UKRAINE: Miracle-working icon believed to have been lost returns to Sumy region

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"Bread of Life" Icon known since the 19th century has been granted to Orthodox Church by a Donetsk collector
By Alla AKIMENKO, Sumy
SOURCE:  The Day (ДЕÐ�Ь)

On Tuesday Sumy met with a ceremony the old-time miracle-working image of Christ the Savior Bread of Life, honored not only by Orthodox believers, but Catholics and Lutherans.

The icon was believed to have been lost for almost 100 years, since the 1920s. However, even after all these years the believers have not forgotten about it: in many Orthodox churches of Sumy region and Christians’ homes the copies of the icon which in its time became famous owing to numerous miraculous healings.

The Bread of Life icon, known from the 19th century, was preserved in the village of Mala Chernetchyna, Sumy povit, Kharkiv gubernia. People far beyond Sumy region knew about it. Each year crowds of pilgrims came to join the religious procession dedicated to the shrine. The lost icon has been recently found in one of the private collections of church paintings in Donetsk oblast.

After numerous examinations both church commissions and scholars confirmed the authenticity of the Mala Chernetchyna icon. The owner of the collection Oleh Zdanovych granted the miracle-working icon to the Orthodox Church, for which the Ukrainian Orthodox Church conferred on him the Saint Prince Volodymyr Order of Second Degree. The restored icon was brought to Sviatohirsk Cave Monastery where it has been preserved until recently. Now the icon of Christ the Savior Bread of Life has returned to Sumy oblast and will stay in Sumy Saviour’s Transfiguration Cathedral.

Latin-language Masses are on the rise among Roman Catholic youth

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Old-fashioned worship attracts youth Source: Catholic Register Written by Zack Candy, Youth Speak News
Ottawa - The pre-Vatican days of Latin-language Masses are on the rise among Catholic youth.
 In Ottawa, St. Clement’s parish moved its daily traditional Latin Mass to St. Anne’s Church in Lowertown to accommodate its growing congregation, including many young families.

Michael and Rebecca Trolley, a couple in their 20s, are very active at Annunciation Anglican Use Catholic Church. “Anglican Use” refers to a particular form, or “use,” of the Roman rite (or Mass) which draws heavily upon the Anglican liturgical and musical tradition, incorporated into a Catholic context.

“We were both nerdy bookworms,” said Michael, who is very interested in Church history. “For a lot of young people, I think there’s a deep skepticism about contemporary culture. And if they want to do something spiritual, the last thing they want is something that looks like everything that’s going on around them. If they’re going to do something different, they’re going to do something really different.”

Prior to 1970, the Roman Mass was celebrated in Latin; this older form of the Mass is now commonly referred to as the traditional Latin Mass. After the Second Vatican Council, the Mass was translated into many different languages, including English. Some communities such as St. Clement’s, however, still celebrate the traditional Latin Mass.

The Trolleys note the similarities between their traditional Anglican Use liturgy and the older form of the Roman rite.

“The differences aren’t so much the text of the liturgy,” said Michael. “In the way that they’re celebrated, our Mass has a great deal in common with the Extraordinary Form (the traditional Latin Mass). They’re both celebrated facing east, it’s usually chanted, with incense. It’s quieter in some ways, it’s more formal, a greater spirit of reverence.”
Rebecca disagrees: “I wouldn’t say it’s more quiet, especially when we do a High Mass. It’s very noisy, because we’re singing a lot. Music is more a part of our tradition. Anglicans like to sing, Catholics don’t,” she jokes, referring to the tradition from which their liturgy derives.

Many young Catholic Canadians do not know much about traditional forms of worship, what a traditional liturgy consists of and how it differs from what is seen in a regular Catholic parish.

“We’ve actually tried to bring back some of what were originally monastic practices into the life of a parish,” said Subdeacon Andrew Bennett, a regular worshipper at Ottawa’s Holy Cross Ukrainian Catholic Chaplaincy.

“The vast majority of people at the chaplaincy are students,” said Bennett. “In a culture that often lacks an understanding of what mystery is, an understanding of how we as human beings need liturgical worship to enter into the mystery of God present in His Church, I think young people crave authenticity. And in the Christian tradition, if they see authenticity, they’re drawn to it.”

“Monastic practices” refer to the services regularly observed in monasteries. Thus, worshippers at the chaplaincy sing Matins (a service of morning prayer) before the Divine Liturgy (the term for the Mass in the Eastern churches) every Sunday morning.

“A Roman Catholic coming in off the street would notice first of all that it’s longer and that we sing everything,” Bennett said.

Everything in the Divine Liturgy (except the homily) is chanted in the Byzantine rite, a collection of Eastern churches which have come into union with the Roman Catholic Church. But according to the subdeacon, this custom is not exclusive to Byzantine Catholics such as those who attend the chaplaincy.

“The Roman rite has this tradition as well, but in most parishes since the Second Vatican Council, this tradition of the sung Mass has been lost,” said Bennett. “But now you’re seeing again a return to some of these traditions in the Roman Catholic Church.”


(Candy, 21, is a third-year English student at the University of Ottawa.) 

Patriarch Sviatoslav Addresses Catholic Bishops of Canada - Блаженніший Святослав промовляв до католицьких єпископів Канади

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SOURCE:  RISU

On September 25, in Saint Gabriel, Canada, Patriarch Sviatoslav (Shevchuk) addressed the Catholic Bishops of Canada who gathered to attend their annual meeting in Montreal.

The patriarch told the 70 bishops of the Catholic Church in Canada about the persecutions of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church during Communist times.

As he spoke about the present time, the primate stressed: “Being fully aware of our definition of being Orthodox in the faith and Catholic in love, we realize our role in creating an opportunity for the Catholic Church to breathe with the two lungs, the eastern and western ones.”

“Today, we are renewing the life of our church in a country which appears to be torn apart between the old influences and new attempts to be integrated in the wider European community,” said Patriarch Sviatoslav.

The head of the UGCC stressed that the church must find “new boldness” to proclaim the truths of the Gospel to the modern society in order to give it “anchor and compass.”

In the end, the hierarch thanked the Canadian bishops for their brotherly cooperation. “My Ukrainian brethren who are bishops in Canada are very grateful to you for your support and understanding enjoyed by our church all over Canada. It is not always so in other parts of the world, particularly in European countries. Therefore, it is so important for us to spread the Canadian experience testifying that the presence of the Eastern Churches with their traditions and structures is not a danger but is the brotherhood of the community of the Catholic Church, the unity in diversity,” said Patriarch Sviatoslav.

The head of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops, Archbishop Richard Smith of Edmonton, on behalf of all of them, thanked the head of the UGCC for his participation in the assembly and assured him and the faithful of the UGCC of the support and prayer of the bishops of Canada.

Patriarch Sviatoslav arrived in Canada on August 29. During his stay there, he made pastoral visits to the faithful of UGCC in the New-Westminster Eparchy. In Manitoba, he met with the faithful of the Winnipeg Archeparchy. On September 9-15, the hierarch led the Synod of Bishops of UGC. After the synod, he visited the faithful of the Saskatoon Eparchy, the Information Department of the UGCC reported.

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«Ð¦ÐµÑ€ÐºÐ²Ð° муÑ�ить дати Ñ�учаÑ�ному Ñ�уÑ�пільÑ�тву Ñ�кір Ñ– компаÑ�», – Блаженніший СвÑ�тоÑ�лав до католицьких єпиÑ�копів Канади

23:55 27.09.12 23:55

SOURCE:  Website of the UGCC

У вівторок, 25 вере�н�, у м. Сейнт Габрієл у Канаді Блаженніший Св�то�лав (Шевчук), Отець і Глава Україн�ької Греко-Католицької Церкви, промовл�в до католицьких єпи�копів Канади, котрі зібрали�� на �воє річне за�іданн� біл� Монреал�.

Вітаючи понад 70 єпиÑ�копів Католицької Церкви у Канаді, ПредÑ�тоÑ�тель Церкви розповів їм про переÑ�лідуваннÑ� УГКЦ під чаÑ� ери комунізму. «Ð�аша Церква Ñ�відчила про ХриÑ�та Ñ�к у катакомбах, так Ñ– через відкрите протиÑ�тоÑ�ннÑ� владі. Багато мучеників терпіли за Ñ�вою віру в оÑ�танньому Ñ�толітті. Хай їхній приклад та їхнє Ñ�відченнÑ� надихає наÑ� уÑ�Ñ–Ñ…», – Ñ�казав Блаженніший СвÑ�тоÑ�лав.

«Ð’повні розуміючи Ñ�воє означеннÑ�: правоÑ�лавні у вірі Ñ– католики в любові, ми уÑ�відомлюємо Ñ�вою роль у Ñ�творенні нагоди длÑ� Католицької Церкви дихати двома легенÑ�ми - Ñ�хідною та західною», – Ñ�твердив Глава УГКЦ.

«Ð¡ÑŒÐ¾Ð³Ð¾Ð´Ð½Ñ– ми відновлюємо життÑ� нашої Церкви в країні, Ñ�ка начебто розірвана між Ñ�тарими впливами та новими Ñ�пробами інтегруватиÑ�Ñ� в ширшу європейÑ�ьку Ñ�пільноту», – Ñ�казав Блаженніший СвÑ�тоÑ�лав, говорÑ�чи про Ñ�итуацію в Україні.

Він продовжив: «ÐœÐ¸ глибоко Ñ�відомі паÑ�ток Ñ– небезпек, Ñ�кі видніють перед нами. Подібно до образу, даного нам пророком Ð�моÑ�ом, котрий Ñ�тверджував, що чаÑ�ом втікаючи від лева, потраплÑ�ємо на ведмедÑ� (Ð�м. 5,19), ми розуміємо, що длÑ� нашого поÑ�ткомуніÑ�тичного Ñ�уÑ�пільÑ�тва інтенÑ�ивний процеÑ� Ñ�екулÑ�ризації, Ñ�кий йде із Заходу, приховує велику духовну небезпеку». Глава УГКЦ наголоÑ�ив, що Церква муÑ�ить знайти «Ð½Ð¾Ð²Ñƒ відвагу» у проголошуванні правди ЄвангеліÑ� Ñ�учаÑ�ному Ñ�уÑ�пільÑ�тву, щоб дати йому «Ñ�кір Ñ– компаÑ�».

У промові Блаженніший Св�то�лав зазначив, що дл� УГКЦ цей рік є роком Канади. �дже цього року минає �толітт� від іменуванн� першого україн�ького католицького єпи�копа до Канади в о�обі блаженного �в�щенномученика Микити (Будки). Цього року в Канаді відбув�� Синод Єпи�копів УГКЦ. Пред�то�тель УГКЦ теж нагадав, що у квітні цього року він разом із членами В�еукраїн�ької Ради Церков був в Оттаві, коли парламент Канади прийн�в резолюцію, визнаючи герой�ькі вчинки Митрополита �ндре� (Шептицького).

Ð�а завершеннÑ� Глава УГКЦ подÑ�кував канадÑ�ьким єпиÑ�копам за «Ð±Ñ€Ð°Ñ‚ерÑ�ьку Ñ�півпрацю». «ÐœÐ¾Ñ— українÑ�ькі брати-єпиÑ�копи тут, у Канаді, дуже вдÑ�чні вам за підтримку Ñ– розуміннÑ�, Ñ�ким наша Церква втішаєтьÑ�Ñ� в уÑ�ій Канаді. Це не завжди можна Ñ�казати про інші чаÑ�тини Ñ�віту… зокрема про європейÑ�ькі країни. Тому таким важливим длÑ� наÑ� Ñ” поширювати по вÑ�ьому Ñ�віту канадÑ�ький доÑ�від, показуючи, що приÑ�утніÑ�Ñ‚ÑŒ Східних Церков, з їхніми традиціÑ�ми Ñ– Ñ�труктурами, не Ñ” небезпекою, але багатÑ�твом Ñ�пільноти Католицької Церкви, Ñ�ка Ñ” єдніÑ�Ñ‚ÑŽ в різноманітноÑ�Ñ‚Ñ–», – Ñ�казав Блаженніший СвÑ�тоÑ�лав.

�рхиєпи�коп Едмонтона Ричард Сміт, Голова Канад�ької Конференції Католицьких Єпи�копів, від імені в�іх под�кував Главі УГКЦ за його уча�ть в а�амблеї і запевнив його та вірних УГКЦ про підтримку та молитви єпи�копів Канади.

Блаженніший Св�то�лав прибув до Канади ще 29 �ерпн�. Відтоді він �першу проводив душпа�тир�ькі відвідини вірних УГКЦ �ью-Ве�тмін�тер�ької єпархії. Тоді поїхав до Манітоби, де зу�трічав�� із багатьма вірними Вінніпезької архиєпархії. 9 - 15 вере�н� Пред�то�тель УГКЦ очолив роботу Синоду Єпи�копів УГКЦ. Пі�л� Синоду він відвідував вірних Са�катун�ької єпархії.

Фоторепортаж
Департамент інформації УГКЦ

New DVD/Videos: Чин інтронізації Патріарха Святослава - Order of Enthronement of Patriarch Sviatoslav

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SOURCE: Хри�ти�н�ький портал Кіріо�

(Use Google Translate for an approximate translation)

Чин інтронізації та �рхиєрей�ької Боже�твенної Літургії Отц� і Глави УГКЦ Блаженнішого Св�то�лава

Жанр: документальне
Країна: Україна
Опи�: Чин інтронізації та �рхиєрей�ької Боже�твенної Літургії з нагоди введенн� на пре�тол Отц� і Глави УГКЦ Блаженнішого Св�то�лава.

�а двох ди�ках вміщено Чин інтронізації, Літургію �в�того Ва�илі� Великого, проповідь нового Глави УГКЦ, привітанн� Митрополита РКЦ в Україні Мечи�лава Мокшицького та Мелхіт�ького Патріарха Григорі� ІІІ, промову �рхиєпи�копа Львів�ького УГКЦ Ігор� (Возьн�ка) і под�чне �лово Блаженнішого Св�то�лава (Шевчука). Пригадуємо, що у Хре�топоклонну неділю, 27 березн�, обраний Виборчим Синодом Єпи�копів УГКЦ і потверджений В�елен�ьким �рхиєреєм новий Глава УГКЦ, Верховний �рхиєпи�коп Києво-Галицький Блаженніший Св�то�лав зійшов на пре�тол.

Інтронізацію Блаженнішого Св�то�лава у пр�мому ефірі тран�лювали 5 канал та телеканал ТВі. Крім того, на офіційній веб-�торінці УГКЦ було організовано інтернет-тран�л�цію цієї події. Дивити�� чин інтронізації та �рхиєрей�ької Боже�твенної Літургії Отц� і Глави УГКЦ Блаженнішого Св�то�лава online:


Одна віруюча �каржить�� іншій:

- Вчора прийшла з роботи пізно, втомила��. Завтра вранці знову в�тану з головним болем...

- Хочеш, Ñ� помолюÑ�Ñ� – Ñ– не вÑ�танеш...

Former abortion clinic workers detail conversion stories

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By Michelle Bauman

Washington D.C., Sep 29, 2012 / 05:03 pm (SOURCE: CNA/EWTN News).- At a recent conference in Illinois, former abortion workers told the stories of the work that they once thought was helping women, and how they were converted to the pro-life position.

“We wanted to better understand the mindset of people who work in the abortion industry,” said conference planner Ann Scheidler, who serves as the vice president of the Pro-Life Action League.

She told CNA that the purpose of the “CONVERTED: From Abortion Provider to Pro-Life Activist” conference was to hear what former abortion workers had to say about why they entered the abortion industry and what led them to leave it.

While abortion doctors and clinic workers are sometimes viewed as heartless by pro-lifers, some are actually “extremely compassionate people” who are misguided and believe that they are “helping women,” she explained.

“It’s very good for us to understand where these people are coming from,” she said.

The Sept. 22 conference was held Crowne Plaza O’Hare Hotel in Rosemont, Ill., and featured eight former abortion workers who told their personal stories of conversion.

Scheidler said that each one had a different story, but they shared the experience of realizing, “This isn’t what I thought.”

The decision to leave can be “difficult,” she continued. They often find that “everybody they know is pro-abortion,” so leaving their job means finding an entirely new community and peer group.

“That’s asking a lot,” she said. “That’s hard to do.”

Abby Johnson (photo source Catholic Lane)

While the lack of resources has made this transition especially difficult in the past, a new ministry by former Planned Parenthood director Abby Johnson is now helping those who wish to leave the abortion industry but are struggling in their decision to do so.

Johnson spoke about her ministry, And Then There Were None, which has had contact with 30 abortion workers in recent months.

Drawing about 100 attendees, primarily pro-life advocates who talk to women outside abortion clinics and sometimes speak with clinic workers, the conference was deemed a success by organizers.

One presenter, Dr. John Bruchalski, is currently a pro-life OB/GYN in northern Virginia. However, he performed abortions during his first two years of residency.

Although Bruchalski grew up in a Catholic household, he lost his faith in the 1970s and '80s. Wanting to be a “great” doctor, he felt that he needed to perform abortions, which he believed would help women to be “happier” and “healthier.”

It was a combination of factors that changed his mind, he told CNA. Part of it was the experience of performing abortions.

“As you do the procedure, you begin to kill another human being up close,” he said, describing the experience of watching “the life drain from them” from just inches away.

“That reality goes through your hand and into your heart,” he reflected.

Performing abortions “hardens your heart every time,” because you have to continually justify your actions to yourself, he explained.

In addition, he said that there was more and more emerging data showing that abortion and contraception were not healthy for women, but had some “pretty significant side effects,” both physically and psychologically.

There was also a relational aspect to his conversion, as a neonatologist whom he worked with challenge him to re-think his ideas.

Finally, he said that he experienced a spiritual renewal, brought about in part by two pilgrimages he attended.

“All those pieces came together in 1989,” he said, explaining that he was forced to “adjust my heart and my whole outlook.”

Now, he tries to witness to others, helping them to see the reality of abortion. In 1994, he founded Tepeyac Family Center, a pro-life practice in Fairfax, Va.

“If it’s so darn good, why do so few doctors perform abortions?” he asks medical students when he gives talks.

Bruchalski said that he knows other former abortion doctors who have converted, and each has a different story. He believes that God speaks to each person in his or her own way.

“He spoke to me in a language that I intrinsically understood,” he said.

Japanese Botanical Art in Kimono Textiles

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by Janine Thorman, Vintage Kimonos, Boulder, CO
Artwork in Japanese textiles has been a major part of the beauty of the garments which were once worn by all Japanese people. Because the basic shape of the kimono and haori has changed very little over time, the artwork and decorations have taken on more importance. We will be looking at many examples of Japanese artwork on thebeautiful kimono.Janine Thorman studied fashion design at Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colorado. Her Colorado showroom holds anywhere from 1,000 to 2,000 kimonos at one time, in every color, texture, weave (damask, ikat) andembellishment (embroidered, shibori tie-dye, hand-painted), as well as every style of kimono such as uchikake (wedding kimono), haori (short jacket), michiyuki (traveling overcoat), yukata (cotton kimono) and hakama (split pant/skirt usually for men).
CAFÉ BOTANIQUEThursday, September 6, 2012Denver Botanic Gardens – Gates Hall6:30 – 8 p.m
(More information and to register, please click here)Denver Botanic Gradens' Certificate in Botanical Art and Illustration (http://www.botanicgardens.org/pageinpage/botanicalillustration.cfm)

Visible Empire by Daniela Bleichmar - another treasure to read -

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(Heliconia stiletioides, New Granada Expedition, 1783-1816, unsigned - Royal Botanical Garden in Madrid - photo: MHjK)
Visible Empire: Botanical Expeditions & Visual Culture in the Hispanic Enlightenment by Daniela Bleichmar (The University of Chicago Press) focuses on travel, art and science of the 18th century Spanish Empire. In the 17th and 18th century European botany was an important science because it meant exploration of new lands and gaining information of unknown, new and exotic plants and environments for the host country. The relationship was different within the Spanish Empire: Spanish Empire was documenting their own colonies which had been in their possession already for 250 years.The Spanish crown organized and financed  several expeditions to Central America, South America, The Philippines and Europe resulting to ca 13000 images, of which the majority is preserved in the collections of  the Royal Botanical Garden in Madrid. The book approaches the visual history in five ways: (1) detailed visual analysis; (2) process of making and using the visual material; (3) connection between the images and other natural history specimens and texts; (4) examination of various types of work that images performed; and finally (5) study of the images both within and outside the usual understanding of the histories of art and visual culture.
This is a lavishly illustrated volume of 286 pages about the little known history of the scientific expeditions in the early Spanish Empire. It is extremely interesting reading and an absolute must for everybody who is interested in Botanical illustration and its early history. Watch an excellent video about the book by clicking hereDenver Botanic Gradens' Certificate in Botanical Art and Illustration (http://www.botanicgardens.org/pageinpage/botanicalillustration.cfm)

Florum 2012

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(detail from Tessa Spanton's piece, she is one of the 62 invited artists in the exhibit)
Florum 2012 exhibit at Seven Oaks Wildflower Reserve in Kent includes this year 333 quality works of botanical art by 62 invited artists, featuring paintings in a variety of media, silk paintings, textiles, embroidery, wood engravings, original jewellery, lino cuts and landscape etchings. This exhibit was initiated by Elizabeth Smail in 2005 and major part of the exhibit profits are donated to the upkeep of the Reserve which is a 55 ha spectacular oasis for the flora and fauna. The review of this first class exhibit can be found here.


Denver Botanic Gradens' Certificate in Botanical Art and Illustration (http://www.botanicgardens.org/pageinpage/botanicalillustration.cfm)

September 2012 Portfolio review

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(Bulldogs by Susan Curnutte)September 2012 Botanical Illustration  Portfolio review are today - 16 candidates will present the results of their hard work -


(please click to enlarge)
CONGRATULATIONS to ALL SEPTEMBER 2012 GRADUATES!!!(back row from left: Yvonne Slifka, Lois Sanford, Jennifer Muto, Gloria Cavallier, Muriah Allen, Judy Vanderbosch, Doug McCallum, Karen Genoff-Campbell, Karen May, Susan Curnutte, Nancy DeGuire, Randy Raak, Renee Jorgensen (instructor) Constance Sayas (Instructor), Marjorie Leggitt (instructor), Susan DiMarchi (instructor), Susan Rubin (instructor); front row from left: Tina Huston, Victoria Wood, Martha Narey, Vanessa Martin, Karla Beatty (instructor);  picture taker: Mervi Hjelmroos-Koski (manager of the program)Many thanks for everybody!Denver Botanic Gradens' Certificate in Botanical Art and Illustration (http://www.botanicgardens.org/pageinpage/botanicalillustration.cfm)

Painting with Needle in Cafe Botanique

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Painting with Needle – Silk Shading and its over 5,000 year history Sarah Homfrey, Royal School of Needlework, Hampton Court, England
Silk Shading is a hand embroidery technique blending long and short stitches to create realistic pictures. It is hard to define the point of history at which it became the technique we know it as today. It was most likely first produced in China where fine embroidery was common during the Neolithic period and commercial silk production started in strict secrecy already around 250 B.C.E. Samples of similar type of embroidery were found in Coptic cemeteries in Egypt dating back to the 5^th century B.C.E. Throughout its known history, silk shading has been used in emperor’s palaces and royal courts. Today, the technique is kept alive at the Royal School of Needlework at Hampton Court, England. Take this rare opportunity and learn more about the rich history of this unique art form and craft.
After a career as mechanical engineer, Sarah Homfray completed the Royal School of Needlework Apprenticeship in 2006 and currently teaches the RSN Apprentices and the Certificate and Diploma students, as well as undertakes freelance teaching and commissions. In addition to embroidery, Sarah has studied botanical illustration and printmaking. She believes strongly in observation and attention to detail, and her particular area of interest is embroidery design. Sarah holds a certificate in education from the University of Greenwich and has taught in the USA and Cyprus.
Sarah has been awarded numerous prizes for her embroidery and embroidery designs. She has published in magazines and has written RSN Essential Stitch Guide - Silk Shading (Search Press 2011). She also was part of the team of embroiderers who created the wedding dress, veil and shoes of Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge (née Middleton) in 2011.

Wednesday, September 26Denver Botanic Gardens – Gates Hall6:30 – 8 p.mPre-registration, please click here>Denver Botanic Gradens' Certificate in Botanical Art and Illustration (http://www.botanicgardens.org/pageinpage/botanicalillustration.cfm)

West Texas A&M University MBA

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West Texas A&M University offers a top quality MBA program for those seeking a professional business degree from a regionally accredited university. Courses are offered on campus in Amarillo and online. Additionally, students have the option of combining online courses with traditional campus or Amarillo Center courses to meet degree requirements. MBA candidates can concentrate in management,

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Top 100 Universities by Reputation

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Harvard University is rated as the world's most prestigious university (ranked No. 1 globally), according to the rankings of Top Universities by Reputation 2012 published by The Times Higher Education. United States dominated the top 20 list (with 14 institutions included), followed by United Kingdom (3 institutions), Japan (2 institutions), and Canada (1 institution). The University of

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Top Business Schools in Mississippi

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Following are the top leading business schools in the state of Mississippi: University of Mississippi - Recognized as one of the top 100 Business programs in the country by U.S. News and World Report, the School of Business Administration delivers a great value in undergraduate education. - The School of Business Administration was initially accredited by the American Assembly of Collegiate

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Missouri State University Ranking Profile

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Founded in 1905, Missouri State University (MSU) is a leading public university located in Springfield, Missouri, United States. The University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools. The Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree of the School of Social Work is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education, the national

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Largest Universities in Minnesota

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The largest universities in the U.S. state of Minnesota are the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, Saint Cloud State University, Minnesota State University-Mankato, University of Saint Thomas, University of Minnesota-Duluth, among others. The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC) is among the largest public research universities in the nation, offering undergraduate, graduate, and

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My Entry into the Washington Center for Internships and Academic Seminars (TWC)

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Dear Fellow Americans,

It is so wonderful to return to the Deaf Perspective! As a Deaf Perspective contributor, my blog's purpose is to give both the deaf and hearing community a unique perspective on my Washington DC internship experience this summer. I am very thankful to be given the opportunity to partake in the Washington Center for Internships and Academic Seminars program (TWC). Since, I have a flair for blogging and would like to share my experience throughout my time in Washington, D.C with other deaf and hard of hearing individuals, I feel that I have an equal obligation to give this opportunity a try. My intent has always been to focus on my exciting and interesting internship experience, my academic involvement, and my seminar participation all in Washington, DC. It has always been my goal to create a comprehensive portrait of myself- a Deaf African-American woman who has developed a strong and a serious interest in the field of National Security/Law. Since, I have witnessed firsthand of some of the nation’s darkest and brightest moments since 9/11, I can effectively deliever a powerful and divided opinion on each issue. At the pinnacle, I can also provide you my scholastic perspective of how I view the issues facing in the field of National Security along with the current political process in the Obama’s Presidency. As an individual, I always have a zealous effort to educate, inspire and motivate other deaf and hard of hearing children and youth to excel in the same way tremendously. My rock-solid foundation of positive influence underlies my every step I have taken, including my entry into TWC program, which is just a couple miles away from the nation’s Capitol. This summer, I will participate in the Washington Center for Internships and Academic Seminars’ Law and Criminal Justice program, in which I will become closely acquainted with the people, places, and policies unique to the nation's capitol and get involved in the programming events such as the U.S. Supreme Court and the Pentagon, as well as workshops, and panel discussions.

As a Deaf African-African woman, I will make a tremendously impact on the important people in which I meet such as the diplomats, senior officials, military officials and congressmen on the Capitol Hill. To these important people, I stand out from among the rest of the other interns as well. Additionally, I will also have an academic class entitled Managing the American Intelligence Community. In this class, I will learn about the growth of the American intelligence apparatus and the effect of politics on intelligence. I hope that my overall internship program would enable me to think on my feet, and to explain complex subjects clearly and simply. But, I already know that I would be very passionate with my academic research on the National Security issues. Whatever, I decide, I will undoubtedly delve into it with the same enthusiasm and drive with which I have approached everything else. And, Deaf people “can do anything but hear”--- so, I am confident that I will accomplish a lot in this internship experience. I hope that by making this internship experience a rich and rewarding one, I may become that individual of American achievement.


Best,
Toronja W.

“A National Security Scholar”

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I have attended The Presidential Leadership Series’ Private Sector Philanthropy and the Community Engagement program, and the Law and Criminal Justice’s Monday Programming’s Capitol Tour the past weeks. All of these events were intellectually stimulating. But, in one of these programs, a Special Agent from the FBI and Department of Justice (DOJ) has presented an intense and an exciting lecture. He spoke of his experience in federal law enforcement which I have found very interesting! Thinking broadly about the U.S. Congress, Philanthropic organizations, and especially the FBI/DoJ services have been one of the most important things in my life. And, it has been crucial to me to learn about these programs which seem far removed, yet are important in all our lives.

But, having that opportunity to learn broadly about the international security issues is a step closer to getting professional experiences and networking skills in Washington, DC. This week, I will be attending the Truman National Security Project's "Security Springboard", a leadership development program for interns located in the Washington areas. Coming from varied of careers, this program has interns to come together to share their sense of competitiveness of knowledge in national security issues and, to gain an understanding of the national security issues and of the strong progressive national security thoughts. (Since this opportunity perfectly suits me, I will develop a more tougher scholastic discipline and a stronger aptitude for national security affairs.) Additionally, I will receive a “career boost” on my resume helping me in my post-graduation job search after obtaining my JD/PH.D degrees.

With the high competition for securing National Security positions in Washington, DC, it has become increasingly important to me that pursuing a graduate degree in international security would be helpful and necessary in the national security field. And, I believe that if you were a Deaf-African American, you had to be “three-times as good” to surpass the norm majority in this field. So, I always have been far above average, allowing myself the best shot at competing with a higher educational level for this particularly field.

As person of disability, I was told to go beyond what was expected of me, always hand in work that was above average, and always rise to the top. At TWC, I will definitely have this opportunity--- to show the U.S. policymakers that a Deaf person can rise to the top and to become an integral part of the national security agenda dealing with a broad spectrum of scenarios--- the military contingencies and military strategy and logistics, counterterrorism and counterinsurgency, and the conventional war, weapons of mass destruction and of space and missile systems.

In addition to my Bachelor Degree in International Studies with a concentration in Diplomacy, I am currently pursuing a Master of Arts Degree in International Security and taking a TWC class in "Managing the American Intelligence System" so, these educational opportunities would help me to gain an understanding of the major theories in the study of national security issues.

In all, my overall experience here will indeed prepare me for a career which matches my strong interests, and to use my experiences and knowledge to give back to the Deaf and Hard of Hearing communities in America.

Warm wishes,

- Toronja

Deafness, Patriotism and Core Values

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As a patriotic, I wanted to soften my overwhelming power through communicating with the public about core values and disability issues. After attending the Truman’s Intern Security Springboard’s first luncheon meeting last week, I had the moment to think about the core values that are part of the National Security community, although, they are not related to disability issues, I still wanted to “compare” the core values with the core values which the Deaf community has. Learning about these values help to make a person a strong patriotic leader in the United States of America. I will explain about these core values later in this blog entry. But, first, please allow me to explain about this message that is related to one of the core values. The Truman’s project program supports a persuasive security message based on America’s history, and this message emphasizes one of the core values in one idea.

The message is ---“we want America to be secure and powerful. To achieve this [goal], we increase our friends and isolate our enemies. We built stability by spreading opportunity”--- After hearing this message, I realized that to make America powerful, we need to strongly embrace this core value---keeping America secure and powerful; I strongly believe in this value. In order to honor this core value of keeping America secure and powerful, we need to interact with the right persons who share this core value. Sometimes, I think that to interact with the right persons who share my values is a great way to remind each other of how important it is to honor this value. Suppose, a Deaf community has the same values as mine, I may even trust them to conjure up policies because they share my values. So, this is what happens in the political campaign process, you get the right persons to campaign for a specific political cause which supports this core value--- keeping America secure and powerful, and then we can keep our country safe.

Are you wondering what core values does a Deaf community embraces? The Deaf community has core values of loyalty and honor. In our Deaf community, we have leaders serving for many Deaf-owned and operated non-profit organizations. These Deaf leaders share these core values of embracing loyalty and honor in serving for their organizations in America. What is interesting is that these values are the same values that the U.S. Military embraces, too. These values are what you live or die on. Moreover, the Deaf community embraces other values such as duty, respect, selfless service, integrity, personal courage. And, these values are also the same values that the official U.S. Army embraces as well. Additionally, the U.S. Military’s Honor Code is almost similar to the “honor code” that a Deaf community embraces, also. When each individual in the Deaf community abides his or her “honor code”, this individual live accordingly to this “honor code” as he or she serves as an "ambassador” for the Deaf community worldwide since, America is, increasingly, merging in this interdependent world where the issues of security and prosperity are being tied to other countries. With this in mind, the Deaf ambassadors should, therefore, be encouraged to fully embrace these values in order to make America more secure and powerful, because when we do fulfill this “obligation”, we will, then, become a valuable asset and an exemplary example to the international community as a whole, protecting our country against potential threats.

Despite the obstacles we face as Deaf persons living in a world of hatreds, prejudices, discriminations, it has become increasingly important that we redefine our Deaf identifies and reexamine these values, especially, in this time where defense and security issues are occurring in war-torn nations such as Iraq and Afghanistan. The Deaf ambassadors should be, greatly, encouraged to set a perfect example for this international community. When we show others that we embrace our core values and demonstrate our leadership abilities, we, then, impact the world. For instance, if I act as diplomatic, righteous and civilized individual, I can encourage other people to develop open transparency and diplomatic negotiation in globalization because these tools are necessary and important. Additionally, we the Deaf community, however, embraces the concept of patriotism. When we are being loyal to our country and fostering positive and supportive attitude toward this country, especially in periods of national turmoil such as a war, we help to keep America secure and powerful.

We the Deaf are overwhelming supportive towards our own country because of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. This specific Act gives us the right to receive reasonable disability accommodations such as interpreting services. With this law being established, we can have access to ALL communication facilities and participation opportunities in the congressional hearings, election voting processes, and national security think tanks, and, educational and professional opportunities. Although, we embrace the concept of patriotism, we still always strive to keep our culture, traditions, languages (American Sign Language) together even when the America’s political and social influences have already impacted us. Since the American people have defined us, we refuse to let the hearing population of people with heavily social and political influences to convince us more into losing our values or to recede us further into political stigmatization. By embracing our values and sticking to them, we then, can set a perfect example for the people in Iraq and Afghanistan countries that the very intention which lies in our mission is to confront these existing power institutions in U.S. and overseas.

Best,
Toronja-

The White House Project's START Now Summit: Women’s Leaders for Nuclear Security- Part One

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I am PROUD to inform you that I have been accepted to attend The White House Project’s START Now Summit: Women’s Leaders for Nuclear Security (TWHP) in Washington, D.C. for two days from Monday, October 18th to Tuesday, October 19th. My purpose for attending this two-day intensive summit is because I wanted to learn about the urgency of the issue of nuclear security from high-level women experts such as the former United States CIA operations Officer, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Nuclear and the Missile Defense Policy and the Undersecretary for Arms Control and International Security at TWHP.

After attending the Monday’s programming event, it has just reinforced to me even more stronger of how important it is to demonstrate my leadership potential through effectively advocating for nuclear security policies in the national security and foreign policy organizations and think tanks. As a Deaf person, I find it so important to demonstrate my leadership potential to other powerful people, letting them know that I also feel that it is important to make critical decisions on complex issues surrounding nuclear disarmament in America and overseas. Today would also be a VERY interesting day so please stay tuned in for MORE of The White House Project’s START Now Summit news here!

Toronja-

Veterans' Day: Honoring the Special Troops

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Veterans’ Day is a special day. This day serves as a way to help remind us of the veterans, men and women, who served in the military: U.S. Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Coast Guard. These people served in the wars with courage and determination. Today, the Americans would like to thank them for their sacrifices, contribution and dedication for serving in the wars for the United States of America; everyday, we think of these people as people who give us inspiration and encouragement from their dedicating to the war efforts overseas. Finally, we the Deaf individuals, would like to thank and honor these people for serving in the military in the past and present on this very important day!

Toronja-

Top Universities in Orissa

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The top leading universities and educational institutions in Orissa (India) include KIIT University; Berhampur University; Fakir Mohan University, Vyasa Vihar, Balasore; National Institute of Technology, Rourkela; Ravenshaw University; Veer Surendra Sai University of Technology; to name a few. KIIT University was established in 1997 as an institution and declared as University in 2004. KIIT has

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Missouri Western State University Profile

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Missouri Western State University (MWSU) is a leading four-year, state-supported institution located in Saint Joseph, Missouri, United States. Missouri Western State University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission, a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, and is an AQIP Participant. The Craig School of Business is accredited by the AACSB. Western's nursing

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Top Business Schools in Minnesota

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Following are the top leading business schools in the U.S. state of Minnesota: Minnesota State University Mankato - The College of Business is accredited by AACSB International (the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business). The Princeton Review selected it as one of the "Best Business Schools" in 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010. Carlson School of Management (University of Minnesota--Twin

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Largest Universities in Mississippi

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The largest universities in the U.S. state of Mississippi include Mississippi State University, University of Southern Mississippi, University of Mississippi, Jackson State University, among others. Mississippi State University is the largest university in the State of Mississippi. The 4,200 acre campus is spacious and beautifully landscaped, having won a national award for the best maintained

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Northwest Missouri State University Profile

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Founded in 1905, Northwest Missouri State University is a state-assisted, four-year regional university in Maryville, Missouri, USA. The University has the following colleges: The College of Arts and Sciences, The Booth College of Business and Professional Studies and The College of Education and Human Services. Some of the most popular areas of study include agriculture, education, business,

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Universities in Punjab

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The leading universities in Punjab (India) include Guru Nanak Dev University, Punjab Agricultural University, Central University of Punjab, Baba Farid University of Health Sciences, to name a few. Guru Nanak Dev University is both a residential and an affiliating university. UGC has granted the University Centre for Excellence in Sports Sciences. National Assessment and Accreditation Council

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