Monday 31 January 2011
GOD IS THE UK’S TERROR
You have enraged Him and there is going to be many more deaths. You will continue to disobey as well, rebels. Your destruction is imminent. He said His glory awaits and you know how that happens. You have all risen up as one voice and called God a liar.
Why Meditate
At first sight this looks like a simple question which deserves a simple answer. If you were to ask one hundred regular meditators you would in all probability receive one hundred different answers. Such answers might range from the down-to-earth, ‘I feel better in myself, to the mystical, ‘It brings me closer to God’. Perhaps the question is for you to answer in your own time. Meditation is really a personal search and no one person may answer for another.
Meditation may be thought of as a journey, an adventure into the depths of your own being. It is said in Buddhism that we study Buddhism in order to study ourselves. It is a long journey. There is much to discover, more than you ever dreamed possible. It has been wisely said, ‘A man would search for God. Let him beware he will discover his true self. A man would seek himself. Let him beware he is in mortal peril of beholding God.’
Here is perhaps the first paradox of the search; we look for the self only to lose it, we seek the lesser but find the greater. We begin with the self – after all what else is there that you can truly claim as your own? The injunction to ‘Know Thyself’ is the universal call to awakening. Perhaps you think that you already know yourself well enough. What, then, is the point in taking up meditation? Look again. Look into the mirror of the self. How well do you know the face that looks back at you and all that lies behind it? What do you really know of your own motives, desires and aspirations? Where have you come from, where are you going? When did you begin and when shall you end? Who are you? What you think, feel and know of yourself at present constitutes the starting point for your journey.
Meditation is a way of change. It is a process of gradual refinement, of distillation and transformation. It is you who sets the pace for your own progress. It is you who determine whether meditation works or not. Like anything else that is worthwhile meditation requires hard work and discipline. It is not an easy road, for you are transforming yourself at all levels of being by your own application and labor. It is not an easy task but it brings a rich reward. For the sake of simplicity, we may look at the several areas in which meditation may have an impact. In reality this separation does not exist, as meditation itself will certainly reveal. Analysis can usefully precede synthesis on occasion. It is merely helpful to look at the different areas in turn.
Meditation may be thought of as a journey, an adventure into the depths of your own being. It is said in Buddhism that we study Buddhism in order to study ourselves. It is a long journey. There is much to discover, more than you ever dreamed possible. It has been wisely said, ‘A man would search for God. Let him beware he will discover his true self. A man would seek himself. Let him beware he is in mortal peril of beholding God.’
Here is perhaps the first paradox of the search; we look for the self only to lose it, we seek the lesser but find the greater. We begin with the self – after all what else is there that you can truly claim as your own? The injunction to ‘Know Thyself’ is the universal call to awakening. Perhaps you think that you already know yourself well enough. What, then, is the point in taking up meditation? Look again. Look into the mirror of the self. How well do you know the face that looks back at you and all that lies behind it? What do you really know of your own motives, desires and aspirations? Where have you come from, where are you going? When did you begin and when shall you end? Who are you? What you think, feel and know of yourself at present constitutes the starting point for your journey.
Meditation is a way of change. It is a process of gradual refinement, of distillation and transformation. It is you who sets the pace for your own progress. It is you who determine whether meditation works or not. Like anything else that is worthwhile meditation requires hard work and discipline. It is not an easy road, for you are transforming yourself at all levels of being by your own application and labor. It is not an easy task but it brings a rich reward. For the sake of simplicity, we may look at the several areas in which meditation may have an impact. In reality this separation does not exist, as meditation itself will certainly reveal. Analysis can usefully precede synthesis on occasion. It is merely helpful to look at the different areas in turn.
Britons’ paranormal beliefs
More than half of Britons believe in life after death and two in five believe in angels.
Some 53 percent believe in psychic powers and the possibility of life after death, a survey reveals. One in five say they have seen a ghost or felt the presence of a spirit while two in five believe in “guardian angels”. Many people believe they have seen the ghost or felt the spirit of a close friend or relative who has passed away. Two in five say they want to speak to dead relatives and one in five has visited a medium or psychic to help them do so – spending an average of £31 per visit.
Almost two in five adults believe someone in their family is gifted with psychic ability. A third of the nation describe themselves as “spiritual” but only a quarter claim to be “religious”, according to the study carried out for the Clint Eastwood film ‘Hereafter’. However, a third of the nation still believes in heaven and a fifth believes they will be reincarnated when they pass away, the report said.
Horoscopes
Aries
True, you could get hot under the colour when it seems that you're being asked to clear up after someone. But you might also get satisfaction from knowing that your recent contribution to a new system actually speeds up a process. It may be that you now have to master the fine art of delegation. To do that might require showing someone (for the last time) how to deal with a mess. With your energy levels rising (OK, and occasionally driven by anger), a friend's suggestion that you both take part in a physical work-out, could be just what you need.
Taurus
It's just possible that something's got 'under your skin'. Sensitivity to a domestic product is possible. It might also be that a younger person has managed to tread on a few nerves. All this seems to boil down to finding a way to deal with day-to-day tasks and keep within a schedule. Perhaps a clock needs to be set a few minutes fast? Speed could be an issue generally: if you can't be cloned, then you may need to find ways of shortening journey times.
Gemini
It could take until early June before your mental and physical energies are working at similar pace. For now, you may want to do more than you are really able to do. A friend's suggestion that you make lists might sound boring. It could work though. It's perhaps also the case that a little exercise would do you good. A friend's suggestion that you build in a competitive element, might be just what's needed.
Cancer
Perhaps you sense that next month will be unlike any other - and perhaps you need to savour the last gasp of January before you move on. It seems your tempo is very different to those of others: they may feel urgency where you experience anticipation. Might your goals be different? Perhaps you need some time in sanctuary: in contacting your inner voice you might hear something valuable.
Leo
You could feel 'sandwiched' between two friends: a Virgo and a Libra. It's unlikely that you'll feel torn in two - but could feel bolstered and supported. The big question is why this is so appreciated. It may be that you know you've gone over the top somewhere and that you now need help to clear up a misunderstanding and a charm offensive put in place to get a project (and probably a relationship) back on track - and that these two friends are aware of your predicament too.
Virgo
Interestingly, both your physical and mental energy levels could be raised. You may have been enthused by someone with high energy levels. The art now may be to ensure that there's no more time-wasting and that tasks are cost-effective. Early success here could bring you to the attention of colleagues born under the Fire signs (Aries, Leo or Sagittarius), who may need your help. The team-work involved could pave the way to networking and, possibly, a particularly meaningful introduction.
Libra
An administrative 'tiger' could get into your fuel tank. Determined to reach a target, your focus is likely to be at its best. However, this could result in strained relationship - particularly with someone usually known for their iron will and who's unused to seeing you in 'battle mode'. True, this could be turned into a charm offensive used on behalf of someone who's got into a scrape. This same energy could have great effect in a partnership that's been in danger of growing stale.
Scorpio
You could so 'hit-the ground-running'. You might be launching a charm offensive (and so come across a few other zodiac types trying their hand at this manoeuvre). The difference between you and others is that you are probably pre-set to win this one. Wordsmith skills may be required. Where others aren't sure how to tell a personal story within an official form, you might know exactly how to get salient points across. You might also decide that a discreet word in someone's ear could make a difference.
Sagittarius
You may be required to defend a system. It's possible that you're thought of as less than efficient and/or that you've been carrying too much information in your head. It may be necessary to complete a form - again. It's probable too that a timetable is not going to fall into place quite as you would have wished. At a meeting, you may be struck by how forcefully someone insists that a job be done in a certain way - which might cause you to consider if you really want to continue working in this way.
Capricorn
A letter may be chasing you. Its contents might give you a headache. They might also leave you at odds with someone who could have alerted you to this earlier. It's unlikely that you'll be much more than irritated: you've perhaps had enough of crisis management. It may be that the communications this incident creates, actually works in your favour by giving you an excuse to call someone you haven't heard from in some time.
Aquarius
Challenging someone who thinks they know everything could amuse you. You're unlikely to be deterred by a charm offensive and far more interested in 'cutting to the quick'. The need to see action could be near overwhelming. You could hit a snag though. In your haste to see improvement, you could harm yourself - either through using sharp words that rebound on you, or by cutting yourself.
Pisces
Where a research project or mini-investigation is concerned you could be recharged. It's possible that someone has dropped an inadvertent hint and set you thinking differently. Though impatient to get on with the quest, you might also know that you need assistance. For this reason, you might be unusually willing to cultivate a friendship with someone who can be relied on to follow a script to the letter.
What is a real Horoscope?
The future forecasts on the Web or in newspapers are often referred to as a “horoscope”. A real horoscope is a MAP of Space-Time – an “image of the hour” as its Greek root words imply. It is a chart of where the Sun and Moon and Planets are located in Space and in relation to each other, and to a particular place on Earth, at a particular instant in Time. It is like a snapshot of “a particular place in Time and Space”. If that instant in Time is the time of birth of an individual and the Space is his birth place, then that horoscope is called a “natal horoscope” or “natal chart” or “birth chart”. When you ask an astrologer for “a birth chart” be sure to provide your month/day/year and town/state/country of birth (plus the hour/minute if you know).
Those “daily horoscope” columns for the 12 zodiac signs are only based on an assumed month and day of birth which falls within a range of dates when the Sun is in a particular Sign. They are generalized “Sun Sign” horoscopes, but they do not take into account the year (or hour and minute) you were born, or the town and country you were born in. Since your personal “Time and Space” are not really known, these so-called “horoscopes” are only based on an estimate of where the Sun was located on your date of birth, and thus are far less detailed and accurate as a Personal Horoscope Reading based on your full birth data – which will include the positions of the Moon and ALL the Planets, and what that means about you as a unique individual. Not even identical twins can be born in the same Space at the same Time.
What the average person calls “a horoscope” is actually a reading of that map of Time and Space, or an interpretation in words of that horoscope chart’s symbolic meaning.
Good Quotes
“True terror is to wake up one morning and discover that your high school class is running the country.”
“No great artist ever sees things as they really are. If he did, he would cease to be an artist.”
“Airline travel is hours of boredom interrupted by moments of stark terror.”
“Dreams are today’s answers to tomorrow’s questions.”
Inspiration - I Love You Quotes
“Multiply it by infinity, take it to the depths of forever and you’ll still only have a glimpse of how much I love you.”
“I don’t fear insects or spiders. At great heights, I jump off, smiling. In the face of death I wink. But, when I look into your eyes, I’m in fear of how much I love you.”
“Why do I love you? Because you are and always have been my dream.”
“Even though were far apart I love you dearly with all my heart.”
Bond composer John Barry dies
Bond composer Barry dies at 77
John Barry will be best remembered for his work on James Bond
James Bond composer John Barry has died aged 77, his family said.
Barry, originally from York, wrote scores for films including The Ipcress File, Zulu and Midnight Cowboy but is best known for his long association with 007.
A statement released by his family said: “It is with great sadness that the family of composer John Barry announce his passing on the 30th of January 2011 in New York.
“Mr Barry is survived by his wife of 33 years, Laurie, and his four children and five grandchildren. Funeral arrangements will be strictly private and a memorial service will be held later this year in the UK.”
Barry’s arrangement of Monty Norman’s James Bond theme made his name and he wrote songs for many of the films. He won five Oscars and was nominated another two times – but never for his work on Bond.
Fellow composer David Arnold, who took over Bond music duties from Barry, said he had “a heavy heart”. He told fans on Twitter: “I am profoundly saddened by the news but profoundly thankful for everything he did for music and for me personally.”
Lyricist Don Black, who co-wrote songs including Born Free and Diamonds Are Forever with Barry, said: “The thing about John that I will always remember was he never changed. He was very much the Yorkshireman whether he was in Beverly Hills or Manhattan.
Madonna’s Movie W.E. NOT Premiering At Cannes!
So much for that!
Despite reports that Madonna be would screening her film, W.E., as part of the Cannes Film Festival May, the flick’s sales agent, IMGlobal, has revealed that it’s not expected to be completed by that time, and will most likely premiere sometime in the fall!
However, Madge IS expected to host a private screening of select footage for foreign distributors in Berlin next month!
Inneresting!
We can’t wait to hear what kind of feedback she’ll get for this! We hope that it’s good!
NKOTB’s Jonathan Knight Comes Out Publicly As Gay
Jonathan Knight Comes Out Publicly On Website
All thanks to Tiffany!
After she was on Bravo’s Watch What Happens Live! and “outed” NKOTB’s Jonathan Knight, Jon posted a statement on the band’s official website assuring fans that he never hid his sexuality.
He writes:
“To all my fans who have expressed concern: I have never been outed by anyone but myself. I did so almost twenty years ago. I never knew that I would have to do it all over again publicly just because I reunited with NKOTB! I have lived my life very openly and have never hidden the fact that I am gay. Apparently the prerequisite to being a gay public figure is to appear on the cover of a magazine with the caption, ‘I am gay’.
I love living my life being open and honest, but at this time I choose not to discuss my private life any further! My fellow band members don’t discuss their private lives with their loved ones and I don’t feel that just because I am gay, I should have to discuss mine!”
Are U surprised about Jonathan’s announcement?
Boys Night Out!
Leonardo DiCaprio Boys Night Out
Who says girls are the only ones who wanna have fun?
The other night, Leonardo DiCaprio was out on the town at Trousdale in El Lay with a group of his buddies. He got together with Gossip Girl studs Chace Crawford and Sebastian Stan and was spotted enjoying a cigar and a few choice dances on the dance floor. We hear he was especially elated to hear Willow Smith’s Whip My Hair come on!
RPatz Wants To Play Jeff Buckley!
Robert Pattinson Wants To Play the Part of Jeff Buckley in Biopic
We have to admit – he looks the part better than any of the other contenders!
Robert Pattinson is apparently ready to showcase his vocal stylingz in a much bigger way than ever before – as he’s approached producers of a potential Jeff Buckley biopic in hopes to secure the role of the late folk singer!
Producer Michelle Sy confirms:
“I’ve met actors who are keen on the part and Robert was one...The actor must be able to play music and sing, or at least make it believable he can do that.”
And despite competition from James Franco and James Marsden for the role, even Buckley’s mother, Mary Guibert, thinks our sparkly vamp is the perfect potential to play her son!
She reveals:
“Robert is a fine young actor. I’m flattered he’s been linked to the project. When the times comes we’ll give everybody an opportunity to be seen and heard.”
He certainly has some tough competition, but this part actually does seem right up his alley!
We just hope that whomever ends up winning the part can do Buckley justice!
Transgender Flight Attendants Take Flight!
Newly Formed Thai Airline Recruits Ladyboys as Air Hostesses
Drag queens hired as flight attendants
Inspired!
A newly formed Thai airline carrier, PC Air, announced that they have hired their first round of stewardesses – or as they’re calling them, “Ladyboys.”
Yes, in an effort to showcase their commitment to equal employment opportunities, three transsexuals, or peoples of the “third sex” as they say in Thailand, were the first to be hired as air hostesses. Peter Chan, the CEO of the new airline, enthusiastically shared the news with sources and reveals his company is open to hiring even more transsexuals in the future. He explains:
“I think these people can have many careers – not just in the entertainment business – and many of them have a dream to be an air hostess. I just made their dream come true. Our society has changed. It’s evolution. I’m a pioneer and I’m sure there will be other organizations following my idea.”
We sincerely hope so! Like we always say, equality for all!
No joke, we really want to go to Thailand right now, for no other reason than to party 30,000 feet up with fiercest trannies known to man!
Cher Lloyd’s Solo Album Gets A Release Date!!!
X Factor UK Contestant Cher Lloyd Gets a Release Date for Her Solo Album
We are SO excited for her!
According to Amazon.co.uk, X Factor U.K. contestant Cher Lloyd’s solo album will be released on August 22, 2011!
We’re pumped, and this album artwork is HAWT!
Jesse Tyler Ferguson Shows Off His New Boyfriend!
Jesse Tyler Ferguson Shows Off New Boyfriend Justin Mikita at Elle Women in Television Event
What a total hottie!
Modern Family’s Jesse Tyler Ferguson introduced his new boyfriend, lawyer Justin Mikita, to the world Thursday night at Elle’s Women In Television event.
The two held hands with witnesses saying that they “were inseparable all night.”
According to an onlooker, “every time he looked at Jesse, he seemed to melt.”
Charlie Sheen Wrote $30,000 Check To Porn Star!!
Charlie Sheen Gave Thirty Thousand Dollar Check to Porn Star
Charlie Sheen LOVES his porn stars!!
During his 36-hour party binge, he wrote a $30,000 check – made out to “CASH” – to one of his favourite porn stars.
The porn star of course immediately took the check to the bank where the teller called both Charlie and one of his business associates to verify that it’s real. Luckily for her, the check did clear and the money was hers!
And that’s not all!! Charlie continued throwing money around, offering $1,000,000 to rent out a neighbour’s mansion for four months.
Wowsa.
Chris Brown Wants Restraining Order Lifted In Time For Grammys
Chris Brown Tries To Get Restraining Order Lifted In Time For Grammys
Oh, how convenient.
On Friday, Chris Brown asked a judge to get the restraining order against him lifted.
Brown wants the order to change from “stay away” to “do not annoy.” This would remove the part of the restraining order that requires him to stay 50 yards away from Rihanna.
Conveniently, Brown is asking for the order to be lifted just in time for the Grammys.
However, his rep, Tammy Brook, denies this, saying:
“This court date and the lifting of the restraining order is part of the planned ongoing legal proceedings. The date was scheduled months ago. Chris Brown is very thankful for his Grammy nominations, but due to scheduling conflicts, he will not be attending the Grammys.”
Suuuuuure.
The judge praised Brown on his progress, but a decision was not made as a legal representative for RiRi could not be reached.
Kanye Will Play Your Bar Mitzvah Too!
Kanye West Performs at Sweet Sixteen
He’s got bills to pay!
Kanye West was the big performer at the sweet sixteen birthday party for George Condo’s daughter at the Standard Hotel in NYC on Saturday night.
Maybe the rapper did the gig for free? Because he’s cool like that!
Condo is a painter who did the artwork for Kanye’s most recent album.
Jenna Ushkowitz Gets Washed Out At The Shrine
Jenna Ushkowitz at the 2011 SAG Awards
Oh no!
Glee’s Jenna Ushkowitz was looking all sorts of wrong at the SAG Awards tonight.
As much as we want to love her strapless Badgley Mischka ruffled gown, we can’t.
Kim Kardashian’s A Princess In Plum
Kim Kardashian 2011 SAG Awards
She may not have been at the Golden Globes, but Kim Kardashian is making it up by appearing at the SAG Awards.
The reality starlet tweeted she’s feeling like a princess in a plum coloured draped chiffon Marchesa gown with embroidered detail and Lorraine Schwartz jewels.
Sunday 30 January 2011
GOD HATES YOUR TEARS
Obey the word of God. Obey His word and His judgement. You so-called Christians hate God. He left His word and you call it the scriptures, the bible. Why don’t you obey His commandments? “Thou shall not suffer their sin upon them but in any wise rebuke them”
Love Poem – Standing at the Edge
When everything around you seems to collapse
and the world seems like a cold, dark, and lonely hole;
in the midst of all the pain and unhappiness,
know that I will be the one standing at the edge
with a smile and understanding in my heart,
and an outstretched hand to help pull you out;
to help you see that within the darkness of this world,
our love will be the light to guide us through.
And when I find myself in that same dark hole,
I know that you will be there
standing at the edge
waiting for me
When Should You Have Sex?
Dating: When should you have sex for the first time?
Sex for the first time... is there a right time? If you think relationship has more potential than just a hook-up, then you know sex on the first date is probably a bad idea. So when is it right? Read on!
So... sex on the second date? What about the third date?
It is the question every new couple faces: When is it time to take your new relationship to the next level and share the ultimate physical connection? In other words... when can you get it on?
If there’s any kind of chemistry between the two it can be hard to ignore.
However, sex – and when you have it for the first time – can be crucial to the future stability of your relationship. Once you have sex you’ve crossed the threshold into a different part of your relationship. The very act of sex itself can either make or break the relationship.
No going back
According to Sascha Rothchild the author of How to Get Divorced by 30: My Misguided Attempt at a Starter Marriage before you take the sex plunge with your new beau keep this mind; the act of sex brings on a moment of intimacy whether you want to admit it or not. And there is no going back from that.
“That moment either solidifies that you want to be with the person and take it seriously, or that moment makes you repell the person and want to run away as fast as possible,” says Rothchild. “If you have sex too soon, both reactions can be the end of what might have been a promising relationship if taken at a slower pace.”
Here are three things you should consider as you make a thoughtful decision about when you should have sex for the first time:
1. Wait to do the deed
There are mythical stories of sex on the first date turning into long lasting relationships, but I’ve never experienced this (and I’ve dated a lot) or actually met anyone in this situation, notes Rothchild. My rule, and it’s a good one, is to wait until the fourth date to have sex. This is assuming you want a relationship and not just fun casual sex. There is nothing wrong with that, but be honest with yourself about what you are hoping for with the specific guy/girl in question.
2. Sex right away sends a message
If you have sex with a guy immediately you’re basically telling that guy that you have sex with everyone you meet immediately (whether it’s true or not) and that automatically lowers your stock, so to speak, says Rothchild. Waiting a ridiculously long time also sends the wrong message, since it’s not the 1800s anymore. After four dates you should have a pretty good feel for the guy and he will have had plenty of time to try and picture you naked, under all your cute date outfits. If, after four dates, you still like each other and want to continue, then go for it.
3. There are very few benefits to having sex right away
Sex right away takes the fun out of flirting, getting to know each other, and building up a little tension. Waiting to do the deed makes a statement that you seem worth it. You seem confident that sex isn’t the only thing you have to offer. And you seem to respect yourself.
Dame Margaret Price dies at 69
Opera star Dame Margaret Price dies
Opera star Dame Margaret Price has died aged 69, her family said.
Opera star Dame Margaret Price has died, her family said.
The singer, considered to be one of the world’s leading sopranos, was 69.
Cousin Marteine Richards said Dame Margaret died at her home in the village of Moyle Grove, near Cardigan, West Wales, on Friday morning.
Dame Margaret made an acclaimed operatic debut with the Welsh National Opera as Cherubino in Mozart’s Marriage Of Figaro in 1962 before becoming famous overnight in the same role at the Royal Opera House the following year.
Her career saw her performing in venues such as New York, Vienna, Paris and the Bavarian State Opera in Munich.
Cyclone heads towards Australia
Cyclone adds to Australian concerns
A cyclone is racing towards Australia’s flood-ravaged north east region
A cyclone is racing towards Australia’s flood-ravaged north east, rattling nerves throughout a region that has already suffered billions of dollars worth of damage from a months-long crisis.
Cyclone Anthony has intensified to a Category Two storm with winds of 80mph.
It was expected to cross the Queensland state coast early on Monday morning.
The Bureau of Meteorology warned residents in coastal communities to brace for destructive winds and more flooding.
Heavy rains that began in November caused massive flooding across Australia, killing 35 people and damaging or destroying 30,000 homes and businesses.
Is Chezza Going To Be A Mentor Instead Of A Judge On American X Factor?
Simon Cowell May Have To Make Cheryl Cole A Mentor on US X Factor
Hmm...we definitely think she should be on the judges panel, but we could understand why execs would be more comfortable with her in this position!
Sources close to Simon Cowell have revealed that although he desperately wants Cheryl Cole to make the stateside transition with him to the US version of The X Factor, he may have to change her role to that of a mentor, similar to what Sinitta does on the UK edition of the reality competition!
The insider explains:
“Simon desperately wants Cheryl to be a judge but if that’s knocked back by Fox chiefs the next option is to start her as a mentor. It would be a way to test how she’s received in America. Plus viewers would be able to warm to her first, rather than having her thrust upon them by going straight on the panel. The truth is, nothing has been signed and the producers still aren’t convinced.”
Truthfully, we do agree that it’s a gamble – but it’s one that will DEFINITELY pay off!
Chezza just needs to get her feet wet with American audiences, and if that means as a mentor, then we could definitely get behind that!
But we would LOVE to see her ultimately as a judge!
Britney’s Album Gets A Release Date!!!
Britney Spears Hold It against Me Gets March 15 Release Date
FINALLY!
Britney’s Hold It Against Me has a release date and it’s...
MARCH 15!!
Her manager Adam Leber tweeted some new deets about the album:
“Britney Spears did a photoshoot for her album package yesterday. Photos are nothing less than spectacular. We’ll share some soon. So many good things coming down the pipeline. Britney fans should be excited. Album is incredible, video is fire, photoshoot is pure glam. Patience isn’t just a great song by Guns N’ Roses. All good things to those who wait.”
We can’t believe we have to wait a month and a half!!!
Saturday 29 January 2011
Pervert Soldiers
Pervert soldiers = God’s reign of terror. You teach your sons adultery. They die :) Thank God.
Psychic
Participant of a Ganzfeld Experiment whose results have been criticized as being misinterpreted as evidence for telepathy.
Criticism and research
Parapsychological research has attempted to use random number generators to test for psychokinesis, mild sensory deprivation in the Ganzfeld experiment to test for extrasensory perception, and research trials conducted under contract by the U.S. government to investigate remote viewing. Some of these tests such as the Ganzfeld have been put forward as evidence of psychic phenomena by parapsychologists, and according to the Parapsychological Association, the consensus within that field is that there is good evidence for extrasensory perception, psychokinesis, and presentiment. Critics such as Ed J. Gracely say that this evidence is not sufficient for acceptance, partly because the intrinsic probability of psychic phenomena is very small.
Critics such as Ray Hyman and the National Science Foundation suggest that parapsychology has methodological flaws that can explain the experimental results that parapsychologists attribute to paranormal explanations, and various critics have classed the field as pseudoscience. This has largely been due to lack of replication of results by independent experimenters.
The evidence presented for psychic phenomena is not sufficiently verified for scientific acceptance, and there exist many non-paranormal alternative explanations for claimed instances of psychic events. Parapsychologists, who generally believe that there is some evidence for psychic ability, disagree with critics who believe that no psychic ability exists and that many of the instances of more popular psychic phenomena such as mediumism, can be attributed to non-paranormal techniques such as cold reading, hot reading, or even self-delusion. Magicians such as James Randi, Ian Rowland and Derren Brown have demonstrated techniques and the results similar to those of popular psychics, but they present psychological explanations as opposed to paranormal ones.
In January 2008 the results of a study using neuroimaging were published. To provide what are purported to be the most favourable experimental conditions, the study included appropriate emotional stimuli and had participants who are biologically or emotionally related, such as twins. The experiment was designed to produce positive results if telepathy, clairvoyance or precognition occurred, but despite this no distinguishable neuronal responses were found between psychic stimuli and non-psychic stimuli, while variations in the same stimuli showed anticipated effects on patterns of brain activation. The researchers concluded that “These findings are the strongest evidence yet obtained against the existence of paranormal mental phenomena.” James Alcock has cautioned the researchers against the wording of said statement.
A detailed study of Sylvia Browne predictions about missing persons and murder cases has found that despite her repeated claims to be more than 85% correct, “Browne has not even been mostly correct in a single case.”
See also
List of psychic abilities
Homunculus
Mind
Psychic detective
Magic (paranormal)
Mentalist
Psychic reading
Psionics
List of parapsychology topics
Friday 28 January 2011
Fallen Soldiers – May There Be Many More
They are NOT heroes you idiots. What they are is faithful to the wrath of God. That’s what this military is and that’s what the UK is. God has lost His tolerance for the people of this nation and he will continue to pour down his misery. He says he is shaking with rage. The deaths in Iraq are no different. They’re being cut off by the same God also. You’re proud and you’re going to hell.
Psychic
Belief in psychic abilities
In a survey, reported in 1990, of members of the National Academy of Sciences, only 2% of respondents thought that extrasensory perception had been scientifically demonstrated, with another 2% thinking that the phenomena happened sometimes. Asked about research in the field, 22% thought that it should be discouraged, 63% that it should be allowed but not encouraged, and 10% that it should be encouraged; neuroscientists were the most hostile to parapsychology of all the specialties.
A survey of the beliefs of the general United States population about paranormal topics was conducted by The Gallup Organization in 2005. The survey found that 41 percent of those polled believed in extrasensory perception and 26 percent believed in clairvoyance. 31 percent of those surveyed indicated that they believe in telepathy or psychic communication.
A poll of 439 college students conducted in 2006 by researchers Bryan Farha of Oklahoma City University and Gary Steward of University of Central Oklahoma, suggested that college seniors and graduate students were more likely to believe in psychic phenomena than college freshmen. 23 percent of college freshmen expressed a belief in paranormal ideas. The percentage was greater among college seniors (31%) and graduate students (34%). The poll showed lower belief in psychic phenomena among science students than social science and education students.
Some people also believe that psychic abilities can be activated or enhanced through the study and practice of various disciplines and techniques such as meditation, with a number of books and websites being dedicated to instruction in these methods. Another popular belief is that psychic ability is hereditary, with a psychic parent passing their abilities on to their children.
Psychic advice industry
Many people proclaim to have psychic abilities and some make a living as professional psychics or earn celebrity hosting their own TV or radio programs. Individuals such as Gary Spivey, John Edward and Sylvia Browne either have their own television shows or are frequently featured on talk shows. (see Paranormal television).
Some psychics are first known by the public as celebrities; for example, rock singer and actress Danielle Egnew, who has made frequent radio and television appearances as a psychic, rather than a singer.
Science fiction
The use of psychic abilities as a plot device or super power is common in fiction. Psychic abilities in science fiction are often depicted as inborn and heritable, as in Alfred Bester’s The Demolished Man, A. E. van Vogt’s Slan, Anne McCaffrey’s Talents & Tower and the Hive series, and the television series Babylon 5. Another recurring trope is the conveyance of psychic power through psychoactive drugs, as in the Dune novels and indirectly in the Scanners films, as well as the ghosts in the Starcraft franchise. Somewhat differently, in Madeleine L’Engle’s A Wind in the Door and Robert A. Heinlein’s Stranger in a Strange Land, psychic abilities may be achieved by any human who learns the proper mental discipline, known as kything in the former work and grokking in the latter. Popular movies include The initiation of Sarah. Psychic characters are also common in superhero comic books, for instance Jean Grey and Professor X from the Marvel comic X-Men.
Thursday 27 January 2011
Psychic
Edgar Cayce (1877-1945) was a psychic of the 20th century and made many highly publicized predictions.
Etymology
The word psychic is derived from the Greek word psychikos (“of the mind” or “mental”) and refers in part to the human mind or psyche (ex. “psychic turmoil”). French astronomer and spiritualist Camille Flammarion is credited as having first used the word psychic, while it was later introduced to the English language by Edward William Cox in the 1870s.
Early seers and prophets
Elaborate systems of divination and fortune-telling date back to ancient times. Perhaps the most widely-known system of early civilization fortune-telling was astrology, where practitioners believed the relative positions of celestial bodies could lend insight into people’s lives and even predict their future circumstances. Some fortune-tellers were said to be able make predictions without the use of these elaborate systems (or in conjunction with them), through some sort of direct apprehension or vision of the future. These people were known as seers or prophets, and in later times as clairvoyants (French word meaning “clear sight” or “clear seeing”) and psychics.
Some formed a functionary role in early civilization, often serving as advisors, priests, and judges. A number of examples are included in biblical accounts. The book of 1 Samuel (Chapter 9) illustrates one such functionary task when Samuel is asked to find the donkeys of the future king Saul. The role of prophet appeared perennially in ancient cultures. In Egypt, the priests of Ra at Memphis acted as seers. In ancient Assyria seers were referred to as nabu, meaning “to call” or “announce”.
The Delphic Oracle is one of the earliest stories in classical antiquity of prophetic abilities. The Pythia, the priestess presiding over the Oracle of Apollo at Delphi, was believed to be able to deliver prophecies inspired by Apollo during rituals beginning in the 8th century BC. It is often said that the Pythia delivered oracles in a frenzied state induced by vapours rising from the ground, and that she spoke gibberish, believed to be the voice of Apollo, which priests reshaped into the enigmatic prophecies preserved in Greek literature. Other scholars believe records from the time indicate that the Pythia spoke intelligibly, and gave prophecies in her own voice. The Pythia was a position served by a succession of women probably selected from amongst a guild of priestesses of the temple. The last recorded response was given in 393 AD, when the emperor Theodosius I ordered pagan temples to cease operation. Recent geological investigations raise the possibility that ethylene gas caused the Pythia’s state of inspiration.
Of the most enduring historical references to what some consider to be psychic ability is the prophecies of Michel de Nostredame (1503 – 1566), often Latinized to Nostradamus, published during the French Renaissance period. Nostradamus was a French apothecary and seer who wrote collections of prophecies that have since become famous worldwide and have rarely been out of print since his death. He is best known for his book Les Propheties, the first edition of which appeared in 1555. Taken together, his written works are known to have contained at least 6,338 quatrains or prophecies, as well as at least eleven annual calendars. Most of the quatrains deal with disasters, such as plagues, earthquakes, wars, floods, invasions, murders, droughts, and battles – all undated.
Nostradamus is a controversial figure. His many enthusiasts, as well as the popular press, credit him with predicting many major world events. Interest in his work is still considerable, especially in the media and in popular culture. By contrast, most academic scholars maintain that the associations made between world events and Nostradamus’ quatrains are largely the result of misinterpretations or mistranslations (sometimes deliberate) or else are so tenuous as to render them useless as evidence of any genuine predictive power.
In addition to the belief that some historical figures were endowed with a predisposition to psychic experiences, some psychic abilities were thought to be available to everyone on occasion. For example, the belief in prophetic dreams was common and persistent in many ancient cultures.
Nineteenth century progression
In the mid-nineteenth century, Modern Spiritualism became prominent in the United States and the United Kingdom. The movement’s distinguishing feature was the belief that the spirits of the dead could be contacted by mediums to lend insight to the living. The movement was fuelled in part by anecdotes of psychic powers. One such person believed to have extraordinary abilities was Daniel Dunglas Home, who gained fame during the Victorian period for his reported ability to levitate to various heights and speak to the dead.
As the Spiritualist movement grew other comparable groups arose, including the Theosophical Society, which was co-founded in 1875 by Helena Blavatsky (1831-1891). Theosophy coupled spiritualist elements with Eastern mysticism and was influential in the early 20th century, later influencing the New Age movement during the 1970s. Blavatsky herself claimed numerous psychic powers.
Late twentieth century
By the late twentieth century psychics were commonly associated with New Age culture. Psychic readings were offered for a fee and given in settings such as over the phone, in a home, or at psychic fairs.
Psychic
Storefront psychic fortuneteller in Boston
A psychic (pronounced /’saikik/; from the Greek ψυχικός psychikos-“of the mind, mental”, also called sensitive) is a person who professes an ability to perceive information hidden from the normal senses through extrasensory perception (ESP), or is said by others to have such abilities. It is also used to describe theatrical performers who use techniques such as prestidigitation, cold reading, and hot reading to produce the appearance of such abilities. It can also denote an ability of the mind to influence the world physically and to the telekinetic powers allegedly professed by those such as Uri Geller.
Psychics appear regularly in fiction and science fiction, such as in the novel The Dead Zone by Stephen King, or the Marvel Comics telepath and psychic Jean Grey. A large industry exists whereby psychics provide advice and counsel to clients. Some famous contemporary psychics include Miss Cleo, John Edward, Danielle Egnew, and Sylvia Browne.
Critics attribute psychic powers to intentional trickery or self-delusion. In 1988 the U.S. National Academy of Sciences gave a report on the subject that concluded there is “no scientific justification from research conducted over a period of 130 years for the existence of parapsychological phenomena.” Despite that, psychic powers continue to be asserted by psychic detectives and in practices such as psychic archaeology and even psychic surgery.
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