Soul Journey

While thinking over this past week, after Christmas and before New Years, I was watching the news on all the New Years traditions that the Southern United States still adheres to. Things like eating greens for financial security in the coming year, not taking your trash out on New Years for luck, and black-eyed peas for something my great gramma used to tell me, but I find myself forgetting. The South is full of superstitions, as most places are, but I woke up this morning thinking about those. I was wondering where they came from - like the fear that if you sweep your house after dark, you'll sweep your good luck away because you can't tell the difference without the light - and I realized that...

Guitar players cover a number of styles of music, from blues to jazz to rock to pop to speed metal and on and on. And since every style of music is different and every guitar is different, it would then seem a natural conclusion that each style of music is going to have a guitar that is more suited for that style. So, the question, for those who are considering taking up the guitar and getting their first one is, what guitar do you get? If you're interested in jazz do you get the same kind of guitar as somebody who wants to play speed metal? Well, it might be an interesting experiment, but most likely the answer would be, no. So, what guitar should each person get, depending on what kind of...

On April 18, 2006, San Francisco will commemorate the centennial of the San Francisco Earthquake and Fire, an event that leveled that city. The number of people who died has never been more than estimated. The other loses of various kinds ran into what today would be billions of dollars.On that first day this photo was taken from the St. Francis Hotel, showing the city in flames. Less than 24 hours later the St. Francis would also have been gutted.Behind that crumbling facade of human invention stood a man with an active, analytical mind. One man taking action would change what others refused to see because of those tragic days. Arthur C. Pillsbury would capture in film a lesson that would change...

The following good habits are actually shared by most dermatologists as their best advices for a clear complexion. Good Habit #1: Avoid Too Much Cosmeceuticals Numerous experts have said that with more and more beauty potions with alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs), antioxidants, salicylic acids, and retinoids in them, blending a cleanser from one line with a scrub or daytime moisturizer from another, then a night cream from yet another can lead to over-exfoliation as well as irritation. This can no doubt add up to a real dilemma, especially for those women who have olive and darker complexions. This is also possible for women who are more prone to discoloration when their skin is irritated. So, to...

After years of development, internet radio has seen rapid growth recently. According to research from January 2005 to January 2006, internet radio audiences increased by 50%. Although internet radio is still in its infancy, it is in big demand. You can listen to all types of music or chat online at the click of a mouse. Streaming quality is improving all the time, making it easier for you to listen, the quality in some cases can be better than that hot FM station that you like so much . Even the way you listen is improving!Whilst millions listen to internet radio on their computers, there are also new stand alone players on the market too. Internet radio is all about variety...

If you've read my work for any length of time then you know that I recommend articles because you can use them to brand yourself as an expert, brand your products and services, and the search engines love them because they are content. However, once you've written your article, where do you promote it? Although there are many ways online to promote your business, articles offer you several options. Below are five easy ideas for promoting your articles. 1. Article Directories First and foremost, you should submit your articles to as many article directories as possible. You can easily find article directories simply by searching for article directories in the search engines. You'll find plenty of...

The final result of your photographic ventures is a roll of film, a handful of prints or a box of slides. Other than your choice of lens, the film choice will have the biggest impact on the quality of the final results.DIGITAL CAMERASWhile most of this is irrelevant for digital cameras, "film" speed still applies. In this case the speed affects the noise level rather than grain size but the final result is somewhat similar. Choose the smallest ISO for the required shutter speed, ie to allow hand-held shooting or freezing sports action.CHOOSING A FILM1. First choice is slide (positive) or print (negative) film.Print greater exposure latitude (some 9 stops vs 5 stops for slide) cheaper easy for...

Having played what is commonly called "New Age Piano" for the last 16 years, you'd think I'd be qualified to define it. But I'll be perfectly honest with you and say I haven't the slightest clue!Here's what I know. I know the music is more consonant than dissonant. I know that the harmonies are mostly major but can be minor and that chord choice leans towards a "clean" sound. As far as melody goes, it can be anything from an ambient melange with no discernible direction to a simple folk spun line a child could follow.Now that the basic elements of music are out of the way, I really couldn't tell you what makes New Age Piano "new age."Is it the relaxing aspect of this music that makes it "new age...

Do you feel that it is easy to write songs? Can anyone be creative? A song is the end product produced by stimulating your song writing powers in many different ways. Let's take a look!Here are some tips on how to stimulate and develop your song writing abilities:ListenAn obvious tips of course! You have to listen to songs to find and develop your taste. But don't just listen to the music you usually listen to. Listen to things you don't normally hear on the radio. It will help your unconscious to create more interesting songs.I recall that John or Paul in the Beatles talked about the music they heard on the radio when they were young. The radio channels in those days played many different types of...

Essential Oils I will like to share with you the basic facts and the many uses and benefits of using Pure Essential Oils. Produced & Written by Pure Health Choices. Basic Facts about Essential Oils Essential Oils were mankind's first medicine. We know that priests and physicians have been using essentials oils for thousands of years. This has been discovered through Egyptian hieroglyphics and Chinese manuscripts. Egyptian temples were dedicated to the production and blending of the oils. Recipes were recorded on the walls in hieroglyphics. There are many references to essential oils in the Bible. There were 188 references. Oils such as Frankincense, rosemary, myrrh, hyssop and spikenard were used...

What is the Tarot?The tarot is a deck of 78 cards, featuring illustrations that can be interpreted in various ways. The deck is divided into two sections, called the major and minor arcana. The major arcana features the 21 trump cards, and the minor arcana is divided into four suits (wands, pentacles, cups and swords) each with cards featuring the numbers 1-10, an ace and four court cards (the Page, Knight, Queen and King).Origin of the TarotThe oldest known tarot cards originated in 15th century Italy. The tarot appears to have started life as a card game, and was at first restricted to the wealthy upper classes, although after the invention of the printing press, the cards became more widely...

The physical body of Man would be spoiled sooner or later. If one does not die now, one would die later. If one is alive now, it is not sure that he can live later. Don't take the exterior (physical things) too seriously, the most important is that he must make good use of his vitality, time and the splendour of his youth in the right manner. During this span of time, do something that you consider to be the best, do it really well, soon you will have abundant treasures in Heaven.Think carefully about this human world, nothing really matters. All vexations are seeked by oneself. Have them cleared up, removed, dissolved and digested slowly. People have sufferings and vexations. We all have worries...

San Francisco has been designated one of the most romantic cities in America don't you think it's time your found out why? It could have something to do with the climate, the beautiful Golden Gate Bridge, the many beaches around that are great for talking long walks at sunset or the many parks in the area where romantic couples can walk together, hike, bike, and simply enjoy being together. In addition to activities such as this, there are other ways in which to enjoy the great outdoors of San Francisco as a couple. You could take a sunset cruise in the San Francisco bay is you want to make a very romantic night of it.If you want to have a truly romantic experience you could schedule a couples...

To remain involved in Karmic Yoga and derive the joys that come as a result of service one must somehow embrace the ideas that underlie Creation Spirituality. Creation Spirituality, not to be confused with Creation Theology, is described by Matthew Fox as the Christian Mystic Tradition. It is a tradition that has been all but erased, especially in many institutional churches. When we look at the history of Christianity, however, and especially the monastic movement, we can find traces of Creation Spirituality.Creation spirituality, as defined by Matthew Fox, involves the acceptance of four paths or ways. Here I will give a general overview, but we will explore each path in subsequent articles...

Cell phones are popular with virtually all age groups, and major manufacturers offer newer models almost every single month. Although newer models have more features that cost more, many basic models are available for a lot less money. Manufactures often offer great deals on these basic models as well.Cell phones come equipped with a battery, headphones, sim card, and other pieces. Although most people are tempted to change phones before the battery dies, replacement batteries are available for all cell phones. It is up to a storeowner to keep stock of the most popular models of cell phone along with all the necessary accessories. This should include batteries for new models and for older models...

The Chicago Bulls are the third NBA team to hail from Chicago, following the Packers/Zephyrs, who are now the Washington Wizards, and the Stags (from 1946 to 1950...

Rap tattoos or rap artist tattoos are very popular. This phenomena has lead to a strange mix of cultures. You everyone is into celebrities, movie stars, signers, and rappers. Even those of us like myself who like to say we are not sometimes get caught up in what is hot with different celebrities. Well rap artists have created a whole new type of celebrity. It is almost the anti hero of sorts. Rap artists often like to play the gangster become big time star role and in fact many of them have achieved this lifestyle.The rich gangster living the big life being a player is the immortalized dream that we see 247 on television in rap videos from MTV to VH1 to all sorts of other things. You know...

We live in a world which can best be described as a dystopia. The nation states of the world have devolved to an extent that social mobility in many regions of the planet is non-existent. The disparity between the "haves" and "have nots" grows globally at a steady and insidious pace. Veils of ignorance are fostered and encouraged by governments seeking control of the masses by means of instilled complacency. Pseudo-democratic regimes offer a higher standard of living only to those willing to sacrifice a self informed world view. Such a world is always just one small step away from complete anarchy. At any given moment circumstances may be set into motion which spiral humanity uncontrollably towards...

As group consciousness grows and the electromagnetic field of energy gains strength, people are becoming aware of their spirit guides and helpersIn the New Energy and oneness of consciousness, it is getting easier to sense the presence of spirit helpers coming around us.These can be sensed in many ways. I have noticed them as a slight disturbance in the field of energy, in the aura of the body: a slight tingling on the surface, or the sensation of cobwebs around the skin.On one occasion I could see the outline of the presence and noticed a breaking up of the normal space/time as the entity passed by. This was like a crack in one reality as another reality came through.Spirit guides and helpers are...

It often happens that we search for information on the Internet and log on to the search engine websites to find the right stuffs there. The searches that take place in the search engines are related to diverse subjects and issues. Accordingly, the scope and utility of the various search engines are widespread and covers various subjects. In this era of specialization, search engines are also not far behind in its implementation. With many of the search engines becoming more specific to one or few subjects, this whole procedure is likely to become more user- friendly day by day. One such search engine is searchforithere, which in addition to covering a wide array of general categories, specializes...

"Throughout your Earth history there have been certain groups who claimed me for their own. They called other groups 'heathens' or 'unbelievers' and even started horrible wars to protect me from those who did not believe in me. Remember the crusades with King Richard against Saladin and his Muslim followers? Both sides were fighting for me; both leaders wanted to save The Holy City for me. Consider how ridiculous that was. I am God and don't need anyone to save me or protect me. I do an excellent job by myself. "Even in this, your 20th century, there are so many religions, so many denominations, so many differences, each one believing that it has found the only true God. I have told you before that...

The Italians love food, and Christmas is no exception.On Christmas Eve it is traditional to eat fish dishes; certainly, no meat is eaten on Christmas Eve. Panettone, a traditionally light Milanese cake, also plays a part in this meal but can be eaten at any time with family and friends during the holiday season.Religion and faith plays an important part in the Christmas festivities, with families attending mass together and watching the Pope appear on his famous balcony on Christmas Day.Christmas lunch is often stuffed pasta parcels, followed by stuffed goose or boiled capon or more seafood...

Most guitarists are self-taught. They don't usually go through formal lessons learning scales and music theory... People like Jimmi Hendricks and Eric Clapton made all that stuff way too boring long ago. The average guitarist's self-taught nature may therefore explain why guitar tabs can sometimes be a bit of a mystery -- it's a bit too much like reading music. But that's not really the case. Let me show you how to read guitar tabs...Guitar tabs are a form of written musical notation, but one that is strictly for guitar. Tabs have six horizontal lines, one for each string. Starting with the bottom line and working up to the top line, the lines represent the strings, E, A, D, G, B, and E like this:E...

College students are often shocked by the amount they have to pay for college textbooks each semester. If you add it up over the course of the year it can prove to be a very expensive part of your college education. But there are ways to save money when you buy your college textbooks, and here are a few tips on how you can do that.First of all, recognize that the most expensive option that you will have for buying your college textbooks is to buy them at the school bookstore. Traditionally, university and college bookstores mark up the prices on their college textbooks by quite a bit more than you will find almost anywhere else.So for instance, if you want to buy the textbooks that you will need for...

L.A. has a lot to offer. The City of Angels is always on-the-go and seemingly driven by glitz and glamour. And if you're willing to fight the traffic, you'll find some of the world's best restaurants, shopping and attractions - from studio tours to museums, from beaches to piers.L.A. is the epitome of big, bold and beautiful - and most of the hobbies in this town hover around "the scene". So, if you've had your share of the beach, head inland to tour the star-studded Sunset Boulevard or Melrose Avenue - and keep your eyes out! Since the restaurants and bars drive the social hustle n' bustle, you'd better allow yourself that afternoon power-nap if you want to keep up with the cool kids.Remember: the...

Do believe that there is really no right and wrong, that whether it is right or not is decided by the individual? Or alternatively do you believe that there is definite bad karma and you pay for it in each reincarnation? Or do you believe neither- what alternative is there, if any? Do you believe that God wants every one to be saved or only some people? Do you think a religion should teach doing good to others, charity, and love? Do you believe that God is everywhere? Your answers to these questions tell whether you support the New Era movement or not. New Era supporters believe in reincarnation, because as one pop song put it, "it takes more than one lifetime to learn". Yet the New Era movement...

Some of the most popular websites today have integrated both video content and visitor contribution capability. Since the popularity of video clip websites like YouTube and other popular sites like MySpace, there is a new generation of homemade videos websites evolving. So many new sites today are combining the popular features of these two websites into one and allowing everyone their 15 minutes of fame. People love to watch funny stuff and there will never be shortage of free video clips. With most people surfing the web these days instead of watching television, the internet is the perfect place to keep us amused at silly and unique video websites. When Google purchased YouTube for over $1.5...

If you thought yoga was just for adults, you need to think again. Nowadays, yoga is greatly popular among all ages ' especially with kids. Practicing yoga actually enables children to develop a fitness program and a way of healthy living. Yoga can give children these tools at a young age ' allowing them to start out the right way. Why would children need yoga? Consider the obesity problem existing with children today. Weight problems will result in health problems. It's a great idea to have a physical activity for kids that will exercise and entertain. Also, it will relieve stress or tension in their lives caused by school, peer pressures, competitive sports and busy lives. Yoga is a healthy way for...

Religion and Spirituality - what differentiates Religion from Spirituality? Religion is "absolute truth of life" of the physical manifested world. It is Religion and not Spirituality which forms the basis of the present society we live in. In the present the needs for following a Religion being at its minimum... it is easy to follow any Religion. Anyone... even a layman can follow any Religion but not Spirituality? What vastly differentiates Religion and Spirituality? Religion... if it forms the core of the physical manifested world... it is the Spirituality (the truth of our Soul within) which upholds the values in the society. Without Spirituality the physical manifested world cannot sustain for...

Stress & Spirituality How Spirituality Affects Stress Levels Take a moment to close your eyes and think about what a spiritual person looks like. Whether you see them as sitting lotus-style in saffron robes or speaking emphatically from a pulpit, Id bet one thing you wont see them as is stressed. Relaxed serene beatific. These are all adjectives we associate with the super-spiritual. But stressed? Kind of defeats the purpose of all that spirituality, doesnt it? Im going to take a moment here to make the all-important distinction between religion and spirituality. Different people have different definitions of each, but for the purposes of this article, its important to be clear about what I...

Today, Norm Goldman, Publisher & Editor of is excited have as his guest Frank McGee, author of A Song for the World: The Amazing Story of the Colwell Brothers and Herb Allen: Musical Diplomats. Frank has built a distinguished career as a writer and journalist over half a century. In the tumultuous 1960s he covered stories as far a field as Brazil, Indonesia, and Viet Nam. As managing editor of Pace magazine, a contemporary of Life, Look, and Holiday, he worked with thought leaders from around the world. Norm: Will you share a little bit about A Song for the World: The Amazing Story of the Colwell Brothers and Herb Allen: Musical Diplomats with us? Frank: Glad to Norm. This is a book about the power...

Launching a new information product can be an intimidating venture. This checklist is designed to help you make sure all the tasks necessary for a successful launch are covered. More than 2 Months Pre-Launch 1. Create the content - record audio(s) and/or videos, write manual. 2. Determine what the product components will be: DVDs, Audio CDs, Data CDs, manuals, downloads, etc. 3. If CDs or DVDs are included in product determine packaging (individual DVD style cases, multi-disc DVD style cases, plastic sleeves in 2 or 3-ring albums, paper sleeves, plastic sleeves included in print binder, jewel cases, other). 4. If print component is to be included decide on desired binding method (3-ring binders...

Why does music affect our emotions? In our stressful lifestyle, how can we use sounds and music to calm and relax? Composer Martin Mayer looks at the relationship between music and relaxation. Music is the key to a thousand emotions. We associate music with the places we have been, the times we have experienced and the people in our lives. Music is all around us. There is no denying the effectiveness of music, so why not use it to affect our own emotions and enhance our personal environment? Relaxing music, relaxation music, meditation music... call it what you will. There is no question that it can help us to shape our environment effectively and can be changed to suit or...

With the advent of the internet there is no longer any excuse for not learning music if a person wants to learn. Learning music online has revolutionized learning, since it is the first time in history that anyone with a computer can virtually find out anything they want to know about music -- and find out quick! There are sites galore teaching everything about music from chords to trombone lessons to drum lessons to music theory lessons to guitar lessons to piano lessons, and a whole lot more. Many are free while others charge a very reasonable tuition. But think what a bargain that is; no travel, no traffic jams; no rescheduling lessons; no missed lessons; and because the lessons are online (or in...

There are many crossroads in lives. When we find ourselves facing this, we realise why people around us seemed to change. In fact, people don't change. Situation changes. Before getting married, my mother-in-law had that amount of expectation. And after our wedding, the expectation was raised by ten times over. It was not easy to meet that kind of expectation. The only way to keep my sanity is to be who I am. I'm not going to change for her. Neither do I expect my wife to change for my mother. I would want my wife to be who she has always been. After I shared my experience about my 45 minutes lecture from my mother-in-law, some readers emailed me, sharing with me about the same fate after marriage...