Plasma Life Forms - Spheres, Blobs, Orbs and Subtle Bodies

Life-Like Qualities of Plasma

Bohm, a leading expert in twentieth century plasma physics, observed in amazement that once electrons were in plasma, they stopped behaving like individuals and started behaving as if they were a part of a larger and interconnected whole. Although the individual movements of each electron appeared to be random, vast numbers of electrons were able to produce collective effects that were surprisingly well organized and appeared to behave like a life form. The plasma constantly regenerated itself and enclosed impurities in a wall in the same way that a biological organism, like the unicellular amoeba, might encase a foreign substance in a cyst. So amazed was Bohm by these life-like qualities that he later remarked that he frequently had the impression that the electron sea was "alive" and that plasma possessed some of the traits of living things. The debate on the existence of plasma-based life forms has been going on for more than 20 years ever since some models showed that plasma can mimic the functions of a primitive cell.

Plasma cosmologist, Donald Scott, notes that "...a [plasma] double layer can act much like a membrane that divides a biological cell". A model of plasma double layers (a structure commonly found in complex plasmas) has been used to investigate ion transport across biological cell membranes by researchers (See American Journal of Physics, May 2000, Volume 68, Issue 5, pp. 450-455). Researchers noted that "Concepts like charge neutrality, Debye length, and double layer [used in plasma physics] are very useful to explain the electrical properties of a cellular membrane". Plasma physicist Hannes Alfvén also noted the association of double layers with cellular structure, as had Irving Langmuir before him, who coined the term "plasma" after its resemblance to living blood cells.

David Brin's Sundiver also speculated on plasma life forms. This science fiction proposed a form of life existing within the plasma atmosphere of a star using complex self-sustaining magnetic fields. Similar types of plasmoid life have been proposed to exist in other places, such as planetary ionospheres or interstellar space. Gregory Benford had a form of plasma-based life exist in the accretion disk of a primordial black hole in his novel Eater.

Plasma Life Forms in Space

An international scientific team has discovered that under the right conditions, particles of inorganic dust can become organized into helical structures which can interact with each other in ways that are usually associated with organic life. Using a computer model of molecular dynamics, V N Tsytovich and his colleagues of the Russian Academy of Science showed that particles in plasma can undergo self-organization as electric charges become separated and the plasma becomes polarized in their paper entitled From Plasma Crystals and Helical Structures towards Inorganic Living Matter, published in the New Journal of Physics in August 2007.

Past studies, subject to Earth's gravity, have shown that if enough particles are injected into a low-temperature plasma, they will spontaneously organize into crystal-like structures or "plasma crystals". Tsytovich's computer simulations suggest that in the gravity-free environment of space, the plasma particles will bead together to form string-like filaments which will then twist into helical strands resembling DNA that are electrically charged and are attracted to each other.

The helical structures undergo changes that are normally associated with biological molecules, such as DNA and proteins, say the researchers. They can, for instance, divide to form copies of the original structure; which then interact to induce changes in their neighbors that evolve into other new structures. The less stable structures break down over time leaving behind only the structures that are most adapted to the environment. "These complex, self-organized plasma structures exhibit all the necessary properties to qualify them as candidates for inorganic living matter", says Tsytovich, "they are autonomous, they reproduce and they evolve".

He adds that the ionized conditions needed to form these helical structures are common in outer space. If that is so, then it will mean that plasma life forms are the most common life form in the universe, given that plasma makes up more than 99% of our visible universe which is almost everywhere ionized. This is in stark contrast to carbon-based life forms, which according to the Rare Earth hypothesis proposed by Peter Ward and Donald Brownlee, would be rare in the universe due to a number of factors - including the need for an acceptable range of temperatures to survive. Complex carbon based life may be as rare as solid rocky bodies like the Earth in the universe.

Plasma, on the other hand, is associated with high temperatures. Plasma life forms would be much more adapted to environments which would be considered hostile to carbon-based life forms. It is possible that plasma life forms were already present in the gas and materials that formed the Earth 4.6 billion years ago. Carbon-based biomolecular life forms only appeared 1 billion years later. Tsytovich and other scientists (including Lozneanu and Sanduloviciu, discussed below) have proposed that plasma life forms, in fact, spurred development of organic carbon-based life on Earth.

In this connection, Tsytovich pointed out that plasma life forms can develop under more down to Earth conditions such as at the point of a lightning strike. The researchers hint that perhaps a plasma form of life emerged on the primordial Earth which had a highly ionized atmosphere, which then acted as the template for the more familiar organic molecules we know today. A plasma bubble could form at the end of a lightning strike and act as a mould for chemicals to conform with to form a primitive biological cell.

Plasma Life Forms in the Laboratory

This is not the first time in recent years that plasma life forms have been studied. In 2003 physicists; Erzilia Lozneanu and Mircea Sanduloviciu of Cuza University, Romania, described in their research paper Minimal Cell System created in Laboratory by Self-Organization (published in Chaos, Solitons & Fractals, volume 18, page 335), how they created plasma spheres in the laboratory that can grow, replicate and communicate - fulfilling most of the traditional requirements for biological cells. They are convinced that these plasma spheres offer a radically new explanation of how life began and proposed that they were precursors to biological evolution.

The researchers studied environmental conditions similar to those that existed on the Earth before life began, when the planet was enveloped in electric storms that caused ionized gases to form in the atmosphere. They inserted two electrodes into a chamber containing a low-temperature polarized plasma of argon - a gas in which some of the atoms have been split into negatively-charged electrons and positively-charged ions. They applied a high voltage to the electrodes, producing an arc of energy that bolted across the gap between them, like a miniature lightning strike. Sanduloviciu says this electric spark caused a high concentration of ions and electrons to accumulate at the positively charged electrode, which spontaneously formed spheres. The evolved sphere appears as a stable, self-confined, layered, luminous and nearly spherical body - much like the "orbs" described in the paranormal literature and discussed below. The amount of energy in the initial spark governed their size and lifespan. Sanduloviciu grew spheres from a few micrometers to up to three centimeters in diameter.

Lozneanu and Sanduloviciu describe a rhythmic "inhalation" of the nucleus which mimics the breathing process of living systems and results in pulsations. The spheres could replicate by splitting into two. Under the right conditions they grew bigger, taking up neutral argon atoms and splitting them into ions and electrons to replenish their boundary layers. Finally, they could communicate information by emitting electromagnetic energy, making the atoms within other spheres vibrate at a particular frequency. "This is no different from the vibrating diaphragm in a telephone which enables information to be communicated from one point to another," says David Cohen, reporting in the journal New Scientist. This would give these plasma spheres an ability which would be described as telepathic if we did not know how electromagnetic waves worked. Sanduloviciu insists that although the spheres require high temperature to form, they can survive at lower temperatures. "That would be the sort of environment in which normal biochemical interactions occur".

According to Sanduloviciu, these plasma spheres were the first cells on Earth, arising within electric storms, and he believes that the emergence of such spheres is a prerequisite for the evolution of biological cells. He says that the cell-like spheres could be at the origin of other forms of life we have not yet considered. "There could be life out there, but not as we know it" he says. Indeed, according to plasma metaphysics, the microscopic orbs (described in the paranormal literature) and the macroscopic subtle bodies (described in the metaphysical literature) are plasma-based life forms.

The Physical-Etheric Nucleus in Metaphysical Literature

Each subtle body has a nucleus - which metaphysicists Charles Leadbeater and Annie Besant had described as a "permanent particle" almost a century ago. Leadbeater calls the nucleus of the higher etheric double a "physical-etheric atom". Information about the relevant subtle body is stored in this particle (its composition, frequency, structure and associative memories). In this way the experiences that the subtle body has gone through in this universe are stored or are linked to this nucleus - according to Leadbeater and Besant. The particle is analogous to DNA in the biomolecular body. DNA is referred to as a "bioparticle" in the medical literature and it stores or links vast amounts of information about a particular life-form. Hindu metaphysics describes these particles or nuclei as "bindus" and Tibetan yoga "drops".

The physical-etheric nucleus is transferred to higher energy bodies when the subtle body dies - serving the same purposes as a "black box" flight recorder in an airplane in preserving information about a particular life's experiences. This nucleus is also responsible for the life review in a near-death experience. According to Besant, the permanent particles are used to preserve within themselves as "powers of vibrations" (i.e. different frequencies and waveforms) the results of all experiences through which they have passed. By the end of one's life in the physical body, the permanent particle (or physical-etheric nucleus) would have stored up "innumerable powers of vibration" (i.e. a set of waveforms of different frequencies). The particle usually resides (probably in an electromagnetic well) around the heart region of the physical-biomolecular and lower physical-etheric body.

Plasma Orbs in Paranormal Literature

In 2004 (as reported in the Physical News Update by Phil Schewe and Ben Stein) an experiment was conducted where particles in a plasma crystal arranged themselves into neat concentric shells (or rings - from a two-dimensional perspective), to a total ball diameter of several millimeters. These orderly Coulomb balls, consisting of aligned, concentric shells of dust particles, survived for long periods. This structure was described as an "onion-like architecture". (Dark matter halos around galaxies also have similar structures.)

Paranormal analyst, Allan Danelek (in his book The Case for Ghosts) says, "One could think of orbs as 'tiny ghosts' moving around a room, their essence being contained within a tiny sphere of pure energy, like air inside a bubble." This description matches the description of life-like pulsating plasma spheres generated in the laboratory by Lozneanu and Sanduloviciu. Furthermore the pulsating plasma spheres would also give readings of a fluctuating electromagnetic field. Leading ghost hunter, Joshua Warren, says "Nine times out of ten, if a mysterious field is constant and stable, it's artificial; if it fluctuates erratically, it's paranormal."

According to the paranormal literature "orbs" are light anomalies that appear on photographs and video as spherical balls of light but as flashes of light to the naked eye because of their rapid speed of motion. They exhibit intentional behavior - suggesting some consciousness or awareness of the environment.

Orbs often travel in groups or clusters i.e. they exhibit swarm behavior - also a characteristic of particles in plasma - a characteristic observed by Bohm (see above). Orbs also can dart back and forth rapidly like amoebic life-forms in a Petri dish. The balls can be transparent, translucent or in a bright solid form. These are signature features of magnetic plasma which has the natural property of being able to change its degree of opacity when internal frequencies change. Magnetic plasma would also allow orbs to change their output of light or luminosity.

Looking at these balls in close-up reveals that they possess an onion-like layered structure i.e. they have concentric shells - a signature feature of plasma crystals. Danelek says, "...'true orbs' do not reflect light the same way a dust particle or flying insect does, but are instead generally more opaque and, in some cases, even appear to have rings within them." Experienced ghost hunter Joshua Warren (in his excellent book How to Hunt Ghosts) says, "Often, orbs appear to have a nucleus, just like a cell. The nucleus might be surrounded by 'bands' - concentric circles emerging from it. In fact, it might appear like an onion that's been chopped in half." All these characteristics are identical to plasma crystals generated in the laboratory.

Some believe that an orb is a human soul or the life force of those that once inhabited a physical-dense body. Psychics claim to be able to communicate with them on a regular basis, and ghost hunters encounter them quite frequently in photographs and video. It is thought that they are conscious spirits that have stayed behind because they feel bound to their previous life or previous location for whatever reason - a typical characteristic of "Earth-bound" physical-etheric ghosts. According to plasma metaphysics, (genuine) orbs are plasma life forms and are identical to the physical-etheric nuclei observed by metaphysicists Charles Leadbeater and Annie Besant that are released from dying persons.

According to plasma metaphysics, (genuine) orbs are the physical-etheric nuclei that are released from dying persons. Most of these nuclei exit-out of our universe through vortexes after the death of the higher physical-etheric body and are absorbed into the next higher energy body in the next universe - most frequently what metaphysicists describe as the "astral body" and the "astral plane or sphere". However, some stay behind because of unfinished business or some psychological attachment to the physical life that just ended. These are the (genuine) orbs that we see in photographs and videos. This conclusion is consistent with the theory of some paranormal investigators that spirits may find it easier to travel from one dimension to another in the form of orbs which can move more easily (than full-blown subtle bodies) through vortexes to another universe.

A number may also get reabsorbed into the dark plasma halos that envelope human embryos to start a new life in this physical-dense universe (i.e. they reincarnate in a physical-dense body). They grow with the embryo and facilitate the morphogenesis of the physical-dense and lower physical-etheric body. As they grow they absorb more energy and particles from the ionized (physical-etheric) environment and eventually become full-blown ovoids with "subtle bodies" inside. In this particular case, the subtle body will be the (higher) physical-etheric body or the "physical-double".

During death, the ovoid contracts into the physical-etheric nucleus (by dispersing its contents) and is released from the dying physical body after traveling through a meridian (which is associated with the lower physical-etheric body) and exits from the head to emerge as an orb with a bright nucleus. Details of this process can be found in the author's book Our Invisible Bodies.

Interactions with Ordinary Matter

Orbs resemble plasma spheres in many ways. However, while plasma spheres generated in the laboratory are composed of standard particles (i.e. the particles described in the physicists' Standard Model currently), orbs are composed of super (i.e. supersymmetric) collisionless dark matter particles. This allows orbs to pass through objects and walls (just like ghosts).

Dark matter in the physical-etheric universe can only interact with ordinary matter if their energy levels temporarily fall and ordinary matter condenses around them. Warren believes that since ghosts have an electrostatic field, it makes sense that particles from the atmosphere would be trapped in the field. This would form a tiny clump of particles that betrays the presence of the ghost. He says that, based on readings on electromagnetic meters during paranormal investigations, paranormal orbs carry a charge of static electricity. Dr Michael Persinger, a lab-based parapsychologist, and his colleagues demonstrated a link between strong or varying electromagnetic fields and orb activity. Orbs are also said to travel along Birkeland currents (i.e. ley or energy lines). This is another characteristic of their electromagnetic nature - which suggests that they are composed of magnetic plasma which is a good generator of electromagnetic fields and a good radiator of electromagnetic waves.

According to Warren, orbs are most active in the deep infrared region. In 1983, physicist Pierre Sikivie proposed a technique to detect invisible dark matter particles called "axions". His technique called for a high "Q" microwave cavity, permeated by a strong static magnetic field. In the magnetic field, axions were expected to convert into microwave photons. Microwaves are in between the infrared region and radio waves in the electromagnetic spectrum. If ghosts are composed of dark matter particles, it can be hypothesized that they too would generate microwave and infrared radiation in the presence of a strong static magnetic field and even radio waves which can be received by our radios.

Subtle Bioplasma Bodies in the Metaphysical Literature

According to plasma metaphysics (see Jay Alfred, Our Invisible Bodies, 2006) the subtle bodies described in the general metaphysical literature (particularly the yoga and New
Age literature) are bioplasma bodies.

The Subtle Body is a Bioplasma Body

Subtle bodies have signature features associated with plasma. These include:

• Networks of filamentary currents (known as "nadis" or "meridians" in the metaphysical literature).

• Helical currents, aligned with the spine, which resemble helical pinches and "snakes" often found in plasma.

• Plasma vortexes (know as "chakras" in the metaphysical literature) caused by the helical movement of particles entering the bioplasma body.

• Jets or beams of collimated light that issue out from these vortexes which evidence a plasma discharge (similar to what issues out of a plasma gun).

• A magnetized plasma ovoid which surrounds and shields subtle bodies from the environment (just as the Earth is protected by the magnetosphere - a sphere composed of collisionless magnetized plasma).

• A plasma (Langmuir) sheath (know as an "auric sheath" or "auric shell" in the metaphysical literature) which encloses the ovoid.

• The ability of subtle bodies to pass through each other suggesting that they are composed of collisionless plasma.

• The ability of subtle bodies to emit light (not simply reflect them) that generate colorful halos.

• The ability of subtle bodies to change their degree of opacity - becoming transparent or translucent.

• The electrical feel of subtle bodies.

• The responsiveness of subtle bodies to electromagnetic fields.

All these features were described and documented more than 2,000 years ago, mainly in the Hindu and Chinese acupuncture literature; but also alluded to in the Buddhist and Christian scriptures and literature - long before the age of electricity and magnetism which was only sparked-off in the eighteenth century. Furthermore, the list above is not exhaustive - it is only meant to be a sample of the features of subtle bodies which unmistakably points to plasma. Details of the above observations can be found in the previous articles and books by this author.

The Spark of Life

According to plasma metaphysics, subtle bodies live in a magnetic plasma sphere (an ordinarily invisible counterpart Earth) - an environment similar to the early (physical-dense) Earth.

During in vitro fertilization the human embryo is given an electrical jolt to spark-off cell division. The purpose of this routine electrical intervention is not known. All is known is that cell division is unlikely to occur in the absence of this electrical intervention. According to plasma metaphysics (Our Invisible Bodies, 2006), this electrical spark is necessary to generate a plasma bubble which acts as a catalyst during embryogenesis. Unlike a biomolecular environment, a plasma environment allows long-range correlations, without which a 3 dimensional structure could not be projected from a 1 dimensional gene. An embryo within a human body is protected by the plasma bubble (i.e. the physical-etheric double) of the mother and inherits a bubble within this environment. (In this process, it acquires what the Qigong literature refers to as "prenatal qi".)

Accelerated Morphogenesis of the Bioplasma Double

An embryonic bioplasma body is projected into the plasma bubble based on information in the physical-etheric double of the DNA. In fact, subtle radiation containing holographic information was observed by researchers at the Russian Academy of Science as a surprise effect during experiments when they were measuring the vibrational modes of DNA in solution using a sophisticated laser photon correlation spectrometer. According to Sue Benford, their research suggests the existence of a subtle radiation linked to physical DNA that supports the hypothesis of an intact energy field containing relevant 'organismal information'. The Russian experiments produced different measurements when DNA was present and removed from the scattering chamber. These results were contrary to the expectations of the experimenters. After duplicating the initial experiment many times with re-calibrated equipment, the scientists were forced to accept that some new field structure existed. This embryonic bioplasma body within the plasma bubble (which contains helical currents) grows together with the physical-biomolecular body but at an accelerated rate, being aided by the long range correlations present in the plasma but absent in the biochemical field.

Morphogenesis of the Physical Biomolecular Body

There is mutual affinity between the bioplasma and physical-biomolecular bodies. In fact, the term "plasma" is derived from a Greek word meaning "to mould" and was coined by Langmuir based on his observations of the manner in which the positive column of a glow discharge tended to mould itself to the containing tube. Similarly, the bioplasma fetus wraps around the physical-biomolecular embryo while undergoing an accelerated morphogenesis (relative to the physical-biomolecular embryo).

The physical-biomolecular body therefore is cued by the bioplasma body which acts an electronic matrix and a time-resolved hologram that guides its development. The bioplasma body, in turn, acts as a mould or a template body for the development of the single-celled physical-biomolecular embryo to the adult body. This has frequently been pointed out by metaphysicists, including Leadbeater, Besant and Barbara Brennan.

Complex biological evolution could not have taken place on Earth without the aid of the templates provided by subtle bioplasma bodies which interacted with biochemical fields via weak electromagnetic fields. These bioplasma bodies are composed of high energy particles and inhabit (magnetized) plasmaspheres which share the same space and gravitational field as the physical-dense Earth. The lowest energy plasmasphere has been described by metaphysicists as the physical-etheric Earth.

Conclusion

As proposed by Tsytovich, Lozneanu and Sanduloviciu, the physical-dense plasma cell was a precursor to the biological cell in the early (physical-dense) Earth - acting as a template or mould for the biological cell to form in 3 dimensional space. However, the lightning strikes that generated the physical-dense plasma cells also generated physical-etheric plasma cells in the physical-etheric Earth. As the conditions on Earth changed and the environment became progressively less ionized, the physical-dense plasma cell was less frequently generated. However, the physical-etheric plasma cell (existing in the physical-etheric Earth) remained as it participated in the development of the biological body to which it was attached to and subsequently was transmitted together with the biological cells in various forms of reproduction - both asexual and sexual.

Copyright © Jay Alfred 2007

Jay Alfred has been researching on plasma life forms since 2001. He is the author of three books on a new field called "plasma metaphysics". The books include Our Invisible Bodies, Brains and Realities and Between the Moon and Earth which are available on Amazon online bookstores. Plasma metaphysics is the application of plasma and dark matter physics to the study of plasma life forms and their corresponding habitats. This includes the study of bioplasma bodies which co-evolved with carbon-based bodies on this planet.

What is the Evil Eye?

The Evil Eye has been around since the beginning of time. It simply means sending someone a thought that seems intrusive or invasive or has the power to hurt him or her. The bad fortune that results is considered to have been caused by envy. The evil eye is not necessarily considered to be intentional or associated with witchcraft or sorcery. Oddly enough, this thought form could actually be complimentary in nature. The origins of the Evil Eye are Middle-Eastern and Mediterranean. The concept was introduced into the Americas, South Pacific Islands, Asia, Africa and Australia by European explorers.

Sending someone the evil eye comes from the concept that we all have a Third Eye, located in the center of our forehead. Blinding, fogging or obscuring the third eye is often the intent of the energy's sender. Most of us have experienced the weird power of the phenomenon. All it takes is a gaze that seems to be unfriendly, indifferent or blank and seems to a couple of seconds too long. We think about it for a few minutes afterwards or perhaps an image of the person staring at us preoccupies our thoughts occasionally for the rest of the day. Perhaps that is why the British and Scottish term for the "evil eye" is "overlooking." It implies that a gaze has remained too long upon the coveted object, person or animal.

The evil eye is also known as the envious or invidious eye. In Italian it is called the malocchio and in Spanish the malojo (loosely translated as the bad eye) The evil eye is known as ayin horeh in Hebrew; ayin harsha in Arabic, droch shuil in Scotland, mauvais oeil in France, bösen Blick in Germany, and was known as oculus malus among the classical Romans.

The original belief is that any person can harm your children, livestock, fruit trees or any other evidence of prosperity just by looking at the spoils of all your good will and hard work with envy. Ironically, the curse of the evil eye is thought to be provoked by inappropriate displays of spiritual pride or excessive beauty. There is a theory that very famous people and celebrities suffer more personal misfortune than others simply because they are subjected to more "overlooking" and envy than others.

This superstition might have some grounding in evolutionary psychology as usually one animal is thought to dominate or be aggressive to another simply by staring at it for too long. Psychologically speaking, staring or glaring at someone is officially considered an intrusion into your affairs. Apparently, there is a fine line between casting a glance to casting a spell. In these post Celestine Prophecy times, this kind of stare could be compared to a kind of etheric laser beam or amoebic arm that rips open your aura. Others would describe the infliction of the evil eye as the projection of an image (such as the image of the person you have offended or hurt) so that you see only that to the exclusion of all other sight. In other words, you see that person wherever you go or feel that your life's events are always colored by your dealing with that person. Another symptom is the inability to proceed with ordinary, daily events without feeling somehow compelled to make things right with the person you have often unknowingly offended with your grandiosity.

It is common folklore that the evil eye has a dehydrating effect on its victim. It is thought to cause vomiting, diarrhea, the drying up of the milk of nursing mothers and livestock, problems with the blood, eyesight lack of rain, the drying up of wells, the withering of fruit and impotence in men. Clumsiness, stomachaches, dry coughs, diarrhea, itching, hair loss, dry skin are all thought to be physical symptoms of an evil eye attack e. On the astral level it is thought to cause the drying up of prana, chi, life force and the easy flow of prosperity in life. Part of this image might derive from the idea also, of muddy, murky or poisoned vision that is somehow attached to the victim's third eye.

Almost everywhere that the evil eye belief exists, it is said to be caused accidentally by envy or praise. Thus the phrase "Pride Goeth Before a Fall" In certain Mediterranean and eastern cultures, one is careful not to praise a child too much, lest it invite the subconscious balancing effect of the evil eye. A classic situation would be the barren woman who praises the newborn baby of a new child. Such praise would be considered inappropriate and thought to bring the evil child. One of the remedies for this would be for the mother to spit, to symbolically "rehydrate" the situation. Also, she may speak ill of the child OT counteract the effects of the praise, which might have malefic effects on the child later.

The belief that individuals have the power to cast the evil eye on purpose is more idiosyncratic to Sicily and Southern Italy, although the belief has certainly spread elsewhere - to the Southern United States and the Latin Americas. Such people are known as jettatore (projectors). They are not necessarily considered evil or envious, just born with an unfortunate embarrassing talent that causes others to avoid them. In ancient cultures, if you were thought to be the possessor of an evil eye, you were often negated by the rest of society and went unrecognized on the street without meeting anyone's eyes.

Perhaps one of the most familiar preventative measures against the evil eye is the hand gesture. The Mano Cornufo or "Horned Hand" involves extending the first and index fingers from a fist. The Mano Fico or "Fig hand" involves placing the thumb in between first and second fingers.
Historically there have been many cures for the evil eye:

In Italy, the evil eye is diagnosed by dripping olive oil into a vessel filled with water. If the oil conglomerates into the shape of an eye than the victim is considered officially cursed. Prayers are recited until the droplets of oil no longer create an eye shape.

In Eastern Europe charcoal, coal or burnt match heads are dropped into a pan of water/. If the items float then the person is considered to be the victim of a curse.

In the Ukraine, a form of ceromancy or candle reading is used to diagnose the curse. Melted wax is dripped from a candle into a pan of water. If the wax spits, splatters, or sticks to the side of the bowl then the "patient" is considered to be under the influence of the malefic eye. Usually the patient is cleansed with Holy Water. He or she is pronounced cured when the dripped wax sinks the bottom of the bowl in a round ball.

In Greece Mexico and other places, the official cure is to invite the culprit responsible for the evil eye to spit in a vessel of the holy water that is consumed by the victim.

In Mexico, rolling a raw egg over the body of the victim is the antidote. Afterwards, it is cracked open and if the metaphysician or healer divines the shape of an eye in the yolks then the person is considered to be cursed. Several eggs may be repeatedly rolled over the person's body until an egg without an eye if found. Sometimes the egg is placed underneath the person's bed overnight and cracked open in the morning.

In China the remedy for the evil eye is the Pa Kua mirror, a six-sided mirror that is hung on the front door or placed in the front window to reverse bad energy back to the sender. Some of these mirrors are convex to reflect back the bad "poison darts" or "arrows" of multiple ill wishers and some are concave to reflect energy in a definite direction back at, for instance, a nosy neighbor, whose gaze may have lingered on your garden of tulips for too long. In Feng Shui, mirrors are often used as a cure all to reflect negative energy back at all kinds of things - people, bad architecture, traffic, neighbors, physical obstructions such as trees or rocks or anything else that might considered to be a conductor of Har Shui (negative vibrations).

In India the mirroring back of the evil eye takes the form of small mirrors that are sewn, braided or crocheted into clothing. This mirroring back of bad energy is also familiar to practitioners of Wicca and Lukumi or Santeria. In India, the human eye is also considered to be a mirror of the soul. Indian women wear kohl or heavy black makeup to emphasize their eyes not only to shield themselves from evil eye but also to prevent themselves from accidentally inflicting it on others. In India cords strung with blue beads are placed on newborn babies. When the cord breaks and the beads are lost the child is considered to have a strong enough aura to protect him or herself from the evil eye. Red cords worn upon the wrist or neck are thought to have a powerful effect against ocular malevolence. A silver charm called Eye of Buddha which references the Gautama Buddha is also worn against astral attack.

In Italy, gold, silver or gems carved or cast into the shape of the Mano Fica or Mano Cornufa are used to repel the evil. The most coveted ones are made of red coral, but many versions exist today made of gemstones and plastic. They are worn by men to protect against the withering of the genitals thought to be caused by the bad eye. Also Italian in origin is the Corno or horn or devil's horn amulet that is thought to protect against the same dysfunction. The women's version is made from a twig of red coral.

In Arab cultures, superstitious types wear an eye in the form of a stone cast in the center of a hand shaped bone or metal charm A common Egyptian charm is the Buckle of Isis which represents the menstrual pad of the Goddess Isis who was the Mother of all living things. Stuffing a little prayer or spell inside a locket that is hung around the neck is the common European custom for protecting oneself against deadly gazes.

A light worker such as myself might advise you to protect yourself in the following contemporary ways:

Always maintain the belief that nobody has the power to hurt you with a look. This in itself is a very powerful thought form.

Before you go out, imagine that your third eye is actually covered by something that looks like a small pocket mirror. If you are a psychic or a healer then simply close your third eye and don't open it unless you want to look.

If you are feeling haunted or upset as the result of a "look", press your thumb hard into the center of your forehead and imagine your third eye quickly flipping. Flick the energy away with your thumb and snap your fingers.

Always remember that what you resist often persists. The phrase "Oh, so what!" is one of the most powerful chemicals in the universe that you can use to dissolve negative energy.

Samantha Steven's articles have been published in many high-standing newspapers and she has published several books. If you wish to buy Samantha's books about metaphysics click here http://www.insomniacpress.com/author.php?id=110 You can meet Samantha Stevens at http://www.psychicrealm.com where she works as a professional psychic. You can also read more of her articles at http://www.newagenotebook.com

Washington DC and the Pentagon The Necropolis of The Dead

Many people visit Washington DC but most people are unaware that the nation's capital is a sovereign state and is not a part of the United States. It is a District of Columbia and is entirely Masonic in architecture. Washington DC (as well as the rest of civilization) is just an extension of ancient Indian, Babylon...ian, Egyptian, Roman, and Greek Royal Dynasties.Take a typical Egyptian pyramid, the Los Angeles City Hall building, and other government buildings around the country are fashioned after typical Egyptian pyramids. The Lincoln Memorial, is fashioned after an Greek Parthenon temple found in a standard necropolis (city for the dead), and the Lincoln statue itself, it is actually fashioned after "The Emperor" tarot card, which represents authority, will, and power in Divination arts, the Jefferson Memorial building; it is just a replica of a Roman Pantheon (temple for the Gods) along with the Washington Monument which is an exact replica of an Egyptian obelisk, the male phallus symbol representing strong masculine energy. The George Washington statue itself it is fashioned after the "Baphomet" or the "Goat" which in Satanism represents the grand architect of the material universe and is the supreme God-head, the Capitol Building. The dome shape at the top is modeled after the form of the female breast, which comes from ancient worship of the feminine aspects of nature (ie. "mother" nature), the entrance was also fashioned after the entrance of a Roman Pantheon ...

Ancient Greece - The Wasps by Ralph Vaughan Williams

Images of ancient Greek art, history and architecture set to excerpts from the incidental music by British composer Ralph Vaughan Williams for the classic play by Aristophanes.

Creative Shoebox Diorama Ideas For the School Season

Shoebox Dioramas are a part of every school year and in just about every grade they serve as a wonderful learning tool. They are used to learn the arts and crafts of making things and they are used to also learn about subjects. This article shows you some creative ideas from both the arts and crafts aspect and the learning aspect.

The Arts and Crafts of Shoebox Dioramas
 
There are a lot of common ways to make a shoebox diorama and they include tape, glue, construction paper and all the regular assortment of arts and crafts stuff but there are a few things you can do to make a diorama just a little bit special. Here is a list of ideas:

• If you are doing an underwater scene you can cover the front of the box with Saran Wrap or thin plastic. This gives the diorama an underwater feel


• Use string to utilize the full three dimensions inside the box; suspend objects from strings or tie strings from side to side and top to bottom and attach objects to the strings. This works well for flying objects like bird, pterodactyls or even clouds and stars.


• Cut slots in the back and top of the box and use this to insert objects that you can move across the diorama. Make a bird, boat, comet or some other type of moving object then attach a tab to the back of it. Insert this tab in the slot then you can grab the tab from the back and slide the object across the diorama. This adds a nice little interactive element. This works well with all kinds of things from a rising sun, flying bird, erupting volcano or just about anything else that would move.


• Think outside the shoebox! There is no need to run out and buy a new pair of shoes if you don't have a shoebox. A more than adequate box can be made from scraps of cardboard or even a few cereal boxes cut and taped together. And there is no need to make a typical shoebox shape. Be creative in the shape you make. It adds a dimension of interest to the project. Half round, amphitheatre shapes are commonly used for dioramas and look great.


• Achieving Depth - The most common trait of an average shoebox diorama is that it has a decorated background and objects placed on the bottom surface.  You can add an attractive touch by decorating a strip of paper that is about two inches wide with a foliage pattern then attach this to the inside bottom of the diorama about an inch from the back wall - it reaches all the way from the left side to the right side. This adds a lot of depth and makes it look much more interesting.


• Using alternate materials - You don't have to use cardboard or boxes. As an example, if you are doing a polar bear or penguin diorama you could use white packing Styrofoam.  If you are doing a desert scene you can apply glue to the bottom of the diorama and sprinkle real sand on it.

Theme Ideas and Learning Tools
 
The biggest point of a shoebox diorama is to show a natural habitat of something. In the process of drawing and cutting out the various objects a child is learning about the habitat. This is great but you can take it to new levels with a little thought and a little creativity. 

• Freezing a moment in time - A diorama is a moment in time and you can focus on this. Some good examples are you can have a meteor streaking across the sky of a dinosaur diorama; this explains a theory of extinction. Or you can show a large predator fish about to eat a smaller fish as it is eating something even smaller. This dramatic moment in time is a good display of the food chain.


• Interactions in a habitat - The focus of a diorama is often to correctly identify and place the right objects for a natural habitat but you can take this to a new level by focusing on the interactions within the habitat. The upper layer of canopy in a rainforest blocks out sunlight from the lower layers and this is an important aspect of the rainforest. A coral reef provides shelter for many creatures in the sea and a diorama can display this.


• Adding a Fact Sheet - This is a great tool that should be added to every diorama. You should make a fact sheet that can be glued to poster board and stood up near the diorama. The sheet explains the basic facts of what the diorama is about.

Diorama Ideas
 
Here are some ideas you can use as a theme for your diorama:

• The Natural Habitat of just about any creature like fish, polar bears, black bears, penguins, wolves, humans, dinosaurs, camels, lions, tigers, monkeys, elephants, dolphins, and well you get the idea!


• A Desert theme complete with pyramids, mummies and camels is fun


• A Rainforest is a good diorama for teaching about diversity and the interaction of species


• An astronomy diorama complete with sun, planets, comets, and stars in the background


• A medieval Castle scene complete with catapult or dragon


• Underwater scenes are always popular


• Arctic themed dioramas are fun because of the creative options for snow and icebergs

Whatever diorama you choose to make you should take a little time to make it different and unique and there are lots of creative ways to do that. Have fun with your project!

Visit the author's diorama site where you can find lots of videos, tutorials, and ideas for making dioramas. Diorama Man

Kerketus 9 'hidding architectural traces of the past'

...am a wittness to this and many other cultural crimes and cannot do anything...in this video you can see Christos (builder) building and hidding old shelves. I'm very upset and say 'no man'

The Greeks Crucible of Civilization - Part 3 - Empire of Mind (1 of 5)

The Greeks - Crucible of Civilization: A documentary consisting of 3 parts: Part 1: Revolution www.youtube.com Part 2: Golden Age www.youtube.com Part 3: Empire of Mind www.youtube.com The Greeks built an empire that laid the foundations for modern science, politics, warfare and philosophy, and produced some of the most breathtaking art and architecture the world has ever seen. This documentary, narrated by Liam Neeson, recounts the rise, glory, demise and legacy of the empire that marked the dawn of Western civilization. Using the latest advances in computer technology, the story of this astonishing civilization is told through the lives of the heroes of ancient Greece. It combines dramatic storytelling, stunning imagery, groundbreaking research and distinguished scholarship to render classical Greece gloriously alive.

Basic Marble Information

Etymology

The word Marble is derived from the Greek word Marmaros which means "shining stone" This is probably a reference to the translucent property of pure white marble which seams to make it glow when light is shone upon it.

Formation

Marble is a type of metamorphic rock.

Marble starts off as either a Limestone or Dolostone, with a lot of the mineral Calcite in it. When this is exposed to the right amount of heat and pressure, the material changes into marble.

This heat or pressure causes a process known as recrystallization. That is where the tiny individual grains that make up the original stone are changed, in this case into larger grains.

The result is that the original stone is transformed, into marble.

Art

Marble has a long tradition of being used in sculpture. This is because of several reasons.

Marble is a relatively soft natural stone, making it easy to carve.

Marble formed from pure calcite can sometimes be translucent, and light can penetrate the stone slightly. This makes sculptures seam to glow when illumination is shone on them.

Unlike some stones, whose minerals form in layers, marble's inherent grains don't tend to arrange themselves in straight lines. When a stone which is formed in layers is chiseled, large chunks tend to break off at random, making it difficult to control what the final statue will look like. The individual grains in marble however do not form in lines and therefore you can chisel off as much or as little as you like.

Architecture

Marble is a very popular building material used in architecture and design.

Marble can be obtained in almost any shape, giant blocks, slabs, or raw chunks.

The most popular shape for marble is in tile form.

Tiles can range from 4" - 24" square, although larger tiles tend to be less stable and more apt to crack.

Other Uses

Ground up into a fine powder, marble is a component material used in some glues and mortars, as well as toothpaste and various plastics

Meaning

Marble tends to be considered an elegant material. It is also tied closely to the classical Greek and Roman periods. A relatively expensive, and difficult to maintain stone, it is most often used in delicate and upscale applications

Care and Maintenance

Marble has tiny pores in its surface, which are too small to see with the bear eye, but which are large enough to soak up moisture. Sometimes liquid, especially colorful liquids such as fruit juices can soak into the pores in the marble, permanently discoloring it.

To prevent this a below surface sealer can be applied which will clog the pores making it impossible for moisture to penetrate it.

A chemical barrier can also be applied to marble which will form an invisible layer over its surface, protecting it further.

Joey Lewitin is the internet's premiere expert on natural stone and its decorative uses. To see his line of imported marble vases and decorative decor you can visit http://PebbleZ.com

Greek National Library in Gazi Athens (proposal)

Thesis, Technical University of Patras school of Architecture Students: Pyrlis Agis, Foteinopoulos Tryphon

The Greeks Crucible of Civilization - Part 3 - Empire of Mind (2 of 5)

The Greeks - Crucible of Civilization: A documentary consisting of 3 parts: Part 1: Revolution www.youtube.com Part 2: Golden Age www.youtube.com Part 3: Empire of Mind www.youtube.com The Greeks built an empire that laid the foundations for modern science, politics, warfare and philosophy, and produced some of the most breathtaking art and architecture the world has ever seen. This documentary, narrated by Liam Neeson, recounts the rise, glory, demise and legacy of the empire that marked the dawn of Western civilization. Using the latest advances in computer technology, the story of this astonishing civilization is told through the lives of the heroes of ancient Greece. It combines dramatic storytelling, stunning imagery, groundbreaking research and distinguished scholarship to render classical Greece gloriously alive.

Oia, Greece

Recorded October 24, 2009. Oia is a small community on the islands of Santorini in Greece. The population is 1230 inhabitants. Along the cliff of Oia, houses have been delved into the porous volcanic rock (left over from a large volcanic explosion many years ago that sunk the center of the island). Parts of these houses are visible and the scenery that results from it is generally perceived as being typically Greek. The town is noted for its picturesque architecture, unique for its blend of relatively large medieval Venetian houses with small incave village homes, called "yposkafa" which were the housing form of the rest of the town's population. This is a reminiscent of the age of Venetian rule over the island. Other attributes of this era are the large Catholic population as well as the medieval fortifications to protect from pirates. To this day laws protect the natural and architectural beauty of the town from modern manifestations, such as public electrical wires From: timvp.com

Digital Tour of Poughkepsie/ Mount Carmel

The Italian Center is a late 19th century residence. On Mill Street, houses located here on the upper ridge were large mansions for bankers and lawyers. The Italian Center is of the same architecture and style, and the interior is beautiful as well, with a lot of mahogany and stained glass. The Italian Center is now a clubhouse for the local Italian community. Further west towards the Hudson River down Mill Street, there are similar urban Victorian houses. Across from the Italian Center on the southside of Mill Street is the location of Matthew Vassar's former city home. Next to it is an 1830 Baptist church. It is the best example of Greek Revival architecture in the Hudson Valley. Mill Street continues west down to the river to Mount Carmel Square, which is at the heart of the Italian-American community. The small park or square at the entrance to the Mount Carmel neighborhood is named after the first governor of New York Colony during the Dutch and English period. Mount Carmel Square is primarily an Italian-American commercial area. One of the businesses is Café Aurora, a well-known pastry shop in the Mid-Hudson Valley. Across the square from the café is Dalio's, an import specialties shop with products like Italian cheese and salamis. Many shop windows and signs symbolically use the colors white, green, and red as references to the Italian flag. The area keeps up a generalized ethnic history of the Italian community, although the area has gone through a number of ...

Minecraft Timelapse: Arch Bridge

~Reasoning~ This video was made for the Elites of Minecraft: The Architect thread on the minecraft forum. It will be used to show proper usage of the parabolas to make bridges. The texture pack used is a variation of the painterly pack, with custom marble, granite, column blocks and more. Credit goes to their respective owners. ~Building~ Created on the Voxelbox Server, the Archbridge is found in the south western portion of the map. This factory was made as part of the Red Corp. Projects, including a hydro dam (only just pictured), a suspension bridge (not pictured, camera is on it) and a steel dragon (pictured). ~Links~ A link to the Voxelbox Server thread can be found here: www.minecraftforum.net A link to the current Architecture thread: www.minecraftforum.net (This link is subject to change when the Architecture guide is written. ~Extras~ The blip in the video (where the camera shifts angle) was cause due to a server restart. There was nothing that could be done about it.

Athens: Anafiotika

Anafiotika is a scenic tiny neighborhood of Athens, on the slope of the Acropolis. It was built in 19th century, when workers from the island of Anafi came in order to work as constructor workers in the refurbishment of King Othon's Palace. Anafiotika was built according to Cycladic architecture. It gives to visitors the feel of Greek islands in the heart of Athens.

Blue Arpegio

This is an arpegio exercise I wrote some time ago. The pictures were taken in the Greek islands a couple of years ago when I was there on vacation. Thanks for listening! A.

0359 Venetian Fort in Rhodes harbor on the Greek island of Rhodes, Greece

359 Venetian Fort in Rhodes harbor on the Greek island of Rhodes, Greece

Xenakis Concret PH

Iannis Xenakis (Ιάννης Ξενάκης) (May 29, 1922 - February 4, 2001) was a Greek modernist composer and architect. Iannis Xenakis (Γιάννης Ξενάκης, también transliterado en francés como Yannis Xénakis), fue un compositor y arquitecto de ascendencia griega nacido el 29 de mayo de 1922 en Brăila, Rumania; se nacionalizó francés y pasó gran parte de su vida en París, donde murió el 4 de febrero de 2001. Es aclamado como uno de los compositores más importantes de la música contemporánea.

OHRID - The Pearl of Europe [CNN Channel]

CNN's Nic Robertson discovers an ancient city of hundreds of churches and monastries. The most beautiful place in the World.. You have to see the whole video! The video was shown on CNN.

Architecture in Miniaturk in Istanbul Turkey

ISTANBUL,TURKEY,Hagia Sophia Museum,Blue Mosque,Topkapi Palace,Grand Bazaar,Spice Bazaar,Dolmabahce Palace,Underground Cistern,Sema ceremony of the Whirling Dervishes,Galata Tower,Bosphorus,Princes' Islands,Sultanahmet ,Pera,Beyoglu,Taksim,ST. SOPHIE ,HIPPODROME ,THE MUSEUMS OF TURKISH ISLAMIC ART,SULEYMANIYE CAMII,ARCHEOLOGICAL MUSEUM,BEYLERBEYI PALACE,CHORA CHURCH,RUSTEM PASA MOSQUE,RUMELI FORTRESS,NIGHTLIFE,RESTAURANTS,Kariye Museum,Military Museum,The Covered Bazaar,The Spice or Egyptian Bazaar,Blue Mosque,Eyup Mosque,Suleymaniye Mosque,Istanbul Toy Museum,Dogancay Museum ,Istanbul Modern Art Museum ,Sakip Sabanci Museum ,Rahmi Koc Museum,Pera Museum,Istanbul Byzantine Mosaic Museum ,Istiklal Street,Turkuazoo Aquarium,Camlica Hill,Kilyos (Beach),Caddebostan (Beach),Belgrade Forest - Belgrad Orman Bahcekoy,Emirgan Park,Ayasofya Museum,Eyup,Kanlica,Hidiv Pavilion,Jewish Museum of Turkey - Zulfaris Synagogue,Sehzade Mosque,Armenian Church of the Three Altars,Kumkapi,Cengelkoy,Rezan Has Museum,Polonezkoy,Arasta Bazaar,Fish Market - Balik Pazari,Rumeli Feneri - Rumeli Lighthouse,Yeni Cami - New Mosque,Aya Triada Greek Orthodox Church,Santral Istanbul,Bebek,Anadolu Feneri - Anadolu Lighthouse,Ataturk Cultural Centre,Beykoz,Cemal Resit Rey (CRR) Concert Hall,Taksim Square,Riva (Beach),Fenerbahce Saracoglu Stadium,Yeralti Camii- Underground Mosque,Kucuk Ayasofya - Little Hagia Sophia,Istanbul UFO Museum,Church of the Pantocrator - Zeyrek Cami,Ortakoy Mosque,Galerist,Yildiz ...

Spring 09_Anti-Flood House_New Orleans_Cornell

On the 29th of August of 2005, Hurricane Katrina struck New Orleans and its surrounding areas in one of the most catastrophic natural disasters ever to impact the United States. Since then, there has been an energetic wave of rebuilding primarily focused on providing replacement housing to single family home owners while simultaneously improving overall conditions in affected areas. Prior to the hurricane, the citys residential fabric was as diverse as its citizens - with each neighborhood possessing a distinct flavor; various architectural styles were incorporated such as single and doubleshotguns, bungalows, Victorians, Greek Revival, Italianate, and suburban ranches. There are definitedesign trends that can be noted throughout New Orleans from the historic districts dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries, to the raised homes of the 1950s, and finally to the current slab-on-grade designs that prevail today. Given the magnitude of devastation in New Orleans and the expansive scope of the rebuilding, a unique opportunity now exists to make significant changes in the home designs available to residents of New Orleans. Not only can we inspire innovation in codes, living styles, and the aesthetics of homes and communities but we can also nurture a new acceptance of more modern and contemporary architectural styles that fit within the neighborhood contexts, as well as the latest in building methodologies. Residents are now looking to be environmentally responsible but ...

Blessed Graduation of Finos

Finos(or Tulis) graduates while Vaggelis and Antonis Psathas from Naousa play "Ta Kokkina Triantafylla (The Red Roses)" for him

Petra, JORDAN

Petra in Greek means rock. It is a historical and archaeological city in Jordan and it is famous for its rock cut architecture and water conduits system. Built sometime around the 6th century BC as the capital city of the Nabateans.

My Big Fat Greek Wedding (1)

Goofs: When Toula arrives at the restaurant at the start of the movie she removes a yellow jumper to reveal a white shirt underneath. After her flashback scene to when she was a child we see her still staring out the window but she is wearing a brown jumper and a brown jacket. The house of the Greek family is referred to as having Corinthian columns, like the Parthenon. While the columns on the house are in fact Corinthian, the architecture of the Parthenon is Doric, which dates several hundreds of years earlier than the Corinthian (more ornamented) style. When young Toula and her "friends" are in the car on their way to school, Toula's father's gloves disappear and reappear numerous times as he is driving. When young Toula's dad drops her and her friends off at school, and stops her to remind her she "should be proud to be Greek", the window changes position throughout the dialogue. Trivia: The opening scene where Nia Vardalos and Michael Constantine travel in the early morning to open the restaurant was one of the very last scenes filled. Vardalos said that all of the other cast members had finished their scenes and had left, and so the sadness she and Constantine had in that car scene reflected the tearful goodbyes they'd said. According to Nia Vardalos, paying for catering during the film proved not to be a problem. Wherever the film was being shot, whenever local Greek restaurants learned about it, they sent over lots of free food.

Neo Classicism Enlightenment - Treatment of Classic Themes in Modern Style

Neoclassicism is a unique movement in the decorative, literature, classical arts and theatre that originated in the middle of the 18th century. Ancient Greek and Roman culture draw upon the Western classical arts and culture during this era.

Neo classicism artists do not make dreary reproductions of their creations- be it arts, sculpture or poetry but makes something new and innovative every time. This ensures a high standard. However a neo classical artist runs more chance in churning out mediocre and innocuous stuff in his over enthusiasm to be different. More than just creating something entirely new, neoclassicism is a natural expression of a culture with all its elements and the finesse with which an artist regains the lost elements that might have slipped into the oblivion is what makes a neo classic artist successful and popular.

Neoclassicism has thrown open countless possibilities in interior designing, inspired by the rediscoveries at Pompeii and Herculaneum, dating back to the 1740s. Intelligent and sensuous application of these styles has resulted in the creation of some of the most enchanting interiors in the Baroque style. The Roman styled rooms of William Kent were actually based on the classic basilica and temple exterior architecture, which was given a different treatment.

Pastel colored motifs, sculpted in low relief or monotone paintings, suspended ribbons and vases were all used lavishly in neo classic creations. In the 1800s a theme of etchings and engravings in Greek architectural examples, set off a trend called the Greek revival.

Neoclassicism started in England and France and was quickly accepted by the artists of Rome and Sweden. A second, more prominent neoclassic wave came into being during Napoleonic Empire, which stood out for spectacular engravings. In France, the first spell of neoclassicism is often called the "Louis XVI style", where as the second phase is referred to as "Directoire" or Empire. Italy stuck to the Rococo style until the Napoleonic regimes infused new archaeological classicism, which became a strong political for the young urbanites with republican leanings in Italy.

At the end of the world wars, a neo classic movement in the Arts came into being. This movement which shunned romanticism was noted for its religious (especially Christianity) themes, the foundation of which was laid by T. E. Hulme in English literature. Some of the most popular neo classicists in English included T. S. Eliot and Wyndham Lewis among others.

Neo Classicism enlightenment set off an interesting trend, which gave a new treatment to the classic themes. You can find all the information of this interesting trend in art and literature using the free search engine of Jrank.

"The home of the Gods" Markandstacy's photos around Athens, Greece (going from metoera to bari)

Preview of Markandstacy's blog at TravelPod. Read the full blog here: www.travelpod.com This blog preview was made by TravelPod using the TripAdvisor™ TripWow slideshow creator. Entry from: Athens, Greece Entry Title: "The home of the Gods..." Entry: "Travelling Greece is venturing into History itself. From the ancient past to the present, civilization has evolved upon the fertile lands of the Aegean coast. Minoans, Mycaeneans, Ionians, Dorians, Macedonians... Ancient Hellenic City states and kingdoms have colored so much of ancient history with their powerful military and commercial prowess and domination. Thus to know anything of Medicine, Philosophy, Politics, Architecture, or Science is to know something of Greece. Greece is a place where 3000 year old ruins co-exist with bustling modern cities and towns. It is the home to a beautiful people with a proud culture and strong identity rooted in their rich past and unique cultural traditions. A people who are ever happy to share their deep,sincere hospitality with the rest of the world as honoured guests in this cradle of Western Civilization... It began with a marathon ferry journey from the Croatian island of Korcula to Greece that took 2 full days and nights. An overnight ferry from Korcula to Bari, Italy; a day in Bari; and then another overnight from Bari to Igoumenitsa that found us half asleep and wandering a new city and country at 4:00 am! As seasoned ferry veterans by this time, we did manage to find a semi ...

AGIA TRIA�DA Crete, Greece

The ancient Minoan site of Agia Triada, on the Greek island of Crete, owes its name to a nearby church that dates back to the 14th century. In many ways, the settlement is quite unique, as its architecture does not conform to traditional Minoan design. In contrast to the much larger structure of the Phaistos Palace, that is situated only a few kilometres away, the site has revealed an abundance of fascinating treasures. Agia Triada's famous objects and works of art are contained in the Egypt Museum in Cairo. Around 1400 BC, the Minoan culture came to an end and the exact reason for the decline of this advanced civilization will probably never be known. The Minoan culture reached its peak between 1700 and 1350 BC, when palaces, country houses and settlements were established throughout the length and breadth of the island. Due to the completion of a well thought out road system and the further development of existing harbors, the foundation of an extremely successful trading system was created. For thousands of years, the Minoan ruins lay covered by the sands of time and it was only as a result of excavations around the neighboring Phaistos Palace that brought about their discovery. The Mycenean civilization replaced that of the Minoans and they subsequently constructed their own buildings above the walls of the once splendid and flourishing settlement of Agia Triada.

Historic Falling Spring c.1830

Historic Falling Spring, built in 1830, is a stunning example of Federal Style- Greek Revival architecture. It is steeped in history and presents a rare opportunity to acquire a significant piece of history with much of its original detailing preserved. In a glorious private setting this extraordinary historic property includes the original smoke house, carriage house, guest house, gardens and springs. This is a home of rare and beautiful distinction.

Foreign Influences on Buddhism

Foreign influences stimulated mythology and imagery in India. In the reliefs of Ashoka's time, the image of the Buddha never appears, and, as in the earliest Christian art, the intention of the sculptors is to illustrate an edifying narrative rather than to provide an object of worship. But in the Gandharan sculptures, which are a branch of Græco-Roman art, he is habitually represented by a figure modelled on the conventional type of Apollo. The gods of India were not derived from Greece but they were stereotyped under the influence of western art to this extent that familiarity with such figures as Apollo and Pallas encouraged the Hindus to represent their gods and heroes in human or quasi-human shapes.

The influence of Greece on Indian religion was not profound: it did not affect the architecture or ritual of temples and still less thought or doctrine. But when Indian religion and especially Buddhism passed into the hands of men accustomed to Greek statuary, the inclination to venerate definite personalities having definite shapes was strengthened.

Persian influence was stronger than Greek. To it are probably due the many radiant deities who shed their beneficent glory over the Mahayanist pantheon, as well as the doctrine that Bodhisattvas are emanations of Buddhas. The discoveries of Stein, Pelliot and others have shown that this influence extended across Central Asia to China and one of the most important turns in the fortunes of Buddhism was its association with a Central Asian tribe analogous to the Turks and called Kushans or Yüeh-chih, whose territories lay without as well as within the frontiers of modern India and who borrowed much of their culture from Persia and some from the Greeks.

To learn more about Buddhist teachings and beliefs, you might be interested in my FREE E-EBOOK "Buddhism for the Non-Buddhist Layman"

You will also find many free articles about Buddhist teachings, beliefs and practices in my site: Buddhism Through Buddhist Eyes

Plaka, Anafiotika & Syntagma (Αθήνα/Athens)

Pláka (Greek: Πλάκα) is the picturesque old historical neighbourhood of Athens, clustered around the northern and eastern slopes of the Acropolis, and incorporating labyrinthine streets and neoclassical architecture. Plaka is built on top of the residential areas of the ancient town of Athens. During the early modern age and until the early 20th century Plaka was noted at the time as the "Albanian quarter" of Athens[1][2][3][4][5] It is visited by hundreds of thousands of tourists around the year, and is under strict zoning and conservation regulations, being the only neighborhood in Athens where all utilities (water, power, cable television, telephone, internet, and sewage) lie underground in fully accessible, custom-made tunnelling. Motor vehicles are not allowed in Plaka, and most streets are too narrow, thus not being able to accommodate them anyway. Museums in Plaka include the new Jewish Museum of Greece, the Greek Folk Art Museum and the Frissiras Museum. Excavations have proven that Adrianou Street is the oldest street in Athens still in continuous use with the exact same layout since antiquity. Of special interest is the neighborhood of Anafiotika, the part of Plaka that is built against the northern slope of the Acropolis; built by immigrants from the Aegean island of Anafi in the early 19th century, it features traditional Cycladic architecture. The Choragic Monument of Lysicrates near the Acropolis of Athens was erected by the choregos Lysicrates, a patron of ...

Agenda: With George Friedman

While German Chancellor Angela Merkel says talks on the Greek debt problem will lead to a new financial architecture for Europe, the European Union is now facing problems on its eastern front. STRATFOR CEO George Friedman says Europe has now reached a crossroads in its history.

6 Most Exquisite Places to Visit in Europe

With so many interesting places to visit in Europe deciding what the best six exquisite places to visit during your vacation is indeed a difficult decision.

The first city on my list would have to be Paris. Not only known for its famous sights such as the Arc de Triomphe, The Louvre, Notre Dame Cathedral and of course the Eiffel Tower, the city is also the heart of fashion and chic. A trip down the Champs Elysees with its exclusive expensive stores will soon confirm that fact.

Barcelona is located near the Spanish border with France and is a city unlike any other in Europe. Dating back to Roman times the city was transformed by the Olympics in 1992 and boasts some extraordinary modern architecture, and yet, the city has still managed to retain its ties with its proud historic past.

Rome the 'Eternal City' is one of the most visited destinations in the world. Once the capital of western civilization, the city displays it's amazing and famous ancient heritage in a proud and spectacular manner. Places to see include The Colosseum, The Forum, Arch of Constantine, The Pantheon and the Ancient Temples of Rome. A visit to the Vatican and St Peter's Basilica is definitely a highlight of any trip to Rome.

Once the home of many famous Greek philosophers such as Plato and Socrates, Athens is definitely a place that should be on your list of European attractions. The major historic sites are mostly located around the Acropolis and offer a truly exciting, impressive and memorable experience for any tourist.

If the hot humid summers in Athens become too much, then you must take a trip to one or more of the beautiful Greek Islands such as Crete, Mykonos, Rhodes or Corfu to name a few. Most of these Islands are known for their fantastic beaches and friendly inhabitants. Corfu is regarded as one of the most beautiful places in Greece with its lush vegetation and incredible night life.

Exploring Venice with its scenic canals and bridges, spectacular buildings and famous landmarks makes this a unique magical experience for any traveler. Filled with romance, history, good food and photo opportunities at every corner, Venice is undoubtedly an experience that you will never forget. Don't miss taking a trip on a Gondola down the Grand Canal with its impressive palaces lining the route or visiting St Mark's Square, The Basilica and The Doge's Palace.

London is one of the great cities of the world. It offers tourist's access to unique sites that were for centuries at the core of western civilization. The city is packed with notable churches, historic cathedrals, a variety of museums, stunning Palaces, art galleries, gourmet restaurants and world class shopping at stores such as Harrods and Selfridges. Must see places include the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, St. Paul's Cathedral, Covent Garden, The Temple, the City of London, London Eye, Tate Modern, the Globe Theater, Imperial War Museum, Piccadilly Circus, Trafalgar Square, National Gallery, Oxford Street Kensington Palace, Harrods, the Science Museum, the Natural History Museum, The British Museum, the British Library, London's Street Markets, Madame Tussaud's, Tower Bridge and a host of other places to numerous to mention.

The list is endless. It all depends on your personal choice and preference. But one thing is sure, whatever your choice may be, you will love the exquisite and picturesque locations of Europe.

Visit Villa World to get detailed descriptions of 1000's of different types of rental properties, bed and breakfast accommodations or rental properties for self catering holidays that can be tailored to fit your pocket. More importantly you can negotiate directly with the home owner, thus cutting out the middle man which makes for a very cost effective way of budgeting.

Attractions in Greece - Where to Go and What to See in Greece

Depending on whereabouts you go there are plenty of attractions in Greece to keep everyone more than occupied and even better a lot of them do not cost anything for you to go and enjoy.

If you are looking for a wonderful mix of modern-day meeting old world traditions, ancient history and mythology then Parga on the Greek mainland has some of the most superb attractions in Greece that you can hope to find.

You do not have to go far to experience the legacy left by previous invaders with the ruins of a 14th Century Venetian castle overlooking the harbor entrance high up on the hill which is very well worth the climb and not just for the fantastic views and scenery.

Also, a bit further around the coastline is Ali Pashas castle and you can either walk or (and I can thoroughly recommend this way of getting there) make use of the Parga train (think tractor decked out to resemble a train and you have the idea) and this is a far less strenuous way of doing it.

The Parga train takes you up to the castle and once there you have the benefit of the guide to tell you everything about Ali Pasha himself and the history of the castle and it is a very informative and worthwhile trip.

On the way back (still on the train) you get to stop off at a lovely village to make use of the local hospitality with some great tavernas and coffee shops before making your way back to Parga itself. The whole trip takes about 2 hours and represents great value for money with some stunning views and scenery too.

A little further afield you get to see anything from more amazing ruins to national parks and areas of outstanding natural beauty to the simply unique and breathtaking Meteora which are a combination of man-made and naturally occurring phenomena that have to be seen to be believed.

The name Meteora cannot prepare you for the sight of huge granite rocks with their stunning Monasteries that were built on top of them around the 14th century and of the 24 that were originally built there are 6 still inhabited today.

If you fancy a bit of island hopping to really see what other parts of Greece are all about then Paxos and Antipaxos are a short boat ride away or just a little further over the water is Corfu and all the delights that it has to offer.

So, apart from sun, sea, sand and fantastic food there are plenty of attractions in Greece and Parga in particular to keep everyone entertained really easily.

You can discover full details and information relating to Parga as well as Greece by visiting this Parga Holiday Review website. Full of interesting facts and special offers with great images of this beautiful part of the Greek mainland, visit=> http://www.squidoo.com/parga-holiday-review

Griekse cultuur

Op deze website kan je vanalles vinden over de oude Griekse cultuur On this website you can find things of the old Greek culture

The Architecture Of New Orleans

New Orleans is one of the few American cities that has managed to retain much of its historic architecture. The French Quarter has many buildings dating back 150 years or more, while the Garden District has splendid mansions designed in a variety of styles. Beautiful houses line Esplanade Avenue, historically the residential nucleus of the Creole elite, and the city also possesses a good stock of 19th-century public buildings built in Greek Revival style. It is not always easy to categorize buildings by style, for many of them are hybrids, like the Gallier House, which incorporated both Creole and American features.

Creole Cottage

Only a few buildings, such as the Old Ursuline Convent and Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop (see p78), remain from this period, which combines various French styles of the 18th century. Most were destroyed by a series of fires: one, in 1788, destroyed 856 wooden buildings; a second in 1794 destroyed 212 buildings.

Spanish Colonial

After the 1788 and 1794 fires, the Spanish decreed that any building of more than one story must be constructed of brick. The houses that were subsequently built can still be seen in the French Quarter.

They often combine residence and store, and feature arcaded walls, heavy doors and windows, and a flagstone alleyway leading to a loggia and fountain-graced courtyard

Federal Townhouse

Americans from the Atlantic states brought their own architectural preferences with them, and the successful among them erected Federalstyle homes that stand out from the French or Spanish cottages surrounding them in the Quarter.

Raised American Cottage

Most of these raised cottages feature extensive eaves and an alleyway leading to a rear garden or courtyard. The interior usually contains four rooms arranged symmetrically and separated by a center hall. The kitchen and servants' quarters are away from the house at the rear.

Shotgun House

These cottages were so called because a bullet fired from a shotgun through the front door would go straight through the house and out the back as all the doors were aligned. They come in single and double versions, and usually have a set of box steps in front.

The Creole Plantation House

The refugees from Saint Dominguez (Haiti) brought this Caribbean-style dwelling to New Orleans. This one-story residence is usually raised on brick pillars (to catch the breezes and to cope with flooding) and incorporates a wraparound veranda. The space below the house and the flagstone piazza below the veranda are used as service or storage areas.

For More info, Please Visit travel directories and travel directory

Classical Orders of Greek Architecture

Did you know architectural columns belong to specific orders derived from Ancient Greece? Watch to find out more!

Grèce découverte des monuments de l'Acropole d'Athénes ( Greece Acropolis of Athens )

L'Acropole d'Athènes est une forteresse naturelle qui culmine à 156 m au-dessus du niveau de la mer, à environ 100 m au-dessus de la ville basse. Sur une surface d'un peu moins de trois hectares, se trouve le plus remarquable ensemble de monuments que la civilisation grecque antique le Parthénon, les Propylées, le temple d'Athéna Nikê et l'Érechthéion incarnent une politique de construction prestigieuse menée par Périclès et ses successeurs. -------------------------- ( english )---------------------------- The Acropolis of Athens is a natural fortress, which rises to 156 m above sea level, about 100 m above the lower town. On an area of slightly less than three hectares, is the most remarkable of all monuments of ancient Greek civilization, the Parthenon, the Propylaea, the temple of Athena Nike and the Erechtheion embody a policy of construction conducted by prestigious Pericles and his successors. ------------------------- ( deutsch )------------------------------ Die Akropolis von Athen ist eine natürliche Festung, die auf 156 m Seehöhe, ca. 100 m oberhalb der unteren Stadt erhebt. Auf einer Fläche von etwas weniger als drei Hektar ist die merkwürdigste von allen Sehenswürdigkeiten der antiken griechischen Zivilisation verkörpern den Parthenon, die Propyläen, der Tempel der Athena Nike und das Erechtheion eine Politik der Bau von renommierten Perikles durchgeführt und seinen Nachfolgern.

greek architecture halo reach project

353 Temple of Zeus atop Lindos Acropolis (Greek island of Rhodes, Greece

353 Temple of Zeus atop Lindos Acropolis (Greek island of Rhodes, Greece

Getty Villa Museum - Pacific Palisades, California

Our Visit to The Getty Villa in Pacific Palisades, California. See some of the Greek and Roman artifacts arranged by themes to include Gods and Goddesses, Dionysos and the Theater, and Stories of the Trojan War with beautiful Roman-inspired architecture and gardens

Cycles of Memphis Architecture

What does Memphis, Tennessee share with major cities like Chicago? The answer would be: an exceptional number of historic buildings. The city can boast of over eleven thousand national register listings. While historic examples can be seen everywhere, Memphis doesn't feature just one style. As the city has experienced ups and downs financially and the effects of both World Wars and the Great Depression, the design of both commercial and residential buildings has been altered. An attempt to apply modern principles can also be seen throughout the wider urban area.

A series of yellow fever epidemics ravaged Memphis during the late 1800's cutting the population in half. Everything slowed down, including building projects as the city worked hard just to survive. Homes prior to the epidemics can still be viewed, especially in the midtown area. Clano Hall (1853), the Hunt-Phalen House (1830), and Annesdale (1855) are a few examples of everything from antebellum Federal brick architecture to Italian Villa style..

By the 1890s, functionality had become more important in architectural design. Superfluous architectural flourishes died off as an emphasis on regularity and volume came into vogue. The influence of modernism spread from residential to commercial and even industrial properties. Steel buildings replaced older structures along the venerable Memphis streets of Union Ave,Main st., and Madison. Memphians also would alter the facade of older building to be more in keeping with modern styles. Memphis counted it's first skyscraper by 1914. The emergence of the streetcar also allowed the first development of Memphis's future historic home in subdivisions such as Central Gardens and Annesdale Park.

These new suburban residential areas became middle class modernist communities. Higher end properties can also been seen with expensive materials and spacious yards. The cottages and smaller homes were either Craftsman style or a modern version of Greek Revival design. Occasionally, an imitation of Frank Lloyd Wright's Prairie School style was also interspersed, boasting bands of wooden casement windows, horizontal lines, and deep overhanging roofs.Very utilitarian housing projects were also included, but it wasn't until 1924 that the city started designating certain areas to be residential, commercial, or industrial.

Atypically for Memphis, Memphis led the nation in focusing on the design of smaller affordable homes. The Memphis small builder's association published a catalogue with more than a hundred design plans costing less than six grand. Also, local architects offered their services at a reduced rate. Such was the community concern for helping residents secure their own homes after the Great Depression.

In some ways, WW II dampened enthusiasm for modern European architectural styles. International styles lost popularity with the association with the feuding Europeans. A small historical oddity was the late 1950 attempt by Mies van der Rohe to reestablish modern design with steel framed houses and glass curtains. Remains of this can be seen in Memphis even today.

Today, Memphis has had a prolonged buyer's market, and hopeful home owners can choose from fine homes in the downtown and riverfront areas. Memphis has rejuvenated itself starting with a downtown renaissance and working its way west. Older commercial buildings are being renovated while the Midtown area has salvaged its southern charm. In the far east, faux-estates with acreage abound. While there are homes for sale in every price range, values are appreciating, and the higher the price the more the competition. With pro-sports teams, museums, year-round festivals, cultural activities, and southern ambiance, Memphis Tennessee offers a great place to settle in and raise a family.

There's the history of Memphis architecture for you.

To learn more about the related subject of realtors of Memphis, tn possibilities and to search homes of Memphis visit the distributing site.