I thought I smelt thunder
Thick on twilight
But it was gunpowder
I thought I heard a baby cry
Barely one moon old
But it was a man
Hungry and cold
Unknown "Mondo Bongo" Loyal - 15 years, 11 months, 22 days ago

Unknown "Mondo Bongo" Loyal - 15 years, 11 months, 22 days ago

With emptie hands men may no hawkes lure.

- Geoffrey Chaucer
Unknown "Mondo Bongo" Loyal - 16 years, 2 months, 25 days ago

Chinese New Year 4705 or 2008 in the Western calendar is the Year of the Brown Earth Rat. This year of the rat begins a new 12 year cycle of the Chinese zodiac.

Like the houses of the zodiac, the animals of Chinese astrology are said to influence your luck during the year. Your horoscope for 2008, the year of the rat, depends on which animal signifies the year you were born.

Rats are water signs and it is said that they make a very good match for monkeys and dragons, but do not get along well with rabbits, horses and roosters. The brown earth influences of this year also make oxen a favored friend of the persevering rat but add conflict to the year as the elements of earth and water seek a balance - especially during the early part of the year.

The rat's stone, the deep red garnet, is the color of joyful celebration. It signifies the loyalty and passion of the most honorable traits of the sign that will rule the year ahead.

In China, it is said that there are few poor rats. It is considered very auspicious to be born in the year of the earth rat. Babies born under this sign are intelligent and hard working. They are intelligent, curious, sociable born leaders who do well in any group, but value ties with family and close friends more than social contacts. The earth influences balance the rat's water nature for those born in this year making them able to control the flights of intellect that often draw the rat away from a good course. The selfish and calculating aspects of the rat are toned by the nurturing earth force. These are leaders to be followed with trust and good partners for a life filled with good fortune. The rat is clever, sometimes too clever. When mixed with the passion and charm of this sign, the rat can be manipulative as a life partner or business associate. The ability to initiate new ideas and work hard to reach a goal led the rat to the first place of honor at the side of Buddha. These are traits that bring success in both business and personal affairs.

http://www.chiff.com/a/chinese-horoscopes.htm
Unknown "Mondo Bongo" Loyal - 16 years, 2 months, 26 days ago

When the Great Spirit decided that earth was barren and needed life, he charged the wily Coyote with the task of the creation of all earthly beings.
Coyote considered the task, and spent many days moulding a multitude of small, simple forms from clay. All were very similar; symmetrical, roundish, with 2 pairs of short limbs, a mouth, a nose, and a pair of eyes.

Then Coyote passed from one form to another, breathing upon them and bringing them to living consciousness. When all had been awoken, Coyote climbed a short hill and addressed the mass.

"I have decided to allow you to play a part in your own creation. Go forth, explore, devour, play and wander as your Spirit guides you. Learn as much as you can about your world as you care to.

When you have decided what it is that will aid you the most in your existence in this world, return to me here. You may request any transformation you can imagine to give you the form that will give you power and help to survive. Now go!"

And so the throng of forms dispersed. Some tumbled and slid immediately to the Oceans and rivers, and washed ashore much later. Others climbed trees and cliffsides, and even threw themselves into precipices. Many disliked the feeling of the sun and crawled or burrowed into the earth or under trees.

And slowly they returned. "What gift do you request?" asked Coyote.

"I have spent my time atop a mountain, until I fell to the earth. I ask for limbs to allow me to ride the wind, and claws to hunt and land safely, and sharp eyes to guide me."

'So you shall have them, and you shall be called Eagle.'

'I love the water, and wish never to leave it. I wish for a tail with the force to propel me up the river, and a body smooth and strong."

'So you shall have them, and you shall be called Salmon.'

And so all the People of earth claimed their true form, filling the skies and seas and rivers and forests and deserts and dark underearth with life.

But one figure remained.

"You have had a long time to consider your gift," said Coyote. "I am most interested to know what form you have decided on!"

The last, lone figure gazed up at Coyote. "I ask for nothing; I trust you and your design."

"Then you shall be called Man, and you shall retain your gift of choice. Bear it well, but always remember that you are as one with your fellow people!"
Unknown "Mondo Bongo" Loyal - 16 years, 2 months, 29 days ago