Family Christmas Traditions from Germany

German legend says that on Christmas Eve, all the rivers turn to wine, animals speak to each other and to humans, fruit trees, bells ring from the sea, and gems from the mountains flow. Is it any wonder, then, that the family Christmas traditions in Germany are in bold, beautiful and full of joy? When Christmas, or Weihnachten as the Germans call it, rolls around in Germany, you find lots of beautiful decorations, treats and traditional stories to brighten the season.

The first part of December is traditionally reserved for solemn religious reflection. In recent years, this period of calm that lasted until Christmas. This time included a focus on reconnecting with your religion through reflection and fasting. Modern Germans, however, tends to use a slightly shorter period of time while retaining the idea of focusing on religious aspects of the season ..

The four weeks before Christmas (usually beginning just before 1 December to include four Sundays before Christmas) is the Adventszeit or Advent. Many German families include a Adventskran, or Advent wreath. This is a wreath with five candles, usually with four purple candles and one white. On each Sunday of Advent, a purple candle is lit. The white candle is traditionally lit around midnight on Christmas Eve to mark the birth of Baby Jesus. Many families also have an Advent calendar for each child. There is a door on the calendar for each day from December 1 to 25, and behind each door the child will find a small chocolate or toy. Many families open their doors just before bed, giving the children something to dream, in anticipation of the arrival of Christmas.

Children in Germany tend to honor both St. Nikolaus and Christ Child in their traditions. On December 6th, families celebrate the feast day of St. Nikolaus, placing their shoes by the fireplace. The children hope that St. Nicholas deem their behavior throughout the year as good enough to justify the case of fruit, nuts, chocolate, marzipan and instead of coal and twigs his partner Knecht Ruprecht bestows on naughty children. Many modern Germans now use a decorative element as a sled of wood or real shoes instead of shoes while waiting for the arrival of S. Nicholas. After St. Nikolaus has come and gone, the children write letters to Christmas or Christ Child, addressing them to his home in Himmelstadt.

According to many accounts, the Christmas tree that has become traditional in many parts of the world, born in Germany. Known as the Weihnachtsbaum the Germans, the Christmas tree is traditionally a live fir or pine tree that is decorated with candles, marzipan, beautifully wrapped chocolates, hand-blown ornaments, and tinsel. Tradition has it that the children of the family are not allowed to see the Christmas tree until the bell rings, Christmas night of Christmas Eve. Many families now keep the Christmas tree in a closed room for this purpose, while others prefer to put their trees until the evening, Christmas Eve.

On Christmas Eve, the German family traditionally starts the evening with a service at their church. When they return, a member of the family Christmas bell rings, signaling the beginning of the celebration of Christmas. The family then goes the Christmas tree to open gifts. This tradition of opening gifts on Christmas Eve is different from many other Western countries, but remains true to this day. different parts of Germany believe differently about who bears gifts. In the northern part of the country, families traditionally believe that Christmas or Weihnachstmann man brings their gifts. In the southern part of the country, however, is that Christmas brings gifts that everyone enjoys.

Then comes the Christmas party. Several families participate in this festival several times, can take place before the gift after gift, or even after midnight Christmas church service. Regardless, the feast traditionally consists of roast goose or carp and lots of goodies. Some typical dishes include Christstollen side, which is a loaf of bread stuffed with nuts and marzipan fruits, Lebkuchen, or gingerbread, marzipan fruits themselves, and Stollen, a fruit-filled breads. The feast is usually ended with plates of biscuits and chocolates to bring a proper end of the celebration.

Christmas Day itself is spent with family and friends and usually includes time for religious activities. The Christmas season traditionally does not end, however, until January 6. This day is traditionally used to celebrate the birth of Christ, and is still used today as the Feast of Epiphany or Heilige Drei Könige. This day celebrates the three wise men, and their initials along with the year are written in chalk above the doors of German homes to protect the family during the year.

Germany is the source of many Western Christmas traditions. While maintaining their unique complexity, the Germans shared their traditions around the world and can be looked to for wonderful ideas on how you can start your own family Christmas traditions. Maybe this year, your family can participate in the celebration of Advent with a calendar full of beautiful chocolates, or decorate your tree with marzipan and cookies. Make your traditions and your family will remember your Christmas party for years to come.

Joys of Christmas

This Christmas is going down in history as the best I can ever remember. It 'been two years of my son to celebrate the joyous feast, but the first that could truly participate in this opening. It had a lot to choose from!

My son took his time opening each gift - tearing wrapping paper off in sections by an inch and make sure he put them all in the garbage bag. He is also a clean freak just 21 months. And of course once the gift has been opened, should be opened. Have you had the pleasure of opening a child's toy recently? Otherwise, be grateful. The toy box is connected to a screw or twist ties. But if this were not enough, the screws and / or twist ties are covered in packing tape. If you're lucky enough to have some 'people together, you can have fun prying the plastic figurines of heat-molded housing that come So after about 45 minutes to reject a gift ... he would move to the next. Needless to say, rejecting gifts was an all day event - an event very fun, full of laughter all day.

I was having a good time that I remember. I remembered when I was a child my parents told me that the best Christmas gift ever received gifts looked at me with open eyes staring ahead. Like a boy-toy craving, I could not understand what they meant. How could never be better to give than to receive? I understand everything now. My older child becomes, the more fun I have gifts. And I care less than I get. As a kid, I spent long days before Christmas the committee packet, intriguing to find out what was for me in Serbian. Now those days are spent cooking for friends and family, taking my son to play dates and reading stories about the first Christmas. A far cry from Barbie dolls and Cabbage Patch Kids, but I've never been happier.

The holidays have always been a great moment of reflection for me. This year is certainly no exception. I note that he was blessed with a healthy child and a loving husband - who have made this Christmas exceptionally large.

The History Of Oktoberfest

The first Oktoberfest was held on Ocotber 12, 1810, in Monaco of Bavaria to celebrate the marriage of Prince Ludwig I of Bavaria and Princess Maria Teresa of Saxony-Hildburghausen. The citizens of Monaco have been invited to attend the festival held on the field in front of city gates to celebrate the happy royal event. The fields were called Theresienwiese - Teresa fields - in honor of the Crown Princess ever since, even if the premises have abbreviated the name simply to "Wies'n. Horse racing, the presence of the Royal Family marked the close of the event which was celebrated as a festival for the whole of Bavaria. The decision to repeat the horse races for the following year gave rise to the tradition of Oktoberfest. The festival was dedicated to the fall harvest and the regions most famous product, beer. Craftsmen and merchants came throughout Germany to join the merry-making. They examined the crops, sang, danced and sampled the first beer of the season. The celebration was such a success that Ludwig issued a royal decree in October festive time in Monaco of Bavaria. Horse races, which were the oldest and - simultaneously - the most popular event of the festival no longer held today. But the agricultural fair is still held every three years during the Oktoberfest on the southern part of the festival grounds.

In the early decades the choice of amusements was sparse. The first carousel and two swings were set up in 1818. Visitors were able to drink small beer stands which grew rapidly in number. In 1896 the beer stands were replaced by the first beer tents and halls set up by enterprising landlords with the backing of the breweries.

Today the Oktoberfest

Oktoberfest 2005 is celebrating 172 years. Oktoberfest is the biggest festival in the world with 6 million visitors from around the world attending the Oktoberfest in Munich Monaco each year. Each year, these participants consumed more than 5 million liters of beer and more than 200,000 pork sausages, as well as large amounts of traditional hearty dishes such as sausage, hendl (chicken) and sauerkraut, Bavarian specialties like ox tails roast.

Only six breweries in Monaco of Bavaria are allowed to serve beer at the Oktoberfest - Löwenbräu, Spaten, Augustiner, Hofbräu, Paulaner and Hacker-Pschorr. Each Bierzelte (beer "tents") hold some 3.000 to 10.000 people. Currently there are 14 tents at the Oktoberfest. A special Oktoberfest beer is produced for the occasion that is slightly darker and stronger in both taste and alcohol.

The festivities are accompanied by a schedule of events, including the grand entrance to Oktoberfest landlords and breweries, costume and procession Fusiliers, and a concert of all the brass bands represented at the "Wies'n.

And since the Oktoberfest is still held on the Theresienwiese, the locals still refer to the event simply as "Wies'n. So, "Welcome to the Wies'n" means nothing more than "Welcome to Oktoberfest!

The philosophy of samurai swords

Decorating your 21st century in a domestic Japanese became very popular. The Japanese artefacts, such as samurai swords, are proof of great taste not only because of their attractive colors and shapes, but because they have a lot of meaning. They represent the moral values such as patience, discipline, honor, loyalty and determination. The modern world has forgotten some important codes, but there are still a reminder of their symbols in works of Japanese art that distinguish some homes or offices.

Samurai swords, for example, are widely used or decorations. People who like martial arts or Japanese living them often hung on the walls. Samurai swords possess the means to appreciate Japanese history and the virtues that this object was in a society of old. For those of you with a good idea to buy samurai swords here are some tips on these beautiful and meaningful objects and their philosophy. Knowing how they are made and their value will make them more precious ornamental objects.

The value of samurai swords comes not only from their craft, but also because they symbolize the anxious person. Samurai swords to define the power, duty, responsibility, self-defense and ethics. The samurai swords were the weapons used by a class of people who loved their freedom above all and defended it with great skill. The samurai swords were used in hand to hand combat that was very demanding, perhaps most, in the form of combat. Having to fight with sharp weapon skill required of the body and mind, skill, reflexes and technique. Only through a lot of practice, exercise and patience you could become able to handle the swords of the samurai, to protect the honor code.

The Samurai (knights detentions) were also called bushi (warriors) and their weapons were the most precious samurai swords. In their view, a part of her swords, and sometimes believed that the soul of their swords were worriership. They gave their names and samurai swords awarded their medals. Some irreducible samurai even died trying to retrieve their samurai swords appreciated for their Shogun (the most powerful samurai eager for a period). Bushido means Way of the Warrior and the heart of the philosophy of Bushido, which lead to their convictions and conduct, is freedom from fear. This meant that they were not afraid to die. They were able to use their peace of mind to give them power to serve their master faithfully until death. Therefore, duty and loyalty were a great part of their philosophy. Their way of life were ranked at the top of social hierarchy in Japan for hundreds of years, until the 19th century.

Artisans of old made a lot of thought to create samurai swords. They had to create weapons that were too heavy to handle, not too hard to brake off. They found samurai swords edge, used against armor, samurai swords and broke steel were flexible and soft light. So, given the weight best suited for the samurai swords would be about 2-3 pounds. However, to create as samurai swords would mean a lot of work.

There have been many methods used to craft samurai swords. Some used the laborious process of repeated heating and bending steel. The blades must be carefully polished and then etched the smiths signing their artwork. The samurai swords were evidence of great craftsmanship, which meant that the person who created them possessed some unique virtues. As with any work of art, to create samurai swords meant to put the soul in your creation, to invest together with intelligence and patience to achieve the best possible results. Many artists worked on their detailed hilt ornaments, to manage their attacks and girdles and the results were samurai swords deserves to be worn by irreducible.

These virtues have been forgotten as modern society no longer care, respect or praise the military as much as in the past. The samurai were (and still are) very popular characters in the story. The samurai swords are invaluable and have been identified with the anxious class. Made from fire and blacksmiths hammering experts, samurai swords brought honor and spirit of real anxiety to those who carried them. For this reason, many modern people buy samurai swords as a reminder of that time and those values. samurai swords decorate homes today as a symbol for those who know what true beauty means virtue and honor.

The closure of the Plaza Hotel A perspective of the United Kingdom

The imminent closure of the famous Plaza Hotel in New York, has left lovers of classic hotels around the world in shock. However, while the Plaza seems destined to become a shopping center and condominiums, the classic hotel across the UK are enjoying something of a renaissance, with an increasing number of guests who seek comfort in Their historical charm as an alternative to the culture of marketing mass corporate hotel chains.

Manhattan has always been one of the largest in the world to find innovative hotels. Since its opening in 1907, the Plaza Hotel hosted the hoi polio in New York as well as significant foreign dignitaries and even the Beatles in their first U.S. tour. The hotel was also the focus of many famous films including The great Gatsby, Arthur and Al Pacino Oscar-winning classic, Scent of a Woman.

However, the hotel is not only the playground of the rich and famous. Interwoven with the fabric of New York City hotel has traditionally been open to people of all walks of life imaginable. Proms from school for weddings and birthday parties the hotel holds special memories for thousands of people throughout the city and will always be synonymous with the famous Central Park.

E 'for these reasons that there WAS so much noise when real estate conglomerate Elad Properties has decided that the square could no longer be financially viable as a hotel of 805 deluxe rooms. In a plan brought together in haste, it was decided that the hotel was converted into a shopping center and condominiums. As a result of recent months has seen a flurry of "Save the Plaza" commercials depicting people who have special memories of the hotel. The website has established http://www.friendsoftheplaza.com "Join the Fight" campaign page where visitors can sign a petition to help save the Plaza.

Perhaps largely because of this successful campaign has been an agreement on April 14, 2005 where 350 hotel rooms will still be preserved - although plans for the reception and the center will go. To an outside observer looking from the UK that hardly seems possible that a historic landmark building could be torn down for the sake of financial gain. However, it is a pattern repeated across America with hotel standard way to do large chains, shops and casinos.

In the United Kingdom seems at odds with classic hotels becoming more popular than ever. An example is the magnificent Balmoral Hotel in Edinburgh city center. The hotel is quite "simply part of the furniture" in central Edinburgh within walking distance of Old Town, the Castle and the famous Princes Street Gardens. As described on the website of the accommodation and short break provider http://www.superbreak.com, "many hotels claim to have Edinburgh's landmarks on their own doorstep, few can say their doorstep is a point reference. "

To convert this Scottish hotel in a mall is just ridiculous - an idea that would never be entertained. Other classic hotels across the UK are also enjoying going ever stronger as the famous Chester Grosvenor and Spa. Again situated in an area rich in history the hotel combines classic service and architecture of all modern amenities you would expect from a luxury hotel. Once again the idea of this beautiful building to become a block of flats would be unthinkable.

While The Plaza in New York, survive to a certain extent, in May 2005 has seen close to the public in its current state. This result, as the Friends of the Square made, "is a crime against the history of destroying this architecturally and socially significant piece of this great city." It is a vision that is shared among the American public, but unfortunately not for their brothers company ...

Raven Pacific Northwest Native Canadian Art

The most important symbol to many Pacific Northwest Native Canadian people is the Raven bird who is considered the Creator's assistant. It is said that the Raven could transform into anything. He was responsible for supplying the rivers and seas with fish and put the sun in the sky. That is why the Raven is sometimes referred to as the 'bearer of light'. Interestingly enough, the Raven's antics were thought to be motivated by greed. It 'was also said that he loved to tease and trick that gave him the reputation of being a crook. Despite his selfishness, the Raven is also a cultural hero since his mischievous actions always helped the world.

According to a Pacific Northwest Native Canadian legend, an old chief hid the sun in a box. The Ravens turned into a pine needle, which fell in drinking water that the daughter of the chief drank. She became pregnant and a son was born. One day, the chief finally gave into the Raven's (now disguised as his grandson) whining and allowed him to play with the sun in the box. Once the box was out, the Raven broke it and turned back to its original bird. He got the sun in its beak and flew towards the sky, the sun setting in its right place.

According to the Pacific Northwest Native Canadian people, gifts with the prestigious Raven symbol are appropriate for a respected person or a hero.

Learning a foreign language: the psychological factor

When it comes to learning a foreign language, many wonder whether they will be able to memorize enough vocabulary. But this question never occurs about their mother tongue. Still, it was a foreign language; Nevertheless, Among all the questions new parents ask, no doctor has ever heard: "Will my child be able to learn my language?" Be honest. You know all the words in your mother tongue? The answer is "no." New words and new ways of using old words, appear every day. Twenty years ago, it would be able to understand this sentence: "Click here to download your digital book"? None. You never stop acquiring new vocabulary and you never know how long it will need. You have to use "tomagotchi?

When you do not know the exact name of a thing, do not hesitate to call "thing". Why do you think that foreigners do otherwise? (The French word for thing and machine. This is a good start! You already know the word that can replace virtually any other!)

Sometimes, you have the word on the tip of my tongue ... and it sticks there! But you know that and I do not think that is because of a bad memory. You should not give this phenomenon more importance in the language they are learning that in your native language.

You need to learn French words only 2000 or so base as to be able to create any paraphrase you need. You can not avoid some work to learn these essential words and more so if you want to learn quickly. Before buying contemplate a method learn-in-a-wind, be sure it is right for you. It is not as wise as it is said to rely on a method based on mnemonic. The first words seem very easy to learn here, so, the method of purchase, and you discover quickly, though too late, that a dozen words later, was even more difficult to learn a new word that you also have to learn the trick to store.

The theme will be next on the lists of words, why they work and why they do not.

Learning a foreign language: Learn From The Blind

Scientific studies on memory can help to enrich your vocabulary quickly and, if not easier, much easier than you think. According to the criteria of accessibility, a menu website should not count more than nine articles is the larger number of items that blind people can store at one time. And most often, the blind are able to focus to what average people.

In a previous article, we read that establih own lists was the best way to learn vocabulary as fast as possible. Let us examine what an effective list looks like. Among prejudices about languages, there is the following: it is necessary to establish huge lists in order to acquire as many words as possible. WRONG!

The list contains the most effective 5-6 words at a time. Yes! Your larger list contains 6 words. Are you still afraid of the task? I'm sure you can deal with six words at a time. If you could draw your memory, you call a studio. The first room, the Flash memory is big enough for 6 items. Your deep memory, the second bedroom, has no limits, but can receive no more than 6 items at a time and want to confirm the order.

What happens when you fight against nature?
If you go on your solliciting immediate memory and try to add a new item when there is no room left, will make room for this new element (the memory is obedient, from a certain point of view) by pushing out something else. The newcomer is not added, which replaces the oldest in the queue. If you are lucky, the last 6 elements in deep memory had been stored when you tried to add a push-out and the word enters your deep memory. More often, as you have experienced, it disappears. This is why the memory seems a little 'temperamental until you know how it works.

If you decide to learn a foreign language, you can not rely on luck to enrich your vocabulary. Do not fight against nature, use it. Take advantage of this human characteristic, instead of fighting with it. You have item boxes are, but the number of tiles is unlimited, and anyway, long lists are boring.

Fill a box, send confirm your order! Again and again. It 's the fastest and best way to enrich your vocabulary. Recognize the "factor the first five minutes? When you start a novel, when you start watching a movie, meet the characters. Honestly, how often you have to rewind the tape to meet a second time? Never. Nor is it necessary to read the first chapter of a book. (Although I admit that I have a problem with the characters of Dostoevsky).

Making the first five minutes of your memory slave factor.

1 - Check 6 words in a dictionary.

2 - Read them. Whenever possible, learn words association (see Part II): table / chair, son / daughter, inside / outside, up / down etc. Make associations that are meaningful to you. I think it is easy to learn "son" and daughter, but you can feel easier to learn "son" and "boy". Any Association that works for you is a good.

3 - Take a break to clear the immediate memory. (For me, singing a verse is enough.) Let the new words "sleep" for an hour while you fill the other boxes. At the end of the session, review everything.

4 - The next day, review the entire list again, carefully, window box, before filling a new one.

It seems slow to learn how? It is not. Remember the loss of time was to learn and re-learn the same words in your school years, and still not know them. Put this method in practice until the next issue: why and how to become a kind of ventriloquism.

Language learning: Why do you want to learn the words you never use in your mother tongue?

The previous article explains why the methods based on mnemonic does not work (alas!). However, one must learn the vocabulary, to master a foreign language. This is a list of words a valuable tool?

Imagine a child sitting at a desk with his head in his hands, and mumbling various lists of words over and over again. If this child memento of your experience? If so, I bet that "list of words" does not sound appealing to you. You are almost ready to swear that do not work. Before you mortgage your part of paradise, it may be wise to make sure you're right.

You can open a dictionary and begin to memorize (the dictionary is simply a list of words). There are many dictionaries that have shown the same resources a lot of websites do support images, color, with captions. You know, because he has already tried to enrich your vocabulary in this way. The scope of tasks to curb your enthusiasm. Although not a bad way to learn vocabulary, is also the best way for one person: the author of the list. Why?

You are unique. Your memory is unique, not only because your memories are yours and yours alone, but also because the way they shop is yours and yours alone. In large part, the memory is an association of ideas and associations do depend on your experience.

Let us examine an example to clarify. Ask anyone to write a word in connection with the common word "horse". You get Sea, race, or Trojan horse, etc., depending on the person who answers.
He replied that "sea" could go ahead with stable, foals and even cows and other livestock, he said that "race" probably get on with racing and tote. Obviously, their life experiences are very different. "Cavalleria" would lead to King Arthur, chainmail and tournament, and "Trojan" will meet Homer, Odyssey, god and goddess. If you're a linguist, is most likely associated with horse riding, horse hair, knight and jokes and think that the list is easy to remember. Conversely, if you are not interested in medieval history, "listing the" horse slip your mind.

The more personal connections between words, easier way to learn them. This is why a list of the best work for its author. The connections between the words pre-exist in the author's head. Thus, paving the way, prepare your list!

It fits with your way of thinking;
It meets with your center of interest;
It meets your requirements;
Be learned by looking at half the words you want to know.

In the third issue, we'll see how to take advantage of scientific studies on human memory. There are many ways to learn a foreign language. Why did you choose the most difficult?

Learning a foreign language: the lesson of ventriloquists'

From one point of view, ventriloquists are poets: what matters is not just what they say, but how they say it. To master a foreign language, adopt the attitude of the ventriloquist.

The main feature that you have to master, to call yourself a ventriloquist, is to speak without moving his lips. Not so difficult. There is a trick, of course. The sounds M, L and P to move his lips, like the sounds V and F, but to a lesser extent. So, to be a ventriloquist, you should ban any word with m, bop inside and avoid to pronounce words FV. If your name is Mabel or Patrick, choose a stage name!

Try to say where you come from. Try now. It 's the best way to understand how it works. "I come from ...". No, your lips move. Try again: "I was born in. .." Much better! You are almost a ventriloquist.

There is a competition of this kind between teachers, for example: How to express "I lost my phone and my credit card at the garage 4WD" in Latin. (I agree, Latin teachers are, well, Latin teachers.) Is very similar to the game you played in the schoolyard: you had to answer many questions using the word as requested, but avoiding others. Remember! It was not easy to "Rhinoceros" and avoid "zoo" when asked: "Where were you on Sunday?" However, you could! You were a gifted ventriloquist MBP avoided the word "zoo".

In your language, you use circumlocutions to exclude certain words. In a parallel passage, who speak a foreign language is to learn to use circumlocutions to avoid some words: those who do not know.

Think about the words you do not know how your words MBP.

Do not try to pronounce words MBP without moving his lips, you should spend valuable time for nothing. Do not fight against obstacles, get around them. Ventriloquists not master the movements of their lips, choose their words. Whatever the chosen language to learn, there are always several ways to express something.

Critical thinking To Go: Dodging The Pepperoni Pizza error

Nowadays we often hear in the news journalistic items about religion and politics, or faith and something else, as the proposal "duo du jour" usually sit in opposition to one another. You could do this, of course, just as easily with other areas of human thought, as with sociology vs. history, or economics vs. psychology. But most people do not seem as interested in this exercise as they seem anxious to set "religion" before any other area where you might find interesting.

But this is rather a strange way of seeing things (at best), and could rightly be called propaganda (at worst) in many cases. You see, life does not come at us in slices, like a large pizza peppers go. When humans experience an event, not meeting in a parade of well-cut segments, as if the civil war first showed us its psychological effects, then came the economic aspects, then only after a look its technological innovations.

Just as with the runningback who grasps a fumbled football in the midst of many linesmen, life happens to us "all at once." Only after taking in an event of historical importance, and reflect on it a bit ', we can slice it to study some of the parts or aspects in isolation from others - as pundits might do, say, a textbook of economics. This of course makes the students especially prone to confuse the way things happen on paper with the way in which they occur on a battlefield, or in the midst of a revolution.

Now this error - the error of confusing real life with its written counterpart, does not appear in the texts of informal logic. But it should, because clearly many tricks these days.

So, what to call it? At first I tried the "fallacy of compartmentalized reality." I can hear the students now, "whatever". Then I thought, "the fallacy of reflective segmenting." huh? Finally, I landed on the label more user-friendly, "Pepperoni Pizza Fallacy. Surely students can take and digest this supreme combination of words (or was that" combination "supreme?).

For example, I recently took a lively supporter of Mr. Darwin's views. During our discussion, he suggested that evolutionary notions merely comprised of "biological theories, and had mistakenly informed the ethics of it all. Here, the peppers began to fly.

It did not seem to realize (as Mr. Darwin clearly did) that theories that could properly be called "organic" (or scientific) can - and often - have obvious ethical implications. Ideas have logical consequences not restricted to one academic field. You can not win a debate simply put a fence around an idea arbitrary and screams at his children involved "Now stay!" As illegal immigrants - tend to jump the borders when you try.

This means that Darwinism, neo-Darwinism and "Punctuationism," like all other ideas, have logical consequences (implications) that affect every aspect of human thought and life. That's why you can find evolutionary ideas discussed in psychology texts, history books, magazines and even pop.

In any case, evade or ignore certain aspects of the logical idea to have the upper hand in a debate - or to keep their ship from sinking altogether - now has a name. Armed with this knowlegde, you can clearly and distinctly show others when needed, that life tranpires only as a set of integrated circumstances, and that ideas have logical effects not properly limited to any one academic field.

Reality and logic are not made to order with extra cheese, so do not get a discount on them with a coupon. To make a good case, then we must follow the rules of valid reasoning and sound.

Who wants to see the above discussion can view it at: http://ophirgold.blogspot.com. Just look for the article with the title fool, "The failure of taxonomic evolutionary theory," and read the "comments". See if you can spot the fallacy pepperoni pizza there.

They would have seen it coming

A comedian once showed a newspaper to his audience. The title read, "1-800 Astrology Business goes by: They should have seen coming." Everyone laughed, including me. We giggled the irony of a real contradiction here. If such a company could provide the service they claim, then its owners should have succeeded where other companies failed. In fact, if she knew the future that probably will not bother with this business at all. They would simply raid the stock market with a record of perfect investment. We are all a bit 'instinctively know, even those of us who have never had the opportunity to sit down and think carefully.

But this pseudo-science is another problem that concerns us. And 'members that create the horoscope columns garden-variety (found in most any newspaper) spotlights a basic contradiction. On the one hand, they pretend to tell your future based on the time of your birth and alignment of the stars or planets. Philosophers have called this hypothesis "astral determinism."

This simply means that the stars and planets determine your future, hence the phrase, "written in the stars." On the other hand, however, when the predictors finish telling only what hit you, move on the next column. Offer advice. But this advice can take or leave, as if you have a free choice to make, the outcome of which determines any star.

So they take the astral determinism, if the prediction, and then take her hand, when consulting. One simply can not have both. The only way to resolve this contradiction comes from the blue to say that determine some things but not others. This avoids contradictory impulses, however, at the cost of engaging a purely arbitrary (choose whichever you like) approach to what stars do not determine your life. Yet their rankings promise a principle (not arbitrary) way to know the future. Therefore, this option does not progress logically.

In both cases, therefore, the assumptions necessary for the trade of star-traffickers are shown false. All this proves a mirage useless. astral determinism is therefore a false idea, and we can prove this with a little logical rigor.

Finally then, we want to add insult to injury mystical logic by noting that our rejection of astral determinism is a problem quite clear and evident to their business. And like the bugs that can not completely avoid the windshield fast approaching - that should have seen it coming.

Understanding the I-Ching and Tai Chi

Tai Chi, the last Grand, was found in the First Book of Changes, or otherwise known as I-Ching. The legend says that this scripture is written by the first emperor of the Zhou Dynasty - Zhou Wen Wang. Thus I-Ching is also known as Zhou-Yi.

I-Ching, or Book of Changes, with his name, said that life is in constant flux of change. The word I (Yi in pinyin) means 'change' in Chinese. It 'consists of people of the sun and moon, which represents the yang and yin, respectively.

It has a verse saying: "Changes Ultimate has the Great, giving rise to two factors. The two elements give rise to phenomena Four, and give rise to phenomena Four Eight Hexagrams ..."

We begin with the word Tai Chi - the last Grand. Means in fact the first, the beginning ... of all events and things. In some cases, it refers to the ancient Chinese Universe.

In one of the scriptures, it says that "one yin and one yang is the Way ..." This means that all changes of events and things in the universe come from this conflict, but united forces of yin and yang.

For this reason in from Tai Chi, there arises in two elements - yin and yang. Take a look at the diagram of Tai Chi, who is best known as the diagram 2-fish in China. It is a circle divided into 2 sections in proportion. The circle represents the Tai Chi, or the whole universe, and within this total, there are two elements.

The division of yin and yang in Tai Chi means that there are two opposing elements, represented by black and white section section respectively. Yet, the division is not a straight division, but a curved division - which means that the 2 opposing elements actually accommodate another to form a complete circle.

First, this means that, if it is broken down as opposing elements - joined to form the complete whole. The opposing forces of yin and yang together but became the basis of thought in I-Ching. It uses the concepts of Tai Chi-Ching, yin and yang elements as basic concepts to explain the physical and meta-physical aspects of the world.

Secondly, the division curve gives a sense of balance. Here we are talking about balancing yin and yang elements here. There is this statement in I-Ching: "When the yin is extreme, the yang is born. And when the yang goes to extremes, the yin is born".

See diagram 2-fish again. If you go counter-clock wise along the diameter of the circle Tai Chi, you will see that as something grows more and reach its peak, the other will begin to grow instead. For example, if you move along the diameter on the black side you will see that the 'half' represented by the black makes it big and then suddenly shrink and white 'means' begins to grow instead. This means that if an item goes to extremes, the other starts to set in.

What does this mean for us then?

Simple: we must balance our life in every aspect, and not just focus on only one or a few. We need to balance work and personal life, family and friends, between material and spiritual, and the list goes on. Otherwise, there will be disharmony in our lives.

Third, increase or decrease the movement of yin and yang elements within the Tai Chi diagram suggests that life changes constantly to and from the joy of good and evil, and pain, happiness and sadness, and high and low quality between the two extremes. This is the dualistic principle in I-Ching.

In all events or things, there are two qualities within. There is no such thing as good or perfectly bad things complete. And 'the degree of good or bad that matters.

Take for example, we can say that a person is good because there is not a bad quality in him, or a bad person because he or she have never done any 'good' at all? A good person can sometimes guilty of small bad deeds, and a bad person can sometimes get something good in him or her. Do you?

A good thing may have some downside in it. And conversely, a bad thing might have some positive side in it. It depends on how we perceive the problem. This is the dualistic principle in I-Ching.

This goes to the following concepts. In the diagram, within each element, there is a point in it. The black section has a white dot, while the white section has a black dot. What does this mean? We move now following statement: The two elements give rise to phenomena Four. This means, in the yin element, there will be yang element and vice versa, in the yang element, there is yin element.

What does it mean for us?

In all events or things, there will be something good or bad, the good and some bad. Just as there are some yin yang, yin and some yang. For example, when a person wins a race, the other will lose the race. There is bad news before the good news, there is pain, of joy, there is between winning and losing so on.

In life, there will be mixtures of joy, good and evil, and pain, happiness and sadness, winning and losing, high and low, and all come in a 'package'!

Therefore, we must learn to be more give and take - and accept the nature of life as it is. Enjoy the good things, and accept the bad with courage and grace. This will then help us to achieve a more balanced and harmonious life.

Tai Chi concepts of yin and yang became influential to the ancient Chinese, and has found its way to the philosophy, theories, medicine, art of war, religion, art and how to maintain life. Has found its way into Daoism, which in some way, people claimed that Tai Chi is under the idea of Daoism, which is not true at all. Should be the opposite.

Whatever it is, the understanding of the principles of I Ching helps us understand the nature of life itself to a better balance and manage our ups and downs to face our daily chores and challenges. And I wish you all a great success and harmony in your life. May the Energy of Tai Chi be with you!

Written by:
C. Soo Guan
http://www.TaichiForYourHealth.com

Brief History in Religious Jewelry

Jewelry is a broad term that describes any ornamental adornment on the body. It includes toe rings and tiaras at all. Jewellery has been used in every culture throughout history and in many ways. While in our culture today jewelry serves mostly an aesthetic purpose, jewelry can serve other functions as well. Jewelry is used to represent social rank or service, age, marital status, and tribal affinity. In addition, jewelry serves as emblems of religious, social and political. Indeed, one of the first uses of jewelry was to show religious affiliation. The following are the main cultures that began the use of jewelry and religious symbols and common uses of their jewelry.

Egyptian religious jewelry

religious jewelry in Egypt was very symbolic. Some common symbols in Ancient Egyptian religious jewelry include the scarab (beetle), lotus, serpent, falcon, and the eye. The scarab is a symbol of good luck and resurrection while the 'Eye of Horus "represents healing. A common symbol of the time called the "Ankh" is meant to represent eternal life. Religious jewelry was extravagant, consisting of gold and semi-precious stones and were worn by men and women. When Roman arrived, Egyptian religious jewelry was made of cheaper materials and more Christian symbols have been used. When Islam came into Egypt men were forbidden to wear gold jewelry. At this time silver jewelry became more popular in religious jewelry in Egypt. Religious jewelry is still widely used in Egypt, but not as extravagant the Ancient Egyptian religious jewelry.

Roman Christianity and Religious Jewelry

Art and architecture thrived when St. Constantine Christianized the Roman Empire. At this time some popular symbols were created that are still used in Christian art and jewelry. These include the cross, the rosary, and the Christian fish charm. The cross is a symbol of God's love and remembrance of Christ's suffering. Rosary beads are beads that began in the Roman Christian world but are now used mainly by the Catholic Church (officially accepted by the Catholic Church during the approval of the rosary in 1520). Rosary is also used in Islam and Buddhist faith. The Christian fish charm came about when early Christians would make an acronym with the Greek word for fish, Ichthys, "Iesous Theou Yios Christos Soter (Jesus Christ, Son of God Savior). This symbol attracted less attention to the persecuted Christians. The Christian charm remains very popular today.

Native American Jewelry

Native American Religious jewelry was a symbol for nature, played a role in religious ceremonies, and represented status. Natural materials were used in their jewelry including feathers along with minerals such as turquoise and metals like silver. These natural materials were a reminder of the earth around them. Healing ceremonies and harvest rituals, the people would care to wear specific types of religious jewelry that were the right color, made of materials, and that is the right symbol for that event. The jewelry that is worn by a person who is representative of different life stages of an individual is entered into. Many adolescents tribes started in adulthood when they receive the spiritual totem consisting of shells, beads, or symbols from nature. Native American religious jewelry was also given to women after there first menses and to newly married couples. Religious jewelry has played a significant role in Native American culture.

Because our culture today uses jewelry mostly for decorative purposes we often forget the roots of jewelry and how, for some cultures, may have a deeper spiritual meaning. Recognizing the importance of this religious jewelry in other cultures allows us to see more symbolic uses that jewelry can be used.

Call Russia Feeling Like a Royal Romanov

Prepare to be greeted by the Russians, with a grandiose display of a regal past from the Romanov to Peter the Great and Catherine the Great. Form of high peaks, arched bridges, graceful canals, onion domes, icon paintings and wedding-cake skyscrapers, a fusion of Western and Eastern influences can be found everywhere. Backed by a legacy of great art and literature such as Tolstoy, Chekhov, Pushkin, Rublev, Levitan and Vrubel ', the Russians are a cultured community who are widely read and attend the theater regularly.

Now the connection with Russia, and make a call to friends and relatives, is faster and cheaper. However, before placing a call to Russia, find out what the current time is in the city you wish to call. How to extend Russia an incredible time zones eleven years, and Moscow and St. Petersburg are three hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time. This implies that is eight hours later than it is on the east coast of the continental United States and eleven hours later than the West Coast.

Simple Steps to Call Russia:

 Dial the country code - 011.  Dial the country code of Russia - 7.  The '0 'at the beginning of city code does not need to be called. (Code of the City of Moscow is 095) Dial  the remaining digits.

Over the years, the rates of Russia is in constant decline. Offers between 2 cents per minute to 12 cents per minute to call Russia are now very common among long distance providers and phone card companies. What is the trick? Again, you heard of connection fees, monthly charges and maintenance costs? These can add up to big and can easily double the rates as promised by these telephone companies. And another thing, while the telephone system in Russia is one of the most advanced in the world, be aware that there are cheap long distance carriers that can really make connections frustrating for consumers.

Privet (preevyet pronounced) is the normal way of saying 'hello' or 'good morning' in general Russian parlance. English is a language spoken in Russia, where communication can be a problem. Especially since the same word in Russian can have several meanings, like English homonyms. Be armed with significant numbers or Nyet (no) just might be the only answer you get. Good-natured persistence can easily turn into an encore (yes).

The next time you want to call Russia without confusion, the use of prepaid long distance - and not worry about his name, when you call and how you speak. With prepaid long distance calling Russia is the easiest and cheapest you can get.

Learn to speak basic Chinese (Mandarin) Words and phrases

The Chinese language and dialects

Every province, every city and every village speaks their dialect. There are hundreds of Chinese dialects in China, so that each dialect speaker is not able to understand another dialect speaker from another village or city. Fortunately, Mandarin, the official dialect, is understood by all dialect speakers.

We learn a few basic words useful and common Mandarin and phrases that will help you break barriers with your Chinese friends.

How are you? But Ni Hao

Also commonly shorten to Ni Hao.

This will probably be the first Mandarin phrase that you will ever learn. Useful as a greeting or an icebreaker. Suitable for use with all ages and professions.

Thanks Xie Xie.

Another polite term that is easy to remember and use.

Very Good Hen Hao.

This is useful when praise for a job or a job well done. Also useful as a response to those who say "Ni Hao Ma? 'To you.

Ni Hao Ma? (How are you?)

Hen hao (very good)

No Good Bu Hao.

This is useful when there is a need to comment on a shoddy or incomplete job or task. Can also be used as a reply to Ni Hao Ma? but may not be such a good response.

Ni Hao Ma? (How are you?)

Bu Hao (No Good)

Hen Gui Very expensive.

When bargaining in the shops, this is the best term to use when driving a hard bargain.

You do not want or No Bu Yao.

This is the best term to use for touts - street vendors that you approach every tourist stop to ask you to buy things. Bu Yao .... will stop them in their tracks.

This is beautiful hen Piao Liang.

Use this phrase to praise something that is good or beautiful. It can also be used when meeting a pretty girl too!

Taxi De Shi.

De Shi is the correct term, but it should also be understood if you use the English word for Taxi. They play both anyway.

Goodbye or See You Again "Zai Jian.

Well, I think this is another term that is easily understandable, although the English term is used.

Excuse Me Jie Guo.

There is always a crowd in tourist areas. There are so many Chinese who wants to see the same monuments too. Instead of pushing your way through the crowd, using the term Jie Guo may just open the road ahead for you!

He received Piao.

Always ask for the receipt or Fa Piao at the shops or a taxi. This can be useful if you need to complain of fraud or poor quality products. Also useful if you leave behind your bag or camera in the taxi.

I do not want Wo Bu Yao.

Useful when refusing a tout or when offered a drink too many at the table.

Have a cause? Wear a rubber wristband!

Are the hottest wearable right now, despite the fashion gurus adding the adjective 'once trendy' while with them. Yes we are talking about rubber wristbands. Can not run away anymore. Be it evacuees at Gaza or NBA football stars, all wearing these bands. Passing fad? I do not know, but they are still selling like hotcakes.

If you have just emerged from a time machine and can not distinguish a rubber strap from a tennis wristband, read this: Were rubber bracelets popularized by famous cycling champion Lance Armstrong who fought and survived multiple tumors. Armstrong wore a yellow rubber bracelet signed during his record sixth straight victory in the Tour de France in July.

Armstrong was diagnosed with testicular cancer that had spread to the lungs and brain when he was 25. He won the 1999 Tour de France and has won six consecutive years. The 'Livestrong' rubber bracelets Lance Armstrong Foundation by half to show support for those fighting cancer. The sale of these bracelets blow when Oprah Winfrey encouraged her viewers to order a bracelet when Armstrong was a guest on his show.

The Live Strong rubber bracelets sell for $ 1 each. And they are still selling at a price of 200,000 per day. Funds raised through the sale of them will support the Lance Armstrong Foundation's efforts to help young cancer patients and their family members to live strong.

Today there are rubber bracelets of all colors - blue, pink, yellow, striped ... The blue rubber wristband was launched by BBC Radio One, and has the words 'Beat Bullying' printed on it. This bracelet is very popular among players. One of the most popular rubber bracelets are all the 'support our troops bracelet' worn by family members of U.S. soldiers. They come in many colors. Those are about the pink breast cancer awareness.

These bracelets are made of silicone or rubber. There are also paper and leather wristbands and ornamental bracelets.

Wearing a bracelet is a good way to announce your support for any good cause. What's more, you can have your custom message printed on it. The beauty of rubber bracelets that can be worn in any situation.

What does the popularity of permanent rubber bracelets mean? That are more than just an accessory. There are about attitude, a reminder of one of the many worthy causes that drive human civilization ahead. Are about the human need for solidarity with those fighting against powerful forces.

Yes, rubber bracelets are a need of civilization in these turbulent times. Let the fashion gurus call it a fad, or what they want. But these rubber bracelets are here to stay.

If you have just cause to support, show it by wearing a rubber bracelet.

The dreams and weaves

We watched "Dreamweavers" July 22, the day that our teacher was absent. We just came into class, took out our pens and notebooks, and watched as one of the guys got the material ready. After a while 'everything was ready and the film was rolling. It was over in about 30-45 minutes. And now, thirteen days are gone and I'm writing a thinkpiece culture. Yup, thirteen days. It took me so long to get my thinking juices flowing. And now that I think it is better to start with the real things.

During one of our classes, our professor defined culture as "shared beliefs and practices passed on from one generation to another, and parted the blackboard with the beliefs and practices on the left side to right side. It soon began to jot down our thoughts on the examples of beliefs and practices that we find examples in our daily lives. The practices were, in fact, very practical, and what I saw then I see now a little 'confused blur is that beliefs are very practical. What causes do not walk under a ladder while walking along a sidewalk next to a construction site? What makes girls think twice before making the first move on a guy she likes? What this tells us to eat and not eat this? I could go on and on as long as I can, but my point is this: for me the beliefs and practices could not be "compartmentalized as separate categories ..." to find that the practices are ways of expressing and implement the concepts that apply.

Take for example T'boli. They are known for their intricate canvas Tnalac. Why tiles? What drives them to work in this boring day and night for months, never stopping until you achieve it?

T'boli woman who was interviewed in the documentary said that the designs of cloth from their dreams, the Goddess of Weave, Fu Dalu. In his dreams, his spirit goes to a house. She is a tnalac in a corner that has to look far. If she approaches, she would not see the drawing. After waking up, working on the project immediately, for fear of upsetting the goddess and to be punished with Ku Dumon (I am not sure of the spelling of this name) with certain diseases. Then you teach the art for their daughter (s), which in turn teach these to the next generation.

Now, culture is "shared". But is shared by all people around the group? And 'uniform? It 'true that somehow culture creates a structure for a people, as a die with holes. Now, because I said it has holes? Defines the culture of a people, so that most make the mistake of generalizing or stereotyping. But the mere fact that generalization is a mistake, and set a stereotype is a bad move, only shows that although culture is shared by most people in the whole group, not shared by everyone. At first they all seem to do so because there was nothing "right way" to do things right, and many years ago there seemed to be less, or none, non-conformists. But it requires some changes constantly deviate from "the old ways" in order to survive.

This was illustrated in the second part of the documentary that appear when some women and even men (for the first men were not allowed to weave this will anger the gods), weaving was not required because the Dalu, but because " modern world demanded it. People outside of Lake Sebu has come to bring their land their products and practices, and their money. The government has granted their land to others so that the T'boli could no longer hunt and gather in it. The T'boli were forced to sell some of their things, his job, because they could no longer live off the land, or to barter for their needs. The tnalac was once equivalent to a house or a horse, or was enough for the dowry, or to pay taxes has been reduced to something that was worth $ 2.00 to $ 8.00 per meter, Depending on the fabric. Before it was all quality, and the cloth was woven so carefully from beginning to end. Now everything was admitted because there was a great demand for it, and there was no time for dreams. Tnalac was once perceived as a sacred cloth, and was not allowed to be cut. But now even some of the same T'boli say: "Do not worry", and cut the cloth according to the wishes of the customer. Then, men's work was only to cut the tree root in order to extract the fibers. But as I said, that was then, and now the fabric men.

The texture was once a prestigious location, and a woman who knew how to weave was granted the position of a "Boi," which amounted to a Datu. Now, I wonder if we go see them too, we still see Boi, or that we only see women in their desperate attempt to keep their families and live?

Although their dances and their music, once performed on special occasions, have been reserved for all events for visitors. The precious stones that once contained the jewels of T'boli are now based on old ballpoint pens, spindle-shaped and look likely to be substitutes for the gifts of the earth.
In a place that was once one of the things without money, everything had a price. Many rules have been broken many traditions compromised, all because of the need to survive.

After all, as they say, "If you can not beat them, join them".

But thank God, because there are those who insist on keeping their culture alive. Some teach the traditions, dances and music in schools and within their families, reconciling what they learn in school with culture T'boli. They were afraid that soon lose their art and their traditions. In doing so, they knew they would be able to delay his death, if not keep everything.

I read an article from Asian woman in a week on the Internet called Fides Enriquez, who came to the Philippines in 1998 as part of the research project of San Francisco's Filipino Folk Ensemble Likhi. Visited Mindanao and the T'boli, and having gained their confidence, the women gave T'boli tissues that could sell. She brought these to the United States and sent the case back to T'boli. She believed that doing so would be able to share the world the meaning and importance of the fabric and culture that was the lifeblood of these intricate designs. "We need to educate people on what exactly t'nalak - not just something nice you can cut and bring in a bag. "

T'boli Another woman was featured in the documentary. She was married to a man who was also a T'boli but were not married how to T'boli were already Christianized. Somehow, the culture persisted and the man fell ill. The witch doctors told them that if they were not married T'boli the way, the husband would die. So ready for a wedding, only this time they did their parents and previous generations did. And man, but I also soon enough. (My point here is that I do not believe in witches, but in ways unimaginable, culture continues.)

Culture defines us. It 'gives us identity. It says to people outside of our culture and what we can contribute to the world. And 'the invisible cord that binds people of that country. It tells us where we belong and how to live and cope with our daily lives. And as the title of my thinkpiece States, we weave what we dream. These things form in our heads and keep our minds, the commands of the gods (and in my case, God) will be worth nothing if not "weave" them. What we do believe that this shift to a form of existence of life and a vital force. We live what we breathe, we breathe what we live, and I think this is why culture and conservation is so important to a people.

"If a personal dream is not in agreement with the company," the old Boi said, "then have fallen away from society."

The clock and your cup of coffee

This is what I watch your shows?:

06:30 - coffee brewing. The rich aroma confirms the day started. Time to take a cup and participate.

09:40 - A break during the day. If the day is monotonous or hectic your coffee break tells you that time moves forward.

12:30 - lunch time and time off the clock. A fellow worker joins you in the dining room where you point to hash the hassle of the day, talk your family and discuss your plans for the annual holiday. Lunch twenty down with a cup of Joe.

03:00 - The afternoon is neither beginning nor end. A cup of coffee is just what you need to get a boost. Taking a moment to chat with a fellow worker at the coffee is not bad.

20:00 - Meeting with friends for dinner is a great way to end the day. Drinks, some Appy and a good meal with a lingering conversation over coffee makes for a good final.

Your days go something like this? Coffee keeping your day planned?

AS WE drink?

With Americans drink 300 million cups of coffee every day, not surprising that our day, and our social interactions are often associated with having a cup of coffee.

The coffee trend of 'specialty' has only added to our national pastime.

The SCAA (Specialty Coffee Association of America) reports that consumption of specialty coffee DAILY increased from 9% of the adult population in 2000 to 16% in 2004. occasional indulgence is an impressive 56%!

Sales of coffee alone (without buying the sales of seeds) was a whopping $ 8.47 billion in 2003!

We stop here? No. We take these beans to prepare at home as well - and so our cycle goes on.

It brings up the question:

If it were not for coffee - is the ticking clock? Would stop watches? How can we get from one point in the day to day with nothing to measure time passing?

What about non-drinkers?

Whether you personally feel that coffee controls the day may be useful for you to take a moment and reflect on how our society is evolving into a coffee Established routines rather than just a drink.

This leaves out non-drinkers? Has replaced smoking as the coffee social connection? Clearly, the dangers are not the same, but the dependence could be. Just to be sure, why not replace the coffee with another drink decaf or even the occasional odd - you'll enjoy the social aspects as much as the drink in hand!

And by the way ... stop watching the clock!