Shiite Muslims.

Macedonian Muslims are linguistically distinguished from other large Muslim ethnic groups in the wider region of Macedonia, such as Albanians and Turks. They are also culturally distinguished from the majority Orthodox Christian Slavic Macedonian community, and have been for centuries, and to top it all off, not all Muslims in Macedonia consider themselves Macedonian by national identity.

So where did they come from?

The Macedonian Muslims are largely the descendants of Orthodox Christian Slavs from the region of Macedonia who converted to Islam when the Ottoman Empire ruled the Balkans. The Ottomans conquered the Balkans in the late 14th century and the conquest introduced Islam to the formerly Christian country in accordance with the Ottoman State’s goal of a “holy war” for the spread and defense of Islam. The goal of the conquest was not to destroy the subjected peoples, but to change their minds.

There were several (good) reasons for converting to Islam in those days. First and foremost was protection, especially in and around Reka, from Albanian gangs that were raiding on a daily basis. The Ottoman Empire offered inhabitants who converted to Islam protection. Then there was the money issue: under Ottoman rule, Muslims paid lower taxes, as Muslims and non-Muslims were not treated equally. The Ottoman legal system incorporated two kinds of laws – Islamic law (sheriat) and Civil law. The cizye tax was imposed on every non-Muslim in the Empire and non-Muslims were not allowed to join the military or the high-level state administration. In a nutshell, being a Muslim had some serious perks in terms of wealth and status.

There are an estimated 55,000 and 80,000 Muslims in the Republic of Macedonia today, and they live mainly in the Gora, Zupa, Drimkol, Golo Brdo and Reka regions. Many Macedonian Muslims work in agriculture and a significant number work abroad. Some are famous for being fresco-painters, wood carvers and mosaic-makers. Over the past few decades, many have also emigrated to Western Europe and America.

Macedonian Muslims speak Macedonian as their first language. Despite their common language, racial heritage and peaceful coexistence, it is extremely rare for them to intermarry with Macedonian Orthodox Christians.

Independence and Identity

Since the 1970s, Macedonian Muslims have attempted to defend their identity from assimilation by other Muslim minorities. In 1970 the Association of the Macedonian Muslims was formed with the blessing of the authorities. The Macedonian state protects Muslims within its territory in many respects, and religious practices are not hindered. Although religious communities and groups are not allowed to own TV channels, private TV stations feature Muslim religious programs and religious materials can be published and printed without problems.

About the Author

The Author is interested in issues related to Arab and Muslim relations, especially Arab dating.

Glass-making has its origins more than 5000 years ago. Historical records show that the ancient Egyptians were master glass-makers and made clever use of metals and metallic oxides to make coloured glass. Although the exact moment of its discovery still shrouded in a cloud of mystery and myths, it is nevertheless universally acknowledged that glass-blowing was discovered by the Romans during the first century BC.

Glass-blowing comes to England

During the Middle Ages, expertise in glass-making contributed greatly to the meteoric rise in wealth and prestige of Venice, where all glass-making and glass-blowing activity began to be concentrated. Soon, fearing for the safety of their beloved city due to the increasing use of fire in glass-making, the Grand Council of Venice decided to shift all glassmaking activity to the island of Murano. Another more significant reason was to guard their trade secrets from the French and the English.

Glass-blowing continued and flourished on the island of Murano, with the glass artisans under threat of death if they leaked out the secrets of glass-blowing. Nevertheless, in the late 13th century, many Murano artisans did manage to flee the island. It was these glass-blowers who first introduced the fine art of glass-blowing to England.

English glass blowers invent black glass!

By the 17th century, England had started producing high quality blown glass objects. In the mid-17th century, English glassblowers invented what came to be known as ‘black glass’, although its actual colour was really a dark green. This glass was especially suitable for making objects that needed to be thick-walled for longer storage and easy shipping. Their thickness and dark colour also prevented light from entering and spoiling the contents. As a result, England soon became the leading distributor of bottles in the world.

Englishman achieves breakthrough

The 17th century saw another major breakthrough in the glass industry. An English glass-maker by the name of George Ravenscroft, who had lived in Venice for many years and had learnt many of the jealously-guarded secrets of the Murano artisans, secretly developed a unique formula for making glass – he began to use lead.

This latest discovery once again added a new dimension to the art of glass-making. The addition of lead meant that the glass became more workable, lending itself to greater forms and shapes. Since weight and clarity had doubled as well, the attention shifted to the utility aspect of glass rather than the hitherto decorative one.
Soon, London began to attract glass artisans from other parts of Europe. It was the German and Bohemian glasscutters who introduced the techniques of glass cutting to the English. As a result, a new fixture appeared in the market — candelabrum with cut glass.

Bristol becomes the leader in glass blowing in Europe
During the reign of James I in Britain, the use of wood as a fuel for trades was expressly forbidden by law since England was facing a widespread shortage of wood. An alternative fuel source had to be found, and it was quickly identified – coal. As a result, the glass artisans scouted around for a more suitable location where the supply of coal would be easily accessible. Luckily for them, Bristol had been active in coal mining since the Tudor times. Other areas identified were the Midlands (till today, Stoke on Trent is famous for its potteries while Stourbridge is renowned for its glass), the North East (the National Glass Centre is in Sunderland) and London, home to some of the most respected names in glass-making, such as the Whitefriars.

Not surprisingly, Bristol soon achieved the distinction of becoming one of the most important glass-making centres in Europe. By the late 18th century, Bristol boasted of no less than twenty glass-making firms.

Bristol Blue Glass is born

The late 18th century saw a revolution sweeping across the glass industry in Bristol. Although the Orient had been using porcelain for centuries, in England it was Richard Champion, a Bristol merchant who finally managed to make porcelain. Working with a chemist, William Cookworthy, Champion was on the look-out for some top quality cobalt oxide which would impart that beautiful blue glaze decoration on the milky-white porcelain surface. He obtained exclusive import rights to all the cobalt oxide from the Royal Saxon Cobalt Works in Saxony.
This new ‘blue glass became wildly popular and perhaps it was this that led to the birth of the Bristol Blue Glass.

Lazurus and Isaac Jacobs were the most famous glass artisans of Bristol Blue Glass in the 1780s. Their firm had a royal warrant and was making glass for the European aristocracy. At the Great Exhibition of 1851, the now-famous Ruby Glass was made for the very first time. Bristol Blue Glass artisans used 24 carat gold to give the glass its ruby red colour.

However, glassmaking in the city began to face a slump due to the economic meltdown and, by 1922, glassmaking had all but stopped.
The 20th century saw very little glass-making activity in Bristol. It was only in 1998 that James Adlington revived Bristol Blue Glass. Today, the firm continues to follow the same tradition of making glass as its master craftsmen did more than 300 years ago. Bristol Blue Glass is entirely handmade. Surprisingly, the essential tools of glass-making have remained more or less unchanged for around 2000 years. While specialist blacksmiths hammered out the metal tools, the wooden tools were painstakingly carved by the glass artisans themselves.

About the Author

Daya is former journalist with a keen interest in glass, see her fan site at http://www.lolita-glasses.co.uk. You can buy these cocktail, martini and wine glasses at novelty glasses.

Many people in your daily horoscope in the newspaper in the morning to start the day. For believers in astrology, the horoscope to plan your day. I think there is any truth in the stars and planets guide our destiny? In this article, learn how your horoscope is developed and you can use to their advantage to be.

Astrology horoscopes in newspapers and magazines are based on the twelve zodiac signs. Unlike natal astrology. The forecasts are based on the movement of the moon and astrological readings are very generalized results.

Horoscope birth data of a person is required. Examination of the alignment of the planets at the time of his birth, astrologers predict events that are unique to individuals are able to do so. Astrologers believe that the important constellations of the year the sun passes through people and constellations of the zodiac is called.

Fall under the zodiac sign that are considered to influence your personality. Each sign has certain characteristics, but are classified in many ways. The first elements, fire, water, earth and air are combined.

Aries, Leo and Sagittarius people born under the sign of the fight against fires enthusiasm and leadership, and openness to change are associated. Cancer Scorpio and Pisces born under the sign of water, for example, emotion, sensitivity and compassion incarnate.

Taurus Virgo and Capricorn born under earth signs, practicality and a focus on achieving material symbolizes. And, Gemini, Libra and Aquarius born under the air signs, people relate to intelligence.

Someone Sign on a daily horoscope can reveal a lot about myself. Therefore, they use this information to improve their lives can. astrology readings very professional in detail the various astrological elements and how they affect the topic of conversation can be very instructive.

Even if you do not believe in astrology, a chart can be read as a psychological profile. At least, that’s your life and the choices you can make a new assessment.

Unexpected daily horoscope information you can use to your advantage can mean. For example, stars a fundamental question for a job, ask someone for a date or to invest the time can tell.

A more detailed reading about your life that can be improved and also the difficulties you have had in the past to explain aspects might suggest. Armed with this valuable information, a change in their thinking and habits can be an obstacle in the past is possible to adjust the individual to a happy future.

About the Author

I am a astrologers and i have done numbers of researcher’s in astrology. I also written some astrological books also. Here I want to share my experience on Horoscope compatibility, Kundli matching, Nadi astrology, Kundli Milan, Daily horoscope, ” title=”Face Reading”>Face Reading<a/>, Palm Reading and lucky baby names.

The Kardashian sisters recently pulled the plug on their credit card. The card which is being marketed to teens and young adults comes with extra costs such as hidden fees. The card costs $99 and customers are being charged $2.00 for online payments and $1.50 for ATM use. This credit card isn’t what it’s cracked up to be.

It’s interesting that Kardashians would put their name on something like a credit card given that many people are experiencing economic turmoil in their lives. Who’s their manager? Who read the fine print on the contract? The Kardashians knew their celebrity status could be tarnished within the celebrity and public world which is why they quickly pulled out of the deal. Also, they could have lost money on other products such as their clothing line, book deals, perfumes, and other streams of income.

FYI: It’s important to realize that the celebrity world doesn’t always paint the “real” picture which is why many young girls struggle with eating disorders. They see airbrushed pictures in magazines and believe celebrities really look like their photos. When you get up close and personal, you’ll see what celebrities truly look like. When you understand what “celebrity” means, you’ll see that it’s an illusion and not reality. They’re selling an idea.

The Kardashians credit card debacle shows that sex and celebrity don’t always sell. It’s important to look past the celebrity and look at the product that’s being sold. Remember, celebrities are not creating products and services; they’re putting their name or license their name to the product. Some of them may have some input but more often than not, they’re not sitting in a laboratory creating a perfume, cosmetic line, or any other product.

There’s a saying the business world which is “buyer beware.” Before you purchase any items that are celebrity endorsed, check them out. If you’re signing up for a credit card, make sure you read the fine print because there could be many fees that you aren’t aware of when you sign you name on the dotted line. It’s better to take the time and read all of the paperwork instead of paying fees that you didn’t anticipate.

The Kardashian credit card scandal is a powerful teaching tool you can use to teach teens about credit cards and celebrity endorsed products and services. Read the credit card information with your teens. Explain to them what an APR (annual percentage rate) is. If you’re unfamiliar with APR, look it up on the internet together. Explain to them that celebrities sell their name for a license fee. They have help from corporations and investors to launch “new” products and services. Help teens to look past the celebrity facade and get to the truth. While Hollywood is fun and exciting, some of it may not be real.

About the Author

Rebecca Sebek makes her living as writer. She’s a prolific blogger and article writer for numerous websites ranging from travel writing to interior design. She counts among her passions the arts, graphic design, advocacy for animals, the environment, and children, communication, and travel. Rebecca enjoys coaching and teaching others, and sharing her knowledge of writing skills.

February,14 is St. Valentine’s Day.There are different opinions about the origin of Valentine’s Day.Some experts state that it originated from St.Valentin, a Catholic bishop, in Rome.

It’s known, that the lives of young boys and girls were strictly separate. However,on the eve of the festival of Lupercalia the names of young Roman girls were written on paper and placed into special jars. Each young man would draw a girl’s name from the jar and would then be partners with the girl whom he chose.

Pope Gelasius ordered a slight change in such lottery. Instead of the names of young girls, the box would contain the names of saints.No need to say, many of the young Roman men were not too pleased with the rule changes.
Be My Valentine

In AD 270 Emperor Claudius had determined that married men became poor soldiers. So he banned marriages from his empire.
But priest Valentine would secretly marry young people who were in love and came to him. When Claudius found it out Valentine was beaten to death with clubs and had his head cut off. It has happened on the 14th day of February, about the year 270.

According to one legend, Valentine sent the first ‘valentine’ greeting himself.During the days that Valentine was imprisoned, he fell in love with the blind daughter of his jailer. Before he was beaten to death, he signed a farewell message to her, “From your Valentine.” The phrase has been used on 14 day of February ever since.

It became a tradition for the men to send the ones they loved handwritten messages of love and affection, containing Valentine’s name. The date was marked by sending love poems, flowers and love gifts. There was often a ball.

The first true Valentine card was sent in 1415 by Charles, duke of Orleans, to his wife. He was imprisoned in the Tower of London at the time.

And commercial valentines were introduced in the 1800′s.

Since the 19th century, handwritten notes have given way to mass-produced greeting Valentine cards.

The tradition is very popular nowadays, even the children exchange valentine cards at school.

According to the Greeting Card Association, around one billion valentine cards are sent each year. It makes Valentine’s Day the second largest card-sending holiday of the year.

About the Author

Harlem’s thoughts and ideas

On the most important day of your life, everything must be perfect. You will look your best, and your fiancé will be the most handsome that you’ve ever seen him. The centerpieces are perfect and all the music is chosen. Your bridesmaids look stunning without a hair out of place. And your tiniest admirer? She’ll be the one to warm the hearts of your guests before you appear and melt them. Make sure your flower girl is dressed for the occasion with one of these adorable dresses!

Taffeta Bubble Hem Dress with Floral Detail

Your little flower girl will be stunningly cute in this simple dress. Accented with some floral detailing on the neckline, this frock will allow her to enjoy your special day without any fuss. The Taffeta Bubble Hem Dress with Floral Detail dress is double lined so that she is sure to stay comfortable no matter what the weather brings. A modern bubble hem keeps this dress hip and stylish without being too busy. Keep your flower girl in comfort and style in this adorable dress while she hams it up for the camera on the dance floor.

Taffeta Halter Ball Gown with Pick Up Skirt

Is your wedding affair on the formal side? Keep your flower girl up to speed in this precious ball gown. She’ll look like she’s eligible to catch the bouquet in this grown-up, but age appropriate, halter top dress. The pickup skirt is a modern, formal detail that keeps the dress up to your standards. Made of taffeta and adorned with a beaded pattern at the top, the Taffeta Halter Ball Gown with Pick Up Skirt will make your little girl will feel like a little princess on your big day. She’ll feel so grown up that it’ll leave her dreaming about her own wedding day!

Satin and Organza Tea-Length Flower Girl Dress

This fun and comfortable tank dress is wonderful for a laid back outdoor wedding. It has a beautiful pattern of horizontal stripes which are created by different layers of satin and organza. The Satin and Organza Tea-Length Flower Girl Dress is a stunningly darling design that is adorned with flower embellishments. This simple and fun dress will let your flower girl dance with you all night long!

Tiered Tea-Length Satin Dress

This dress is the perfect mix of femininity and function! The three-tiered skirt provides major charm that will make your flower girl feel like a princess. The girly and functional spaghetti straps will allow her to focus on making the guests swoon instead of adjusting her uncomfortable outfit. Tiered Tea-Length Satin Dress is a color theme dream as it is easily accessorized with a colored sash. Let your flower girl dance the night away in this stunning outfit!

Girl’s Special Occasion Dress with Matching Jacket Style

Is the big day set for a time of year when the weather is unsure? Well, be sure that your flower girl is prepared with this dress and jacket set. The taffeta jacket adorns sequin floral button closures and is as comfortable as it is adorable. If she ends up not needing the jacket, she’ll still look darling in this no sleeve dress. The tank bodice features sequins on the waist and is accented with a beautiful tulle skirt. The Girl’s Special Occasion Dress with Matching Jacket is a functional and fun dress that can be worn for any weather occasion!

Satin A-line Gown

A more formal piece, this full-length gown allows for a more mature look for your flower girl. You’ll have her feeling like one of the bridesmaids in this A-line gown that is made of satin. With a gorgeous corset style lace up back, she’ll be thrilled when all the girls are tying her up! Spaghetti straps keep this dress easy to wear without losing its elegant and feminine look. The Satin A-line Gown will complete your color theme when you choose which color the straps, bottom and top trims are!

Daisy White Lace over Pink Satin Dress

Give your flower girl a feminine touch with this pink dress. Overlaid with white lace, this precious dress is perfect for a little angel. Made of satin and donning an A-line cut, this girly dress with flowery frills will bring the perfect accent to your style on your wedding day. The lace is cut in an adorable daisy pattern that would complement any outdoor wedding just perfectly. A pink satin trim wraps around the waist and ties in two precious front and back bows. The Daisy White Lace over Pink Satin Dress will keep your precious little flower girl feeling like a princess all day long.

About the Author

Gary Carranza is a freelance writer who writes about weddings and specific products such as flower girl dresses .

Emeralds are among the four largest gems and jade are the most popular, these emeralds tend to have inclusions, especially about its translucency. One of the problems of the emeralds is their durability, so should be considered when worn as a ring or bracelet, we recommend you not use it every day.

Emeralds are known as the stones of eternal spring and have historical origins rather old, so much so that the emeralds Cleopatra desire more than any other gemstone.

Most of the world’s emeralds are oiled with canola oil, colorless to help improve their appearance. The care is important for the emeralds and need not ever put a ring in an ultrasonic cleaner. Emeralds often need to be greased periodically. It is essential to buy an emerald directly from a jeweler or a certified manufacturer.

Emeralds are one of the most beautiful gemstones in the world. Its green color, wake up the attraction of jewelry lovers.

One country that identifies itself with this wonderful stone, is Colombia.

This South American country is the world’s largest producer of emeralds, contributing 55% of world production.

Also, stone from this country are of great quality and perfection. So much so as to be classified as the highest quality emeralds in the world.

The most beautiful gem is born in the navel point in the world, from sedimentary rock that reflects their superb quality for its brightness and color. The nature and transformation of the gem achieve a sensory connection to change traditional perceptions, where they originated from extraction and handling, and make it a purchasing power is part of its essence.

Formed from the bowels of the earth this gemstone has always fascinated by its charm, the man waking up in inspiration, a point of reflection and direct contact with the gem. Scientists have found that a sedimentary rock under favorable circumstances in nature tends to turn very slowly, therefore there is a transformation from rough stone to the purest crystal.

Knowing the source of the gem from his collection, handling and turning it into a purchasing power is part of its essence, since they are the only ones in the world from sedimentary rocks, reflected in its superb quality which affects its commercial value.

Colombian Emeralds are characterized by large, bright and varied in terms of color, ranging from bluish green to pure green and deep, called “drops” that have great purchasing power in the world. The emeralds first met was that of Egypt, from the mines of Cleopatra, after the discovery of America appeared Chivor and Muzo in 1954.

For all this we could think to purchase these gems would be very difficult to acquire or that would be very expensive, but now there are websites where you can buy Colombian emeralds, with the best comfort and security to acquire genuine Colombian emeralds and the best quality.

<div dir=”ltr”><span class=”medium_text” id=”qvun”><font><span style=”background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);”>If you are interested in acquiring the best Colombian emeralds loose can contact and purchase quality Colombian emeralds.

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About the Author

Andres Colmenares
http://www.delosangelesstore.com/

Whether you write fiction, essays, articles, e-mail, or straight narratives for blogs, you (the writer) have a tiny window -less than 10 seconds- to grab the reader’s attention and hold him to the end of your text. This is easier said than done. But it’s done all the time by experienced writers.

One of the sites that carries my stories shows almost half-a-million readers in 5 weeks. Not to boast but to help, I bring this up to give you a few hints. Because many articles on the Web tell you about the importance of titles, hooks, surprises, and other tricks that may possible keep the reader reading-I will simply comment on 3 points that work for me.

1. Write a “tell-all” paragraph

Not only do I spill the beans about my story in the first paragraph, but I also give some vivid details. If my character is going to die I will be honest and say that right away: “She came to die.” No need to save or withhold information to give a punch-line at the end.

Even better is to have the paragraph read like a conclusion, summary or closing remarks.

Once the opening paragraph is out of the way, I pack in the most important details of the story next. By using the “Indirect Free Speech” technique, I plant doubts in the reader’s mind. For example, I would write: ‘Is she serious?’ ‘Will her family accept that?’ ‘How ironic that this may end rewarding him!’

2. Throw value in the story

Oscar Wilde -the witty English writer- once said, “Nowadays people know the price of everything, and the value of nothing.”

Today people do know the value of many things and expect to be rewarded for the time that they are investing in reading your material. The best reward that a writer can give to the reader is a great experience. Writers do write because they have something of value to say, and those experiences -negative and positive- could be a most rewarding and pleasurable experience.

Therefore, you should choose your material, topics, themes, and items with care. Dionysius of Halicarnassus -around 10 BC- in his critical essay on Isocrates says:

“But most significant of all are the themes upon which he chose to concentrate, and the nobility of the subject which he spent his time in studying. The influence of these would make anyone who applied himself to his works not only good orators, but men of sterling character, of positive service to their families, to their state and to Greece at large.”

3. Be snippy

Nothing can be more exciting to a reader than to get an eyeful of crisp monosyllabic text. Short, unpretentious words, with lots of active verbs will take the reader a long way. On the other hand, if you load your opening paragraph with adverbs -especially those ending in ‘ly’- you will lose your reader in less than 5 seconds.

To give you an example, I reach for Salman Rushdie’s Midnight Children, and I open a page at random:

“I swear he could eat a whole kid in one go. And so what? I told him, eat, fill your hole, a man comes to Kashmir to enjoy life, or to end it, or both.”

With those snippy words that the eye can scoop up in a fraction of a second, the reader is prompted to go on to the next snippet. And so on. Once hooked, you -the serious writer- may inject more serious words.

About the Author

Retired. Former investment banker, Columbia University-educated, Vietnam Vet (67-68).
For the writing techniques I use, see Mary Duffy’s e-book: Sentence Openers.
To read my book reviews of the Classics visit my blog: Writing To Live

Anyone who can fill the National Mall with a crowd the size of Glenn Beck’s 8/28 Restoring Honor Rally in Washington D.C. MUST have a message that’s solidly resounding with Americans. They were from every walk life, from all parts of the country – a giant slice of America that represented men and women of all ages, nationalities, and backgrounds. There were no signs or banners, except for the occasional American flag in compliance with Beck’s request. In the August heat, the theme of the event, “Restoring Honor”, was presented by an unusual group of speakers. Those included Beck himself, Sarah Palin, MLK’s niece Dr. Alveda King, talented singers and choir, and offering the final prayer – Dave Roever an injured Vietnam vet.

In the hours and days following, it has been amusing watching the detractors do their best to make light of the rally and its impact. All of whom I might add, can only dream of attracting a crowd anywhere near that size. The attempt to classify this as a white right-wing angry mob prone to violence is shameful. It was anything but. There’s no doubt, a movement has emerged as a powerful reaction to the damaging liberalism being forced on America, but if you were looking for an in-your-face confrontation, this was not the place. The event was billed as a non-political, non-partisan, “getting back to God” rally – and it was just that. The speakers and presentations focused on God in America with respect to its founding, taking personal responsibility for your actions and outcomes, and regaining faith in your life.

The event was uplifting and inspirational, but this is the jumping off point for me.

Personal responsibility and strengthening God and honor in your life is of course admirable and necessary. But, to ignore the political war that needs to be won, or to take a soft, non-confrontational, capitulating stance does nothing to restore American values, honor, security, integrity, or the recognition of evil – it merely allows them to become eroded further. Political sides need to be taken. Names need to be named. Specific candidates need to be endorsed.

The enemies of traditional American values, and the champions of the so called “progressive” movement that Beck rails against are all about politics, and will stop a nothing to achieve their anti-American ends. You cannot remove or ignore politics in this fight. In order to achieve what he is advocating on a national level, we MUST politically defeat the party and ideology that is driving the country towards liberalism, dependency, immorality, godlessness, economic weakness, and a diminished sense of American exceptionalism. In 2010, that means Democrats.

Yes, there are weak squishy establishment Republicans willing to compromise conservative principles in order to “get along”, unwilling to take a hard stance on vital issues, or who are just plain closet liberals. They need to be retired and replaced by true conservatives. However, it is the continuous erosion of common sense and a slide toward liberalism that got us here, and in general, liberalism finds its home in the Democrat party.

Radical idealogs like Obama will continually try to deflect this fact. Hardly a day goes by that he doesn’t mention “the 8 years of failed policy that got us here”. As we will be outlining in an upcoming article, this is flat out inaccurate and infuriating to the folks that make up the backbone of this country. Ask any business person responsible for creating jobs what the biggest economic challenge is right now, and he will tell you it is the uncertainty and instability caused by the legislation and policies of the Obama administration.

Elections matter. Politics matter. Glenn Beck said during an interview after the rally (and I’m paraphrasing) that to include politics would make the entire event worthless. On the contrary, to NOT include politics, or at least to not fight for a political end (i.e. winning elections) as the ultimate goal, makes the movement simply a feel good picnic.

We cannot become over confident or cocky at this stage of the game, but chances are, conservatives in the Republican party will make great gains in the mid-term November elections, perhaps even regaining control of the House and/or the Senate. The mood of the country and energy of people who may have never been politically involved is at a level seldom seen in our history. If this happens, established Republicans and newly elected ones had better be prepared to have their feet held to the fire like never before. With an awakened informed public, and personal investment in political victories, Americans will no longer tolerate being rolled.

When the dust settles, conservatives – both elected officials, non-elected citizens, and celebrities like Beck – need to use their voices to forcefully illustrate the destructive ideology and reckless political ambition that almost drove the country off the cliff. Liberal Democrats must not be allowed to control the message and explanation for their failure, as they will certainly blame a stupid public, Fox News, or Bush! Rest assured no matter how severe their defeat, they will be waiting to pounce again on an easily manipulated electorate with the help of their lapdog thrill-up-the-leg media.

I understand Glenn Beck’s Restoring Honor Rally was meant to specifically avoid political confrontation and speech, and focus on spirituality. That’s fine. It was a fabulous event. However, when the rubber hits the road, political victory has to be the primary goal. By electing a conservative government – congress, the presidency, judiciary, etc. – we can begin to reverse the slide toward becoming Europe, restore Americans’ confidence in our economic system, and never again allow false prophets and charlatans to take the wheel.

About the Author

Rob Stanley is a guitarist, recording artist and creator of http://www.rockanomics.com, a leading online community for conservative news, new music, political opinion, pop culture interests. For more information on this article, to read others like it, and to experience our dynamic community, visit http://www.rockanomics.com/public/388.cfm

The cities of New York, Boston and Chicago have rich histories involving immigrant populations that go back through the centuries. The languages spoken by these groups have also infused the cities with unique identities and flavor.

Boston’s location, size, parallels to European cities and openness to foreigners has made it very popular among Russian and European immigrants. The United States Census Bureau reports that Russians are among the largest ethnic groups in Boston. The growth in these populations has opened up many jobs in the area of Boston Translation which specialize in Russian and Eastern European languages. All of Boston, but particularly Brookline, hosts a large group of Russian translators who serve in Boston translation services.

Chicago is different because of its location, but it is similar to Boston and New York in other ways. The first settlers in the Chicago area were French-speaking explorers. Immigrants to the Chicago area came mainly during the 1840s and 1850s. This was Chicago’s period of most rapid growth, which coincided with Europe’s mass exodus to the United States. Chicago translators came into high demand due to the fact that over half of Chicago’s residents were foreigners. By 1890, nearly 80 percent of Chicagoans were born in Europe or were children of immigrants. German translators, Swedish translators and Polish translators were in great demand, and Chinese translators were also kept quite busy during that time. Throughout the mid-1900s, German neighborhoods grew and consolidated, leading to an even greater need for expert translation services. Beginning in 1945, there was also a huge wave of Japanese immigrants to Chicago. These were typically former prisoners in internment camps in California. Along with the growth in the Japanese population in the city of Chicago came an increasing demand for Chicago Translation companies.

By the end of the 1800s, many people believed New York was by far the most important American city for immigration. Like most American cities of the period, it was also a broadly international place. The German language was a close second to English when it came to the most commonly spoken language in New York. Chinese, French and Italian became increasingly popular, and by the time of the Civil War, the Chinese were one of the largest immigrant groups in the United States. Recruited to build the railroads, by the 1870s nearly every city of significant size – including New York – had a “Chinatown” made up of restaurants, laundries, and a number of Chinese schools, temples, and homes. It was at this time that New York Translation began to develop and take shape. Unlike most other American cities, New York was considered a relatively welcoming place for the Chinese and other immigrant groups. Therefore, New York became a major center for New York translators of all languages. Similarly, Boston has also long been considered a gateway city to the rest of the United States. The city of Boston parallels New York since it has also encouraged immigrants to settle there throughout its history.

We hope you have enjoyed this article about the history of Chicago, Boston and New York Translation services. Future articles will be written and posted each week on the growth of translation service companies across the United States and Canada.

About the Author

The Marketing Analysts provides Medical Translation and Legal Translation services for companies and organizations throughout the world.