Saturday, March 19, 2011
A Human Approach to World Peace - Dalai Lama
A Human Approach to World Peace
When we rise in the morning and listen to the radio or read the newspaper, we are confronted with the same sad news: violence, crime, wars, and disasters. I cannot recall a single day without a report of something terrible happening somewhere. Even in these modern times it is clear that one's precious life is not safe. No former generation has had to experience so much bad news as we face today; this constant awareness of fear and tension should make any sensitive and compassionate person question seriously the progress of our modern world.
It is ironic that the more serious problems emanate from the more industrially advanced societies. Science and technology have worked wonders in many fields, but the basic human problems remain. There is unprecedented literacy, yet this universal education does not seem to have fostered goodness, but only mental restlessness and discontent instead. There is no doubt about the increase in our material progress and technology, but somehow this is not sufficient as we have not yet succeeded in bringing about peace and happiness or in overcoming suffering.
We can only conclude that there must be something seriously wrong with our progress and development, and if we do not check it in time there could be disastrous consequences for the future of humanity. I am not at all against science and technology - they have contributed immensely to the overall experience of humankind; to our material comfort and well-being and to our greater understanding of the world we live in. But if we give too much emphasis to science and technology we are in danger of losing touch with those aspects of human knowledge and understanding that aspire towards honesty and altruism.
Science and technology, though capable of creating immeasurable material comfort, cannot replace the age-old spiritual and humanitarian values that have largely shaped world civilization, in all its national forms, as we know it today. No one can deny the unprecedented material benefit of science and technology, but our basic human problems remain; we are still faced with the same, if not more, suffering, fear, and tension. Thus it is only logical to try to strike a balance between material developments on the one hand and the development of spiritual, human values on the other. In order to bring about this great adjustment, we need to revive our humanitarian values.
I am sure that many people share my concern about the present worldwide moral crisis and will join in my appeal to all humanitarians and religious practitioners who also share this concern to help make our societies more compassionate, just, and equitable. I do not speak as a Buddhist or even as a Tibetan. Nor do I speak as an expert on international politics (though I unavoidably comment on these matters). Rather, I speak simply as a human being, as an upholder of the humanitarian values that are the bedrock not only of Mahayana Buddhism but of all the great world religions. From this perspective I share with you my personal outlook - that:
It is ironic that the more serious problems emanate from the more industrially advanced societies. Science and technology have worked wonders in many fields, but the basic human problems remain. There is unprecedented literacy, yet this universal education does not seem to have fostered goodness, but only mental restlessness and discontent instead. There is no doubt about the increase in our material progress and technology, but somehow this is not sufficient as we have not yet succeeded in bringing about peace and happiness or in overcoming suffering.
We can only conclude that there must be something seriously wrong with our progress and development, and if we do not check it in time there could be disastrous consequences for the future of humanity. I am not at all against science and technology - they have contributed immensely to the overall experience of humankind; to our material comfort and well-being and to our greater understanding of the world we live in. But if we give too much emphasis to science and technology we are in danger of losing touch with those aspects of human knowledge and understanding that aspire towards honesty and altruism.
Science and technology, though capable of creating immeasurable material comfort, cannot replace the age-old spiritual and humanitarian values that have largely shaped world civilization, in all its national forms, as we know it today. No one can deny the unprecedented material benefit of science and technology, but our basic human problems remain; we are still faced with the same, if not more, suffering, fear, and tension. Thus it is only logical to try to strike a balance between material developments on the one hand and the development of spiritual, human values on the other. In order to bring about this great adjustment, we need to revive our humanitarian values.
I am sure that many people share my concern about the present worldwide moral crisis and will join in my appeal to all humanitarians and religious practitioners who also share this concern to help make our societies more compassionate, just, and equitable. I do not speak as a Buddhist or even as a Tibetan. Nor do I speak as an expert on international politics (though I unavoidably comment on these matters). Rather, I speak simply as a human being, as an upholder of the humanitarian values that are the bedrock not only of Mahayana Buddhism but of all the great world religions. From this perspective I share with you my personal outlook - that:
- Universal humanitarianism is essential to solve global problems;
- Compassion is the pillar of world peace;
- All world religions are already for world peace in this way, as are all humanitarians of whatever ideology;
- Each individual has a universal responsibility to shape institutions to serve human needs.
Friday, March 18, 2011
Let go and let god
Dawn Fields is a motivational speaker, author and life coach who teaches how to discover God's purpose for your life and incorporate it into a lucrative career. Visit the web site at [http://www.dawnfields.com]
As a child growing up, whenever I was worried about something, my mother use to always say, "Girl, don't worry about it. Just let go and let God."
As a kid, I didn't really understand what she meant. Let go and let God do what? Let God worry about it? Naw, I couldn't do that. I couldn't trust that He would worry about it as much as I would. I knew He had tons of other people that he had to worry about too, so I figured He wouldn't give my "worry" the amount of attention that it needed.
So, I continued to worry.
How could you just "let it go" as Mom suggested?
If it was something I had to worry about, I had to worry about it, right?
I mean, if I had a really important test, I had to worry about whether or not I was going to pass--especially since I didn't spend enough time studying.
As I grew older, there were other things to worry about, but still, I felt I had to worry about them for myself because God wouldn't give it the appropriate attention that I would--worrying.
I worried about whether or not that boy would really like me for who I am; I worried about whether I would have the money to hang out this weekend; I worried if I had enough to cover my car note if I bought those shoes that I simply HAD to have. I worried about whether or not I would be able to hold my tongue and not cuss my boss out when she started to get on my nerve; I worried about whether or not my hair would stay tight the entire day.
But no matter what I worried about I always would hear my mother, in the back of my mind, saying, "Don't worry. Let go and let God."
The other day I was on the phone with my mother and she was worried about not hearing from my brother. I have a brother that is sort of "out there" and he is the source of a lot of worrying for my parents.
But as she was telling me how she doesn't understand why he won't return her calls and why he doesn't stop by to see her and how worried she is that he isn't eating properly and worried that he might be in the streets, I heard her words come out of my mouth, back to her ears. "Mommy, don't worry. Let go and let God."
She laughed and said, "Yeah, you are right. There is no need to worry. I'm praying. I'm praying every day. As of right now, I'm turning it over to God. He'll take care of him."
Then it clicked.
There is never any reason to worry about anything. Worry does nothing but cause anxiety.
If there is a problem that you are worried about STOP worrying. Just say a little prayer and let go of the problem and let God work it out. Then, trust, with all your heart that God will solve the problem, or bring the answer to you, or make the situation go away.
Whatever you are worried about becomes bigger the more you worry about it.
From this moment on, make the conscious decision that you will not worry ever again. Just let go and let God. Trust and everything will turn out right.
Dawn Fields
http://blessingsandglory.wordpress.com/2009/01/28/my-rock-collection/
As a child growing up, whenever I was worried about something, my mother use to always say, "Girl, don't worry about it. Just let go and let God."
As a kid, I didn't really understand what she meant. Let go and let God do what? Let God worry about it? Naw, I couldn't do that. I couldn't trust that He would worry about it as much as I would. I knew He had tons of other people that he had to worry about too, so I figured He wouldn't give my "worry" the amount of attention that it needed.
So, I continued to worry.
How could you just "let it go" as Mom suggested?
If it was something I had to worry about, I had to worry about it, right?
I mean, if I had a really important test, I had to worry about whether or not I was going to pass--especially since I didn't spend enough time studying.
As I grew older, there were other things to worry about, but still, I felt I had to worry about them for myself because God wouldn't give it the appropriate attention that I would--worrying.
I worried about whether or not that boy would really like me for who I am; I worried about whether I would have the money to hang out this weekend; I worried if I had enough to cover my car note if I bought those shoes that I simply HAD to have. I worried about whether or not I would be able to hold my tongue and not cuss my boss out when she started to get on my nerve; I worried about whether or not my hair would stay tight the entire day.
But no matter what I worried about I always would hear my mother, in the back of my mind, saying, "Don't worry. Let go and let God."
The other day I was on the phone with my mother and she was worried about not hearing from my brother. I have a brother that is sort of "out there" and he is the source of a lot of worrying for my parents.
But as she was telling me how she doesn't understand why he won't return her calls and why he doesn't stop by to see her and how worried she is that he isn't eating properly and worried that he might be in the streets, I heard her words come out of my mouth, back to her ears. "Mommy, don't worry. Let go and let God."
She laughed and said, "Yeah, you are right. There is no need to worry. I'm praying. I'm praying every day. As of right now, I'm turning it over to God. He'll take care of him."
Then it clicked.
There is never any reason to worry about anything. Worry does nothing but cause anxiety.
If there is a problem that you are worried about STOP worrying. Just say a little prayer and let go of the problem and let God work it out. Then, trust, with all your heart that God will solve the problem, or bring the answer to you, or make the situation go away.
Whatever you are worried about becomes bigger the more you worry about it.
From this moment on, make the conscious decision that you will not worry ever again. Just let go and let God. Trust and everything will turn out right.
Dawn Fields
http://blessingsandglory.wordpress.com/2009/01/28/my-rock-collection/
Remembering the heart of Chief Dan George
Oh, Great Spirit, whose voice I hear in the winds
Whose breath gives life to the world, hear me
I come to you as one of your many children
I am small and weak
I need your strength and wisdom
May I walk in beauty
Make my eyes ever behold the red and purple sunset.
Make my hands respect the things you have made
And my ears sharp to your voice.
Make me wise so that I may know the things you have taught your children.
The lessons you have written in every leaf and rock
Make me strong--------!
Not to be superior to my brothers, but to fight my greatest
enemy....myself
Make me ever ready to come to you with straight eyes,
So that when life fades as the fading sunset,
May my spirit come to you without shame.
…A Sioux Prayer, Translated by Chief Yellow Lark – 1887
The beauty of the trees, the softness of the air,
the fragrance of the grass speaks to me.
The summit of the mountain, the thunder of the sky,
The rhythm of the sea, speaks to me.
The faintness of the stars, the freshness of the morning,
the dewdrop on the flower, speaks to me.
The strength of the fire, the taste of salmon, the trail of the sun,
and the life that never goes away, they speak to me
And my heart soars.
- Chief Dan George
Whose breath gives life to the world, hear me
I come to you as one of your many children
I am small and weak
I need your strength and wisdom
May I walk in beauty
Make my eyes ever behold the red and purple sunset.
Make my hands respect the things you have made
And my ears sharp to your voice.
Make me wise so that I may know the things you have taught your children.
The lessons you have written in every leaf and rock
Make me strong--------!
Not to be superior to my brothers, but to fight my greatest
enemy....myself
Make me ever ready to come to you with straight eyes,
So that when life fades as the fading sunset,
May my spirit come to you without shame.
…A Sioux Prayer, Translated by Chief Yellow Lark – 1887
The beauty of the trees, the softness of the air,
the fragrance of the grass speaks to me.
The summit of the mountain, the thunder of the sky,
The rhythm of the sea, speaks to me.
The faintness of the stars, the freshness of the morning,
the dewdrop on the flower, speaks to me.
The strength of the fire, the taste of salmon, the trail of the sun,
and the life that never goes away, they speak to me
And my heart soars.
- Chief Dan George
My friends, how desperately do we need to be loved and to love. When Christ said that man does not live by bread alone, he spoke of hunger. This hunger was not the hunger of the body. It was not the hunger for bread. He spoke of hunger that begins deep down in the very depths of our being. He spoke of a need as vital as breath. He spoke of our hunger for love.
Love is something you and I must have. We must have it because our spirit feeds upon it. We must have it because without it we become weak and faint. Without love our self-esteem weakens. Without it our courage fails. Without love we can no longer look out confidently at the world. We turn inward and begin to feed upon our own personalities, and little by little we destroy ourselves.
With it we are creative. With it we march tirelessly. With it, and with it alone, we are able to sacrifice for others.
Chief Dan George
Love is something you and I must have. We must have it because our spirit feeds upon it. We must have it because without it we become weak and faint. Without love our self-esteem weakens. Without it our courage fails. Without love we can no longer look out confidently at the world. We turn inward and begin to feed upon our own personalities, and little by little we destroy ourselves.
With it we are creative. With it we march tirelessly. With it, and with it alone, we are able to sacrifice for others.
Chief Dan George
Dr. Jeff Masters' WunderBlog -Radioactive California?
Traces of radioactive substances emitted by Japan's damaged Fukushima nuclear power plant will likely arrive over the Western U.S. today, carried by the prevailing west to east winds that have blown over the Pacific Ocean during the past week. Rainfall is expected over California this weekend, and it is likely that the rain will wash radioactive particles out of the air to the surface in quantities that will be detectable at several locations. I want to strongly emphasize that the radioactivity from Japan arriving over the U.S. over the next few days poses absolutely no threat to human health, and is present in only miniscule quantities. The radioactive plumes from Japan have had seven days to dilute over a 5000+ mile journey, and have been subject to deposition to the ocean due to gravity and rainfall along the way. Natural radiation is present in our environment every day, and the extra radiation from the Fukushima nuclear plant will cause much less than a 1% increase this background radiation. Radioactive particles from the Chernobyl disaster in 1986 were detected in North America ten days after that event, and caused no harmful effects. The radiation from Japan over U.S. during the next week should be at levels even lower than the Chernobyl fallout.
http://www.wunderground.com/blog/JeffMasters/show.html
http://www.wunderground.com/blog/JeffMasters/show.html
SUPER MOON March 19, 2011
The effect of tides on seismic activity is greatest in subduction zones such as the Pacific Northwest, where one tectonic plate is sliding under another. William Wilcock, another seismologist at the University of Washington, explained: "When you have a low tide, there's less water, so the pressure on the seafloor is smaller. That pressure is clamping the fault together, so when it's not there, it makes it easier for the fault to slip."
According to Wilcock, earthquake activity in subduction zones at low tides is 10 percent higher than at other times of the day, but he hasn't observed any correlations between earthquake activity and especially low tides at new and full moons. Vidale has observed only a very small correlation.
What about during a lunar perigee? Can we expect more earthquakes and volcanic eruptions on March 19, when the full moon will be so close?
The moon's gravitational pull at lunar perigee, the scientists say, is not different enough from its pull at other times to significantly change the height of the tides and thus the likelihood of natural disasters. "A lot of studies have been done on this kind of thing by USGS scientists and others," John Bellini, a geophysicist at the U.S. Geological Survey, told Life's Little Mysteries. "They haven't found anything significant at all."
Vidale concurred. "Practically speaking, you'll never see any effect of lunar perigee," he said. "It's somewhere between 'It has no effect' and 'It's so small you don't see any effect.'"
The bottom line is, the upcoming supermoon won't cause a preponderance of earthquakes, although the idea isn't a crazy one. "Earthquakes don't respond as much to the tides as you'd think they would. There should actually be more of an effect," said Vidale.
Most natural disasters have nothing to do with the moon at all. The Earth has a lot of pent up energy, and it releases it anytime the buildup gets too great. The supermoon probably won't push it past the tipping point, but we'll know for sure, one way or the other, by March 20.
http://www.lifeslittlemysteries.com/will-supermoon-cause-earthquake-storm-natural-disasters-1442/
http://www.tbd.com/blogs/weather/2011/03/extreme-supermoon-on-march-19-makes-astrologers-wet-their-pants-9251.html
Jan. 25, 1948: One day before an Extreme SuperMoon, a braking malfunction at a Los Angeles rail yard sent a runaway train crashing through a concrete wall 20 feet above street level. Fortunately, the train stopped in time and didn’t fall, and nobody was injured.
Nov. 10, 1954: On this Extreme SuperMoon, Sen. Joe McCarthy issued a press release calling a Congressional committee the "unwitting handmaiden," "involuntary agent" and "attorneys-in-fact" of the Communist Party. Rather than propel the senator into further Red-Scare stardom, these words lead the Senate to censure him and wipe his stain off the halls of Congress for good.
Feb. 26, 1975: An Extreme SuperMoon loomed on this date, and yet Elvis still had 2 years on the clock. He managed to sign autographs in the parking lot of the Memphian Theatre in Memphis without dropping dead.
Dec. 2, 1990: Jim Kelly and the Buffalo Bills deployed their game-changing "K-Gun" offense against the Philadelphia Eagles on this date, choosing not to be cowed by an Extreme SuperMoon or to huddle during their offense. The tactic baffled the Eagles and the Bills won the game 30 to 23, later making it to the Super Bowl.
March 8, 1993: MTV aired the first episode of Beavis and Butthead during an Extreme SuperMoon. The show was blamed for killing a 2-year-old girl the same year ("Yes, yes, yes! Fire, fire, fire!") and could have been quickly canceled, yet goes on to become a successful fixture for Gen-Yers and is expected to return to production soon.
According to Wilcock, earthquake activity in subduction zones at low tides is 10 percent higher than at other times of the day, but he hasn't observed any correlations between earthquake activity and especially low tides at new and full moons. Vidale has observed only a very small correlation.
What about during a lunar perigee? Can we expect more earthquakes and volcanic eruptions on March 19, when the full moon will be so close?
The moon's gravitational pull at lunar perigee, the scientists say, is not different enough from its pull at other times to significantly change the height of the tides and thus the likelihood of natural disasters. "A lot of studies have been done on this kind of thing by USGS scientists and others," John Bellini, a geophysicist at the U.S. Geological Survey, told Life's Little Mysteries. "They haven't found anything significant at all."
Vidale concurred. "Practically speaking, you'll never see any effect of lunar perigee," he said. "It's somewhere between 'It has no effect' and 'It's so small you don't see any effect.'"
The bottom line is, the upcoming supermoon won't cause a preponderance of earthquakes, although the idea isn't a crazy one. "Earthquakes don't respond as much to the tides as you'd think they would. There should actually be more of an effect," said Vidale.
Most natural disasters have nothing to do with the moon at all. The Earth has a lot of pent up energy, and it releases it anytime the buildup gets too great. The supermoon probably won't push it past the tipping point, but we'll know for sure, one way or the other, by March 20.
http://www.lifeslittlemysteries.com/will-supermoon-cause-earthquake-storm-natural-disasters-1442/
Jan. 25, 1948: One day before an Extreme SuperMoon, a braking malfunction at a Los Angeles rail yard sent a runaway train crashing through a concrete wall 20 feet above street level. Fortunately, the train stopped in time and didn’t fall, and nobody was injured.
Nov. 10, 1954: On this Extreme SuperMoon, Sen. Joe McCarthy issued a press release calling a Congressional committee the "unwitting handmaiden," "involuntary agent" and "attorneys-in-fact" of the Communist Party. Rather than propel the senator into further Red-Scare stardom, these words lead the Senate to censure him and wipe his stain off the halls of Congress for good.
Feb. 26, 1975: An Extreme SuperMoon loomed on this date, and yet Elvis still had 2 years on the clock. He managed to sign autographs in the parking lot of the Memphian Theatre in Memphis without dropping dead.
Dec. 2, 1990: Jim Kelly and the Buffalo Bills deployed their game-changing "K-Gun" offense against the Philadelphia Eagles on this date, choosing not to be cowed by an Extreme SuperMoon or to huddle during their offense. The tactic baffled the Eagles and the Bills won the game 30 to 23, later making it to the Super Bowl.
March 8, 1993: MTV aired the first episode of Beavis and Butthead during an Extreme SuperMoon. The show was blamed for killing a 2-year-old girl the same year ("Yes, yes, yes! Fire, fire, fire!") and could have been quickly canceled, yet goes on to become a successful fixture for Gen-Yers and is expected to return to production soon.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
To Kunlun family all over the world ~ from disaster area - Great strength in turmoil
Our hearts and prayers go out to all the people facing their greatest test of strength in times of despair may the world learn from their pain and their suffering,
A wake up call for all of us."My Greek Spirit"
"CARRY ON LIVING"
Facing overwhelming power of nature, we lost ourselves.
Then, do not go against it. Stay Lost.
You crossed the boundary to the place where you can’t find any single word.
But there you will find “something” which you couldn’t find if you were not there.
It’s not just nice words.
It’s not just a despair.
Everything has returned to sea and dust.
Stay feeling lost, grieving.
This may be the good reason for something to happen.
We have lost so many, but something will come into the world from Here.
Stay in this moment.
Do not overstrain yourself.
so that you will catch the sign.
Wake up in the morning and get a breath of fresh air.
You will strongly realize that you are given your life today.
At the end of the day, take a breathe.
You feel safe returnig home.
Carry on living.
Live in Now.
Kan.
(Translated by Gin)
Thank you very much for your supporting energy.
I am feeling and receiving your heart energy.
And every moment I feel your Love touches my own heart.
Now I am devoting all of my life, all of my energy to our mother Earth.
Our fellows, brothers and sisters are facing stiff challenges.
My home town where I was born were directly hit by Tsunami attack and all of the town were swept away.
My parents, many friends, I am not sure whether they are alive or not.
Many things happen in life.
Everyone of Kunlun family in Japan are facing their own situation and try to overcome,
remembering what Max has thought and what Max has gave them and trying to live every single moment.
Thank you for your prayer.
May every people, every soul can feel at peace.
Love & Grace
Kan.
Kunlun Japan
http://astrology.about.com/b/2011/03/14/uranus-aries-stay-in-this-moment.htm?nl=1
http://www.nydailynews.com/news/world/galleries/earthquake_tsunami_strike_japan/earthquake_tsunami_strike_japan.html
A wake up call for all of us."My Greek Spirit"
"CARRY ON LIVING"
Facing overwhelming power of nature, we lost ourselves.
Then, do not go against it. Stay Lost.
You crossed the boundary to the place where you can’t find any single word.
But there you will find “something” which you couldn’t find if you were not there.
It’s not just nice words.
It’s not just a despair.
Everything has returned to sea and dust.
Stay feeling lost, grieving.
This may be the good reason for something to happen.
We have lost so many, but something will come into the world from Here.
Stay in this moment.
Do not overstrain yourself.
so that you will catch the sign.
Wake up in the morning and get a breath of fresh air.
You will strongly realize that you are given your life today.
At the end of the day, take a breathe.
You feel safe returnig home.
Carry on living.
Live in Now.
Kan.
(Translated by Gin)
Thank you very much for your supporting energy.
I am feeling and receiving your heart energy.
And every moment I feel your Love touches my own heart.
Now I am devoting all of my life, all of my energy to our mother Earth.
Our fellows, brothers and sisters are facing stiff challenges.
My home town where I was born were directly hit by Tsunami attack and all of the town were swept away.
My parents, many friends, I am not sure whether they are alive or not.
Many things happen in life.
Everyone of Kunlun family in Japan are facing their own situation and try to overcome,
remembering what Max has thought and what Max has gave them and trying to live every single moment.
Thank you for your prayer.
May every people, every soul can feel at peace.
Love & Grace
Kan.
Kunlun Japan
http://astrology.about.com/b/2011/03/14/uranus-aries-stay-in-this-moment.htm?nl=1
http://www.nydailynews.com/news/world/galleries/earthquake_tsunami_strike_japan/earthquake_tsunami_strike_japan.html
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Paolo Coelho - Prays for Japan
Lord, protect our planet, because we live here, and here we dwell with our daily tragedies.
May our daily reconstruction be the result of the very best that we carry within us.
Give us the courage
to be able to reconstruct what was destroyed
to be able to recover what was lost
to be able to accept what was gone forever.
May you give us courage to look ahead,
may we never look back nor allow our soul to be discouraged.
Lord, give us enthusiasm, because Enthusiasm reaffirms to us that everything is possible, as long as we are totally committed to what we are doing.
Lord, may the Earth continue to transform seeds into wheat, may we continue to transmute wheat into bread. Do not leave us in solitude.
Have compassion on us, Lord. For we often think we are dressed when we are naked.
Do not forget, in your mercy, our friends in Japan, who are now teaching us the meaning of Courage, Reconstruction, Solidarity and Enthusiasm.
Amen
May our daily reconstruction be the result of the very best that we carry within us.
Give us the courage
to be able to reconstruct what was destroyed
to be able to recover what was lost
to be able to accept what was gone forever.
May you give us courage to look ahead,
may we never look back nor allow our soul to be discouraged.
Lord, give us enthusiasm, because Enthusiasm reaffirms to us that everything is possible, as long as we are totally committed to what we are doing.
Lord, may the Earth continue to transform seeds into wheat, may we continue to transmute wheat into bread. Do not leave us in solitude.
Have compassion on us, Lord. For we often think we are dressed when we are naked.
Do not forget, in your mercy, our friends in Japan, who are now teaching us the meaning of Courage, Reconstruction, Solidarity and Enthusiasm.
Amen
Kemence
The term kemenche (Adyghe: Шык1э пщын, Turkish: kemençe, Armenian: քամանչա k’amanča, Laz: Ç'ilili - ჭილილი, Azerbaijani: kamança, Persian: کمانچه, Greek: λύρα) is used to describe two types of three-stringed bowed musical instruments:
1. a bottle-shaped lute, closely related to the Cappadocian Kemane, found in the Black Sea region of Asia Minor, it is also known as the "kementche of Laz" or Pontic kemenche and
2. a pear-shaped bowl lyre known as Classical kemenche (Turkish: Armudî kemençe), found mainly in Istanbul and the Eastern regions of Turkey and is closely related to the Byzantine lyra (Turkish: Rum Kemençesi).
Both types of kemenche are played in the downright position, either by resting it on the knee when sitting, or held in front of the player when standing. It is always played "braccio", that is, with the tuning head uppermost. The kemenche bow is called the doksar (Greek: δοξάρι), the Greek term for bow.
Its name derives from the Persian Kamancheh, the name is Persian and means merely "small bow".[1] Al-Kādirī, in his classification of musical instruments, mentioned the kemandje similar to the Arabic rabab and the Byzantine lyra (Margaret J. Kartomi, 1990). In Greece and the Pontic Greek diaspora, it is known as the lyra or the "kementzes": it is the main instrument used in Pontic music.
Rhema Marvanne - 7 year old Gospel singer
Website:
In the last year, Rhema has traveled around the country singing at concerts, churches, and nursing homes. She's even taken her show overseas, singing in front of a live studio audience in South Korea.
This fall, Rhema released her second album, and her YouTube channel has more than 15 million page views.
But Rhema's success was born in tragedy. She was only three years old when her mother, Wendi, was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Rhema had just turned six when Wendi died. Rhema was at her side to the very end.
But Rhema's success was born in tragedy. She was only three years old when her mother, Wendi, was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Rhema had just turned six when Wendi died. Rhema was at her side to the very end.
"I love her," she said. "Whenever I think about her, I feel like she's right beside me. Sometimes when I sing, I can hear her voice."
Rhema's father Teton Marvanne said his daughter's gift had to be uncovered.
"I used to tell people that Rhema was tone death because she could not hold a tune," he recalled.
Marvanne splits his time between being a full-time dad, running his own personal business, and managing Rhema's increasingly demanding itinerary.
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Cavalia
First of all, the reference to Cirque—which Latourelle helped found but which he left in 1990 to go out on his own—immediately brings to mind seating in the round. But the Cavalia stage is a 160-foot-wide, sandy-floored horizontal stage, about the breadth of an NFL football field, with the audience set on stadium seating in front of it. The tent seats 2,000 people.
An unseen track loops around the back of the stage in a circle, allowing the quarter horses in one act build up to full steam when they race in front of the audience. Did we mention people are doing handstands on them when they do?
There is also more digital imagery than a Cirque show would use, all projected on a giant back screen. The show opens with a scene of a mare birthing a colt, and the screens are used throughout to conjure horses through history and create atmospheric settings.
The show itself is made up of vignettes that display the huge breadth of equestrian acts out there. Riders trained in the Haute Ecole pull off formal little patterns, but there are even lasso acts and cowboy tricks, as well as some dressage, and a freer form of training called "Liberty", where the horses run free onstage without reigns or harnesses.
Latourelle told the Straight it would normally be unheard of to watch all these different forms, which come from such separate worlds, to share a stage. At its height, Cavalia has 19 of its 50-plus horses moving about the stage.
Add to this mix live music and a team of acrobats who do everything from balancing acts to trampoline tricks to bouncing on and off the horses on bungees that hang from the ceiling.
http://www.straight.com/article-378995/vancouver/cavalia-demystified-sneak-peak-how-show-blends-horses-and-acrobatics
http://www.cavalia.net/
Friday, March 11, 2011
Aries - Friend or Foe?
Uranus in Aries is the period for asserting the self, its needs and wants. It is a time for breaking away from dependence and finding one's own strength for self-reliance and self-motivation. I am independent. I am strong. I am significant. I matter. I can do it. I can make it happen. I can get it started. I can because I am. This is a time for discovering or re-discovering and connecting or re-connecting with the self and its raw, passionate, instinctive drives to be the main motivator in formulating goals and getting them accomplished. Remember that Uranus governs the unexpected so, be flexible enough to expect the unexpected -- find opportunities in the least likely places or connections; formulate unique solutions to common or existing problems; tweak an old method and make it more effective; break away from boundaries and think outside the box.
Six Planets in Aries
The sign of Aries certainly is related to attacks and therefore it is with more than a little trepidation that we cycle watchers are anticipating the build up of 6 planets in Aries at the end of March beginning of April and this aforementioned shift of Neptune. Neptune relates to waves and oceans - the physical seas and the sea of ether around us. Where exactly are these 'attacks' likely to arise from? Natural ones from up above in the celestial sphere or man made ones down here - or both?
As of the writing of this post, we remain under the challenging alignment between Jupiter in Aries and Pluto in Capricorn which finally culminated on February 25th and full impact may not actually be realized for several more months, maybe years. Jupiter gives the optimism to push for ideals/aspirations; Aries gives the courage and strength to push fast and hard; Pluto purges and focuses on putting an end to what no longer serves; Capricorn represents the status quo. Domestic and global current events reflect the unrest of this Jupiter-Pluto square. Expect the unexpected globally and in our own personal world as Uranus' revolutionary energy gets mixed into the current celestial climate.
Astrogirl
Uranus' transit in Aries brings another rare but long lasting planetary alignment - Uranus square Pluto. Their alignment will perfect on occasions - 2x each in 2012, 2013 & 2014, and once in 2015. A square is the most difficult and challenging relationship between two or more planets. It is an impatient energy that requires action. A square is conflict, war between two celestial bodies. There is a need to create something birthed from inside us and to manifest that creation out into the world -- may it be in your own personal world, your immediate environment or something that influences many.
http://www.cosmicchronicle.com/2011/02/surfs-up-trouble-in-oceans-above-and.html
Six Planets in Aries
The sign of Aries certainly is related to attacks and therefore it is with more than a little trepidation that we cycle watchers are anticipating the build up of 6 planets in Aries at the end of March beginning of April and this aforementioned shift of Neptune. Neptune relates to waves and oceans - the physical seas and the sea of ether around us. Where exactly are these 'attacks' likely to arise from? Natural ones from up above in the celestial sphere or man made ones down here - or both?
As of the writing of this post, we remain under the challenging alignment between Jupiter in Aries and Pluto in Capricorn which finally culminated on February 25th and full impact may not actually be realized for several more months, maybe years. Jupiter gives the optimism to push for ideals/aspirations; Aries gives the courage and strength to push fast and hard; Pluto purges and focuses on putting an end to what no longer serves; Capricorn represents the status quo. Domestic and global current events reflect the unrest of this Jupiter-Pluto square. Expect the unexpected globally and in our own personal world as Uranus' revolutionary energy gets mixed into the current celestial climate.
Astrogirl
Uranus' transit in Aries brings another rare but long lasting planetary alignment - Uranus square Pluto. Their alignment will perfect on occasions - 2x each in 2012, 2013 & 2014, and once in 2015. A square is the most difficult and challenging relationship between two or more planets. It is an impatient energy that requires action. A square is conflict, war between two celestial bodies. There is a need to create something birthed from inside us and to manifest that creation out into the world -- may it be in your own personal world, your immediate environment or something that influences many.
Although we are all influenced by Uranus' transit in Aries, the intensity and degree of influence will fluctuate throughout the 7-year transit and the timing will also depend on our birth chart's planetary and house placements. Additionally, those with cardinal Sun signs (Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn); those with Natal Uranus in Cancer (born approximately 1949 to 1956) or in Libra (born approximately 1968 to 1975) or in Capricorn (born approximately 1988 to 1996); and those with Chiron in Aries (born approximately 1969 to 1977) may feel the effects more strongly than others.
To get an idea of how Uranus' transit in Aries might influence you, look to the Aries-ruled natal and/or solar house/s of your birth chart. Match the sign with the house cusp/s on your birth chart. Use the list of zodiac signs below to identify the Aries zodiac sign on your birth chart.
Read more: http://www.astrogrrl.com/2011/03/uranus-re-enters-aries-mar-11-2011-to.html#ixzz1GL7fAfzr
Original content by Jan | astrogrrl
Under Creative Commons License: Attribution Non-Commercial No Derivatives
To get an idea of how Uranus' transit in Aries might influence you, look to the Aries-ruled natal and/or solar house/s of your birth chart. Match the sign with the house cusp/s on your birth chart. Use the list of zodiac signs below to identify the Aries zodiac sign on your birth chart.
Read more: http://www.astrogrrl.com/2011/03/uranus-re-enters-aries-mar-11-2011-to.html#ixzz1GL7fAfzr
Original content by Jan | astrogrrl
Under Creative Commons License: Attribution Non-Commercial No Derivatives
Japan Earthquake Person Finder - Prayers go out to all the victims of the Japan earthquake and Tsunami March 11. 2011
http://www.google.com/crisisresponse/japanquake2011.html
http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2011/03/11/article-1365225-0D922321000005DC-841_634x792.jpg
The powerful tsunami that today slammed into Japan's eastern coast comes just two days after warnings that the movement of the moon could trigger unpredictable events on Earth.
Astrologers predicted that on March 19 - a week tomorrow - the so-called 'supermoon' will be closer to Earth than at any time since 1992, just 221,567 miles away, and that its gravitational pull will bring chaos to Earth.
Others on the Internet have predicted it will cause further catastrophes such as volcanic eruptions and earthquakes.
A massive 8.8 magnitude earthquake hit the Pacific Ocean nearby Northeastern Japan at around 2:46pm on March 11 (JST) causing damage with blackouts, fire and tsunami. On this page we are providing the information regarding the disaster and damage with realtime updates.
The large earthquake triggered a tsunami warning for countries all around the Pacific ocean.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1365335/Tsunami-alert-following-Japan-earthquake-today-West-Coast-America.html
Person finder Japan
http://www.google.com/crisisresponse/japanquake2011.html
http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2011/03/11/article-1365225-0D922321000005DC-841_634x792.jpg
The powerful tsunami that today slammed into Japan's eastern coast comes just two days after warnings that the movement of the moon could trigger unpredictable events on Earth.
Astrologers predicted that on March 19 - a week tomorrow - the so-called 'supermoon' will be closer to Earth than at any time since 1992, just 221,567 miles away, and that its gravitational pull will bring chaos to Earth.
Others on the Internet have predicted it will cause further catastrophes such as volcanic eruptions and earthquakes.
The large earthquake triggered a tsunami warning for countries all around the Pacific ocean.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1365335/Tsunami-alert-following-Japan-earthquake-today-West-Coast-America.html
Person finder Japan
http://www.google.com/crisisresponse/japanquake2011.html
Earthquakes are common in Japan, one of the world's most seismically active areas.
The country accounts for about 20 per cent of the world's earthquakes of magnitude 6 or greater.
Several continental and oceanic plates - the Pacific Plate, Philippine Plate, Eurasian Plate and North American Plate - meet in the Japan area, which is why there are so many volcanoes and hot springs across the nation.
Located in a volcanic zone so active it is nicknamed the Pacific Ring of Fire, catastrophic earthquakes occur several times each century.
Japan has suffered an estimated 200 recorded tsunamis in its history due to earthquakes that take place below or close to the Pacific Ocean.
In October 2004, an earthquake with a magnitude of 6.8 struck the Niigata region in northern Japan, killing 65 people and injuring more than 3,000.
That was the deadliest quake since a magnitude 7.3 tremor hit the city of Kobe in 1995, killing more than 6,400.
The country accounts for about 20 per cent of the world's earthquakes of magnitude 6 or greater.
Several continental and oceanic plates - the Pacific Plate, Philippine Plate, Eurasian Plate and North American Plate - meet in the Japan area, which is why there are so many volcanoes and hot springs across the nation.
Located in a volcanic zone so active it is nicknamed the Pacific Ring of Fire, catastrophic earthquakes occur several times each century.
Japan has suffered an estimated 200 recorded tsunamis in its history due to earthquakes that take place below or close to the Pacific Ocean.
In October 2004, an earthquake with a magnitude of 6.8 struck the Niigata region in northern Japan, killing 65 people and injuring more than 3,000.
That was the deadliest quake since a magnitude 7.3 tremor hit the city of Kobe in 1995, killing more than 6,400.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Blessings
Here is your antidote to worry: Choose a phrase that brings you release, relief, and empowerment, such as "Peace, be still," "The power of God is within me," or "Love is the answer." Whenever worry begins to set in, consciously and meditatively repeat your positive phrase until you return to peace. The mind is capable of paying attention to only one thought at a time. If you focus on ideas that uplift you, your mind will be unable to dwell on fearful issues. Eventually you will develop the habit of positive thinking, and the worry that once haunted you will have no reality. Begin to master the power of prayer by replacing self-defeating thoughts with visions of your brightest future.
Today I set my mind and heart on a new path. I focus my energy on love, appreciation, and my highest possibilities. Today I claim responsibility for my own success, and step forward with a new enthusiasm to manifest unprecedented good. I use my mind to create only the best, and I draw unto me all the support and resources I need for positive change. Thank you, God, for opening the door to a life filled with blessings.
http://alancohen.wwwhubs.com/cohen3.htm
Today I set my mind and heart on a new path. I focus my energy on love, appreciation, and my highest possibilities. Today I claim responsibility for my own success, and step forward with a new enthusiasm to manifest unprecedented good. I use my mind to create only the best, and I draw unto me all the support and resources I need for positive change. Thank you, God, for opening the door to a life filled with blessings.
http://alancohen.wwwhubs.com/cohen3.htm
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
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