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.