HOW CHRISTMAS TREES STARTED

Among the Christmas decorations that we use, it is the Christmas tree that literally stands out. The joy and spirit of Christmas  usually starts with the whole family decorating the Christmas tree. It becomes the family's opportunity to bond, share ideas and plans for the coming Christmas, and show their creativity.
Do you know how the Christmas tree started as one of the most commonly used Christmas decoration around the world?
It is said that in the 7th century, a monk from Devonshire went to Germany to spread the word of God. He used the triangular shape of the Fir tree to describe the Holy Trinity of God which is God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. People then started to call the Fir tree as the tree of God. In the 12th century in Europe,  being known as the symbol of Christianity, people hung Fir tree on the ceiling upside down and this was being done during Yuletide season. In the early 1500's, people in Riga, Latvia were the first who decorated the tree. It is said that Martin Luther who was the first person who put the Christmas tree indoor and decorated it with candles, this was to show his children how the stars at night looked like when being viewed in the forest. In the 17th century, the Christmas tree came to England. They put several small trees on their tables, one for each member of the family with their gifts being put under his or her tree. In 1846, the Christmas tree became popular not only in Britain but also in East Coast of America, that is when people saw Queen Victoria and Prince Albert post for the magazine, Illustrated London News standing with their children around the Christmas tree.  In the 1860's small toys were being hung on the branches of the Christmas tree as decoration. In 1870's putting glass ornaments on the Christmas tree became a status symbol in Britain and in 1880's it became the measure of Social standing as Christmas trees during this time became taller. In 1900's, artificial but real looking Christmas trees were used, decorated with balls and ribbons.

Some Amazing facts about Christmas trees:

- King Tut never saw a Christmas tree. this was according to David Robson an Extension Educator at Springfield Extension Center.
- Egyptians treasure and worshiped Evergreens
- Druids place Evergreen branches over their doors to keep away evil spirits.
- In 1850's Christmas trees were being sold commercially in the United States.
- Among the best selling Christmas trees were the Douglas Fir, Virginia pine, Scotch pine, Noble fir, Fraser fir, White pine and the balsam fir.
- Real Christmas trees remove dust and pollen in the air.
-  Real Christmas tree shouldn't be burn in fireplaces as this can build up cresolate buildup.
- Artificial Christmas trees will last for 6 years but will last for centuries in a landfill.
- For environmental reason, President Theodore Roosevelt of USA banned the use of Christmas tree in White House.
- The first US President to put Christmas tree in White House was the 14th President, Franklin Pierce.
- 80 percent of the artificial Christmas tree were produced in China.
- Most artificial Christmas trees were made of metals and plastics typically PVC which are potential source of hazardous lead.
- Fake trees were first invented by a company who made toilet bowl brushes.

DO YOU KNOW WHAT CANDY CANES SYMBOLIZES?

Do you know why candy canes becomes one of the commonly used Christmas decoration? In the late 1600's, candy canes becomes popular, and it was when a choirmaster in Cologne Cathedral, distributed freely white candy sticks to children who attended long ceremonies at the Cathedral. This was eventually bent to become like a shepherds stuff. America was introduced to this candy stick in 1800's. In 1950, a man from Atlanta, Georgia named Bob McCormack make candy canes for his family and friends. With the popularity of candy canes, a Catholic priest, named Gregory Keller who was the brother-in-law of Bob, invented a machine that will mass produce candy canes. It was named Bob's Candies Inc. which then became the largest producer of candy canes. 
It is said that candy canes is associated with Jesus Christ. Candies are hard that could represent the church which is built upon a rock. Jesus is our shepherd. Shepherds uses cane or it can also represent the shepherds who visited the newborn baby Jesus.  Usually candy canes were decorated with red and white stripes. The red stripes represents Jesus' blood that saves mankind and white represents our pure and sinless Jesus Christ. Turning the candy cane upside down and it will form the letter J which is the initial of the name of Jesus Christ. The candy maker made this candy canes to remind us what Christmas is all about.

KISSING UNDER THE MISTLETOE

The picture shown above are property of theri rightful owner. No copyright infringement intended special thanks to Mr. David Tribble thru Wikipedia

Do you know why there are people kissing under the mistletoe during Christmas? During Christmas it has been said that young men had the privilege of kissing a young woman under the mistletoe. This thing had become a tradition in other parts of the world and has been going on for ages. For those who don't know what a mistletoe is, well, it is an hemi-parasitic evergreen plant with white berries they grows on branches or trunks of a tree but are also capable to grow on their own. There are two types of mistletoe, the Phoradendron flavescens and the Viscum album.  European and North American species are commercially harvested f to be use as Christmas decorations. It has been said that early Europeans used mistletoe as ceremonial plants. Greeks believed that mistletoe had mystical powers. Scandinavia is said to be the origin of that tradition of kissing under the mistletoe.  It is known as a plant of peace by ancient Scandinavians. According to Christmas customs , any two people who meet under a hanging mistletoe should kiss and  such kiss could mean a lasting friendship or a deep romance. It is believe that a couple who kissed under the mistletoe will soon marry and will have a happy and long life. This custom is still being done in many European countries. These days, artificial mistletoes are used to decorate our houses during Christmas season.

WHO IS SANTA CLAUS???

Christmas is in the air and one of the most Christmas figure is Santa Claus. Santa Claus also known as Kris Kringle, Father Christmas, St. Nick, St. Nicholas, Santa or Sinterklaas in Dutch. He is known to us as the fat, jolly man with white beard who wears a red suit with white fur, black belt and black boots. Legend tells us that he lives in North Pole together with his wife and his magical elves that help him in making toys for children as his gift but did you know that the true Santa Claus was Saint Nicholas. Saint Nicholas was born sometime in 280 AD in the village of Patara ( Southern Coast of modern day Turkey). He became an orphan at a very young age. His parents died of an epidemic. He was taught by his parents to be a God fearing child. He inherited all the wealth left by his parents which he used to help the needy. At a young age, he was made Bishop of Myra because of his devotion to the Lord.
During the time of Roman Emperor Diocletian, Saint Nicholas was imprisoned. He attended the Council of Nicaea in AD 325 after his released. He died in December 6, 343 AD and was then buried at a cathedral in Myra and at his grave, a unique relic was formed and was named manna. December 6, which is the date of his death became his feast day (December 19 in the Julian calendar). Today, he is also known as the patron saint of children and sailors.
Saint Nicholas have been linked with many legends. One of his well known story is the story of a poor man with 3 daughters. These woman were supposed to be sold to slavery by their father who couldn't afford their dowry for them to get marry but mysteriously on three different occasions, a bag of gold was seen at their home, providing the amount needed for dowries. It is said that the bag of gold was tossed in the open window and landed on a stocking placed near the fireplace to dry. This is how the custom of children hanging stockings waiting for gifts from Santa Claus. How about the Santa climbing on the chimney? It is said that on the third time that he had to toss the bag of gold into the window of the poor man, it was closed so he instead climb up the chimney and there he dropped the bag of gold.

PAROL: THE FILIPINO CHRISTMAS LANTERN

Philippines is the only country in Asia where Christianity is predominant.
Christmas is the most celebrated holiday in the Philippines. Several business establishments and companies plays Christmas carols as early as September. We Filipinos started to decorate our homes with Christmas ornaments as early as October and Christmas decorations won't be complete with hanging a Parol outside the house. 
What is a Parol?  A parol is a star like Christmas lanterns used by Filipinos as ornament during Christmas season. They are traditionally made with bamboo and papel de hapon ( Japanese paper ).
The parol was created to symbolize the star that guided the 3 kings ( or should I say three astronomers) to Bethlehem were Jesus Christ was born.
It is said that the first parol was made by  Filipino artisan, Francisco Estanislao of San Fernando, Pampanga in the late 1920's. The new generation parol were now made of plastic materials, capiz or seashells, stained glass, etc.. There are also new different shapes of parol aside from the traditional star shape such as flower, angels, bells and snowflakes.
San Fernando in Pampanga is known as the Christmas lantern capital of the Philippines. This where you can see colorful and skillfully made parols being sold almost all over the town . It is where the evolution of Parol started. San Fernando is also the place where you can see giant lanterns. A giant lantern festival is being held annually in San Fernando during December and is locally called " LIGLIGAN PAROL" . It is a competition of giant parols and every barrio in San Fernando participate. The height of the entries were as high as 20 feet and is made with plastic materials and was being illuminated by thousands of light bulbs.This is one of the amazing things in the Philippines that was included in the Guinness Book of World Records.





Nowadays, several companies, schools and organizations in the Philippines also hold christmas lantern making contest which requires participants to use indigenous materials such as bamboo, pet bottles, plastics, straws, bottle caps, cans, and other garbage materials.
Are you done dressing your homes with Christmas decorations?

ANOTHER VICTORY FOR MANNY "PACMAN" PACQUIAO

The duel between the two great boxers Pacquiao and Margarito was really exciting. Although things did not happened as expected by boxing fans that there would be a knockout in the fight, both fighters showed their strengths and will to win the WBC title.
The bout lasted for 12 rounds and Manny Pacquiao brings home his 8th title after winning the WBC superwelterweight title. He makes another history in boxing.
Let us admit the fact that a lot of Filipinos were at first scared that Pacman couldn't win against Margarito who is much taller and with 6 inch longer reach but he proves them wrong when he dominated Margarito all over the 12 rounds of the fight and won with unanimous decision. With his boxing skills and speed, Manny he rocked the Tijuana Tornado.  Margarito wanted to pin Manny on the rope but Pacquiao, with his speed, always manages to escape and everytime Pacman did this, he has a suprising combination to counter against Margarito.  The fight was so intense that it made Mrs. Dionisia Pacquiao, the mother of Manny suffered from anxiety attack but was now fine.  Filipino boxing fanatics cheered everytime Pacman landed his powerful punches on Margarito. Pacquiao admitted that battling against the "Tijuana Tornado" was very hard.
Pacman slowed down after seeing Margarito's condition. Pacquiao even told when interviewed that he was waiting for the referee to stop the fight. Also in a separate  interview to Roberto Garcia, the Mexican's trainer, he admitted that he already wanted to throw the towel to stop the fight but believes that his boxer could still make it as he is a tough boxer and a brawler.

Margarito's face became a mess after the bout. His eyes were almost close, blood were on his face from the big cut under the right eye.
Filipinos pride Manny Pacquiao, once again proved that he is indeed the best pound per pound boxer in the world.

Pacquiao only suffered minor bruises and swollen fist after the fight while Margarito had to seek medical attention as his right has right had swollen too bad after receiving powerful punches. The Mexican boxer undergoes an MRI and result shows that he had a fractured orbital bone under his right eye. He would have to go on a surgery but not until the inflammation had subside.
Btw, to all boxing fans there, watch out for the upcoming Marquez-Katsidis fight this November 27. (Juan Manuel Marquez will be fighting against Australian boxer Michael Katsidis).
Congratulations Manny Pacquiao for the victory!! Who would be his next challenger? Would he be finally facing Floyd Mayweather jr. or will he retire?

THE PACQUIAO-MARGARITO FIGHT

This Sunday, November 14, (Sat, Nov. 13 in US) Filipinos pride Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao will be facing again another Mexican boxer, Antonio "Tijuana Tornado" Margarito. Each fighter were hoping to win the fight, one is for history and the other for redemption. Pacquiao if ever, will be the first boxer who will hold 8 titles in 8 different world class while Margarito is hungry to win the bout to  redeem himself after his hand wraps scandal, (he was caught with plaster of Paris in his fist) his license have been revoked by California State Commision in February 2009.
Pacquiao wanted to have a face off with Floyd Mayweather Jr. but the latter refuses (why do Floyd always have an alibi when asked to sign a fight contract against Pacquiao?). Mayweather is currently facing criminal charges from alleged domestic dispute.
The Pacquiao - Margarito fight will be held at the Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The fighters will contend for the vacant WBC Light Middleweight Title. The bout is scheduled for 12 rounds.

Here are the tale of the tape of the two boxers

PACQUIAO

AGE:                        31 11/12
HEIGHT:                   5'6 1/2 inches
REACH:                   67 1/2 inches
STANCE:                 Southpaw
RECORD:                 53-3-2-38

            
MARGARITO

AGE:                       32 8/12
HEIGHT:                  5'11 inches
REACH:                   73 inches
STANCE:                 Orthodox
RECORD:                38-6-0-27


Watching this boxing match is a must. Filipinos are hoping that our own boxing champion Manny Pacquiao will win against Margarito and will bring home his 8th title. This event will surely make the Philippines at zero crime rate again just like in his previous fights.
Now let me ask you, Who is your bet?

POSITIVE EFFECTS OF NEGATIVE IONS

What comes to your mind when you hear or encounter the word NEGATIVE? Think again, Negative doesn't always mean negative. There is something in this world that gives positive result besides being called negative. I am talking about negative ions. Ions are electrically charged particles which are formed when an atom contains an unequal number of protons in the nucleus and electrons in the electrons cloud . Why is it called negative ions if it has positive effect on humans? It is because in the 1700's, people couldn't still understand electrons and atoms, it is Benjamin Franklin who gave the term "negative ion". An atom with one of its normal electron removed is called positive ion (anions) . An atom with an extra electrons is called negative ion (cations). Negative ions can increase the flow of oxygen in the brain which can cause mental energy and higher consciousness or alertness.

Benefits of negative ions:

Negative ions can prevent respiratory illnesses.
Negative ions are natural anti-depressants.
Negative ions can help us get a quality sleep.
Negative ions can fight the negative effects of smoking.
Negative ions can strengthen the functions of our autonomic nerves.
Negative ions can strengthen the body's immune system.

Ever heard that staying on a seashore can help you recover from respiratory illnesses? It is because study shows that seashores have thousands of negative ions.
There were several types of negative ionizers apparatus that were sold in the market for our homes, there were negative ionizers that can be use in your cars just by simply putting a device in your cigarette lighter receptacle, pendants and lately, through the use of a sanitary napkin. Yes, sanitary napkin! I am not connected by any means with the company that produces this sanitary napkin that has a  negative ions strips nor  a reseller of the product but I find it amazing that there are a lot of people who testify that this product really works. A woman who was diagnosed with multiple mesenchymal tumor or myoma testifies that she was totally cured of the illness by simply using the sanitary napkin. I haven't tried this negative ion strips but  I am willing to give it a try and see for myself what benefits negative ions can give me.

I found some of these videos on youtube and want to share it with you.








If this strips really help, why not make it available on all products that we regularly consume so that a lot of  people can benefit from the positive effect of negative ions. I'm pretty sure that if this happens,  we can prevent sickness caused by stressed, bacterias and pollution.

THE MORAL LAW OF NATURE: YOU REAP WHAT YOU HAVE SOW

Do you believe in KARMA? Ever heard someone saying " of all people, why would these things happens to me?"


KARMA - or kamma in pali which mean what you do to others is what you get similarly. 
Buddhist, and Hindus were not the only ones who believe in Karma, even Christians do.The bible has something to say about karma. Galatians (chapter 6 verse 7) tells us that " Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A person reaps what he sow". Another is in Matthew (chapter 7 verse 12) 
" ¹²So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets." . This verses were also similar to the words of Confucius.

Karma could have been a result of your physical, verbal or mental actions. Does your past life has something to do with the karma you are experiencing in your present life?
There are others who explains that this is the reason why there are individuals who keeps on doing good things but yet faces lots of difficulties in life. There are no individual who can escape the consequences of his actions. It can have a short term or long term effect. 

Read this meaningful quotes:

Watch your thoughts, for they become words.
Watch your words, for they become actions.
Watch your actions, for they become habits.
Watch your habits, for they become character.
Watch your character, for it becomes your destiny.

Truly, indeed that you may feel some sort of happiness being able to see the fall of someone you don't want,  but remember chapter 7 of the letter of Paul to the Galatians that "the lord cannot be mocked." He sees everything you do, be very careful of your words and actions. Good will be returned with good; evil with evil.

DO YOU BELIEVE IN GHOST?

Just a week left and many countries will have their annual celebration of Halloween. Celebration differs from different parts of the world. But this celebration wouldn't be complete without spooky things. There are some who would celebrate halloween through costume parties, trick or treating and for those who seek adventure this is the best time for ghost haunting but are there real ghost?
I have been searching for videos of ghost sightings and happens to see these. 
Check out these videos....































Its up to you my friends to decide whether they are true or just fabricated...

WHAT IS A PSYCHIC ABILITY?

For sure, you already have heard about psychic, psychic abilites, psychic phenomena, paranormal. So what exactly is a psychic ability?

Psychic - is a person who has the skill or power to perceived informations through the extra sensory perception(ESP).  It comes from the Greek word " Psychikos" which means mental. The word psychic was first used by Nicolas Camille Flammarion, a French Astronomer.

Psychic ability - is the ability to get or gather knowledge that a person should not normally know.

DIFFERENT KINDS OF PSYCHIC ABILITIES

CLAIRVOYANCE - comes from the word CLAIR which means clear and VOYANCE which means vision. It is the ability to gain information about a person, place, things, or a physical event without using any of the five senses. It is also called Remote Viewing.

CLAIRAUDIENCE - from the word CLAIR and AUDIENCE which means hearing.
It is the ability to hear things beyond the normal hearing range by paranormal auditory means.

CLAIRSENTIENCE OR CLAIREMPATHS - Sentience means feeling. It is the ability to know or feel the emotions of others.

CLAIRESCENCE /CLAIRALIENCE - from the word CLAIR meaning clear and ALIENCE which means smelling. It is the ability to access psychic powers through the sense of smell.

PSYCHOMETRY - is the ability to perceive information regarding a person, place, or things by touching or holding an object associated with it.

PSYCHOKINESIS - from the greek word psyche which means mind and kinesis meaning motion. It is the ability to move an object through the use of powers of mind. It is also called Telekinesis.

DISTANT HEALING - is the ability to heal pains or illnesses by transferring energies even if the subject is not present.

MENTAL TELEPATHY - it is the ability to transfer thoughts or communicate by mind to another person.

AURA READING OR AURIC SIGHT - is the ability to see luminous energies emanating from a person or see the colors of the aura.


According to studies all human have psychic abilities you just have to develop them.
 There are claims that once you develop psychic abilities, you will discover your strength and weaknesses but before getting involve, it is better to know the pros and cons of developing such abilities. There cases wherein a person overdo the practice of developing psychic abilities and end up being a patient in a "Psychiatric ward".

"Nuffnang and PLDT myDSL Special Screening"

Check this out guys!! If you're one of my blog reader you have certainly read the article that I wrote about social networking sites, how they started, their success and their founder. Well, "The Social Network", is a movie based on the story behind the success of FACEBOOK and its founder Mark Zuckerberg. It will be shown soon, Nuffnang and PLDT myDSL will be having a special screening of this must see movie. See the picture below..

Did I just say PLDT myDSL? Oh, if "The Social Network is to Facebook, well,  PLDT myDSL modem + wifi is to best and comfortable internet connection". Yes! PLDT myDSL  is now with a new promo. Check this out....

isn't it really the best and comfortable internet connection provider? imagine having a connection just by using a plug and play gadget and enjoying it like the regular myDSL modem, not only that, by availing one of their high speed plan  you can connect simultaneously with wifi, hahaha!!! no need to worry about someone in your family bothering you while you are playing your favorite game on facebook. Surfing the internet within 25 meters distance through wifi connection, ohh great! you can enjoy surfing or downloading even you are in your  backyard. (of course by using your laptop or any wifi enabled gadget). Wait, if you have more than one desktop computer at home, there's no need to worry as the modem has 4 ports so you can enjoy sharing internet connection. Trouble with the connection? no need to wait for hours or days to be served by a technical group because PLDT myDSL has come with remote troubleshooting. What else can you ask for?

BUMBLEBEE OF THE TRANSFORMERS MET AN ACCIDENT

Remember bumblebee? the descendant of Optimus Prime, the autobot who damaged  his vocal processor during one of his battle and uses his car stereo to communicate with his friend Sam Witwicky, Well, he met an accident last Monday.
The popular autobot Bumblebee met an accident last Monday, October 11 while filming the movie TRANSFORMER 3.
The shooting of the movie took place in the streets of Washington DC, the scene was a chase when suddenly a rushing police SUV appeared on the scene and accidentally collided with the yellow chevy camaro (Bumblebee). The police car was supposed to respond on a reported suspicious package. The staff and crew of the movie was horrified as some onlookers though the collision was part of the movie. The stunt driver was unharmed but the police who was a bomb expert was brought to the hospital after having minor injuries. According to reports the DC police that were coordinated by the production crew of TRANSFORMERS 3 and the police on SUV were on different radio frequency making it impossible for the latter to know that the road was closed for the filming.

For those who don't know, just last September 1, during their filming in Northwest Indiana, a movie extra named Gabriella Cedillo was unfortunately hit by a metal tow cable that was welded on the stunt car. Reports said that the cable broke, whipped and slashed into Cedillo's car also slicing her skull. She immediately undergoes brain surgery. She was reportedly recovered but her entire left body part were paralyzed.

WHAT IS A FOOT, HAND AND MOUTH DISEASE?

We have been hearing a lot about FHMD (Foot, Hand and Mouth Disease) recently, especially when it was broadcast that Ms. Kris Aquino and her two sons namely Josh and Baby James got infected by the virus. So what exactly is FHMD?

According to what some information I have read from the internet FHMD should not be mistaken to FMD (Foot and Mouth Disease) although their names are almost the same, they are totally unrelated and are caused by different organisms.

FMD is a virus that affects cattle, swine and sheep. They are from the Picornaviridae family, Aphthovirus genus. FMD is  known to be one of the most contagious livestock disease. This spreads from one animal to another rapidly. Mode of transmission is through feces, saliva, mucus, breaths, and milk.

FHMD are caused by intestinal viruses. It is a common viral infection that affects infants and children but adults who have immune deficiencies can also be infected.. The infections is spread from a person to another through direct contact with the infectious virus. It is said that the first week of the infection is the most contagious and although the symptoms have gone away, FHMD can still remain in the body for weeks. Some who were infected of this virus may not show any symptom. It is also said that a person who already got the infection is most likely to be immune from the disease. It may only recur if the person who already got FHMD in the past catches the infection that came from a different member of the enterovirus group that causes FHMD.

FHMD symptoms are the following:

vomiting, malaise, pain in the ear, fatigue, headache, sore throat, fever, oral lesions, non-itchy body rash, sores with blisters on palms and soles, diarrhea, and oral ulcers.

There are no specific treatment for the disease and no vaccine available for protection from the virus that causes FHMD. It is said that doctors let the virus run on its course on the patient and no medicine is given to the patient unless the infection is severe and except for fever reducers that will help control high body temperatures.
The risk of getting infected by disease is lessened by washing the hands frequently specially after using the comfort room, disinfecting toys with solution of chlorine which can be made at home by mixing 1 tbsp of bleach to 4 cups of water. Another way is by avoiding close contact which means avoid kissing, hugging, eating on same plate with the person who has FHMD.

Remember: An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure... agree?

LUCKY GUY!

Why are there some people who were just so lucky to be an instant millionaire while many of us are struggling so hard to earn for a living?

Here's the story of a 57 year old Ernest Pullen, from Bonne Terre, Missouri who won a million dollar last June from "100 Million Dollar Blockbuster" Scratchers ticket (locally in the Philippines we have a the Scratch and match) and in a just a gap of 3 months ( September 17. 2010) he again won 2 million dollars from "Mega Monopoly" scratchers ticket.

He considers himself a lucky guy but he doesn't expect to win for the third time. He said all the numbers in the ticket were the numbers he dreamt about and the others were his lucky numbers, recalling his dream six years ago. He is now planning to use his money to fix up his new house.
So who says lightning doesn't strike twice????

WHY DO CATHOLICS MAKES THE SIGN OF THE CROSS?

I am a Christian who belongs to the Roman Catholic religion. I was surprised how making the sign of the cross is being questioned, teased and mocked by some anti-catholics. 
Let us admit the fact that there are also some catholics who were asking the same question about the sign of the cross. so why do catholics make sign of the cross on their foreheads? Why do catholic churches decorated with a cross? Why do catholics make this sign as they administer sacraments?

I would like to share with you what Officials of the church have to says about the sign of the Cross (signum crucis).
There are biblical basis referring as to why catholic are making the sign of the cross. We make this sign, we proclaim the message of salvation purchased by Jesus through the cross. The bible clearly states: " For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing , but to us who are being saved, is the power of God." (1 Cor. 1:18)
The bible also teaches us to be proud of it as the message of the cross is the power of God; read Galatians 6:14
Without which there is no crown for Christians. The cross symbolizes our day to day sufferings. When Peter tried to keep Jesus Christ away from the cross, He called Peter "Satan". So it is clear, Satan is afraid and keeps himself away from the Cross as it is through the Cross that Jesus destroyed the devil's kingdom and saved mankind from the slavery of sin and death.
Cyril of Jerusalem wrote in AD 386: " Let us therefore not be ashamed of the cross of Christ; but though another hide it, do thou openly zeal it upon thy forehead, that the devils may beheld the royal sign and flee trembling far away. Make then this sign at eating, drinking and sitting, at lying down, at rising up, at speaking, at walking: in a word, at every act."
Ephrem of Syria testifies in AD 373: " Make all your actions with the sign of the life giving Cross. Do not go out from the doors of your house till you have signed yourself with the cross. Do not neglect that sign whether in eating and drinking or going to sleep, or in the home or going on a journey. There is no habit to be compared with it. Let it be a protecting wall around all your conduct, and teach it to your children that they may earnestly learn the custom".




I have nothing personal with other sects but my point in posting this article is to share what
Catholics have been taught since early childhood and also share what the Church has to say to defend the Catholic faith.

A TOUCHING STORY OF LOYALTY

Just finished watching a nice and inspiring movie this afternoon. I was kinda bored and decided to borrow a DVD from my nephew Cris who was also fond of watching movies. He lend me a DVD which shows the title HACHIKO, a dog's story. I have no idea what the movie is all about as I cannot read the synopsis or the storyline because he said he can't find the original DVD case so all I know was it was a story about a dog as the title shows and I assumed this was a  Japanese movie. When the movie started it prove me wrong because it was an American movie who starred Richard Gere and Joan Allen. The story is about a puppy who was found on a train station by a Professor on his way home. Hachi (the dog's name) grew up with the professor and would accompany him everyday on his way to the train station where he took a ride for work and would wait for him at the train exit when it is time for him to go home. This scenario repeatedly happens everyday. One day the dog seems doesn't want the prof to go to work as if he knew something would happen. On that same afternoon, the dog waited for his master on the station's exit but the prof doesn't showed up,  Hachi was unaware that his master died while on his work. He waited for his master's return at the train station every single day. Hachi became too old with nothing on his mind but to be reunited with his master again until his last breath.

My whole family gets very emotional while watching the movie. Isn't it surprising to be touched by a dog on a movie who doesn't even speak. The movie was based on a true story that happened in Japan. I highly recommend this movie to all dog lovers out there.

Btw, as I am writing this article, my dog Saske had just died for unknown reason, he became sluggish for a day and wouldn't eat anything and the following day he vomit and passed a bloody stool and died a couple of minutes. I supposed it was a case of food poisoning as he managed to escaped and roam around the village just before he got sick.

 my dog saske

WHO IS NOSTRADAMUS?

MICHEL DE NOSTREDAME was a french physician and astrologer. His pseudonym, NOSTRADAMUS was his latin name. He was born in St. Remy de Provence, France on December 14, 1503. His parents were from Avignon, the papal enclave in Provence. Michel or Nostradamus was from Jewish ancestry. When King Louis XII ordered that all Jews be baptized, his family complied as it was the period of anti-semitism .
His first teacher was his grandfather Jean. At an early age, his ordinary intelligence already manifest. Jean taught him the essentials of Mathematics, Astrology, and other languages such as  Greek, Hebrew and Latin. He studied at University of Avignon where he studied liberal arts, this is where he first showed up great interest in Astrology. He then studied in a medical school which is the University of Montpellier.
He was first noted for developing the " Rose Pill" to prevent Bubonic plague. Rose pill was made from rose petals. He advised patients to keep the pill under their tongue without swallowing them. It is said that thousands of lives were saved because of the rose pill. When the deadly plague strucked again, it took his wife and childrens life and Nostradamus' reputation and fame as a good doctor was destroyed.

From being a Physician he became an Astrologer. Nostradamus wrote an Almanac like book which contains his predictions for the following year and a book which he called LES PROPETHIES or "The Prophecies" which contains 10 centuries and are written in a four lined rhymed verses which is called the quatrains. His book was first printed in 1555 in Lyons by Bonhomme. The second edition was the Ultrech edition in 1557. The  edition that follow was printed in 1557 in Lyons by Du Rosne and the fourth edition which contains the Centuries 7 to 10 was known as the Benoist Rigaud Edition.


The quatrains written by Nostradamus were intentionally obscured, he uses symbolism, metaphors, anagrams and omissions in names for the reason that he might be accused of heresy and persecuted.There are claims that aside from staring at  flames and waters to write his prophecies, Nostradamus sometimes uses herbal stimulants.


There are claims that among his famous prophecies includes:


THE ATOM BOMBS
THE GREAT FIRE OF LONDON
THE BIRTH AND RISE TO POWER OF ADOLF HITLER
THE RISE OF NAPOLEON I OF FRANCE ( BONAPARTE)
THE SEPTEMBER 11, TERRORIST ATTACK
THE WORLD WAR
THE DEATH OF PRINCESS DIANA
THE FIRST LANDING ON THE MOON
THE ASSASINATION OF JOHN F. KENNEDY




Nostradamus have long suffered from gout. He died in Salon, on July 2, 1566 and was buried in a wall of a church known as the Church of the Cordeliers in Salon. It is said that he predicted his own death. On the evening of July 1, 1566 when his secretary wish him goodnight, he answered him "you will not find me alive at sunrise" and the next day he was found lying on the floor next to his bed. It was also claimed that in his almanac he already predicted his death, it is written that:
"On his return from the Embassy, the King's gift put in place,
He will do nothing more. He will be gone to God.
Close relatives, friends, brothers by blood (will find him)
Completely dead near the bed and the bench."


The translated inscription on the wall of the church where his body lies were:
"Here rest the bones of the illustrious Michel Nostradamus, alone of all mortals, judged worthy to record with his near divine pen, under the influence of the stars, the future events of the entire world. He lived sixty-two years, six months and seventeen days. He died at Salon the in year 1566. Let not posterity disturb his rest. Anne Posart Gemelle wishes her husband true happiness."


In 1700 his body was transferred to a prominent place in wall of the church of St. Laurents. His skeleton bears a necklace/medallion with "1700" in it.  A myth says that in 1791 during the french revolution, soldiers made their way into the church in search for anything to loot. One soldier opened his tomb and drink liquor using his skull and allegedly this soldiers on their way home to Marseilles were ambushed.  In century 9 quatrain 7 Nostradamus had written;
"The man who opens the tomb when it is found
And who does not close it immediately,
Evil will come to him
That no one will be able to prove."


Was he a prophet? Whether, this claims are true or not, it is up to the you my dear readers to decide to believe it or not but there were numerous claims in books and internet that he indeed sees the future as he was tagged as the MAN WHO SAW TOMORROW.

OH MY, WHAT A SURPRISE BY OPRAH!!!

Oprah, the show named after its host Oprah Winfrey which has became a household name in USA and been known to Filipinos through cable networks is now on its final season. A surprise to avid and loyal viewers who were gathered in the studio for the Oprah show, Oprah announced (September 13, 2010) that they will all join her in her 8 days 7 nights trip to Australia all expense paid. 
The announcement was made during the first episode of 25th and last series of the show.
According to BBC NEWS, several episodes will be filmed in Australia which has been in over a year of planning.
Before the announcement, Oprah had been teasing her audience, telling them that she might take them to L.A., New York or Philadelphia, then she said " So |I was thinking where would I most want to go" "Maybe I should take you all with me to the other side of the world." then she shouted " We're going to Australia"
Right after the announcement a Qantas Airlines model plane was shown as the stage opened and Actor John Travolta came out dressed up as Qantas Airline pilot. Oprah's audience jumped, hugged and cry with tears of joy.
The loyal audiences (300 people) will have their tour on December.
By the way, this is not the end for the Oprah show because on January 1, 2011 Oprah is set to launch her OPRAH WINFREY NETWORK or OWN on cable.


(sources: BBC News and Yahoo News)

LADY GAGA ROCKS THE WORLD!!

    photo taken from Getty images by Kevin Winter

Lady GAGA was again hitting the top of the trends after bagging 8 awards in the recent 2010 MTV VIDEO MUSIC AWARDS which was held at the Nokia Theather and wearing a dress made of meat from her head to foot with a matching bag.
Lady Gaga's dress catches the attention of those who watched the Video Music Awards. A lot of criticism was thrown towards Lady Gaga, there were a lot of appreciations because of her artistic dress but for those campaigners of animal rights it was a no-no.
Prior to the MTV awards, Lady Gaga posed partially naked in Japanese Vogue magazine with her only covering was meat which made PETA angry. By the way, after being nominated for 13 categories, Lady Gaga bagged 8 and mostly from her popular song "BAD ROMANCE"

Here are the awards given to Lady Gaga;
BEST EDITING - BAD ROMANCE
BEST DIRECTION - BAD ROMANCE
BEST FEMALE VIDEO - BAD ROMANCE
BEST POP VIDEO - BAD ROMANCE
BEST DANCE MUSIC VIDEO - BAD ROMANCE
VIDEO OF THE YEAR - BAD ROMANCE
BEST CHOREOGRAPHY - BAD ROMANCE
BEST COLLABORATION - TELEPHONE feat Beyonce Knowles


After taking her video of the year award, she announces that the title of her new album will be "BORN THIS WAY" and she even sing a part of the song for the audience.


Oh my I can still remember last year's MTV Video Music Award wherein Kanye West rushed to the stage grabbed the mic, while Taylor Swift was taking her award for best female video telling that the latter doesn't deserve to win.

DEJA VU???

Have you ever recall an instance when you were in a situation and you feel that it has already happened before and thinking you already know what will happen next? or ever been in a place you've just visited and you feel like you have knowledge of the place? This phenomena is called Deja Vu.

Deja Vu according to wikipedia.org is the experience of feeling sure that one has witnessed or experienced a new situation previously, although the exact circumstances of the previous encounter are uncertain.
Deja vu is a French word which literally means "already seen".

A Swiss scholar Arthur Funkhouser said that there are several Deja experiences. In a situation wherein you are go to a place for the very first time and suddenly you have the feeling that you've already been there in the exact place, same spot, that thing is called the DEJA VISITE or meaning already visited.  If you been into a party or somewhere else with family members or a group of friends and discussing on a topic and there is a feeling that this very thing had already happened, talking same topic,  with the same group, family member or a friend the phenomena is called DEJA VECU or already happened. If suddenly a person has felt something and that feeling is something that he already felt in the past or very similar to what he is feeling at present the mental phenomena is called DEJA SENTI.
Deja vu occurs to in individuals with or without medical conditions,. 
There are psychoanalyst who attribute deja vu to as simple fantasy or wish fulfillment while others claimed that it was a mismatch in the brain that causes it to mistake the present to the past and to many parapsychologist,  it said it is something related to past-life experiences but scientific researchers claimed that this mental phenomenon not a psychic thing, precognition or prophecy but merely just an anomaly of memory which gives the impression that an experience is being recalled.

Is this thing a psychic ability or is it just a mere case of CRYPTAMNESIA which is an occurence where an information learned is forgotten but somehow stored in the brain and an instance or occurences invoke the stored knowledge which leads to a feeling of being familiar to a situation or event?

THE SACRED ART OF MANDALA FOR MEDITATION, PROTECTION AND HEALING

                                              KALACHAKRA MANDALA

What is a mandala? It is described as a geometric pattern or a chart, usually circular in form to represent the universe and is used for meditation purposes. It is said to be the most admired symbol of Buddhist and Hindu religion.  They are meant to reveal the inner truth about you or the world around you. Carl Jung saw the mandala as a powerful tool towards personal understanding and growth and as a psychiatrist, Jung uses the mandala to his patients for them to make deeper connections to themselves.

There are many claims that this elegant, full of symbol with vibrant color mandala contains its own truth and wisdom. They said that to unlock its secret, look and appreciate every details of the pattern. Unlocking the secret will help us eventually change something within ourselves and will bring us peace.

 THE REGENERATING MANDALA CARD

Personally, when I first saw a mandala( the mandala regenerating card in Tierra Maria, Tagaytay), I was amazed by the way it is made and something in it has attracted me. The creativity catches my attention and somehow it feels like something touches my subconcious mind, with a feeling of peace and understanding, it indeed bring me to higher conciousness. Try this healing medium for the soul yourself...

(The picture shown above are taken from the internet and are properties of their rightful owner. The author does not claim ownership of the photos.)

MY NEW HEADER!

I've been very busy this past few days so I have less time to update my blog, sorry guys! but have you noticed my new blog header? I've been wanting to change my header but couldn't find time and can't decide what design I have to used, thanks to my friend and fellow blogger Jeffrey Serrano who unbeknown to me had the effort to make a simple yet beautiful header for me. If  i am not mistaken, Jep of  www.jep-s.blogspot.comwill be venturing soon on making art design business besides his busy schedule at UST being a Mechanical Engineering student and author of multiple blogs.
Regarding my blog being not updated, my apologies dear readers..I'm trying my best to give you more interesting and informative topics soon...thanks!