Rose Tattoos on Women

There is a beautiful legend in Greek Mythology that tells us Aphrodite, goddess of Love, gave the Rose its name. Chloris, the goddess of flowers, created it when she found the lifeless body of a beautiful nymph in the forest. Chloris called upon the other deities to help her right the wrong of this nymph's death. Aphrodite gave her beauty, Dionysus, the god of wine, added nectar to give her a sweet perfume, the three Graces gave her charm, brightness and joy. Chloris then called upon Zephyr, the West Wind, to blow away the clouds so Apollo, the sun god, could shine and make the flower bloom.

The rose goes back into antiquity, in fact, fossilised roses have been found that are several million years old. It has always been regarded, in Western civilisation, as the closest thing to perfect beauty.

The rose image has been used on royal standards, coats of arm, castle and palace decorations. It has been used in countless paintings, embroideries, etchings, carvings and photographs. Its simple and elegant beauty has endured through time, as has its message of beauty and love. It has always stood as an expression of love. Small wonder then, that numerous women have chosen it as a favourite tattoo. It can be used simply as a beautiful decoration or as a memento of a loved one or an event in one's life. In fact, it serves all purposes very well.

Rose tattoos have been favourites from the beginning and are still the most popular flower tattoo. Each person can decide the message she wants to send and the colour, size and placement of the tattoo. Whether done for decoration or love the image of the rose is a thing of lasting beauty.

Shoulders, lower legs, ankles and feet are popular places for tattoos on women, so too with rose tattoos. Women celebrities have been drawn to the rose, from a single large rose on a shoulder to a bouquet of roses on an ankle. One has a stemmed rose on her ankle while another has a heart and a rose on her lower leg, obviously an expression of love. Some people like to be different - one supermodel has a tattoo of a rose and skull on her upper arm. Others like to be daring, with a rose tattoo on a breast.

There is no doubt rose tattoos will stay favourites as, like roses themselves, they depict timeless beauty and elegance and give us all a great deal of pleasure.

William Burnell has a long-standing interest in the art, designs and history of tattoos.

You can access a wonderful selection of beautiful and distinctive rose and flower designs at http://www.tattooartdesign.info

Tie and Dye of Rajasthan - Art and Craft Special

The dyers from all over the world have liberally made use of tyeing and dying as a unique style of coloring a fabric. Visiting the state of Rajasthan will take you close to various designs and patterns of tie and dye. Rajasthanis love wearing various styles of this art. This art has been a part of Rajasthanis for long now. In fact, travelers to the state often have passion for buying the fabrics of bandhini, as it locally called.

The Rajasthani costumes are more vibrant and fashionable because of this art. This traditional art has became more contemporary by modern day color schemes and patters. But the basic style and essence remains the same. The fashionable style of west got popular as a part of hippie style in the late 1960s and early 1970s. The trend was further intensified by famous musicians like John Sebastian and Janis Joplin.

Method of Tie and Dye

This beautiful art of coloring is not that difficult but requires patience and some skill of coloring the fabric to beautify it. The conventional form of dying the cloth is to tie the cloth with thread and then dying it using different colors. The first thing dyers do for dying is washing and degumming the fabric. Then they wrap and fold the cloth into many patterns and styles. Red mud color blocks are used and thread is wound round the cloth. The process of dying is carried out by dying the lightest color dyed first followed by the darker hues. The threads are disentangled hen the fabric dries and beautiful patterns are ready.

Folds and Patterns of Tie and Dye

To give varied styles, the modern technique uses many kinds of folds. You can have the Spiral Patterns by pleats of fabric arranged in swirls around a central point. Fold the cloth piece half vertically, drawing a line diagonally and you can have a V shaped pattern. You can even have Random styles and Random circles with tie and dye.

Colors of Tie and Dye

The aesthetic essence of the art is the vibrancy of colors used in dying. Each color has its own connotation. Where Red is the symbolic of marriage, there saffron is symbol of sainthood renouncing the world, Yellow denotes spring, Black and Maroon are not so bright.

Fabrics For Tie and Dye

You can have elegant pieces of tie and dye ranging from saris, odhani, handkerchiefs, shawls, lehanga choli (Long Skirt and blouse) turbans, shirts, T shirts, tops, bedsheets, cushion covers, pillow covers, table cloth etc. Cotton, Chiffon, Georgette and Woolen fabrics can be tied and dyed easily.

Hub of Tie and Dye Fabrics

Rajasthan and Gujarat are the main centers of this art where you can have graceful and modern fabrics of this art. Modifications and glorifications have accentuated the elegance of tie and dye fabrics. The regions of Jamnagar in Saurashtra and Ahmedabad in Gujarat have contributed greatly to the art. Bikaner, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Barmer, Pali, Udaipur and Nathdwara in Rajasthan display finest works of Bandhini. Pochmapalli is another center for Bandhini.

http://www.rajasthanunlimited.com

Goths

To start this chapter we have a response from the journalist Hippie and friend who uses the name Eternum1 on the web. He was a part of the founding of web logs as these journalists went to the hot spots of the world and kept in touch with each other. I think he sees where I am going with this book.

Dear Robert:

I agree with Sartre in that each being has complete freedom if he will only believe it and I agree with Camus on how the absurd man becomes a rebel. Sartre had de Beauvoir to keep him honest in his musings because most left wing sympathizers had yet to recognize women as the barometer of society's evolution. As a result Sartre was more of an anarchist in his existential writings while Camus remained a sympathizer to Marxist rebellion, he didn't quite link Engels statement "judge a society by the position of its women" to the rebellion of his time.

I understand your link to Abby Hoffman and Jerry Rubin... btw I followed up on Rubin's "student is nigger" with my own catchy title 'the lumpenproletariat and the revolutionary youth movement'... I know its a real page turner judging by the title.... but it was re-printed in all the new left magazines of the day and translated into French, German and Italian..... it was an analysis of why white middle class youth was dropping out into a sub-proletarian mode of existence... i.e.... the hippy movement..... I explained in more human terms than Rubin... how white middle class and bourgeois children linked the limits on their freedom to racial minorities and the poor, which kind of shook up the socialists of the day who thought labor unions were the radical institutions still..... the idea that lumpys or otherwise déclassé citizens were the future great unwashed disturbed them more than the capitalists it appeared.

I agree that true freedom is the ability to accept or reject all things or as Sartre says psychologically in each one of us this amounts to trying to take the causes and motives as things. We try to confer permanence upon them. "We attempt to hide from ourselves that their nature and their weight depend each moment on the meaning which I give to them"; I find this statement very important, but not original since a similar thing was said by Nietzsche a hundred of years before, because it allows a different view of the things in the world. It reveals the potential of the thoughts. When everything depends on the meanings we give, then, we should think positively and we should give the meanings that we want, however unusual they are, not the ones we are expected to give and this would bring us closer to reaching our purposes.

How often have we seen our motives and causes co-opted and their meanings distorted into what you refer to hole (ass) istic babble. Too often. As we discussed in Babble on Babylon the separation of beings continues without the need for foreign tongues, our own language is used against us.

To the point where words like patriotism, love, freedom all become things not qualities.... but things we attach to like clothing labels.

Sartre makes an attempt to describe what freedom exactly is in Part 4, chapter 1 of his book Being and Nothingness. However, he says, he finds it difficult since describing something is looking for its essence. And "freedom has no essence"... "Freedom makes itself an act, and we ordinarily attain it across the act which it organizes with the causes, motives and ends which the act implies". That is to say that freedom is revealed by the act, we can experience the freedom only through act. It is not possible to describe freedom that is valid both for me and for the Other, thus no essence of freedom may be concluded. The freedom in one individual is different from the freedom of any other individual; there is nothing in common which can be named essence. Freedom is beyond essence since it is "the foundation of all essences".

So that is why I say freedom is an individual act but the combined acts of freedom compose rebellion and that is how rebels become existent... not that each finds a particular idealology but each exercises his freedom not to attach to the system or its ideaology. We know that Communism was never practiced by those who called us comrades... 'from each according to his ability and to each according to his need' ... possibly because the true anarchistic nature of freedom needs people sophisticated enough to implement socialist ideas.

Sartre often speaks of "bad faith" when we surrender our freedom to become soldiers for a cause.... to profess to "love anything" more than our responsibility to freedom is acting in "bad faith". And when you hand that freedom to a President or his Generals or to the mob of religiosity you give up responsibility for your actions to others and thereby lose true freedom.

I don't think an existentialist would ever say "we choose to be free" however. Because we are free at every moment. Freedom is not a choice made once and then forgotten. Freedom is not an ideal. Freedom exists within every being at every moment. Freedom on the individual level needs no defending against others unless others try to impose their will. There is no "land of the free" there are only individuals surrendering their freedom every day to causes and idealologys.

Sartre's version of a radical transformation of society is the paradigm shift in thinking we have discussed in the past. It is the belief that we can be what we choose to be. This requires effort for most of us believe what we are told we cannot do while few tell us what we are able to accomplish.

If Sartre was President he would tell each citizen what they need to do to prevent terrorism and it wouldn't be surrendering your freedom or responsibility to others and continue grazing passively in the food courts of the nations shopping malls. Nothing is a complicated as the elites would have us believe and the fact that they deny each citizen the right to be fully involved in making a safer world gives the lie to their role of defenders of freedom.

Really if freedom was a project wouldn't we want everyone working on it? But the co-opted version of freedom is not a project... it's a banner meant to take away ones options and choices like a valium induces passivity and a payment plan induces obedience.

Dear Et

I recall that lumpenproletariat thing. I liked it and the word. I agree about Simone de Beauvoir and there is another Simone that was important - Weil. Yep - I agree about Sartre and was impressed when he turned down the Nobel Prize. I used to call myself a French Atheistical Existentialist.

You apparently see where I am headed as I draw the Goths and Beatniks into this (tie it back to Cathars and Cynics long ago too). As the movie Braveheart ends the life of Wallace and the Keltic Creed that held the world in Brotherhood for millennia says - FREEDOM and NO FEAR - which you see all over the place. These symbols and the one for Peace are powerful legacies and archetypes. We need to show people some cultural through-lines and help the Goths be understood. - Robert

The same issue of what a Goth really is can be made in comparisons to Flower Children and the people who really study what might be the core principles. The Goths I have known seem more able to defend their approach to life than the normal average or everyday person. But I seem to know the upper echelon of them perhaps. I find few are doing it just for the attention which certainly was not as true with the Flower Children. At the same time one can find a wide variety of perspectives and wonder if there is any true Goth culture at all. Certainly the journalists and social commentators who were all the rage after Columbine's Massacre did not clue in to some truly important things. Those kids were under psychiatric medication and there are other extreme issues they faced. But I will make a little analysis of what I think might be going on with them and a host of other Church-burnings and the like.

In my time in the Caribbean I met people who knew some things about the 'Lodges' as well as Rastafarians or the followers of Bob Marley. There is something similar to the Peace, Love and Brotherhood message in these approaches and there are myths that make one smile. One of the things I intuit is operating has to do with the 'Rastie' symbol and flag of 'Irie' and I could be wrong but Eire seems to be there as a spiritual part or connection to the Kelts and the ancient Brotherhoods be they Olmec or Phoenician. Many black people there know that they were there long before the Spanish heathens and Empire-Builders came to wreck havoc and enslave them or perform an outright genocide on the likes of the Taino in Cuba. Their aversion to Babylon is a metaphor for all that is wrong with the materialistic Empires that control so many people. This continues in the black community to the present and many are they who abuse this knowledge and act as criminals. Who can really blame them? I deal with these things in depth in my historical books.

The stele I found at Chichen Itza had many ancient Masonic symbols including the old T-square which is the symbol of the Egyptian builder-god Ptah. It may have been put there by Rosicrucians and there was one member of their inner sanctum watching over it. The Goths who did the deed at Columbine were heard speaking about Plato and Aristotle and the day they chose to do it was the birthday of Adolf Hitler. The extent to which certain people know about these things or write about them has been hard to tell. I know authors like Marshall McLuhan knew about the influence of secret societies and yet he did not disclose what he knew. It can still be difficult for truth tellers. We must tell some of the root story of these Mystery Schools within what I call the 'octopus'. Hitler was a student of them too.

There are at least a thousand different stories that would fill the equivalent of the thirteen volumes the CORPUS HERMETICUM entails. Stories abound with re-written history and co-opting the people who told the truth by creating fictions about them or eliminating facts like who tried to assassinate James 'The Righteous' leader of the Essenes and probable brother of Jesus. This tale is mentioned in the Bible without saying who tried to assassinate him. Thus the reader is led to think it was an uprising of common people who distrusted James rather than the fact that Paul was diametrically opposed to the teaching of James; who as Michael Baigent says was much closer to Jesus than Paul ever was, even if James was not the actual brother of Jesus. The Roman scribes and lies are so complete as to make it exceedingly difficult to even guess what the nature of truth was. Unless one actually gets first hand experiential knowledge by means of such things as 'direct cognition' with such dimensional knowledge as the akashic or spirits might allow. That is what is known to me, alone; a simple sole and single searcher for truth - imagine how many other stories of even greater import there might be. It is hard to write about one without running into another but let me try to tie Aristotle and the life of Hermes in with Jesus and the enigmatic 'Emerald Tablet' so that you can see some different perspectives from academics. At the end of this story is a personal tale of soul-grabbing that makes the idea of the Lévi to Crowley to Hubbard and Miscavige soul entity continuance seem more possible. By the way, it is highly unlikely that Jesus did not visit Alexandria to see her great Lighthouse and Library during the long time he studied before his short period of missionary work that may have only been a couple of years at most.

After the Council of Nicaea in 325 A.D. which can be called the birth of Christianity or more properly 'Churchianity', the Gnostics were attacked four times over more than one hundred years. The agents of empire-builders like Constantine or Caliph Omar, did not want people to know the truth of the prophet Jesus, who spoke about all men being 'the children of God' in equal terms. They wished to be the Divine interpreters for whatever it is that we call God. In fact, they wished to be the sole interpreters if that were possible, but they knew they might have to share some of this power with others who also had armies and legions of willing 'sword or cannon fodder' that would follow like sheep in the proverbial 'flock'. The scribes were busily re-writing the apocryphal Bible or Septuagint and Targum Onklos with due regard to the Torah and Hebrew Bible. Part of the agreed upon purpose was to remove the story of the wise Miriam, whose counsel in her day (with Moses) was the most sought after in her land. This was once in the Bible under the name Jasher, but when the Council of Carthage removed women from the priesthood in 397 A.D. they allowed such heresy no more.

Enoch was another book of the Bible which told of psychic and spiritual realities 'within' and 'without', that mirror and elucidate the sayings of Jesus. Mary Magdalene, a priestess with the Essenes and part of the 'Therapeutae' who were a watered down version of the 'Great White Brotherhood of Master Craftsmen' from a couple of millenia before, was probably the wife of Jesus. Such truths would have rendered the 'Bible Narrative' incredible and without power to wield a 'sharp sword' of fear over the souls of all men. For if Jesus was not 'the only begotten Son of God' as the Jews and original Celtic Catholic Church say; then the concept of easy 'Salvation' (and its special dispensations that Martin Luther railed against) would be unable to generate the money-making and power creating outcome that has been with us these past 1500 or more years.

Karma or the original 'law of Retribution' would require right living on a daily basis and people would have to live in the true path of Jesus, and never be able to EXPECT a simple 'absolution of sin' through such things as confessionals. The great stories of 'Eternal n Damnation', 'The Resurrection' and 'Hell' would have little theological or philosophic support. The Pope has said there is no Heaven or Hell in the months leading up to the millennium and as part of damage control or spin-doctoring but is there any proactive course of change and when will the dogma and doctrine of Paul's 'Epistles to Timothy' that say 'man is the head of woman' etc., be expunged in all their vile prejudice against women? St. Augustine's portrayal of Genesis and the 'original sin' with women as the harbingers of that which disconnected us from God are damnable destructive influences to this very day.

Let me illustrate the academic conundrums and obfuscated idiocies attendant with Hermes and Jesus. Aristotle was able to keep his hermetic or alchemic inclinations sufficiently shrouded and thus lived a long life from the time his father taught him as physician to Alexander's father King Phillip of Macedon. (384-322 B.C.) He was motivated and guided by 'The Emerald Tablet' and the work of Hermes Trismegistus. According to the 'Encyclopedia of Occultism and Parapsychology':

"Emerald Table: The (of Hermes)
Believed to be the earliest statement of the principles of spiritual alchemy, ascribed to Hermes Trismegistus, after whom alchemy has been named the 'Hermetic Art'. Hermes Trismegistus is a shadowy figure, possibly mythical. The old alchemists believed him to have been an Egyptian living about the time of Moses; others have claimed him as a personification of Thoth, the Egyptian God of learning. There is a legend that the Emerald Table (also known as the Smaragdine Table) was discovered by Alexander the Great in the tomb of Hermes in a cave near Hebron.

The earliest printed version in Latin dates from an alchemical work of 1541, but a Commentary on it was known three centuries earlier, and the Table might well be ancient. The original was believed to have been inscribed on emerald (smaragdine) in Phoenician letters, later translated into Greek and Latin." (1)

Author of Diverse Druids, Columnist for The ES Press Magazine, Guest writer at World-Mysteries.com

Christmas Celebrations and Traditions

Few people know the history of Christmas Celebrations and Traditions. The idea to celebrate Christmas on December 25th dates back to the 4th century. The Catholic Church wanted to eclipse the festivities of a rival pagan religion that threatened Christianity's existence.

Romans celebrated the birth of their sun god, Mithras that time of year. Although, it was not popular, or even proper, to celebrate people's birthdays in those times, church leaders decided that in order to compete with the pagan sun god celebration they would organize a festival in celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. Facts not withstanding, Jesus' birth is thought to be in the spring, December 25th was chosen as the official birth celebration as Christ's Mass so that it would compete head on with the rival pagan celebration.

The December 25th celebration was slow to catch on in colonial America. The early colonists considered it a pagan ritual and it was banned by law in Massachusetts in colonial times.

The word for Christ in Greek is Xristos. During the 16th century, Europeans began using the first initial of Christ's name, "X" in place of the word Christ in Christmas as a short hand form of the word. Although, the early Christians understood that X stood for Christ's name, later Christians who did not understand the Greek language mistook "Xmas" as a sign of disrespect. This myth is still perpetuated today.

Santa Claus, St Nicholas, originated in Turkey in the 4th century. He was very pious from an early age, devoting his life to Christianity. He became widely known for his generosity for the poor. However, the Romans held him in contempt. He was imprisoned and tortured. When Constantine became emperor of Rome, he allowed St. Nicholas to go free. Constantine became a Christian and convened the Council of Nicaea in 325. St. Nicholas was a delegate to the council. He is especially noted for his love of children and for his generosity. He is the patron saint of sailors, Sicily, Greece and Russia. He is also, of course, the patron saint of children. The Dutch kept the legend of St. Nicholas alive. In 16th century Holland, Dutch children placed their wooden shoes by the hearth in hopes that they would be filled with a treat. The Dutch spelled St. Nicholas as Sint Nikolaaas, which became Sinterklaas, and finally, in Anglican, to Santa Claus. In 1822, Clement C. Moore composed the poem, "A Visit from St. Nick," which was later published as "The Night Before Christmas." Moore is credited with creating the modern image of Santa Claus as a jolly fat man in a red suit.

The Druids used Mistletoe to celebrate the coming of winter, two hundred years before the birth of Christ. They gathered this evergreen plant that is parasitic upon other trees to decorate their homes. They believed the plant had special healing powers for everything from female infertility to poison ingestion. Scandinavians considered mistletoe a plant of peace and harmony. They associated mistletoe with their goddess of love, Frigga. Thus, the custom of kissing under the mistletoe probably originated from this belief. The early church banned the use of mistletoe in Christmas celebrations because of its pagan origins. Not to be outdone by pagan traditions, Church fathers suggested the use of holly as the appropriate Christmas greenery.

The use of a Christmas tree originated in 16th century Germany. It was common for the Germanic people to decorate fir trees, both inside and out, with roses, apples, and colored paper. It is believed that Martin Luther, the Protestant reformer, was the first to light a Christmas tree with candles. While coming home one dark winter night near Christmas, he noticed the beauty of the starlight shining through the branches of a small fir tree outside his home. He replicated the starlight by using candles attached to the branches of his indoor tree. The Christmas tree was not widely used in Britain until the 19th century. In the 1820's the Christmas tree was brought to Pennsylvania by German immigrants.

Named for America's first ambassador to Mexico, Joel Poinsett, the poinsettia plant was brought to America in 1828. Native to Mexico, the poinsettia plant was thought to be symbolic of the Star of Bethlehem in the 18th century. Thus the Poinsettia became associated with the Christmas season. The actual flower of the poinsettia is small and yellow. Surrounding the flower are large, bright red leaves, often mistaken for flower petals.

The production of hard candy has been around for centuries. It wasn't until early 1900 that they were decorated with red stripes and bent into the shape of a cane. They were sometimes handed out during church services to keep the children quiet. One story told about the origin, probably folklore, has been passed down from the 1800's. As the story goes, a candy maker in Indiana wanted to express the meaning of Christmas through a symbol made of candy. He had an idea of bending one of his white candy sticks into the shape of a Candy Cane. He incorporated several symbols of Christ's love and sacrifice through the Candy Cane. First, he used a plain white peppermint stick. The color white symbolizes the purity and sinless nature of Jesus.

Next, he added three small stripes to symbolize the pain inflicted upon Jesus before his death. There are three of them to represent the Holy Trinity. He added a bold stripe to represent the blood Jesus shed for mankind. When looked at with the crook on top, it looks like a shepherd's staff because Jesus is the shepherd of mankind. If you turn it upside down, it becomes the letter 'J' symbolizing the first letter in Jesus' name. The candy maker made these candy canes for Christmas, so everyone would remember the true meaning of Christmas. A Catholic priest, Gregory Keller, invented a machine to automate candy cane production during the 1950's.

Dorothy M. Neddermeyer, PhD, author, and international speaker specializes in: Mind, Body, Spirit healing and Physical/Sexual Abuse Prevention and Recovery. As an inspirational leader, Dr. Neddermeyer empowers people to view life's challenges as an opportunity for Personal/Professional Growth and Spiritual Awakening. www.drdorothy.net

Name your Baby after a Goddess

Looking for a unique name for your new baby girl? Look no further than the ancient Greeks!

Greek mythology is full of wonderful stories and beautiful names for girls. Besides being different, your daughter will have her own goddess myth to go along with her name.

Does your baby girl seem serious and all knowing? Does she look like a little queen in her bassinette? The name Hera will fit your queenly daughter, since Hera was the queen of all the Greek goddesses and queen of heaven. Hera was the wife of Zeus and the mother of many other goddess and gods such as Ares, Hebe and Eris. She was the goddess of marriage and womanhood.

Maybe your little one makes fierce faces when you try to change her nappies and seems to know what you are saying to her. Athena may be the name for her. Athena was the Greek goddess of wisdom and the patron of Athens, a city known for its culture and wisdom. She is portrayed as a virgin warrior; tough and beautiful as well as brilliant. She was also great at crafts such as basket weaving and sewing.

Similar to Athena is Artemis, the goddess of the hunt. Artemis loved her dogs and ran around the forests with fifty of them along with a bunch of wood nymphs. She is the goddess of the moon, and coolly beautiful. She was known as the protector of young women. Her twin brother was Apollo. Does your daughter love her dog? Does she stare into the moon and smile? Maybe the name Artemis is for her.

Calypso sounds like a little girl who loves to dance! Besides having a name and a musical beat named after her, Calypso was a sea nymph, the daughter of a Titan named Atlas (the one holding up the earth). She figures in the story of the Odyssey when she beguiles Odysseus to stay on her island with her and keep her company for seven years. Calypso is usually portrayed as an exotic figure and one name that would suit an unusual baby.

Is your little one always laughing and cooing? Does she have a sunny nature? The name Thalia would fit. Thalia was a goddess of beauty and one of the three graces. Her name meant good cheer. Or maybe her sister Euphrosyne, meaning mirth would suit her, although that name is a mouthful, and probably would be tough for a young one to learn how to spell!

Lastly, there is Penelope. She wasn't a goddess, but she was a woman of strong moral character. She was the long suffering wife of Odysseus who stayed true to her man for many, many years, while he was out having adventures and flings with beautiful women.

This article only touches on the many names available to use for naming your baby girl taken from the ancient Greeks. Dive into any volume of Greek mythology and you may find a name you love, that is unique and fits your special girl.

This article has been submitted in affiliation with http://www.BabyNameVote.Com/ which is a site for Baby Names.

Introduction to Greco-Roman Wrestling

Freestyle and Greco-Roman are two of the most recognizable styles of wrestling for athletes to participate in. These wrestling styles have specific rules that must be observe. There are ancient manuscripts that provide many important details about wrestling matches and techniques that were enforced more than 2500 years ago. The sport of wrestling continues to be extremely popular in many countries around the world and there are some variances in style and form that occurs in each country.

The Greek Influence

The ancient Greeks refined and popularized the sport of wrestling prior to 700 B.C. Greco -Roman wrestling is an athletic activity that remains based on the classical holds and techniques that were first developed thousands of years ago. Today this form of wrestling is considered to be one of the oldest and most demanding of all the recognized styles.

Greco-Roman vs. Freestyle

The sport of Greco-Roman wrestling is very similar to what you see in a freestyle wrestling match. However, there are some very important differences. A person who is participating in a Greco style match has some restrictions that must always be observed. A hold that occurs lower than waist level is grounds for loss of points and possible disqualification.

These rules change the dynamics and moves that occur in Greco-Roman style matches. Wrestlers are actively encouraged to attempt throws against their opponent to force them to the ground. It is much easier to try for a throw in Greco wrestling because using the legs as part of a defensive or offensive tactic is not allowed.

While you may see many wrestlers employ holds such as the suplex, headlock, arm drag, gut wrench and the body-lock these techniques will most commonly be observed during a Greco- Roman match. Wrestling throws are much less common in freestyle wrestling events at any level. This is because the participants can use their legs, and they are free to grab their opponent anywhere on their body.

The Quest for Perfection

This sport was once considered to be crucial training for all Greek soldiers. Even young boys were given lessons in wrestling. The Greeks thought that the sport of wrestling was an ideal way to achieve their desired physical perfection. The wrestlers would all be nude which allowed them to display their bodies for the spectators. According to history experts the enthusiasm for wrestling was due in large part to the fact that this sport was considered to be one that the Greek gods participated in.

Sacred Sport of the Gods

The Greeks believed that watching or participating in wrestling matches would result in good luck. They also thought that this sport would eliminate any evil spirits or bad influences that might be lurking about.

Even the mythical Greek heroes were described as being superior wrestlers with powerful strength and dazzling techniques. Wrestling was held in such high esteem that the Greeks thought it only fitting to add it to the Olympic competitions. Wrestling made its Olympic debut in 704 B.C.

Connecting the Past with the Present

Wrestling is a very demanding sport that requires the best from each athlete that steps onto the mat. The expectations and techniques remain relatively unchanged even though almost 3000 years have passed. Greco Roman wrestling is a true link makes it possible to connect the past history of this sport with its modern day incarnation.

Robert is interested in health topics. He has typed up many health articles in the past. A recent project Robert is doing is: Sun Shades Outdoor. It is an information site that covers office furniture topics including Sun Control Shades. Robert loves getting a good workout and staying in shape.

Traveling To Modern Greece To See Many Ancient And Modern Places

Greece, many wonders are popping into my minds that are associated with this word. Greece is the country that has everything: a very rich history, many legends, mighty mythical Gods and picturesque views of its lands and sea. It is a sin not to travel at least once in a lifetime to Greece and plunge into its culture and beauty. Everyone has to try and enjoy living in a house made to look in appearance like Flintstone's house with a luxurious modern touch and unique charm.

People are attracted to Greece like a magnet for a few main reasons.

First, they want to visit archaeological sites there like:

1. Acropolis and Parthenon.

2. Kerameikos Ancient Cemetery of Athens Archaeology Site and Museum.

3. Monument of Lysicrates.

4. Electeion

5. Temple of Zeus Olympios (Olympieion).

6. Athens favorite sunset spot - Cape Sounion in Attica

Second, Greece offers grate fun under the sun on its beaches.

Third, some people are just curious and want to expend their knowledge about Greeks culture. In some cases, it is a call to explore theirs family Greek history. The best way to go there is to fly directly to Athens. In Athens are many things to see and enjoy. No trip to Greece can be complete without visiting attraction #1 there - Acropolis that is crowned with Athena's most famous temple Parthenon. It is a magnificent site to see. It was made more than 2500 year ago, and a big part of it was destroyed by fire and many earthquakes, but in spite of all that it is still astonishing in its appearance.

Attraction #2 - would be Kerameikos Ancient Cemetery of Athens Archaeology Site and Museum. The best time to visit it is late winter early spring when is the rain season. The ruins and all around them are covered then with succulent and vibrant grass giving the place a look of Ireland during summer. It is very beautiful and you can see many artifacts, which will give you a very good idea about how life was in ancient times. It is much to say about different attractions in Athens, but you do not have to stop and see just this city. Greece is a peninsula and is surrounded by 1400 islands. Traveling from one island to another is a hall adventure by itself. I will mention just a few of the most popular and famous Islands. The island of Crete is the biggest of them all. The island can be considered as a new country in itself. It has good roads on the northern side and many archaeological sites to visit and enjoy.

The interior is covered by mountains, and the southern part of the island is less developed then its northern region. One of the archaeological sites there would be The Minoan Palace of Knossos. You can just take a bus to this place and enjoy the restored labyrinths of the palace. Another Island that captured my attention with its exceptional beauty is the island of Santorini. The capital city of the island is Fira. It has superb white buildings with serpentine stairs that take you down to the sea. White churches have blue domes, making the look of the building blend with the blueness of the sky. It is a grate and romantic place were to get married or enjoy a honeymoon.

If you do not have enough time to travel far from Athens, then visit island of Hydra. It is more expensive than other islands but has a charming harbor, good taverns, fun shopping stores. It is much more to go and see in Greece. Travel agencies offer tones of cruises and tours. You just have to invest some time in investigating what kind of vacation you are seeking there. You may find everything from spontaneous and more independent trips by car or bus, to very well guided trips, organized by the travel agencies. It doesn't matter what kind of personality you have, you may find all sorts of sites and activities to enjoy, making unforgettable memories.

Vacation rentals where you can rent a villa directly from the owners. Visit Vacation rentals in Greece, Traval guide and Travel tips for tourist.

Percy Jackson & the Olympians - The Lightning Thief Movie

The Lightning Thief is a movie adaptation of the book with the same name by Rick Riordan. Percy Jackson is the son of Poseidon and a mortal woman. He has spent his whole life up until this point not knowing the truth, but that suddenly changes.

When we meet Percy he is just a normal high school kid going on a field trip. This trip is to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. While looking at an exhibit on Greek Mythology he is compelled to walk into a closed room. All of a sudden fantastical creatures are attacking him and accusing him of stealing Zeus's lightning bolt, the most powerful weapon in the universe. Of course Percy has no idea of what they are talking about since he thinks that he is a normal boy.

His best friend turns out to be a Satyr (mythical half goat, half man) and is his assigned protector. Together, they escape to a camp for half breeds. There Percy meets other half-gods and mythical creatures and begins training to become a hero. Hades arrives one night to tell Percy that he has captured Percy's mother and is holding her hostage for the Lightning Bolt. Percy decides to go on a quest to free his mother.

The overall story of this movie feels like a young adult version of Clash of the Titans. There are many similarities between the two movies. The main difference being that Percy is the son of Poseidon and Perseus was the son of Zeus. The other obvious difference is that the Lightning Thief is set in modern times instead of ancient Greece.

The acting was a little better than most teen movies. The special effects were all gorgeous and appropriate for each scene. I would say the production quality was top notch which is surprising for these types of movies.

Overall, Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief was a pleasant surprise. I was expecting a lot less than what I got when I watched it. The fresh spin on Greek mythology was refreshing and very interesting. The movie has made me want to go read the books, which is high praise indeed. It's Geektime gives Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning an 8 on the d10 of mythology.

Visit It's Geektime for more reviews.

The History of Meteorology

The word 'meteorology' was coined from a research book called 'Meteorologica' which was written by Aristotle, a Greek scientist and philosopher. This early work described the science of earth like its geology, elements, hydrology, seas, wind and weather. In the modern term, the term meteorology explains a complete science. It is for understanding the dynamics of atmosphere and forecasting weather phenomena like hurricanes and thunderstorms.

Weather forecasting was practiced since the beginning of time with more or less accuracy. Historical records show several examples of weather predicting methods based on observing surrounding elements.

Sky is undoubtedly the first indicator used in meteorology its cover and nature of clouds provides clues of the upcoming temperature and weather. The wind factor is also important and is associated with temperature and often rains. Animals and birds are also known to give indications about the future weather.

Scientists across the world since ancient times have tried to understand the meteorological phenomena like wind and rain. Many instruments for measuring wind power, humidity and rain were invented in the early 15th century.

During the 17th century, several discoveries tipped in favor of scientific meteorology. A device to measure temperature was invented by Galileo Galilei and the factor that atmospheric pressure was linked to altitude was discovered by Blaise Pascal. The invention of barometer by Evangelista Torricelli is significantly the most important discovery. It is still in use today which indicates atmospheric pressure changes that are linked with the future weather changes.

There are also other methods which have been evolved. Meteorology is a lot related with cycles and their analysis which was what Fernando II de Medici wanted to prove. He carried out a very determined program in 1654 for recording weather patterns in different European cities with a view to compile data and make their analysis.

Other breakthroughs were followed in the 18th century and science was taken to a new level. A modern mercury based thermometer was invented by Gabriel Fahrenheit. Theories about hydrodynamics were devised by Daniel Bernoulli and those theories had helped greatly in understanding the atmospheric changes.

When the theory of thermodynamics and atmospheric pressures were adapted, no real changes were important for understanding meteorology. In recent times, focus has been given on meteorological tools for its improvement and attaining better accuracy results. A tremendous boost was given to meteorology because of the technology in two ways. The first is the ability to communicate results and analysis with timing, it was made possible due to the invention of telegraph. The second is the ability of probing skies with using balloons, satellites and radars.

Meteorology is a part of our everyday lives. People are kept updated about the changing weather with dedicated channels and mobile devices. The science is still progressing and is an important element of the economy with many industries like agriculture and civil aviation depending on it.

Learn in details the history of Tecumseh and also the detailed history of Meteorology.

Games For The PS3 - Best Selling In 2010

One game that is highly popular and best selling is Madden NFL 11. This game brings the football experience straight to your living room with its amazing effects and new audio controls. You will be able to bring the entire NFL to your house and be a part of it with the enhanced digital options.

Additionally, you will be able to design your own game plans and create a plan of attack all on your own, putting you inside the very core of the football game. You will be able to use the coach's hints as you construct a play that is right for your team and then you will be able to actually act out the movies with your Dual Sticks. You will be able to see the game in vivid detail, in realistic format, with coaches and players and a raving audience, and you will be able to hear all the sounds and noises and cheering and grunting that makes a football game feel so real and spirited. This is the game for all football fans.

Another best selling game is Call of Duty: Black Ops for PlayStation 3. This game brings you an authentic feel of what the Black Ops soldiers really went through when fighting in dangerous conditions. This game is inspired from actual true events and will give you a real sense of what the experience was like for soldiers who fought hand to hand combat. You will also get the chance to fight on the ground or in the air with hand to hand style or with a dazzling array of weaponry, all inspired from the real Cold War era and time period.

Also, you will be able to see amazing settings and fight in environments that were authentic representations of fighting in the Cold War era, such as snowy mountains or in dangerous jungles or even in the air above urban cities of Vietnam. This game is the true authentic feeling of wartime and adventure. Red Dead Redemption is a best selling game that combines a sense of the wild, wild west with gangs and retribution. You will be a character who is an ex gangster who is ordered by the cops to reveal his past gang peers. You will then go on an adventure complete with wild horses and treasure and damsels in distress, and you will get the true experience by being able to skin animals alive and rob from people or help people when their land starts to burn. You will help people who are locked up by bandits and ultimately your goal is to get home to your wife and son.

Another game that is taking on the charts is God of War III, which is a graphically advanced game that allows you to fight enemies such as tall Titans with brutal combat, all ensconced in a setting that feels totally realistic and three-dimensional. The worlds are a treat for the imagination as they are all unique and have amazing lighting and textures. You will also encounter many characters from Greek myths that you can interact with and you will have amazing new weapons and ways to combat, as well.

Roberto Sedycias works as an IT consultant for PoloMercantil

4 Legendary Strong Men Who Inspire Workouts With Dumbbells

Did the world's first weightlifting competition involve two cavemen and some boulders? We will probably never know. While weight-training has not always involved dumbbells, the primary objective of the activity has remained the same: to improve one's strength. Today, experts have confirmed that weight-training with dumbbells also burns unwanted fat and improves the functioning of one's cardiovascular system.

Various legendary figures throughout human history have epitomized strength and the use of that strength to help mankind. Here are some figures who, if they lived in modern times, probably would not hesitate to incorporate dumbbells into their daily exercise regimen:

HERCULES

In Greek Mythology, Hercules was the ultimate hero. Hercules' father was Zeus and his mother was Theban Alcmene. Though Hercules could easily win a "Mr. Universe" contest today, he still had relationship problems. In particular, a goddess named Hera constantly chased Hercules. After murdering her family, Hercules tried to make amends by performing 12 tasks. These included:

o Cleaning stables
o Collecting part of a queen's outfit, and golden apples
o Capturing a male deer, horses, oxen, and a bull
o Bringing a three-headed dog from the underworld
o Killing birds, a lion, a boar, and a 9-headed dragon

Interestingly, the ancient Romans created their own Hercules legend. He became the Romans' god of physical strength.

SAMSON

Samson is a Jewish hero who served as one of the judges mentioned in the Bible. According to the Biblical account, Samson performed feats of strength such as wrestling a lion, using a donkey's jawbone to defeat a whole army, and demolishing an entire building. Samson's uncut hair was the key to his strength, according to the legend. After Samson fell in love with a woman named Delilah, Israel's enemies, the Philistines, bribed Delilah to find the secret to Samson's strength. He eventually lost his strength after Delilah cut his hair. However, Samson later regained his strength and destroyed one of the Philistines' temples, by pushing against its pillars.

PAUL BUNYAN

According to American folklore, Paul Bunyan was a hero on the frontier, who was a larger-than-life character. His legend is particularly popular in the U.S. states of Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. Bunyan constantly traveled with his buddy, Babe the Blue Ox. They were involved in a variety of escapades, including rainstorms that continued for months, battling gigantic mosquitoes, and clearing a huge log jam. Paul Bunyan was "born" in American newspapers, in 1910.

JOHN HENRY

John Henry is another American folk hero, who has appeared in several songs, stories, and books. Additionally, a statue in West Virginia honors the legend of John Henry. In the most popular version of the legend, John Henry was not born particularly strong. However, he became the top "steel-driver" as America constructed railroads to the West. When the railroad's owner purchased a hammer that was powered by steam, John Henry challenged the railroad owner to a contest between himself and the steam hammer. His goal was to save the job of his driving crew. While Henry won the competition, he died from exhaustion.

A fortunate grandpa of six incredible miracles, I embrace a good challenge. At 63 years of age I am embarking on my first Internet eCommerce store with my grown son, Chuck. It is absolutely awe inspiring and scary to be learning a new body of knowledge. I look forward to every morning anyway, but this new challenge has me even more enthusiastic about 5:30 each morning. My careers have been varied and fulfilling and I am sure this one will be too. My core values are energy and enthusiasm and my mission is to add value to every situation I find myself in. Find out more about Dumbells [http://www.CosmeticHealthReview.com/healthy-lifestyle/11-huge-benefits-that-make-dumbbells-a-smart-workout.html] here.

The Olympieion

This grandiose temple was many centuries in the building. It was originally planned by Peisistratus in the sixth century BC, on the site of the temple which legend ascribes to Deucalion, father of the new race of men, who raised it to Zeus in gratitude for deliverance from the great flood which subsided on this very spot and flowed into the adjacent river Ilissus. It was built in the Doric order and was of such colossal dimensions that it was compared with the Pyramids of Egypt and the public buildings erected by Polycrates of Samos. On the death of Peisistratus the work was continued by his sons but when Hippias was driven into exile (c. 510 BC) the project was abandoned.

In 174 BC, a devoted admirer of Athens, the Syrian king Antiochus IV Epiphanes, resumed work on the building and entrusted the Roman architect Cossutius with its execution. Cossutius modified the orientation of the temple, enlarged the plan, substituted the Corinthian order for the Doric and enhanced its splendor by building in Pentelic marble instead of poros. When king Antiochus died a few years later, the work was again suspended, and though but half-completed its magnificence was such that the Roman historian Livy considered it as the sole temple on earth worthy of the majesty of the god. For another three hundred years work on the temple was discontinued, and during this long period much of the building was stolen. The temple was finally completed by the emperor Hadrian and dedicated to Zeus Olympius during the Panhellenic festival of AD 132.

The temple, which measured 97 m. in length by 40 m. in breadth, stood on a three stepped stylobate and could be compared in size only with the huge temples of Ephesus, Agrigentum and Selinonte. It was a dipteral octastyle containing triple tows of eight columns at both ends and double rows of twenty columns along the sides, making a total of one hundred and four Corinthian columns (those at the corners counted twice), each 17 m. in height.

The sekos, 75 m. in length by 19 m. in breadth, contained an enormous chryselephantine statue of Zeus (a copy of Pheidias' statue of the god at Olympia), excelled in size only by the colossi of Rhodes and Rome. By its side stood another huge gold and ivory statue of Hadrian, who was identified with Olympian Zeus and offered divine honors by the priests.

Hadrian enclosed the temple with a massive wall strengthened by buttresses. The temple was surrounded by the statues which the cities of the Greek world erected to Hadrian, their most lavish benefactor.

Inside the entrance, close to the north side of the precinct, are the ruins of several ancient houses. Here, too, are the bases of the four columns of a small propylon which served as a secondary entrance; the principal entrance, a splendid monumental portal, was probably on the west. The ruins of a basilica of three naves also lie near the propylon. Careful examination showed this basilica to have been built in the fifth century with material from the Olympieion, constituting further proof that the temple was destroyed, either by fire or earthquake, about this time. Following a diagonal line north-west from the propylon we come to the foundations of a second century Roman thermal establishment, where a portion of the black, white and rose-colored marble floor is of interest. Beyond the Roman thermae are the foundations of a house of the fourth century BC, marked by a cast of a fine relief discovered on the site.

In the Middle Ages the remains of the Olympieion were thought to be those of Hadrian's Palace, and in common with the Stadium it was used as a quarry. Of this immense forest of marble columns only sixteen have survived, fifteen of which are still standing: thirteen, with their architraves in a fair state of preservation, in a group at the southeast corner, and two others about 30 m. to the south west. The last column was blown down in the great storm of 1852 and the parts lie carefully assembled on the ground.

Let us now visit the Panathenaic Stadium. This structure can be reached directly by turning from the enclosure of the Olympieion into Leophoros Olgas and then continuing for a short distance along this avenue. On account of its former historical, archaeological and literary associations it was customary to follow a longer route by way of the Ilissus, but now that this immemorial river has been covered over the latter approach is of limited interest.

Those visitors still wishing to take the longer route to the Stadium must, on leaving the Olympieion, turn left into Leophoros Syngrou and then follow this avenue as far as Odhos Diakou which is the first street on our left after we pass the Arch of Hadrian.

In the middle of Odhos Diakou stands a small obelisk which commemorates eminent American Philhellenes of the Greek War of Independence. The upper part of the memorial is adorned with medallions inset with portraits sculptured in relief of four of them, while below, on the principal face of the monument, are the names of a further twenty-nine American champions of liberty.

A little farther along Odhos Diakou a bridge crosses the Ilissus. This is Callirrhoe Bridge from which we can see a shelf of rock lying upstream across the dried-up bed of the river; this is all that remains of the legendary Callirrhoe Spring.

Just beyond the end of the bridge we come to a crossroads. For the Stadium we must turn left at the traffic lights and follow the bank of the Ilissus, past the Tennis Club, the Olympic Swimming Pool, and the Ethnikos Athletic Club. A few minutes' walk brings us to the Panathenaic Stadium.

Among the best hotels of Athens are Philippos Hotel, Hera Hotel and Herodion Hotel.

Book Review: The Lost Hero

The Lost Hero, by Rick Riordan. 2010. New York, Disney - Hyperion Books, Hardcover, 557 pages.

Our family really enjoyed the Percy Jackson series, so we thought we'd dive into the next series featuring the demi-gods of Camp Halfblood. We read them aloud so everyone can enjoy them, one chapter at a time.

At first, the three different points of view threw me a little. Throughout the book, we get two chapters from Jason, two from Piper and two from Leo, pretty much in that order. I got used to it; in the end, I can see why the author wanted the story presented from all three viewpoints. It was effective, even though it took awhile to get used to.

Jason, Piper and Leo are the new kids on the block at Camp Halfblood, so of course they immediately are chosen to go on a quest. Jason's storyline is leading to more in the next few books... he grew up with the Roman deities, which, while they are based on the Greek, they have slightly different aspects. This doesn't become clear until you get well into the book. As a son of Jupiter (otherwise known as Zeus), he has a lot on his shoulders. Yes, that's right. Poseidon and Hades weren't the only ones to break that pact back in the Percy Jackson books. Admit it, are you really that surprised?

What makes this interesting is that Hera (or Juno, in the Roman), must work with Jason in this book, and we all know how she feels about Zeus' shenanigans.

Piper is the troubled daughter of a movie star. This leads to some interesting situations. I thought it was great to have a daughter of Aphrodite finally be more than a primping beauty queen. There is nothing giggly about Piper.

Leo had a hard life from the start. Luckily, as a son of Hephaestus, he knows how to get the job done. He really grows a lot in this book; I look forward to seeing how he turns out.

The book takes you on an interesting journey as you meet many of Greek mythology's most famous characters, like King Midas and Medea. I won't spoil the story by elaborating on all the amazing updates these and other characters have made through Riordan's pen. Suffice it to say that this book is full of adventure, lots of laughs, and some surprises.

If your kids like adventure, they'll love this book. If you like the fun adventures that are only available in Young Adult literature, you'll enjoy it, too. I give it a full five stars from our house.

Buy it at Amazon:

Disclosure Statement: I did not get anything for reviewing this book. My daughter bought it so we could all enjoy it.

Toni Rakestraw has been writing and editing for over 15 years. Learn more about what editing can do for you at Unbridled Editor.

Math Geeks are Cool

Why is it that math geeks are considered squares? That is, why is the straight-A math student considered Mr. Un-popular in school? It's funny how twisted things are in life. The cool kids in school are the ones smoking pot and cigarettes, perhaps taking other illegal substances, having sex with other students, and getting into at least one fight per quarter. Meanwhile, the straight-A kids are considered geeks, even though they are the ones that will build the country, write the future laws, and find the cures for the most vicious diseases that affect us all today.

With the world in such a chaotic state today, with morals decaying faster than you can say "moral turpitude," and with parents writhing at the thought of coping with their soon-to-be teenage son or daughter, it is no wonder that people of this generation are asking why things are so different from only two decades ago. Well the answer is not too hard to find once we know where to look.

One thing we need to do is examine the priorities in our culture. If you read my article "20/20 Speaks out about Education in America" then you can understand why a small seemingly insignificant country like Belgium could be excelling in education while America is lagging behind. In Belgium, math geeks are extolled--not vilified as some depraved life form. Our youth has distorted values and they worship figures in our culture who really should be given a lesser place within the hierarchy of worship. Now really should gangster rap stars be lauded as saviors of society? Hardly.

Unfortunately, a steady diet of MTV and the internet teaches children from an early age on, to worship such individuals and to give them role model status. (Hey parents, have you noticed the changes in your children's language over the years? Does it contain a lot of cursing? Well, try listening to a gangster rap song and then you'll know why. And rappers, don't give me that stuff that you're just talking about your life and reality. Come now. Don't you see what you're doing to the kids?)

Now take some fame, a couple hundred million dollars, clothing lines and other businesses to boot, and you have a ghetto kid thinking because he made it big in rap that he is a yardstick to be measured by. (And hey this observation does not go out to rap music only; such applies to other genres of music that are poisoning our kids' minds.) Do I believe that freedom of speech should be curtailed. No. Absolutely not. But I think we need to realign how we think about such moral decay in our youth, for they are our future.

Let's teach our children from early on that the math geeks and such should be lauded, for on their shoulders our very future rests. Let us adjust what our perceptions are on "cool," and "popular" and let us teach our children that straight-A's are cool and that pulling poor grades, smoking pot and cigarettes, and taking drugs are uncool. This could be the difference between a bright future and a dismal one. Heck, I'm already disappointed with the world I live in. Let's not make it any worse. Speak up on this issue. Don't be the silent minority, be the loud majority. God bless.

See more at Math by Joe

Joe is a prolific writer of self-help and educational material and an award-winning former teacher of both college and high school mathematics. Under the penname, JC Page, Joe authored Arithmetic Magic, the little classic on the ABC’s of arithmetic. Joe is also author of the charming self-help ebook, Making a Good Impression Every Time: The Secret to Instant Popularity; the original collection of poetry, Poems for the Mathematically Insecure, and the short but highly effective fraction troubleshooter Fractions for the Faint of Heart. The diverse genre of his writings (novel, short story, essay, script, and poetry)—particularly in regard to its educational flavor— continues to captivate readers and to earn him recognition.

Joe propagates his teaching philosophy through his articles and books and is dedicated to helping educate children living in impoverished countries. Toward this end, he donates a portion of the proceeds from the sale of every ebook. For more information go to http://www.mathbyjoe.com

Greek Tattoos For Girls

Do you think Greek tattoos are for the guys only? Well, think again because some of the best Greek tattoos are for girls. Not only are the designs great but they can be custom made by none other but you!

At one point in time, tattoos on a woman were not the "norm", and many women who had them covered them up when out in public. Thank goodness that in today's world we can have as much fun with tattoos as the guys can without being criticized.

Popular places for girls to get tattoos include the lower back, ankles, wrists, belly button, and the front of the hips. Greek tattoos for girls can be amazing and really stand out when custom designed instead of being just the old standard designs out of a parlor book. Let's look at what's popular and has a Greek history on top of it.

Butterflies

Butterflies are very popular and many people don't realize that they do in fact have Greek significance. The ancient Greek word for butterfly is "psyche" which means "soul". In Greek mythology, butterflies were associated with the human soul. They were considered to be the souls of those who had passed away, flying into the heavens.

The Greek God Eros married a human woman named Psyche. They are very often pictured together surrounded by beautiful butterflies. Greek tattoos for girls can include simple forms of butterflies or intricate designs that surround a figure or figures.

Angels

Greek tattoos for girls wouldn't be complete without a reference to angels. The word "angel" comes from the Greek term "angelos". Quite simply, angelos means messenger. In the Greek religion, an angelos was a divine messenger who relayed messages from the Gods to the humans. They were the intermediates between the Gods and us earthlings. Some of the Gods even had wings themselves and there is reference in some of the myths to humans who could fly.

The halo that Christians associate with angels actually originated in Greek times. The sun God Helios was depicted in many paintings with a halo. The image of the halo (or the golden light) has stuck and is generally associated with angels.

Angels can be used very simply by themselves or more elaborately if you choose. They look great when shown flying in a bundle of clouds or drifting elegantly down to earth. The possibilities are endless.

Both butterflies and angels make great Greek tattoos for girls. The secret to getting a tattoo that will stand out above the rest is to do some research yourself. Keep in mind that the designs that you see in a parlor are very basic. They are designed that way to get you in and out as fast as possible.

About 25% of people who get tattoos are disappointed with what they end up with. Don't let that happen to you. The best Greek Tattoos For Girls can be put together with your own ideas.

If you spend some time researching, downloading, and printing out designs, you will be able to develop the best design for your style. Then you can take the design to the parlor with you. Get some more ideas and print great downloads when you visit http://www.squidoo.com/Greek-Tattoo.

Clash Of The Titans - Great Halloween Costume Ideas

Looking for something different for Halloween or for any fancy dress party can be time consuming, especially if you have no interest in making your own and would rather find a unique costume that is excellent looking and easy to put on.

This year, The Clash Of The Titans cult 1981 movie was remade and directed by Desmond Davis, and because of this movie some amazing unique Halloween fancy dress costumes have been made, for Adults and kids.

The amount of costume ideas is huge and exciting. With a movie loosely based on Greek even Roman mythology, characters such as Gods, Goddess, Monsters, Heroes, Villains make way for some beautiful, scary or warrior like costumes, perfect for everyone looking for an unique stand out look.

The story of Clash of the Titans tells the tale of Perseus, the half God half human son of the Greek God Zeus, who heads out on a quest to battle the monster Medusa, kill the beast the Kraken, and save the Princess Andromeda. It is a great story and any child or adult should see these movies. This story involves so many characters like this, Gods, Monsters etc, it is no wonder there are a lot of raging exciting scary and wonderful characters to choose from.

For little boys, the Perseus costume is outstanding. With shield, sword and Armour, based on the 2010 movie, for any young boy, looking this sharp and strong is thrilling and sure to be a hit. There are also monster costumes such as the Calibos costume, the son of the Goddess Thetis, who was transformed in to this beast by the God Zeus, it is a great scary costume and makes a great pairing with the Perseus costume.

For little girls, the Greek Princess and Greek Goddess costumes are beautiful and fit all sizes, sure to be a hit with any little girl.

For Adults, the Clash Of The Titans provides a great wide choice for both men and women, From a great Perseus costume to monster, Gods and Goddess costumes, but the costume that stands out the most I have to say is the Medusa costume, it is stunning and unique and would turn any heads at any fancy dress party.

These type of costumes are sure to be a hit this Halloween and are all the rage. With more costume due out soon and on top of what is already available, the excitement of dressing up is seeping into the bones. Step back in time and be a Clash of the Titans character and be truly unique this Halloween.

I hope this article was very helpful and if you would like to see some Clash Of The Titans costumes and find some ideas be sure to visit our Clash Of The Titans site for some great tips and Halloween ideas, Thank you.

Know More About the Ancient Greek Sculptures

There are three distinct periods within the history of ancient Greek statues: Archaic, classical and Hellenistic. Most of the traditional Greek art statues were formed out of marble or bronze and were monuments to the form of the body. They're considered ethnically important because of the way the Greeks captured the stories of their gods, heroes, traditions and culture in ancient sculptures gallery.

Though many of the original statues were damaged or lost over the years, there are lots of examples of the Greek workmanship, notably in some of the famous ancient sculptures gallery around the world.

Ancient Greek Sculpture within the Archaic Period

The archaic age of these sculpture lasted from 600 B.C. to four hundred and eighty B.C. and mainly resembled earlier Egyptian works with its geometric planes and firm poses. The majority of recognized classical Greek sculptures are the Kouros (male) and Kore (female) statues that were often modeled from state-sponsored subjects.

This is the time where secularism began to sneak into these sculpture with proof that artist and patron names started being recorded on the art itself.

Ancient Greek Sculpture within the Classical Period

The classical period is one of the most widely recognized ancient art sculptures. Additional natural poses and a variety in subjects are supreme to the current era. Stone and bronze became further popular material choices during this time portrayed in surviving these sculpture. Recognizing and capturing the method human muscles moved was essentially to ancient Greek statues' a lot of active poses.

A few of the most recognized sculptures from the classical era include Zeus (or Poisidon) of Artemision, Youth of Marathon and The Diadoumenos. Ancient Greek sculpture of the classical period may have concentrated on movement but faces of the this statues were largely stoic - it had been believed solely barbarians showed their emotions in public. Mankind was shown in an idealistic way in ancient Greek art sculptures and each sexes were often exposed during this period of ancient Greek sculpture.

Ancient Greek Sculpture in the Hellenistic Period

Several individuals don't see a different between the ancient Greek sculpture of the classical period and the traditional Greek art sculptures that are from the Hellenistic period because both show a freedom in the form of man and are usually nudes. However, as Greek civilization itself became more diverse and influenced by cultures the Greeks interacted with, thus did the traditional Greek sculpture at the time.

Common individuals - ladies, kids and animals - turning into suitable subjects could be a key characteristic of such statues of this time now.

Mark Wild is a disciple of Anna Chromy and is a professional sculptor with years of professional experience in large metal wall art, bronze sculptures, mother and child sculpture and small statuettes. Detailed information on all the above and much more is available at www.AnnaChromy.com. Visit the website now to see Anna's amazing collection.

A Delicious True Story of Cheesecakes

The cheesecake began purely as an energy food that originated in the ancient country of Greece. In those days, cheesecake was invented for use as food for the Olympic athletes of the time. Although it began solely as an energy food, the version of cheesecakes we see today is a delicious dessert loved by all.

Ingredients of the first cheesecakes was basically cow or goat cheese; mashed into a pulp, honey for sweetness, wheat flour for the volume and texture and some water to make the resulting goop soft. All the ingredients were combined together then shaped into patties or cakes. They were then baked, cooled and served to the athletes. It wasn't long enough until these cakes were popular as they tasted good. Soon, cheesecakes became a notable feature in Greek cuisine. These cakes were then used in weddings as it became customary for a bride-to-be to make and serve mini cheesecakes to the groom's friends. This tradition gradually evolved into the modern wedding cake.

When the Roman Empire came and occupied the defeated Greeks, they lived amongst the Greeks adopting a lot of Greek food as well as traditions. When the Roman army swept into other parts of the world they brought along with them the cheesecake particularly in Europe and Britain. Therefore, many different local versions of the cheesecake were created as the cake was commonly loved by the occupied nations. The cheesecakes had since spread from the ancient world into the new world and soon USA too became the new center of the cheesecake.

Cheesecakes usually consist of a mixture of different cheese such as cottage cheese, cream cheese, or ricotta. The reason for this is to add different taste to a cheesecake. Two of the most popular variety of cheesecake in the USA is the Jewish cheesecake or better known as the New York Style cheesecake. The cake is actually cream cheese on cracker crust. Different variation of this cake has evolved over time by adding different flavors and toppings. Some of the flavors you find today are Key Lime, tiramisu, chocolate or fruits like mango and strawberries.

The next popular cheesecake is the Italian cheesecake which is made from ricotta cheese and bits of candied fruit and has a pastry crust. Chefs who are experts in making this cheesecake has guarded their secret family recipe and passed it down to the next generations. Cheesecakes are naturally high in calories and fat due to the ingredients used. But today, with developments in artificial sweeteners and low fat ingredients, you can find healthier selection of cheesecakes such as no fat and sugar added cheesecakes or even sugar free cheesecakes and what's more intriguing is the fact that the healthier versions too managed to keep its natural flavor.

So if you are looking for a dessert that will leave a lasting and pleasant impression on your taste buds you can't go wrong with a cheesecake. So why not try a simple-to-make cheesecake recipe to surprise your friends and family. When preparing the cake the most difficult part in preparing a cheesecake is deciding when it's done as the cheesecake differs from a traditional cake as it is semi solid and therefore collapses easily. To make sure your cheesecake is properly cooked you should time the baking time to be just as the recipe. You can re-bake an undercooked cake but you can't undo an over baked cake. There are many cheesecake recipes for you to try that are easy to make, tastes great and are cheap.

There are many exotic and enticing gourmet recipes to try if you're looking for a more elaborate offering but these are more complex to make. There are many recipes of cheesecake that you can find online or in bookstores. But if you are short of time, why not just head down to the nearest bakery or cake house and order a portion of cheesecake in the flavor you desire? It is certainly an easier and faster way to enjoy a slice. So go on, treat yourself to a slice of your desired flavor now.

Frankly, the author would rather eat New York cheesecake than talk about its history. However, Greg Scott does enjoy writing about any flavor of cheesecake available at EliteCheesecakes.com