Civil Engineering is considered to be one of the oldest engineering disciplines among others like mechanical, electrical, chemical, military, aeronautical, and software engineering. Civil Engineering deals with planning, designing and executing construction activities that include physical and natural structures. It involves structuring public works like roads, buildings, bridges, canals, tunnels, airports, dams, ports, sewage systems and multitude of others. It takes place on all levels in both public and private sectors, from municipal to federal and from individual homeowners to international companies.

Civil Engineering is generally divided into several sub-disciplines that could be: (a) environmental engineering, (b) geotechnical engineering, (c) structural engineering, (d) transportation engineering, (e) municipal or urban engineering, (f) Water resources engineering, (g) materials engineering, (h) coastal engineering, (i) Construction engineering and (j) research engineering. Being such a vast field, civil engineering jobs in India are, of course, in plenty and with boom in real estate sector of the country, they have grown in numbers. It has always been one of the hottest professions with high demand for experts and professionals from this area.

Civil Engineering is one of the most superior or high-ranking professions in India. The need for improvement in infrastructure to match the international standards is realized today, generating jobs for civil engineers. Infrastructure of our country is either not very robust or too old to bear the shocks from natural calamities or otherwise. Many roads need immediate repair; sewage systems require constant attention; various flyovers and bridges have to be built and a lot of other structural maintenance and development works is also due. All such activities ask for services from engineers so that these multifarious problems can be solved properly.

Profile of Civil Engineers

The primary responsibility of civil engineers is to plan and design a project, construct it to the required scale and maintain the product. Not only high levels of engineering knowledge but supervisory and administrative skills are also required. Planning projects involve site investigation, feasibility studies, coming up with solutions to possible complications and the actual structural designing. Civil engineers have to work according to the guidelines of the local government authority and get plans approved by them. Preparing cost estimates, setting construction schedules, maintenance and repair of work is also an important part of their job. Construction work also implies dealing with clients, contractors, government officials, architects and supervision of work.

Henceforth, civil engineers are responsible for designing and administering the construction of public structures and facilities like roads, bridges etc. Most of the companies demand specific specializations suitable to the respective job profile.

Like in other fields, civil engineering and construction jobs usually start on a low responsibility note. As an employee demonstrates his level of proficiency in the field, tasks become more and more responsible. The job opportunities for civil engineers are diverse as well as dynamic as they work in diverse settings varying from a plush modern office to a job site in remote areas. Also, more often than not, construction jobs may involve traveling within or maybe outside the city.

Team work and coordination plays a crucial role for civil engineers as they mostly work in big teams. Construction professionals can work in state or central government projects as well as in private concerns or overseas. Civil engineering jobs also include being a supervisor of the construction site; a managerial position in design or research and teaching in both government and private services. The option of working as independent consultants is also open to civil engineering professionals.

The scope for civil engineering and construction jobs in India is huge, you may start exploring options with help of job portals like naukri.com, India’s leading job site.

Deepika writes on behalf of Naukri.com, the no.1 job portal in India.She writes on topics like Engineering Jobs, Jobs and increasing work concentration.

The authors nomination for the 20th Century Genius Award goes to Gene Roddenberry. Mr. Roddenberrys gift to the world is a message of the human condition and the endless possibilities that the human civilization holds in their own hands. Through the guise of a simple, low budget science fiction program, Roddenberry presented on a weekly basis, morality tales using futuristic situations as analogies for current problems on Earth.(Day, D) In a time when America was under going geopolitical, social, and political turmoil, Roddenberry gave his audience hope for the future and seamless direction on how to get there today.

Measuring the cultural and social impact of a TV show or event is never easy. But there are numerous indications that Star Trek has had an influence on many peoples’ lives. This can be seen in a variety of ways, from the inclusion in mass-market dictionaries of words and phrases originally invented for the show, to the testimonials of people who claim that their career and life choices were influenced by Star Trek. .(Day, D)

The reader does not need to be a connoisseur of science fiction, nor even have an appreciation for the television series Star Trek. Regardless, the readers life has been affected directly and indirectly by Roddenberrys vision. Star Trek also attracts and excites generations of viewers about advanced science and engineering, and it’s almost the only show that depicts scientists and engineers positively, as role models. (Batchelor, 1993) A generation of youth was inspired by the vision of what if? in the worlds of technology, astronomy, physics, engineering, etcetera. This inspiration led to an explosion in technological advances from cell phones to ion drive propulsion, now in use in interplanetary probes. From the 1970s to present, it was almost as if Roddenberry gave a glimpse of future technologies and how technological advances would help to push civilization forward in pursuit of a better world. Now the dream of what if? has become reality and new technologies come easier, faster, and by some coincidence in the direction for use as played out in Roddenberrys television series.

Roddenberrys intention was to use Star Trek as a platform to play out real life issues under the guise of entertainment. Cultural output is thus seen as a mirror of social and political inputsa reflection of sorts of the fears, dreams, and preoccupations of society. (Brynen, 1999) Society as a whole may be unaware of the direction the people are taking in the world. That is until an artist holds a mirror to face of humanity, offering up a chance for self examination and reflection. By presenting this reflection to an audience that is caught up in the story and the interaction of characters, without even being aware of the message, the audience begins to transform ones own thinking about the world around them and their role in the world.

For example, perhaps one of the most carefully orchestrated relationships played out through many incarnations was an alien race known as the Klingons. The introduction of this alien species was an indirect representation of the real life cold war enemy the Russians and the communist fear. The 1960s had been a critical period for the entire world, as a constant nuclear threat was real and always present. Roddenberrys development of the Klingons and the war like society they came from presented the main characters a challenge of tolerance and attempts at finding peaceable solutions to their mutually conflicting backgrounds and cultural mentalities. As in real life, there were the occasional military conflicts, but the continuing message was to continue working through cultural differences for an understanding and peaceful co-existence.

The author cannot say that Star Trek changed politicians thinking, logic, or motivations, but the impact on the social consciousness is evident as society began to evolve through the 1970s and on through to the collapse of the Soviet government. If the reader was to ask a young person about how the cold war affected his or her life, the author would venture to guess that the respondent would have to ask What was the cold war?. In the years leading to the days of the collapse of the Soviet Union, military tensions remained high between the United States and the Soviet Union, but societys view of the threat diminished slightly over time through the decades that followed the 1960s. Was this because of a shared fear of a mutually assured destruction (MAD) and a developing understanding that the people of the Soviet Union were very much like the Americans in shared hopes and dreams? Could the people of Earth survived without one or the other, MAD or an understanding? In Roddenberrys vision, both opponents, the crew of the Enterprise and the Klingons, were equally capable of destroying the other, possibly with significant losses in the process. But Roddenberrys message was always one of finding a means to peace and celebrating shared commonality.

Prior to the 1960s, in the authors opinion, America might as well have been the poster child of white supremacy and ethnic ignorance. Again Roddenberry pushed for diversity in his vision of the future. A time in which people of all ethnic backgrounds would come together as equals in a pursuit of knowledge and exploration.

Roddenberry envisioned a multi-ethnic crew, including an African-American woman, a Scotsman, a Japanese American, and most notably, an alien, the half-Vulcan Mr. Spock. In the second season Roddenberry added a Russian crewmember at a time when the United States was engaged in a tense cold war with the Soviet Union. Blacks and women were also shown as scientists and doctors on the ship. (Day, n.d.)

A unique characteristic about ignorance; it can be coaxed out of existence through exposure to situations that would normally not be observed in common place. Roddenberry presented to families on a weekly basis, adventures and tales of survival so exciting, that people began to see beyond the ethnic representations of the characters and saw a team of people achieving the unbelievable.

Was this tolerance or acceptance by the common people of other ethnicities? Whatever the first step, society has continued to evolve. The abolishment of ignorance has transformed neighborhoods, the workplace, and every other aspect of life towards pure social integration. Just 25 years earlier, prior to the airing of Star Trek, Japanese Americans were sent to camps with no regard to their innocence or place in society. This action was based purely on a racist preconception by government authorities, who were a representation of the American people.

Perhaps more on the minds of outside observers was that the 1960s represented the birth of civil rights, womans rights, and other minority concerns at the time. In no other media outlet at the time was there a representation of ethnic diversity sharing equal and esteemed roles such as scientists, officers, doctors, and engineers. Added to the kettle of diversity was the weekly interaction with alien races. At times, there would be conflict or a shared hardship, but in the end, the message was the same, understanding and appreciation of the differences between the various races, could bring peace to what otherwise could have been a volatile situation.

The integration of ethnic and cultural diversity that the world now enjoys could never have been forced upon a society. Roddenberrys genius was in his ability to present to the world a vision for a future based on changing how humans as a society interact today. Gene Roddenberry once noted that his inspiration came from concentrating on something about our world that annoys meso that I get sufficiently moved, so that I want to write about how, in the Star Trek world, its done differently. (Brynen, 1999) As society continues to grow and celebrates the shared ethnic diversity, perhaps the advances in technology, that sparked the imagination of millions and changed our world, will help to advance the human race to the stars and beyond. But no one is going to the stars until society moves forward as one. At its most basic level, Star Trek had a simple humanistic message: humanity will be okay. (Day, n.d.)

References – Do Not Strip Article References

Batchelor, D. A. (1993). The Science of Star Trek. Retrieved January 29, 2008, from https://ssdoo.gsfc.nasa.gov/education/just_for_fun/startrek.html

Brynen, R. (1999, February 08;). Mirror, Mirror? The Politics of Television Science Fiction. Retrieved January 29, 2008, from https://www.arts.mcgill.ca/MEPP/exofile/sftv.html

Day, D. (n.d.). Star Trek as a Cultural Phenomenon. Retrieved January 29, 2008, from https://www.centennialofflight.gov/essay

Researched and Authored by: Michael J. Spindler of Local Music Hits

Free to distribute – However- Do not strip Research Article References, remove the HTML if needed, but keep the URL text.

About the Author: Michael J. Spindler Michael has a multitude of interests, from Local Music Bands, Arts, Psychology, Sociology, Business Techniques and many more… As time goes by, most of my articles will focus on the world of Local Music. But at this time, I would like to share with you my other varied interest.

A Musicians Community for Fans and the Bands to promote local music on a national stage. Listen to streaming audio of future hit music. Rate, Vote, and search for play dates of your favorite music from local musicians and bands from across the nation.

Demolition, excavation, grading and hauling contractors take on the demolition, excavation, grading and hauling tasks in all types of residential, commercial and civil engineering construction projects. Bob cat services used for such demolition, excavation, grading and hauling tasks are also usually supplied by these same contractors to the residential, commercial and civil engineering construction projects.

The phrase bob cat services was coined in reference to the services given by heavy duty equipment made by the Bobcat Company. Most of those heavy duty machinery were hydraulic equipment, compact excavators, compact tractors, skid steer loaders and compact utility vehicles and the like, often required for demolition, excavation, grading and hauling tasks. The use of the phrase has evolved in time, though, and bob cat services now refers to services provided by all types of heavy machinery used by demolition, excavation, grading and hauling contractors, whether or not these have been manufactured by the Bobcat Company.

When demolition, excavation, grading and hauling contractors rent out equipment that provide bob cat services they are held responsible not only for the performance of the machinery but also for the required training for equipment operators and other workers on site. Such training is necessary to make certain that safety procedures are always complied with and all precautions are observed in order to prevent any untoward incidents that may occur while the machinery is being used.

The task of demolition service contractors is to tear down and remove any infrastructure that is not wanted or needed. The most common reason for demolishing a structure is the construction of a new project on the same site. Sometimes a structure that has been found to be unsafe is also condemned for demolition. Special types of heavy machinery equipped with high tech hammers, shears and multiprocessors are used by demolition contractors to cut into concrete and high strength steel beams and reduce these into rubble.

You can find demolition service contractors wrecking not only single storey buildings but even high rise structures of multiple storeys. No task is too small for them, too. They can also be called upon to demolish foundations, footings and vaults made of concrete as well as different kinds of paving. Swimming pool removal is also a task that belongs to demolition contractors although this particular task requires excavation work, too.

The task of excavation service contractors is to dig up materials buried in the ground through the use of heavy duty machinery specifically meant to move earth, like hydraulic compact excavators, cranes and backhoes. Tree removal, for example, is an excavation task.

Any residential, commercial and civil engineering construction project involves site excavation. Excavating is required among the initial procedures in the construction of ditches, bridges, roads, landscapes, buildings and homes. Site excavation is used to eliminate obstructions in the ground before site grading and the installation of the foundation for the project. There are also times when site excavation is undertaken in order to identify the nature of the soil and other substances beneath a site. The extent of the digging depends on the particular goal of excavation and the type of project to be erected on the site.

The task of grading service contractors come right after the task of excavation service contractors in any residential, commercial and civil engineering construction projects. The site grading task consists of levelling the ground in preparation for construction.

The task of hauling service contractors consists of debris removal with the use of bob cat services. Hauling service contractors take care of the rubble produced by demolition, excavation and grading procedures.

Clearly, all residential, commercial and civil engineering construction projects require the tasks taken on by demolition, excavation, grading, hauling contractors.

Stretching out your career for government jobs needs you to on take the civil service examination. This is one of the toughest exams held in India and comes along with proper guidance, preparation one can face the civil exam papers. Anyone aspiring for these must have the despicable quality like mental alertness, having interest in variety of subjects. One should have good intellect to tackle situations and subjects along with leadership qualities. Having the tacts and diplomacy and integrity and must knowledge in current affairs. Having a social and government interests in policies and development of the nation is equally important.

While first applying for the civil services examination one has to be selected, the first selection happens depending on certain criteria, these are as follows –

1. Only Indian nationals are eligible for IAS and IPS.A Tibetan refugee who came over to India before January 1, 1962 with the intention of permanently settling in India. Candidates belonging to either category must produce an eligibility certificate issued by the Government of India.

2. Age Limits are also a considering factor, a candidate must have attained the age of 21 years and must not have attained the age of 30 years on 1st August of the year of taking the examination.

3. The candidate must hold a degree of any of the Universities incorporated by an Act of the Central or State Legislature in India or other educational institutions established by an Act of Parliament or declared to be deemed as a University under Section 3 of the University Grants Commission Act, 1956, or possess an equivalent qualification.

4. Every candidate appearing for the Civil Services Examination, who is otherwise eligible, shall be permitted four attempts at the examination.

Next comes in the preparation, civil services syllabus is huge and must come along with proper preparations. Proper books like Manorama Year book for general knowledge, current affairs should be read. Books on Indian economy, social and national issues, Indian policy, science and technology, statistics, geography and history and culture should be widely read. Civil exam papers are quite based on rigorous general knowledge and should be taken the best preparation.

Civil services examination comes along in various types. The first civil exam papers are on general studies and carry 150 marks. Questions include General Science, current events of national and international importance, history of India, world geography, Indian Politics and Economy, Indian national movement and general mental ability. The second paper, called optional’ is on the (one) subject chosen by the candidate and carries 300 marks. Subjects to choose from include Agriculture, Mathematics, Animal Husbandry & Vetinary Science, Mechanical Engineering, Botany, Medical Science, Chemistry, Philosophy, Civil Engineering, Physics, Commerce, Political Science, Economics and etc. the second round Consists of eight papers carrying 300 marks each. Two are qualifying papers, one in English and the other in any recognized Indian language chosen by the candidate (options include – Marks obtained are not added in the total score. Third and fourth papers are on general studies and carry 600 marks. Rest is on two optional subjects, carrying a total of 1200 marks. The options include – Agriculture, Management, Animal Husbandry & Vetinary Science, Mathematics, Anthropology, Mechanical Engineering, Botany, Medical Science, Chemistry, Philosophy, Civil Engineering, Physics, Commerce & Accountancy, Political Science & International Relations and many more. The final round is the personality and interview round, and then the result is announced. Successful candidates in Civil services examination are allotted services according to their ranks in the final list. Individual preferences of the candidates are also taken into account while allocation of service. It is helpful to try and choose the same optional subject for the prelim and the main exam.

The first 50 gets the IAS choice followed by IPS and others. Anyone thinking of taking up civil service should have an idea how difficult it is to get in as lakhs of candidates apply for the 400 to 500 vacancies that may arise. So once you decide to appear in Civil services examination, one should be prepared to slog endlessly because. The success rate in this exam is less than 10%.

We can debate all day about whether or not founding fathers such as George Washington were evangelical Christians. Rather than judge their hearts, we are on safer ground by examining what they actually gave us.

Nonetheless, we will go ahead and indulge in a favorite evangelical pastime. That is, debating about whether or not Washington was a Christian. The assumption of the “pro” side is that if we can prove the founders were Christians, we thereby prove that the U.S. Constitution is Christian. The “con” side responds that the Constitution is not a Christian document and Christians are better off admitting it.

Most Christians are firmly convinced that Washington was a true blue, born-again, evangelical Christian. Others have their doubts.

Arguments Against
Washington’s Christianity

One of the key questions is why did George Washington refuse to take communion for most of his adult life? For the serious Christian, such refusal is an act of self-excommunication.

Two hundred years from now some wannabee historians will seize on religious quotes by Barack Obama to prove that he was a Christian. Christians today do the same thing with Washington, but references to the Lord Jesus Christ in his voluminous collection of public and private papers are surprisingly scanty?

More important, defenders have to explain why George Washington occupied the rank of Grand Master in the Masonic lodge. Each promotion in the Masonic lodge requires taking an anti-Christian oath?

When it comes to Washington’s religious/philosophical bent there is too much of a mythical nature to rely on anything other than primary source documents. These include such things as Washington’s public and private correspondence and the writings of those who knew him well, like his pastor.

Washington and the Pietists

In the mid-20th Century, conservative Professor Paul Boller conducted an exhaustive study of Washington’s public and private writings, together with statements by contemporaries. His book was entitled, George Washington & Religion.

Washington’s pietistic biographers popularized an encyclopedia of stories about his religiosity based on hearsay and scanty evidence that could never hold up in a court. Far different was the story that emerged from Boller’s study of the source documents.

The pietists include stories about Washington’s rigorous devotional life and his partiality for taking communion in their particular denomination. In one account George Washington drew his pistol and fired on a subordinate who interrupted his devotions. Everyone read far more into Washington’s religious pronouncements than actually existed.

Washington and His Pastor

People who were close to Washington knew better. Dr. James Abercrombie, his pastor at Christ Church in Philadelphia during his Presidency was skeptical about Washington’s Christianity.

While his wife always went forward to kneel on communion Sunday, George Washington walked out the back door. When rebuked publically, he promised never to attend church on communion Sunday.

Dr. Abercrombie left us these words: “That Washington was a professing Christian, is evident from his regular attendance in our church; but, Sir, I cannot consider any man as a real Christian who uniformly disregards an ordinance so solemnly enjoined by the divine Author of our holy religion, and considered as a channel of divine grace.”

But, as noted above, analyzing the personal faith of anybody is somewhat risky business. We are on safer ground with a careful examination of what the founders actually gave us. Their critical flaw was a failure to distinguish between the biblical covenant model and the man-centered social contract.

Washington’s Religiosity

George Washington clearly valued Christianity as a socially cohesive force, but he saw it as the servant, not the master of government. He spoke often of the sovereignty of God, but his god was the Masonic Grand Architect of the universe.

Thus, he strongly encouraged chaplains in the Continental Army, but all of his senior officers were Masons. He also served as a leader in his local church, but only attended about once a month. Church attendance was part of his Masonic duty and a means of expressing his humanitarianism.

Evangelicals are quick to point out that the founders were not “Deistic.” More likely they were Unitarian. While most were church members, men like Adams, Franklin, Jefferson, Madison and Washington, looked at Christ from a Unitarian perspective. That is, Jesus was not divine and certainly not relevant to the affairs of civil government.