Working in Thailand

Wat Pho is also known as the temple of the Reclining Buddha and is located at Phra Nakhon district in Thailand. The temple was built as a restoration of an earlier temple in the exact same place. Actually, the temple construction started in 1788 and was restored in 1824. The Wat Pho was recently restored in 1982 to recapture the old magnificance and grandeur.

The Wat Pho is one of the largest temples in Thailand. It covers an area of 80,000 square feet. Wat Pho houses more than one thousand Buddha images and one of them is the image of the Reclining Buddha. This image is forty six metres long and fifteen metres in height. The body of the image is covered with gold plated sheet and the eyes are made from pearls. The feet of the Reclining Buddha are decorated with 108 auspicious scenes in Chinese and Indian styles.

Prior to the founding of the temple, the place was the center for traditional Thai medicine. There are still still images housed within the temple depicting various yoga positions. The temple is also known as the birth place of traditional Thai massage. In 1962 a school for traditional medicine and massage was also established within the precinct of the temple.

The temple is divided into two blocks by a road that runs from east to west. The first block is where one would find the Reclining Buddha and the second block serves as the residence for monks and it houses the school for the traditional Thai medicine and massage.

Check Out More Articles:

Tasty Thai Kitchen Food Recipes,Moving To Thailand,Escort Agency Thailand,

Anton Pankev, Director of ?Address Project Consulting?Mr. Pankev, who do you offer your big projects for real estate in Bulgaria? Who is interested in them?

- If we are talking about holiday projects, the clients who buy mostly are British and Irish. The main reason is the price ? the average price varies between EUR 750 and EUR 900 per sq.m., although in elite resorts like ?Slunchev den? (?Sunny day?) they reach EUR 2400/sq.m. These are reasonable and low levels, especially when once take into consideration the quality and characteristics of the properties we offer. Most of the projects in Bulgaria are with swimming pools, fitness, spa-center etc., which means ? everything necessary for a holiday in one place. This impresses clients, because they invest and know that such an investment will bring them a high profit. If they want, they can sell the apartment with a profit after two or three years. But their main goal is to rent it. And those who have been there like Bulgaria, the nature, the food, everything here.

Is it difficult to sell such type of property?- They are bought a lot at present, and if the deal will be concluded easily depends on several external factors. Thanks to our long experience in the market we have learnt to build trust with the client and when we are able to reply to each question, I wouldn?t say it is difficult. If you win a client who has four good friends, and if you reply the questions of the first one, the others say directly which property they want. Each detail has to be specified in advance. The information itself is extremely important. Everything should be clear and no surprises to rise forward.

How far Bulgaria is competitive with the quality and prices it offers?- I definitely think that Bulgaria is quite competitive when there are so many clients that buy a property. If we are talking about the prices in Turkey, Cyprus and Spain, they are quite higher than Bulgarian ones. In the exhibitions we participate, we notice that the bigger part of the Turkish resorts are more expensive than Bulgarian ones, among which there are some non-furnished. And we offer furnished apartments complex with additional services, which the owner can use, and this is the way we win clients. This practice exists in other countries as well, but with the prices we sell, we turn into an attraction.

What should be added to the realized projects, in order to become more competitive?

- The infrastructure should develop further. It is obligatory to develop airports and golf-terrains. Both are foresee in Bansko, as well as at the Black Sea. There should be built a great service level and everybody have to work over it.

A long road still lies ahead for the Thai-US trade talks. But there are still a few very sensitive unsolved issues on the table that need to be resolved, as nether side wants to expose some key domestic industries to their competitors.

Thailand supposed to open up its heavily protected banking sector, which includes commercial banking, stock brokerage, and the insurance industry. But most companies in the banking sector are reluctant to a quick change, and prefer a slow opening of the industry.

On the other hand, the United Auto Workers Union is afraid of opening up their sector to Thailand, as the US faces pressure to drop its tax on imported pickup trucks. Thailand, building more than 500,000 pickups a year, is the worlds second largest pickup manufacturer, but none of these cars are exported to the United States at the moment.

With over $65 million people and a current GDP of $180.9 billion, Thailand is an important strategic partner for the United States, especially since China is increasingly challenging US economic policies in the region.

Thailand has already a FTA with Japan, taking effect later in 2006, and is also negotiating with several other nations regarding similar arrangements.

In the long term, Free Trade Agreements are a vital part of the future growth and success of an economy. It is true that liberalization increases competition, but it should be seen in a positive way, as it forces companies to become more efficient and cost effective to stay ahead in a highly competitive and fast paced environment.

Peter Kopitz is currently living in Bangkok, Thailand after graduating with Honors from the University Of Chicago Graduate School Of Business with a Masters Degree in Business Administration. He is actively involved in researching economic and political development in Thailand, focusing primarily on property development, security analysis and investment banking. Hawaii Home Loans | Honolulu Realtor | Hawaii Rentals

There are many options for someone wanting to work at home. The many types of work at home jobs means there is something for everyone. A person must first define what type of work at home job they want to find. This will make finding a work at home job easier.

Sales jobs are one of the biggest work at home options. There are direct sales jobs where a person maintains an inventory and sells the items. A good example of this type of sales job is cosmetic sales Then there are sales jobs where the person sells products that are then shipped from the main company. Most often these types of jobs are referred to as affiliate programs. There are also opportunities to sell through online auctions. A different type of sales job is on the phone. The typical telemarketing job is becoming a popular work at home option. Sales are not for everyone, but those who work in sales find there is amazing money making potential.

Another work at home job type is customer service. Many of these jobs are on the telephone. The typical work at home customer service phone job involves answering incoming calls from people wanting to order from catalogs or off a television ad. Customer service can also cover such niche jobs as psychic reader positions or adult phone line work.

Writing is becoming a great market for work at home jobs. The market for website content is booming and many people are finding this type of work at home job suits them well. There are also resume writings positions and advertising writing. Writing work at home jobs cover a large range of industries and open up many possibilities.

Typing jobs are becoming popular as well. For many of these positions experience is required because they are in set market areas like medical or law. Typing jobs are most often called transcription. There are not many opportunities in a work at home typing position for someone without training.

These are four great examples of types of work at home jobs. Almost any job can be done from home with the technology available today. There are so many choices that a person having a basic idea of what they want to do is going to have an easier time finding a work at home job.

Robert Thatcher is a freelance author based in Cupertino, California. He publishes articles and reports in various ezines and contributes on a regular basis to FreeNetPublishing.com.

According to Time Magazine, completing job application forms doesn't come easy to most of us.

In a recent article, Time reported that US high school graduates have even gone as far as to sue their school systems because while they got respectable grades and a diploma, they can't fill in a job application correctly!

This Snag A Job Guide will make the whole thing easy. Written by 4 Management and HR Professionals, we'll help you write winning application forms that get you ahead of your competition and on your way to an interview.

General advice when completing job application forms

• Spelling and Grammar

  When we read an employment application form, we circle any spelling and grammar mistakes. One we'll accept, two is bad, three is a no-no.

  Why? Because if you have not taken enough care to make sure your application is error free, we will doubt your commitment to the job and your ability, and likely not shortlist you for interview.

  It's simple advice we know, but you?d be surprised how many job application forms we receive with mistakes.

  Quick Tip 1: Ask someone else to read your application. We can almost guarantee they will spot things you haven't.

  Quick Tip 2: Read our advice on using apostrophes the most common grammatical mistake we find.

• No Blank Spaces

  Answer every question on the job application form. If no answer is needed, write “N/A” or score though the section. Again, it shows you have taken your time, read every question and checked the application form.

  We do receive incomplete job application forms, often with key information missing. Examples of questions left blank include:

  • “Do you have a full, clean driving licence?”

  • “Are you a US resident?”

  • “Do you have any disability which could affect your ability to do the job for which you are applying?”

• Type or Write?

  Whenever possible, type your answers. Typing is easier to read. Some employers can provide e-application forms. If they do, use one. If not, write clearly using a good pen - don?t risk it running out! Write out any free-format answers roughly first, before writing them on the job application form itself.

  It's better to type out any longer free-format answers and attach them as separate sheets. Remember to write “please refer to attached sheet” or something similar on the application form in the relevant place.

  Quick Tip: Try to get 2 copies of the job application form, just in case (despite the above!) you make a mistake. You can always say one is for a friend, or get a friend to ask for one.

• Finally, take a photocopy of your job application form. Don't arrive at the interview not remembering what you said!

For more help and advice please visit us at:http://www.job-application-and-interview-advice.com/job-application-forms.html

Are YOU part of this ?Movement??

Have you ever been part of ?a movement?? If you?ve taken part in the “Brown Bag Bible Studies” series in Stephenville, Texas, you have now.

Laura Nash, a Business Ethicist at Harvard University, said, “Spirituality in the workplace is exploding.” Fortune Magazine, 2001, reported that, ?? a mostly unorganized mass of believers–a counterculture bubbling up all over corporate America–who want to bridge the traditional divide between spirituality and work. Historically, such folk operated below the radar, on their own or in small workplace groups where they prayed or studied the Bible. But now they are getting organized and going public to agitate for change.? The article continued: “People who want to mix God and business are rebels on several fronts. They reject the centuries-old American conviction that spirituality is a private matter. They challenge religious thinkers who disdain business as an inherently impure pursuit. They disagree with business people who say that religion is unavoidably divisive.?

Hear that? They're calling you a rebel.

IS THIS MOVEMENT SCRIPTURAL?

?Indeed, as with first-century Christianity, it all begins in the marketplace, where the disciples of Jesus daily rub shoulders with the lost.? - Bill McCartney of Promise Keepers in his book, Anointed for Business

Where?s the Biblical precedent for such a movement?

In the New Testament, it?s recorded that Jesus made 132 public appearances. Of these, 122 were in the marketplace, not the synagogue. He spent half of His adult life as a carpenter until age 30 before taking His ministry into the workplace. Stands to reason. After all, that?s where most people spend the majority of their lives.

Jesus could have built His ministry team around clergymen, but He chose 12 working men instead. Of His 52 parables, 45 had a workplace context. In the Book of Acts, of 40 divine interventions recorded there, 39 occurred in the marketplace. Someone did the math and determined that 54% of Jesus? reported teaching ministry arose out of issues posed by others in the scope of daily life experience. Let?s face it, when a person has issues at home, they bring those issues to work. Jesus met them where they were.

MIXING SECULAR WITH SACRED

?The spiritual manifests itself in a life which knows no division into sacred and secular.? - Oswald Chambers, Author of My Utmost for His Highest

The truth is, Work is Worship. The Hebrew word “avodah” is the root for the word from which we get the words ?work? and ?worship.? Work, in its many various forms, is mentioned over 800 times in Scripture. That?s more than all the words used to express worship, praise, music and singing combined!

Some of the most well-known ministers in the western world are recognizing the legitimacy of this Faith at Work movement. Dr. Billy Graham said, “I believe one of the next great moves of God is going to be through the believers in the workplace.? His son, Franklin, of Samaritan's Purse Ministry, put it in the present tense: “God has begun an evangelism movement in the workplace that has the potential to transform our society as we know it.”

Henry Blackaby, author of Experiencing God, meets regularly with CEOs of Fortune 500 companies to discuss what it means to bring Christ into the workplace. He states: “I've never seen the activity of God this deeply in the business community as I do right now….God is marshalling his people in the workplace as never before in history. God is up to something. The next spiritual awakening could take place in the marketplace.?

Dorothy Sayers, writer and theologian, put it wonderfully. She says, “In nothing has the church so lost Her hold on reality as in Her failure to understand and respect the secular vocation. She has allowed work and religion to become separate departments, and is astonished to find that, as a result, the secular work of the world is turned to purely selfish and destructive ends, and that the greater part of the world's intelligent workers have become irreligious, or at least, uninterested in religion. But is it astonishing? How can anyone remain interested in a religion which seems to have no concern with nine-tenths of life? The church's approach to an intelligent carpenter is usually confined to exhorting him not to be drunk and disorderly in his leisure hours, and to come to church on Sundays. What the church should be telling him is this: that the very first demand that his religion makes on him is to make good tables.”

Respected researcher, George Barna, in his book Boiling Point, writes: ?Workplace ministry will be one of the core future innovations in church ministry.?

COUNTERING THE CULTURES

?Societal transformation is high on God?s agenda and the chief catalytic force to bring it about will be Christians ministering in the marketplace.? - C. Peter Wagner, Chancellor, Wagner Leadership Institute

Christianity is not merely another sub-culture it?s a counter culture. It?s not merely another religion it?s a relationship. A relationship with Jesus is the ONLY way provided for human beings to secure that relationship with their Creator. We, as Christians, are part of a Kingdom of priests and Kings, Most of us just don?t know it yet.

Land Cope of YWAM hit the nail on the head with these words: “We have more Christians today per capita with less impact on the culture than ever before. We are big and we are weak.”

As I read and hear reports about the nations of China and India and how committed they are to taking the lead in this global economy, I see opportunity for well-equipped, savvy Christians to boldly declare, ?Bring ?em on!? I don?t know about you, but I can?t get to China and India to minister to them and shine the light of truth. God, in His infinite wisdom, is bringing them to US instead! Come West, young men…women, too! I recall a minister in Bible College who had spent years in South Africa speaking prophetically to his class, warning us that Islam was on the rise. I remember taking it with a grain of salt. ?I don?t even know anybody from the Middle East, ?I said to myself.

God?s bringing them HERE. What are we going to do with the opportunity?

The Christian business community should take note. Bill Pollard, Chairman of ServiceMaster, wisely said: ?In today?s global community, the greatest channel of distribution for ?salt and light? is the business community? the marketplace.?

Poultry producers, Pilgrim?s Pride, reportedly spends hundreds of thousand of dollars annually on Workplace Chaplains to come into the plant and minister to their 35,000 employees. Cliff Butler, vice chairman of the company, says: “Although it's intangible, we feel we've had a good return on every dime we spent [on workplace ministers]. We believe there's a payoff, and it's not always with dollars, It's with the feeling of gratitude of the employees to us.”

WHERE DOES MY CHURCH FIT INTO THIS MOVEMENT?

“Workplace believers seldom feel served by their churches in their jobs and careers on issues of faith and biblical ethics.” - Pete Hammond, Intervarsity Christian Fellowship

Is workplace ministry part of most local churches today? Sadly, no. In many cases, where it CAN be found, it?s merely as another bolt-on evangelism program that isn?t taken too seriously by leadership. Personally, though I?ve spoken in my share of churches across denominations, I?ve yet to see one workplace ministry.

Consider this statement by Doug Sherman, author of Your Work Matters to God. “Our surveys reveal that 90-97% of Christians have never heard a sermon relating biblical principles to their work life.” Most church members have never been trained, equipped and released into the workplace by their church leaders, the one place where they spend 60-70% of their waking hours. The problem is that the teaching Christians DO receive is often not relevant for what most Christians need in order to impact their workplaces.

Workplace ministry can change the world.

One employee at a time.

THE ROLE OF CHURCH LEADERSHIP IN THIS MOVEMENT

“I believe pastors will be the last to really embrace this movement because it is such a new paradigm. However, ultimately, they will be the instruments God will use to make the greatest impact in the movement because of their influence in so many people's lives.” - Os Hillman, Director, International Coalition of Workplace Ministries

?The most common self-inflicted put-down is ?I am not a pastor?I am just a layperson.? This is all part of a clever satanic scheme to neutralize apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers along with the entire army of disciples, already positioned in the marketplace.? - Ed Silvoso, Anointed for Business, Harvest Evangelism

The world needs ministers and leaders to equip their people to be effective where they spend the majority of their time: the workplace. In order to do this it has to be intentional, long term and foundational to the church. Church leaders must buy into the concept completely.

Pastor Dick Halverson once said, “There is a distinction between church work and the work of the church. Church work is what you do for the organized institution of the church. The work of the church is what is done between Sundays when the church is scattered all over the metropolitan area where it is located - in homes, schools, offices, on construction jobs, in market places.”

Os Hillman wrote, ?The church in the workplace is the purest form of the body of Christ today due to its diversity. Workplace believers are less prone to denominational differences because they have a common goal of representing Christ in their workplaces. The movement will break down denominational barriers that have been held in the past.?

Finally, there?s this wonderful comment by Dallas Willard in The Spirit of Discipline: ?There is truly is no division between sacred and secular except what we have created. And that is why the division of the legitimate roles and functions of human life into the sacred and secular does incalculable damage to our individual lives and the cause of Christ. Holy people must stop going into ?church work? as their natural course of action and take up holy orders in farming, industry, law, education, banking, and journalism with the same zeal previously given to evangelism or to pastoral and missionary work.?

IS IT A MOVEMENT?

?Behold, I will do a new thing now it shall spring forth shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.? - God Almighty, from His Book, The Holy Bible, Isa. 43:19

Is God doing something new?

Is the cloud moving?

You decide.

If you?re a minister and need help getting this message across to your congregation, ask me. We?ll make arrangements. If you?re within driving distance, load up the company van or church bus and head my way. We'll talk.

If you want help, it?s available. Books, tapes, CD?s abound on the subject where once there was none. Get online and Google ?Workplace Ministry,? ?Faith at Work,? something like that.

Right now, here in Stephenville, I?m facilitating the ?Brown Bag Bible Studies? at noon on Thursday?s. we began Feb 23rd, 2006. It?s 8-weeks long and lasts 45 minutes. We completed Week 2 today and it was awesome. Jump in ANY time! A man named Bill Bunce, Assistant to the Chairman of the 700 Club (Pat Robertson) was our first week?s speaker. Powerful! Today, a local businessman named Ed Dupas, and his wife, Marlene, spoke and left us spiritually touched (Randy Bachman - of “Taking Care of Business” fame, ironically - mentions Ed several times as having taught him the guitar). Ed led us in a wonderful song to close today. Many had moist eyes as we parted ways.

John 21:6 reveals Jesus telling His disciples, ?…Cast the net on the right side of the ship, and ye shall find. They cast therefore, and now they were not able to draw it for the multitude of fishes..? Consider what was happening here:

1) They were working doing their usual jobs as fishermen.

2) They were STILL doing their same ol? job when Jesus suggested they fish on the OTHER side. Not much changed…but their perspective.

3) The simple act of obedience ultimately resulted in a miracle, increased their faith in Him as they began to know him as Lord experientially.

So, get on board with what God is doing.

Could it be we've been strategically placed?

Could it be we were born for such a time as this?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Michael's mission is to bring Discipleship and Encouragement to the Body of Christ. Since 1999, he has broadcast over 300 hundred inspirational articles and a dozen booklets on subjects that will interest the thinking Christian, all designed to accelerate the process of spiritual development in God's people. He is the founder of t.e.a.m. ministries (team1min@aol.com). An Author, Pastoral Counselor and Teacher, his eMail broadcasts, known as “Your Town for Jesus” are reaching millions around the globe WEEKLY. Write team1min@our-town.com if you'd like to SUBSCRIBE.
A licensed/ordained minister, a Certified Workplace Chaplain, and a Professional Member of NIBIC, he has ministered in Methodist, Pentecostal, Charismatic, Baptist, Disciples of Christ, College and Cowboy churches. He is also a Speaker on the Christian Speaker Network and may be available to speak to your church or Christian group.

It used to be that men would sit on the porch at the end of the day and take out their pocket knife and start whittling a figure or shape into a piece of branch. Perhaps that is what led men to want to create more out of wood. Perhaps it was just that wood was a great medium for furnishings because it was plentiful and beautiful. However it started, one thing is for sure. Wood is here to stay, and the demand for high quality wood products is stronger than ever.

Do-It-Yourself with a Little Help

Woodworkers have a passion for wood that only another woodworker can understand. They love the texture and look the smell and the feel of sawdust under foot. That must be why woodworking shows and discount woodworking tools are popping up everywhere.

Rockler Woodworking is one type of hardware store and woodworking school in one that dots the United States with retail locations and a wide array of class offerings. Here, at a Rockler Woodworking school for example, those attending can sign on for making a customer screw driver handle that will stand out on any workbench.

Tools of the Trade

Woodworking is an art form and with any craft there are tools that make the job easier and give a distinct professional look to the finished craft. Woodworking is such a hobby with a complete line of tools to make masterpieces out of trees.

Some of the basic tools needed in today?s woodworking workshop include saws, sanders, jigs, and a variety of hand tools. There are miter saws and table saws to make cuts at any angle. Scroll saws allow for the flexibility and creativity found in intricate detailing.

Woodworking jigs, make cutting a precision task. The jig acts as a guide to make sure wood cuts start and stop at just the right place and follow an exact line.

Hand tools used in woodwork can be the old fashioned kind or powered up versions of the old standbys. This of course includes hammers, drivers, and drills.

Routers are a type of sawing machinery that is part table saw and part drill. Bevelled edges or decoratively turned stair rails are made using a router. Also, the little details such as dovetailing on drawers is made easier with a router to make the notches.

Where the Woodworkers Meet

There are international and national woodworking shows held annual as a forum to the latest gadgets and way for woodworkers to gather and discuss their various projects. Great educational opportunities are available at such shows as The Woodworking Shows which has daily, live seminars at shows each month around the United States.

Woodworking is a great hobby for the young and old alike and great for young and old to work together at. The skills and experience are passed from father to son and grandfather to grandson (or granddaughter). It?s a timeless craft that brings the generations together.

Peter J. Mason's informative papers can be discovered on quite a few web publications with information about discount woodworking tools and cabinetmaking. His contributions on woodworking can be found on http://www.insidewoodworking.com

The National Children?s Day is celebrated every year on the second Saturday of January. However, initially it was celebrated on the first Monday of October. From 1955 to 1963, the children?s day was celebrated in the month of October. Later in 1963, day was moved to January.

Children are the assets of any country. They are the future generation. Childhood is about innocence and playfulness, joy and freedom. But today?s education system does not take care of all these aspects. The teachers concentrate mainly on the studies, and studies alone. Children are not at all permitted to play and studies are considered to be the most important part of any child?s life. Children?s Day is a day for children and on this day children are permitted to do whatever they like.

Children?s Day is about giving children the right to enjoy and grow into healthy and educated citizens of the country who have an equal mix of studies and play. Thailand uses Children?s Day as an opportunity to teach children about moral values so that they grow up into responsible adults.

On this day, children are allowed to enter any government office including those which are prohibited to visitors on the ordinary days. Many entertainment parks in Thailand allow children to enjoy themselves with a minimum fee and at times, they allow children to enter for free on Children?s Day. Every year the King, the Supreme Patriarch of Thailand, and the Prime Minister of Thailand give speeches addressing the children.

On Children?s Day, the Bangkok Bank in Thailand offers stationary to the children. Whenever a child enters the bank on Children?s Day, he / she is given pens, pencils, and books. This is looked upon as a community service. The bank also takes this opportunity to educate children about saving money and the benefits it can reap.

Thailand has a unique celebration and most probably this type of Children?s Day is not celebrated in any other country.

Check Out More Articles:

Moving To Thailand,Thailand Shipping Companies,Lake Hubbard Vacation Rentals ,

Former Prime Minister of India Atal Bihari Vajpayee had India's 'Look East' policy in mind when he proposed at the ASEAN-India summit in Bali (Indonesia) 2003 the holding of an India-ASEAN car rally “to draw dramatic attention to our geographical proximity”.

A possible route according to him could be from Guwahati in the North-east India, through Burma, Thailand and Cambodia to Hanoi in Vietnam. He said then “It would draw commercial interest in infrastructure along the route, promote tourism and development”.

The India-ASEAN car rally has since become a reality. Flagging off the First India-ASEAN Rally at a colorful function at the Nehru Stadium in Guwahati (Assam) on Nov. 23, 2004, the present Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh said, “We are now rediscovering the age old relations”.

While addressing the recent meeting of the North East council Dr Singh said the North East India could be a gateway for India for the ASEAN and East Asia it is for the North East Council to build on this. During his visit to the North East In November 2004 Dr Singh described the region as the “gateway” to India's engagement with the Association for South East Asian Nations and with the sub-regional grouping, BIMST-EC (Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand-Economic Cooperation))

The recent inauguration of a highway project to link the North-East to Thailand via Myanmar, a rail project connecting Manipur to Yangon, and the signing of an agreement for a gas pipeline from Myanmar through the North-East and Bangladesh to Kolkata, are all opportunities in the making for the region, which is also rich in natural resources

If the concerned governments, particularly that of India, Burma and Thailand, and local authorities of these countries are serious about their declared intentions, then these new initiatives would indeed rediscover, renew and rejuvenate the age-old cultural and historical ties between the peoples of South-east and North East India. In turn, greater interaction would undoubtedly boost trade, commerce and tourism prospects in the entire region.

In Asia, political boundaries have separated peoples who have cultural, historical, racial and ethnic affinities and share socio-economic and climate conditions

The moot point is whether the Government of India is only trying to become closer with the Southeast Asian countries by using northeast region as a “conduit” for its economic development. If so, it will be disastrous in the long run. You cannot have “Look East Policy” or “Indo-ASEAN Car Rally” only to please neighboring countries. But the core issue is how to make the people of the region aware that New Delhi is equally concerned for their security and well-being.

The recent statement of the Union Minister for Development of the North East Region (DONER), PR Kyndiah that the North-East Region is no more “sensitive” but “strategic” to not only the entire country but also the neighboring countries like China, Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Myanmar has full of sense.

Though the north-east has enormous natural and human resources, India's north-east has always been neglected by the central government in New Delhi. As a result, tribals (Nagas, Mizos, Karbis, Meities, Khasis, Garos, Bodos etc) in these mountainous areas remain economically and educationally backward.

Even though India is making a small late beginning towards the East Asia via the North East, China has already started the process very fast. Recognization of Sikkim as an integral part of India Opening up of the Nathula pass between Sikkim and Tibet are all measures towards this Chinese Strategic and economic thinking

China also wants the Old Burma Road, which connects China's southwestern Yunnan province with Burma, opened. Likewise, to increase trade and commercial activities with India, China wants a direct flight between Calcutta in West Bengal and Kunming, the fast-growing capital of Yunnan that was closed to trade in the '60s

Last year, a 70-member delegation from landlocked Yunnan, led by its vice governor, Shao Quiewi, met high-ranking members of the West Bengal government to explore opportunities in trade, investment and cultural cooperation.

Besides tapping tourism and the tea industry with India, China has its eye on ASEAN countries for development of trade. “There are close relations between Yunnan and South-east Asian markets, and Yunnan wants to exploit this. Our trade relationship with Bengal was mutually beneficial till links were snapped in the 1960s,” said a member of the Yunnan Chamber of Commerce, who accompanied the delegation. “We are seeking more border points, including the Old Burma Road. Once the road is opened, this will go a long way in developing trade between China and South-east Asian countries”.

Question arises as to why China is focusing so much on this part of the world. Reasons for this are many. India's “Look East Policy” worries Beijing because it has cut short latter's expansionist policy with the Southeast Asian countries mainly Myanmar. The Indo-ASEAN car rally has generated tremendous amount of “goodwill mission” with the Southeast Asian countries. The idea of “Indo-ASEAN Car Rally” was to make grounds for partnership in the economic developments of the sub-continent and the “Look East Policy” was in that direction and certainly, the northeast region will act as an “Economic bridge” between the rest of the country and the Southeast Asian countries.

Again China's deliberate move towards the ASEAN and East Asia and trying to mend ways with India has strategic reasons behind it. United States of America is trying to develop a free trade area with Taiwan -Japan .A US-Taiwan-Japan FTA could provide a shield against Beijing's political clout and spur so-called “competitive liberalization” in East Asia by encouraging countries including Japan and ASEAN members to enter into FTAs with Taiwan. China feels its plan to push an “ASEAN plus three” free trade area (the three being China, Japan and South Korea)- a bloc that would deliberately exclude Taiwan and the USA could not materialize without getting India to act as a buffer in its strategic plan as such its making all this serious noices

It's heartening to see that India has finally woken up from its slumber and has started acting fast on its Look East Policy. The government of India off late is seriously engaging Myanmar in its strategic repositioning against China and the United States of America towards this part of the world.

Burma has shot back to the top of India?s foreign policy agenda following Indian President APJ Abdul Kalam?s visit last month, and battle lines are now being drawn in New Delhi over the contentious question of how to deal with the military juntaIn the 13 years since India gave up its commitment to the cause of democracy in Burma and started dealing with the generals, “powerful lobbies in New Delhi have emerged favoring the progressive improvement of relations with the junta for the promotion of India?s national interest”.

Indian president Kalam said on his return from Burma that trade between India and Burma should increase sharply in the next three years. The volume of bilateral trade in the financial year 2003-2004 amounted to US $470 million.” We need to work out a method by which we can aspire to increase this volume to around $2 billion within the next three years,? Kalam said

The Indian president promised development of a hydroelectric power project at Htamanthi, Sagaing Division, which has a 1,000-megawatt potential, and work on the India-Burma-Thailand trilateral highway, which is likely to start soon would connect the rest of India via Bangladesh and the North East. The president also suggested the development of port facilities in Burma for the benefit of the two countries through which goods from the North East could be exported to other countries of the ASEAN.

Again India has not only obliged the Burmese junta in driving out and even killing Kachin, Chin and Arakanese rebels from its territory. It intends to compete with China in becoming an important supplier of military hardware to the Burmese army?from high-velocity rifles to aircraft produced on license from other countries. New Delhi is prepared to sell all that Burma?s generals want to buy from them in an effort to reduce dependence on China

India is desperate to get as much natural gas as it can from the blocks in Arakan State passing through Bangladesh and the North East connecting the rest of India. Prime Minister Singh, an economist with ambitions to make India an economic power, is keen to ensure energy security to keep the country?s 7-8 percent annual economic growth on course. Dr Singh wants all possible trans-border energy sources tapped, and Burma is important in his schemes. Chances of the gas pipe line between the two countries finalizing looks very bright now and it the deal is finally though it would boost up tremendous development in the North Eastern part of India.

The development model resulting from India's Look East Policy has tremendous potential for the North East. It serves as a contiguous gateway to the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries with which India has established engagement models. However, this would first require working on integrating the North East with the rest of India to make it a solid springboard for the globalization process the first step in this regard should be a focus on a rural-centric development model.

The trade between India and ASEAN has jumped from $ 3.1 billion in 1991 to about $12 billion in 2002 and it is expected to rise to $30 billion by the end of 2007. The share of North East India in this annual trade was around 12 percent annually. There is tremendous scope to increase this further.

Thus looking into the political, strategic and economic angle of this Look East policy of India towards the ASEAN and East Asia can be gold mine for North East India in the long run to solve her age old political problem and economic backwardness and hopefully the coming ASEAN summit this month will help in achieving this aim. One should strongly hope the free trade agreement between India and the ASEAN is signed in this ASEAN Summit as this could pave the way for economic prosperity of the North East.

Dr Suvrokamal Dutta
Foreign Affairs and Economic Expert
Contact: Email: sk_dutta70@yahoo.com, Dutta007@hotmail.com

Jojoba oil is namely a sort of vegetable oil. Crushed bean of jojoba shrubs are used to make this oil. Generally, in southwestern United States, Israel and Argentina, these shrubs are found in large numbers. In aromatherapy, jojoba oil is used as an essential element.

After extracting from crushed bean of jojoba shrubs, jojoba oils is filtrated and pasteurized. These processes are followed for ensuring the safety of the oil. Usually, four types of jojoba oils are produced. These are like,

?Through the basic production process, pure, golden-yellow colored oil is produced.

?Through bleaching and filtration, refined and bleached jojoba oil is produced, which is colorless.

?Through distillation, jojoba oil is also produced in a minimum quantity.

?Normally, in cosmetics industries, colorless jojoba oil is used, as for making cosmetics oils need to be colorless and scentless.

As popular base oil, jojoba oil is used in aromatherapy excessively. As conditioner, softener, moisturizer and cleanser, jojoba oil is mainly applied for skin and hair treatment. Direct application of jojoba oil on the skin can make skin soft and shiny. For healing wrinkles, scars and stretch marks, jojoba oil works marvelously. Deep nourishment with this oil ensures a glowing skin and prevent from having any stretch mark. Besides, this oil is used in the treatment of acne, cold sores etc.

Do you wish to get healthy scalp and hair? Jojoba oil will be the best option for you. This oil makes hair as well as scalp healthy. The similar and miscible nature of Jojoba oil has increased its use in various hair related problems. Various reasons like, age, pollution, stress can be responsible for lessening sebum production. In such cases, this oil can be used as an alternative of sebum oil. Conditioning hair and protecting hair from dullness and damage are another important attribute of jojoba oil. In case of excessive sebum, with jojoba oil, it can be removed. In addition, this oil prevents hair from sticky build up and creates a lipid layer on the skin.

Jojoba oil is commonly used as an important ingredient in moisturizers, conditioners, facial, body lotions, shampoos, creams, cleansers, soaps lotions and so on. Using of this oil as the base of manufacturing perfume is noticeable as well.

One can apply jojoba oil onto skin as face and body care. But it is advisable to use the oil as a base of massage oils, in case of face as well as body massage. You can add 5-15 drops jojoba oil to the essential oil, it will give you an effective result.

Cindy Boswell is working with the New Directions UK. She has also been involved in the research work on plants and oils for a long time. To find jojoba oil, tea tree oil, essential oils, wholesale, wholesalers, wholesale essential oils you need to visit http://www.newdirectionsuk.com