Death is coming

The closer death creeps up upon me the less I am able to understand the reasons for life or living.

Yes I have experienced a close family member dying and unlike television it takes decades to handle such a thing. To think I am going to put my family through such a thing when I finally leave is more horrific to me than the thought of death itself.

My life was and is still a learning experience but when all said and done what am I to do with all this accumulated learning over my lifetime if I just die. There is no logic or reason to this.

Long ago I became aware that the God story that is sold to the majority is just a nice story to give mankind with a message of a basic layout of how nice life could be if everyone followed these ideas. Not many in life do and if one thinks about it the good and evil structures actually depend on each other. The good that can be experienced in life is only understood as good when there is it's opposite to compare it to. This is not rocket science only common sense in reality. I am not saying we need to experience bad but understanding in it is needed to appreciate the great things many of us can have in our lives. From birth to death there are many ways mankind helps his fellow man. How many ways can you help?


Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Gemini & Libra Romance Couple & Compatibility? Find It NOW!!!

By Brock Thompson


When Gemini and Libra come together in a love affair, they enjoy a great relationship based on intellectual interests and mental agility. Dual-natured Gemini loves Libra's balance, and Libra is always entertained by the chatty, brainy Twins. Libra loves art and beauty while Gemini loves the beauty of an idea, but these loves aren't far off from one another.Both Gemini and Libra have a great deal of mental energy. They can come up with all sorts of great ideas when they work together, and Libra has the get-up-and-go needed to put their ideas into action, a quality which Gemini tends to lack.

In actual fact, in the start of an idea Gemini is far better at pontification than direction, but that is a useful contribution to Libra's psychological process.Both Signs share a necessity for intellectual freedom, which they can definitely present for one another. Libra is ruled by the Planet Venus (Loved) and Gemini by the Planet Mercury (Communication).

Libra and Gemini work well collectively; these folks mix the forces of enjoyed and communication. As Libra prizes harmony with their mate practically above all different, Gemini won't be capable to enjoy their enjoyed of a good, hearty debate too typically; Libra would rather do nearly everything than argue. Both Libra and Gemini are Air Indicators.

Gemini adores Libra's power and has no problems preserving up once Libra is off and running with a new idea, art venture or other pursuit. Both Indicators possess wideranging interests, giving them fantastic content for provocative discussion.Gemini is a Mutable Signal and Libra is a Cardinal Signal. Libra likes a place of leadership in a relationship.

They a lot often create the day ideas, for example, and flexible Gemini's content to go along -- as extended as it's okay to tweak their minds at the last minute. Libra is inclined to initiate items but has trouble finishing them; Gemini is so adaptable, these folks won't thoughts changing gears on a second's discover and moving on to

anything else if Libra gets bored.What's the greatest aspect of the Gemini-Libra relationship? Their ability to work together as an mental team. Together these folks can expose every other to new and distinct factors of view and regions of interest, and improve one another open up up their worlds.




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Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Eastern New Year Rat And Its Virtues

By John Chan


The rat is a special symbol in the Chinese tradition. Let's find out why the Chinese New year rat symbol is considered to be so special.

Not many people would like to associate themselves with the picture of the rat outside of the Chinese culture. For the majority of westerners the rat is a tiny, filthy, shady character that dwells in the dirtiest of places. On the contrary the Chinese thinkers known for their observation skills draw a completely different character sketch of the rat.

One of the virtues of the rat is intelligence. The great Chinese thinkers also feel that the rat can be extremely hardworking and resourceful animal together with being in complete command of things. In fact, they are categorized to be perfectionists! These are some of the characteristics that the Chinese philosophers have discovered in Chinese rat people.

As has been the Chinese tradition for ages that each year has a special animal assigned to it. There is a whole system and a legend behind the assigning of the animals to the years. Basically there are 12 animals that function on a twelve year rotation according to the lunar calendar that the Chinese use.

The rat possesses a very special place according to ancient Chinese tradition. Legend has it that the twelve animals that form the cycle were made to compete in a race. All the time the ox was leading the race without knowing that the rat was riding on its back. Just when the ox was about to reach the finish line the rat jumped off his back and secured the first position.

So the whole animal story begins with the year of the rat. Hence when the year of the rat returns it is a very special event because it means that one whole cycle has been completed and a new one has just begun.

The rat thus has proved its mettle in being one of the most innovative and sharp personalities. It is admired for its capability to get into the depth of all sorts of trouble and find a way to achieve success. Intelligence being its key characteristicit finds it easy to get success.

Chinese thinkers have come up with a personality sketch of the rat symbol and thus people now are more in favor of accepting any comparison to the Chinese perception of the rat's persona. However, it is definitely simple to picture why the idea is difficult for the westerners because, the west have their own perception of the tiny creature.

Compatibility issue is a different aspect which is quite mysterious with regards to the twelve animals of the 12-year cycle. The process that led to these connections made by the Chinese philosophers are quite mysterious but they have drawn certain conclusions as to which animal sign is compatible with which other animal and which is not.

Chinese philosophers say that the rat and monkey are well adjusted with each other. But where the knowledge is derived from is a mystery. But still these are the prevailing beliefs in China. For centuries now, the New Year rat is regarded by the Chinese as a symbol of prosperity and protection.




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Unleash The Full Power Of Your Mind And Get Back Your Self Confidence!

By Luke Chinchpoklee


Are you dissatisfied with you life? Do you want a better and a happier life? Do you suffer from low self esteem? If you answered in the affirmative to any one of these questions then you can surely benefit from mind power techniques. Most people can be much more than they presently are; everyone can develop capabilities to achieve whatever they want. Science has not been able to comprehend the workings of the human brain but savants offer us a peek into the astounding capabilities of the human brain.

'Rain Man', was a Hollywood blockbuster that portrayed the capabilities of savants and human mind in general. The subconscious mind determines our personalities, it is a mine of dormant capabilities. Psychological research shows that phobias, panic disorders and other psychosomatic disorders can be cured with proper therapy. Personality modification by stimulating the subconscious mind is the working principle behind psychiatric therapy. Just imagine what you can do if you could reprogram yourself.

The power of the subconscious mind can be tapped by using suitable self help techniques. Affirmation, visualization, NLP and meditation are some of the more popular self improvement techniques. All these mind power techniques focus on accessing the subconscious mind and passing information to it. Diligence and patience are a must if you want to practice any of these techniques, especially meditation. The meditative state is a state of deep relaxation combined with rhythmic breathing. The mind goes in trance and enables you to focus your thoughts so that they are embedded in your subconscious.

The affirmative technique relies on repetitive positive affirmation, repetition helps to make a goal or desire a part of your subconscious. This self improvement process is basically an intensified monologue process. Affirmative techniques are most effective when used at the beginning of the day, they help motivate you throughout the day.

Visualization methods are similar to meditation but the body posture is not as relevant as it is during meditation. The main process involves repetitive mental visualization of one's goals. By repeating this self help technique you will be able unleash your creativity and mind power. NLP is a hypnotic self improvement technique that programs your subconscious to do your bidding. You will derive benefits from these self help techniques only if you select one that suits you.




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Monday, April 4, 2011

Mandarin New Year Dragon Symbol

By John Chan


Let us see the prestige and importance that is connected with the Chinese Symbol of the Chinese New Year.

The images of the Chinese dragon and the occasion of Chinese New Year have been two eventful components of the Chinese Tradition. For thousands of years now they have still withheld the same importance for themselves and exclusive presence even till date. Moreover, interestingly they are deeply intertwined with each other.

The dragon has become a symbol which is immediately linked to the Chinese culture. The west has come to know of this dragon symbol from martial art flicksand art work from China. For the Chinese people, this figure of dragon is a highly honorable mythical animal that is respected for its rarity, magnificence and spiritual powers.

With due respect to the Chinese custom, firstly we must recognize the fact that the Chinese New Year does not match with the Western celebrations of the New Year. The reason behind this is that the western world follows the Gregorian solar calendar and the Chinese have always followed the lunar calendar. Thereby, the cycle of the moon decides the date on which Chinese New Year event is celebrated and this is completely on a different day from the Western New Year.

In the event of New Year, the Chinese people are unnaturally and especially high on joyful spirit and various kinds of revelry are seen. To indicate the change of time with the New Year, Chinese have a unique tradition of associating animal symbols to this change. There are twelve animals in total and these twelve animal signs are repeated every twelfth year. So the year of dragon comes back into action with rejuvenated spirituality after every twelve years.

The Chinese New Year symbol of the dragon holds good to indicate overwhelming power. Generally the dragon image is imagined to be a symbol of spirituality and unforeseen power and rage. The anger of the Chinese dragon however, is somehow always justified and is used to indicate the correction of any mistake. In this way the angry dragon image is a positive image and often inspiring.

Chinese people believe that the streets have rights over you. When you are walking on the streets and come across evil the task of blocking it falls on you if you have the strength or with your speech if nothing else. If you are unable to stop it then at least recognize the evil act to be wrong.

What the image of a dragon does is to eradicate the wrong doers. It does not represent wrong doings but works in opposition. The best option is to avoid doing evil and engaging in doing right things. Hence the Chinese New Year symbol of the dragon is nothing but a revolution to bring about peace in a festive and spiritual way.




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Cancer And Leo Love Match And Compatibility? Are They Compatible?

By Brock Thompson


When Cancer and Leo make a love match, they understand and know how to satisfy basic emotional needs within one another. Both these Signs require dedication and tender, loving care, but while Cancer seeks stability and emotional harmony, Leo craves heartfelt compliments and sincere admiration. Both are strongly loyal, even to the point of possessiveness, Cancer for safety's sake, Leo for the sake of their self-confidence. They are also both committed to a enduring, rewarding connection. Since their desires are similar, a Cancer and a Leo may fill very important voids in each other's lives. Both Leo and Cancer prefer comfort and security, and they prefer both on a grand scale. Cancer and Leo enjoy a lovely home and a close-knit family.

Leo gives the flair and the passion, and Most cancers brings to the home a sensitive but intensive instinct to nurture. Leo is the greater and bolder and far more vivid of that couple, the image of majesty and status. Simply because both Indicators are so strong-minded, these two need to always function attentively to recognize and accept one another. The intensive and emotional Moon (Emotion) guidelines Cancer, though the vivid, bold Sun (the Own) guidelines Leo. The Sun is regarding ego and self, radiating warmth and light, and vivid Leo in fact radiates it kind of power and enthusiasm. The Moon concerns alone with nurturing, with making and keeping emotional connections.

This mixture of masculine and feminine power is why the Sun and the Moon adore and maintain each other various as they do. The Sun signifies life, and The Moon cultivation and expansion; as lengthy as they are conscious of their inherent differences, their mixture can be a beneficial one. Most cancers is a Drinking water Sign, and Leo is a Hearth Sign. Leo strives with an ardent power towards praise and appreciation, though Most cancers yearns a lot more for safety and stability. Each Indicators like to take charge, but they arrive at a leadership function from very distinct directions. No little variety of conflicts can increase from it difference.

As extended as Cancer and Leo in no way take for granted their romantic relationship, as lengthy as they reassure one another in practical and romantic means which this romantic relationship is essential to each of them, they can generally locate a happy medium. Most cancers is a Cardinal Sign, and Leo is a Fixed Sign.Beneath stress, Leo becomes opinionated and stubborn, and Cancer can act as a delicate manipulative force. Cancer's the prolonged initiator of shared goal, and Leo channels their energies and papers doggedly to move goal to completion.If due to the choice, the Crab may choose a calm and steady life, getting no need for glamour or acclaim.

Leo, as a various hand, loves to shake issues up and embraces the sudden and the novel. However a Leo and a Most cancers may devote psychologically to a relationship, each of them can carry on to follow their normal instincts AND dedicate themselves thoroughly and entirely to one another. When, nonetheless, they haven't made their enjoyed intentions clear to each other, these folks may find on their own on a never-ending emotional curler coaster ride. Cancer, consealing behind which harmless shell of theirs,

can be the far more quietly controlling of it combine and may -- to a degree -- manipulate their Leo loved one when it looks practical to do so. What's the very best facet of the Cancer-Leo romantic relationship? Their common dedication to a sincere relationship. Collectively it combine can share a supportive, beneficial and healthy and balanced vibe. Individuals see them as a profitable combination, and their mutual need for a secure, loving partnership helps make them strive for harmony.




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Sunday, April 3, 2011

Beautiful Japanese Tattoos

By Takamitsu Hairi


The Japanese people are known to be blessed with extraordinary skills in a variety of fields. One of the fields where their expertise and imaginativeness comes into play is the art of tattooing. The Japanese tradition of tattooing dates back to old times and there is no country on earth with the kind of tattooing history that Japan has.

Irezumi and Horimono - the numerousness of the Japanese words for tattooing itself is a marker for the pervasion of this art in that country. It is as older as Buddhism and Confucianism, which had a stimulating influence on its development. However, in addition to this influence, the relationship of tattooing with the Japanese Mafia also is responsible for giving this art an unfavourable image.

According to the history, Ainu, the ancient settlers of the land, had initiated the tradition of tattooing. Together with them, the old tribe Wa' also contributed to the history of tattooing making some full body tattoos.

It is a matter of surprise that China, while being more grown up than Japan in the field of art, found this art an unholy one. They even used tattoos to mark their guilt ones.

As the present-day people have begun to accept this custom as part of their fashion nowadays, the mark of the criminal of earlier days has developed to be the trademark of fashion. However, tattooing and its link with the criminal world have not parted ways yet in Japan.

According to the available records, history of the Japan tattoo symbols starts from nearly 500 BC. Some statues that were excavated a little while back from Japan were portrayed with tattoos. It has been confirmed that, in the old days, these tattoos carried some religious meanings also.

Tattoo symbols are made in a variety of styles. Even if Kanji is a calligraphic writing style, it is used in tattoo symbols to show beauty, love, happiness, peace, wealth and so on.

Multicoloured flowers are usual in the tattoo symbols. Some symbols portray the old Samurai soldiers and even the snakes and dragons are not disregarded in the Japanese art of tattooing.

Symbols of flowers like lotus and cherry are commonly used in creating tattoos. Japanese Koi fish also are shown in some tattoos. Tattooing the full body is one of the rarest arts in the world. Some downsides have happened, however Japanese tattooing still continues to be one of the astonishing body designs.




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All About Oriental New Year Fireworks

By John Chan


Find out the about the legends that surround the use of fireworks during the Chinese New Year celebrations.

The worst time to lecture about noise pollution in China would be during the Chinese New Year celebrations. This is because the blowing up of fireworks is amongst the conventional celebrations that the Chinese people take part in for the purpose of welcoming the New Year.

In fact the firecrackers are the final touch to the entire festive season. Without them the Chinese New Year would be incomplete. There is no denying the fact that the Chinese New Year holds immense traditional importance for the people of China. It is a time when friends and families get together and celebrate in various festive ways.

It is a time when old customs are brought back into light and age old traditions are revamped and reintroduced so as to keep them alive. The use of fireworks is also amongst one of the ancient traditional practices of China which hold great significance in the eyes of the locals. The history of the use of fireworks goes back to a long time ago and their use is totally embedded in the Chinese culture with regards to the arrival of the New Year.

Traditional fireworks

As usual you will come across several explanations connected to the bursting of firecrackers which are part of the legends the Chinese people believe in. One of the stories is that the crackers are burst so that the dragon which is sleeping wakes up with noise that the crackers make. This dragon is the symbol of rain which is required in summer for the growing of the crops.

Everything has a direct relation to the nation's economy. China being an agricultural country requires sufficient amount of rains. They have combined this need with a festive belief of cracker bursting to make merry during the New Year and create huge noise without the fear of noise pollution.

Evil Spirits

There are other stories regarding the noise as well. They mean to keep themselves free from the influence of evil spirits with the noise made by the firecrackers. In the beginning of the year itself they plan to free themselves from evil spirit and make the coming year lucky for them.

The Chinese New Year has a custom of parade during this time. Those who are taking part in the parade carry firecrackers with them. It is a ritual to throw the cracker at the feet of the dragon. This is done with the belief that the noise made by the cracker will keep the dragon awake.

The dragon dance is one of the major events of the New Year celebrations. It is a colorful program that attracts a lot of foreign attention. In fact it is an event that truly captures the spirit of ancient Chinese traditions. Fireworks are an integral part of the dragon dance as they go off in large quantities around the dancing dragon.

The concept of firecrackers has to do both with evil as well as good spirits. Some think that the loud noise drives the evil away whereas some feel that all that noise keeps the good spirits from coming in. But the traditional Chinese belief lies in the former concept.




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