Tolkien Characters by Darrel Bevan

Tolkien Characters by Darrel Bevan

http://becomempowered.wordpress.com/2014/06/28/tolkien-characters-by-darrel-bevan/

Healing Power of Pets: Dog Prevents Veteran with PTSD From Committing Suicide

Published on Aug 19, 2012
Blade, a veteran suffering from PTSD found a reason to live after he got DD from Pets for Vets.
Subscribe to The Pet Collective: http://full.sc/HbM62v
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Blade Anthony served as a medic in the Marine Corp. During his tour, it was his job to save the lives of his brothers and sisters-in-arms. When he returned home from Iraq, he found himself feeling alone, out of place, angry at people who did not seem to understand, suffering from PTSD, nightmares and on the verge of committing suicide. Now it was his life that needed saving. Blade sought out Pets for Vets and found DD, who he claimed saved him from being just another statistic.

Special thanks to Pets for Vets

Segment Producer: Hai-Lam Phan.

Associate Producer: Brittni Brown, Sage Sinopoli.

Editor: Jeremy Cohen

Florida Makes Off-Grid Living Illegal – Mandates All Homes Must Be Connected To An Electricity Grid

http://www.naturalcuresnotmedicine.com/2014/06/florida-makes-grid-living-illegal-mandates-homes-must-connected-electricity-grid.html

7 Days of Night Sky

The Mountain from TSO Photography on Vimeo.

The Mountain
from TSO Photography 3 years ago / via Vimeo Desktop Uploader / Creative Commons License: by nc nd NOT YET RATED

Follow on: facebook.com/TSOphotography for more photos, videos and updates.

This was filmed between 4th and 11th April 2011. I had the pleasure of visiting El Teide.
Spain´s highest mountain @(3718m) is one of the best places in the world to photograph the stars and is also the location of Teide Observatories, considered to be one of the world´s best observatories.

The goal was to capture the beautiful Milky Way galaxy along with one of the most amazing mountains I know El Teide. I have to say this was one of the most exhausting trips I have done. There was a lot of hiking at high altitudes and probably less than 10 hours of sleep in total for the whole week. Having been here 10-11 times before I had a long list of must-see locations I wanted to capture for this movie, but I am still not 100% used to carrying around so much gear required for time-lapse movies.

A large sandstorm hit the Sahara Desert on the 9th April (bit.ly/g3tsDW) and at approx 3am in the night the sandstorm hit me, making it nearly impossible to see the sky with my own eyes.

Interestingly enough my camera was set for a 5 hour sequence of the milky way during this time and I was sure my whole scene was ruined. To my surprise, my camera had managed to capture the sandstorm which was backlit by Grand Canary Island making it look like golden clouds. The Milky Way was shining through the clouds, making the stars sparkle in an interesting way. So if you ever wondered how the Milky Way would look through a Sahara sandstorm, look at 00:32.

Available in Digital Cinema 4k.

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Press/licensing/projects contact: tsophotography@gmail.com

Music by my friend: Ludovico Einaudi - "Nuvole bianche" with permission.
Please support the artist here: itunes.apple.com/us/album/una-mattina/id217799399

7 Crucial Steps to Minimize Drama in Your Life

http://www.spiritscienceandmetaphysics.com/7-crucial-steps-to-minimize-drama-in-your-life/

I Love You, America, But This List Should NOT Make You Uncomfortable

http://zenpencils.com/comic/134-the-universal-declaration-of-human-rights/

Ray Flores posted this on Upworthy.com; I followed the link to the Zen Pencils original.

134. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights

By Gav on October 16, 2013

BUY THE POSTER

Today, October 16, is Blog Action Day, where thousands of different bloggers from all over the world post about the same theme. This year’s theme is HUMAN RIGHTS.

After surfing the net trying to get an idea of what I could contribute, I kept coming across articles about how governments seem to be ignoring people’s human rights more and more these days. The thing was, I didn’t even know what these magical “human rights” were. Where did these rights come from? Who decided what they were? Are they international law? That’s when I came across the Universal Declaration and decided to turn them into an accessible poster because I knew that a lot of people had probably never read them either.

After the horror of World War II, the United Nations was formed in 1945. The UN charter’s main two objectives are ‘to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war’ and ‘to reaffirm faith in fundamental human rights.’ In 1946, the UN Commission on Human Rights was established. Chaired by Eleanor Roosevelt, the commission drafted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and it was adopted by the General Assembly in 1948 ‘as a common standard of achievement for all people and nations’. Today, it is the job of the Human Rights Council, an important body of the United Nations, to promote and protect people’s human rights around the world.

This poster uses a simplified version of the Declaration. You can read the original wording here. For more information about the history of the Declaration I suggest this article. For more info about Blog Action Day and to find contributions from other bloggers, visit the official website.

RELATED COMIC: Malala Yousafzai I Have the Right

A few readers have since shown me this cool typographic video of the Declaration.

A Comedian Tears Apart A Classic Anti-Gay Argument In A Hilariously Vicious 3-Minute Rant

Warning: NSFW and NSFFFTH (Not Safe for Friends & Family of Ted Haggard).

Andrew Forrest

This comedian's sense of humor and uh, salty language, are definitely not safe for work. And his views on religion are probably not for everyone. HOWEVER, his arguments in defense of equality will most likely leave you laughing and nodding your head. I hope.

Uploaded on Aug 18, 2011
Video named "Jamie Kilstein on Gay Marriage With Lewis Black Ron White And Kathleen Madigan"

Jamie Kilstein on "The Green Room with Paul Provenza". Other guests include Kathleen Madigan, Ron White, and Lewis Black.

www.facebook.com/jamiekilsteinfanpage
www.twitter.com/jamiekilstein
www.wearecitizenradio.com
www.jamiekilstein.com

A Kid Got Revenge On His Bully And Regretted It...

Joseph Lamour

This story about bullying features a really nasty prank, among other things. But don't jump to any conclusions. The story takes some unexpected turns ... to say the least.

Published on Apr 22, 2014
Video named: "The Moth Presents Ernesto Quiñonez: Spanish Harlem, 7th Grade"

A man remembers his 7th grade self and realizes it's a slippery slope from victim to victimizer.

Ernesto Quiñonez's debut novel "Bodega Dreams" was chosen by The New York Times as a "New Immigrant Classic" and by the New York Public Library as one of "25 Books to Remember." He is currently an assistant professor at Cornell University.

10 Magical Effects Music Has On the Mind

http://themindunleashed.org/2014/03/10-magical-effects-music-mind.html

THE MIND UNLEASHED 

on 17 March, 2014 at 12:22

Every fan of music knows the tremendous power it can have over both thoughts and emotions. Great music can transform an ordinary day into something magical, even spiritual. It can provide solace, release, strong sensations and more. But music’s influence spreads further still: right up from our genetic code, through our thoughts and bodies and out into how we relate in groups. 

Credits: PSY Blog, written by psychologist Dr. Jeremy Dean

Why Would Someone On Food Stamps Have An iPhone?

This almost made me cry...

http://becomempowered.wordpress.com/2014/06/17/why-would-someone-on-food-stamps-have-an-iphone/

Photo found on Upworthy.com.

28 Pieces Of Street Art That Cleverly Interact With Their Surroundings

28 Pieces Of Street Art That Cleverly Interacts With Their Surroundings

http://www.boredpanda.com/street-art-interacts-with-surroundings/

Your Subconscious Mind Can Do Anything: How to Use Its Power

Your Subconscious Mind Can Do Anything: How to Use Its Power

http://www.learning-mind.com/your-subconscious-mind-can-do-anything-how-to-use-its-power/

Read more at: http://www.learning-mind.com/your-subconscious-mind-can-do-anything-how-to-use-its-power/

Anna LeMindHi, I like learning new things and sharing my knowledge with others! I post science, psychology, self improvement and other related topics. I'm particularly interested in topics concerning consciousness and subconscious, perception, human mind's potential, as well as the nature of reality and the universe.

17 Bookstores That Will Literally Change Your Life

17 Bookstores That Will Literally Change Your Life

And all you have to do is visit them!

http://www.buzzfeed.com/erinlarosa/bookstores-that-will-literally-change-your-life

posted on June 11, 2014, at 8:38 p.m.

Erin La Rosa

BuzzFeed Staff

Humans kill approximately 100 million sharks every year.

http://becomempowered.wordpress.com/2014/06/17/humans-kill-approximately-100-million-sharks-every-year/

Human deaths from shark statistics via the International Shark Attack File (ISAF). More information: http://bit.ly/O3bK9. In an average year, around 100 shark attacks are reported. In 2011 there were 118 recorded attacks, 17 of which were fatal.

Estimated numbers of shark deaths per year caused by humans from recent research published in the Journal Marine Policy. More information: http://bbc.in/Z7d9Fb

ten poems to set you free- here's one.

Self-Portrait

by David Whyte

It doesn't interest me if there is one God
or many gods.
I want to know if you belong or feel
abandoned.
If you know despair or can see it in others.
I want to know
if you are prepared to live in the world
with its harsh need
to change you. If you can look back
with firm eyes
saying this is where I stand. I want to know
if you know
how to melt into that fierce heat of living
falling forward
the center of your longing. I want to know
if you are willing
to live, day by day, with the consequences of love
and the bitter
unwanted passion of your sure defeat.

I have heard, in that fierce embrace, even
the gods speak of God.

FANTASTIC poem! It sums up the message I have been trying to spread; trusting yourself, just like the poem The Journey by Mary Oliver.

And I bring up this poem in particular because it is the first in a series of ten, as the title of the post suggests. It is contained in a novel named ten poems to set you free (click the title to purchase on Amazon) written by Roger Housden. FANTASTIC book! The very first poem got me hooked!

Related articles

• ten poems to change your life- here's one. (becomempowered.wordpress.com)

ten poems to change your life- here's one.

The Journey

by Mary Oliver

One day you finally knew
what you had to do, and began,
though the voices around you
kept shouting
their bad advice-
though the whole house
began to tremble
and you felt the old tug
at your ankles.
"Mend my life!"
each voice cried.
But you didn't stop.
You knew what you had to do,
though the wind pried
with its stiff fingers
at the very foundations,
though their melancholy
was terrible.
It was already late
enough, and a wild night,
and the road full of fallen
branches and stones.
But little by little,
as you left their voices behind,
the stars began to burn
through the streets of clouds,
and there was a new voice
which you slowly
recognized as your own,
that kept you company
as you strode deeper and deeper
into the world,
determined to do
the only thing you could do-
determined to save
the only life that you could save.

FANTASTIC poem! It sums up the message I have been trying to spread; trusting yourself.

And I bring up this poem in particular because it is the first in a series of ten, as the title of the post suggests. It is contained in a novel named ten poems to change your life (click the title to purchase on Amazon) written by Roger Housden. FANTASTIC book! The very first poem got me hooked. If you go and seek out the book (which I highly suggest) you'll know it from the blue cover with the white pitcher and the inside cover:

This is a dangerous book. Great poetry calls into question not less than everything. It dares us to break free from the safe strategies of the cautious mind. It opens us to pain and joy and delight. It amazes, startles, pierces, and transforms us. It can lead to communion and grace.

Through the voices of ten inspiring poets and his own reflections, the author of Sacred America shows how poetry illuminates the eternal feelings and desires that stir the human heart and soul. These poems explore such universal themes as the awakening of wonder, the longing for love, the wisdom of dreams, and the courage required to live an authentic life. In thoughtful commentary on each work, Housden offers glimpses into his personal spiritual journey and invites readers to contemplate the significance of the poet's message in their own lives.

Related articles

• ten poems to set you free- here's one (becomempowered.wordpress.com)

What If Money Was No Object? -Alan Watts

http://zenpencils.com/comic/98-alan-watts-what-if-money-was-no-object/

By Gav on January 8, 2013

Alan Watts (1915-1973) was an English philosopher and writer who played a large part in popularising Zen Buddhism in the west. He gained a wide following after moving to the United States where he published numerous books on Zen and Eastern philosophy. During the 60s and 70s he toured extensively on the college lecture circuit and became a celebrity among the growing youth movement. Watts had over 25 books published and recorded over 400 lectures, many of which have found a new audience on YouTube.

This is another example of my readers educating me. I had never heard of Alan Watts before so thanks to everyone who suggested I look into him and adapt one of his quotes.

- Watch the great YouTube video this quote was taken from.
- There’s a ton of Alan Watts stuff on YouTube, some of his lectures have even been animated by Trey Parker and Matt Stone.
- You can also get an Alan Watts app for the iPhone containing all his lectures.
- The official Alan Watts website.
- I’m finally on Google+, check out the new Zen Pencils page.

School Is a Prison For Your Mind

School Is a Prison For Your Mind

CATEGORIES, HEALTH, NEWS JANUARY 16, 2012

And what is a good citizen? Simply one who never says, does or thinks anything that is unusual. Schools are maintained in order to bring this uniformity up to the highest possible point. A school is a hopper into which children are heaved while they are still young and tender; therein they are pressed into certain standard shapes and covered from head to heels with official rubber-stamps.

 Related articles

• What If Money Was No Object?- Alan Watts (becomempowered.wordpress.com)

The Myth Of The Absent Black Father

The Myth Of The Absent Black Father

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently published new data on the role that American fathers play in parenting their children. Most of the CDC’s previous research on family life — which the agency explores as an important contributor to public health and child development — has focused exclusively on mothers. But the latest data finds that the stereotypical gender imbalance in this area doesn’t hold true, and dads are just as hands-on when it comes to raising their kids.

That includes African-American fathers.

Happy Father's Day

http://becomempowered.wordpress.com/2014/06/15/happy-fathers-day/

Protect The Great Barrier Reef!

http://act.350.org/sign/great_barrier_reef/

Protect The Great Barrier Reef!

The Great Barrier Reef is threatened by the world's largest coal port expansion -- and we have just 48 hours to make our voices heard to stop this travesty.

Right now, companies and investors from around the world have their eye on Australia, with dangerous plans to double Australian coal exports and triple carbon emissions over the coming years. These plans will lead us straight to climate catastrophe.

But there's still hope: Expressing deep concern about these plans, UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee has threatened to place the Great Barrier Reef on its 'in danger' list, which would place significant pressure on the Australian Government to stop these ports from being built. This month, the committee will vote on whether to continue this pressure. And we need your help to make sure they make the right decision.

We know that this decision matters. The Australian Government doesn’t want to be shamed over its treatment of one the world’s most precious natural icons. And potential investors in the coal port expansion have directly cited UNESCO’s concerns as reasons for not financing this project.

To date, UNESCO has done everything it can to stand up for the Reef, and in turn our climate. But the Australian Government, and the coal industry, will be putting significant pressure on them to back down. That’s why we need to show UNESCO that we support their efforts.

Our best chance of stopping this dangerous plan from moving forward is to create a global chorus of voices joining together to urge UNESCO to protect the reef and our climate.

Add your voice to this combined global call to action, and our friends at the World Wildlife Fund for Nature will make sure your voice is delivered to delegates in Doha.

The signature numbers on this page represent the combined total between 350.org and WWF's Younesco campaign.

SAVE OUR SHARKS!

Reject the Western Australian Government's proposal to continue the shark cull for the next three years.

http://becomempowered.wordpress.com/2014/06/15/save-our-sharks-reject-the-western-australian-governments-proposal-to-continue-the-shark-cull-for-the-next-three-years/

This petition will be delivered to:

Australian Commonwealth Department of Environment, The Hon Greg Hunt MP, Australian Commonwealth Department of Environment, Senator the Hon Simon Birmingham

Petition by Hannah Fraser, Ocean Shores, Australia

I ask the Commonwealth Department of Environment to reject the Western Australia Government's proposal to continue the shark cull for the next three years.

The intended slaughter of 1,000 sharks off the South West coast of Australia is going to do more harm than good.  Sharks play a vital role in the marine ecosystem, keeping it in balance and healthy.  Scientists have articulated the belief that this cull is damaging to the environment but the WA Government has not listened.  White Sharks, Whaler Sharks and Grey Nurse Sharks have been protected for a reason.  So is giving people a false sense of safety worth the killing?  Sharks are more aware, more intelligent and more interactive that I ever expected. After learning their behaviour, I don’t find them to be so threatening and scary, yet I don’t underestimate the danger represented by being in the ocean with one of the world biggest apex predators.  After swimming with them on the ocean floor with no dive gear or protection I realized they are not interested in us as food, but as curiosities to interact with.

Decrease in large predatory sharks and other endangered species as by-catch means an increase of the species that they prey on.  As large sharks decrease, rays, skates and small sharks will increase.  This then means that the prey of these smaller animals will also decrease in numbers.  This imbalance of the ecosystem then trickles down through the food chain, through every trophic level, which then effects local fisheries and communities that depend on a healthy and functional ocean to survive.  Since the large sharks aren't present in order to keep the ecosystem in check, a healthy ecosystem will not be maintained.  At the rate that sharks are being slaughtered around the world, we can't afford another 1,000 sharks to die.

Not only is this cull immoral, it is also illogical, with many problems that the WA Government is trying to play off as "successes."  Great White sharks are suspected to be responsible for many fatal shark bites yet not a single great white was caught in the drum lines while tiger sharks make up 95% of the sharks that were caught when they have no history of fatal bites since 1929.  The slaughter of any shark is cruel, but if the intention of the WA Government is public safety, this cull doesn't make sense since it doesn't successfully target the sharks that are responsible for fatal bites.

The WA Government claims that this cull was successful because it has made the public feel safer in the water but this claim is not supported by any surveys or evidence that this is the true public opinion.  When there are so many Australians and beach-goers protesting along with scientists and people all over the world, it is hard to believe that the government is actually articulating the true opinions of its people.

Please consider the cost of losing these beautiful animals.  My awe, respect and wariness will never go away when meeting these magnificent creatures, but the unnecessary fear has washed away in an ocean of appreciation for how amazing, interactive and important sharks are and that is exactly why this cull cannot continue.

To see amazing video of humans interacting with Tiger sharks peacefully please watch : https://vimeo.com/97732688

Related articles

• Tears of a Mermaid – On Location: “Tigress” Tiger Shark Shoot Documentary (becomempowered.wordpress.com)
• Tigress Shark – Woman Dances with Tiger Sharks (becomempowered.wordpress.com)

Tigress Shark - Woman Dances with Tiger Sharks

Tigress Shark - Woman Dances with Tiger Sharks from Blue Sphere Media on Vimeo.

'WORLD FIRST, WOMAN DANCES WITH TIGER SHARKS'

In a performance protest against the Australian shark cull and the global slaughter of sharks, a woman risks it all to dance on the sea floor with swarms of tiger sharks up to 17 feet long without any dive or protective gear.

PLEASE sign our petition to stop the Australia shark cull:
change.org/en-AU/petitions/the-hon-greg-hunt-mp-reject-the-western-australian-government-s-proposal-to-continue-the-shark-cull-for-the-next-three-years

And the message, "End the War on Sharks" resonates throughout this piece….

Australian Hannah Fraser, the world's most celebrated mermaid/underwater model and a dedicated conservationist, decided to dive head-first into the battle and make a profound statement in opposition to her government' shark cull philosophy. Teaming up with Emmy Award winning cinematographer and photographer Shawn Heinrichs, and the world's leading authority on interactions with large "predatory" sharks, Jim Abernethy, the trio embarked on a dangerous mission, the likes of which has never before been attempted.

Their objective - to present these magnificent creatures in a true and positive light by capturing iconic imagery of Hannah face-to-face with a massive 15 foot tiger shark, her hand resting gently on it's massive head. What made this shoot entirely unique was that Hannah was devoid of any scuba or free-dive gear, dressed only in a tiny costume and airbrush body paint to create the perfect artistic vision. Without mask, fins or any sort of protective gear, she had to rely solely on her skills, training and experience, along with the diligent support of her expert team, to ensure the shoot went off without a hitch. There was no room for error, as one mistake could have resulted in severe injury or worse. Despite the risks, the team was resolute in their mission to create the most groundbreaking imagery to oppose not only the Australia shark cull, but also the global slaughter of sharks.

In a knee-jerk response to several shark attacks off the west coast of Australia, the West Australian (WA) government implemented a shark cull to make beaches "safe" again for bathers. Despite intense domestic and international opposition, and overwhelming scientific evidence disproving the effectiveness and justification for the cull, the WA government remained resolute in carrying out the cull. Among the species most effected are Tiger Sharks, and despite the critical ecological role this species plays, and the fact that their numbers have already been severely depleted throughout their range, and having just concluded the initial cull period, the government appears committed to reinstating the cull when they deem "appropriate. Premier Colin Barnett claimed the policy has been a success, stating 'They were tiger sharks. They are proven around the world to be a dangerous shark.'

Imagery of this nature has never been seen before, and the team believes it will surely bring significant international attention to the global plight of sharks. This is just one exciting chapter in Hannah and Shawn's journey to bring these stories of inspiration to the planet, with the goal of putting a stop to destruction of our oceans. Their journey together will be told in a new feature film "Tears of a Mermaid" to be released next year.

Music by Phutureprimitive - Enemy (feat. Jillian Ann)

To discover how the team pull off this incredible shoot, go to:
tearsofamermaid.com

Related articles

• Tears of a Mermaid – On Location: “Tigress” Tiger Shark Shoot Documentary (becomempowered.wordpress.com)
• SAVE OUR SHARKS! (becomempowered.wordpress.com)

Tears of a Mermaid - On Location: "Tigress" Tiger Shark Shoot, The Bahamas

Tears of a Mermaid - On Location: "Tigress" Tiger Shark Shoot, The Bahamas from NINETEEN87 on Vimeo.

Tears of a Mermaid - On Location: "Tigress" Tiger Shark Shoot Documentary

A Mctrax Motion Production
Featuring Hannah Fraser and Shawn Heinrichs
With Jim Abernethy
Director (Documentary): Eric Alan Donaldson
Director (Tigress): Shawn Heinrichs
Executive Producer: Andy Fraser
Underwater Cinematography: Shawn Heinrich
Underwater Cinematography: Jim Abernethy
Additional Camera Operators: Taro Smith and Hunter Nolan
Body Paint Artist: Julia Chavez
Safety Diver: George Hughes
Shark Dive Team: Jim Abernethy, George Hughes, Sean Gillespie, Jason Harvey
Underwater Lighting: Light & Motion Inc
Underwater Equipment: Backscatter, Adelmo Rocchi
Nauticam, Ocean Technology Systems
Additional Cameras: Peralta Design and Photography
Additional Audio Support: Kim Bird Productions
Editor: Eric Alan Donaldson
Music by: Phutureprimitive
Song: "Enemy" (feat. Jillian Ann)

Produced by: NINETEEN87… 1-9-8-7.com

Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/tearsofamermaid

This short documentary was edited at sea on a boat, using a MacBook Pro and Adobe Premiere. It was the first time the veteran editor has ever used Adobe Premiere.
NINETEEN87...
1-9-8-7.com
Branded Content… COMMERCIAL . MARKETING . BEHIND THE SCENES . EPK

Related articles

• Tigress Shark - Woman Dances with Tiger Sharks (becomempowered.wordpress.com)
• SAVE OUR SHARKS! (becomempowered.wordpress.com)

Society

http://becomempowered.wordpress.com/2014/06/12/society/