Hinduism

Hinduism embraces a great diversity of beliefs, a fact that can be initially confusing to westerners accustomed to creeds, confessions, and carefully-worded belief statements. One can believe a wide variety of things about God, the universe and the path to liberation and still be considered a Hindu. Hindus believe in things such as karma and polytheism. Hinduism is unique among the world religions in that it has no founder or date of origin. While most major religions derive from new ideas taught by a charismatic leader, Hinduism is simply the religion of the people of India, which has gradually developed over four thousand years. The origins and authors of its sacred texts are largely unknown.
The religious life of many Hindus is focused on devotion to God (perceived as Brahman, Shiva, Vishnu, or Shakti) or several gods. This devotion usually takes the form of rituals associated with sculptures and images of gods in home shrines.
More philosophically-minded Hindus ignore the gods altogether and seek Realization of the Self through intense meditation. Still others focus primarily on fulfilling the social and moral duties appropriate to their position in life.

Otho

My name is Otho. I was born in Ferentium in southern Eturia on the 28 April AD 32. My grandfather was a senator, and my father was a patrician. In this way, I was already introduced to leadership and government. I was Nero's lover until AD 58 when we fell out over my wife, Poppaeo Sabina. Nero loved her, so I was forced to divorce her and I was sent away as governor of Lusitania.
     At Galba's coup against Nero 10 years later, I was first to declare his support. I won sympathy with the troops, showing concern for their hardships when onthe march to Rome. I became popular with my financial generosity toward the praetorian guard. I styled myself as a potential heir to Galba's throne. I wanted it so very badly.
     I was angry and disappointed when Galba chose Piso Licinianus as his successor. Didn't he know what a mistake that he was making? But I found other ways to secure myself to the throne. I was popular with the army, who loathed Galba. So on 15 January AD 69, I was invited to the praetorian camp, where I remained.
     At this time, the horseman killed Galba and Piso at the Forum. The heads were brought to me and I was hailed emperor. The senate had little choice to refuse me as emperor. They were suspicious, for they knew that I was a former friend of Nero.
     I was finally emperor, and I governed with energy and ability. I tried to avoid civil war by offering to share power with Vitellius as join emperor. I even proposed to marry Vitellius' daughter. Vitellius would have none of it and by March, his legions were on the more. So the war started. He chased me into Italy, where I had two choices: withdraw further into Italy, or stand and fight. I chose to fight, but my army was defeated. I advised my family and friends what to do for safety, and I retired to my room to sleep. The next morning, I stabbed myself to death. 16 April AD 69 was the day I died.

Notes on presentations

Faith - Botswana

• At Christmas, people stay up all night long.
• People congregate at churches.
• There is basic and secondary education.

Gunnar - Zambia

• Caroling begins 2 or 3 days before Christmas.
• Children are expected to bring gifts to church for the less fortunate.
• After church, children go to one house and the adults go to another for parties and feasts.

Dale - Costa Rica

• Most people are catholic.
• They still decorate a christmas tree.
• School systems in Costa Rica have more teachers than police officers.

Lindsey - Bosnia and Brazil

• Christmas trees in Bosnia are decorated with toys and chocolate.
• Their have a "Santa" but he is called by a different name and only delivers treats.
• The education in Brazil is split up into 3 levels.

Mark - Norway

• They make baskets of colored paper to hand on a Christmas tree.
• Children walk around asking for cookies on Christmas day.
• They bring a statue of a gnome porridge.

John - Romania

• Christmas is celebrated from Dec. 24 - Jan. 7.
• They make stars out of glossy paper.
• School system is similar to the U.S.

Daniel - Turkey

• Christmas lasts 29-30 days.
• They fast from sunrise to sunset.
• They refrain from eating, drinking, and smoking.

Caleb - Zimbabwe and Spain

• The Christmas party starts a month before Christmas.
• The name for Christmas in Zimbabwe is Kisimusi.
• Spain's school system consists of 5 levels of education.

Josh - Brazil

• Papai Noel is their Santa.
• Brazilians use flowers to decorate for the holiday.
• Most Christmas songs in Brazil are imported.

Courtney - Australia and Peru

• They spend Christmas at the beach.
• They have dance parties and other festivities.
• If you are unable to pay for college in Peru, it is free.

Gabby - Ireland

• There are 3 levels of education.
• In your final year, you have to write a play, produce a magazine, and other small things.
• It is tradition to leave mince pie and a bottle of Guinness for Santa along with a carrot for Rudolph.

Abby - Bolivia

• Nativity scenes are popular.
• People in Bolivia do not go caroling or decorate their house.
• Fireworks are set off on Christmas Eve.

Menu:

Bruschetta

6 or 7 ripe plum tomatoes (about 1 1/2 lbs)

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil

1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar

6-8 fresh basil leaves, chopped.

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

1 baguette French bread or similar Italian bread

1/4 cup olive oil

Roman Salad

1/2 head lettuce

3/4 c. celery, chopped

1/2 (10 oz.) frozen peas or cauliflower

1/4 c. onion, chopped

2 tsp. salad dressing

1/3 lb. bacon, fried crisp and chopped

1/3 c. Parmesan cheese

3/4 c. Hellmann's real mayonnaise

Roman Tomato Soup

1 tablespoon olive oil

2 cloves garlic, crushed

1 medium (150 g) onion, chopped finely

445 g can condensed tomato soup

400 g can tomatoes, undrained, crushed

3 cups (750 ml) water

2 cups (210 g) small fusilli (spiral pasta)

1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh basil leaves

2 bacon rashers, chopped finely

Spaghetti Amatriciana

8.5 ounces (250 g) Guanciale cut into 1/4″ batons

1 medium shallot minced

2 tablespoons finely grated carrot

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes

1/4 cup dry white wine

26 ounces (750 g) stewed tomatoes (preferably from San Marzano)

1 ounce (30 g) pecorino romano, finely grated

16 oz spaghetti

Roman Style Bean Soup

4 slices bacon, cut up
2 green onions (with tops), sliced
1 can (16 ounce size) stewed tomatoes
4 frankfurters, cut diagonally into slices
3 cups water
3 teaspoons instant chicken bouillon
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
1 can (17 ounce size) kidney beans
1 1/3 cup uncooked shell macaroni

Roman Pizza

2 (8-ounce) pieces of purchased or homemade pizza dough, recipe follows

1/3 cup homemade or purchased marinara sauce

1/3 cup (lightly packed) shredded smoked mozzarella cheese

1 cup (lightly packed) shredded Fontina cheese

2 ounces mushrooms, thinly sliced

2 ounces pancetta, chopped

Roman Apple Cake

2 (8-ounce) pieces of purchased or homemade pizza dough, recipe follows

1/3 cup homemade or purchased marinara sauce

1/3 cup (lightly packed) shredded smoked mozzarella cheese

1 cup (lightly packed) shredded Fontina cheese

2 ounces mushrooms, thinly sliced

2 ounces pancetta, chopped

Party Invitation

Under The Sea
Where: The Gregg Home
Date: December 10 
Time: 6:00 - 9:00
Special Guests:

Horatia Kyle

Publius Poling

Priscilla Cleavenger

Urbana Donegia

Pomponia Suder

Balbina Cline

Agrippina Nuzum

Servius Stuart

Caecilia Blake

Sextus Terwilliger

The School System in Honduras

      The school systems in Honduras are not too different from those in the U.S. To pass any academic subject, students must achieve at least the 60 percent mark. They can repeat the same course several times during the year, but low achievers may be required to repeat grades. Education is compulsory from ages 7 to 13, and after finishing primary education, students are required to teach two adults in literacy. Dropout rates are high in both primary and secondary education, especially in the rural areas. While more than 90 percent of students enroll in primary schools, less than half complete their studies. Of those who do finish primary school, only one-third goes on to secondary schools. Primary school lasts six years, followed by five years of secondary education.  Parents dream of sending their kids to school, but even putting their children through secondary school requires an effort. The private schools are very up to date and some have all American teachers. The transportation is also provided. For the public schools, it depends on the community and how much money the school system has.  Families must provide uniforms and school supplies. The school year runs from February to November. Private schools, on the other hand, attend school from August through May.  In school, they attend classes in either the morning or the afternoon, with courses in language, sociology, math, art, and natural sciences. The teacher will change rooms while the students remain with their high schools. Students and teachers are said to be very intelligent so the education is taken very seriously and it’s very helpful. In the U.S, lunch is eaten in school, but in Honduras, you go home to eat.  

Tsokolate

Tsokolate

Ingredients:
1 pound (2 cups) of chocolate
6 cups of milk
6 eggs

Instructions: 

     Your first step in creating a brisk cup of Tsokolate is to separate the egg yolks from the whites; you'll need only the yolks for this recipe, so save the whites for something else. Put the yolks aside in a bowl.

      Next, chop the chocolate into small pieces of a uniform size, so that it will melt evenly. You can skip this step if you're working with chocolate chips (which are ideal) or chocolate coins. Heat the milk in a saucepan, adding the chocolate and stirring continuously until it begins to boil and the chocolate is completely melted. (Be careful; chocolate scorches very easily.) Once the mixture has thickened a bit, add the egg yolks and stir it all briskly with a wire whisk until it's foamy.

For best results, serve your creation immediately, while it's still piping hot. You'll end up with about six servings of incomparable Filipino Tsokolate.

Tagalog Lang !! (Merry Christmas!)

•  The Christmas celebration starts on December 16.
• The Filipinos decorate their homes with lanterns, other lights, and streamers.
• Christmas cards that illustrate scenes in the Philippines are pinned on red and green ribbons. The cards are then hung in the sala, or living room, for all to enjoy.
• Christmas Eve is a night without sleep. It is a celebration that goes all the way until Christmas morning.
• As December 24 dawns, the Noche Buena feast begins.

Trip Expenses

Flight Costs
Pittsburgh to Manila - $808
Manila to Cebu City - $164
Cebu City to Tagbilaran - $292
Tagilaran to Davao - $115
Davao to Puerto Princesa - $121
Puerto Princesa to Manila - $147
Manila to Pittsburgh - $808
Ferry from Manila to Batangas (round trip) - $45

Hotels
Diamond Hotel - $151
Marco Polo Plaza - $85
Soledad Suites - $79
Marco Polo - $84
Legend Hotel - $59
Legend Hotel - $59
Matabungkay Beach Resort and Hotel - $85

Spending Money
$100 per day (7)

Total
$3,802  ( 1,377,503.5982 pesos )

Map of the Philippines

Day 7 - Batangas, Philippines

 Lipa Cathedral

I flew from Puerto Princesa to Manila, and then took a Ferry to Batangas. I first went to Lipa Cathedral. Lipa Cathedral was originally built to honor St. Sebastian. Its first grand transept was completed in 1865 but after the war, it underwent massive reconstruction. This beautiful church has an architecture which used columns and arches in an ascending and descending order, creating the effect of a shadow and-light play. I then went to the Submarine Garden.  The garden consists of living corals near the shore of one of the beaches of Lobo. It can be clearly seen during the early mornings when the water is clear and the tide is low. It has been acknowledged to be a fish sanctuary. I ate at Casa Rap. The next stop was the Mainit Hot Spring. This is a naturally warm spring and is very relaxing. I've always wanted to get in one, so this was my chance. I stayed at Matabungkay Beach Resort and Hotel.

Day 6 - Puerto Princesa, Philippines

 Honda Bay

I stayed the night and decided to stay one more day since there was so much to see. I ate breakfast at Cafe Arturo for breakfast.  The first thing on my list of things to do was to go to the Palawan Museum. The museum was created in 1991 with a vision of serving as a center and repository of relics and artifacts in Palawan. I found the foreign artifacts very interesting. I then went  to the Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm. At this prison, the prisoners are allowed to roam around freely and are checked with a head count 3 times a day. These prisoners don’t want to escape because the prison treats them well and they are happy there. The Honda Bay came next. This spot is said to be perfect for island-hopping and snorkeling. I did both. The reef is beautiful. I stayed at the Legend Hotel once again.

Day 5 - Puerto Princesa, Philippines

 Underground River

I flew from Davao to Puerto Princesa. The first place that I visited was the Puerto Princesa underground river. It includes major formations of stalactites and stalagmites, and several large chambers. The lower portion of the river is subject to tidal influences. The underground river is reputed to be the world's longest. At the mouth of the cave, a clear lagoon is framed by ancient trees growing right to the water's edge.There seems to be nothing special about a rock, or Ugong Rock, for that matter. The real signifigance is inside. The tour in Ugong Rock is actually a climb to the top of the limestone formation. I then went to Plaza Cuartel, which contains restored ruins of an old garrison where Japanese soldiers burned 143 American prisoners of war inside a tunnel, and stands as a grim reminder of World War II atrocities. Only ten prisoners survived to tell the story about what happened inside that tunnel. I ate dinner at Badjao Seafront and Restaurant and I stayed at the Legend Hotel.

Day 3 - Tagbilaran, Philippines

 Chocolate Hills

I flew from Cebu City to Tagbilaran. The first place that I visited was Chocolate Hills. Chocolate Hills is a candidate for the seven natural wonders of the world. This consists of numorous cone-shaped hills. In the dry season, the grass turns brown. This is why they are called Chocolate Hills. I then went to see the the Ermita Ruins. The ruins are famous for the unique cemetery. According to accounts of local residents, the structure was allegedly used as a military fortress, chapel, and final resting place of the members of the Spanish clergy at the time. The next stop was Macas Orchids and Farm. This farm is 6,000 square miles. It contains various species of Dendrobuim and Vavoa orchids. A Filipino native house is placed in the center overlooking the Ubujan and Maribojoc Sea. It is the favorite spot for picture taking. I ate at Saya's Restaurant. I'm starting to really like Filipino food. I stayed at Soledad Suites.

Day 4 - Davao, Philippines

 Pearl Farm

I had to leave very early in the morning to catch my flight from Tagbilaran to Davao. It was early and a little chilly as I toured Eden Nature Park. This park is full of vast gardens. When I was there, I definitely felt apart of nature, because you are so close to it. It is a natural paradise. I also went horseback riding. I then traveled to the Japanese Tunnel. The Filipinos dug this tunnel to help the Japanese hide during World War II. It gave me a chance to see how the soldiers lived. The next stop was Pearl Farm Beach Resort. Pearl Farm Beach Resort originally served as a cultivation farm of sea pearls. Today, it remains to live up to the value of luxury by being a leading resort destination for everyone in search for a perfect blend of fun and peaceful relaxation.This place is popular because of the beautiful pearls from this part of the ocean and the beach. I ate dinner at  Coco's Grill and I went to stay at the Marco Polo hotel.

Day 2 - Cebu City, Philippines

I flew on Philippine Airlines to Cebu City. The first attraction was a place called Tops. It is a magnificent view of the city. You can see for miles, and I felt that I was on top of the world; hence the name Tops. I then went to the Jumalon Butterfly Sanctuary. I had never seen anything like it. It was truly amazing. The butterflies flew all around and I took lots of pictures. I was told that it is one of the most popular tourist spots. Mag-Aso Falls came next. Mag-Aso falls is located in the heart of Antequera, Bohol. from Tagbilaran city, the province capital, there are buses and jeepneys that ply the Tagbilaran-Antequera route. Concrete steps led down to mountain to the twin falls. The water is clear and refreshing. The site is most like a spa. I ate dinner at Dakimong restaurant for dinner. I then went to check in at the Marco Polo Plaza.

Day 1 - Manila, Philippines

I had booked a Quezon Culinary and Heritage Tour, and we boarded the bus at 5:30. When we arrived in Quezon, it was time for breakfast, so we ate at the Sulyap Art Gallery and Cafe. We then drove to The San Pablo Cathedral and went walking on a tour of the ancestral houses in Sariaya Quezon. After lunch, we traveled to Ugu Bigyan Potter's Garden. It was beautiful there. It is best know for the pottery items and the picture-perfect sight. That was by far the highlight of my day. We then went to Kamay ni Hesus Healing church. It is set on top of a steep mountain. You must climb 292 steps to reach it. At the top, there is a statue of Jesus. It is 50 feet tall and said to be the third largest in the world. When we arrived in Manila, I stayed at the Diamond hotel, the nicest hotel in Manila.

Ugu Bigyan Pottery Garden

Aloha Salad

3 Avocados, peeled and halved

2 tbsp. Lemon juice

1 can pineapple chunks, drained ( 16 oz. )

Shredded salad greens

1/3 cup flaked coconut, toasted

Aloha Dressing ( Mix thoroughly )

1 cup flaked coconut

1 & 1/2 cup mayonnaise

3 tbsp. milk

1 & 1/2 tbsps. lemon juice

1 tsp. curry powder

How to make aloha salad:

• Brush surface of avocados with lemon juice.
• Fill the centers with pineapple chunks and set each filled avocado-half on salad greens arranged on individual plates.
• Top with 2 tablespoons dressing and sprinkle with toasted coconut.
• Serve cold. Makes 6 servings.

The Great Fire of Rome

     The City burned right before me. The smoke burned my eyes and nose as the neverending fire burned on. It was so unreal and tragic that everyone was dazed and confused. No one knew how it started. Those around me said that Nero himself started the fire.
     "That has to be a rumor," I reasoned with them. " Nero isn't even here."
     Perhaps it was accidental, as it had been on a smaller scale in the past. It was the third day, and Nero had finally gotten the news. It was told that he was now on his way to Rome. When everything was over, we found that only four of the fourteen districts survived the fire. Nero opened his palaces to provide shelter for the homeless, and arranged for food supplies to be delivered in order to prevent starvation among the survivors. In the the wake of the fire, he made a new urban development plan. Houses after the fire were spaced out, built in brick, and faced by porticos on wide roads. Nero also build a new palace complex called the Domus Aurea in an area cleared by the fire.
     "Of course, he will try to cover up what he has done," everyone complained.
     They just wouldn't listen to me.

    

Tacitus ( witness to The Great Fire of Rome)

Publius (Gaius) Cornelius Tacitus (AD 56 - AD 117) was a senator and a historian of the Roman Empire. Tacitus was born in 56 or 57 to an equestrian family. His ancestry, his skill in oratory, and his sympathetic depiction of barbarians who resisted Roman rule have led some to suggest that he was a Celt; the Celts had occupied Gaul before the Romans, were famous for their skill in oratory, and had been subjugated by Rome. As a young man, Tacitus studied rhetoric in Rome to prepare for a career in law and politics. In 77 or 78 he married Julian Agricola. After his seat in the senate, he began writing about history.

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